There are SO many things to like about this book! I love the way that Alexander took the time to develop each spoke of the relationship before jumping into all three of them dating, which is SUPER rare in poly romances. I grew really fond of the (what I initially felt was kind of twee) extended metaphor about Mel's contest drink as being a proxy for her comfort being in a non-traditional relationship. I was ugly crying during the scene where Mel was confessing that she felt like she had to be perfect in this new relationship in order to be worthy of it which is just the BIGGEST MOOD. But my only drawback (and it's not enough to not make me recommend it, because on the whole I REALLY liked this book) was how much of a cypher Kade ended up being. Their character concept was strong and I loved what Alexander was trying to do with them. They actually reminded me (in ways both good and bad) of my ex, which means that they ABSOLUTELY succeeded in making Kade a fully realized character. But I just don't think that as a reader I should have been expecting this to be a non-closed triangle romance up until the point where Mel and Kade were snowed in together. I absolutely understand that Mel should have been blind-sided by that revelation, but there just wasn't enough to let the reader in on Kade's crush up to that point for me to pick up on it as a reader. And it was a very pleasant surprise! I love all kinds of poly romance configurations, and Kade is a great character, it just felt like Kade didn't get enough screentime for me to understand why they even had a crush on Mel in the first place.

I didn't love this book. While I was happy to see a wider representation of the gay community, the characters felt very superficial and I just couldn't relate to them.

In order for me to love a book, I need to be drawn in immediately and envision the characters as real human beings and I just couldn't.

This book will appeal to most I think, but it just wasn't for me.

TJ Alexander has done it again! This has to be my favorite of TJ’s books, and that’s saying a lot because I really love all of them. I feel like Triple Sec stands out amongst their books thus far because it has a little bit of what made each of the previous 3 books so wonderful. This feels like a love letter to the queer and poly community, and it’s oozing with warm fuzzies. It is also the spiciest book to date from TJ Alexander, and I wasn’t ready for it - but I LOVED the spice. This book encapsulates what makes poly relationships so beautiful and also the beauty of the queer community in how to uplifts, loves and supports one another. I loved the complexity of Mel and her growth throughout the story, especially in how she understands the expansiveness of love in all its forms, including within queer friendships. I couldn’t stop laughing out loud (a common experience for TJ’s incredibly clever writing), giggled, kicked my feet and squealed, and also fanned myself with the book multiple times as things heated up. 10/10 through and through. I would also highly recommend this book to anyone that’s curious about the poly experience because I think it breaks down the possible complexities incredibly well, all while making polyamory incredibly relatable for those not familiar with it.

After years of reading romance, this was somehow the first polyamorous romance I’ve read. To monogamous readers, reading poly might seem salacious. I love how Triple Sec shows how poly relationships actually are very similar to monogamous ones - partners who care deeply about each other and grow in life as they grow in their relationships. Maybe just a bit more scheduling and negotiating.

Mel, Bebe and Kade were super fun characters, so different from each other but so full of life. My one wish was a bit more development between Mel and Kade - they went from misunderstanding and “hate” to romance a bit too quickly for me. I really enjoyed the dive into the hospitality industry and the world of craft cocktails, as well as Mel’s vision for her future bar.

Thank you TJ Alexander and Atria Books for the Advanced Readers Copy. Triple Sec is out June 4, 2024.

An unexpectedly excellent 5-star romcom read! Similar to 'Chef's Choice' TJA's characters are wonderfully queer, unique, diverse and expertly crafted. 'Triple Sec' explores the drama, challenges and euphoria of poly relationships, unusual to be featured as the central relationship in a romcom. I loved getting to know all the characters, and their interactions - I wish I could read this for the first time all over again. Wondering if there will be a sequel?

A fluffy, low angst baby's intro to polyamory romance. Mel is an overworked bartender at a high end cocktail bar who has given up on love after her divorce from her childhood sweetheart (and really her only serious relationship) a couple years back. That is until Bebe sweeps into her bar in a blaze of grace, money, and confidence, and basically sweeps Mel into her world of glitz, glamour and polyamory, quickly followed by an introduction to Kade, Bebe's genderqueer spouse.

I thought this was a really cute introduction to readers who may not be familiar with polyamory. It gives a nice intro of what polyamory is and isn't, lays down some ground rules, and and features a wonderful cast of diverse queer characters. There's no real high stakes drama here - any points of conflict are resolved quickly, with healthy communication and low angst. The whole book is like a big soft hug. It's really quite healing. The sex scenes are hot when they happen but don't dominate the story.

I really enjoyed the addition of Kade into the relationship. Kade is a difficult character to get to know, and because they're overly reserved as a character, their gender presentation and expression is (I think intentionally) not explained very well - you're kind of just forced to accept them as they are. I think this is handled really well and the book really shines in its' genderqueer rep. I also liked that the book kind of leaned into the "polyamory is for rich pretty people" trope, I think in a bit of a satirical way. The love of cocktails also shined in the attention to mixology and bar scene detail as well, each scene made me crave a different craft cocktail.

The caveat thing I can really note (not a criticism as long as you go in with the right expectations) is that because it's such a low angst book, it sometimes felt overly idealized. Bebe especially felt like a character who doesn't really have any flaws, though to some extent none of the characters really had any deep character flaws, and the characters didn't experience any of the insecurities, jealousies, or struggles that come with complex multi-partner relationship. It really is just a warm gooey marshmallow of a romance.

I adored this book - I felt like it was refreshing and light without being too sappy or leaning too hard into any tropes. I really rooted for all of the characters, and thought that the arcs were well-written. Plus, I loved the queer and poly rep, more of this please!

I definitely need more polyamorous relationships in books, this was so cute. The characters were well written and the relationship was healthy, they had good communication and all worked well together.

The plot of this was lighthearted and fun to read. There is healing of past relationships and Mel learning what it’s like to be in a polyamorous relationship.

When Mel meets a woman at the bar she works at it’s safe to say she falls fast. Bebe being the powerful lawyer as her day job and talking down bar fights while on dates she has such a charismatic personality; she is the life of the party. Kade is married to Bebe and while they have an open relationship may have Mel questioning if she likes them as well after a nightmare of a vacation. What starts as a casual relationship between Mel and Bebe turns out to be so much more.

—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.