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Shortbread Shakedown
A package determined to derail his scheduled future delivered by a mystery woman. A tiny note hints at who she is—and how to find her.
When veteran and acting Brigadier General Dominic Cage returns from deployment days before Christmas, he's unprepared for the shortbread cookies pressed into his hands in a case of mistaken identity by a stunning woman. Unable to forget her, Cage trusts Violet's promise of a true Christmas—until the lines of his reality blur.
Damaged and resolute, and unable to escape the gunfire that haunts him, Cage's choice could cost them everything.
When veteran and acting Brigadier General Dominic Cage returns from deployment days before Christmas, he's unprepared for the shortbread cookies pressed into his hands in a case of mistaken identity by a stunning woman. Unable to forget her, Cage trusts Violet's promise of a true Christmas—until the lines of his reality blur.
Damaged and resolute, and unable to escape the gunfire that haunts him, Cage's choice could cost them everything.
99 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 16, 2021
4 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
About the author
Sofia Aves
126 books562 followersUSA Today Bestselling romance author Sofia Aves is a mum to three crazies, a veteran's wife and herds three pregnant alpacas before breakfast each day (watch out, they spit). She lives near Brisbane, Australia. Sofia started writing romance when she couldn't find the books she wanted on the shelves in her local bookstore and became addicted to storytelling. She exists on a diet of coffee and champagne and routinely kills her collection of tortured orchids and kitchen edibles.
For rights please contact Laura Pink @SBR Media
For rights please contact Laura Pink @SBR Media
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
October 26, 2021
This is an entertaining, well-written, delightful, contemporary romance, holiday novella. The romance is heartwarming, the female protagonist is sweet and endearing, and the male protagonist is a likable, wounded war hero. It is a wonderful tribute to veterans everywhere!
I received an ARC of this novella, and this is my honest opinion.
I received an ARC of this novella, and this is my honest opinion.
December 9, 2021
Arc was given by The Wild Rose Press & NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
This review is being published after the release date (November 16th 2021)
Content/Trigger Warnings: Trauma/PTSD (flashbacks, night terrors), brief/vague mentions of fatphobia
This was the perfect read to snuggle up with. Seriously, I loved curling up with this short, wholesome read. I think far too often we see the typical holiday romance stories, but never enough of them that revolve around military members. I’ve only mentioned it a few times, but my own spouse served this the military. So this novella has a soft place in my heart. Truly, this was everything I could have wanted for a holiday read.
Dominic Cage has just returned home from deployment and things seem, feel different, and wants nothing more than to continue filling up the holes in his life with work. Until a beautiful honey-blonde woman rushes into his life at the airport. Now the remnants of this brief encounter have the ghost of this woman filling up his thoughts and Cage is determined to track her down. As fate would have it, they meet a lot sooner than he expected.
With my whole chest, I can’t say how much I loved these characters. Our main character Dominic is suffering from PTSD or post-traumatic stress disorder, that develops from exposure to traumatic events (war, abuse, traffic collisions, etc…), and he’s struggling with adjusting to anything that’s related to civilian life. Dominic will constantly talk about him not deserving of love, happiness, or even building a life for his own outside of the military. Truly, Dominic as the main character was a excellent perspective to read this book through. There’s also our mystery lady, Violet. Violet is absolutely precious. She’s one of those characters who sees the good in everyone and no matter their flaws or hardships, loves them anyway. I want to add a little side note that she is plus-sized. It’s never directly stated, but from her own dialogue it’s hinted that she’s plus-sized.
This book is so beautifully written and has some of the best themes I’ve read in a book all year. This novella is about adjusting to new environments and life after experiencing traumatic events. It’s about finding love in the unlikeliest of places and learning that no matter how broken we may feel, we are deserving of love and happiness. And I just want to say, as someone who lives with PTSD, I thought the trauma and PTSD representation was handled very well, and accurately. It felt so real, from the small parts we get. That alone makes me want to shove this book into everyone’s hands.
