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!

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!