2.5

Triple Sec is a fun polyamorous that you'll have a good time with if you turn your brain off. It has beach read potential despite its snowy interlude. It's a well-written romance with a great rhythm that makes it a fast and easy read.

Mel, a butch bartender who is not over her divorce, meets a gorgeous stranger who flirts with her. But gorgeous stranger named Bebe has a wife, the nonbinary artistic introvert named Kade. We, the readers, of course, know that this is a polyam romance and can guess Bebe and Kade are in an open couple. However, Mel the lesbian bartender in NYC circa 2023 which I imagine is a pretty queer place never once considers polyamory, in fact, the idea doesn't even cross her mind. Whereas I, someone on the Internet can tell how common polyamory is in certain American queer spaces based on observation. But never mind because this means the author will get to explain to us how it works, indeed the point of queer romances is not to be romances but to teach you about queer identities (please stop).

At one point I almost believed I was reading a litfic satire of the New York liberal upper class. Not because Bebe and Kade are an extremely cliché couple looking for a third but because there are so many instances where Mel feels out of place in their world by being a service worker in a world of rich people who: make fun of her for not knowing the artists en vogue (Bebe’s friend whom she gently chastises), act like not having a college degree is a terrible fate (literally Bebe who brushes the topic away when Mel responds saying she doesn’t have one), forget that skiing is a very expensive trip and that Mel has never been able to afford any of it, etc. Several times Mel is uneasy with this world which I assume is the author's way of grounding the character but it ended up making me feel uncomfortable since it's never addressed. You can have your fun fantasy rich love interests and I'll pretend it's fine because it's a fun romance fantasy but the minute you start pointing out (multiple time) that a food industry worker feels out of place in this world you need to at least examine it in some way. It felt weird because this seemed like a breakup set up that never came.

Then there’s the basic liberal therapy speak that can solve everything and cringy sentences about assuming gender presentation but that’s a classic, you can't have a nonbinary character without a preachy sentence about not assuming people's gender.

But most of all Triple Sec suffers from balancing issues. By separating each of Mel’s relationships with Kade and Bebe and a short conclusion with them both you get two rushed romances. How much do we actually know about Kade? How much does Mel? They’re presented as an aloof (heavily autistic-coded even if the word isn’t used) introverted artist who Mel feels uncomfortable around until? They get some firewood? They take their shirt off? The snowing plot to get them together would have felt less heavy-handed if they had more than one conversation alone prior to that episode.

I do say that it was interesting to address “I thought all nonbinary people were women.” There is a big discrepancy in how the queer community treats certain nonbinary people and the representation we have and accept. Since this read was during the trans rights readathon, it's interesting to note how many of the nonbinary characters that are recommended are characters who will express some sort of dysphoria regarding a feminine identity and perception, which is not relatable to all (I don't like AGAB language so I'm trying really hard to phrase that differently). Kade is genderqueer and I'm not sure a transfeminine label could apply to them (although they are okay with the term wife) but they present a perspective that I rarely see.

Let me say, I loved this book. It’s so rare to see poly representation, let alone poly representation done well. Mel’s evolution of understanding of poly relationships was realistic (and frankly, similar to how I would’ve done).

The characters are fun; I especially loved Kade and Mel. Bebe seemed like a bit of a cliche often times, but not enough to take away from the book much. But I honestly enjoyed Kade and Mel’s relationship much more than Bebe and Mel’s. It honestly felt more real, more deep. Mel and Bebe seemed more about sex in a lot of ways, whereas Kade and Mel seemed more relationship-like. I also loved how Kade was just…non-binary. There weren’t any gender indications for them until the sex scene. And then it was just…a thing, not a big deal.


My biggest complaint would probably be that the big thing moving the plot- the cocktail contest- could largely have been left out of the story, and you would’ve had basically the same story. It doesn’t really feel integral to the poly relationship story being told. That entire plot point could’ve been removed and, aside from providing connections for Mel’s goals to be achieved in the end, it wouldn’t have changed a thing. Frankly, with Bebe and Kade’s financial status, the end goal could’ve been achieved without the contest entirely.