The love in this book is very much insta-love. Now, those who know me know I’m not the biggest fan of instant love. I think I’m just too picky on how it’s done, but I really loved the way the romance blossomed in this book. And I want to say, if you’ve never dated or married someone who’s in the military then the insta-love my feel weird or off to you, but I can say as someone who has, this is very accurate for relationships with military members, at least in my experiences. With someone in the military, tomorrow is never guaranteed (there’s always another deployment around the corner or they’re being shipped off to another base and you can’t go with them) and so time is of the absolute importance.
Overall, I truly loved this novella. I wish I had more words to sum up how much I loved it, but I think keeping it simple is the best way to say I adored it. With the holidays right around the corner, this book holds such a soft spot in my heart and is probably my favorite holiday read of 2021. And if I didn’t mention already, this is a short book. You’re bound to fly through this one. So if you’re looking for a holiday short-story, then please add this one to the list. Truly, in my opinion, I feel like we never get many holiday romance stories revolving around military members or veterans and I just think this is a really great book to add to one’s tbr pile this winter season.
The quotes above were taken from an ARC and are subject to change upon publication.
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This review is being published after the release date (November 16th 2021)
Content/Trigger Warnings: Trauma/PTSD (flashbacks, night terrors), brief/vague mentions of fatphobia
“All I wanted was to find the honey-blonde curls of a woman who had ghosted into my life and disappeared.”
This was the perfect read to snuggle up with. Seriously, I loved curling up with this short, wholesome read. I think far too often we see the typical holiday romance stories, but never enough of them that revolve around military members. I’ve only mentioned it a few times, but my own spouse served this the military. So this novella has a soft place in my heart. Truly, this was everything I could have wanted for a holiday read.
Dominic Cage has just returned home from deployment and things seem, feel different, and wants nothing more than to continue filling up the holes in his life with work. Until a beautiful honey-blonde woman rushes into his life at the airport. Now the remnants of this brief encounter have the ghost of this woman filling up his thoughts and Cage is determined to track her down. As fate would have it, they meet a lot sooner than he expected.
With my whole chest, I can’t say how much I loved these characters. Our main character Dominic is suffering from PTSD or post-traumatic stress disorder, that develops from exposure to traumatic events (war, abuse, traffic collisions, etc…), and he’s struggling with adjusting to anything that’s related to civilian life. Dominic will constantly talk about him not deserving of love, happiness, or even building a life for his own outside of the military. Truly, Dominic as the main character was a excellent perspective to read this book through. There’s also our mystery lady, Violet. Violet is absolutely precious. She’s one of those characters who sees the good in everyone and no matter their flaws or hardships, loves them anyway. I want to add a little side note that she is plus-sized. It’s never directly stated, but from her own dialogue it’s hinted that she’s plus-sized.
“Change didn’t come easily to me, but she had slipped into my meager existence, nestling in as though there’d always been a place reserved for her in it.”
This book is so beautifully written and has some of the best themes I’ve read in a book all year. This novella is about adjusting to new environments and life after experiencing traumatic events. It’s about finding love in the unlikeliest of places and learning that no matter how broken we may feel, we are deserving of love and happiness. And I just want to say, as someone who lives with PTSD, I thought the trauma and PTSD representation was handled very well, and accurately. It felt so real, from the small parts we get. That alone makes me want to shove this book into everyone’s hands.
The love in this book is very much insta-love. Now, those who know me know I’m not the biggest fan of instant love. I think I’m just too picky on how it’s done, but I really loved the way the romance blossomed in this book. And I want to say, if you’ve never dated or married someone who’s in the military then the insta-love my feel weird or off to you, but I can say as someone who has, this is very accurate for relationships with military members, at least in my experiences. With someone in the military, tomorrow is never guaranteed (there’s always another deployment around the corner or they’re being shipped off to another base and you can’t go with them) and so time is of the absolute importance.
