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The State of British Royalty

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This isn’t a topic I usually delve into, but every now and then, thoughts about the Royal Family come to mind, and I feel compelled to express them. My interest in the monarchy has been somewhat sporadic over the years, which explains why I don’t often share my views. However, having observed their interactions with the media and those who claim to represent public opinion for quite some time, it has become increasingly clear to me that the Royal Family does not operate independently, despite any assertions to the contrary. In reality, they are heavily influenced and controlled by external forces comprised of individuals who have no personal ties to them—primarily those who are either employed by the monarchy or involved in some form of contractual relationship.

Everyone recognizes that the monarchy operates within a constitutional framework, which, on the surface, implies a lack of concrete political power. However, the Royals manage to exert significant influence over various facets of legislation, acting as the Head of State during formal engagements with foreign dignitaries. These interactions often serve the purpose of “soft power,” creating an atmosphere reminiscent of the 16th century, wherein visitors are ceremoniously introduced to figures they perceive as true rulers.

Yet, the crux of my thoughts doesn’t rest solely on this dynamic. What preoccupies me is the realization that the Royal Family appears to have surrendered control over their own lives. Their decisions and actions seem to be dictated not by personal choice but by the whims of the public and the relentless scrutiny of the media. Over the last nine years, virtually every step they have taken has been either shaped by sensational tabloid headlines or determined by questionable public opinion polls. It’s astonishing to witness a family unwittingly transform into puppets of the press. In this scenario, it becomes evident that not even the government is exerting control over them, which at least would present a semblance of rational governance.

Here we have an entire family that has effectively relinquished their autonomy, allowing their lives to be governed by the collective will of the public and by a handful of billionaires who remain detached from the everyday realities of life in the nation. Internal conflicts arise as they turn against one another based on the media’s portrayal of family dynamics, with the press dictating allegiances and rivalries. The idea of surrendering one’s free will so completely—merely to secure a place of acceptance within society—strikes me as profoundly weak and shallow. This desire to be viewed favorably and maintain a status above the general populace seems to overshadow any sense of integrity or strength they might possess.

As someone observing these dynamics, I truly struggle to understand how anyone could view this family as admirable or deserving of respect. Their behavior suggests a disconnect from the normative values of love and fidelity that most families share. Instead, they seem willing to betray each other for the sake of personal advancement, revealing a painful truth about individuals who are ostensibly revered as exemplars of gentility and grace. If the current trajectory continues, I foresee a breakdown within the family—a consequence of harboring so much negativity and bitterness that it becomes unsustainable in the long run.

Ultimately, the Royal Family, these so-called “Royal Puppets,” may continue to inhabit their opulent castles, but I can’t help but think they will face a lonely existence, richly rewarded despite their isolation. Their fulfillment appears to stem from the accumulation of wealth drawn from an unknowing public, rather than from genuine human connection or familial love. It’s a rather sad commentary on what it means to possess power and wealth while lacking the very qualities that make life meaningful.

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Night Shift

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This series is one of those rare gems that elicits a longing for its continuation, even as readers acknowledge that every tale must eventually reach its conclusion. I must say, the ending of this particular installment was masterfully crafted, providing a satisfying resolution that deftly tied up all loose ends.

In this third book, the characters have evolved significantly, allowing readers to form a deeper connection with them. The author has painted a vivid picture of the town, making it so well-defined that you can easily imagine the streets, the cozy corners where each character resides, and the unique atmosphere that envelops Midnight. The storytelling is compelling, with prose that grips the reader’s attention, leading them to read long into the night, despite knowing the pressing need for rest.

The narrative takes a darker turn as an unexpected phenomenon begins at the pawnshop in Midnight, where residents are purchasing weapons to commit suicide at the infamous crossroads. Initially, this unsettling trend goes unnoticed, but as more townsfolk succumb to this chilling impulse, it becomes clear that something sinister is at play. Lemuel, the town’s solitary vampire, is deeply invested in unraveling the mystery. He has been meticulously translating a collection of ancient texts, believing these may hold crucial insights into the strange occurrences.

Fiji and her circle of friends find themselves grappling with a deep sense of unease and confusion as the situation escalates. It is only when Fiji reveals to her companions that she has been hearing a disembodied voice seemingly urging others to a fatal destiny that the group begins to grasp the gravity of their situation. Notably, the situation also weighs heavily on Olivia, who must confront her own challenges amidst the turmoil facing their community. The decisions that must be made have the potential to irrevocably alter the lives of everyone in Midnight, leading to outcomes that could be either disastrous or transformative.

I thoroughly enjoyed this installment and genuinely hope for more installments in the future. Midnight has become an enchanting place full of intrigue, making it an irresistible destination for readers. If you haven’t yet delved into this series, I wholeheartedly encourage you to do so; it is truly a captivating journey.

My rating: ★★★

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The Curse of the House on Cypress Lane: Book 0

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The book initially didn’t captivate my interest right away, but as I continued reading, it gradually became more engaging as I learned more about the characters and their complex situations. The narrative’s buildup is rather slow, yet it is not lacking in subtleties; the connections between various plot points are evident almost from the outset. What I found intriguing is that this novella claims to be the starting point of a larger narrative, but it feels misleading, as the events that unfold seem to have roots much deeper in the past than what is presented. I wish the author had provided more background about the house and the individuals who played a crucial role in setting everything in motion. As this is my first encounter with this author, I’m curious to explore his storytelling methods further, as every writer has a unique approach to story development.

