Trickle Down Theory: a MMMM Why Choose Romance

by Will Forrest

I used to think I was going to win the world. That I was smart, skilled, unstoppable. One bad decision and one betrayal later, and I’m nothing. Begging for a handout from a man I barely know, who I met on the worst night of my life, who thinks of me as his enemy, because I’m everything he’s trying not to be.
Arrogant. Money-hungry. Completely in denial about my sexuality. A tormented, closeted, con man with no friends, no loving family, no future.
So why is Carter helping me? Why does he give a damn? Why are his two best friends the same, so generous, so full of care? So fascinated with me, like I’m a pet they want to own.
What kind of man does it make me if I want the same?

A fast paced Gay Why Choose Romance for readers who love soft daddies, bratty subs, gay awakenings, and buckets of…fun!Slow-ish burnHealing through kinkOpposites attractAge GapBody DiversityFrom the world of The Dealmakers...

Genres: Romance, LGBT, Gay, Contemporary, M M Romance, M M M

233 pages, Paperback

Published March 26, 2025

About the author

Author, blogger, and general nuisance Will Forrest writes unusual (and usually queer) Historical and Paranormal Romances with a dash of mischief and mayhem, and grew up on a steady diet of Douglas Adams and classic 90s bodice rippers.
Will has a diploma of fashion design, a degree in social theory, and a bad habit of changing careers, life goals, and continents. Currently they live in a very warm part of Canada with three lovely humans and a succession of martyred houseplants.

Reviews

[Romantically Inclined Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was weird and delightful. Similar vibes to Taunt by Eve Dangerfield (if you've read that insanity) but without the crazy subplot of environmental devastation.

My only complaint is that I wish it had been even longer. Like a duet, because the story felt a little unfinished on page. But the humiliation was on point and the fantasy of turning a Republican into a simpering sub was...a great choice 👍🏻

[Natalie H]

December 2024
Kindle edition

DNF @ 57%. This one wasn't for me. I should've known that looking at the cover, but it was a mmmm book and I do like my polys. Initially, the first meetings were interesting/sorta sweet. Not so sure about asking to blow them right off the bat. I liked the friendship between the three guys. It got annoying and repetitive. At 57% they're still nowhere, not wanting to wreck their friendship, whilst Reagan tells them he doesn't want to wreck their friendship. It was judgy and seemed mostly focused on political values than communicating and getting together.

[Tim Covell · Rating 4 out of 5]

With the subtitle "An MMMM why choose romance," I was expecting steaminess, and I wasn't disappointed, but it's a slow burn, and there's a lot of sexual tension getting there. There's also much stress on consent, playing safe, setting and respecting boundaries, and so on - which adds to rather than subtracts from the sexual tension. Politics are explicit too, with the rich kid losing all his bitcoin wealth and luxury trappings, discovering the freedom of accepting his sexuality with some working-class guys in shared apartments, and overcoming the repression of his conservative parents.

The whole working-class bit is somewhat undercut by the week the guys spend at a private Muskoka cottage, accessed by rental SUV, but, in the midst of playtime, one of the guys is rushing around putting towels down on the carpets and sofa so they don't lose the damage deposit - a nice touch of realism.

Each chapter is a different character's first-person point of view and, with four main characters who are together most of the time, I occasionally lost track of who the "I" was. Overall, more depth and more explicit politics than I was expecting, but that was a pleasant surprise.

[Sheila M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three close friends, Carter, Karl and Wyn, are brought even closer by their friendship with Reagan, a deeply troubled, down on his luck guy, who has just come out, lost his job, lost his condo, and most of his possessions. Yet he gains emotional healing and a real life with real friends who become his found family. This was a beautiful story of acceptance and love in all forms. The guys created their own polyamorous “community of mutual care” that helped not only Reagan heal from his past traumas, but the healing of all of the guys.

Each character has a unique set of challenges they need to overcome, and it was well-written in a respectful and meaningful way. In particular, the confrontation scene between Reagan and his parents, just wow! So much emotional pain in one scene had me bawling. I liked all of the characters, but Karl was my favorite. Who doesn’t love a warm and fuzzy Croatian? Overall, this was a sweet story full of love, struggle, memories, healing, spice, and designing your own life. It was so good; I didn’t want the story to end.

[Heather MMRomanceReviewed]

Any book that starts out with an anonymous blow job in a local Toronto park, can't be bad right? We shift gears to a slow burn, friendship building relationship between Carter and Reagan, also introducing Wyn and Carl, building friendship and helping Reagan feel safe and secure in learning what he wants to explore and what he needs from a relationship and from the three friends...

When we get to the steamy parts, you know everyone is on board and the natural way this why choose scenario unfolds feels consensual and down right hot! I do wish that we got more of what the relationship looked like between the four men down the road, although the epilogue was spicy and still within the realm of the story. One of the things I appreciated the most was that it didn't try to become a MMMM poly story where they all got together - it was definitely focused on what each friend could in a relationship with Reagan, while maintaining friendship with each other.

[J.L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I almost picked up a signed copy of this book at an event last year, and now I'm bummed that I didn't. I selected this ebook one evening because I was just looking for some sexy fun. Though the book had plenty of that, I didn't expect the immersive, immediate connection I had with the characters or the interrogation of values that each character undergoes on his journey toward a nontraditional version of a happily ever after. Forrest also tackles sociological and political elements with a lovely narrative voice that never felt preachy; while the story is clearly biased toward one side, even that side is approached with nuance and criticism where entirely appropriate. This HEA also didn't follow every usual expectation from this particular combination of subtropes, but each subversion felt intentional and appropriate to the characters. I will definitely be checking out more works by this author.