Overall, I truly loved this novella. I wish I had more words to sum up how much I loved it, but I think keeping it simple is the best way to say I adored it. With the holidays right around the corner, this book holds such a soft spot in my heart and is probably my favorite holiday read of 2021. And if I didn’t mention already, this is a short book. You’re bound to fly through this one. So if you’re looking for a holiday short-story, then please add this one to the list. Truly, in my opinion, I feel like we never get many holiday romance stories revolving around military members or veterans and I just think this is a really great book to add to one’s tbr pile this winter season.
The quotes above were taken from an ARC and are subject to change upon publication.
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October 20, 2021
This short story gave me everything I needed for the upcoming holiday season. Dominic and Violet met accidentally at an airport after Violet mistakenly thought that Dominic was someone else. Their romance bloom after a small bag of shortbread cookies, hope and some Christmas cheer. It was such a cute story about love at first sight and gaining hope during Christmas time.
October 22, 2021
This is the first book from this author that I’ve read.
I appreciate the attempt. Unfortunately, this book did not resonate with me. It was a cute story and was solidly written. However, the two main characters didn’t seem real. Violet, felt like a Christmas Fairy or Sprite. Aside from having a large family, very little is said about her as a person. What we do know is that she smelled like holiday baking ingredients, eyes with a purple ring around the iris, long curly honey-blond hair, drove a purple bubble car, and was the cousin of one of his soldiers. We also know that she hadn’t been in a relationship for quite a while, but no details about past relationships were given. What was her childhood like? Did she go to college? Have a job? What were her hopes and dreams? How did she spend her time? It did mention that she was relationship-shy and acted fearful of being hurt.
On the other hand, we knew that Dominic was a high ranking soldier who had spent the majority of the last decade in the sands of the Middle East. PTSD. He had no family, no personal life, few social skills, and wanted nothing to do with relationships.
Realistically, for two such people to fall fast in love in a few days was totally unrealistic. Like I said, the book was adorable, but didn’t seem real. These two people were more likely to run far away from each other, or at best play a long game of cat and mouse before committing to even a few dates.
This book could be markedly improved by adding more dimension to the characters and depth to the story in general.
I received this advanced reader’s copy for free from Book Sirens and the author. This is a voluntary review, and all comments and opinions are entirely my own.
I appreciate the attempt. Unfortunately, this book did not resonate with me. It was a cute story and was solidly written. However, the two main characters didn’t seem real. Violet, felt like a Christmas Fairy or Sprite. Aside from having a large family, very little is said about her as a person. What we do know is that she smelled like holiday baking ingredients, eyes with a purple ring around the iris, long curly honey-blond hair, drove a purple bubble car, and was the cousin of one of his soldiers. We also know that she hadn’t been in a relationship for quite a while, but no details about past relationships were given. What was her childhood like? Did she go to college? Have a job? What were her hopes and dreams? How did she spend her time? It did mention that she was relationship-shy and acted fearful of being hurt.
On the other hand, we knew that Dominic was a high ranking soldier who had spent the majority of the last decade in the sands of the Middle East. PTSD. He had no family, no personal life, few social skills, and wanted nothing to do with relationships.
Realistically, for two such people to fall fast in love in a few days was totally unrealistic. Like I said, the book was adorable, but didn’t seem real. These two people were more likely to run far away from each other, or at best play a long game of cat and mouse before committing to even a few dates.
This book could be markedly improved by adding more dimension to the characters and depth to the story in general.
I received this advanced reader’s copy for free from Book Sirens and the author. This is a voluntary review, and all comments and opinions are entirely my own.
December 2, 2021
Shortbread Shakedown is a sweet holiday novella told from the POV of a veteran who’s warring with physical and mental scars after years of active service. To cope, acting Brigadier General Cage Dominic has isolated himself from the world. But his defenses – and senses – are bombarded when Violet literally runs into him at the airport on his return from another desert tour. His interest is captured by her curves and the delicious cookies she thrusts into his arms. Though the tag reveals they were meant for someone else.