But overall, I loved this book. I read through it so quickly, and I stayed up way too late doing so. I’d love to see more of the triad’s relationship develop, but I know that might be a bit long-winded for some. Maybe some short stories posted to a blog or something?

Triple Sec is like a good cocktail, you want to savor it but also want to keep drinking (reading). TJ Alexander’s characters are so rich and vibrant. Mel is a bartender who is wary of love who meets someone (sometwo) who opens Mel back to love. The realness of the characters was delightful. If you’re looking for a smooth read, Triple Sec is for you!

TRIPLE SEC is a clever, fun polyamorous romance that follows Mel, a bartender grappling to overcome pessimism about love following a divorce. Alongside the expertly written romance, I particularly enjoyed Mel growing not only as a romantic partner, but also as a friend learning to spend more time tending the garden of friendship (as Alexander so beautifully puts it) and as a person learning to go after the things she really loves.

Thank you to Netgalley, Atria, and TJ Alexander for this eARC. This ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️/5

No notes. Perfect in every way.

I learned a lot about the poly community and cocktails, and also had a delightful time. TJ did it again. The sex: hot as all hell. The romance: so sweet and genuine. The story: beautiful and full of growth.

This was everything I wanted it to be and more.

Five Emojis to Describe This Book: 🥰🥂🩷💛❤️ (The hearts are Mel BeBe and Kade in that order. Don’t ask why, it’s vibes based.)

This novel was so much fun!!! This was the first romance I've read with a poly relationship at the heart, and I think it made for some interesting differences from a monogamous romance. For example, you get TWO falling-for-you stories — swoon! And since good communication is at the root of the relationships here, say goodbye to any third-act miscommunications! The only downside is that, to include multiple interwoven love stories and keep the novel at a normal length, everything needs to be succinct. Don't get me wrong, I don't think it was too quickly paced! I just would have loved to linger in some of the moments a bit longer. Overall, this was a home run for me and I hope you give it a shot this summer!

This book was an absolute joy to read! Not only is it the first positive representation of polyamory I've ever read, but the spice is to DIE FOR! Alexander put their alllll into this writing. On top of that we can a look into the main character Mel's life as a bartender which was a fun touch and gave me some ideas for recipes to try at home.. Also can we talk about the cover art?? Five stars for that alone.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me an advanced readers copy for review!

This book was such a unique experience. I loved it. The relationships between the characters just felt so real and I had such a good time with this book.

thank you to net galley and atria books for this eARC!

i love love loved this book! this was so fun. the characters were amazing. i love bebe, she is so lovely but still has some flaws (and also perceives herself to have flaws) which was really great. i love how kade show’s the possibility of difference in communication styles, and how a person can not be super emotive but still care. i love them. mel also was an amazing character, she was a very entertaining main character. i maybe have only one note, in that mel and kade’s relationship felt a little rushed? i love them together and their relationship was very good, but i can (off the top of my head) recall only a couple of instances before they get together where mel acknowledged some kind of feelings towards them. but overall it was a lovely lovely book. i would 100% read again and would certainly recommend it. beautiful representation of parts of the queer community you don’t often see represented.

Mixed feelings about this book - I will caveat with that I am not poly so I cannot speak to all/any poly relationships, but I don't know if the representation of the relationships between the main character and her partners is the best depiction of a poly relationship. While it started out good/interesting, the introduction of the second partner (*being vague on purpose) felt forced and didn't make sense for the individuals involved. Then the continued development of the relationships felt forced too and like it tried to be "How to Be A Picture-Perfect Poly Person!" story - AGAIN, this type of poly relationship is absolutely possible, and not at all something I have experience with - it just did not seem to fit with the characters.