[Lindsey Middlemiss · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was in a reading slump, plus ill and struggling to focus, when I picked this up after it had been on my TBR since release. And I loved it!

It's funny, spicy, deep without being preachy, and an easy fast read. Only complaint is that it could have been longer!

I really appreciated that not only does young Reagan have to examine his principles and reactions and learn to be better, but Carter also has to work on his reactions and assumptions. And the breadth of the sociopolitical considerations touched on in a funny why choose book is impressive.

In this, you'll find:
•MMMM Contemporary Why Choose
•Closeted gay finance bro who had his bitcoin fortune stolen & lost his job for embezzlement
•3 older gay friends
•Hookup turned more
•Forced proximity
•Hinge polycule relationship (not closed)
•Emotional abuse from parents
•Estrangement from parents
•Housed homelessness
•Mention of immigration & past war
•A HEA

[Haney Hayes Promotions · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is a perfect fit for readers who are drawn to emotionally intense and character-driven narratives. It delves into the intricate dynamics of power, identity, and unconventional relationships, all while maintaining a charged romantic atmosphere. If you're captivated by stories that explore the complexities of human connection and the often blurred lines between love, obsession, and control, this book will undoubtedly resonate with you. It's a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant exploration of the human experience, wrapped in a compelling and unforgettable romantic tale.

[The Wandering Wolf · Rating 4 out of 5]

To begin with I wasn't a fan of Reagan, however he grows so much throughout the book that I found myself rooting for him. At the start of the book he is very much in the closet but with the help of Carter, Kyle and Wyn he learns to overcome his problems and accept who he is. I admit I bought this on a whim but was pleasantly surprised. It teachers that no matter where you start or what problems you have with the right support you can overcome them.

[Una Ursula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love how Will characterize the people in his books, each so unique with their own personality and needs. Even though it is a polycule, the relationship between each two guys are not copy paste like most, they are so individual. It feels like Will writes based on life experiences, people he has met, and the compromises they have made. I truly love this!

The four guys of this book are so sweet, kind, caring and brave. Please more Will!

[Amanda Grange · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trickle Down Theory had a really slow start with a pretty unlikable character. At the beginning I was really confused. It was hard to get into. The more I read about Reagan, I did start to like him better. It was slow burn but got pretty spicy. It was between a 3.5 and 4 for me because I had a hard time following the plot

[Sarah☀️ Somerville · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this - fun and sexy, but with more depth.

[Kitchen Sink Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are behaving badly what better way can there be than to learn from your peers, and from those older and wiser, how better to act? That is certainly one way to put the trickle down theory into practice but I think, now I have read Will Forrest's latest story, that there could well be a trickle up effect too. After all the badly behaved younger man in this one does show the older ones that there is no need to actually have to choose. You can indeed have it all...

Reagan is most certainly down on his luck and it is going to take a lot of work for him to get back to anywhere. Work that is about to fall into the hands of Carter, Karl and Wyn. After losing everything to a supposed best friend who convinced Reagan to invest it in online finances, being sacked and blacklisted for stealing from his company, becoming homeless what is there left for Reagan? Luckily there is Carter then there is Karl, Carter's roommate and then their friend Wyn. How they each cope with Reagan is fascinating to follow. The young man is not an easy person to cope with. He has anxiety, an eating disorder, a disordered childhood but, he now has three men in his life who want to help, and an excellent therapist. It is not an easy story to read but it is a powerful one, one that demonstrates everyone has a heart, everyone can give as well as take and it only takes listening, understanding, support and guidance to help others.

Each of these men has something to give and something to take, they can do that between them or they can try to go it alone but why should they when they have one another? Will Forrest explores some challenging emotions, difficult situations and doesn't shy away from giving his characters a hard time. But he also gives them one another, gives them love and understanding, at times even compassion. This may not be anything like a typical love story but when is life ever truly typical. This may not be an escape read but it is a compelling, challenging, fascinating and rewarding read and I highly recommend, mental health permitting, you give it a chance.

Merged review:

If you are behaving badly what better way can there be than to learn from your peers, and from those older and wiser, how better to act? That is certainly one way to put the trickle down theory into practice but I think, now I have read Will Forrest's latest story, that there could well be a trickle up effect too. After all the badly behaved younger man in this one does show the older ones that there is no need to actually have to choose. You can indeed have it all...

Reagan is most certainly down on his luck and it is going to take a lot of work for him to get back to anywhere. Work that is about to fall into the hands of Carter, Karl and Wyn. After losing everything to a supposed best friend who convinced Reagan to invest it in online finances, being sacked and blacklisted for stealing from his company, becoming homeless what is there left for Reagan? Luckily there is Carter then there is Karl, Carter's roommate and then their friend Wyn. How they each cope with Reagan is fascinating to follow. The young man is not an easy person to cope with. He has anxiety, an eating disorder, a disordered childhood but, he now has three men in his life who want to help, and an excellent therapist. It is not an easy story to read but it is a powerful one, one that demonstrates everyone has a heart, everyone can give as well as take and it only takes listening, understanding, support and guidance to help others.

Each of these men has something to give and something to take, they can do that between them or they can try to go it alone but why should they when they have one another? Will Forrest explores some challenging emotions, difficult situations and doesn't shy away from giving his characters a hard time. But he also gives them one another, gives them love and understanding, at times even compassion. This may not be anything like a typical love story but when is life ever truly typical. This may not be an escape read but it is a compelling, challenging, fascinating and rewarding read and I highly recommend, mental health permitting, you give it a chance.