Politics and Poly

by M.N. Bennet

Rus doesn’t think there’s anything wrong with punching bigots. Some call it anger issues or impulse control; he sees it as clearing away the cesspool of hateful idiots. All the same, he doesn’t want his rage to control him or push away the two people he’s beginning to care deeply for.

Dylan’s façade of joy is so masterful, he even deceives himself most days. Underneath that worn smile, though, is a frightened man who doesn’t trust the world. Now, he has to navigate taking care of the queer youth home that gave him a life worth living while exploring the life he’d like to live if he wants to pursue romance in this new relationship.

Kaiden struggles to accept himself, wayward and insecure most days. So, when two men express how much they see him, he feels like a complete and total imposter. He’s convinced himself this awkward throuple would be a much happier couple if he took a step back. But despite his reservations, he doesn’t want to give up.

These three will have to come together, work through their personal fears, and be real with one another if they hope to explore this romance.

Genres: Queer, Contemporary

Unknown Binding

Expected publication April 1, 2026

About the author

MN Bennet is a high school teacher, writer, and reader. He lives in the Midwest, still adjusting to the cold after being born and raised in the South.

He enjoys writing paranormal and fantasy stories with huge worlds (sometimes too big), loveable romances (with so much angst and banter), and Happily Ever Afters (once he’s dragged his characters through some emotional turmoil).

When he’s not balancing classes, writing, or reading, he can be found binge watching anime or replaying Baldur's Gate 3 for the millionth time.

Reviews

[Adriana Rhea · Rating 5 out of 5]

*This is an ARC review*

“…remind him that support does not detract from independence”

This entire novel really does remind us all of how true that is. The way Kaiden, Rus and Dylan connected was gradual and natural, never rushing each other and the communication between them was incredible. Each of them carried their own personal pain but didn’t make it their whole personality, which can happen when authors try to give characters depth. They formed a bond that wasn’t solely based on physical chemistry and when these 3 opened up more emotionally they grew closer in a way that didn’t feel rushed or unrealistic. They felt like real people, that either you know or saw parts of yourself in.

Even the side characters had enough depth for you to either love them (Jasmine and Daysha were my faves) or absolutely hate them (yeah, I’m looking at you Emma, Landon and Kaiden’s “family”).

Personally, Kaiden holds my heart. He was my favourite character hands down. He just left such an impression I think he’ll stay with me forever. Not only because he was well written but because it sometimes felt like I was reading some of my own life experiences.

We can’t forget Rus and Dylan, who are the ideal boyfriends and had each other’s backs in so many ways “wink wink”. The three of them communicated openly and were vulnerable, even when it was hard to be. Plus, who doesn’t love a short king with a spicy attitude and a sweet smiling guy who goes all assertive when you mess with one of his boyfriends?! Sign me up now! ;)

I really hope everyone gives this story a chance. Though I am not part of this community, I can honestly say there were experiences and emotions that rang true to me while reading, which I think many of us can relate to. There were laughs, rage, and even some tears, I mean, who could ask for more?!

I’ll leave this review with one of my favourite moments/quotes from Kaiden’s POV.

“This time, when Kaiden stepped out of his former home, he didn’t feel like he was running away. He felt like he was dropping the anchors that had been tied around his neck all these years”

[Jukeboxgirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a whirlwind of feelings for me. I cried, I laughed, and some side characters made me so angry that I wanted to punch something.

I went on a journey of healing with Rus, Dylan, and Kaiden.
It was really a hurt/comfort situation, first full of anxiety and uncertainty, but then full of passion and love and being free and happy.
Each one of them is a hero to me, but especially Kaiden stands out for me the most. You have to read the book to understand why 😊

As the title says, it is also political. So be aware that you get educated and learn a lot in the process 😊. I really liked the aspect!

It is such a wonderful story!
I 100% recommend it!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶

I thank MN Bennett for the advanced copy of his newest book 🫶

[Dominique · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though this was a good book, I did realize I have a small trigger after reading this book. I have not read it in any book previously, but spoiler alert, reading about someone being brutally attacked due to homophobia is not my thing.

Now, besides that one scene, I enjoyed this book. I love how all three of them decided to just make it work and were there for each other and all the ways they needed. All three main characters had their own hiccups and baggage, and I loved how they just accepted each other and loved each other.

Part of me feels like I want to fact check some things in this book because there were quite a few conversations that were had that I found very interesting and made me want to learn more. I loved how it wasn’t just a love story, but there were quite a few times that made you stop and really think about what they were talking about. I loved Rus‘s point of view on life and I feel like he brought a new perspective to the reading.

All in all, this was an enjoyable book to read. I’ve read quite a few other books by this author, and I will say I have not been disappointed.

[Irene Díaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky to get an ARC of this book and it did not disappoint!!!

First of all, I love the characters so much! I really relate with them in different aspects. They felt real and I loved the growth and how they find their path and space individually and also in their relationship.

