I love TJ Alexander’s books. Triple Sec was excellent. I loved everything about it. Mel, Bebe, and Kade were all wonderful characters and I enjoyed their relationship(s). The mixology aspect of the book was cool as well.

⭐️⭐️⭐️

𝘼 𝙟𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙗𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧 𝙞𝙨 𝙬𝙤𝙤𝙚𝙙 𝙗𝙮 𝙖 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙡𝙮 𝙦𝙪𝙞𝙧𝙠𝙮 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙥𝙡𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙛𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙝 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙨𝙞𝙯𝙯𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙥𝙤𝙡𝙮𝙖𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙨 𝙧𝙤𝙢-𝙘𝙤𝙢, 𝙨𝙚𝙩 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙜𝙡𝙖𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙨 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙝𝙞𝙜𝙝-𝙚𝙣𝙙 𝙘𝙤𝙘𝙠𝙩𝙖𝙞𝙡 𝙗𝙖𝙧𝙨.

📍 Read if you like:
• Quirky Romcoms
• Found Family
• NYC Setting
• LGBTQ+ Rep
• Cocktails

Ahh I’m so sad and bummed that I didn’t love this book as much as I wanted to. The cover immediately grabbed my interest, and the premise mentioning a polyamorous relationship… immediately intrigued.

This book follows a F/F/NB polyamorous relationship… while I thought the romcom was fun itself, I struggled so much with connecting to the characters. The characters were unique and vibrant, and I loved the character growth… I just didn’t feel any spark towards any of the three.

The premise of this book was so unique and I went into it so excited. I feel like I set up too high of expectations. I will say I absolutely loved the cocktail bar setting - made me want to sit out in the sun with a cocktail. While the book was lighthearted and deep, the romance between the characters didn’t work for me.

I absolutely loved the idea and appreciate what the author did, I just didn’t feel a spark towards the book unfortunately… though I’ll still recommend it.

Thank you so much NetGalley and Atria Books for the review copy in exchange for my honest review!

Triple Sec is a super charming romcom exploring polyamory with humor, heart, and earnestness. I really loved how Mel, Bebe, and Kade communicated so openly and honestly with each other through the ups and downs of their dynamic because in 2024 we don't have time for miscommunication!! I could tell these three truly honored and respected each other given the thoughtfulness of their communication. They all balanced each other's strengths and weaknesses as well, making them quite the power throuple. Overall, this was a fun & sweet romance I'd highly recommend for anyone interested in exploring poly relationships in contemporary romance settings!

Thank you to Atria for the review copy, my opinions are my own.

This was an interesting story revolving around Mel, Bebe, and Kade.

It took me a while to get into the story, but I was intrigued enough to carry on reading, and by the time I got to about 60% into the story, I was cheering on the group. I also appreciated the twists and turns that the story took, even if I kinda guessed at some of the twists, not everything went exactly the way I was predicting. I cared about the characters and their feelings.

I recommend it those who like bartender romances, also for those who like experimenting with drinks (there are so many different signature drinks that are discussed - and most of them sound delicious.

Whoa y'all, this book was a fun one! Triple Sec is an incredibly interesting story about a talented bartender who has given up on relationships who enters a cocktail contest and finds love with two incredible people in the process. I think it's one of the best depictions of polyamory that I've read, and I loved reading about how Mel's relationship with Bebe and Kade developed and expanded throughout the book. Super hot and it will make you want to have a cocktail to sip while you read!

Since her divorce, Mel has been struggling. To cope, she has thrown herself into her job as bartender at a trendy bar, and she's totally blindsided when she finds herself bantering with an attractive and flirty patron. She's surprised again when she finds out that the woman, Bebe, is married - but in an open relationship that she very much wants to open to Mel. Bebe and Mel start dating, and she's having a ton of fun, but she's never been in a polyamorous relationship before and is constantly stressing about the "rules". At the same time, she's working on creating the perfect cocktail for a competition that could change her life if she wins. How will Mel deal with all of the changes in her life?

I loved that this book was low angst, sweet, and spicy. There's no third act breakup, and literally the only thing stressful to read is about Mel making things more complicated that they are. Bebe is the shining light of this book - I absolutely loved her character and fell for her alongside Mel. Kade's stoic personality made them a good deal more difficult for me to understand, but I appreciated that their relationship with Mel was more of a slow burn situation after how quickly she got with Bebe. I think that this MIGHT be the first book I've read with a non-binary main character (I've only encountered NB people as side characters before), so that was really cool! Definitely something I need to look for more of. And there's some seriously good, well-written spice y'all.

Triple Sec is a perfect summer read! Mix up a cocktail, head to the pool, and enjoy this awesome read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria for this arc in exchange for an honest review.

I don’t think I’ve ever seen/read a traditionally published contemporary romance featuring a poly couple before this one, so I was so excited to get and read this arc. This was also my first book by TJ Alexander and it certainly won’t be the last!

TJ’s writing style is so fun and so well done. With 3 people included in this relationship it was so important that they all stand on their own as characters and they each had their own clear voice, interests and mannerisms. And the banter between them, in all their configurations, was everything! And let’s not forget that this book is HOT!!! The flirting! The tension! I ate it all up!!