When Violet turns up on base with another officer, Cage learns while she’s small and delectable, she won’t back down from the challenge of integrating him into the warmth of family, and perhaps even opening to love.
Shortbread Shakedown provides heartwarming introspection into a man who feels he isn’t worthy of love, and a woman who knows he is. Cage – and the reader – are drawn in by Violet’s charms, from smelling like shortbread cookies to embodying true understanding of what a returning veteran is facing. We get a clear picture of the reasons for his hesitancy to reconnect to the world, and definitely cheer her on as Violet slides past his carefully constructed defenses. For those who enjoy reading from a man’s point of view, the novella provides a quick burst of holiday feels.
When Violet turns up on base with another officer, Cage learns while she’s small and delectable, she won’t back down from the challenge of integrating him into the warmth of family, and perhaps even opening to love.
Shortbread Shakedown provides heartwarming introspection into a man who feels he isn’t worthy of love, and a woman who knows he is. Cage – and the reader – are drawn in by Violet’s charms, from smelling like shortbread cookies to embodying true understanding of what a returning veteran is facing. We get a clear picture of the reasons for his hesitancy to reconnect to the world, and definitely cheer her on as Violet slides past his carefully constructed defenses. For those who enjoy reading from a man’s point of view, the novella provides a quick burst of holiday feels.
October 18, 2021
Shortbread Shakedown
Christmas Cookies by Sofia Aves.
Description
A package determined to derail his scheduled future delivered by a mystery woman. A tiny note hints at who she is—and how to find her.
When veteran and acting Brigadier General Dominic Cage returns from deployment days before Christmas, he's unprepared for the shortbread cookies pressed into his hands in a case of mistaken identity by a stunning woman. Unable to forget her, Cage trusts Violet's promise of a true Christmas—until the lines of his reality blur.
Damaged and resolute, and unable to escape the gunfire that haunts him, Cage's choice could cost them everything.
A great short read with good characters. I loved the cover. Cage and Violet were my favourite characters. 5*.
Christmas Cookies by Sofia Aves.
Description
A package determined to derail his scheduled future delivered by a mystery woman. A tiny note hints at who she is—and how to find her.
When veteran and acting Brigadier General Dominic Cage returns from deployment days before Christmas, he's unprepared for the shortbread cookies pressed into his hands in a case of mistaken identity by a stunning woman. Unable to forget her, Cage trusts Violet's promise of a true Christmas—until the lines of his reality blur.
Damaged and resolute, and unable to escape the gunfire that haunts him, Cage's choice could cost them everything.
A great short read with good characters. I loved the cover. Cage and Violet were my favourite characters. 5*.
December 5, 2021
An easy to read short story, Shortbread Shakedown is a lovely romance. The characters have their problems and it will only be with resolute and acceptance that they will find what is in front of them. I liked this story and would read more by this author.
November 14, 2021
A short and easy read, Shortbread Shakedown is a cute and inspiring story about accepting each other's faults and learning how to move on from past trauma. Sofia Aves did an incredible job at showing how difficult the transition from deployment to regular life is. The romantic scenes were great, with sizzling chemistry between both characters. If you are looking for a short, meaningful Christmas story, this is the perfect read for you.
October 22, 2021
What an incredibly beautiful story of two souls who meet unexpectedly and then meet again.
Sweet story of a military man and the beautiful curvy blonde who surprised him not only with cookies but her open, honest heart.
I loved every bit of this story and wished it could have been longer but it was brilliant as is.
Kudos. A must read to feel good.
Sweet story of a military man and the beautiful curvy blonde who surprised him not only with cookies but her open, honest heart.
I loved every bit of this story and wished it could have been longer but it was brilliant as is.
Kudos. A must read to feel good.
