Triple Sec
A Novel
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4.0 • 9 Ratings
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- $13.99
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- $13.99
Publisher Description
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.
APPLE BOOKS REVIEW
This queer love story has just the right blend of heartwarming humor and serious steaminess. Mel Sorrento is a master mixologist at a swanky cocktail spot. She’s got big dreams for her career, but when it comes to love, she’s given up all hope. At least until she meets the beautiful lawyer Bebe, who’s in an open marriage with Kade, a nonbinary artist. Long story short, they all fall for each other, and author TJ Alexander lets us watch them grow as a throuple with compassion, humor, and a knack for digging into the dynamics between lovers. (Oh, and we also get a fascinating glimpse into cocktail culture!) Alexander masterfully portrays polyamory as just another option for people in love, not a lurid attention-getter—though that doesn’t mean they don’t also provide some red-hot moments that truly made us sweat. Triple Sec is a sweet, refreshingly drama-free ode to the possibilities of love.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
In this appealingly fluffy triad romance, Alexander (Chef's Choice) explores sweet and authentic queer relationship dynamics. Jaded bartender Mel Sorrento tries not to take the obvious flirtation of a new customer, bubbly lawyer Blair "Bebe" Murray, too seriously after seeing her clearly loving relationship with her stoic nonbinary wife, the artist Kade St. Cloud. Then Bebe invites Mel to a brunch party at their upscale apartment, an event that yields two encouraging opportunities: information on an upcoming prestige cocktail competition that could put Mel on the path toward opening her own bar, and a disclosure that Bebe and Kade are polyamorous. Bebe would like to date Mel, with Kade's blessing and an updatable list of guidelines to keep all three of them feeling comfortable. Mel's self-confidence blossoms as she explores both her passion for mixology and her easy connection with Bebe. Readers get the joy of both a fast-burning romance between the two women and a slower-burning love story between Mel and Kade, whose initially uncertain relationship builds into a well-negotiated romantic connection. Sweet and spicy sex scenes center on the pleasure of discovering which interactions work best with each character's distinctive styles and celebrate the erotic value of communication. Readers hungry for representation of community-supported nonmonogamy that doesn't skimp on either love or sex will happily gulp this down.