Triple Sec is such a fun book and it kept me intrigued from the first page. And I’m so here for all the queer vibes this summer! So do yourself a favor and pick this book up ASAP.

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for gifting me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This was an incredible read to start off Pride Month with! A hot poly couple turned poly throuple? Say less.

I really liked the characters in this book - from Mel being hesitant about relationships for fear of having her heart broken again, to Bebe being a badass lawyer hellbent on being her full self, to Kade being a silent, neurodivergent artist offering a source of support and comfort.

I enjoyed reading Mel’s personal growth, both romantically and also in her career. The mixology elements were really fun to read, and I liked the way that the contest played out and that there was a strong “fuck corporations” vibe to the story.

This is one of the few queer romances and only one of a handful of poly stories that actually felt realistic and respectful. I fully believed and felt invested in all of the relationships at play within the story.

I highly recommend this to anyone wanting:
🍸 Queer romance
🍸 Nonbinary rep
🍸 Polyamory rep
🍸 Found family
🍸 Witty banter
🍸 Mixology fun
🍸 Learning to love after being burned

While I really enjoyed this book, I do wish there was some more to the subplots of the restaurant takeover and the cocktail contest. I thought the character development was good, but Kade could have been developed and explained a little more. Overall the relationship was wonderful, but I wish some of the plot was explained more. If you are looking for an introduction to poly relationships, nonbinary characters, and love to find some new drink recipes, then this book is for you!

This isn't what I expected but I loved it. The communication between all three of them was so good. It was nice to see Mel develop relationships with Bebe and Kade separately before they all came together. Kade was so sweet in how they told Mel they liked her and wanted to be with her. I just loved all of them together but I wish we got more.

I received an arc through netgalley.

Triple Sec was refreshing and intoxicating like a perfectly balanced cocktail! I’ve enjoyed other books by TJ Alexander, but this one was my favorite by far! I want a sequel!!!!!

I loved this so much!! I love reading books about alternative types of relationships and this is the first time I’ve read one quite like this and I’d love to read even more in the future! I loved Mel, Bebe, & Kade so much and the dynamic between each of them as couples and then as a throuple was so different and I loved how much they were able to express themselves so fully with each other! I also loved Mel’s friendship with Daniel and the emphasis on every type of relationship being just as important as romantic ones! I also really loved how communication was handled throughout the story! The only thing that kept me from giving it a full 5 stars is that by the time it got to the cocktail competition, it seemed a little unimportant but I really loved how everything played out so that’s okay! A definite recommend for me! 🥰

A little late to share my review but better late than never! I love romance novels and Triple Sec was a smash hit for me!

Mel Sorrento, a skillful mixologist, meets Bebe, the total femme fatale lawyer, while working the bar on a busy night. Mel feels like Bebe is flirting with her but quickly learns about Kade - Bebe’s stunning wife and thriving non-binary artist. Mel soon learns there is more to Bebe and Kade’s marriage than one might think.

Without going too much into the plot (because I don’t want to spoil anything for future readers) - I cannot recommend this book enough!

Read this book if you think you might like
- LGBTQIA+ romance 😍
- Paloma’s in the summertime
- a nice Gin & Tonic
- finding love again
- sharing is caring
- tattoos
- terms of endearment
- Best cocktail in NY competition
- forced proximity
- snowed in + power is our = however will we keep warm!

This ARC was provided by the Atria Publishing via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Atria and T.J. Alexander! 😍

I really wanted to love this book. The poly amorous relationship is just too weird for me. Growing up hearing about polygamy and the harm it does. I just couldn't with this book. I tried and failed. I love the author's work. This just wasn't my cup of tea.

Thank you netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review

A jaded bartender is wooed by a charmingly quirky couple in this fresh and sizzling polyamorous rom-com, set in the glamorous world of high-end cocktail bars

Overall this was a fun read, it was my first polyamorous that focused on the actual relationship aspect of the lifestyle vs just the spice. I liked how the characters interacted with each other and witnessing Mel find her way. The only thing I would have loved was if we got an actual POV of Kade and Bebe when they first met Mel at the bar/their condo. I would have loved to have gotten their first impressions.

It was a quick read and I finished in two days so I would definitely rec it.

ARC Review:

This book was so funny and endearing. Each character was so different and yet they worked so well with each other. I could easily picture them all hanging out in real life. From the actual relationship between Mel, Bebe and Kade to the friendship between Mel and Daniel. The woes of the service industry were my favorite bits too! As an ex bartender/server, it was hilarious and sad to read this shared experience told in such a real way. Also, as a New York raised girly pop, I love reading about my city and the very "only in NY" things that happen there. Refreshing, hilarious, heartwarming, eye-opening. This story has it all. Definitely 3 stories for the price of one and I ate it up.

I even purchased the audiobook so I could have a superior reading experience and Jeremy Carlisle Parker, did not disappoint. The voice changes helped me really solidly the characters as I read them.

Also, why is everyone so hot?! My goodness. The flirting! Loved it! Bravo TJ!!!!!!

I did enjoy this book, but overall found the main character to be a little too cliche and underdeveloped. It was still entertaining and made me want to go back to NYC and drink $20 cocktails. I also thought this was a super insightful look into the ups and downs of polyamory, and thought it was done in a tasteful way. The spice was hot, and I ended up falling for all the characters.

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.