Tread

Kink Files #2

by A.G. Carothers, D.G. Carothers

Abel Kensington the Fifth, aka TheFifthAbel – Accountant, Germaphobe, Service Submissive turned Daddy Dom and resigned to being alone.

Mired in his routines that keep the worst of his fears and obsessive behaviors at bay, Abel has given up finding someone who will look past his sanitized bubble. Little does he know that someone is watching him and has a plan to slip into his world and take care of him for a change.

Darius MacLeod, aka JuicyDare – Coffee House Owner, Scottish Transplant, New Daddy Dom, and finding love is the last thing on his mind.

While his roots are still firmly in his homeland, Darius has started a new life in his father’s hometown. When a seemingly shy and prim older man starts frequenting his café, Darius’ interest is piqued, and his instincts kick in. Wanting to get past the barrier Abel has erected, Darius dives feet first into a whole new world he knows little about.

Abel and Darius will need to find sure footing on this new path before them as Abel gets back to his submissive roots, and Darius explores a new but natural lifestyle.

Attention: This book contains depictions of dominance, submission, boot worship, trampling, and adults in footie pajamas.

Genres: BDSM, M M Romance

108 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 20, 2020

About the author

This author is also published under the pen name D.G. Carothers.

D. G. Carothers is actually a dragon very cleverly disguised as a human. They are a non-binary author of LGBTQIA Urban Fantasy, who enjoys writing original and entertaining stories. They are very excited to share the worlds they've created with you.

D.G. currently lives in Tennessee with their platonic life partner, who is not a dragon. They yearn to live back in Europe and will some day. In their spare time they are addicted to losing themselves in the lovely worlds created by other authors

D.G. is committed to writing the stories they see in their head without restrictions. Love is blind and doesn't see gender, race, or sexuality.

Reviews

[Trio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Centered around members of the BDSM club, The Rack, A.G. Carothers’ Tread is the second novel in their Kink Files series. Carothers is building a fascinating, close knit community who interact both inside and outside of the club. Several characters from the first novel play a part in this story, and while Tread can be read as a standalone, I think you’ll enjoy the whole experience more if you’ve read The Kiss first.

One of the most original BDSM romance series I’ve read, A.G. Carothers has created some truly interesting characters! Darius and Abel have a fascinating dynamic, and it’s incredibly moving to watch their relationship grow in Tread. As they open up to each other and share deeply personal thoughts and feelings, they create a very intimate partnership. This story is so beautifully written, it took my breath away.

A natural caregiver, Darius finds real satisfaction when providing for others. Intrigued by his arousal over Abel’s responses, their mutual friends from The Kiss guide him to learn more about BDSM. Visiting their club, The Rack, as well as partaking in some private instruction, gives Darius some direction, and the courting begins!

Abel is one of those characters who truly tugs at your heartstrings. Sweet and genuine, Abel has so much emotional baggage that he’s given up hope for a meaningful relationship. Abel is surprised by his unexpected responses to Darius’ care and attention, and I’m so glad he lets down his walls and gives Darius a chance.

A.G. Carothers does an amazing job getting inside Abel’s head. It’s fascinating to watch him process his reactions while he and Darius interact throughout the story. The sense of well-being he feels, as well as his overwhelming satisfaction in serving his Dom, soothes and centers him. The change that comes over Abel is truly moving as he glows with happiness and self-confidence.

Reading about Darius and Abel as they explore their roles and build a relationship is sensual and erotic. Their forthright and honest communication opens the door to some incredible love scenes, including one of the hottest edging scenes I've ever read. The intimacy and connection the couple share in the final scene with boot worship and trampling is incredibly romantic… yes, romantic!

There is a positive energy I find in all of A.G. Carothers’ novels, and that warmth comes through in Tread as well. Though the story focuses on the characters’ deep emotions and highly personal sensations, Carothers builds in carefree, playful moments. It’s easy to feel a connection to these characters, making Tread a very satisfying romance.

