—Thank you to NetGalley and the publidher for providing me with this book in exchange for an honest review!

This. Is. Everything! I’m pretty sure this is my fav romance of the year so far. I went in to it blind and fell in love with it so i don’t want to say anything much. All i’m gonna say is this is a contemporary poly romance with comedic elements, sweetest characters and relatable struggles.
Overall amazing!

If have a feeling this will end up going down as one of my favorite books in 2024. It gives a real (if at times overly glamourous) look into LGBTQ+ dating, relationships, polyamory, and trying to figure yourself out. I loved the story and the characters. I was so happy to read this book.

OMG OMG THIS BOOK! This book easily made my top 3 favorite books of all time… the fact I have to wait to June is soooooo sad. I need this book in my hands right now so I can transfer all my unhinged gay annotations over.

In all seriousness I really enjoyed this book! I loved the LGBTQIA+ representation! I also loved seeing a really strong romance with a really strong competition plot! I felt they were both strong and one didn’t overpower the other.

I also loved the character development and world building a lot! This book made me want to try those cocktails and I don’t drink.

I have now become a huge @tjalexandernyc fan and will be buying their other books to read and obsess over.

This was so good, so fun and I devoured it in less than 24 hours. the characters weren't obnoxious (which sometimes I find in romance books..sorry) I was utterly obsessed with all the characters and especially Mel's roommate and the support system that surrounded Mel. I also loved Bebe and Kade and I honestly ended the book wanting more even though it wrapped up very nicely I just miss the characters so much already.

Thank you netgalley and atria for the e-arc! all opinions are my own

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I loved, loved, LOVED this book. Because, HELLO?! Not only LGBTQ+ rep, but poly-relationships rep, too?! Bingo. Sign me up. Where do I sign?

The writing is fluid, fun, hilarious, and so well-strung together that it doesn't even feel like reading. I can feel Mel's emotions, I can smell the bar the MC works at, and I can feel the excitement coming off the pages.

Read for:
-LGBTQ+ main and supporting characters
-Poly-relationships
-Great, feel-good writing

Rating: 5/5 stars

This book was tender, sexy, and more than anything, it felt so real to me. All three main characters are Grown Adults in their thirties who have their respective pasts, failed relationships, and hang-ups— and reading them connect and fall in love was such a joy. I think with the rise of terms like "harem romance" or "reverse harems" (both of which I take issue with; "harem" has a specific cultural connotation that I feel the romance community has misappropriated), some romance readers have somewhat misguided expectations for what *all* poly romances should be like, and this book did a lovely job of portraying one polycule and all the dynamics within it.

Mel and Bebe have an instant connection from the moment they meet at Mel's bar. The attraction is SIZZLING and Bebe is so classy (!!) in the way she hits on Mel, I was like, genuinely shook. I'm glad Mel isn't automatically outraged that a married woman is flirting with her, and she doesn't jump to any conclusions (though she does hypothesize into the void with another queer friend in an open relationship). Ultimately, Bebe and Kade tell Mel pretty early on that they're poly, and that Bebe would like to see Mel.

Enter their relationship contract that outlines how Mel, Bebe, and Kade interact. I thought it was really cute the way the contract was formatted in the book, so every time the rules of their relationship change, the old parts are crossed out and the new parts are added in.

And the rules do change, to be clear. There are three parts in this book and each part focuses on a different facet of the relationship with them untimately deciding they would all like to be together (as opposed to Bebe, and then both Kade and Bebe seeing Mel individually). Kade and Mel's relationship is initially tinged with a lot of foot-in-the-mouth moments. The good thing about the contract is, it provides boundaries but they're just super awkward with one another until they have the opportunity to bond without Bebe, and all bets are off. And honestly, Kade has my heart— they're deadpan and somewhat blunt but as you get to know them better along with Mel (this is a single-person POV book— do I think it would have benefitted from all 3 POVs? Maybe, but I don't feel like I missed any important context with what we got), you see they're an absolute sweetheart— an artist who feels deeply but keeps that side hidden. There are a couple instances where Kade is misgendered and we see misconceptions people harbor about non-binary people, and I thought it was interesting to read not only how they, but also their love interest (Mel) deals with it.

I realize I haven't talked a lot about the actual plot— the cocktail making competition and Mel's job at the bar— but I thought it was written with so much love for the craft and respect for service workers.

The sex:
Super hot, super well-written. It's always fun to read the individual and group dynamics because they're so unique. Bebe is an out-and-proud pillow princess, and I kinda love that she was able to coax out a "mean", more selfish side of Mel, who is usually more of a giver in real life. Kade is a service top and this book answers the question what happened when a top and a service top get together— the answer does involve cum-eating. Also, the last sex scene in the book? Fabulous. Excellent. There are strap-ons. There's face-sitting. I have no notes.

