Duck: Triple Sec by TJ Alexander? I’ve got to tell you, Star, this queer, polyamorous romance novel, which we listened to as an audiobook, gave me flipper tingles.
First, the premise: Bartender Mel has never had a relationship with a married person before, but duck it all because she’s so attracted to Bebe. The pair’s dates begin casually, like a duck in flipper-slippers, but things soon grow more serious. So what’ll happen when Mel also shares a spark with Kade who’s married to Bebe? Turns out it might be a triple sec situation …. Poly romance ensues.
Star: There’s a cool bartending story that runs through Triple Sec too. Mel could basically win enough money to start her own bar if she aces a high-profile New York cocktail contest.
Duck: Note: zero duck cocktails were mentioned in Triple Sec. Not even a pondweed martini.
Star: Hmm. Some of us are grateful for that. Anyway, queer me sideways if this romance wasn’t well-written as all duck. I loved hanging with Mel, the point of view character. Mel’s a smart-mouthed, dry-toned activist with a vulnerable heart and a passion for justice. In fact, all three of these protagonists are quirky, rich and distinct from each other. Lots of depth. No cardboard cutouts here.
Duck: Not even a cardboard cutout of a duck, and that’s unusual.
Star: You quack me up! Anyway, we enjoyed the vivid storytelling and scene-setting, not to mention super politics and diversity—and bravo to TJ Alexander for characters who appreciate that fine art and cocktails are both art forms. It was lovely to see a queer poly romance driven by a point-of-view character of color, and the inclusion of the nonbinary Kade really tickled my own flippers. Thanks to all this, we’ve got all five of our diversity ducks in a duck-darn row. In other words, Triple Sec gets 5/5 flippers-up for diversity, duck-friends.
High marks for the novel’s queer politics too.
Duck: While there were some great sex scenes in Triple Sec, we were even more hooked mostly by the dialogue and character dynamics. Lots of pond-worthy wit and sparkle! And scenarios you could stuff your beak with.
Star: The audio narration by Jeremy Carlisle Parker had more twinkle than Duck’s beak-holes in the sun with three very distinct character voices and a vivid, full performance. Jeremy Carlisle Parker’s narration is smooth, sparkling, and compelling throughout. Carlisle Parker gave lots of attention to character, which I really appreciated. I recommend the audiobook, friends.
Duck: All in all, Triple Sec gets a full five flippers from RomanceyPants. Super-ducking awesome read. My beak-holes were sizzling throughout.
Star: Which reminds me: Have you been stuffing your beak-holes with peanut butter again? We just a bought a jar yet we’re surprisingly low.
Duck: The more peanut butter I eat, the more you benefit, Star! After all, when I’m at the pond and there’s still some in my beak-holes, it attracts goldfish. And I love a good goldfish.
Star: Why does that benefit me, Duck?
Duck: Because the more goldfish I attract, the more stuffed with fish I am, and then, of course, I eat less of your peanut butter.
Star: Ah. Duck logic.
Duck: Star, you’re welcome.
If you’d like to read Triple Sec, you can buy it from the following retailers:
Signed copies available at TJAlexander.com
Featured image: Cover image snatched from TJAlexander.com. The rest of this image was designed by Star Tavares using Canva.
Romancey Pants 