Roller Coasters

Scientific Method Universe #5

by Kris Ripper

Life may be full of ups and downs, but the ride will make you scream. And laugh. And cry. Sometimes all at once.

It’s been nine months since Will and his ex broke up. Nine long months. Will doesn’t date. Will actually likes commitment. It’s just not what he wants right now. That’s when he meets Davey.

Davey isn’t like anyone Will’s ever known. He’s genderqueer, and even more of a relationship novice than Will. Will loves hanging out with him, and the sex is new and wild and so freaking hot. He wants everyone to be as excited about this relationship as he is, but nothing’s ever that simple. Especially when he gets his (fake) boyfriends involved.

Truman’s diplomatic and amused, but Hugh? There’s a whole lot Hugh isn’t saying, and only some of it is about how possessive he feels when he’s not allowed to put his hands all over Will.

Dating Davey has been a whole lot more than Will bargained for, but he’s loving the ride. Then the bottom drops out and he slams back to the ground all over again. And this time he's not the only one who needs help putting the pieces back together.

Warnings: May induce gender bending. If you're lucky.

Roller Coasters is 70,000 words or about 280 pages long.

Genres: Romance, BDSM, Queer, M M Romance, Contemporary, LGBT, Polyamory

266 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 2014

About the author

Kris Ripper lives in the great state of California and zir pronouns are ze/zir. Kris shares a converted garage with a kid, can do two pull-ups in a row, and can write backwards. (No, really.) Ze has been writing fiction since ze learned how to write, and boring zir stuffed animals with stories long before that.

Reviews

[Kati *☆･ﾟ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25*** stars


book #5 in the series with an ongoing storyline
This one was again fascinating as hell. I love that about these books. Maybe because I’m always interested in the psychological reasons for everything. All the why’s and how’s… And in every book there is a new fascinating topic to discover.

**********
In this part of the series Will meets Davey. They are genderqueer and that is a topic I haven’t read about before. It is beyond fascinating to learn about it. How Davey feels in their own skin and how they live and love in our world.


Will and Davey enter an exclusive relationship which feels weird when it came to it because Will kinda is in a relationship with Hugh & Truman, too. When he was with Molly he was allowed to have sex with the boyfriends - with Davey he is not. Or rather he would feel guitly. But anyway. Something about Will and Davey felt off. Maybe that’s why I was kinda relieved when it didn’t work out. Even though I was not the biggest fan of Molly back then, in hindsight I liked her more being in a relationship with Will. Even though I was not happy about them together either 😂



Of course we have a lot of Will/Hugh/Truman time and see how their relationship with and their love for each other further evolves.

I hope the author is done now with new relationships for Will and I finally get a committed relationship between the three of them only.

We’ll see. Only four books left to find out 🤣


And finally, at last the boyfriends agree to get married.
And then:

Will nuzzled in. “Congratulations, you guys. Now will somebody please fuck me? Jesus. What’s a guy gotta do to get laid around here?”
“Ask nicely. Preferably on his knees.”

Well, this is Will, Hugh & Truman for you ♡



*************
Scientific Method Universe Series:

Book 1 - Catalyst - 4.5 stars
Book 2 - Unexpected Gifts - 3.25 stars
Book 3 - Take Three Breaths - 4 stars
Book 4 - Breaking Down - 4.5 stars
Book 5 - Roller Coasters - 3.25 stars
Book 6 - The Boyfriends Tie the Knot - currently reading
Book 7 - The Honeymoon
Book 8 - Extremes
Book 9 - Untrue

[Leigh Kramer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will is at his most golden retriever in this installment and I couldn’t get enough of it. If anything, Will, Truman, and Hugh are at their “voice-iest”. I absolutely love how distinct each character is, which one would think is a common occurrence in fiction but really isn’t. The series continues to build in such interesting ways as their relationships grow and deepen but also shift, such as when Will starts dating someone one. It was fascinating to watch him be more dominant with Davey and how he channeled Hugh in order to be what he thought uncertain Davey needed. Then there’s the way Will serves as Hugh and Truman’s intercessor and intermediary on their way to getting engaged. Will is a vital part of the relationship but still feels on the outside. Bless all of their hearts for not being able to lay all the cards out on the table—I get why it hasn't happened and yet!!! I’m ready for it to happen.

