Reviews

Triple Sec by TJ Alexander

unemployedbookreader's review against another edition

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Just didn't really feel the connection between the characters. I'm in a certified mood though so may try this some other timec

greatestheights's review against another edition

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emotional 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

4.25

befthhh's review

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emotional funny 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

5.0

*I received an eARC of this book from Atria Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thanks!*

Wow! What a romantic, sexy, fun, queer read! Mel is a character that I'm sure many people can see in themselves. Burned by their ex, overworked in an industry that is physically and mentally demanding, and scared to love again. But the instant connection she has with Bebe sizzles and soon enough they are learning not just how to love again, but how to love in a different way.

I love the communication between all the characters, those involved romantically and not. They represent a modern, metropolitan queer culture that is not afraid to live their lives proudly, and I love that. I thought the pacing was great, I loved that it was broken up into three parts. I loved getting to see how Mel's relationship developed with Bebe, with Kade, and then with the two of them together. 

This was not my first TJ Alexander book and it certainly won't be my last! They have a way of crafting the most heart-warming, enjoyable romances between honestly portrayed queer people!

relin's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful 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? It's complicated

5.0

A very cute poly romance that ends in a triad. Very sweet and emotional.

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mhirsch1213's review against another edition

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emotional funny inspiring lighthearted reflective 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

5.0

taysumazing's review

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adventurous emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced

4.5

This book was such a joy to read. I loved all 3 main characters. They were sweet and lovable and nuanced. It was so cool to see queer and poly rep in romance that doesn’t feel fetishized. Also, I don’t know if I’ve ever read anything let alone a book that made me CRAVE a cocktail… like can I get a Rock Dove please? Can’t wait to recommend this book to friends!

sayyahtobookseh's review against another edition

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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? It's complicated

5.0

raeof_sunshinebooks's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful informative 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

4.75

ktdakotareads's review against another edition

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emotional lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

paiges_on_pages's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

TJ Alexander hits it out of the park again with their well-balanced novel, Triple Sec!

NYC bartender Mel is convinced love is a myth—until Bebe, a charming customer with a love for whiskey and an open marriage, walks in and offers her a date. Through her deepening connections with Bebe and Kade, Mel discovers that love can be more complex and fulfilling than she ever imagined. With new experiences on the rocks and a cocktail competition that could fast-forward her dreams of owning her own bar, Mel discovers that love, much like a perfect drink, can have unexpected and delightful twists.

The best part about three romances in one book means you can fit in all of the tropes! We’ve got a meet-cute that turns into a meet DISASTER, opposites attract but then there’s a “secretly alike all along” trope. Oh, and a forced proximity in Banff. BANFF! I’m sure you can see where that plot point is headed. 

Every character in this novel- from our three heroes to their close circle of friends- are all people I would want to hang out with in real life. They all scream NYC cool, which makes sense, since they’re all bartenders, unstoppable lawyers, and artistic folks. While I found the end was missing something, I can’t quite put my finger on it. In the defense of Triple Sec, it could be due to the fact that I’ve been hit with a ton of “secretly meaningful” romances. 

I also had fun listening to the audiobook copy! Jeremy Carlisle Parker narrates this quick and hilarious romance so seamlessly that you forget Mel, Bebe, and Kade are being voiced by the same person. When I would take an audiobook break and pull out my physical copy, I still could hear Parker’s bold yet bubbly Bebe. It’s the perfect book to listen to while multitasking; I very rarely had to back up to determine what was happening. 

If you’re looking for a romance that’s just an all-around fun time, grab a copy of Triple Sec today! Who knows, maybe you’ll have your own meet-cute if you pair it with a visit to your local cocktail bar. 

Thank you to Atria for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review!