Instagram story viewer> @alwaysaclicheneveratrope> Posts

always a cliché never a trope

@alwaysaclicheneveratrope

127

followers

349

following

esther // 41 year old mother discovers books for divertissement - what a cliché !
radicalized by basic human decency #momhugsavailable 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️💖-🚫AI

POSTS STORIES REELS

My yearly new-ember starts now so I am posting this to hold myself accountable. As I did last year I am “challenging” ( twist my arm why don’t you? ) to read only new to me authors in November.

I picked some that are have spend a long time on my TBR - like @nmjcoveney and @logan.sage.adams - sprinkled in some recent ARC gets and topped it off with some I just found by chance.

Excited for this run and open to suggestions if you think I need to add someone. Last year was full of wonderful personal discoveries.

Happy fall ( hopefully just leaves and not civilization )

Esther x by @alwaysaclicheneveratrope

September recap plus October “can’t wait”s.

The last one is a total manifestation for me getting the ARC this month. Fingers crossed and pray to the garland witches of Felcove I guess.

#recap #bookstagram #rambling #wrapup by @alwaysaclicheneveratrope

Tried my hand at bad slides because it always so crowded here in the caption. But even bad slides > ai. so here we are.

Much love ❤️

#wrapup #august #bookstagram by @alwaysaclicheneveratrope

Another month has passed and here is my wrap up. July was extremes for me. Almost burn out and holiday time. Joy at Berlin pride parade and desperation later on. Feelings of rejection and beautiful moments with my family. Also heat. Le sigh.

Also this July had something that was unprecedented for me. Two re-reads. One because I needed the full picture and two because I wanted something I knew I would like as my 1000th read tracked through StoryGraph. I will reveal which was which later on. So mysterious.

Starting this month off were the first two books in the „Love at Labyrinth Solution“ by MA Wardell. One of the authors I discovered and love dearly since restarting reading books on the regular. His „teacher in love“ series made me so curious and happy and I am grateful as his books, the accompanying art/artists and his recommendations fueled my journey. „Meetings with the Minotaur“ and „CTRL+ALT+ORC“ were both delightful and horny. Love this series and I am looking forward to the third installment.

Finished the audiobook of Jay Hogan’s „Up Close and personal“ next. Took me a long time as almost no free listening time. I also forgot how full of action some of her books are. Definitely a ride and a good audio version too.

Then a small palette cleanser. T Rossmaur‘s „A Game of Heart and hound“. It was definitely what I needed - short and sexy. I loved everything I read of his so far. Looking forward to „a peculiar proposal“ in September.

Then my 1000th book tracked through my StoryGraph account (also alwaysaclicheneveratrope for anyone who wants to be friends or something) was the re-read of Role Model by Rachel Reid. I wanted to know if I still like it second time around and I did. Also noticed Troy being infatuated from the start - I didn’t read it that way first time around. Can’t wait to see what Jacob Tierney does with these.

Had my eye on the next book from when it was announced. Liked the first one of the Montgomery U series by Jake Grenier just fine but was not entirely sold. „Heart to break“ on the other hand was really good. Glad I gave this the chance it deserved.

->continues in two comments by @alwaysaclicheneveratrope

Happy belated pride month to those who celebrate and to the rest: f off. With that out of the way. June was a weird hard month with so much work that I didn’t have time to read enough. The audacity.

So here goes my little recap:

Fell into a little erotica hole at the start of the moth with Alex Pendragons stories. Definitely some horny stuff there. If I had more disposable income i would have bought the rest of the available stories and just stayed there the rest of the month.

Next up was „Dirty little secret“ by Riley Hart. She is definitely one of those authors that always deliver a good story. Have never not had a good time reading.

Also read more of Kit Roughhouse. Not sure why but I can’t stop. The complete sets are fun and the third is open to be finished soon. Same as some of the characters in the book.

„downtown“ by JS Jasper was my first story with a trans woman mc i read, I think, and It was a good one. Chapter twelve is still in my heart.

Listened to the Auckland Med series by Jay Hogan. Honestly the name is a bit misleading as it also about rugby and police and crime and stuff. Read the whole series before now i let @garyfurlongvo do it with the correct accent.

Re-read „Precious“ by Roe Horvat in prep to read „Innocent“ in the same series which i skipped the first time round and I still loved it. „Innocent“ not so much but mainly because I like a little bit of chase in my romance.

-> continues in the comments by @alwaysaclicheneveratrope

So in may i may have made the unconscious decision to again keep to one book per author (did this back in November) and also read a bunch of new to me authors either from my TBR or ARCs that happened to catch my fancy. This is a long list. But I wanted to leave some thoughts again.

Storm Chaser by @authorflynnwoods - definitely one of my favorite authors. Read my first of him back in November and I loved every book I read so far. Storm Chaser is short and sexy and great.

International Relations by @zachammettwrites was a NetGalley ARC. Loved the characters main and otherwise.

