Meet Mel, a seasoned bartender with a wealth of experience. She's a central character in TJ Alexander's latest romantic comedy, "Triple Sec", and works at a high-end cocktail bar located in the heart of New York City. Mel has seen countless dating disasters and has experienced her own failed love life, which has left her jaded and skeptical about the existence of true love. Things take an unexpected turn when Bebe enters the scene. Bebe is a charming and humorous woman who shares an open marriage with her spouse, Kade. Despite Mel's initial reluctance, Bebe presents her with an intriguing proposition: the chance to explore a romantic connection without the usual limitations that come with conventional relationships.
As Mel navigates this unfamiliar territory, she's forced to confront her own beliefs and biases about love and relationships. The situation sets the stage for an exploration of love, desire, and the complexities of relationships beyond traditional boundaries. I was initially interested in this book because of its dedication ["to sluts everywhere lol"] and I must say, it did not disappoint! "I actually found myself staying up until the early hours of the morning to finish reading this book. Alexander's writing style is a perfect blend of wit and heartfelt emotion. They have a real talent for writing queer love stories that are both joyful and balanced. This book was an absolute joy to read. The endearing characters, engaging storyline, and fantastic communication scenes make it a true pleasure from start to finish."
Thank you to TJ Alexander, Atria Books and NetGalley, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was such a cute story! I'm so excited to see more poly books being published. This made my queer heart very happy. The one tricky thing about poly romances is you're balancing multiple connections that need developing. I could have used some more emotional development from the characters since I felt like we hadn't seen much of them by the time they started catching feelings. However the rest of the story was so cute I didn't really mind. The author did a good job giving us time to get to know Bebe and time to get to know Kade which I greatly appreciated. If you've ever been curious about starting a poly romance this would he a fantastic first choice. It has all the wonderful elements of a romcom leveraged to tell a story of multiple people finding love which is twice as fun 😉

I have loved all of TJ Alwxander’s books thus far and I really liked this one as well. The first half was a bit slow going for me, a lot of figuring out the first relationship and what being poly means but I stuck with it because I know this author is good. Once part two starts, I was more into it seeing the polycule become what it is and the accepting of that newness for all of them. There were times Mel irked me but I ended up really loving all of the characters. Also the spice was good and just enough for the story without over-sexualizing polyamory.
Thank you to NetGally and the publisher for this ARC!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. This was my first book by TJ Alexander and it definitely won't be my last. The queer, trans, and poly representation in this book was amazing to read. I'm also a sucker for food (and in this case, drink) descriptions in books, and we got so much of that here that made me wish I could actually taste them. It was well written, spicy and easy to read. Each chapter flowed seamlessly into the next. I didn't want to put it down. Thank you to NetGalley and Atria for this ARC.

I've never read a poly amorous romance before but I have enjoyed TJ Alexander's work and this did not disappoint! I came to really appreciate the couple that the MC gets into a relationship with, and the nuanced way that the author described their different perspectives and life experiences which allowed this unconventional relationship to work. I actually came to like the couple more than the MC. The NYC setting was great as well although it didn't play a huge role in the book. I would recommend this to romance readers looking for something new and different.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

Triple Sec tells the story of Mel, a divorced bartender feeling stuck in her current job, and her journey into polyamory.
I think the way this book talks about relationships that don’t fit expected shapes and patterns and the importance of creating and sustaining romantic relationships that work for you and your partner(s) is the thing i most enjoyed about this book.
I liked Mel a lot, and i was definitely rooting for her despite how she’s kind of a mess who hasn’t quite figured out how to get her life together after divorce.
i think the things that kept this from being a 5 star read for me were Mel’s relationship with Daniel and that I liked the later romance plot better. Secondary characters and relationships are where i feel a romance can really shine and I loved the set up and Daniel and Mel’s relationship but felt that the growing tension between them didn’t end up leading to a satisfying reconnect. I almost think Mel got off too easy.
While i liked that Bebe was there to pull Mel out of her shell and get her back into the world a bit I ended up far more invested in the connection between Mel and Kade because i think the emotional depth there really resonated with me.
This is a great romance if you’re looking for more in the genre celebrating non traditional relationship structures or if you love a good cocktail. I wish Collective Spirit was real so i could go and get one of Mel’s craft cocktails!

I enjoyed this book, but I felt like it was missing something. The relationships felt very surface level to me, almost to the point of being insta-love. There wasn't enough development of each relationship. It was like the book skipped over the development so there was the time right before the relationship started and then the in love part, but not the middle where the characters are falling for each other.

As a first-time reader of T.J. Alexander, wasn't sure what to expect with "Triple Sec". While I found the story really compelling, it wasn't necessarily my cup of tea. I think it might be the third person POV but I really enjoyed much of this story.

