Ratings5
Average rating3.5
A jaded bartender is wooed by a charmingly quirky couple in this fresh and sizzling polyamorous rom-com, set in the glamorous world of high-end cocktail bars—from the acclaimed author of the “tender, decadent, and sparklingly funny” (Lana Harper, New York Times bestselling author) Chef’s Choice.
As a bartender at Terror & Virtue, a swanky New York City cocktail lounge known for its romantic atmosphere and Insta-worthy drinks, Mel has witnessed plenty of disastrous dates. That, coupled with her own romantic life being in shambles, has Mel convinced love doesn’t exist.
Everything changes when Bebe walks into the bar. She’s beautiful, funny, knows her whiskeys—and is happily married to her partner, Kade. Mel’s resigned to forget the whole thing, but Bebe makes her a unique offer: since she and Kade have an open marriage, she’s interested in taking Mel on a date.
What starts as a fun romp turns into a burgeoning relationship, and soon Mel is trying all sorts of things she’d been avoiding, from grand romantic gestures to steamy exploits. Mel even gets the self-confidence to enter a cocktail competition that would make her dream of opening her own bar a reality. In the chaotic whirl of all these new experiences, Mel realizes there might be a spark between her and Kade, too. As Bebe, Kade, and Mel explore their connections, Mel begins to think that real love might be more expansive than she ever thought possible.
With TJ Alexander’s signature “witty and insightful voice, complex characters, and full-throated celebration of the joy of queer community” (Ava Wilder, author of How to Fake It in Hollywood), Triple Sec is a passionate, thirst-quenching love story that will have you asking for another round…or three.
Reviews with the most likes.
This was such a cute & simple story!! I loved the queer polyam representation and I hope I get to read more books like this in the future!
Unfortunately, I didn't find myself connecting with the characters much, they fell a bit flat for me. I wish that they were more fleshed out. Alongside that, I wanted more relationship development between the 3 of them especially Mel & Kade but I just didn't get that. I felt very detached from their relationship.
Surprisingly enough I actually did enjoy the smut scenes in terms of what was going on but if I cared more about the relationship between the characters I would've loved it so much more.
A little bit later on in the book there was a scene where mel basically yells at an employee for misgendering Kade & not only did it add nothing to the plot I kind of felt like it was unnecessary.
I wasn't really interested in Mel's drinking competition & the outcome with how the competition would go was very predictable. I just feel like the time talking about the competition could've instead been more relationship development & going deeper into learning the characters.
Overall I am really glad I read this book, it was sweet & cozy & a pleasant read.
PUBLISH DATE: June 4 2024
Thank you NetGalley + Atria Books for the advanced readers copy in exchange for my honest review!
Thank you to NetGalley, Simon & Schuster, and TJ Alexander for this A R C !!
I was so excited to read this from the moment I heard about it