Cookies

By: Teodora Kostova

Narrated by: Alexander Doddy

I went to war, running away from myself. I came back in pieces to find out who I really was....

It took me nearly 10 years, two tours in Afghanistan, and losing a leg to come to terms with who I really am. Two years after coming back from war, I can say that I'm finally content. I'm as fit as ever, my prosthetic leg allowing me the freedom of moving and exercising as if nothing has changed. I own a small bakery in the center of Cambridge, and I have a loyal circle of friends that I can always count on.

And yet....

Yet, there's something missing. A part of me craves the intimacy, the deep connection to another human being. But another - bigger - part of me is terrified of letting anyone in.

My internal conflict didn't stand a chance when I met Jay. He stormed through my defense walls like a hurricane, wrapping around me with gentle force until I had no choice but to surrender.

Surrendering has never felt so good.

Will Jay want to stay when he sees the real me? When he sees the nightmares and insecurities clawing at my soul?

My name is Amir Gopal and this is my story.

©2016 Teodora Kostova (P)2016 Teodora Kostova

2 Guys One Love

Wonderful wonderful story everything about this was perfect -- with the book and the audio I get so emotional-- Alexander was so perfect as the narrator- wonderful voice .

Great story, great performance!

I’m going to pull the silly American routine and say that I absolutely loved listening to this book and Mr. Doddy’s performance of it simply because of his accent. I could listen to it ALL DAY! His performance was full of emotion and I felt everything right along with all the characters.

With a name like Cookies, I was totally expecting a light hearted read. I didn’t read the synopsis because I really like this author’s work and had no doubts I’d love it. And I did…but it’s not as light hearted as I expected. There were several light hearted moments and the banter between Amir and Jay is adorable but this is a pretty heavy yet really, really good read/listen.

Amir is still suffering the effects of his time in the military. At times he seems to have adjusted to civilian life effortlessly and other times his flashbacks are debilitating. He is ashamed of his scars. He has struggled with his sexuality because of his father. Because of all of this, he lacks self-confidence and feels unworthy of anyone’s love and affection. Jay is a self-confident, sexy, quirky young man. He and Amir are immediately taken with each other. They are the perfect balance for each other. They help each other grow and become stronger together.

The entire supporting cast was really strong and I’d love to see a story with Greg and Shane!

Ignore the cover

3.5 stars for narration and 5 stars for the story

Narration: Alexander Doddy narrated for Teodora for Cookies. I had read the story back in 2016 and rated it a 5, so when the audio version came up, I jumped on it. I liked most of the cadence in the reading, but there were some strange pauses in there that nearly pulled me out of the story. Then in Chapter 15 (16 in audible), there’s a nasally wheezing sound that was difficult to get past, but I loved the story enough to push through. Overall, his voice was lovely and relaxing.

Story: There’s one thing I want to say first because I’m kind of a cover snob…story was great, but the cover did not fit the story at all. I would have loved to see Amir’s darker skin on the cover.

I was pulled into the story right from the start. Amir hit me right in the feels, and reading everything he did every day just to keep busy was tiring just reading it! And yeah, I was craving cookies! The character was well-written with detailed depth and a tragic backstory.

Jay is just a sweetheart. He just moves forward with his relationship with Amir, and he’s comfortable in his part. He doesn’t look at Amir as anything but whole, even with his missing limb. He’s loyal to his friends, even when they may just be an ass…

This was just a love story, as plain and simple as that is, it was a joy to read years ago and listen to this time around.

An incredibly, sensual experience

Teodora Kostova is a new-to-me author. I was gifted with an audio code for Cookie’s, and I’m so happy I was.

At its core, Cookie’s is the story of two men – Amir (Cookie), who was wounded in Afghanistan while serving with the RAF, and Jay, a college student with a heart of gold. The two meet when Jay stops by Cookie’s, a coffee shop/bakery (Cookie’s) owned by Amir. Their relationship develops slowly over time, but that pace is essential to the story line.

My heart ached for both men as Amir not only struggled to reenter civilian life following his tour in Afghanistan, but also struggled with almost numbing self-doubt in his new relationship with Jay. Jay, on the other hand, though disappointed in Amir’s continual efforts to deny the love between them, had the patience of a saint. When tragedy strikes, Amir is forced to face his demons and his feelings for Jay head on.

Ms. Kostova’s writing provides an emotional depth to the characters that I rarely see in other books. She paints a vivid picture of the two men’s lives, highlighting their stark differences, while at the same time providing insight into the experiences that molded them into the men they are. Add in the stories of other Wounded Warriors, and the book explodes with angst, camaraderie, love, and support.

Cookie’s was an incredibly, sensual experience from beginning to end. I highly recommend this book!

And if you haven't yet listened to the audio version, I encourage you to do so. The choice of Alexander Doddy as narrator for the audio version of the book was nothing less than brilliant. Mr. Doddy’s British accent is as smooth as the finest whiskey and so incredibly mesmerizing.

Simply sweet

This was a low drama wonderful story with a HEA. Even with the heavy source material, dealing with soldiers & PTSD this was just a nice read. Good for a light hearted read when you’re having a bad day

Love it

Would you listen to Cookies again? Why?

I loved this book. I loved how the characters could see past the physical flaws and still fall in love with each other's self.

Amir is very skeptical and feels like people are feeling sorry for him and only looking at his physical appearance. He meets Jay and they develop and great love for each other while I feel Jay is helping Amir get through his PTSD.

I feel these two characters together make each a better person

It was a great, sweet love story

wow. so many emotions

so well written and excellent narration. if you know any gay vets, this book is a must read. thnx Teodora & Alex

A beautiful story about beautiful people

Teodora Kostova has a way of making you love her characters. This story dealt with some harsh realities that are often glossed over; either due to lack of research, or fear of screwing it up, for lack of a better phrase.

The story was sweet, with insta-attraction, instead of the insta-love I have seen in some of her other works. I usually don't enjoy those, but I have yet to find a book of hers that I have not thoroughly enjoyed.

I have never heard a book narrated by Alexander Doddy before now, but I give him a solid 4.5 stars. He really brought the characters to life, and I always love when a narrator acts out the story (coughing, yawning, etc.). It really brings me closer to the characters; making them more real, more relatable. There was one thing that keeps me from giving a full 5 star rating, though. Throughout the book, he would pause at inappropriate times; in the middle of a sentence or a thought, and that really bothered me. But, overall, excusing that, he was exceptional.

I will definitely be listening to more books by this author (I already own all the others), and if the opportunity presents itself, I will be pleased to hear from the narrator again as well.

It was ok

The story was ok but I felt the author was trying too hard to create drama and sometimes falling short.
The thing I had the hardest time with was the narrators pauses for no reason and at the wrong time.

Amazing Story

What did you love best about Cookies?

I loved the journey this story takes you on. Amir and Jay could not be any more different from each other, yet they are exactly what the other needs. This story is about love and acceptance. From yourself and from your partner. This is a beautifully told story of healing from both internal and external wounds.