Rus is so feasty and so sure about what it is worth to fight for! I love this kind of character because I dont usually see them on contemporary romance and it surprised me in a good way🔪🪿

Dylan is so sweet and so dedicated and a really good friend and supportive partner.

And then we have Kaiden who is a very sensitive and caring and I want to protect him with my life.

The relationship is so open and they have so much communication that it is refreshing !! Also the lack of internal conflict between them is so appreciated!

I love healthy and cute romances where the mmcs just support each other and enjoy how to navigate the relationship in such a green flag type of way !!

It was totally the type of contemporary romance that I have ver craving: cute, sexy, healthy and with a dose of politics and a message to fight for our rights, so important in this crazy reality 😩🙌

[Mel Walsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to be picked as an ARC reader, thanks again!

Holy moly, first MMM romance and I just couldn’t put it down.

Not going to lie, third person writing normally does my head in but it just made sense here. Think I would have gotten lost to be honest!

As a straight female, I absolutely loved hearing the viewpoints of Rus and his beautiful community. Amazing work threading this through a romance novel.

Keeping on Rus, obsessed that the youngest clearly started getting the throuple thoughts. Rus in general was a complete vibe for me with a few well placed c words he was absolutely my spirit animal.

I connected to Kaiden the most, especially with body image after a weight loss. I’ve never experienced that connection with a character before so I’ve gotta say thank you. I cried with him and had to take a breath when certain things went down.

Dylan felt a little distant to me, I don’t know why. I didn’t connect with him as much and that’s okay! Adored his daddy vibes and the flowers!! Swooooooon. His and Kaiden’s friendship right at the beginning was just to die for, wish we dove into the transition from friend to more just a tad more!

Lana, Lana, Lana. I loved her, I loved her and Rus and a potential friendship there? I’d love to see her again. Their interaction warmed my heart.

THANK YOU for not having some big horrible event crush them or break them apart. This whole story was just sweet and beautiful and I loved every moment.

Peeped some character overlapping from previous works of the authors at the end and I absolutely remained chill and didn’t kick my legs like a child excited about candy 🫣😜😅

[✨ kelsie ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨this is my first ARC review and I couldn’t more excited!✨

so, first of all, I’m a sucker for books that can make me laugh, swoon, AND cry. this book definitely had me in my feels and I loved it! it also made me sit back and reflect on what’s going on in the world (even more than I already do) and I’m so glad there are authors out there like MN Bennet that can create a piece of fun fiction while also incorporating serious real life issues like homophobia, body dysmorphia, unsupportive family members and more.

now.. onto the boys 🤭
Rus, Dylan and Kaiden are our MC’s and I loved each of them and their little quirks! I really related to Kaiden as far as having issues with my body as well as having anxiety.. I’m also the one who would more likely to be drawing video game characters rather than playing the actual video game with my friends (or in this case, boyfriends 😏).
Rus is a total badass who I feel like no matter his height, I would feel super safe around, and Dylan is just the sweetesttttt.

if you’re into hilarious queer teens, being on the correct side of history, a healthy and realistic portrayal of a poly relationship, suggestive yet funny text messages, some spicy MMM and drag queens that save the day.. this book is for you! 🤍 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


*I just had to add that I NEVER read third person POV as I tend to not like it but I actually really enjoyed it here!*

[emillie Andrek · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a genuine review of an ARC.
Politics and Poly is a wonderful read. It is a bit slow and very low anst with no third act break up and just a lot of emotional growth, so it's great for in between some more intense reads.
I love a contemporary romance that just feels real. There was no point in this read where I cringed or thought that there was no way that could really happen. But I did get lost a few times; unfortunately, it's just my ADHD brain not grasping a slow-paced story, although I still finished it in a little over a day.
Each character had their own growth journey; some were more fleshed out than others. I really fell in love with Rus, every bookmark I made while reading was a Rus rant about society and queer history, not to mention I love a chaotic bisexual like myself. His emotional journey was deep, and the small changes he made while developing his relationships with Kaiden and Dylan were realistic because he was still himself while taking those small steps to grow as a person.
While Kaiden had the most change and growth, in my opinion.

Spice was sweet yet dirty.
The relationships were healthy.
And the characters were well developed.

Absolutely would recommend.

[Finn-Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was excited to receive an ARC of this book. I absolutely loved "Bend Him, Break Him" by the same author. I'm also a sucker for poly romances, so I had high hopes for this book.
What I really liked were the political aspects of the story. They dealt with important and thoughtful aspects of many queer people's lives. I completely agree with the author's view that the queer community currently has to deal with a lot of anger, and it's satisfying to see characters stand up for themselves. When I finished the book, I found myself thinking a lot about what these topics mean to me personally.
Sadly, I did not enjoy the romance. The feelings seemed rushed, and I didn't understand where they came from. I think this was largely due to the multiple POVs, which only offered brief glimpses of their feelings for each other. However, I have to add that I liked the characters themselves. They were interesting, and each one discussed an important aspect of the lives of queer people and how they have to deal with very different things.
I'd recommend this book to people who are interested in learning about the issues that many queer people face, while still appreciating the positive aspects, such as love, friendship, and found family.

