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lololovesthings's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
4 stars!
TJ Alexander is one of my favorite authors, so I was excited to read "Triple Sec." It didn't disappoint! I thoroughly enjoyed this F/F/NB romance book. I feel like I learned a lot about the poly lifestyle I wasn't aware of before reading this book. I now realize that there is more honesty and open communication involved than I had previously thought, complete with mutual written agreements and frequent check-ins between all parties concerned. Rules for the relationship are written out ahead of time and are frequently updated and changed as the situation evolves and grows between the main characters, Mel, Bebe, and her wife Kade. I found myself drawn to each of these three characters for different reasons, both individually and while they are together. Mel is passionate about her job as a bartender. It's not just about a bar job for her: mixology is her passion, what makes her soul feel alive. She is divorced and a bit jaded in love. When Bebe walks into her life, all of that changes as their connection is instant, the chemistry between them palpable. Then, Bebe's wife Kade walks into the bar, and Mel's hopes are dashed. Still, she sees this as an opportunity to make friends and takes them up on their brunch offer. Imagine Mel's surprise when Bebe asks her to join their poly relationship. At first, Bebe asks Mel to be her girlfriend. Eventually, over time, Kade joins in the mix. I found myself drawn to these characters as each of them grows during their time together in their own way. The book explores more than just what a poly relationship is like. It explores the notion of gender fluidity, radical acceptance, and monogamy and heterosexuality as the "standard." Mel challenges her definition of "love" and what a"relationship" is, finding it much broader than she initially thought. The steam in this book is sooooo delicious! I laughed quite a bit at the banter between these three characters as well. Overall, a well-written, thoughtful, sexy, boozy delight!
Thank you to NetGalley, TJ Alexander, Atria Books, and Atria/Emily Bestler Books for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
TJ Alexander is one of my favorite authors, so I was excited to read "Triple Sec." It didn't disappoint! I thoroughly enjoyed this F/F/NB romance book. I feel like I learned a lot about the poly lifestyle I wasn't aware of before reading this book. I now realize that there is more honesty and open communication involved than I had previously thought, complete with mutual written agreements and frequent check-ins between all parties concerned. Rules for the relationship are written out ahead of time and are frequently updated and changed as the situation evolves and grows between the main characters, Mel, Bebe, and her wife Kade. I found myself drawn to each of these three characters for different reasons, both individually and while they are together. Mel is passionate about her job as a bartender. It's not just about a bar job for her: mixology is her passion, what makes her soul feel alive. She is divorced and a bit jaded in love. When Bebe walks into her life, all of that changes as their connection is instant, the chemistry between them palpable. Then, Bebe's wife Kade walks into the bar, and Mel's hopes are dashed. Still, she sees this as an opportunity to make friends and takes them up on their brunch offer. Imagine Mel's surprise when Bebe asks her to join their poly relationship. At first, Bebe asks Mel to be her girlfriend. Eventually, over time, Kade joins in the mix. I found myself drawn to these characters as each of them grows during their time together in their own way. The book explores more than just what a poly relationship is like. It explores the notion of gender fluidity, radical acceptance, and monogamy and heterosexuality as the "standard." Mel challenges her definition of "love" and what a"relationship" is, finding it much broader than she initially thought. The steam in this book is sooooo delicious! I laughed quite a bit at the banter between these three characters as well. Overall, a well-written, thoughtful, sexy, boozy delight!
Thank you to NetGalley, TJ Alexander, Atria Books, and Atria/Emily Bestler Books for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol
Moderate: Transphobia, Ableism, and Homophobia
frankijace's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Rating: 5/5 stars
I received an ARC of this book in a trade.
This is my first time reading a book about a polyamorous group that was written by someone who openly identifies as queer. And let me tell you, this author did not disappoint. In fact, far from it - I wish I could give 6 stars. This is currently one of my favorite reads of 2024 so far. I don't know if people understand how important GOOD representation of polyamory is, and how hard it is to find. Not only how the dynamics work, but how it's okay to be figuring it out as you go. This book normalizes that sexuality is ever fluid and changing, even in your 30's and later. I definitely recommend this book for the laughs, the hope, and the representation alone.
