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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 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.
Triple Sec is a delightful and refreshing entry in the romance genre, blending the world of mixology with a heartfelt exploration of love in its many forms. TJ Alexander masterfully crafts a story that is equal parts sultry and tender, centering on Mel, a jaded bartender who has all but sworn off love. Her world is turned upside down when Bebe, a magnetic and savvy woman, waltzes into her bar—along with her non-binary wife, Kade.
Alexander doesn’t shy away from exploring the complexities of polyamory, making it clear that it’s as natural and valid as any other relationship structure. The dynamic between the trio feels both authentic and aspirational, with steamy scenes that never sacrifice emotional depth. The chemistry between Mel and Bebe is electric from the start, but it’s the slow burn development of the relationship between Mel and Kade that got me hooked.
Mel’s personal growth—both in her love life and her professional aspirations—gives the story an extra layer of satisfaction. Mel and Kade’s character and relationship development is especially well-handled, with both characters evolving in ways that feel genuine and satisfying. However, while Bebe is an intriguing character, her development had room for improvement. She serves as the catalyst for much of the plot, but her own journey felt underexplored compared to Mel’s and Kade’s. More depth to Bebe’s story would have made the emotional stakes even richer.
Overall, Triple Sec is a fantastic read for anyone looking for a modern romance with a twist. Alexander delivers a tale that is as bold and balanced as one of Mel’s signature cocktails—an intoxicating mix of passion, humor, and heart.
Content warnings: alcohol, divorce, sex