Overall:
I really enjoyed this book! The payoff of seeing three very different individuals connect, fall in love and make space for each other is absolutely worth it, and I'd recommend this to anyone.

This ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

Rating: 4.5/5
Heat Level: 4/5

This is the first book I’ve read by TJ Alexander. It was a sweet, queer, polygamous romance with a well written plot. I have mixed feelings since I enjoyed the chemistry between Mel and Bebe. It took until halfway through to begin understanding Kade. Overall, would recommend.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for the ARC.

4.5 stars

TJ is very quickly becoming an auto buy author for me. I loved second chances in New Port Stephens and this book was just as good.

The dynamic between our three main characters is wonderful and they all stand out on their own. I loved the awkwardness of Mel being asked out on a date while also being informed that they were in an open relationship.

Each relationship blossomed naturally and I thoroughly enjoyed how different they were from each other. The bar setting was fun and seeing Mel grow more confident throughout the book was refreshing. Another TJ win

I unfortunately ended up deciding to DNF this book. I think it will be a really popular book, and TJ Alexander is a great writer. There were just things I personally didn’t like, for example I’m not big on books being in third person, so that was a little hard to get past. I also just thought it was a little too cheesy for me. Overall though, the idea for the book was really cool.

I really enjoyed the first 1/3 and the last 1/3 of this book but the middle third was a struggle for me, to the point where I considered DNFing.

The first 1/3 - I loved the set up and the concept, you learn about Mel and her passion for bar tending, she meets Bebe and they connect immediately but then Kade arrives and Mel realizes that Kade is married to Bebe, which confuses her because Bebe is flirting very strongly. This is a poly book, and one of the first that I have read, but from the start Mel was uncomfortable flirting and later dating Bebe given she was married to Kade, this is never really addressed, and for a book that emphasizes how important communication is in a poly relationship, it was used create some tension between the characters but never fully addressed which I didn't like.

This leads into the middle 1/3 which I really struggled with, Kade is still only being described as a very flat character with a personality that is having no personality (not very fair to them imo) it was easy to predict what happened next when Kade and Mel were stuck in a snow storm together that forced them to get to know each other, it made their relationship seem very forced instead of something they chose together due to attraction and wanting to. Not because they were alone and both loved Bebe.

The book did wrap up nicely in the final third with them all becoming a triad but again, more communication. Mel had reservations about that and it was not fully addressed how they would all make it work.

There was also a very clear economic divide between Mel and Bebe & Kade, which Mel mentions multiple times and is clearly uncomfortable with, that was also never discussed in detail when it really should have been,

I think with more clear communication between the characters and a better storyline for Kade, this book could have been really good and impactful for poly folks who don't often get traditionally published love stories. However there were a few things that didn't sit right with me and I likely would not read this book again because of that.

3.75/5

In T.J. Alexander's captivating novel "Triple Sec," Mel, a cynical bartender at the trendy New York City cocktail lounge Terror & Virtue, encounters a series of disastrous dates that leave her convinced that love is an illusion. However, when Bebe, a married woman who practices ethical non-monogamy, enters the bar and proposes a date, Mel's perspective begins to shift. As Mel embarks on a unique romantic journey with Bebe, she challenges her preconceived notions about love and relationships. Through Bebe and her partner Kade, Mel explores the complexities of open marriage and the possibility of multiple romantic connections. Alexander delves into the nuances of modern love, showcasing the diversity and fluidity of human relationships. Throughout the story, Mel's growth as a character is compelling. Initially jaded and guarded, she gradually opens up to the possibility of love and allows herself to experience a range of emotions. Her journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance is heartwarming and relatable, making her a character that readers can root for. The author's writing style is engaging and witty, capturing the vibrant atmosphere of New York City's cocktail scene and the dynamics of the characters' interactions. Alexander skillfully weaves humor and heart into the narrative, creating a story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. Overall, "Triple Sec" is a refreshing and insightful exploration of modern love and relationships. T.J. Alexander presents a nuanced and inclusive portrayal of non-traditional relationships, challenging societal norms and inviting readers to consider the fluidity and diversity of love in the 21st century.

A queer polyamorous romance? Now this I had to read!

The plot was unique to any romance book I had ever read. Alexander does a great job of weaving in inclusivity without it feeling heavy handed (characters not identifying their sexualities or feeling the need to spend the whole book thinking about it). I will be honest, their last book (Chef’s Kiss) I felt did a very poor job on the representation side, so this was a great step up.

I really liked how it showed progressively how different polyam relationships can look and how they can be healthy and not just toxic. I fell in love with each character for different reasons, which I suppose the Mel in the book did too 😊. The writing was fairly well done and brought you in, thought I could predict the ending from a ways away.