I received an ARC of this book in a trade.
This is my first time reading a book about a polyamorous group that was written by someone who openly identifies as queer. And let me tell you, this author did not disappoint. In fact, far from it - I wish I could give 6 stars. This is currently one of my favorite reads of 2024 so far. I don't know if people understand how important GOOD representation of polyamory is, and how hard it is to find. Not only how the dynamics work, but how it's okay to be figuring it out as you go. This book normalizes that sexuality is ever fluid and changing, even in your 30's and later. I definitely recommend this book for the laughs, the hope, and the representation alone.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Transphobia, Homophobia, Ableism, and Sexual content
Moderate: Cursing
Misgenderingsdupont's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This book will have you wanting to grab a nice cold cocktail while you read. I enjoyed this book, it was a fun and light quick read. I liked the dynamics between Mel, Kade, and Bebe. This book did leave me wanting more though, I wish there was a little more emotional depth on the page (and a few more spicy scenes because the ones that were in the book were fab). This is a great book for people wanting to dive into their first book involving a polyamorous relationship. I think fans of Love & Other Disasters by Anita Kelly would enjoy this one.
*I received the ARC for free from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
*I received the ARC for free from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
Content Warnings
Moderate: Transphobia and Homophobia
Minor: Ableism
bookishmillennial's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
disclaimer: I don’t really give starred reviews. I hope my reviews provide enough information to let you know if a book is for you or not. Find me here: https://linktr.ee/bookishmillennial
This book revolves around Mel, a mixologist with hopes of contributing new additions to the bar menu, but is continually stifled by her loser supervisors. She meets extroverted and super friendly Bebe, and shortly after, meets Bebe’s nonbinary wife, Kade. Bebe eventually reveals her and Kade are polyamorous, and Bebe wants to go on a date with Mel. Mel has been processing her own trauma of getting divorced from her ex wife Lynn, which made her a bit averse to dating and romance.
Mel only agrees to date Bebe if they can set some ground rules, and it is veryyyy reminiscent of A Walk to Remember’s iconic line from Jamie: “You have to promise you wont fall in love with me.” This book explores their budding romance, and Mel’s preparation for a mixology competition, where the grand prize is $200k. That would be an absolute dream, because it would pave the way for Mel to open her own bar.
I have no lived experience with polyamory, but I felt that TJ Alexander wrote this story with so much curiosity, care and love. The concerns and uncertainty that Mel feels in navigating this brand new type of partnership were so understandable, and since I have no experience, I felt I was alongside Mel learning and figuring it out!
I loved that Mel, Bebe, and Kade were all so different, yet complemented each other in contrasting ways. Mel was protective, empathetic, and generous. Bebe was outgoing, confident, amiable, and charismatic. Kade was intense, pensive, and artistic. Together, they were passionate, ambitious, supportive, and affirming. I loved these bbs so much!
Also, the snowed-in trope just about had me squealing. TJ Alexander writes the most delectably steamy, swoon-worthy romances, & if they were a drink at a bar, I’d simply say, “Pour me another!” (Please)
Steam rating: 3.5 out of 5 — the first rooftop bar scene had me 🥵
This book revolves around Mel, a mixologist with hopes of contributing new additions to the bar menu, but is continually stifled by her loser supervisors. She meets extroverted and super friendly Bebe, and shortly after, meets Bebe’s nonbinary wife, Kade. Bebe eventually reveals her and Kade are polyamorous, and Bebe wants to go on a date with Mel. Mel has been processing her own trauma of getting divorced from her ex wife Lynn, which made her a bit averse to dating and romance.
Mel only agrees to date Bebe if they can set some ground rules, and it is veryyyy reminiscent of A Walk to Remember’s iconic line from Jamie: “You have to promise you wont fall in love with me.” This book explores their budding romance, and Mel’s preparation for a mixology competition, where the grand prize is $200k. That would be an absolute dream, because it would pave the way for Mel to open her own bar.