I’m loving the men in The Rack’s tight-knit community, and I can’t wait to see which guys A.G. Carothers will focus on next. If you’ve not had the chance to read anything by this marvelous author, either episode in the Kink Files is a great place to start.

[True Loveislovereview · Rating 5 out of 5]

COL (crying out loud) Love Love! this story. Ultimately care and consideration, with vulnerable circumstances.

When Abel enters Darius’ café he starts to clean his surroundings thoroughly.
Darius the kind and thoughtful guy he is isn’t opposed.
Working for the same Hartstone Police Department Gavin (from #1) does and following his, advice Abel sits and works at this particular café.

Darius is smitten by Abel and intrigued, after a while of watching and serving this man, he knows and understands some more. He will take care of this man in the way he deserves.

Oh boy, oh boy. Again, like #1 but totally different, a lot of awesomeness. It was so extremely entertaining I almost couldn’t handle it. Please image also some delicious fetish and other surprises.

"Super Green, Daddy."

Trust, care, surrendering, acceptance, acknowledge, love and happiness are the results of months of thorough education and honest communication.
On top of that an ultimately delicious and oh so emotional scene.

What a story, I couldn’t get enough of them and speak the hope of more.
Because dang these men... I loved them hard!

Highly recommended

[Ζωή Παππά · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh this was just awesome!! I had so much fun with this book. I connected with the main characters instantly. They were both wonderful in their unique way and they felt like real people. Their relationship developed organically and it was just beautiful to read. I’ve read a lot of books with similar dynamics and this one was different in the best way ever. And what can I say, I have a soft spot for accountants and kilts. This was perfect.

I received an ARC of this book for an honest review

[Sharon Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Tread, which is book 2 in the Kink Files. Please note that this book can be read as a standalone but you'll enjoy it that little bit more if you read The Kiss first as the main characters from that book play an important role in Tread.
The book is only short - just over 70 pages - but the author packs a lot of story into those pages. Abel is a forensic accountant who works occasionally for the government so much of of what he does is secret. He is also a germophobe and a service submissive. He's resigned to being alone.
Darius is a coffee house owner, a transplanted Scot and usually wears a kilt.
These two meet and a lovely story begins.
The book contains elements of a daddy/boy relationship, bdsm and of course love.
The book is very well written and I saw very few problems with editing. I was reading an ARC though so this might change.
I'm glad that I asked to review this book and have no hesitation in recommending it.

[Elin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first found this author with the short The Kiss, that came later out as a longer book, and I fell for Liam and Gavin then, and the little tease with Abel and Darius was made in to something wonderful in this book.
We meed Liam and Gavin again in this book, and get to see a playful side of Liam I just loved.

It was impossible to imagine what it would turn in to from the start but it all felt so naturally when it happened, they fit so perfectly together. I couldn't love one more than the other because they were two halves of a whole. And where Abel had all his issues, Darius was right there with him, making things just a little bit better.
This wasn't a book about fixing Abel, it's about him finding the person that accepts him with all his quirks and rules, and about Darius finding what he didn't know he needed.

And I'm a sucker for cute dragon pajamas.

[Kaila · Rating 5 out of 5]

ill admit.. the cover drew me first.. i was very interested in this cover and then the blurb was a lot of fun and enjoyable so... i decided to read it and i loved it. it was amazing and interesting.. it kept me on my feet and curious.. it was all around wonderful and i cant wait to see what else comes from this author and series!

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy to read and review for Wicked Reads

This was a fast afternoon read. Darius and Abel were adorable and I loved their relationship. If you want a fast feel good story that focuses more on comfort and connection than physical I highly recommend this book.

[Karolina Cebula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abel and Darius met for the first time six months earlier in Darius' cafe and although they have been clearly interested in each other since then, they haven't taken their acquaintance to the next level. However, Darius decides to finally change that. In order to get to know his crush better, he checks out a club Abel goes to once a month. That's how Darius learns about the hidden, kinky side of his man. When he finally asks Abel on a date, he also discovers his own so far unknown interests.