Also, Mel was a bad friend throughout the book and it seems like it will be addressed later on, but it then it corrected with one line. Additionally, her cocktail competition storyline takes a back-burner to the point where I forget she still had to complete at the end. Overall, the book fell for me in the middle somewhere and did not redeem itself at the end.

I typically enjoy TJ's books and will continue to read them, but this one wasn't it for me.

Cue Three’s Company theme song….

Mel, a longtime bartender, in the City that Never Sleeps meets Bebe, an employment lawyer, one evening. Sparks fly until she meets Bebe’s wife Kade, a nonbinary artist. Little does Mel know, Bebe and Kade are polyamorous, therefore, when the sparks caught fire, Mel and Bebe begin dating. As time passes, Mel and Bebe get closer and closer and Mel is certain Kade hates her as all she can seem to do is put her foot in her mouth. Until their own sparks begin to fly, much to the excitement of Bebe.

This book is the perfect low stakes, low angst palette cleanser. After reading a series of slow, tedious reads, this book was a breath of fresh air that I devoured in two days. Chocked full of fun tropes (forced proximity anyone?), this book focuses more on burgeoning relationships and boundary exploration, rather than external plot progression.

This is my second bartender romance this year, and both have been remarkably similar in plot while total opposites in the romance department. Both have made it clear that I’m in dire need to try a Paloma this summer for those hot summer nights. I just wished I liked tequila though… maybe if I could convince someone to make a Rock Dove for me.

A bartender meets a poly couple and begins relationships in this FFNB romance.

So, I’ve had a hit by this author and I’ve had a miss, and this was another miss.

This is an excellent look at kitchen table poly and anarchy poly and for that I salute it. I can’t believe this is traditionally published. What a world we live in these days.

But the story was missing any real excitement and the characters were missing some zing as far as I’m concerned.

I really love what the author was trying to do here: making genderqueer and polyamorous people part of the conversation. As someone queer and poly I felt seen. But it just lacked heart for me.

Medium burn with spanking, biting, spit-roast, strap-on.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
POV: Solo 3rd

Earlier this year I read TJ Alexander’s Second Chances in New Port Stephen and I loved how they told that story and built those characters so I was very excited to read Triple Sec. And this book didn’t disappoint. I enjoyed watching Mel’s discovery of her finding love again and finding out what love can mean. I enjoyed how TJ developed Mel’s relationship with Bebe and Kade it was an interesting dynamic between them. I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a poly romance novel that has a tiny bit of spic and characters you’ll fall in love with.

This was great to read more about a poly relationship! It’s not for me, but I thought this book portrayed the ups and downs of it pretty well (from my unknowing perspective anyways), but I wish it would’ve been at least dual pov. Mel as an MC didn’t quite click for me, and I feel like I could’ve related a bit more if we had gotten at least one more characters pov

One of my goals for the year was to incorporate more LGBTQ+ books into my rotation and I couldn’t have been luckier to experience my first polyamorous romance with this book. Mel, Bebe, and Kade’s love for another is comforting and genuine as they all show up for one another and assess the other’s needs.

The author does an incredible job explaining the nuances of the different characters and their gender identities, making it an easy read to follow, especially if this is your first foray into the world. I really enjoyed how each character stuck out in their own way with distinctive quirks and features, making the three fit together in a harmonious puzzle. The instant gratification of Mel and Bebe’s chemistry was just as good as the slow burn between Mel and Kade. I only wish we could’ve experienced the three of them together more before the novels end, but I also loved the pacing that kept things moving without growing stale. I really loved the authors writing style and cannot wait to check out their other offerings.

The title is so cute and PERFECT!

What I like about this book:
•So much rep! I think it’s wonderful that so many different people might feel seen reading this romance.
•All the SIN talk really tickled the has-been bartender in me!
•The thoughtful and healthy communication between characters.

This was totally charming and sweet. Mel is such a character that you can relate to, she’s passionate, full of millennial angst, and terrible with names. I thought her relationships with Bebe and Kade were very heartwarming and cozy, both of them unique and enriching.