"Triple Sec" presents an intriguing premise, weaving together three interconnected love stories against the backdrop of New York City. The FMC, Mel, finds herself entangled in a complex web of romance when she encounters the enigmatic Bebe and her wife, Kade. Alexander's writing permeates with passion and sensuality, particularly evident in the steamy rooftop scene that crackles with tension.

While the exploration of polyamorous relationships is a refreshing departure from traditional romance tropes, the execution felt somewhat predictable but that didn't take away from the ride of the story.

Alexander's writing is engaging, and there is no denying the chemistry between the characters. The exploration of unconventional relationships is also a noteworthy aspect of the book, challenging readers to reconsider preconceived notions of love and commitment.

For me, I give "Triple Sec" a solid 3 out of 5. Anyone looking for a light and steamy read will enjoy this one.

Thanks to NetGalley and Atria for an ARC of this book

Mels spirits have been low since her divorce. That mixed with watching dates go sideways from her spot behind the bar is 100 proof that love isn’t real.
Enter Bebe and her partner Kade, an alluring married couple who shakes up Mels life with an interesting proposition. Bebe would like to date Mel. While Mel was new to polyamory, she sees it as an opportunity to take a shot at dating again. At first, Mel wants to keep things casual, but… sip happens.
TJ Alexander displays their excellence at creating characters that feel authentic and unique. Each relationship’s development was thought out and didn’t feel rushed. There was a perfect cocktail of plot and spice. Also, no third act breakup! Don’t get me wrong, there are times the characters make pour decisions and they have to resolve the conflict like any good romance.
Triple Sec is the perfect romance for anyone who likes their whiskey straight and their books gay!

WARNING, this book will make you thirsty in more ways then one. I cannot get over these characters and I refuse to move on from it until each person I meet knows how good this book is. TJ has a way with describing food and drink that really leaves you pulling up your doordash because there is no way in hell you will stop
reading this page turner. If you watched the Lavender Haze music video and thought, “wow Taylor Swift is both hot and artsy I want to make out with that person TOO”, THIS IS FOR YOU.

Synopsis:

As a bartender at Terror & Virtue, a swanky New York City cocktail lounge known for its romantic atmosphere and Insta-worthy drinks, Mel has witnessed plenty of disastrous dates. That, coupled with her own romantic life being in shambles, has Mel convinced love doesn’t exist.

Everything changes when Bebe walks into the bar. She’s beautiful, funny, knows her whiskeys—and is happily married to her partner, Kade. Mel’s resigned to forget the whole thing, but Bebe makes her a unique offer: since she and Kade have an open marriage, she’s interested in taking Mel on a date.

What starts as a fun romp turns into a burgeoning relationship, and soon Mel is trying all sorts of things she’d been avoiding, from grand romantic gestures to steamy exploits. Mel even gets the self-confidence to enter a cocktail competition that would make her dream of opening her own bar a reality. In the chaotic whirl of all these new experiences, Mel realizes there might be a spark between her and Kade, too. As Bebe, Kade, and Mel explore their connections, Mel begins to think that real love might be more expansive than she ever thought possible.


Thank you Netgalley and Atria Books for the complimentary eARC in exchange for an honest
review.

Such a great book. I love the dynamics of all the characters, and everything was very well-paced. One of my favorite things was the way that there was no 3/4 of the way break up like there is in most romance novels. Of course they come across struggles, but it seemed so much more real because it didn't follow the stereotypical format. Each person has their own personality, and I loved getting to know each and every one of them (Kade especially). DEFINITELY read this book.

Thank you NetGalley for the free ARC!

I was very excited for a poly romcom! TJ Alexander has always wrote LGBTQ+ characters with so much depth I knew I'd fall in love with each character in Triple Sec. I found myself instanly drawing in with our main gal Mel who is trying to recover from her divorce and struggling to still believe in love. Then we have our couple: ray of sunshine Bebe, and stoic Kade. Bebe is not only an intelligent woman but funny and absolutely endearing, while Kade is our quiet but charming artist.

What I loved most about this book is the self-discovery Mel goes through in finding what type of love she wants and needs from both partners. For her to have no understanding of Polyamory and to find herself going from divorced, to a partner of a married woman, to dating both individuals is a lot of change mentally. I think this book did excellent on the importance of communication between partners.

Anybody who's met me already knows that TJ Alexander is one of my must-read, go-to authors, and I love putting their books into the hands of other romance readers. Intellectually, I know that not every book they write will end up being a five-star experience for me, that someday one of their books will not quite land and I'll feel mildly disappointed.

Well, I'm happy to report that today is not that day. I thoroughly enjoyed Triple Sec, which follows Mel, my new favorite jaded bartender, as she discovers that love can be richer and more expansive than she ever imagined.

