Convinced love doesn’t exist, Mel, a bartender at a swanky NYC cocktail lounge, changes her mind when she becomes a throuple with Bebe and Kade, a fun romp that gives her the self-confidence to try things she’s never thought possible, discovering real love is more expansive than she ever thought possible. Original. - (Baker & Taylor)

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. - (Simon and Schuster)

TJ Alexander, the critically acclaimed author of Second Chances in New Port Stephen, Chef’s Kiss, and Chef’s Choice, writes about queer love. Originally from Florida, they received their MA in writing and publishing from Emerson College in Boston. They live in New York City with their wife and various houseplants. - (Simon and Schuster)

Library Journal Reviews

Mixologist Mel is working her normal shift at the bar when a gorgeous stranger, Bebe, walks in and flirts outrageously with her. Mel thinks she's gotten the wrong idea when Bebe then introduces her to her husband, Kade. Confused but intrigued, Mel decides to show up for a dinner party at their home, where she learns that Bebe and Kade are in an open, polyamorous relationship. After some negotiations, commitment-phobe Mel agrees to casually date Bebe. But Mel soon begins to fall head over heels for Bebe and struggles to figure out how to handle her blossoming feelings. When Mel and Kade find themselves stranded alone together in a cabin during a severe winter storm, they explore their unexpected attraction and end up forging a strong connection. Now they must navigate a relationship where all three are in love with each other. This unconventional arrangement is not only more complex but also more fulfilling than they'd imagined. VERDICT Told in three parts and featuring a wide spectrum of LGBTQIA+ characters, including a strong nonbinary love interest, Alexander's (Second Chances in New Port Stephen) fresh take on the genre is a must-buy for any romance collection.—Migdalia Jimenez