Straddling the Divide

by Abby Harrison

Simon may be new to kink, but he knows what he wants. Kind of. Mostly. And he has a boyfriend to help him discover his needs. Kind of. Sometimes.

Gideon can't get the picture of a certain blond-haired angel out of his mind. Heading to his favorite sex club, in desperate need of relief, he's looking for an older, dark-haired man who will scratch the itch but not fulfill any of his debased desires.

Seventeen years ago, a father walked away from his family, his inner turmoil too great to find peace. Now, one moment will change everything. One moment will bring father and son back together again. One moment will force them to straddle the divide over who they want to be to each other.

This is a steamy t@boo novel about a father and son. Intended for readers 18+

While characters from The Way We Love appear in Straddling the Divide, this book can be read as a standalone.

Genres: M M Romance

Unknown Binding

Published June 15, 2026

About the author

Just a woman writing down all her taboo thoughts.

All my stories can be found on Smashwords.

Reviews

[Book Lover · Rating 5 out of 5]

⚠️ T@B** (Dad / Son🩸) READ BELOW ⚠️

𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐃𝐃𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐃𝐈𝐕𝐈𝐃𝐄 // Family Love 2 // 𝒜𝒷𝒷𝓎 ℋ𝒶𝓇𝓇𝒾𝓈ℴ𝓃 // 𝐀𝐑𝐂

⚠️ THIS IS A T@B** ROMANCE…… DAD / SON …… AGAIN THIS IS T@B** (!NC3$T🩸) ROMANCE ⚠️

💜 Favorites // Edit // Review 💜

Releases June 15th
Get your copy 👉🏼 https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...

Let me start by saying I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about Gideon. I wanted Simon’s story so badly that I hadn’t given much thought to who his love interest would be.

I had strong opinions about Gideon for most of the book, and let’s just say they weren’t exactly positive. 🤣 But by the end, I completely understood why he was the perfect match for Simon. The way he cared for Simon wasn’t limited to the bedroom—he looked after him emotionally, supported him, and saw him for who he truly was. In the end, Gideon was exactly what Simon needed in his life.

Simon was such a sassy brat, but underneath it all, he was just looking for his person. At the beginning, I wasn’t convinced that person would be Gideon, but wow, was I wrong. 🤪

This book was what I needed when I jumped into it and I regret NOTHING 🤪🤣.

Thank you so much @abby.harrison.writes.smut for giving me the chance to read this book before it releases. Thanks for trusting me with your great book.

Please ✔️ TRIGGER WARNINGS before jumping in. If you have none then just jump in 😉.

What to expect // Trope
🏳️‍🌈 MM T@b** Romance
😈 T@b** (Dad / Son)
💜 D/s dynamic & 🤏🏼 Daddy K!nk
😈 K!nk Exploring
💜 Hurt / Comfort
😈 Protective MC x Bratty MC
💜 Strangers to Lovers
😈 Grumpy x Sassy
💜 Slowish Burn
😈 Age Gap
💜 Forced Proximity
😈 Dirty Talk
💜 Servitude
😈 Impact Play
💜 Ex!b!t!on!sm
🔝 Strict Top // ⬇️ Strict Bottom = No

Find Edit 👇🏼
🦄 IG @love.2.readallmmromance

[Sara Husser · Rating 5 out of 5]

😈 "My father. My boyfriend. My Dom."
"My son. My boyfriend. My sub." 😇

"I'm as much a stranger to him as he is to me, but blood must be thicker than water, because he calls to me. In more ways than I'm ready to admit."

"I am choosing to look at this like fate is stepping in. I couldn't be in Simon's life when he was younger. Maybe I can find a way to be in his life now."

"I can't remember the last time somebody just held me like this. Like just let me feel emotions without expecting something in return. It's nice and overwhelming, and I want to simultaneously crawl out of my skin and sink into this deep embrace."

"But I can't help this feeling of rightness that washes over me. That this is where I'm supposed to be-- comforting Simon. Holding him. Gently wiping his tears away with my thumb."

"I don't think Simon will ever lose his brattiness, and honestly, I wouldn't want it any other way."

"Lower, I want to tell him. Feel how hot my skin is. How it burns from your touch. How my a** was made to be spanked. But only by you."

"What? Come on, Sir, all I did was call for you. It's not like I was going to walk around pantsless like a perverted Winnie the Pooh."

"This brat. This loveable, ridiculous brat has been ten steps ahead of me the whole time."