[Christine williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read of MN Bennett and it certainly won't be the last. This was an incredible contemporary MM romance!

This book follows Rus, Dylan, and Kaiden as they navigate the complexities of being queer in America today. Rus harbors anger for the state of the world and that sometimes gets him in trouble. Kaiden is dealing with a family that hates him for who he is while also exploiting him for his time and resources. Dylan has been working at the queer youth home that saved him when his abusive family kicked him out for being queer when he was only 14.

These men find friendship together, navigating life and hardships together. It becomes clear that they are attracted to each other and as Rus very insightful bestie points out "why choose?"

This story is an education on the queer experience in the best way possible, should be required reading for MM Romance readers. It is endearing and the banter is hilarious. The spice is hot as hell. It's the whole package. Jump on this read as soon as it releases, you won't be disappointed!

[Taylor Moses · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first ARC!!

I want people to read this and be so mad and hurt for the main characters. But the whole point of this book is that people DONT. And it infuriates me. I feel for Russ and his anger. I too would like to punch and rage at the bigots.

Love the friends to lovers aspect. The way they built up to the shyness of the throuple was so cute.

I really like the dynamic of each character and what they brought to their relationship. Kaiden’s shy and introverted self. Russ brash and confident self. With Dylan and his calm, supportive nature. It felt like all three together made a whole.

And the cameo at the end?!?! What a lovely and fun surprise.


Overall I really enjoyed this book and the characters. Something about it made it feel soft. Even with the hard edges of the political aspect around it.

[Roneshua Baltimore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I stumbled upon this lovely story when my algorithm was feeding me a series of why choose/poly recs and I was not disappointed. I was lucky to get an e-arc of it but I was going to buy the damn thing anyhow lol
The pacing, the flirting, what conflict there was handled perfectly, each moment planned beautifully and you each held the depth of the characters in your grasp without getting sidetracked.

As a poly person myself this was a HEALTHY representation of it that we so desperately need in the genre. I found myself rooting for Kaiden, Rus and Dylan in equal measure and I love that their communication was at the forefront of their relationship. I'm so excited to dive into the back log for this author because it was PERFECT.

[ReadingWithShadow · Rating 5 out of 5]

🩵 ARC BOOK REVIEW🩵
Title: Politics and Poly
Author: MN Bennett

⭐ Rating:🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 /5
🌶️ Rating:🌶️🌶️🌶️. 5/5



Where do I start this book was amazing. The dynamic between all 3 MMCs was written so well. All three fought through their own doubts and termoil to come together. The way I felt so connected somewhere to all the MMCs was amazing. Third person is normal no my thing, but it is growing on me!! This is a must read!

MN Bennett is a new author that will be on my must read list!


#readingwithshadow #p&p #bookrecs #bookreviews #followformore

@mnbennetauthor

Tropes:

🎨 MMM Romance
🖤 Punching Bigots
🥀 Friends-to-Lovers
🎨 Men in Corsets
🖤 Touch Him and Die
🥀 Eiffel Towers 😉

[Danni Crass · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's interesting reading an author's take of what is going on in the world and putting it into a story. I dig it. Rus was such an angry short king and I enjoyed reading all his counter arguments. It was actually quite entertaining and a learning experience all in one. My heart broke a little for Kaiden though. I can relate to the internal battle about one's body. We are often our own worse critic. I am glad he was able to find himself comfortable with his boys. Over all another amazing read from MN Bennett. Love the cameo!

[Jessica Swan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for the ARC. All thoughts are my own.

This was extremely entertaining and well written. I loved all of the characters and how passionate they were. The only reason why I docked a star is because Dylan felt like distant to me? He's the only character I struggled to connect with. But I really loved Rus and Kaiden. And not having a major third act breakup was a major bonus.

[Heather Close · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had read Bend Him Break Him from MN Bennet and fell in love with it. I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of Politics and Poly and was immediately hooked by the characters. All three of them are very different but the story is really freaking sweet. There's some family trauma and drama and seeing them all come together to support each other was amazing. I really hope we get more of Rus, Dylan, and Kaiden!!

[Adri · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️ 4/5

✨ grumpy-sunshine-sunshine
💜 protective MMC’s
✨ healing MMC’s
🩷 found family

ARC review!! Thank you ✨

I never imagined how much I was going to love this book.
Don’t be fooled by the cover and the punk title, this book is actually incredibly sweet.
The way the friendship and the banter transitioned so smoothly into a relationship was perfect.
I want to wrap Kaiden in bubble wrap. Protect them all, really.
I loved that the three of them found family and a safe place in each other.

[Catlover12carley · Rating 5 out of 5]

awww this was so good. Russ was an angry little pixie and my absolute favourite. I loved Dylan too and lovely Kaiden. it had spice ! lots of spice . I was looking to be on the arc team for this wonderful book. I will need a physical copy.