It was my first dive into a story about a poly relationship with a non-binary character. And let me tell you, Honestly, Alexander nailed it on bringing out the subtle details of their dynamics. They unpacked the whole thing with such finesse. I legit feel like I learned a ton about the LGBTQIA+ world through their eyes

The story itself? Incredible. It’s about this trio, and it’s not your everyday love story. It’s got depth, it’s got heart, and it made me look at love in a way I hadn’t before. Everything in the book just flowed so naturally, from how the characters came together to their personal journeys. And the characters, oh, they felt so real. Watching them grow and navigate their relationship was something else.

And, oh boy, that scene near the end? It was fire. Whew, I needed to fan myself after that one.

Big shoutout to Atria Books and NetGalley for hooking me up with this ARC. Seriously, you’ve gotta check it out. It’s a breath of fresh air.

This is the first time I have read a story about a triad of queer people, and I’m so thankful it exists. I love how it was organic, and how mistakes were made and then righted. It honestly feels like a road map for how to do it right, and there are little to no examples of this in any form of media.

I can’t wait to buy my own copy.

Overall: 4 stars
Spice: 3 peppers

OMG...this book had me laughing out loud. The scene at the cabin trying to start the fire was hilarious. I loved all the different drink and hope they'll make the drinks into a downloadable PDF for us to try. I loved the rules for the relationship and most importantly the importance of communication even when it's hard. The way the three FMC relationship evolve overtime seem realistic. The book showed how important it is to stand up and and what's right regardless of the person and the situation. I hope they make series and we get to see how the relationship continues to grow.

This was such a fun book! This is a first for me. I’ve never read about a polyamorous romance before and the story was great! The cover and title to this book is what drew me in the most. There were a lot of references of drinks and mixology throughout the book which added a really fun element.

The chemistry was good at times, other times it was kind of flat. Perhaps it was due to having 3 people in one book so it was a lot of juggling between characters in a book that wasn’t very long. BUT I’ve never read anything to compare! I really loved how easy this book was to read. Sometimes it’s just absolutely perfect to read something that isn’t heavy and doesn’t weigh you down. This is perfect for that! I can’t wait to check out more by this author!

Thank you to NetGalley, Artia Books and TJ Alexander for icing me the opportunity to do this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion!

How would you describe the perfect cocktail? Refreshing? Satisfying? Imaginative? Those are all words I would use to describe T. J. Alexander's new book, "Triple Sec," which I had the honor to read early on NetGalley.
This story takes place in NYC, where single bartender Mel is approached by a stunning, voluptuous woman during her shift at a fancy Big Apple bar. We soon find out that Bebe is married to her non-binary spouse, Kade, and that the couple practices polyamory. This beautiful book takes us on a journey as Mel explores her relationship with Bebe, and how that road continues to places (and people) we might not have expected.
I like how this book is broken into three parts, representing the three people in this relationship, and how they mix together to create something special - much like one of Mel's cocktail creations. Not just a romance, the book follows Mel as she enters into a high-stakes competition, and we can almost taste the drinks as Alexander describes everything in such vivid detail. (I also appreciated the cameo from one of Alexander's previous characters here - Ray from "Chef's Kiss.")
One final thought is about how Alexander so deftly handles polyamory in this story. They don't just assume that the reader knows how it works (at least in this relationship) or what certain terms mean. They found a way to explain things to the reader in a subtle, but meaningful way, learning along with Mel as she follows this new relationship path. I highly recommend this fun (and unexpectedly SPICY!!!!) book, especially if you are open to a queer polyamory story featuring some unique and smart characters!

I am probably not the target audience for Triple Sec, as a straight cis female, but the cover and synopsis intrigued me. This is the first time I had come across a book that dealt with a polyamorous relationship/plotline and I wanted to check it out.

The story is a great rom-com with Mel, Bebe and Kade, who live in NYC, figuring out their relationships with a cocktail competition subplot. The book was entertaining, spicy and also a bit educational for someone not directly in the queer community. I would definitely read other books from this author. It was an entertaining and fun book to read.

Content Warnings: Character misgendering (one scene, plot relevant)

Klune’s novel follows three individuals in a polyamorous relationship, which I don’t see often in romance novels. The book divides neatly into three sections, a structure which allows readers to follow characters’ evolution over time. That, I think, is a great strength of the narrative, as readers get a chance to learn alongside Mel, newcomer to polyamory, in an organic way. I enjoyed Mel, Bebe, and Kade, all of our three main characters, and felt the chemistry between all three was well written.