"My father. My boyfriend. My Dom."
"My son. My boyfriend. My sub."

"I let everything go. Who I used to be. What I went through. Every insecurity. Every piece of self-doubt. I'm still Simon. Still quick with a comeback. Still happy to battle wits with snark. I'm also happy. Stupidly in love. And somewhere in the past two years, I've become proud of who I am."

This story was phenomenal, emotional, spicy, taboo, and just so perfect. I have been waiting for Simon's story since I read The Way We Love. I was so happy this was a longer story! This author knocked this out of the park! This story had me in my feels but also had me extremely turned on 🤣. I love a good brat and Simon definitely bratted hard. His daddy knew how to tame him perfectly 😏. The spice was deliciously taboo and sizzling 🔥🔥🔥🔥. This was a slow burn, but when the spice hit, it was scorching 🥵. I also loved the kink exploration in this story. This author did a fantastic job writing the D/s relationship and all the sexual/non sexual elements that go with it. I loved the cameos from Uncle Damon and the triplets. I really hope we get an Uncle Damon story 🤞.

This story follows Simon and Gideon. Simon hasn't seen his father in 17 years as his father left him and never stayed in touch. This story opens up at a sex club. Simon and his Dom boyfriend Nick are putting on a show. Gideon, Simon's father, happens to be at the club and is watching the scene. He notices Simon is struggling and being abused. He intervenes and takes Simon back to his home. Simon is hurt and confused so he lashes out at Gideon. He becomes distant, bratty, lazes around, and is full of snark. He continues to have nightmares about his trauma. Gideon decides to give him chores and a routine. This leads to him becoming his Dom non sexually. This works for Simon for a bit but he needs more and he wants his Daddy bad, sexually. Gideon is trying so hard to hold back given they're related, but he cracks and it gets spicy fast 🥵🥵. You see these two explore a new layer to their relationship. They have a few hurdles but their communication is top tier. Nick comes back to mess with Simon's head. Will Simon lose all the progress he worked so hard for?

I loved the dynamics and layers to this couple so much. Ofcourse I loved the taboo nature of father/son. I loved the D/s dynamics so much. I loved the brat/brat tamer troupe so much! The chemistry and tension was chef's kiss 🥵🥵. The kink, spice, and sexy times were top notch and delicious 🔥🔥🔥🔥. My heart broke for Simon 😭. He had so much resentment and heavy abandonment issues. He's very unsure of himself and lost in life. He's alone and needs guidance. Gideon gave him all of that and more! I loved how Gideon took accountability for his past. He knows how badly he messed up but wants to create a new chapter for them. I loved how Gideon not only took care of Simon but also guided him to be the best version of himself. The trust that these two had together was intimately beautiful. I loved seeing both of these men heal and grow together. I really hope we get some more stories in this world. I will read anything and everything by this author.

[Ashley Dead.inside_but_reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a Tab00 story with 🩸 Father/Son if that is not your thing then I suggest you skip this one....if it is....😈

🌶🌶🌶🌶

So this story follows Simon...we first meet Simon in The Way We Love as the Triplets half brother. Imma be honest here I wanted to simultaneously punch Simon in his knee caps and also snuggle him in that story. In this one though he just gets all the snuggles 🥹 We do learn that Simon's father left when he was 2 and no one has heard from him so I really thought we were gonna get a Simon/Uncle Damon story but when Abby dropped this Simon and Gideon one I was intrigued. Now I also thought I was going to HATE Gideon for leaving Simon and the rest of the family and shockingly I didn't! Gideon was upfront and just like "I was a coward...no excuses" and the way he took ownership of that and then took care of Simon now was really endearing...I couldn't muster up the contempt I thought I would have 🖤
As you might be able to tell I absolutely loved this story!

Gideon hasn't seen his son Simon in 17 years after he left the family. He has kept tabs on them but never really rejoining at any time. So imagine his surprise when he is at his "Spicy Club" and he see's Simon on stage for a demonstration. This demonstration is not going as planned though and Simon is very clearly distressed and in pain. Gideon steps in and sorta saves Simon and brings him back home with him so he can care for him. After a few days under his care Gideon can tell Simon is lost in life and knows he doesn't just need guidance he needs a Dom, so Gideon decides to step up in a way he didn't before and gives Simon what he needs. Simon agrees he needs a Dom but wants ALL aspects of that relationship with Gideon not just the structure but now he just has to get Gideon to see things his way 😈 There is some push and pull here but man when that finally gives the chemistry between these two is HOT!
Again I obviously loved every second of this...do I wish Nick would have fallen down a flight of stairs or ran into the Triplets...yes...BUT this story was about growth so I guuuueeess we can just hope Karma gets him 🤣

[Rae_Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4⭐️
Spice: 3.5 🌶

Vibes:
-Taboo (f@ther/s0n c*st)
-Kink exploration
-D/S dynamic
-Hurt/comfort
-Strangers to lovers
-Brat/Sir

This book was seriously hot!

