Name: Triple Sec
ISBN: 9781668021989

TJ Alexander

A jaded bartender is wooed by a charmingly quirky couple in this fresh and sizzling polyamorous rom-com, set in the exclusive world of high-end cocktail bars—from the acclaimed author of the “tender, decadent, and sparklingly funny” (Lana Harper, New York Times bestselling author) Chef’s Choice. As a bartender at Terror & Virtue, a swanky New York City cocktail lounge known for its romantic atmosphere and Insta-worthy drinks, Mel has witnessed plenty of disastrous dates. That, coupled with her own romantic life being in shambles, has Mel convinced love doesn’t exist. Everything changes when Bebe walks into the bar. She’s beautiful, funny, knows her whiskeys—and is happily married to her partner, Kade. Mel’s resigned to forget the whole thing, but Bebe makes her a unique offer: since she and Kade have an open marriage, she’s interested in taking Mel on a date. What starts as a fun romp turns into a burgeoning relationship, and soon Mel is trying all sorts of things she’d been avoiding, from grand romantic gestures to steamy exploits. Mel even gets the self-confidence to enter a cocktail competition that would make her dream of opening her own bar a reality. In the chaotic whirl of all these new experiences, Mel realizes there might be a spark between her and Kade, too. As Bebe, Kade, and Mel explore their connections, Mel begins to think that real love might be more expansive than she ever thought possible. With TJ Alexander’s signature “witty and insightful voice, complex characters, and full-throated celebration of the joy of queer community” (Ava Wilder, author of How to Fake It in Hollywood), Triple Sec is a passionate, thirst-quenching love story that will have you asking for another round…or three.

A Novel

Triple Sec

Lindsay

Play the field all you like, but don’t play dirty— that was her feeling.

The woman’s eyes— a deep hazel that reminded Mel of Central Park in autumn—

First dates were the worst. It was like having a job interview where you were also expected to be hot.

“Do you ask all your first dates how much of a top they are?”

“I’m scared of lots of things. Needles. Spiders. Not knowing if the dog is going to die at the end.”

“There’s nothing more romantic than allowing your partner what they need, I think.”

“Jealousy isn’t a failing. It’s a feeling like any other.

“Your piece is clearly thought out. Meaningful. Most of mine were just something to do.”

“Does that make them any less meaningful?” Kade’s brow furrowed. “It’s still art, even if it’s idle.”

“Blue used all pronouns. They used to say it was the closest they could get to describing the infinite spirit inside them.”

This was really good! Well-written adult Queer romance. Characters all in their 30s. I thought it was a nicely developed plot-line. Hardly any spice, but the few scenes that were there were written well. 

Sophia 

First read of pride month how fitting! I'm just now realizing that although I've read books with different relationship dynamics I have yet to read a clear fully poly book. Now im not sure if this is the first of its kind, the first in Trad pub or merely the first that ive come across but it's pretty neat. I had a great time reading this! One thing, I would've loved more exploration into the backgrounds and beings of the love interests and also more in-depth exploration of the main characters previous relationship and it's subsequent end. The book seemed to be focused mainly on polyamory and it's exploration which is still a worthy cause and on that front I feel the author delivered. There is no one set way to be queer in whatever capacity and the more representation in mainstream media the better. This was such a fun read I sped right through it. If you're looking for books to add to your pride month tbr definitely check this one out!

Opus Clopus

 *netgalley arc*

First read of pride month how fitting! I'm just now realizing that although I've read books with different relationship dynamics I have yet to read a clear fully poly book. Now im not sure if this is the first of its kind, the first in Trad pub or merely the first that ive come across but it's pretty neat. I had a great time reading this! One thing, I would've loved more exploration into the backgrounds and beings of the love interests and also more in-depth exploration of the main characters previous relationship and it's subsequent end. The book seemed to be focused mainly on polyamory and it's exploration which is still a worthy cause and on that front I feel the author delivered. There is no one set way to be queer in whatever capacity and the more representation in mainstream media the better. This was such a fun read I sped right through it. If you're looking for books to add to your pride month tbr definitely check this one out!

This was my first by TJ Alexander and now I need them all

❓ #QOTD What's your favorite drink (non-alcoholic or cocktail)? 

🦇 Post-divorce, Mel is now a jaded bartender at Terror & Virtue; a swanky cocktail lounge in NYC that gives the bar staff little room for creativity. There, Mel meets Bebe; beautiful, funny, and all too enchanting. Oh, and Bebe's partner, Kade. Mel tries to put meeting the bubbly beauty out of her mind until Bebe makes a unique offer: she wants to take Mel on a date. So begins Mel's first steps into the polyamorous world, prompting Mel to open her long trampled-on heart. While Mel balances shifts and dates with Bebe, she contemplates entering a cocktail competition to turn the dream of opening her own bar into a reality. But what if it all becomes too much at once?