A+ introduction of new kinks to their dynamic. I can’t wait to see where this goes from here.


Characters: Will is a 26 year old white submissive who works at a radio station. Hugh is a 34 year old gay white therapist, switch, and former escort who wears glasses. Truman is a 37 year old gay white therapist. Hugh and Truman have been together four years. Will and Hugh have known each other almost 5 years. Will, Hugh, and Truman are polyamorous. Davey is a 23 year old white genderqueer bookstore employee. This is set in Santa Barbara and Oakland, CA.

Content notes: misgendering, Will tells Hugh and Truman that Davey is genderqueer without asking prior permission, anxiety, depression, Davey fatshames his sister while talking about her (not countered), fatphobia (not countered), body commentary, past death of Hugh’s mother and grandparents, past dubious consent (Hugh’s boyfriend shared him with friends), on page sex, D/s, Daddy kink and role play, off page somnophilia, MMM menage, anal fisting, CBT, impact play, pain play, bondage and rope play, exhibitionism, phone sex, orgasm control, sex toys, porn, alcohol, inebriation, excessive drinking as a coping tool, gendered pejoratives, ableist language

[Cat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Possibly my favourite of the series to date. Although that may change on reread. And, yeah, I haven't even finished the series yet but I know I'll be rereading it. Probably a lot.

This book really centers Will's struggles and insecurities about his place in Hugh and Truman's relationship, which is a thing I'd wanted (and Ripper had been working up to) for several books.

It's also about Hugh's fear of commitment, and how important Will is to his ability to accept commitment from and to Truman.

Will and Hugh have worked out an interesting dynamic. Getting inside Will's head may be Hugh's kink, but Will often has to translate Hugh's own emotions for him. Hugh Reynolds: great therapist, shitty at self-reflection.

[Kathleen in Oslo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Re-read for the umpteenth time May 2022

Possessive Hugh is my favorite Hugh.

Sweet Davey, we wish you the best, but far away from our boys.

"Oh god oh god oh god. Hugh was playing the nice dad? Fuck." HAHAHAHAHA!!!!

They jumped!!!

(Series review here)

[Trio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kris Ripper just draws me right in with everything ze writes. I adore the Scientific Method series, and I'm thrilled Hugh and Truman are getting their happily ever after! And I'm proud of Will for getting out there and giving love another try. His treatment of Davey is admirable.

Happily on to The Boyfriends Tie the Knot.

[Zoe (inactive) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thisis so sexy and good
(also genderqueer love interests are my bread and butter, even if it's sadly not a happy end for davey)

[Kazen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Five books in we're at the point where I love the main three characters will follow them anywhere as they process their way through life. A perfect "dip in and out" read while I was tackling some heavy nonfiction.

[Courtney Bassett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, this was fun, and not nearly as angsty as the last couple in the series were. Will started dating Davey, who is genderqueer and possibly even more uncertain than Will was at the start of his journey, and it’s fun to see Will take on the dominant, confident role (channeling Hugh, usually) to try to get Davey to accept himself and his desires more.

And Will and the boyfriends - he’s such an integral part of things, even if he has a hard time believing that himself, and this book has some really key discussions and realizations and growth. And ropes and lube and all kinds of hotness.

[Viki]

Enjoy the next book? Where the two of them will marry WITHOUT Will and the M person is coming back?! Nope. Definitley not.

I am fairly sure that if I could go back, I'd probably tell my past self not to continue or maybe even read this. The fact I am feeling such extreme emotions on both sides is fudging this up.

I am just starting to feel so depressed for Will who obviously is emotionally ready to commit and - this the rub, the stupid, the improbably/impossible - how can two shrinks know so much yet don't realize that the whole "belonging to them" is kind of like sticking a kinfe in his chest. Sure, he won't bleed out as long as you keep it in but you won't. Stay. You can pretend it's about "location" or what but that is just BS.

