“Triple Sec” by T.J. Alexander explores love and relationships through the lens of polyamory, featuring a queer cast of characters that defy traditional norms. Mel, a tattooed bartender recovering from a painful divorce, finds herself drawn to Bebe, an employment lawyer. The twist in their budding romance? Bebe is already married to Kade, a nonbinary artist, and they share an open relationship. This dynamic introduces Mel to a world of polyamorous love, challenging her to navigate new emotional landscapes.
Alexander, who uses they/them pronouns, has quickly become a notable figure in contemporary romance. Their work consistently centers queer characters, and “Triple Sec” is their latest release, following a series of successful novels that include diverse gender identities and orientations. This book stands out for its joyful and nuanced portrayal of polyamory, a relationship style that is often misunderstood or sensationalized.
The rise of polyamory in mainstream media is evident, with shows like “Couple to Throuple” and memoirs like Molly Roden Winter’s “Open” sparking conversations. Alexander sees this trend as an opportunity to depict polyamory with the same normalcy and complexity as any other relationship. In “Triple Sec,” they aim to demystify polyamory, presenting it not as a scandalous or angst-ridden affair, but as a natural and fulfilling way of loving.
Alexander was intentional in their portrayal, avoiding the typical pitfalls of love triangles or infidelity plots. Instead, “Triple Sec” focuses on the communication and consent that are foundational to healthy polyamorous relationships. The novel includes a narrative device where the characters update a relationship contract, a creative way to highlight the importance of clear and ongoing dialogue.
In an interview, Alexander shared their goals for the novel. They wanted to show that there is no single “correct” way to practice polyamory, much like there is no single way to love. By making Mel a newcomer to polyamory, readers who might be unfamiliar with the concept are given a relatable entry point. Mel’s journey of discovery and acceptance serves as a guide for both the character and the readers.
The response from the polyamorous community has been overwhelmingly positive. Readers have expressed gratitude for seeing their experiences reflected in a positive light. Alexander hopes “Triple Sec” is just the beginning and that more diverse stories about polyamory will follow. They believe that representation matters and that every unique perspective adds richness to the literary landscape.