💜 So, TJ Alexander is now a new auto-buy, a new fave, a new literary love. There are some books you have to read for chapters and chapters before you fall into the voice, before you recognize the main character's tone and inflictions and moods. The essence of Mel, from that very page, is both familiar and foreign, as most bartenders are. That's what makes them easy to talk to. Alexander's word choice is easy and enthralling; a comfort. Each character lives off the page until they're telling the story alongside you, from Bebe's bubbly personality to Kade's soft stoicism. This book is so beautifully, unapologetically, and above all NATURALLY queer. It's as refreshing as the palomas Mel loves (hopefully, since I wouldn't know), smooth and citrusy, sparkling and fun. I'm sad that I had to reach the end, even though the story's ending quenched my thirst after a long drought of 'meh' reads.

💜 Alexander provides a healthy, comforting, realistic glimpse into the polyamorous world. Each amendment to the written agreement Mel and Bebe began with showed us Mel's development as she opened her heart a little bit more with each chapter. I adored Mel's reason that many people she already knew (including her own roommate and best friend) were in poly relationships. Even though it took Mel by surprise, the actual existence of these relationships was natural. Alexander provides so many small glimpses into this world, inviting readers to understand different dynamics and arrangements, but there are bigger themes at play that I wish we delved into more for Mel's sake. For example, the analogy that relationships are gardens we must tend to, less they wilt. While Mel decides to put more of an effort into her friendship with Daniel, we only see two small attempts (a brief conversation and her meeting Daniel's paramour).

💜 Mel's trip with Kade was everything, providing us with an opportunity to focus on Kade's microexpressions and inner workings. I honestly could have lived in that chapter far longer. Maybe we can get a prequel, with Kade and Bebe and Blue, from Kade's point of view? I understand too well, being the person who feels so, so much but doesn't always show it. The commentary on jealous, their reasoning behind Bebe calling them "wife," their reaction to Mel defending them when so many people misgendered them at the airport; everything. Kade's smallest gestures had the biggest impact, including their urging for Mel to TALK with them and Bebe instead of getting upset over a minor mistake. Communication is a big theme in this book, in the BEST way. Bebe and Kade urge Mel to process her thoughts and feelings, even when Mel tends to fight them. Again, a wonderful portrayal of a healthy relationship. 

💙 As captivating as Alexander's voice and wordplay were, I feel like some moments were rushed through. We don't get much of a chance to linger on the development of the relationships, HOW the feelings came about, instead moving quickly from the first date to Mel's unexpected attachment to Bebe, then again from the snow trip to amending the agreement once to include Kade to eventually the final amendment. There was just a bit too much tell and not enough show for me. Also, can we get some of Mel's recipes, pretty please?

🦇 Recommended to fans of Casey McQuiston and Alexandria Bellefleur.

🦇 Major thanks to the author and publisher for providing an ARC of this book via Netgalley. 🥰 This does not affect my opinion regarding the book. #TripleSec

❝ "There’s a difference between feeling something and letting it consume you.” ❞

❝ 'Just’ friends makes it sound like something lesser. Easier. I don’t think it is. It’s still a garden that needs tending, even if it’s growing something else. In some other season.” ❞

❝ “Blue used all pronouns. They used to say it was the closest they could get to describing the infinite spirit inside them.” ❞

❝ “You grow up, thinking, ‘If only I can find the one person I can be with for the rest of my life, if only I can get a house with a yard, as long as I am living the most normal, blameless life, then that will show ’em. You know? You think you have to tick all these boxes. That your relationship has to look a certain way. Even if you’re—no, especially if you’re queer. There’s so much pressure to do the right thing.” ❞

❝ The boot shape of Italy stared back at her, reminding her of Pompeii. She had roots in a disaster zone; she’d been born into it. Maybe, instead of running from it, she could stand still, face the eruption, and embrace whatever came. ❞

Jazelle H

🦇 Triple Sec Book Review 🦇

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

❓ #QOTD What's your favorite drink (non-alcoholic or cocktail)? 
 
🦇 Post-divorce, Mel is now a jaded bartender at Terror & Virtue; a swanky cocktail lounge in NYC that gives the bar staff little room for creativity. There, Mel meets Bebe; beautiful, funny, and all too enchanting. Oh, and Bebe's partner, Kade. Mel tries to put meeting the bubbly beauty out of her mind until Bebe makes a unique offer: she wants to take Mel on a date. So begins Mel's first steps into the polyamorous world, prompting Mel to open her long trampled-on heart. While Mel balances shifts and dates with Bebe, she contemplates entering a cocktail competition to turn the dream of opening her own bar into a reality. But what if it all becomes too much at once?