The whole arrgament where Truman wants to posses Will and loves him and Hugh wants to possess Will and he loves him and he loves both of them and is hiding he is in love with that... that's just oo much. And now I am going for the last, 9th book. Where it's going to get worse, I think, before it gets better. I considered The Honeymoon as well, but... fudge it, seeing more of being intimate while still keeping Will behind those gates where Hugh and Truman are First and they tell him he's crucial and important but then Will needs permission for anything... yeah, not in the best place. Doesn't put me in the best place mentally or emotionally. Can't stand the helplessness or just watching it burn.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25

[dobbs the dog · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I feel kind of bad giving this a lower rating, but honestly, I felt super uncomfortable for 3/4 of this book.

The first thing that made me uncomfortable is the daddy kink. I hate reading it, it’s probably the kink I dislike most. I’m glad that not all the sex scenes involved that because I don’t know that I could have handled it.

The second thing that made me uncomfortable was basically all of the intimate stuff with Davey. It just felt really off, and Hugh mentions it, but it feels like it’s never resolved. Will constantly tries to get enthusiastic consent from Davey, and he rarely does. And it has absolutely nothing to do with Davey being genderqueer. I thought all of that was done really thoughtfully, that Will was really respectful of Davey and what he felt comfortable with. In the book Hugh tells Will that he doesn’t think that Davey would say no to him, and I think that’s right, but then nothing really comes of it. Like, there are a bunch of times that Will is really into things and telling Davey what he’s going to do, and Davey is just like “okay”, which isn’t consent. It all felt really weird and kind of forced, and I didn’t like it. Honestly, it kind of feels like a set up for something bad to happen in relation to that whole relationship in a later book.

Now that I’ve gone on and on about what I didn’t like, let me tell you what I liked!

I liked that Will might finally be starting to figure out that he’s not straight. Like, he’s in a polyam relationship with 2 dudes and he thinks he’s straight?

I liked how the Will-Hugh-Truman relationship continues to grow and change. I like how each of them so clearly brings something different to the relationship and how each of them needs something different from the others. Everything seems so equal between them, despite Will constantly second guessing himself.

Despite being uncomfortable for the majority of this book, overall, the series continues to kind of blow my mind with how good it is.

[Lotta · Rating 4 out of 5]

I binge read all the Scientific Method books over a week, and find they all blend together in my mind. Hugh, Truman and Will and their relationship evolves over the series, and I think this might be where it starts for real, although it is a gradual thing. I really loved this series. They feel very kinky, but also very emotional. Most of the characters are themselves, and kinky and queer in a way that I wish I was, because it sounds like so much fun.

Roller Coasters (#6) - Will gets a genderqueer boyfriend. The sex is awkward, but hot and fun.

Kris Ripper also has many extras on zir web site, which I would definitely recommend if you like the books.

Also friendship. Also hot sex.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't tell you how many times I said Will's name while reading this. Exclaimed grinning, murmured, whispered, or sighed, the guy is just... Will. Fearful and dauntless, learning and learning and learning, and if you'll excuse me I need the next book.

[Joseph Tonlet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable!

[Zoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5 stars

I realize just now, that I rarely find book titles as apt as in this series. It started with Take Three Breaths that left me breathless all the time. And now I’m sitting here wanting to type that Roller Coaster was indeed quite a roller coaster for me. And I’m not sure in the way Kris Ripper intended it to be?

After Molly (whom I didn’t care for particularly, but warmed up to slightly in the last book) was out of the picture, I was intrigued with Will getting a new third boyfriend. I kinda loved the concept. And then came Davey. And I almost immediately I realized Davey was worse than Molly and not what I wanted AT ALL. I saw a very woke debate about gender on the horizon and felt a sinking feeling in my heart. I kinda loved about the series that it featured all kinds of unconventional but didn’t harp on it all the time, and here comes Davey and kinda ruined it for me…

The parts with Truman and Hugh were adorable and fucking unghf as always. I love it when the three of them are together. And that time where they started their little Daddy play almost gave me stroke.