Salt by @jonahyorkeauthor - what a book?! The series has me in so many feels. A bit on the taboo-ey side but I couldn’t not root for the main couple the whole time.

Resilience of stars by @xarakenley - great book that starts sexy and at the end you cry your eyes out. Beautiful.

Grounding the baker by @olivertakelyauthor - so much chemistry. Flirty fun grounded in feelings. Also made me curious for the rest of the books in this series.

The house of now and then by @edwardunderhill - also a NetGalley ARC. Read this almost in one setting. It was such an emotional but whimsical experience. Read this.

The way we swing by @loganlanebooks - It’s a story with edges and messy characters and hope and feelings. I am looking forward to the rest of the series. Thank you for the ARC.

Second helpings by @dylanthyme - my second of his and also from NetGalley. His writing is so rich. I felt like it couldn’t miss a sentence. Great story about forgiveness too.

Go easy on me @authorbradleyjames - this one is cheeky. Love me a twist.

Notice me, Jameson Hart by @authorchristopherjbrice - loved everything but the title. I will also read anything by this author.

Love is a contact sport by @fsmith827 - a story about a second try and growing and timing. Frederick Smith took me on quite a journey. Thanks again for the ARC.

The lantern by @literarylouis - this book was a long time on my TBR and I am glad I finally opened it. The tension.

(Continue in comments) by @alwaysaclicheneveratrope

Another month of books has passed and I am here to report my findings and feelings. Starting with the six ARCs/ALC. Again six. Must be my lucky number.

Starting with an ALC of „Broken Promises“ by Oliver Takely and @bluenoseaudio which I actually read already in back in October. The culmination of the highly recommended „Soho Knights“ Series. Once I got into it I loved this version. James Joseph and Derek Duvall are doing a great job in this.

Next was „Trinity of blood“ by C.Rochelle. First of all how awesome is that cover? All the art is exquisite. Storyline and characters and campness and feelings and hornytude also don’t disappoint.

After having thought that I might want to slow down with ARCs i of course requested three on NetGalley as one does. The first one was „What wakes within us“ by Brian Steppenwolf. A great book about what identity is and means when routines start to fail. Or that’s how I read it.

The second ARC was „In your court“ by Kit Haley. Immensely enjoyed this. I couldn’t even be mad about the miscommunication trope.

The third ARC from NetGalley is still on the TBR as I had to first finish the „Love Goals“ series by Kristian Parker. „Playing to win“ is a great finale. Ewen and Tito work.

The last ARC of this month was finished just in time and it was a book I was looking forward to for a long time. Kit Erikson‘s „Brighter than the sun“ the second book of the „San Francisco sex gods“ series. I loved the first one and as it was such along ago I reread it before jumping in. Loved the second one too. It was sexy and thoughtful and never boring.

(Read on in the comments) by @alwaysaclicheneveratrope

Seems like 6 ARC/ALCs is my sweet spot. As last time I will give thoughts on those before getting to the rest of the march readness.

First was T Rossmaur’s “Something irresistible”. Which was surprising dynamically and great emotionally.

“Side by side” by Jordan Clayden-Lewis was next and I think it was my first novel where this (sides as in vers/top/bottom) was a main topic. It was handled very nicely and definitely made me want to get into that more. Overall also a great story.

Thirdly my first ALC from netgalley. “How to date a prince” by Hayden Stone. Even tho I was not a hundred percent into the story the narration by James Joseph was spot on.

I think I already panted a lot after “Revved up” by Blane Bellamy. Do yourself a favor and read it when I comes out.

“Written in the stars” by Christopher J Brice was perfect 90s rom com material. This Barracudas series is so good. Hits so many spots.

Last but not least. I just finished “the symphonies that you are” by Flynn Woods and if you never read his stuff you’re missing out big time. Flirty, sexy, deep, well written. This series is great and everything else.

~~> continues in the comments by @alwaysaclicheneveratrope

Okay will do this recap: arc, audiobooks and then the rest. Will be a long read.

So ARCS. Starting of with “Magnificent Mess” by Roe Horvat. This was an unusual arc as I snatched it from the newsletter. Go me. Loved this series of bear shifters and this mmm was a lot of fun and feelings.

“Ruthless Mercy” by Greyson Vale was next. Not for the faint of heart and definitely one of his best.

“Finest kind of fate” by JJ Mulder was next. Good start to this series sets in a quaint town. It has boats and sexy fishermen and artists.

Then “Professional Wrath” by Oliver Takely which came out today. It’s the third of the great Sinful Knights series. Definitely worth your time.

I was so happy about “Doubting Fate” by DC Emerson. Their take on the omega verse with a more slow burny approach surprised me and made me happy. 🐙 - also warmed up to that with to great freebies. As pictured.

Last on the ARCs of February was Jeremey Harrison’s “Swallowed by Night”. It was like a good thriller set in a dystopian landscape with vampires. You get maybe why it was hard to put down.