The one falter I can identify is soooometimes the writing can get a little cheesy (like “poly-telepathy”). It was the characters saying things that I could never imagine a human saying or awkward lines.

Having the 2 romances story lines actually made the length justifiable for me. I normally complain that romance books are long and overdrawn these days but I thought this one went quick especially since we got to connect with more than one character. I would have loved to see more of Jackson though!

Also, love the cameo by Ray :)

A very solid 4/5 ⭐️

Thank you to AtriaBooks and NetGalley for giving me the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

When this book releases in June, I am going to need everyone to drop everything and READ IT. This was my first time reading a TJ Alexander book and they have been added to my auto-buy author list.

This was perfect for someone who loves when there is a lot of build-up to and communication in romance books. The journey that Mel, Bebe, and Kade have through the course of this book is realistic and compelling. The list of "guidelines" that were written and then revised was fun and showed the evolution of their relationships. That might have been my favorite part because it was different compared to other romance books I have read, even those with similar tropes (married poly couples adding someone in). My only complaint about this one is that I have a preference for multi-POVs in romance books because I want to know what everyone is thinking, and I wish we could have seen things from outside of Mel's perspective.

3.75 stars

This was my first TJ Alexander book, and it did not disappoint. I really enjoyed the exploration of polyamory in this book. Kade was definitely my favorite character! I have to admit I was not super interested in the non-romantic plot line of Mel’s drink competition. I was definitely not expecting spice, but TJ Alexander did the spice well. I almost wish there was more of it. I also wish there was more moments with the three characters together, but other than that it was a really fun read! Definitely makes me want to read more of TJ Alexander and explore the polyamory romance sub genre more.

thank you to TJ Alexander, Atria Books and NetGalley for the eARC!

This may be the first romance I've seen that tackles polyamory with its characters, and I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. While I am not polyamorous I have friends who are, and the book reads true to much of what I've heard them talk about in terms of fluidity and the need for complete communication between everyone involved in relationships, and I appreciated reading that, and seeing it in the text.

Mel is not polyamorous, and so she comes into the relationship and the world as many readers are likely to do - unfamiliar with terminology and with even how to proceed. When she meets Bebe at the bar where she works, Mel is immediately attracted to her, but soon comes to realize that Bebe is attached to Kade. She's surprised then, when Mel asks her to lunch with her and her wife Kade, and then asks her on a date.

From there Mel discovers that Bebe is polyamorous, and begins to learn more about how Kade and Bebe navigate in their relationship, alongside other examples of open relationships. I was a little curious how a romance novel (a genre that tends to gravitate towards happily ever afters) would navigate the relationship, and without spoiling anything, I would say that it ended precisely where it should, but it does not shy away from awkward conversations, or uncertainties, understanding the way relationships are fluid and can shift dynamically, and the way constant and clear communication is a highlight of ethical non-monogamy. It's great to see this type of title available.

First, I need the recipes for these drink... Apple Butter washed bourbon? Yum!

Too many authors have tried to do polyamorous romance without understanding the ins and outs of it - it isn't just about the sex and orgies all the time. The constant updates to the relationship guidelines throughout the book had such a ring of truth! While it's easy to expect a happy-ever-after for Mel and Bebe as the intially focused couple, the relationship that develops with Kade makes for a richer experience and the tension that we all love in a romance novel. As always, TJ Alexander explores gender, sexuality, and identity with beautifully deft story weaving.

I liked this book but I did lose interest in the storyline for the second half. I do love reading stories about LGBT+ characters, so I definitely appreciated that aspect!

Mel is like the Titanic. She compartmentalizes. Or she thinks she can. Still healing from her divorce, Mel unexpectedly catches feelings for a beautiful blonde in a polyamorous relationship. Grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity, and clear communication (the extremely hot cousin of miscommunication). Well balanced sweet and spicy, TJ Alexander serves up another delightful queer love story.

I was provided a complimentary e-galley by Atria/Emily Bestler Books on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

1000 times yes to visibility and queer love stories. Really important representation done in Triple Sec.

I didn’t love any of the characters except for Daniel but it was still a fun read.

The author’s writing is perfect. There’s a nice flow that keeps you engaged from the moment you start.

The real focus of this book is its amazing characters. They are the heart and soul and seeing them interact, fall in love, and just be was amazing.

I would have liked more in–depth moments between them all but I don’t think it needed it. This book is, in my opinion, meant to be relatively light and sweet and it was!

My best description of “Triple Sec” is that it’s a rom–com for queer people. I had no idea we needed more of those but after reading this I’ve realized we definitely do! And T.J. Alexander delivered that beautifully!

There are some slight grammar and spelling mistakes that one more once over would fix but beyond that I absolutely adored this book!

Thank you so much for taking a chance and providing a Free Arc in exchange for an honest review! It was a privilege to read something by such a great author!