Triple Sec by TJ Alexander
Release Date: June 4, 2024
Publisher: Atria Books
Genre: Adult LGBTQ Contemporary Romance
Pages: 320
Format Read: physical arc
Summary: A jaded bartender is wooed by a charmingly quirky couple in this fresh and sizzling polyamorous rom-com, set in the exclusive world of high-end cocktail bars.
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 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.
Review:
Rating: 3/5 stars
Spice: 2/5
Review: This story follows Mel who works at a bar and meets Bebe who’s in an open relationship with her partner. Though the three begin to explore their connection to see what it can be. I loved the setting taking place in NYC with the three characters have such fun jobs we can explore. The storyline was decent but I won’t say it’s the best. I liked the romantic aspect of the story but the conflicts were lacking and there wasn’t much going on. I wish there was more to the competition like said but it felt like such a filler. I did love all the moments Mel had with Bebe and Kade at each their time. This story is told from Mel’s pov.
Mel works at the bar where she meets Bebe. I liked her character in the beginning but then I kind of stopped liking her. There were just moments that just didn’t make sense. Though I loved the side characters Bebe and Kade. Bebe is a perky, lawyer who cares so much of her people and I just loved that. Kade comes off grumpy but I started loving their character. They started to explain more about the backstory which I wish we got more of. The romance is polyamorous with friends to lovers , grumpy x sunshine trope.
The ending was great and I enjoyed the HEA for these characters. I do wish we got more of their stories and seeing it played out but this was still a cute romance. I just think the conflicts were lacking which kept away my attention at times. Though I know some will love it just for the cute romance.
*this arc was sent to me by the publisher to give an honest review in return*
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