I have no lived experience with polyamory, but I felt that TJ Alexander wrote this story with so much curiosity, care and love. The concerns and uncertainty that Mel feels in navigating this brand new type of partnership were so understandable, and since I have no experience, I felt I was alongside Mel learning and figuring it out!
I loved that Mel, Bebe, and Kade were all so different, yet complemented each other in contrasting ways. Mel was protective, empathetic, and generous. Bebe was outgoing, confident, amiable, and charismatic. Kade was intense, pensive, and artistic. Together, they were passionate, ambitious, supportive, and affirming. I loved these bbs so much!
Also, the snowed-in trope just about had me squealing. TJ Alexander writes the most delectably steamy, swoon-worthy romances, & if they were a drink at a bar, I’d simply say, “Pour me another!” (Please)
Steam rating: 3.5 out of 5 — the first rooftop bar scene had me 🥵
Content Warnings
Graphic: Transphobia, Alcohol, Cursing, and Sexual content
Moderate: Ableism and Homophobia
eatallthestars's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Had me snickering, had me falling in love, had me second-hand embarrassed, had me shaking, had me laughing. A book to fall in love with love and itself.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia, Alcohol, and Sexual content
Spicy rating 3/5 🌶️nose_in_a_book's review against another edition
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
3.5
*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review*
🌶️🌶️
This book is charmingly flawed. The premise felt new and a welcome modern addition to a genre that can get bogged down in traditional gender norms. I loved how the book made room for nuanced sexual expression. While the smut may be sparse, it is full of chemistry. Also, maybe it’s because I’ve read a lot of insta-love lately but I deeply enjoyed the build of the first relationship. There wasn’t pressure to make it fit into a timeline that happened entirely on page (although pacing had other issues as noted below). The issues that came up felt organic and understandable but also, unfortunately, frequent.
🌶️🌶️
This book is charmingly flawed. The premise felt new and a welcome modern addition to a genre that can get bogged down in traditional gender norms. I loved how the book made room for nuanced sexual expression. While the smut may be sparse, it is full of chemistry. Also, maybe it’s because I’ve read a lot of insta-love lately but I deeply enjoyed the build of the first relationship. There wasn’t pressure to make it fit into a timeline that happened entirely on page (although pacing had other issues as noted below). The issues that came up felt organic and understandable but also, unfortunately, frequent.
For being a romance novel, this book seems more comfortable in the conflict than it does in the love. It’s almost like watching a movie where someone keeps pressing fast forward anytime things get emotional in a positive way. Time jumps summarize the happy stuff where the relationships form to get back to the part where our narrator is uncomfortable in whatever phase she finds herself in.
This is especially egregious when it comes to adding the second relationship to our narrator’s life. There are no hints of attraction or small moments of affection leading up to the confession. They simply aren’t until they are, miscommunicating every step of the way in between.
Speaking of Kade, the author never names Kade as being autistic but she does have a line comparing someone else’s neurodivergence to the character and they’re certainly coded as such in mannerism. As someone who is autistic, I didn’t love this portrayal. Kade is written in a way that seems almost incapable of feeling joy. They aren’t just devoid of expressions on their face, they give very little verbal emotion too outside of sex. They’re given the chance at depth in philosophy alone, constantly intellectualizing every moment of vulnerability. It is hard to capture the nuance of autistic emotion but this landed very one dimensional. If the narrator had been able to pick up on the subtleties of Kade without so much judgement or dismissal, maybe I’d feel differently.
Despite all of that, I genuinely enjoyed this book. It depicts polyamory in all its messy glory. The philosophy of poly vs the practical execution of it often takes a lot of communication and I appreciate how the author emphasized that. I liked the constant checking in with other partners as new lines were crossed. The running gag of the agreement was a perfect representation of that.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol
Minor: Homophobia
Minor blackmail
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