Triple Sec by T.J. Alexander is a queer polyamorous romance novel divided into three parts: Old Fashioned, Corpse Reviver, and Three Parts Tequila.

Recently divorced thirty-three-year-old Melanie "Mel" Sorrento has lost faith in love. Her ex-wife Lynn left her after nine years of marriage, leaving Mel still grappling with feelings of hurt and betrayal. Working as a bartender at Terror & Virtue (T&V), a prestigious cocktail lounge in New York City, Mel has seen countless instances of infidelity and shallow relationships, solidifying her belief that lasting love is elusive.
Blair "Bebe" M. Murray, an attorney at Kipling and Beech who loves whiskey, enters T&V and engages in flirtatious banter with Mel. Towards the end of Mel’s shift, Bebe's genderqueer spouse, Kade, arrives, leaving Mel surprised. Despite her hesitations and Bebe's marital status, Mel decides to attend their brunch the following week. As they spend more time together, including another hangout, Bebe reveals to Mel that they are polyamorous and expresses interest in dating her.

Mel and Bebe collaborate on a contract that allows for amendments as their relationship evolves, aiming to maintain clear boundaries. Mel's primary stipulation is to refrain from using or discussing the word "love," but as their bond deepens over time, Mel finds her feelings evolving. Mel becomes adventurous and explorative, experimenting with various dominant styles and sexual exploits in bed.

Surly artist Kade St. Cloud stands in stark contrast to Bebe's “loud, curvy, and friendly” personality. Kade is “quiet, lean, and introverted.” Despite Mel's attraction to Bebe and her attempts to forge a friendship with Kade, they have struggled to connect. However, during a vacation with Bebe, Kade, and Mel, a disaster strikes, leaving Kade and Mel trapped together in a cabin. It is in this intense situation that they finally confront and articulate their growing feelings for each other. As the throuple forms, Mel learns that Food Fest has introduced a bartending competition with a grand prize of two hundred thousand dollars. With dreams of owning her own bar, Mel eagerly joins the competition.

Mel's journey of personal growth throughout the novel is artfully depicted. She confronts her unfamiliarity and uncertainties about polyamory with maturity, asking thoughtful questions about gender identity along the way. Alexander effectively guides readers on framing questions about gender identity respectfully, but the novel becomes repetitive and frustrating when characters are introduced solely by their gender identity and then quickly disappear from the narrative.

The person working the coat closet is briefly identified by their gender identity but not by name, and their interaction and character are quickly forgotten afterward. When Kade talks about their ex, Blue, the discussion of gender orientation is laxed; Kade mentions that Blue identifies as genderqueer and uses they/them, she/her, and he/him pronouns. While this explanation is crucial for understanding diverse gender identities, it becomes confusing when Alexander alternates pronouns for Blue within a single page, referring to Blue as "he" in one sentence and then as "she" in the next.

There are subtle hints about Kade's mental health, suggesting they may struggle with ADHD. However, without a formal diagnosis from a medical professional, self-diagnoses can be detrimental to the mental health community. In the novel, Kade's behavior is compared to another character diagnosed with ADHD. While both characters may display similar traits, it is important not to make assumptions without proper diagnosis.

Several significant plot points in the novel are introduced but left unexplored. Bebe's rival in a litigation case urges their client to acquire the bar where Mel works, citing a conflict of interest to pressure Bebe to withdraw from the case. The takeover and subsequent changes at the bar are briefly mentioned by Alexander, but these scenes lack detail and soon fade into the background. Although Bebe steps down from her position, this decision is never revisited in the context of their relationship. It seems implausible that someone with an attorney's salary would leave a case, while Mel, who works at a bar, remains working at her establishment. At the time of these events, Mel and Bebe had only just begun dating and hadn't yet expressed deep feelings for each other. The demand for Bebe to sever ties with the case or end her relationship with Mel seems an unlikely ultimatum. Moreover, the outcome of the legal case is never disclosed, and the rival attorney disappears from the storyline altogether.

Alexander's novel effectively explores gender fluidity and identity, but it occasionally veers away from its original focus by introducing multiple instances of conflict and varying interpretations of gender identification. These elements disrupt the narrative flow and detract from Alexander's intended polyamory storyline.

Thank you to Net Gally/Atria/Emily Bestler Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed T.J. Alexander's last novel, Second Chances in New Port Stephen, so I was excited to read Triple Sec (which, by the way, is the perfect title for this book). I love the representation in Alexander's writing, and the plot of this one sounded sexy and fun.

Mel is a bartender at one of NYC's hottest bars. She's not looking for love -- doesn't even believe it exists, really, after her divorce -- when Bebe walks into the bar. Bebe is gorgeous and charming and kind, and she wants to take Mel on a date. But Bebe is also married -- to her genderqueer partner, Kade, a surly artist. Mel has no idea how polyamory works, but she's attracted to Bebe and decides to give it a go. As their relationship evolves, Mel realizes she may be attracted to Kade too -- and that love can be expansive and empowering rather than limiting.

I was gifted this book at an event at B&N Union Square, where I also had the pleasure of getting to meet the author!

