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.

WHY had I never read any TJ Alexander books before?! This book was everything I could have hoped for in a queer romance AND more!!!!

Quick synopsis: Our main character, Mel, is a bartender, semi recently divorced, and rooming with her best queer friend, just floating through her life. Avoiding any big love, and any big risks after her life went another direction than she expected.

But! Mel’s outlook changes when she meets Bebe… and her wife Kade. Since they’re in an open marriage, Bebe wants to take Mel on a date. As they date and Mel opens herself up to a new world, new possibilities and the idea that maybe love does exist (even if it looks nothing like she’s used to!). Mel notices a spark between her and Kade, too. The story unfolds as Mel, Bebe and Kade explore their connections, grow together, and learn (a lot) together.

Some of the major pieces I LOVED in this book are:
• The inherent queerness in all of the story. the characters are all queer without it being “a thing” or needing to come out. It normalizes being queer in a way I’m not used to, and it was amazing.

• I loved to see and experience a poly relationship through the loving characters in the book. Showing love in a positive, healthy, poly relationships that encourages growth was A+.

• The storyline was cute, the dates were fun, and the side characters were charming and funny too.

• Easy to read and upbeat. I read this one in just a few days!


This is a 5 star book for me :) I definitely recommend.

"Triple Sec" delivered an incredible love story that explored the dynamics of a relationship between three people. The portrayal of a slightly different type of love was refreshing, and I appreciated the depth it brought to the narrative.

The struggles Mel, Kade, and Bebe had to overcome added a compelling layer to the plot. While I noticed some lags in the story, I thoroughly enjoyed the journey, rooting for the characters as they navigated their challenges and eventually reached a happy ending.

One standout aspect was the well-crafted spicy scenes that were indeed the chef's kiss. They added a tasteful and passionate element to the narrative, contributing to the overall enjoyment of the book.

3.25 stars

I am all for more poly representation in romance novels but this one unfortunately missed the mark for me. All of the characters felt so flat and had zero chemistry. The main character, Mel, was constantly complaining and acting like she was better than everyone. In the beginning of the book it seemed like she couldn't understand poly relationships (as shown by a lot of the conversations with her roommate) but as soon as she was in one she was fully on board. To me this just really emphasized how self-centered she was. Mel's only fleshed out personality trait was "bartender". I understand that this was an important part of the plot but it felt like that was all she ever talked or thought about. She gave off the vibe of someone who goes into a restaurant and tries to connect with the servers by saying they're in the industry and then is an absolute menace.

I really wanted to like this one since it brings something new to the genre but I just felt like it wasn't done as well as it could've been

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria for the ARC!

T.J. Alexander books are just fun. And queer. What more could you want? This is no exception, and I loved reading about Mel, Kade, and Bebe.

The competition angle, the falling for your partner's partner, the staunch denial of falling for both people? It all worked for me and I really enjoyed this one. The characters were super fun, and I found myself wanting to know everything about every person that appeared on the page, but especially Kade. They were my favorite.

This one is a super fun read!

Get Ready to Be Bottoms Up for Triple Sec by TJ Alexander!

Triple Sec is a book unlike any other that I have read in my life. This book is officially the first poly rom-com that I have ever had the pleasure of reading and it blew me away! Mel, our main character in the spotlight, is a bartender who develops an acute interest in a bar patron, Bebe, one evening. The only issue is that Bebe just so happens to be married to the genderfluid Kade. However, Bebe & Kade, have an open marriage, and after a little self-reflection, Mel decides to give a date with Bebe a chance.

This book starts a bit slower than I was anticipating, but it builds a great understanding of the characters. Once the setting and the backgrounds are established this book takes a warp drive into the salacious life of Mel as she explores this new opportunity. Mel, like many main characters, is dealing with some emotional baggage. I felt pulled into Mel's mind so fully that I truly was FEELING everything that she was going through. I found myself laughing at loud at some of the comical elements of this story and through it all rooting for Mel, Bebe, and Kade.

These characters are so loveable. Kade in particular has to be my favorite after finishing this story. (SHH don't tell Mel or Bebe because we aren't supposed to have favorites, but I will protect Kade with my life). TJ Alexander's writing style is going to have readers head over heels for these characters and I found myself hoping that we might get more stories from this world (looking at you Daniel boy!).

All in all, this book is going to take 2024 by storm and I know readers are truly going to want a "double" of this story!

This was really cute! I liked the ending tied together with the title and relationship. I loved Kade's character most and how their relationship with the main character developed. The start was a little slow and then things got really fast, I wish the middle and ending had been longer! Can't wait to see what comes next from this author

Triple Sec by TJ Alexander is a cute rom-com that follows protagonist Mel as she learns to trust and love again following her divorce. Mel, who has sworn off romance, loves being a bartender at the upscale bar & lounge that she works at; one evening at work she meets Bebe, a beautiful lawyer that Mel can't keep her eyes off of. After Bebe introduces Mel to her wife Kade, and explains their poly marriage, Mel and Bebe begin a casual fling that quickly becomes more.
I don't usually read poly romances, but I did enjoy this author's previous book Second Chances in New Port Stephen, so I wanted to give this one a shot, and I'm glad I did. A well written story and likeable characters made this a fun, quirky read. This was definitely a little cheesy at times, and there were some unnecessary small side plots, but I did really enjoy this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of Triple Sec in exchange for my honest review.

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.