"Tread" is the second installment of "Kink Files" series by A.G. Carothers, which started with "The Kiss". Just like in the case of the first novel, also this time A.G. Carothers approaches the topics of kinks seriously, thoughtfully and with simplicity, thanks to which the presented story has irresistible charm and class. We see it from the very beginning as the subject of discovering something new, which in fact is and probably has always been part of you, appears in the novella. In this case, I really loved the way Darius approaches the themes of D/s dynamics and BDSM practices. The openness of his mind, the desire to explore the subject and to study it is something that I consider completely natural. The whole secret of this character lies in the most important thing, so in the subject of his studies and the approach to it that I've mentioned. So the thing that I really like about the novella is not Darius' thirst for knowledge, but the fact that he sees this particular field of knowledge as something entirely normal.

What I think is the biggest advantage of "Tread" is Abel himself. He is not a common hero type, so he is certainly unique and one of a kind, especially if we take into consideration the literature with D/s, BDSM motifs. Let's start with the fact that Abel is a person who carries the baggage of germophobia, certain obsessive behaviors and attachment to routine. So he is someone that many people would describe as burdensome, because in a sense he forces others to behave in a way that is unusual to them. And yet in his heart Abel is a Submissive who needs a protector and at the same time a Dom who will be able to accept him fully and thus adapt to Abel's rules. Let's be honest, even as a normal partner many people would considered Abel a challenge. So how much more challenging would it be for a Dom, who would like to make Abel his Submissive, to accept him and his rules. As you can see, A.G. Carothers touches a problem that is rare in this kind of stories and presents it in such a natural way that the reader is simply delighted.

Another thing that I really want to mention when reviewing this novella is the wonderfully built relationship between the characters. "Tread" is not really a story that focuses on chemistry between Abel and Darius, which makes the air around them heavy with body's sexual needs. It's a story about something much deeper, something spiritual, mental. A.G. Carothers doesn't build the characters' relationship only when they are together and interact directly, but creates and strengthens the feelings that are born between Darius and Abel also at times when they are alone, far from each other, when they don't have any contact with each other. In this case, it is very important that in "Tread" the reader really feels this bond between the characters regardless of where and in whose company they are. I'm really impressed because such a clearly visible image of the elusive, psychological or even spiritual bond is not easy to show in a book, and A.G. Carothers really manage to do it.

In summary, "Tread" is a wonderful and really worth reading novella, which puts the psychological needs of a person above the bodily ones and shows that the path to happiness and fulfillment leads through acceptance and willingness to change. So I really encourage you to accompany those amazing, lovable characters on their unique journey to find themselves and their happily ever after.

_________________________

Abel i Darius poznali się przed sześcioma miesiącami w prowadzonej przez tego drugiego kawiarni i chociaż obaj od tamtego czasu są sobą nawzajem wyraźnie zainteresowani, nie wprowadzili swojej znajomości na wyższy poziom. Darius postanawia to jednak zmienić. Aby lepiej poznać mężczyznę, który zawrócił mu w głowie, wyszukuje w sieci Klub, którego członkiem jest Abel. Dzięki temu Darius poznaje tę skrywaną, bardziej zboczoną stronę obiektu swoich westchnień, a kiedy w końcu proponuje Ablowi randkę, odkrywa ją także w samym sobie.

„Tread” jest drugą odsłoną serii „Kink Files” autorstwa A.G. Carothers, którą zapoczątkowała powieść „The Kiss”. Podobnie jak w przypadku pierwszej części, także tym razem A.G. Carothers traktuje poruszone tematy „kinków” z powagą, prostotą i rozwagą, dzięki czemu przedstawiona historia posiada nieodparty czar i klasę. Możemy to zauważyć już na samym początku, kiedy to w „Tread” pojawia się motyw odkrywania czegoś nowego, co w gruncie rzeczy jest i prawdopodobnie zawsze było częścią ciebie. W tym wypadku bardzo spodobało mi się to, w jaki sposób Darius podchodzi do dynamiki D/s oraz praktyk BDSM. Otwartość jego umysłu na nowe wiadomości oraz chęć zgłębiania tematu, dokształcenia się jest czymś zupełnie normalnym. Cały sekret tej postaci, kryje się w tym, co najistotniejsze, a więc w temacie prowadzonych przez niego studiów oraz wspomnianym przeze mnie podejściu do niego. W nowelce podoba mi się więc nie to, że Darius jest głodny wiedzy, ale to, że dziedzinę zdobywanej wiedzy traktuje jako coś zupełnie zwyczajnego.