I really enjoyed this one! I really liked all of the characters, side and main. I enjoyed watching Mel learn more about herself as her relationships, both romantic and platonic, were explored and developed. The banter was fun, the spice was spicyyyy, and the side story about the mixology competition was an entertaining addition.

I have never read a book with a poly relationship, nor is this an experience that is a part of my real life, so this book also felt like a bit of a learning experience! I could have used a bit more character development, but seeing the relationships develop was really lovely.

Without saying too much as to avoid spoiling, I really appreciated how things ended, with the competition, with the relationships, and with Mel overall. The author did a beautiful job of wrapping things up in a satisfying way, while also keeping things realistic. I don’t find that all romances are realistic in their quest for a HEA, and I appreciated what the author accomplished here.

Thank you to the author, Atria, and NetGalley for the gifted copies.

Another winner from TJ Alexander: I really loved the characters of this book. I enjoyed getting to know our main character as she got to know herself. I loved seeing her relationship with Bebe & Kade develop. I wish there was maybe a little more buildup with Kade. I felt like their original connection wasn’t as strong. I felt like Bebe had a sense of magnetism to her that instantly drew me to her.
I really also liked the addition of the competition into the book. I felt like it added a nice depth to the character and paired super nicely with the other conflict with her work. I feel like I was able to predict that she was going to end up buying the dive bar as soon as it was introduced. I was pleasantly surprised with the twist with the competition. I think it ended up for the better anyways. I definitely enjoyed my time reading this book.

T.J. Alexander is truly a genius when it comes to writing about representation in the LGBTQ+ community. This book had me hooked from chapter one. This book for me was Polyamory 101 with a hint of Romcom! I loved learning about how a happily married couple open their relation up for the amazing human that was Mel. I loved her character and her story and how Bebe found her and fell in love was truly meet-cute perfection. I will say I found it hard to get Kade and how she fit into the relationship, between Mel and her wife Bebe. But it was beautiful! The author concentrated on creating a story with healthy communication, as well as respectful and loving relationship! I love a story were there is emotional maturity for all the characters.

Thank you to Netgalley and Atria Books for this opportunity to read this ARC, we are so happy we could provide this honest opinion!

This book ropes you in and really gets you to fall in love with all the characters.

Any relationship is tough, a relationship with more than 2 people sounds impossible some days. This books goes over a lot of relationship topics, mainly communication.

The dynamics shifted at one point and I was really worried for the direction of the book, but Kade, Mel and Bebe make their relationships that much more special. This F/F/NB romance really shone a light on what some relationships look like and how they can grow and mold naturally over time.

I really enjoyed this book. I wasn't sure how I was going to feel as I've been a bit iffy with romances lately but the relationships between the mc and the two love interest felt very authentic and it was very sweet. I did find some of her choices a bit odd but as someone who isn't poly I can't say for sure I wouldn't do the same thing.
I also really loved the nb character in this book. How they described their gender and how it related to their relationships both with their wife and other people felt like something I could really relate to as someone who doesn't really vibe with gender either.
Also the rep for the service industry was so on point it actually hurt my soul a little. I've been in the service industry for 11 years and seeing it accurately represented was really nice.
Overall this was a really great read. It felt authentic and it was a book with a poly couple that actually felt real and not contrived in a why choose or forced way. Definitely check this one out.

After thoroughly enjoying both Chef's Kiss and Chef's Choice, any new book by TJ Alexander has been added to my automatic TBR. Triple Sec had a trifecta of my favorite tropes, including a niche competition, descriptions of food (or, in this case, drinks), and a romance.

The spice was impeccable. The characters were flawed and trying their best. I'll be looking forward to reading whatever TJ Alexander comes out with next.

Thank you to Atria Books for providing an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

I enjoyed our main character Mel but i just found the whole situation and Bebe and Kade to be meh. I love reading polyamory books but the dynamic between these characters lacked for me. When i thought i was supposed to be feeling tension, that feeling wasnt there. The romance felt so transactional than genuine.

Triple Sec by T.J. Alexander is the story of Mel who enters a polyamorous relationship with Bebe and Kade. Mel is a divorced bartender making her way in NYC and Bebe and Kade live in a very different world. The story is engaging as Mel finds her way in this new relationship and as she finds her way professionally. I enjoyed all of the main characters and taking this journey with these people.

Triple Sec was a quick and enjoyable read on the beach. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest opinion. Triple Sec is available now.

Honestly, this book really opened up my eyes to the world of ethical non-monogamy. I went into it thinking it would be a bit cheesy, with too many bartending puns (I mean -- the title!!), but it ended up being a sweet romance. It was also hot as hell! I love how Alexander treated not only polyamory, but also sex scenes with a transgender/gender nonconforming character. This is becoming a bit more common in queer literature, but it's still not tackled as often in queer romance books, so I applaud them for talking about it without actually talking about it. A wonderful book about how to be more open minded, love more, love big, and find family.

I went into this book blindly and have to say I am so glad I did! This was such a sweet summer read. I also found the insight into open relationships and polyamorous couples to be very interesting. Add this novel into your summer rotation, it will be worth it !!

