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ravenk28's review against another edition
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
2.75
I don’t know how to explain the feeling I got from this book other than underdeveloped.
Pros: A beautifully diverse queer cast of character.
Cons: I was really excited to read this book with the story starting off strong but the characters fell flat. They lack the development needed for me to feel attachment to a character, let alone the main trio.
Overall: I think it might have needed a few more tweaks and more info to be given for me to have truly loved this book. By the end of the story it was like pulling teeth for me to finish it especially with the main trio not developing past surface level for a committed poly relationship.
Pros: A beautifully diverse queer cast of character.
Cons: I was really excited to read this book with the story starting off strong but the characters fell flat. They lack the development needed for me to feel attachment to a character, let alone the main trio.
Overall: I think it might have needed a few more tweaks and more info to be given for me to have truly loved this book. By the end of the story it was like pulling teeth for me to finish it especially with the main trio not developing past surface level for a committed poly relationship.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Transphobia, Alcohol, and Sexual content
fairytalefootnotes's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Writing: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Characters: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes: Polyamory, Snowed In, Sapphic, Genderqueer MC
3rd Act Breakup?: No
The Praise: I love Kade. They were such an interesting character and I felt like they really connected with Mel.
The Critique: I wasn’t the biggest fan of Mel. She wasn’t a good friend to Daniel and when she realized that, she barely did anything to make it right. I also felt like Mel’s relationship with Bebe was underdeveloped. We got to see Mel getting to know Kade and saw them grow closer, but we didn’t get much on Bebe and why Mel fell so hard for her.
Final Thoughts: Overall I enjoyed this! The characters were complex, the story was interesting, and the smut was 🔥.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Alcohol
A character is misgendered.notthatkat's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
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
3.5
I received an advance reader copy thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Mel is a bartender working at a high end cocktail bar when she meets BeBe, a beautiful lawyer with whom she clicks, until she learns that BeBe is happily married to her partner Kade. Still, Mel is intrigued and gets pulled into their social circle expecting only friendship. Then BeBe tells Mel that she and Kade have an open marriage and she wants to date if Mel is interested.
Mel is has recently divorced her wife, who it seems is her only prior long term partner and who cheated on her. She is gun shy and not sure how to navigate this new reality. While Mel is initially only involved with BeBe, it isn't long before Kade expresses their interest in Mel as well. Rounding out the story is a cocktail competition for which Mel tries to come up with the perfect concoction and a gay BFF/Roommate with his own non-monogamy situation.
What follows is a fun, fluffy poly-amorous romance. I liked this but didn't love it. It spent a lot of time educating Mel, and by extension the reader, on the way polyamory works and checking off the romance tropes and checkpoints. But maybe it's just not for me.
Mel is a bartender working at a high end cocktail bar when she meets BeBe, a beautiful lawyer with whom she clicks, until she learns that BeBe is happily married to her partner Kade. Still, Mel is intrigued and gets pulled into their social circle expecting only friendship. Then BeBe tells Mel that she and Kade have an open marriage and she wants to date if Mel is interested.
Mel is has recently divorced her wife, who it seems is her only prior long term partner and who cheated on her. She is gun shy and not sure how to navigate this new reality. While Mel is initially only involved with BeBe, it isn't long before Kade expresses their interest in Mel as well. Rounding out the story is a cocktail competition for which Mel tries to come up with the perfect concoction and a gay BFF/Roommate with his own non-monogamy situation.
What follows is a fun, fluffy poly-amorous romance. I liked this but didn't love it. It spent a lot of time educating Mel, and by extension the reader, on the way polyamory works and checking off the romance tropes and checkpoints. But maybe it's just not for me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Infidelity
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
Misgenderingcaseythereader's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Sexual content, and Cursing
Minor: Transphobia
haleydear's review against another edition
emotional
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? It's complicated
5.0
What a great book! Really enjoyed the concept and the inclusivity in this book a lot!
Mel was a lovable but jaded bartender and she’s seen and been through some shit! So when Bebe sits in her area, she can’t help but be attracted to her until Bebe’s wife enters the bar and Mel is left questioning if the flirting was real.
Bebe and Mel start a relationship as Bebe is poly and Mel starts navigating that with some bumps in the road. When Mel finally accepts that she loves Bebe and pursues it more romantically then enters Kade. Kade and Mel get stuck in a snowstorm together and express feelings. Back home continues the complexities of navigating polyamory, friendships, and work.
We have a great sub-plot with the drink completion in which Mel tries to figure out the perfect drink for the competition while being supported by her friends and lovers.
This was a great romantic, thoughtful, and spicy read that I absolutely loved! This is the first I’ve ready by this author but I’ll be looking at their other books for my next reads as well!
Cheers!
I was provided an ARC copy of this book from Atria Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Mel was a lovable but jaded bartender and she’s seen and been through some shit! So when Bebe sits in her area, she can’t help but be attracted to her until Bebe’s wife enters the bar and Mel is left questioning if the flirting was real.
We have a great sub-plot with the drink completion in which Mel tries to figure out the perfect drink for the competition while being supported by her friends and lovers.
This was a great romantic, thoughtful, and spicy read that I absolutely loved! This is the first I’ve ready by this author but I’ll be looking at their other books for my next reads as well!
Cheers!
I was provided an ARC copy of this book from Atria Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
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
finnc's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Transphobia
camillatd's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
TRIPLE SEC is an extremely queer poly romance about a cynical, prickly bartender who meets and falls for a married couple—first one, then the other. Mel’s first foray into nonmonogamy is funny, delightful, and even candidly awkward at times. I really, really enjoyed this, especially the ways in which it leaned into its fundamental queerness and refused to explain itself to the reader. The sex is so well written, gloriously queer and delightful to read.
My main gripe, though, is that a ~300 page romance is not enough time or space to fully flesh out a multi-part romance like this. We needed more time with each relationship to become invested in their development, and the rushed pacing left me wanting a bit more.
My main gripe, though, is that a ~300 page romance is not enough time or space to fully flesh out a multi-part romance like this. We needed more time with each relationship to become invested in their development, and the rushed pacing left me wanting a bit more.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Transphobia
ambrosiablue's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I was so excited to see that TJ Alexander's newest novel dove into polyamorous romance. After reading their other books, I trusted them wholly with capturing a slice of this community in a way that was accurate, uplifting, and accessible to people unfamiliar with polyamory-- and they did spectacularly well. I loved the inclusion of their Guidelines for Poly Living in the text and the way it was changed as the characters' dynamics changed. I am a bit conflicted on the treatment of jealousy in the novel. On the one hand, dealing with jealousy and compersion is such a common issue in polyamory that it feels a bit idealized to write it off with one conversation, but on the other, it feels so revolutionary to have a book so wholly focused on poly joy. This book truly was a joy to read. If anything, I felt that the dedication of the first half of the book to Bebe left me wanting more scenes showing the relationship between Mel and Kade. Definitely enough material in there for a sequel!
(Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for this eARC in exchange for an honest review!)
(Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for this eARC in exchange for an honest review!)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Alcohol