Za największą zaletę „Tread” uważam jednak postać Abla. Nie jest on bowiem bohaterem takim jak zdecydowana większość, a już na pewno jest wyjątkowy i jedyny w swoim rodzaju jeśli weźmiemy pod lupę literaturę, w której pojawiają się elementy D/s, BDSM. Zacznijmy od tego, że Abel jest osobą dźwigającą na plecach bagaż mizofobii, pewnych obsesyjnych zachowań oraz ogromnej wagi przywiązywanej do rutyny. Jest więc kimś, kogo wiele osób określiłoby jako uciążliwego, jako że w pewnym sensie jego osoba wymusza na innych pewne niecodzienne zachowania. A jednak Abel w głębi duszy jest osobą uległą, która potrzebuje opiekuna i jednocześnie partnera dominującego, który jednak będzie w stanie zaakceptować go w pełni, a tym samym dostosować się do narzuconych zasad. Bądźmy szczerzy, Abel jako zwykły partner stanowiłby wyzwanie dla niejednej osoby. O ileż więc trudniejsze zadanie stoi przed Dominującym, który chciałby uczynić Abla swoim Uległym. Jak więc widzicie, A.G. Carothers porusza naprawdę rzadko spotykany w tego rodzaju powieściach problem, który przedstawia w sposób tak naturalny, że czytelnik jest po prostu zachwycony.

Kolejna sprawa, o której po prostu muszę wspomnieć recenzując tę nowelkę to wspaniale budowana relacja między bohaterami. W „Tread” tak naprawdę nie chodzi o chemię między Ablem i Dariusem, o cielesne zainteresowanie drugą osobą, które aż zagęszcza powietrze wokół, ale o coś o wiele głębszego, duchowego, psychicznego. A.G. Carothers nie buduje związku naszych bohaterów tylko wtedy, kiedy są razem i oddziałują na siebie bezpośrednio, ale tworzy i umacnia rodzące się między Dariusem i Ablem uczucia także w chwilach, kiedy mężczyźni są sami, oddaleni od siebie, nie mają ze sobą kontaktu. W tym wypadku bardzo ważny jest fakt, iż w „Tread” czytelnik naprawdę czuje tę więź między bohaterami niezależnie od tego gdzie i w czyim towarzystwie przebywają. Jestem pod dużym wrażeniem, ponieważ tak wyraźnie widoczne przedstawienie nieuchwytnej, ponieważ psychologicznej, czy też duchowej więzi jest rzeczą niełatwą, a A.G. Carothers naprawdę się to udało.

Podsumowując, „Tread” to wspaniała i naprawdę warta przeczytania nowelka, która stawia potrzeby psychiczne człowieka ponad cielesnymi i pokazuje, że droga do szczęścia i spełnienia wiedzie przez akceptację oraz otwartość na zmiany. Wraz ze wspaniałymi bohaterami udajcie się w tę wyjątkową podróż ku odnalezieniu siebie.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay so I like this one just a little bit more than the first one and maybe it's cuz it was a little bit longer or maybe it's cuz there was less sexual scenes and more actual character content. Either way, it was super good. The OCD and neurodivergent rep was very good and it felt raw and real like it wasn't written in a way to make it seem pretty or cute, but as a mental illness that affects everything the MC does.