💜 So, TJ Alexander is now a new auto-buy, a new fave, a new literary love. There are some books you have to read for chapters and chapters before you fall into the voice, before you recognize the main character's tone and inflictions and moods. The essence of Mel, from that very page, is both familiar and foreign, as most bartenders are. That's what makes them easy to talk to. Alexander's word choice is easy and enthralling; a comfort. Each character lives off the page until they're telling the story alongside you, from Bebe's bubbly personality to Kade's soft stoicism. This book is so beautifully, unapologetically, and above all NATURALLY queer. It's as refreshing as the palomas Mel loves (hopefully, since I wouldn't know), smooth and citrusy, sparkling and fun. I'm sad that I had to reach the end, even though the story's ending quenched my thirst after a long drought of 'meh' reads.

💜 Alexander provides a healthy, comforting, realistic glimpse into the polyamorous world. Each amendment to the written agreement Mel and Bebe began with showed us Mel's development as she opened her heart a little bit more with each chapter. I adored Mel's reason that many people she already knew (including her own roommate and best friend) were in poly relationships. Even though it took Mel by surprise, the actual existence of these relationships was natural. Alexander provides so many small glimpses into this world, inviting readers to understand different dynamics and arrangements, but there are bigger themes at play that I wish we delved into more for Mel's sake. For example, the analogy that relationships are gardens we must tend to, less they wilt. While Mel decides to put more of an effort into her friendship with Daniel, we only see two small attempts (a brief conversation and her meeting Daniel's paramour).

💜 Mel's trip with Kade was everything, providing us with an opportunity to focus on Kade's microexpressions and inner workings. I honestly could have lived in that chapter far longer. Maybe we can get a prequel, with Kade and Bebe and Blue, from Kade's point of view? I understand too well, being the person who feels so, so much but doesn't always show it. The commentary on jealous, their reasoning behind Bebe calling them "wife," their reaction to Mel defending them when so many people misgendered them at the airport; everything. Kade's smallest gestures had the biggest impact, including their urging for Mel to TALK with them and Bebe instead of getting upset over a minor mistake. Communication is a big theme in this book, in the BEST way. Bebe and Kade urge Mel to process her thoughts and feelings, even when Mel tends to fight them. Again, a wonderful portrayal of a healthy relationship. 

💙 As captivating as Alexander's voice and wordplay were, I feel like some moments were rushed through. We don't get much of a chance to linger on the development of the relationships, HOW the feelings came about, instead moving quickly from the first date to Mel's unexpected attachment to Bebe, then again from the snow trip to amending the agreement once to include Kade to eventually the final amendment. There was just a bit too much tell and not enough show for me. Also, can we get some of Mel's recipes, pretty please?

🦇 Recommended to fans of Casey McQuiston and Alexandria Bellefleur.

✨ The Vibes ✨
🍸 Delightfully Queer
🍸 Polyamorous Relationships
🍸 No Third-Act Breakup
🍸 Cocktail Competition
🍸 Contemporary Romance
🍸 Smut

🦇 Major thanks to the author and publisher for providing an ARC of this book via Netgalley. 🥰 This does not affect my opinion regarding the book. #TripleSec

💬 Quotes 
❝ "There’s a difference between feeling something and letting it consume you.” ❞
❝ 'Just’ friends makes it sound like something lesser. Easier. I don’t think it is. It’s still a garden that needs tending, even if it’s growing something else. In some other season.” ❞
❝ “Blue used all pronouns. They used to say it was the closest they could get to describing the infinite spirit inside them.” ❞
❝ “You grow up, thinking, ‘If only I can find the one person I can be with for the rest of my life, if only I can get a house with a yard, as long as I am living the most normal, blameless life, then that will show ’em. You know? You think you have to tick all these boxes. That your relationship has to look a certain way. Even if you’re—no, especially if you’re queer. There’s so much pressure to do the right thing.” ❞
❝ The boot shape of Italy stared back at her, reminding her of Pompeii. She had roots in a disaster zone; she’d been born into it. Maybe, instead of running from it, she could stand still, face the eruption, and embrace whatever came. ❞

"triple sec" is a charming polyamorous rom-com where mel, a bartender at a fancy bar in new york, is enamored with bebe, a captivating and flirtatious lawyer—who is actually married to kade. as it turns out, bebe and kade have an open marriage, so mel agrees to go out with bebe for some casual, no-strings-attached fun, until she inevitably catches feelings. what follows is a beautiful story about opening your heart up to the possibility of falling in love and a wonderful dynamic between mel, bebe, and kade. i absolutely loved this book and completely ate it up, and i'm pretty sure tj alexander will become one of my auto-buy authors after this. whether you've read polyamorous romances before or you're just starting to dip your toes, i would absolutely recommend "triple sec"! thanks to netgalley and atria books for the advanced copy. "triple sec" comes out june 4th!

Triple Sec A Novel

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