Mel is a passionate bartender who swore off love after her wife of 9 years divorced her. That is, until, the sexy Bebe orders a drink with a side of flirt! Mel accepts a brunch invitation and thinks this could be her sign to dip her toe back into dating… until Bebe’s wife, Kade, shows up. Thrown off, Mel still attends the brunch to at least make a new friend, but Bebe continues to flirt with her. That’s when we learn Bebe and Kade have an open marriage, and Mel agrees to start seeing Bebe with the permission of Kade. All is going well, but Mel can’t help but to think Kade doesn’t like her for whatever reason. When the two are forced to spend a weekend snowed in together, the truth about Kade’s feelings come to light.

I enjoyed this novel much more than Alexander’s previous one, Second Chances in New Port Stephens. I think because this one had more spice and a better plot outside of the romance, which in this case is Mel entering a cocktail competition. I appreciated Mel’s questions and resistance to the poly lifestyle. It was a great way for the reader to learn about and become more comfortable with an untraditional style of dating. Each character also had their own unique personalities and it was fun to see them interact and get to know one another as well as help me connect with them. A great read if you’re wanting a poly romance!

Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.5
🌶️🌶️ 2.5

T.J Alexander did a fabulous job with the character development in Triple Sec. They all had such great chemistry and all felt fully developed. Mel is confident, sarcastic, creative )I need those drink recipes!) and considerate. BeBe is vivacious, full of life, and sensual. Kade is introspective, intentional, has the soul of an artist, and observant.

This was my first read with a non-binary main character and I loved them so much once I started to connect with them (they be a bit of a tough shell but they’re such a romantic in their own way). A beautiful journey of self discovery and a polyamorous relationship as well as how they can evolve over time. The open communication was so refreshing (even when it was hard) which showed the good, the bad, and the ugly of relationships instead of just the sunshine and lollipops honeymoon phase. Bebe, Kade and Mel’s relationships are healthy and free of toxicity (yes please)!

I enjoyed how the book was divided into 3 parts which correlated with the progression of their relationship. We ended up with some grumpy x sunshine, forced proximity, opposites attract, and strangers to friends to lovers. The healing and forgiveness that took place over the course of the book and traumas discussed were handled so gently and intentionally and I really appreciated that.

Triple Sec is a fabulous queer, steamy, rom-com. Not only was was I entertained, but I personally learned too

Thank you to NetGalley, T.J. Alexander and Atria/Emily Bestler Books for a gifted e-ARC copy in exchange for honest feedback.

this isn't my normal brand of story, I usually dont like poly relationships so this wasn't really for me. but i look forward to the author's other works

It was the Romy and Michelle reference for me. I enjoyed reading about a relationship different than mine and there was some definite spice. This isn’t my usual genre so I did find myself skimming quite a bit but would definitely recommend for anyone who enjoys romance/spicy/queer/poly stories! Thank to NetGalley for the chance to review

When I saw that @tjalexandernyc’s book was dedicated to “sluts everywhere,” I knew I was in for a treat. In addition to some delightful spice for all gender expressions and sexual identities, you get some delicious cocktail recipes AND a nuanced and educational polyamorous romance that gives the relationship type more respect than your average “why choose?”

(Disclaimer: I am not poly so cannot speak to whether it’s an ‘authentic’ representation, but it seemed like the whole point was that there isn’t one way to do it or represent it. Also, you have to talk about all your feelings.)

Triple Sec is out June 4 and it is a well-balanced, citrusy delight.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶🌶🌶/5
🍸🎨❄️🗽🕊️/5

CW: divorce, misgendering micro-aggressions, the use of the term “mixology” for cocktails, modern art

I have been waiting for someone to write this book, and TJ Alexander absolutely nailed it. I loved every character, every twist and turn of the plot. Mel, the protagonist, is relatable and loveable. We meet her after she's been burned by romantic love, but is happily living with her best friend. Her introduction to polyamory is believable, and the love built is everything a romance reader could want. I cannot recommend this book highly enough to everyone, but especially to folks who are looking for a romance that honors people all over the gender spectrum and those who have been searching for a gorgeous story of poly love. This was a masterpiece.