Klune’s description of food and drink were as tantalizing in this novel as the previous one I reviewed. I’m not a drinker, but I still loved the detailed descriptions of the creations Mel worked on throughout the novel. I also admit I like a food competition set up period, but in this case I especially liked how it mirrored the growth Mel underwent in her relationships.

As an aroace reader (normally sex neutral, for certain things sex averse), I want to make two notes. First, my personal squicks are not a reflection of poor quality writing. I actually enjoyed how well and explicit consent was communicated throughout the poly relationships, including before and during the sex scenes. Second, for those who may be sex averse, there were a total of 3 detailed sex scenes, 2 of which squicked me. However, all 3 scenes are telegraphed in advance of detail and can be skipped without missing anything related to the plot -- so if you want to read just for the romance, you definitely can.

Triple Sec is an adult contemporary rom-com. And wow. Five stars—all the stars!

I am simply blown away by how much I loved this book. It was funny. It was sexy. It was heartwarming. It was everything I’d want from a book.

Mel is a jaded bartender that no longer believes in love or romance. That is until irresistible and charming Bebe sits in her section. Mel enjoys flirting with Bebe until discovering Bebe is happily married to quiet and artsy Kade. Now trying to divert her attraction to Bebe into Just Friends, Mel is drawn into the couple’s world. When Mel learns the couple is polyamorous and Bebe wants to date Mel, Mel sees the opportunity as a way to casually dip her toe back in the water since she’s still healing from her divorce.

The novel begins with a sapphic romance between Mel and Bebe but develops into so much more. With engaging writing, fleshed out characters, steamy chemistry, and a fun plot, this book has everything you can want out of a rom-com. This is my first T.J. Alexander book and won’t be my last.

Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for a copy of this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Another 5-star book for TJ Alexander! If you're looking for your next favorite queer author, you found it!

I swear their books for me are a guaranteed 5 star read. Without giving too much away so early on this story at its core is about love. TJ Alexander always knows how to write such beautiful queer characters without making them corny, while educating you at the same time. There are some tropes as well, and you can't help but love it. No one does non-binary characters like TJ Alexander.

Thanks to NetGalley, Simon & Schuster and TJ Alexander for an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review, as always, all words are my own.

I really loved this story. The main character has walked herself off and she meets a couple who patiently take those walls down to help her find love again. It was really lovely.

Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for this ARC!

This book was such a refreshing twist from the typical romances I've read. The development of the polycule was very organic, not to mention how absolutely lovely and realistic the characters were. I loved the development all around. I loved the lack of a third act breakup in exchange for actual conversation and development. The end was just a little rushed for my taste, but it still felt very well rounded.

Also, that end spicy scene... hot.

5.0

Setting: New York
Rep: lesbian protagonist; queer fat love interest; non-binary love interest; polyamory

Omg. What a win for polyamory. This book was fantastic. Every character is so hot and I loved how they work as a polycule (and how they reach that stage) and I often find sex scenes a bit cringey but these were fantastic. Especially that last one. One of the best I've ever read. I love Bebe, my queer fat queen and her non-binary wife Kade and of course, Mel, our insecure lesbian. This is my third TJ Alexander book and my third five star so I think they might just be an autobuy author!

As a fan of TJ Alexander’s Cher’s Kiss I was floored to receive an ARC of Triple Sec. Though the theme of polyamory might not bode well with all readers, this book beautifully developed the three main characters throughout the book and was such a breeze that I finished it in one day. Such a fun read to add to my suggestions for those who love a bar/bartender storyline.

The truth and representation of non-binary everyday realness almost made me angry and physically uncomfortable for Kade as I read, but made me love Mel just as much for their heroism. Perfect amount of steamy scenes with anticipation/buildup.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

As much as I hate to admit it, I just didn't fully connect with this book. I couldn't hit request fast enough when Triple Sec was listed on NG because TJ's Christmas book - Last Chances in Newport Steven - was one of my favorite books of 2023. With this book, however? Idk. By the end, I wound up liking a lot of the characters but at the start I didn't like most of them? The love stories were cute but felt superficial? I wasn't invested in any of the non-romantic parts of the story. The relationship between Mel and her roommate was one of my favorites at the start, but as the romance ramps up, she kinda turns into a bad friend and the resolution to that felt too quick. Overall I was underwhelmed by this story however I will still immedately and enthusiastically pick up whatever TJ writes next.