The Davey parts…. Not so much. I found them soooooo exhausting. Everything kinda felt like a lesson in all things gender and gender fluidity and consent and sexual identity and uuagh. I was SO not in the mood for endless lectures. I mean, it was interesting to watch Will “do Hugh” up to a point, but it got old fast. We kinda had the sex lessons thing with Will and Hugh in the first book and in a way more pleasing way. Will’s relationship with Davey wasn’t what I wanted for him and I didn’t get what Will saw in him in the first place. Will constantly worked his ASS off with Davey, and there was not enough of a connection to justify all the sacrifices. For me Davey was not a three-dimensional character, but just "the genderqueer" and not much else. That did the whole topic a disservice. And though the book and Will came to the same conclusion, the way there was waaaaaaay to long imo.

So. Like it said. Roller coaster. With very high highs and spine melting tingling sensations and a lot of meh parts in between.

I love the characters of this series, but I’m a bit wary now where all this will lead. At this point Will, Hugh and Truman are so interwoven with each other, that it doesn’t really make sense that they are not all together together. And I’m scared the next books will be an endless stupid explanations of why they can’t be. I wouldn’t mind them not ending up together if their story was set up differently. But the way it is written, with Will being sad about being alone, him describing Hugh as his home, everyone constantly telling everyone how much they love and cherish and adore each other, the old menfolk being super possessive about Will, Hugh hating to not being able to touch and kiss Willl… I mean… What’s Will supposed to do, never get another boyfriend/girlfriend? Stay alone? Always lead two parallel relationships? I loved that they did not jump in a throuple constellation at the beginning and took time to establish a credible three way relationship but at this point it doesn’t really make any sense for them to be not together. The way it is written at the end of the book, there is just no good reason for them not seeing that. And NONE of their opinionated, meddling family-friends seeing that. And now I sneak peaked that Molly will come back in the next book and I’m not feeling that at all. But maybe I’m just being pessimistic and frustrated after this book. God, I hope I am.

[Isabeau Delaunay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fantastic entry in this series. It's just wonderful how Ripper shows the growth of the main character, Will, as an individual, but also of the relationship between him and Hugh, between him and Truman, between Hugh and Truman, and all of them with each other. More rtc.

Okay, so: Will has been trying to figure out his next steps after Molly left him, when he finds himself attracted to Davey, a genderqueer individual using he/him pronouns. Will goes about the romance a bit like his clueless self, educating himself - and us the reader - on what "genderqueer" means in this case. But he also tries on a few "act like Hugh" (i.e. be a leader) moves, since Davey is younger than him and fairly new-ish to dating and sex - especially while being honest. The two eventually go meet the boyfriends, but Davey's not as chill as Molly, so there's more distance.

I thought the exploration of this relationship was really sensitively done - not a surprise since Ripper is also genderqueer. Davey is a nervous mess, but Will is eager and so it works. I also liked that Davey challenged Will on his label - i.e. why doesn't he use "bisexual"? THANK YOU, DAVEY! Been wondering for like 5 books now. I am unsatisfied with Will's answer, but I chalk it up to him not really understanding what the hell he's all about yet, anyway.

Which is really apparent in the second half of this book, which focuses more on progression of the relationship between Hugh and Truman. These two have been inching closer and closer to making a legal commitment to one another, aided by Will, and this is the book where the move is made. It's really interesting to see where Ripper places Will while all this is happening - that is, pretty much at the center, although Will still can't really see it for himself, still feeling "extra."

Oh by the way, the sex is pretty hot in this book! First of all between Will and Davey, and then between Will, Truman and Hugh, who continue to explore more fantasies and intense sex acts together. They take it up an emotional notch too. Ripper has set up an interesting conflict in the next book, The Boyfriends Tie the Knot, which I'll definitely be reading on for.