First thanks so much to Atria books and TJ Alexander for sending me this ARC in exchange for my review.

I have been DYING for a queer romance novel with GOOD poly rep and I was NOT disappointed with this book! It was hot, sexy, and so sweet that I couldn’t put it down. By the dedication I knew I was gonna enjoy it and by the end of the first chapter, I was hooked. These characters are delightful and funny and complicated and I was rooting for them the entire time. I love a good use of a snowstorm to throw people together and make them sort their shit. All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and cannot wait to have a physical copy in my hands!!

Just like TJ Alexander's other books, this was great! I think they did a great job balancing all the relationships in this book, especially considering the length of it, and I just really loved all these characters.

I recently had the pleasure of reading "Triple Sec" by TJ Alexander, and I must say it was a delightful journey into the world of polyamorous romance and comedy. Alexander's storytelling is refreshing and heartwarming, offering a unique perspective on relationships that goes beyond the conventional.

The protagonist, a female bartender, adds a layer of authenticity to the narrative, bringing a relatable and down-to-earth quality to the story. The dynamic between the female bartender and the couple, consisting of a female and non-binary spouse, is both charming and captivating. Alexander skillfully explores the complexities of polyamorous relationships with a touch of humor, making the reader feel a genuine connection with the characters.

One of the standout aspects of "Triple Sec" is its representation of diverse relationships. The inclusion of a non-binary spouse adds an important layer of inclusivity to the narrative, making it a truly modern and progressive rom-com. The characters are well-developed, and their interactions are filled with genuine emotion and witty banter.

TJ Alexander's writing style is engaging, with a perfect balance of humor and heart. The dialogue flows naturally, and the pacing keeps you hooked from start to finish. The author's ability to address the intricacies of polyamory with sensitivity and humor is commendable, making "Triple Sec" a standout in the romance genre.

In conclusion, "Triple Sec" is a must-read for anyone looking for a fresh take on romance and relationships. TJ Alexander has crafted a story that is not only entertaining but also thought-provoking, challenging societal norms in the most delightful way. I highly recommend this book to readers who appreciate diverse love stories and a good dose of laughter.

This was my second TJ Alexander book, and I once again have pretty mildly positive opinion of their work. It was fun and pretty quick to read (I read about a third of it in an hour on a plane). It's one of the first in likely many mainstream poly romances, so it was at times didactic and definitely focused on the concept of polyamory as a main part of the plot, instead of it being an incidental fact about the characters. I think once we have a handful of books like this that introduce polyamory to the mainstream romance industry, we'll be able to have more books where the author doesn't have to explain basic polyamory concepts.

I agree with some other reviewers that Mel's anguish over her divorce was a bit hard to fully grasp--we never got a full concept of WHAT happened and WHY it's affecting her the way that it is. All of that exposition can be hard to show instead of tell since it all happened way in the past, but it still felt a little flat.

I'm taking away a whole star for the scene where Mel verbally abuses an airport lounge waitress, and the fact that Kade then ends up citing that as a reason they've fallen in love with her. Truly brutal scene and absolutely not a good representation of what one should do when their companion has been misgendered by a stranger.

Luckily, the book was then immediately saved by the appearance of the "snowed into a cabin and they have to huddle for warmth" trope--that was definitely my favorite section of the book. You could see every part of it coming a mile away but that only made the anticipation build and made me eager to keep reading.

Overall, if you like cute silly queer romance novels, this one will probably be up your alley!

Pour yourself a drink and settle into the intoxicating world of 'Triple Sec' by TJ Alexander! I had never read any of their books, but now, I am going to devour their entire catalog.