Audiowise I listened to Adam Sass’ “cursed boys” ( good version and good story but I am not sure why I never like his mmcs ) and “Nightmare before Kissmas” by Sara Raasch ( the narrator was so good - felt like you were there)

I finished the Game Changer. Still two more weeks for me to get to the cottage.

Libby graced me with Julian Winter’s “Last First Kiss” and i loved it. Tiptoeing around feelings while pining.

“Scoring chance” by AJ Truman started the month and I was so happy it was good as I was a goner for the prequel then the first book was for me just okay. Total redemption.

Right Brothers Series by Romeo Alexander ended with a bang.

Christopher J Brice brought the tv series feeling back with “Power of Love”. Gods the pining!

Loved the dynamic in T Rossmaurs “Beneath the gaze of god” - no feelings of cringe despite the many religious flirting.

Thought I would get cute Vampire story with DN Bryn but got feelings and capitalism and fighting for the right thing.

Jonathan Hawker’ arthurian opus kept me on the edge of my couch. They have to fight hard for their hfn. Loved it. by @alwaysaclicheneveratrope

Okay so I might have overdone it a bit in January, but can you blame me? It’s really cold outside, work has its slow time and Heated Rivalry is not out were I am at.

That said I read four brilliant ARCs this month.

Started with @marramooreauthor’s Survival Instinct which was heartbreaking and beautiful. Never seen such cute stalking tbh.

Then came the three friends from Felcove. Coming middle of February. “Bad things come in 3s” by @jonathanhawker_author has awesome world building, great pacing and well the spice is spicing. Everyone should read this.

Ever after from Alexis Hall was next. Good lord it was emotional. This was from NetGalley.

Last but not least this month was “Peaches and Pucks” by @mawardellauthor. An auto-read author for me. Story is heavy on the peach - light on the pucks.

Also got a bit unhinged for a moment with the deeply morally concerning but weirdly fascinating stories by @danielmaywrites (wtf?!), @onleyjameswrites (August!), @roehorvat.writesmm (so much!) and @mnbennetauthor (Poor Roman).

Still working myself through the oeuvre of @mnbennetauthor. Loved getting to know Wally and Bez. Will continue this month. Still so much to read.

More handsome devils were visited “Roommate from Hell” by @calerdietrich. Or should I say visit us?

Also more vampires in @c.rochelle_author start to the trinity of blood series. Oh yes.

Speaking of series. Friction Fiction Number three was another good one by @elliotkylewrites. Looking forward to the collection coming this year.

Also prepared for the Olympics with @finndixonwriting. The rings trilogy is prime training material.

Read more sports and Olympics from @kenthollandwrites. Adonis and Sebastiaan couldn’t get enough of each other and neither could I.

Also started an unknown book series by @rachelreidwrites. Definitely should check that out.

@mason_deaver stole my heart with “the build a boyfriend project”. More please.

Last but not least I read some exfriends who went through the motions in “Escape Velocity” by Jake Grenier.

Ah. Almost forgot “Pump n Dump” by @authorcwscott and @morgansloan_author. Sorry but I hated the title. Loved the story tho.

Who wants cookies? by @alwaysaclicheneveratrope

So this is my wrap up for 2025. late but time doesn’t exactly matter here.

Was my best year in reading I think. Best because I made the conscious decision to read more own voice this year and I am so happy about it because there are so many good people writing in and from their own experiences and I am lucky to be able to read so many of them.

#2025 #wrapup #bookstagram #readingispolitical by @alwaysaclicheneveratrope

My December wrap up. I read quite a few cosy cabin things. Christmas’s things and arc things.

Most importantly I finished „The Secret Collection“ by @authorflynnwoods - first read one of these during my new-vember month and I could not wait to start and finish the rest. I really loved all of them. Rest of his available books are on my immediate TBR.

Also it was my birthday. Which was spend at the cabin with Connor, Dawson and Aiden at the Cabin. Thanks @coltondrakeauthor for creating this beautiful and frosty mmm adventure.

Finished the Teachers in Love series with „Husband of the year“ by @mawardellauthor - this is how you write a good series finale. So much tender love and soft filth.

Could write a whole love song about how much I loved „King of Pain“ by @jpjosephauthor (well if I could write a love song that is) - what a book to end the year with.

Patiently waiting for the rest of @bjornwildepress - Christmas under wraps.

As for ARCs I read four very different things:

Scrap Metal and love reforged by @calebmarksauthor - Wonderful healing story

Holiday Pines by @twarrenwrites - hits the hallmarky spot with brilliant characters

Hidden Greed by @olivertakelyauthor - love everything that he writes. Period.

A murder most camp by @nicdidomiziobooks - loved this. Review follows soon.

Still working on „Survival instinct“ by @marramooreauthor - I am so slow - had to be social in real life over new years (😅)

Will do a year wrap up soon.

Thanks for all the stories. 💜 by @alwaysaclicheneveratrope