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A review by bookishvicky
Triple Sec by TJ Alexander
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I wanted to love this book, I really did. The concept sounded so sweet, and the idea of a romance surrounded by NYC bar culture sounded like a wild ride– the ride was wild, but I wanted to hop off so many times.
First and foremost, I think this is a lovely poly romance book– it’s the first I’ve read, but I think it can be helpful to questioning queers trying to find their niche and what counts as a “relationship” in queer culture. It handled these tough subjects with grace, and I think the end-game relationship is a beautiful “blueprint” of sorts. Alexander handled pronouns, sexuality, labels, and the like so well. As a bi girl, I felt safe with this book, if that makes sense.
Mel’s inner voice is relatable and goofy, and at first I found her to be a likable, down-on-her-luck lesbian bartender looking for her second chance. But in all actuality, she’s a little selfish– ignoring her best friend’s problems, being rude to a service worker, being snooty to her partner’s wife– it made it hard for me to like her despite her being such a cool character.
Also, the plot of this book was lacking. Any conflicts were brought up and either squashed or forgotten within pages. But then again this book dropped banger lines like:
“You [think you have to] have to tick all the boxes. That your relationship has to look a certain way. Even if you’re– no, especially if you’re queer.”
Beautiful message and something so many in the LGBTQIA+ community can relate to! However, it felt like we couldn’t come to this conclusion on our own, as it was sort of “proved” time and again with various scenarios.
Overall, Triple Sec felt like a bunch of oneshots rather than a cohesive novel. Things just worked out and were okay. Lovely in reality, but makes for a dry novel. Maybe this one just wasn't for me.
I wanted to love this book, I really did. The concept sounded so sweet, and the idea of a romance surrounded by NYC bar culture sounded like a wild ride– the ride was wild, but I wanted to hop off so many times.
First and foremost, I think this is a lovely poly romance book– it’s the first I’ve read, but I think it can be helpful to questioning queers trying to find their niche and what counts as a “relationship” in queer culture. It handled these tough subjects with grace, and I think the end-game relationship is a beautiful “blueprint” of sorts. Alexander handled pronouns, sexuality, labels, and the like so well. As a bi girl, I felt safe with this book, if that makes sense.
Mel’s inner voice is relatable and goofy, and at first I found her to be a likable, down-on-her-luck lesbian bartender looking for her second chance. But in all actuality, she’s a little selfish– ignoring her best friend’s problems, being rude to a service worker, being snooty to her partner’s wife– it made it hard for me to like her despite her being such a cool character.
Also, the plot of this book was lacking. Any conflicts were brought up and either squashed or forgotten within pages. But then again this book dropped banger lines like:
“You [think you have to] have to tick all the boxes. That your relationship has to look a certain way. Even if you’re– no, especially if you’re queer.”
Beautiful message and something so many in the LGBTQIA+ community can relate to! However, it felt like we couldn’t come to this conclusion on our own, as it was sort of “proved” time and again with various scenarios.
Overall, Triple Sec felt like a bunch of oneshots rather than a cohesive novel. Things just worked out and were okay. Lovely in reality, but makes for a dry novel. Maybe this one just wasn't for me.