The central setting, a grand old house at the end of Cypress Lane, is steeped in history, intricately woven with the fabric of the small town of Ocoee, Louisiana. The Cooley family becomes deeply entwined in this enigmatic history, finding themselves in a harrowing fight for their survival, caught in circumstances beyond their control. The protagonist, Owen Cooley, has been unemployed for six months with no promising leads on the horizon. When he receives an unexpected job offer after a rather typical phone interview—one that would necessitate a drastic move for his family—he eagerly seizes the opportunity without really delving into the details about the place he’s being sent to. This situation embodies the classic adage: if something seems too good to be true, it likely warrants a closer examination. Owen certainly should have looked a bit deeper, especially for the sake of his family.

Despite its slow start, the story intrigued me enough that I wanted to continue exploring the mysteries surrounding the house and its inhabitants. While it didn’t evoke outright fear in me, it undeniably carries a pervasive atmosphere of darkness that resonated with my taste. I would certainly recommend this book to those who are in search of a horror read filled with potential and rich narrative threads.

My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟

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Whispers in the Dark

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Although the story is relatively brief, it delivers a powerful impact that lingers long after reading. The characters may not be deeply fleshed out, but their experiences resonate strongly within the narrative. The plot is skillfully structured, featuring a clear beginning, compelling middle, and satisfying conclusion that keeps the reader engaged from the very first page.

The atmospheric quality of the writing is particularly noteworthy; it sets a haunting tone that is perfect for late-night reading. You might find yourself glancing over your shoulder as you immerse yourself in the eerie ambiance.

In this intriguing tale, a young couple decides to explore a deserted cemetery, initially seeking adventure or perhaps a thrill. However, they soon find themselves face-to-face with a paranormal presence that not only tests their courage but also brings underlying tensions to the surface, forcing them to confront their own beliefs and the strength of their relationship. The haunting encounters challenge their understanding of reality, leaving them questioning not only their love for one another but also what lies beyond the grave.

This story is a definite must-read, especially for those who enjoy a blend of suspense and supernatural elements. I highly recommend giving it a try!

My rating: ✯✯✯✯

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Winter Promises

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This was a strange place to start but I wanted a Christmas-themed story. That was given in the slimmest of ways. I also had not read anything by this author before this either but did like what I have read so far. The characters seem a little thin to me, but that could be because I have not read the previous book where they were set up originally. I do like the story itself though.

Holly Ellis has never liThis was an unusual place to start, but I wanted a Christmas-themed story. My request was fulfilled in the slimmest of ways. I hadn’t read anything by this author before, but I liked what I have read so far. The characters seem a bit underdeveloped to me, but that could be because I haven’t read the previous book where they were originally introduced. However, I do enjoy the story itself.

Holly Ellis has never liked Christmas, and after being shuttled between foster care homes for so long, who could blame her? Now, at 22 years old, her feelings about the holiday remain unchanged. But this year, things might be different as Arie concocts an exceptional scavenger hunt for her.

I appreciated the story’s presentation; it wasn’t overly explicit but still enjoyable. The BDSM elements are quite light and well-executed. This is intended as a standalone novella and seems to work that way, as it doesn’t reveal anything about the novel itself. Overall, it’s a decent short story. ked Christmas, but after being shuttled between foster care homes for so long who could blame her? And at 22 years old that has not changed one bit. But things may change this year as Arie concocts a very special scavenger hunt for her.

I did like the way the thing was done and it was not super hot but still good. The BDSM is pretty light and well-played. This is intended as a standalone novella and seems to work that way since it does not give anything away about the novel itself. Decent short story.

My rating: 🌟🌟🌟

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The Afterlife of Abdul

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I have never read this author before. The story was a bit slow moving considering how short it is. The characters are bland and do not really draw you in. They are more just snapshots of their personalities without any real depth to them. The language that is used by them seems to fit with who they are as far I can tell.

Azrael, the Angel of Death comes to collect the souls of Abdul and those who die with him. Abdul does not die alone and Jenny, a six year old who is asleep in her mother’s back seat also dies. What happens next is something they could not have seen coming.

This was alright but not worth another read. I have not decided whether to red the next in the series yet. I will be reading another book from this author and decide what to do. While I found it rather dry someone else might not.

My rating: ⭐⭐⭐

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The MacKinnon’s Bride

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I found myself enjoying this historical romance more than I anticipated. Initially, it didn’t captivate me, as the story began on a rather unexciting note, but it eventually won me over. The book felt slightly longer than necessary since I deduced the identity of the traitor within the first few chapters. However, I grew fond of the main characters once they took center stage, with their interactions unfolding as expected. The secondary characters elicited varying levels of engagement from me.

When Laird Iain MacKinnon’s son is captured and delivered to the English by a traitor, the Scottish chieftain retaliates by abducting the daughter of the man detaining his son. His intention is to exchange the girl for his son’s return. Unexpectedly, after his son is returned, FitzSimon instructs Iain to keep the girl, claiming she is of no use to him. Page FitzSimon suspects Iain of deceit when he doesn’t send her home, yet deep down, she knows he isn’t at fault.

Two narratives are unfolding: the romance between MacKinnon and Page, and the tale of MacKinnon’s quest to confront the traitor who kidnapped his son.

This book is a tapestry of love, honor, suspense, and passion. I enjoyed both reading and listening to it, with the audiobook being particularly engaging thanks to Braden Wright, who vividly brings the characters to life. The Scottish accents are well-executed, although I’ve seldom heard one in person. The exchanges between Iain and Page are intensely passionate and often infused with humor. I would recommend this book to anyone fond of Highland warriors or simply looking for a compelling romance.

My rating: ⚝⚝⚝⚝