Simon is completely lost when we meet him. He's stuck in an unhealthy relationship, struggling to figure out what he wants, and searching for something that feels right. Gideon steps in to help, convincing himself that he's simply giving Simon a safe place to land while he gets back on his feet.

What starts as support soon develops into something much deeper. When Gideon suggests a non-sexual Dom/sub arrangement to help provide Simon with structure and stability, Simon quickly discovers just how much comfort he finds in letting someone else take control for a while.

I absolutely loved watching Simon grow throughout this story. His journey of self-discovery, learning what he needs, and finding his voice was just as compelling as the romance itself. The hurt/comfort elements were beautifully done, and seeing him learn to communicate and advocate for himself was incredibly satisfying.

Of course, the chemistry between Simon and Gideon is off the charts. Simon may be ready to explore more, but Gideon spends much of the book trying to keep his feelings firmly under control. When that control finally slips? Let's just say it was worth the wait.

The spice in this book is phenomenal, but what really stood out to me was the emotional connection underneath it all. The relationship isn't without its hurdles, but watching these two work through them together made the payoff feel even sweeter.

I also loved catching up with the boys from The Way We Love!

[Rachel Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

OK I loved this one, even more than the first book in the series. Warnings for kink and taboo relations.

We first met Simon in The Way We Love. He shared a few scenes with his older half brothers, and it was clear that he had plenty of story to tell. I love the progression in this one, of Simon coming out of a bad relationship and learning more about his wants and desires within a kink relationship thanks to Gideon. He's a bit of a brat lol, and I loved him.

There are some very sweet and tender moments here too. And a lot of emotion as Simon and Gideon reconnect and then have to work out how to maintain a relationship going forward. Gideon is a great Dom, patient and understanding what Simon needs. I really enjoyed the two of them together.

This one works well as a standalone too, even though his half brother triplets do make a fun appearance in this one!

I received an arc from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[what_emmareadnext · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was HOT 🔥

Gideon and Simon are estranged father and son who reconnect at a k!nk club when Gideon saves Simon from a dangerous situation. Giving him somewhere safe to stay, Gideon takes Simon home and the two begin to explore k!nk (and each other!) slowly. Obviously this is a ta👻 story, and it’s hot as all hell but it’s also gentle and sweet at times. Gideon is a firm but kind Dom and he offers Simon a safe place to explore his desires. I haven’t read the previous book about the triplets but I’m heading back to do that right now because they were great in this book. There is also elements of humour and funny moments that made the book an enjoyable read! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[D.Talks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was provided with an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. These are my real sentiments about the story and everything written here is respectful, without meaning to harm anyone, but to offer my opinion as constructive criticism/compliments. Thank you, Abby, for the opportunity!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 / 5
🔥🔥🔥 .5 / 5

Couple: Simon and Gideon.

Structure: 1st person. Past tense. Dual POV. One of the MCs appears in another series, but it can be read as a standalone.

This is one of the stories with the best BDSM representations I've ever read. It treats so many taboos and wrong ideas around the theme in a very right and caring way. Not only the physical and kinky part, but also (and maybe mainly) the emotional/psychological aspect to it.

Not to mention, Simon's and Gideon's relationship is so well constructed. They are both complex characters with a complex development regarding themselves as individuals and their changing relationship. The fact they didn't have the father-son connection was so interesting, because it explored Simon's trauma at the same time that it made it easier for him to accept his attraction to Gideon. Simon is one of the brattiest characters I've ever read and I love him for it haha

The way Gideon understands Simon is also amazing. It's interesting seeing him so comfortable in his own skin when he's being a Dom and a romantic partner, but shattering when he needs to be a father. All those nuances were so beautifully portrayed.

This became one of my favorite taboo stories I've ever read, and definitely my favorite from Abby. Her writing is amazing, has a pacing that's just on point, and shows the complexity of everything she's conveying in a simple way that reaches the reader easily.