I'm also here for the kilt content. This book has a Black Scottish gay main character and a white gay main character with severe OCD. Darius is the owner of a cafe and he takes notice of Abel when he comes in and cleans off his entire booth before sitting down. Before long, Darius is giving reminders to Abel that he needs to eat or go take a walk and neither one of them go any farther than that for like 6 months. That is until Darius figures out that Abel visits a kink club and goes to a 101 class and learns all he can. I think this is a great book about having two people in a BDSM relationship where one has more experience and it's just done very respectfully. It's not assumed that Darius knows everything even though he is dominant in the relationship and he does make a few mistakes and Abel is not afraid to correct him and assert his own boundaries.

This book does include treading / trampling which I have never read about in a book and so that was cool to see a new kink get some representation. There are two sexual scenes in this book. One is a hand job and one is the trampling scene but neither one includes penetration.

[Devoted❤️Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Step lightly

I adore how A.G. Carothers shows that relationships and love exist in many forms and that each of those forms are beautiful, fulfilling and everything to the people involved. I also appreciate the education I get by reading their books.

Abel sure knows how to make a memorable first impression, snort. My heart hurts for what he’s been through and I can’t describe how much I love him. He’s an amazing person. Darius makes me swoon and I’d like to lick him from head to toe. I love how much he cares and his nurturing. It’s both sexy and protective, but his inner dialogue about pants tickled me. I was also happy to see some familiar faces in this book. This series fascinates and thrills me. It’s real, touching and provocative. A winner all around.

[Fay MMBookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars... A perfectly tittled book.
I read this as a standalone book in the series which works fine, although I'm going to grab the first book of the series "The Kiss".
A short novella told in first person with both POVs. I loved the Scottish accent of Darius when he used it. Abel is definitely has his quirks in and out of the bedroom and a dominant flipping to submission boy was hot. New things install for Darius and Abel finds his One. This had bdsm scenes that I'd never read before in other books which I loved yah hot too. A great book to enjoy I loved the ending.
Darius wanted Abel and studied him every he came into his coffee shop.
Abel was working for the police department and was very particular how he did things. Abel and his friend attended a bdsm club called The Rack.

[Alan Veren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again AG has written an intense book about an interesting subject. He shows that there is love and tenderness where most see evil. It is well written, enjoyable and entertaining. As always I recommend any of his works. This story brings g out that just because you have a kink, you dont have to be a degenerate. It showed a tenderness and care for individuals on both ends of the spectrum.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is one of the best I’ve read, especially for BDSM. It is not a one-dimensional read, but an incredibly moving love story that truly focuses on the relationship between two people. Don’t go in expecting the typical kink read, this is so much better.

The character development is the most flawless I’ve seen in such a quick read. It is not only the development individually but of their relationship as well. It’s a journey of discovery – both self and between them. I can’t even put into words how much I loved that aspect and how much I crave more of these characters. The care that went into this story strikes my heart. I’ve never read anything like this where the characters felt so incredibly real. The world-building really allowed me to dive into the story and built on book one.

It is a credit to the author that this did not need to rely heavily on sex. Instead, it truly focused on the more important aspects of a relationship. I also love how the author didn’t try to change the characters radically, instead keeping what makes them unique and realistic. Tread made me laugh, it made me smile, and at times made me want for more in a way I can’t describe fully. I loved The Kiss, book one, and yet Tread somehow snuck in and left a lasting impression on my heart and even soul.

5 stars for an original and powerful read.

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kilts, kink and kindness

The second book in the Kink Files features Abel, Gavin's best friend from The Kiss. He's a ball of neuroses that he tries to keep under control with his routines, resigned to loneliness because he's too much for anyone to cope with, or so he thought. Enter a kilt-wearing Black Scottish café owner, captivated by Abel from their first meeting, and all bets are off.
Abel is portrayed sensitively and lovingly by D.G., as a character who deserves love and affection and to be understood. Darius, completely new to kink, takes the sensible decision to educate himself in all things kinky that Abel needs and desires rather than jumping in feet first and putting his foot in it (sorry for that!). Abel responds to Darius instinctively, submitting naturally, and Darius responds instinctively too, with kindness, tenderness and gentleness for the adorable boy.
I loved the cameos from Gavin and Liam, and watching Gavin love and support Abel and help Darius as he navigates his entry into the kink world.
This is another glimpse into a different aspect of kink, and again is fascinating. A three and a half star read.