The novel's secondary characters, including Mel's love interests and best friend, are all likeably imperfect and (gasp!) mature, and each one read to me almost like somebody I might know in real life. I loved watching how they supported and encouraged each other, despite their shortcomings and different initial attitudes regarding romance and responsibility. Watching Mel struggle with her shifting perspective throughout the book felt so natural, and I couldn't wipe the smile off my face when she finally became who she needed to be in order to be happy as an individual. That she also found love and happiness with her partners was truly the garnish.

To put it as simply as I can, Triple Sec was a delight from start to finish. I can't wait to read it again and to share it with my favorite romance readers.

Cheers!

Thank you so much to Net Galley, TJ Alexander, and the publisher for this eARC! i had such a fun time reading this refreshing romcom. It was the perfect balance of witty, sexy, and sweet. I loved reading about all three characters which is a hard thing to accomplish. So kudos to Alexander for creating three likable love interests! The subject matter was new and exciting to me as I've never read a modern Poly romcom before. The communication and growth within all the relationships were so lovely and I was so happy for them all. It did not follow the usual romance structure and it was very enjoyable.

Alright, time to review Triple Sec by TJ Alexander.
First of all, favorite book of the year; no competition, I will be shouting from the rooftops about this book until I die.
10/5 stars; 4/5 spiciness

Second of all, this will be a short review simply because I don’t even have the words to gush about this book enough. If you like romance, queerness, and low-stakes conflict, go read it. Like, now (or as soon as it’s published).

A poly romance between a bartender, a social-butterfly lawyer, and a nonbinary autistic artist? It was sweet, it was smutty, and it was SO GOOD. I knew within two pages that I would love it, and I did.
You know when authors joke about “The worst part of writing is that I have to actually write my book?” Yeah, my book has been written for me, now. Somehow, someway, TJ Alexander wrote exactly the book I’ve been working on—to the point where it’s a little creepy.
But I adored it. The characters were fantastic and their relationships were adorable. It was fast-paced and I literally read it in four hours. And, as someone who normally hates smut scenes in romance books… the ones in this book, I ate them UP.
The only problem I have with the book is that it’s over /hj. So, I guess that means I gotta write my own (TJ Alexander, if you read this, I love you and would die for you ok thank you bye❤️)

CW: misgendering, sexual content (very much on-page), ableism

I loved this! The character growth, the character identies and their own self awareness was captivating. Each one brought something truly special to their building relationships & it was so beautifully well done. Will def recommend to anyone who likes sapphic, poly, NB, or just a really well done romance.

This was a pretty fun read overall. The fun parts were just sporadic for me though. Like I would be super interested & then bored, but then a couple chapters later, I would be super into it again. I will say that I really did enjoy Mel's personal story more than the relationships that she was in.
I didn't feel like anyone other than Mel had a strong presence, they were there/around but not dynamic enough. They all felt a bit horizontal for me.
At some points, I was honestly more interested in the Mixology competition than anyone else.
My favorite bit of drama was with Haircut in the first few chapters.

The fact that a story with the poly/queer representation is being traditionally published is such a huge accomplishment in our world today.

Baby’s first poly book!

I wasn’t sure what to expect with this novel but I loved TJ’s prior work (Chef’s Kiss), and I wasn’t disappointed. The writing is top notch, funny and sexy.

Mel is recently divorced when Bebe, a gorgeous blond lawyer, takes a seat at her bar. Bebe is married to Kade, an artist, and the three enter into a polyamorous relationship. At times, the book did feel a little like a how-to guide on polyamory (communication is key, etc etc etc) but the characters and their interactions also felt genuine.

The dedication (to sluts everywhere lol) was reason enough to read this one. Also, I can’t think of a sluttier or sexier setting for this book than a high end cocktail bar - I kept reaching for a drink both to cool myself off from some blush inducing spice and because the cocktail descriptions in here were just so mouth watering. I too am a tequila lover.

Thanks to Atria Books and NetGalley for the ARC.

The way I was giggling and kicking my gay little feet the entire time I read this should be studied!!!! I ate this book up and had so much fun with these chaotic queers. TJ’s writing is so witty and heartfelt and they have such an innate way of writing joy-filled and balanced queer love stories.

I found Mel to be a very fun main character, even though she’s kind of a silly goose. I don’t drink but I sure as hell would be a patron at her bar.

I loved this so much!!!!

This was a fun read! It was great to read Mel’s journey throughout the book as she learned to love and let herself be loved again through not just one but two partners.

The patience that Bebe and Kade had with her was fantastic and I loved how they helped her through the hurdles of learning how to be poly as this experience is a first for Mel as well.

Yeah, it had some predictability but there was also a realness to the journey that made this book feel cozy.

Thank you to NetGalley for the eArc of this book to read.