This polyamorous rom-com brings you three love stories and focuses on Mel, a bartender, and her adjustment to non-ethical monogamy. I also loved that this book takes us behind the scenes of high-end cocktail bars. I loved hearing and reading about the wonderful cocktails that Mel made.

Alexander kicks off with Mel's skepticism about love, shattered relationships, and a chance encounter with the enchanting Bebe, who has a wife. As Bebe introduces Mel to the realm of polyamory, the story unfolds with many expected and some unexpected twists and turns.

Bebe gave me my favorite quote from this book: "I made bottoming an art form." BRAVO Bebe! Wooohooo.

All of the characters, but particularly her wife Kade, are beautifully written, and their chemistry leaps off the pages. The characters are very multi-layered and I loved how they addressed the good, the bad and the ugly of being in this kind of relationship. Every word helps to contribute to the overall authenticity of the story.

While the plot is lighthearted and fun, it also delves into the complexities of being in a polyamorous relationship. Alexander skillfully explores themes of forgiveness, self-discovery, and the multifaceted nature of love.

In 'Triple Sec,' Alexander not only serves up a refreshing romance but also celebrates the joy of queer community and the expansive nature of real love. This novel is a must-read for those seeking a blend of humor, passion, and a unique exploration of relationships.

Thank you Netgalley and Atria books for three e-arc. My opinions are my own. I already loved tjs previous books but this was absolutely their best work yet. I loved a trad published poly book. I appreciated the drinks I literally got thirsty and want to try them all. Also loved the way things were explained and how fluid it wad even with the "rules"

Loved I need this book on my shelf

**ARC provided by NetGalley for an honest review**

The overall premise of Triple Sec is a great one. Divorced bartender meets a beautiful woman who happens to be poly. I was excited to see a romance novel take on polyamory, but this book... didn't quite feel like "it". I won't harp on that because I am not poly, so I won't take the space that a poly person could take to comment on that aspect of the book.

I will, however, comment on the writing. The relationship itself was handled just fine, the conflicts that came up felt trite and like self-sabotage, which just made me frustrated with Mel. Mel is afraid of falling in love again because of her divorce, but that surface level answer is all we get for the majority of the book, which makes it hard to root for Mel in any way. We don't know why this was such a great tragedy for Mel, or why it shattered her view of love, and thus her moving past it and into this new relationship just felt... meh. Mel as a whole feels meh, and Bebe is too perfect, and Kade is trying too hard to be a mystery - and I say all of this because they are too obviously one-dimensional characters. There was no push or conflict to move the story along, it was all Too Convenient. I absolutely hate when people review queer books saying it's "unrealistic" to see so many specific types of queer people, but I think it was hard to swallow that suddenly after meeting Bebe, Mel realizes her BEST FRIEND is also poly, and all of these folks from her past crop up that happened to also be poly and "oh, I had no idea!". It is absolutely realistic to have this many poly folks in the real world, obviously, but it was so poorly done in this book that it just made Mel seem like a low-key crap person that never took interest in even her best friend's life. How do you root for that person to have a happy and healthy relationship of any kind??

This was a super fun read and I loved the characterizations of all three main characters. It's great to see a queer, poly romance getting so much attention!

requested and received an ARC of Triple Sec from Atria Books via Netgalley. I’ve seen this title floating around on “Most Anticipated” queer romance lists and was intrigued. Typically, I’m an M/M reader, but I love romance and diving into the waters of queer femmes and nonbinary folk was definitely a wonderful experience. I was hooked from the first chapter! Mel is a divorced bartender working in a trendy NYC cocktail lounge, which is where she first meets Bebe, a warm and bubbly, curvy power-lesbian who charms the reader from her first appearance. The chemistry between the two women is off-the-charts and the flirting almost made me wish I were a lesbian (try not to be seduced by Bebe!) Mel grapples with confusion when she realizes that Bebe is married to Kade, the seemingly aloof nonbinary artist. Her worry is soon put to rest when she is assured that Bebe and Kade have an open marriage.