Thank you so much to Atria Books, NetGalley, and TJ Alexander for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5

Queer, nonbinary, and polyam representation? Sign me up! I enjoyed this book more and more as I read it. While it took me a few chapters to get into it, by the end I couldn’t put it down. I loved the way TJ Alexander described the nonbinary character, Kade. I thoroughly enjoyed the portrayal of a polyam, very queer romance and that miscommunication was not the main issue between the characters. The story was cute, felt mostly believable, and I really liked the dynamic between the main characters.
I appreciated that while Mel’s history was a decently large part of some of the issues, she grew throughout the book as a person both individually and in her relationships. The main reason I didn’t give this 5 stars is that the dynamic between Kade and Mel felt forced to fit the story and took me out of the moment at times.

I don’t often see queer romance books that involve polyamory, so this was a nice change of pace and would highly recommend.

TJ Alexander has done it again! These characters suck you in and you cant help but fall in love them. This is the first rom com I have read about a poly couple and it was so refreshing. I loved all the different representation in the book and cannot recommend this enough.

This was the absolute best first arc of the year I could have read! I was convinced "Triple Sec" would be amazing right from the dedication page (it's dedicated to sluts, and that is what 2024 is for tbh).
Mel and Bebe's chemistry from the start is undeniable and I loved watching their relationship progress from casual to something more meaningful. The polyamorous relationship between Mel, Bebe, and Kade was written incredibly well, and it was nice to read about a poly relationship where the miscommunication trope doesn't pop up. The three of them are incredibly good at communicating (minus a little blip here and there), and it makes the problems that arise in the book feel more meaningful when they're not based on the miscommunication trope, and they're all working together to find a solution. The build up with Kade and Mel getting to know each other was really interesting to read because their personalities are so different, and yet shockingly similar.
This is the second book I've read by TJ Alexander, and it definitely won't be the last. I love their writing and their stories!

<i>Special thanks to Atria Books and Netgalley for this eARC</i>

This was sooo good. I mean, number 1 it's just plain refreshing to see a polyamorous queer rom-com, but to find one this freaking good? Gah, amazing.

I'm not sure what it was about this book. I'm not particularly versed in bartender culture, NYC, or any of the particulars of this story apart from being queer and poly myself, but this story just grabbed me and would not let go, at all. It was wonderful.

Our protagonist Mel was great. An artist of her craft, a damaged dreamer, plus being a hot tattooed masc...well, yet, I fell for her as much as Bebe and Kade did. Speaking of our married love interests, they were also wonderful. Similar to their personalities, Bebe is easy to love right away, just diving right in, and Kade takes some time, but once you're there, you absolutely adore them.

I was amazed how Alexander managed to fit in tropes without taking away from the originality of the story. <spoiler>The inevitable third act break-up I hate in so many stories was moved to the middle, which surprised me honestly, I thought the smarmy lawyer guy would be a problem later in the book, so I was happy to see it happen and finish with still plenty of book to go.</spoiler> Also, the 'they were snowed in' trope? Classic.

Absolutely no notes, this was great. 5 stars.

This was a funny and sweet rom com with poly, non-binary, and some sapphic rep! Another beautiful story from TJ Alexander, one of my insta-buy authors. Mel, Bebe, and Kade are all such distinct personalities and the way they come together isn't smooth, but it is always heartfelt. I saved so many quotes from this book, I'm just in love with these characters and the way TJ has brought them to life here.

(This was a review of a free advanced review copy. Thanks to Atria, TJ Alexander, and NetGalley for that privilege!)

Triple Sec
Written By T. J. Alexander
Published by Atria Books
Release Date June 04, 2024

Mel has her sights set on opening her own bar one day. As a bartender she has seen it all and heard it all. She is divorced….almost and is having fun in life with her queer best friend. Yet when she meets a married couple Bebe and Kade, things start to turn for well you decide…..
Bebe wants to go out with Mel and since it is an open marriage Mel decides that it might be fun to go out with her. As she does though Mel opens up to Bebe and things start to open for her as well. Literally…… The three start a relationship together and Mel learns that life is not always the way it seems and the confidence to try new and exciting things….although she already started that right? Mel enters a competition that could earn her enough money to open the bar she has always wanted to open. As things start looking up for Mel, she realizes that she also has feelings for Kade and that now she has opened her heart and mind to something that makes her the happiest she has ever been.

This is a great rom com that will have you laughing and rooting for the protagonist all while realizing that fate sometimes has other plans for us. The author has written a great love story that has the main character learning that you are capable of anything you set your mind to and that love has no boundaries or gender. I truly found myself taken in by this book and felt a part of it as I was reading it. The characters are so well meshed together and you can truly see them grow as they lean on each other.

4 stars

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased and honest review.