A review by queerafictionado
Triple Sec by TJ Alexander

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

4.0

Triple Sec - what a perfect title for a book about poly relationships and the art of mixology! I truly enjoyed this story and I can’t wait to read more of TJ Alexander’s books that have been on my TBR for far too long. I am not poly and this is the first book I’ve read that involved a poly relationship and I felt like it was really well done (at least from an outsider perspective). I also LOVE me a good sapphic romance with non-binary rep!

Mel is divorced and a bit jaded when it comes to love and relationships. She’s got a shaved head, tattoos covering her arms, and is super passionate about mixology. Then the illustrious Bebe walks into her bar one night and Mel immediately feels drawn to her. Only to later find out she’s married to Kade, a genderqueer stoic artist. Mel then finds herself thrust into the world of polyamory and learning that love is far more expansive than she would have ever thought possible. 

There’s not a lot of drama in this book. And the interpersonal conflicts all resolve pretty quickly. But I really loved seeing how important communication was, especially since Mel was new to all of this. Rules can change. Dynamics can shift. Feelings can expand. The only thing that matters through it all is communication. And I loved how TJ included the ever-evolving list of guidelines throughout the book. 

There was also plenty of spice in this book! And I loved seeing the different sexual dynamics at play depending on who was involved. Each of the three of them had different needs and interests and the way they navigated all of that was beautiful. 

One of my favorite parts of the story though was all the mixology! I want so many of the cocktail recipes from this book! I wanted to try all of them (even the ones that ended up not being the best lol). The cocktail competition part of the story was great and (without giving spoilers) I love how it all played out in the end. I do wish we had gotten more of the throuple towards the end of the book because I would have loved to see how those relationship dynamics continued to evolve with time. The ending was a bit rushed and while I loved the epilogue, I really wanted more of the story between the final chapter and when the epilogue happened. 

If you are looking for a funny, sexy, romance that is super queer and full of delicious drinks - you should definitely check out Triple Sec! And if you’ve never read a poly romance, why not make this your first one too! Also - how awesome is it to have a queer, poly romcom published by a trad publishing company?! SO FREAKING COOL! 

I received an eARC of this book through NetGalley and Atria Books. This is my honest review

🏳️‍🌈Rep: Queer and Polyamorous, Lesbian MC, Non-Binary LI, Prominent Gay SC, Plus Size Rep

📝Tropes/Themes: Jaded Bartender, High Femme, Butch, Three Love Stories, Cocktail Competition, Lawyer, Artist, Lots of Spice!!, Snowed in Together, Poly F/F/X Relationship 

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