I definitely recommend this one who likes fathercest and wants to read a book about BDSM that actually knows what it's talking about 💕

[VicReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 ⭐️

Abby always knows how to deliver such steamy goodness.

Simon and Gideon haven't seen each other in 17 years. Typical story, father leaves and never returns but pays child support on time. 17 years never seeing his son except in pictures until one night and everything changes.

The chemistry is off the charts,, the push and pull is intense and their relationship is not without it issues. They talk and work hard and it is worth it in the end.

𝚆𝙷𝙰𝚃 𝚃𝙾 𝙴𝚇𝙿𝙴𝙲𝚃
-Taboo (f@ther/s0n c*st)
-Kink exploration
-D/S dynamic
-Hurt/comfort
-Strangers to lovers
-Brat/Sir

[Magne Einar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot! Hot! HOT! 🔥

Honestly, that is the best possible way to describe this book.

I was so excited to see the triplets from The Way We Love again, and what can I say? This was such a fun and enjoyable read. 😍

Even the beginning alone — the way father and son found each other again — had me completely invested right away. Heck yes!

[Miruru Shouting · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love everything Abby writes. Even though dom/sub dynamics aren't my favorite to read, I loved the layer that it added to Simon and Gideon's story. This was angsty with ex-bf drama and of course the usual tab00 conflicts.

[Em · Rating 4 out of 5]

The sequel to The Way We Love, this being the kink journey of the little brother, Simon, and his Daddy, Gideon. A little more mud to wade through, but sticky, spicy just the same. Explosive ending. 💥 🧨 🔥

[Jade Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved reading about Simon! His inner brattiness was adorbale, and the relationship with Gideon was both tender and super hot!

[Ray South · Rating 5 out of 5]

We first meet Simon on The Way We Love, and I'm so glad we get his story! There was so much hurt/comfort, and plenty of spice. This was a wonderful novel.

[Gale MR · Rating 4 out of 5]

That was a grand surprise in the best way possible. It's one of my favourite reads from this author so far and I hope to see more full lenght novels.
Life throws unexpected curve balls and Gideon lands on the receiving end of one of them.
The plot - well balanced and entertaining follows the unconventional relationship that blooms and develops between estranged father and his son.
It's a second chance romance story fairly light and easy to read, with plenty of spice and witty banter that kept me fully engaged during the whole time.
My only hope is that we will see more of the cool uncle Damon in the future.

[Rachel Harrod · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like a little inc*st taboo, this latest offering from Abby Harrison has got to be added to your tbr. There’s a character crossover from The Way We Love, and much like that book there’s a beautiful balance of tender moments, and scenes that are Hot with a capital H.

Gideon left his young son and wife when Simon was just a toddler, while he struggled to figure out his own identity. Fast forward seventeen years and Gideon finds himself in a k*nk club watching a blond hottie being punished by his Dom. As luck would have it - it’s the son he left behind, Simon!

The attraction is instant, but after much soul searching, the intimacy comes later. Navigating an unconventional relationship doesn’t come easy, but it’s delightful when these two guys figure it out.

✨MM
✨Inc*st (father x son)
✨Dom/sub
✨ Hurt comfort
✨Sounding

Who is it for:
If you love taboo that feels like soulmate level stuff, while still being a little bit naughty.

I generously received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Samantha Fox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Straddling the Divide tells the story of Simon and his estranged father Gideon. Simon was introduced as a side character in Abby’s previous book The Way We Love, and while I am little bit surprised with who is other half ended up being I would not say that I am disappointed because Gideon grew on me and by the end of the book he showed why he was Simons perfect match. As a side character in The Way We Love, Simon was a terror and in this one he was a sad little creature who was drowning in trauma and in desperate need of need of a firm hand and stable surroundings. When Simon was at his best, his sassy seductions techniques were quite humor to witness.

It was fun to get some cameos from the Triplets and Uncle Damon and I am curious if he will get his own story sometime in the future.

Thank you so much to Abby Harrison for providing me with an arc of this spicy and emotional read.

[Jasmin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Look I love a good ta👻 romance and especially a full length one! So happy Simon got his own story after the peak we got of him in “The way we love” (hello triplets 😜)! This was absolutely delicious with Simon reconnecting with his absent father, when he saves him from a pretty nasty situation! Loved all the k/nk exploration going on in this and how Gideon taught Simon what a D/s relationship actually should be like! This obviously was plenty spicy but it was also very sweet and full of tender and caring moments!