I really thought this was a fun and unique romance. I enjoyed the characters, particularly the early scenes where Mel was sort of in awe of Bebe and Kade’s lifestyle (I mean class disparity here, btw.) The story never dulls, but I did find myself craving some sort of drama within the pages. There is a misunderstanding between two of the partners, but this doesn’t occupy much space in the narrative. There is almost a moment of violence in the novel between two men, who are in no way central to the story, that one of the characters inserts themselves in (and resolves) that felt a little bit too much of a stretch for that took me out of the story (I thought it would be followed up with some sort of statement on avoiding danger or maybe about certain privileges in navigating those situations, but it never came up.) For me, the second half of the novel was perhaps a bit too predictable and things came together too neatly. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, it is romance after all, but I thought perhaps a bit more angst thrown in there would have made the final result more satisfying.

All things considered, this was a sweet and funny romance. There are steamy moments, though I tended to sort of skim through these. I found the story refreshing! Polyamory isn’t something I typically seek in romance novels, but I thought this was well done and spoke to many common insecurities one might have about it. I think this novel has great appeal and between Mel, Bebe, and Kade there’s someone for us all to swoon after. Me? I’m a Kade fan. Sarcastic, sensitive and a little aloof? Sign me up. Then again, I was rather partial to Bebe’s relentless sunshine as well!

Triple Sec was a cute, fun, steamy at times, romance that follows Mel as she develops a relationship with Bebe and Kade.
This was my first time reading about a poly relationship and I think that TJ Alexander did a great job explaining the nuisances of the relationship and I feel like I came out of this book learning something. I really appreciate their representation of people from the LGBTQIA+ community. On top of that, the plot was light hearted and enjoyable, focusing on a bartender and a cocktail competition. The romance between the characters was also fun and I really enjoyed their banter. There are three steamy scenes total in this book and the author did not hold back! Overall, a great romance read!

I started this book, and could not get into it. I’m not a lover of third person POV, so maybe I was a little bias, but there was just no hook or anything in the beginning to get me wanting to read. I wanted to like it because I like the permits and I’m usually into books with this description or genre, but it was a soft no for me:

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

What a fun, quick read! I haven't dabbled into queer romance much, but I loved the plot and the characters. As a recently-divorced straight woman just starting to date again, I was surprised I connected to Mel's struggles and thoughts at first, but watching her blossom as she rediscovered herself has been quite inspiring to me on my journey.

Plenty of on-page action. Lovable characters. And I wish it came with a cocktail recipe book because they sound delicious!

I read an arc of TJ’s book, Second Chances in Newport Steven in the fall and it quickly became one of my favorite books in 2023. I’m pleased to announce that Triple Sec is just as good and possibly even better! I hate to compare the two since I loved them both so much, so I won’t pick a favorite of the two.

I have so much love for these characters and their love. Every interaction between any of them left me feeling so warm. They had moments of poor communication, but it felt so human. And they always worked through it together like adults. IT WAS SO REFRESHING TO READ. I genuinely would read another five books just filled with little adventures they have together.

I really appreciated how intentional this books felt with how it talked about and handled the conversations around gender identity and sexuality. I loved it, really.

I’ve never read a poly romance before (I don’t know why, since my biggest complaint with love triangles is that they aren’t all just in love with each other), but I see that changing after I read this book. I love TJ and their writing and how they build these characters up.

I also really enjoyed that they all had lives outside of their relationship. Too often, romance books have very one dimensional characters who have no life outside of their partner, and I really like how this book wasn’t like that. They each had something else that gave them character and life. There was a plot to follow and a story to tell.

I will gladly and quickly read anything TJ writes from now on until FOREVER THANK YOU AND GOODNIGHT

Wow. Funny, sweet, super sexy romance with LGBTQIA+ characters…this one hits all the right notes if you’re open minded enough for it. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it was the first time that I have read anything by this author, but I will definitely be looking for more work from them in the future..