So here we have Mel: Mixologist, Millennial, with dreams to have her own bar someday. Currently working at the “Terror and Virtue“ Mel is immediately enamored upon meeting the lovely Bebe on her nightly bar shift. There are definitely sparks. Numbers exchanged, a date planned. In walks Kade, Bebe’s wife?? Shocked and confused, Mel decides she could use some friends and takes a leap of faith. Mel joins Bebe, Kade, and a group of their upscale friends for brunch and discovers a way of life and love she hadn’t considered before. Along Mel’s journey of romance and self discovery she tries brave new things, including entering a cocktail competition that could make her dreams come true.

I have mixed feelings about this read. The book is split into three parts, and I struggled to get through part one. It was super slow and not very interesting to me, but parts two and three were much better. I loved the characters, though I felt like Bebe’s character fell a little flat. I would have really enjoyed first-person POV and see other characters' perspectives and voices.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!

I wanted to love this book, I really did. The concept sounded so sweet, and the idea of a romance surrounded by NYC bar culture sounded like a wild ride– the ride was wild, but I wanted to hop off so many times.

First and foremost, I think this is a lovely poly romance book– it’s the first I’ve read, but I think it can be helpful to questioning queers trying to find their niche and what counts as a “relationship” in queer culture. It handled these tough subjects with grace, and I think the end-game relationship is a beautiful “blueprint” of sorts. Alexander handled pronouns, sexuality, labels, and the like so well. As a bi girl, I felt safe with this book, if that makes sense.

Mel’s inner voice is relatable and goofy, and at first I found her to be a likable, down-on-her-luck lesbian bartender looking for her second chance. But in all actuality, she’s a little selfish– ignoring her best friend’s problems, being rude to a service worker, being snooty to her partner’s wife– it made it hard for me to like her despite her being such a cool character.

Also, the plot of this book was lacking. Any conflicts were brought up and either squashed or forgotten within pages. But then again this book dropped banger lines like:

“You [think you have to] have to tick all the boxes. That your relationship has to look a certain way. Even if you’re– no, especially if you’re queer.”

Beautiful message and something so many in the LGBTQIA+ community can relate to! However, it felt like we couldn’t come to this conclusion on our own, as it was sort of “proved” time and again with various scenarios.

Overall, Triple Sec felt like a bunch of oneshots rather than a cohesive novel. Things just worked out and were okay. Lovely in reality, but makes for a dry novel. Maybe this one just wasn't for me.

Triple Sec, by T.J. Alexander: Mel is an expert bartender at the hottest cocktail bar in New York, when a woman named Bebe walks into the bar. The two are immediately drawn to each other, and Mel THINKS Bebe’s flirting, but then she finds out Bebe is married. In fact, Bebe and her wife Kade are polyamorous, and Bebe IS interested in dating Mel. I didn’t know almost anything about polyamory before reading this, and it was fun to learn about it alongside Mel, without the book feeling didactic. Mel was a little bit of an annoying character, in her constant refusal to admit her true feelings, but I still thoroughly enjoyed it – and especially the mixology element, with a lot of attention paid to the different drink recipes, and the culmination of a big cocktail competition at the end. I love books about cooking competitions (like TJ Alexander’s other novels), and this didn’t disappoint.

This was a fun read!! I will say, I enjoyed Mel's own story more than her relationships. I liked seeing her growth! also, please let me try her drinks :( I also liked the queer & poly rep, and the prioritization of healthy communication & boundaries.

I felt like the pacing and focus fluctuated for me, it wasn't consistent in keeping me engaged. I also felt like Bebe became an afterthought once Mel and Kade's relationship got started. I just wanted more, you know?? Also, very weird to not name Kade's autism. I thought we were building up to Kade sharing that, but nope, never happened.

Thank you to the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for a copy of this eARC in exchange for my honest review!