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ravenk28's review against another edition
- 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
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.
Graphic: Transphobia, Alcohol, and Sexual content
akswhy's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Graphic: Transphobia
lololovesthings's review against another edition
- 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
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.
Graphic: Alcohol
Moderate: Transphobia, Ableism, and Homophobia
frankijace's review against another edition
- 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
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.
Graphic: Transphobia, Homophobia, Ableism, and Sexual content
Moderate: Cursing
Misgenderingcaseythereader's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Alcohol, Sexual content, and Cursing
Minor: Transphobia
sdupont's review against another edition
- 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
*I received the ARC for free from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
Moderate: Transphobia and Homophobia
Minor: Ableism
bookishmillennial's review against another edition
- 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
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 🥵
Graphic: Transphobia, Alcohol, Cursing, and Sexual content
Moderate: Ableism and Homophobia
just_one_more_paige's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Alright y'all. It is with a *very* heavy heart that I say: I have extremely mixed feelings on this book. Now, to be fair, there is a chance I had really built it up in my head before starting, because I was so excited about it, and therefore my expectations were too high. Like, that's totally possible. And yet...here I am, heartbroken that I didn't just all out love it. Now, give me a chance to explain my feelings through this review to decide to give it a try (or not) yourself, because my reactions were so mixed, that if the things I did love (the plot, the pacing, the writing) appeal to you, then I would absolutely suggest giving it a go. Because maybe what I didn't love (the chemistry) was a me problem and wouldn't affect you in the slightest.
Graphic: Alcohol
Moderate: Transphobia
Minor: Ableism
finnc's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Transphobia
camillatd's review against another edition
- 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
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.
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Transphobia