[bookstosoothethesoul · Rating 5 out of 5]

This might be my favorite besides the first book. The emotional development in this book was so delicious. I wasn't thrilled with one of the kinks that showed up (daddy kink) but I was fascinated to see Will discover that his sexuality could expand beyond his initial labels for himself (purely straight to possibly bi, not-kinky to submissive, submissive to dominant for the right person). And within all that change and self-discovery there is this constant that is Truman and Hugh's influence in his life. I'm so soft y'all. Their connection is so precious and I cannot read enough stories about it.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just when I think it couldn’t get better!

I adore the introduction of a genderqueer character! And the growth. My gods, the stopping of a scene and checking in when tackling a newly explored kink for Truman. The honesty, & love, through the embarrassment and shame. Gods. This is some of the most realistic writing in a scene I’ve ever experienced. Yes I know it’s fantasy as all their kinks line up and are accepted by all. But damn. These characters growth is extraordinary. I’m almost sad knowing theirs ONLY 9 books.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unquestionably full of goodness

First, I love the respect this author has for the variations of the lgbtq+ experience. Second, this book made me legitimately cry happy tears, and at the same time feel desperately lonely for Will. What I want for his HEA and what the author plans might not be in alignment especially if Molly comes back. I very much look forward to discovering this family’s HEA.

[Kerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love spending time with Hugh, Truman and Will. They have such an unusual relationship which is full of love, respect and kink. The last third of this book was hot as hell, sweet and funny. I can't wait for the next book where Hugh and Truman get married.

The part of this book that didn't really work for me was Will's relationship with Davey. It always seemed to be awkward and uncomfortable. I'm not surprised it didn't last.

Read January 29, 2025

[AGMaynard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable still, when focused on the triad, but less successful for me is the Davey thread. As a generally uncommunicative, often mopey young person, he felt opaque and underdeveloped, though giving Will a valuable role as teacher and supportive partner for a while. His departure was abrupt!
Yay for the return of the triad soon after.

[X · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great series. I love how the fact that it’s a series means the author can explore the characters through various types of relationships at various points in their lives - Will in particular. It feels much more like how real life works than a standalone novel ever could.

[Jordan · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars just shy of being able to round up to 4. This kept my attention and entertained me. I wasn't as interested in the secondary relationship, which took up a lot of page time, but overall this was good.

[Ivine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Took a break after the first 4 books. So I didn't realize how much I missed Will's character till I read this again. Really really love the writing and how the characters have distinct voices, including Davey

[Sheryl Beesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ripper knows how to give great story. I love this series and this book is no exception. Will Derrie is one of my all favorite characters. I could just stay in this universe.

[Novel Ninja · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still a great series

Will gets a genderqueer boyfriend, Hugh and Truman think about marriage, there’s still a lot of kink, and lots of love.

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't think I've ever read something like these books. I'm in love with them.

[Becs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once I start reading this series I really cannot stop. I love these 3 characters and how they know each other so well/poke at each other/love each other.

[Gabi · Rating 5 out of 5]

So by book 5 I've finally realised this series is just like, vignettes from these boys' lives? And I'm absolutely glorying in it. I think this one is my favourite since book 1. I can't believe it took this long for my boy Will to use the word bisexual though!

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

4 stars

Roller Coasters is the fifth book in Kris Ripper’s engaging Scientific Method series (or sixth if you read Catalysts as two separate books). I got hooked on this series after a reading the Lead Me Into Darkness anthology, which has a short story featuring this guys. I have been slowly making my way through the whole series over the past year. Just to recap the basics for anyone new to the series, we start off with Will and Hugh. Will is a young guy who is coming into his kink and needs help both expressing those desires and learning more about BDSM. He goes to Hugh, who is a Dom, for some guidance and training. Although Will had never been interested in guys, he ends up having a sexual relationship with Hugh along with the BDSM elements, and expands that sexual connection to include Truman, Hugh’s eventual love interest. Hugh and Truman are a couple engaged in their own romantic and sexual relationship, but at the same time, they have a sexual and emotional relationship with Will as well. He doesn’t live nearby, but visits regularly, and there is clearly love among all three of them. However, this isn’t a traditional menage in that this is not a three-way partnership. I would say it is closer to polyamory, but again, Will is only a part-time partner and has other relationships outside of the boyfriends.

Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.