I really enjoyed this book!

This is only my second time reading about a polyamorous relationship, and this one was way spicier than the one I read earlier this year. While I’m not sure if polyamory would ever be for me, I think this book was written in such a way that I really felt connected to the characters and can absolutely understand why it might be for some people.

I also enjoy TJ’s humor and I felt like the book modeled mutual respect and healthy boundaries among all of the characters.

The spicy scenes were extra spicy and very enjoyable for the reader! I will definitely be checking out more books by this author.

I enjoyed the hell out of this!

Lately I’ve been having a hard time writing reviews. The words just aren’t flowing like I’d like them to, so I’ll keep this short.

I loved the plot, setting and the characters. This book was great and you should absolutely read it!

Thank you to the publisher, Atria for the eARC in exchange for a review.

Wow! What a romantic, sexy, fun, queer read! Mel is a character that I'm sure many people can see in themselves. Burned by their ex, overworked in an industry that is physically and mentally demanding, and scared to love again. But the instant connection she has with Bebe sizzles and soon enough they are learning not just how to love again, but how to love in a different way.

I love the communication between all the characters, those involved romantically and not. They represent a modern, metropolitan queer culture that is not afraid to live their lives proudly, and I love that. I thought the pacing was great, I loved that it was broken up into three parts. I loved getting to see how Mel's relationship developed with Bebe, with Kade, and then with the two of them together.

This was not my first TJ Alexander book and it certainly won't be my last! They have a way of crafting the most heart-warming, enjoyable romances between honestly portrayed queer people!

Triple Sec by T J Alexander is a fun and sweet read that highlights a poly relationship. I absolutely adored these characters and thought that their dynamics were well rounded. Not only did we get the three main characters but also glimpses of other characters that I felt were relevant to the story and were able to piece it together well.

I did find that the only major aspect lacking was that there was very little conflict throughout or that any issues were resolved quickly. This still worked for this book as it is showcasing their relationship over everything else but I feel like there could be more with these characters in the future.

Mel's character being new to poly and having lots of uncertainty helped me as a reader being introduced to a poly relationship and feels very inclusive. There's plenty of ignorance around what a poly relationship is and how it should or shouldn't look and I love that we see Mel trying to understand it in a way that I personally felt was relatable.

I did dislike how Mel and Daniel's friendship was played out. It felt like there was conflict building up between them due to Mel generally ignoring them but it was blown over as if the previous context wasn't relevant.

Overall Mel's character was fun with her bartending skills adding great moments to the story with making interesting drinks (which would have been fun to include some recipes for us) and she wasn't perfect but her conflicts were resolved too simply.

3.5. It was super cute, just wanted a little more depth to the characters.BUT I will say, I loved that this is hopefully becoming more of representation we see in books. I loved reading polyamorous love story. And it felt just so easygoing. The steam was chefs kiss.

This book was such a joy to read. I loved all 3 main characters. They were sweet and lovable and nuanced. It was so cool to see queer and poly rep in romance that doesn’t feel fetishized. Also, I don’t know if I’ve ever read anything let alone a book that made me CRAVE a cocktail… like can I get a Rock Dove please? Can’t wait to recommend this book to friends!

What I enjoyed most about “Triple Sec” was the realism in the conversations and the relationships! The way Mel handled her thought process on her new relationships felt like thoughts someone would have going into something new. There was conflict and concerns and the resolution was talked about through conversation. It made me wish I had partners who actually know how to talk and communicate.

The one thing I wish there was more of in the book was the relationship with between Daniel and Mel. Daniel was a main character in the beginning but I felt that he took as back seat as Bebe and Kade came into the picture. (Yes this does happen in real life relationships). Daniel seemed like an important person to Mel but the second half of the book, I felt like he was just there. Like why wasn’t he at the competition at the end even though he was rooting and helping Mel the whole time.

In the end, this is a book I would highly recommend to someone who loves love and queer love stories. Absolutely loves to see poly and nonbinary characters and storylines in a book! It also left me really wanting a Paloma!

Triple Sec was a delight of a book that pioneers in polyamorous representation in romance and delivers on a steamy and fun read that romance readers and fans of LGBTQ books will enjoy!

Mel Sorrento's dreams of opening her own bar one day have taken a firm backseat to the day-to-day realities as a bartender in one of NYC's premier cocktail bars after her divorce. She has sworn off on love until she meets Bebe, a charismatic and gorgeous customer who flirts with her at the bar. When Bebe's wife, Kade, shows up, and the couple invites Mel to their home for a brunch party, Mel is confused but agrees to attend.

Mel is subsequently brought into their polyamorous world and begins a relationship with Bebe that forces Mel to dream bigger for her own career and reconsider her ban on love. Over time, the dynamics between Mel and Kade begin to shift, and a new kind of relationship forms for all three.

I flew through this book, compelled on by TJ Alexander's effortless writing and the sweet and spicy dynamics between the love interests. The polyamorous, sapphic, and trans representation in this book are all excellent and sorely needed in the romance world. I highly recommend this book as a steamy summer read or a story of growth and love year round. 4.5 stars!