[Amos24601 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, Abel, you precious man. He was so incredibly nuanced with layer upon layer to unpack. He never thought he’d find someone willing to take on his needs. Darius gave absolute life to this story. He observed, learned and then took action.

After meeting Darius in The Kiss, I desperately wanted him to be the one for Abel. Abel truly needed someone to step in and help him in various ways. Darius, while being new to the scene, took control of his own fate by listening and learning.

I loved that this story showed how intimate a relationship can be while not focusing on the physical aspects. Darius and Abel built a lasting relationship by learning about one another. It was truly lovely.

*I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest review.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interestingly Good

There were quite a few kinks and quirks in this 2nd book by A.G. Carothers. Abel was a Dom but also a Service Submissive which I was not familiar with until this book. The author did a good job of showing how Abel and Darius' dynamic worked without turning it into a BDSM lesson. The book was short and has no angst. I could just about here Darius' Scottish accent. I love how he preferred wearing kilts over jeans. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves BDSM with a side of a germaphobe. I also loved Gavin and Liam, Abel's best friends.

[Belinda Zamora · Rating 4 out of 5]

What initially grabbed my attention was the fact a lesser known kink was mentioned.
While that was explained and explored very well, ultimately it was the relationship between Abel and Darius that really kept me engaged.
Abel has problems that no one has wanted to deal with.
Darius meets Abel and is immediately fascinated.
What really struck me is how whole heartedly Darius dove into the unknown in order to be who and what Abel needed.
He was caring, nurturing and so protective which is exactly what Abel needed.

[Anabela.M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 is a delight to read. For once, a kink themed story that isn't so much oriented on the physical but more on the emotional connection between the main characters. Darius and Abel were adorable, and the author has created an unique and special dynamic for them. Some things  were unexpected and surprising, but it was heart-warming to watch their first tentative steps into a relationship, and how they slowly learned what they had to offer and needed from each other.

I loved it.

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grade one germophobe Abel lives his life quietly, his only friend Gavin, from the previous story, watches over him. Abel is a Boy in need of a Daddy but his idiosyncrasies make it hard to meet anyone. Then comes Darius, a kilt wearing, dreadlocked barista. This novella is sweet and gentle and makes you want to go "awww" all the way through. There is BDSM here with scenes and mentioning of spanking and trampling but it's all rather mild.

[Kerry · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

There's no doubt about it, this book was unlike any I have ever read. Abel has OCD and Darius is so sweet, understanding and accommodating about all of Abel's issues. Darius is willing to learn all he can so that he can help Abel and have a lasting relationship with him: go to classes, learn all he can on the internet, and talk to Abel's best friend Gavin about how best to help Abel.

[Kassandra Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it.

I love how we saw a hint of these dynamics in The Kiss. They are definitely followed through into this book and I’m glad we get to see the whole story.

I look forward to reading the next book.

Highly recommend.

I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Himom90 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

I enjoyed Abel and Darius’ story. I thought the author did a good job portraying Abel’s phobias and idiosyncrasies in a way that you understand him without pitying him. Both characters are sweet and I was introduced to a new type of kink. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book way beyond what I expected. It is a well written story, where Darius and Abel find love, their way with their own style of kink.

The tenderness and understanding expressed in ‘Thread’ really enthralled me, I couldn't put the book down. This story is realistic and outside the normal MM BDSM box.

Although this was a short read in pages, there is so much captured, not a word was wasted.

I was introduced to AG Carothers by reading book 1 of this series, 'Kiss'. It was also written in the same style I loved about 'Thread', with realistic characters finding love.

Can't wait to read more from this author.

[Theresa · Rating 1 out of 5]

Didn't care for Abel.