November 16, 2021
Shortbread Shakedown by Sofia Aves
(Christmas Cookies)
Arriving back in the USA after an eighteen-month deployment, Dominic Cage finds himself jetlagged and suddenly holding an armful of delightful woman. Before she disappears, he finds himself holding the bag…a bag of shortbread cookies. Who is she? Will he see her again? Why did he give her someone else’s cookies? And why can’t he stop thinking about her?
What I liked:
* Violet: warm, kind, graphic designer, from big family, accepting, generous, knows Cage needs a safe place to land and that it could be with her and her extended family
* Cage: career military, good leader, PTSD issues, recently promoted to Brigadier General, respected, avoids tying himself down, may have found someone to tie himself in Violet
* Seeing some men that I wouldn’t mind seeing again: Captain Sommerville and “Max” come to mind
* Vince: Violet’s grandfather and war veteran
* Violet’s large warm and accepting family
* The quick but respectful relationship that develops between Cage and Violet
* The feel-good holiday vibes in a short novella lengthy fairytale-like romance
* Being reminded of baking cookies at high school, putting them in tins, sending them with a letter to soldiers overseas, and hearing back from three of those men…memories…
* The happily ever after ending
What I didn’t like:
* Knowing that too many soldiers return from war with similar memories, feelings, and PTSD issues to deal with that Cage did.
* Not a dislike BUT did wonder if the characters were part of a series and if some backstory for them would have helped others in knowing the characters more fully.
Did I enjoy this novella? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Yes
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
(Christmas Cookies)
Arriving back in the USA after an eighteen-month deployment, Dominic Cage finds himself jetlagged and suddenly holding an armful of delightful woman. Before she disappears, he finds himself holding the bag…a bag of shortbread cookies. Who is she? Will he see her again? Why did he give her someone else’s cookies? And why can’t he stop thinking about her?
What I liked:
* Violet: warm, kind, graphic designer, from big family, accepting, generous, knows Cage needs a safe place to land and that it could be with her and her extended family
* Cage: career military, good leader, PTSD issues, recently promoted to Brigadier General, respected, avoids tying himself down, may have found someone to tie himself in Violet
* Seeing some men that I wouldn’t mind seeing again: Captain Sommerville and “Max” come to mind
* Vince: Violet’s grandfather and war veteran
* Violet’s large warm and accepting family
* The quick but respectful relationship that develops between Cage and Violet
* The feel-good holiday vibes in a short novella lengthy fairytale-like romance
* Being reminded of baking cookies at high school, putting them in tins, sending them with a letter to soldiers overseas, and hearing back from three of those men…memories…
* The happily ever after ending
What I didn’t like:
* Knowing that too many soldiers return from war with similar memories, feelings, and PTSD issues to deal with that Cage did.
* Not a dislike BUT did wonder if the characters were part of a series and if some backstory for them would have helped others in knowing the characters more fully.
Did I enjoy this novella? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Yes
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
October 21, 2021
This is a very short but sweet story by Sofia Aves, the type of story to get you into the Christmas holiday spirit.
Dominic Cage was an acting brigadier, he was also a broken man after years of combat.
Little did Dominic know how his life was about to change when he left his plane and made his way across the airport terminal……….. a bump, a pair of beautiful violet eyes staring up at him, a small package pressed into his hands and the smiling girl who was walking out of his life as quickly as she had walked in. Dominic had heard of the tradition of giving gifts of shortbread cookies to returning soldiers but it had never happened to him before, neither had he ever seen such beautiful eyes.
This story follows the meeting of Dominic and Violet, the blossoming love, Dominic's resistance and acceptance, but above all, Violet's understanding and determination to make Dominic see that there could be light at the end of the tunnel, a delightful ,quick read.
I received a free copy of this book and my review is voluntary.
Dominic Cage was an acting brigadier, he was also a broken man after years of combat.
Little did Dominic know how his life was about to change when he left his plane and made his way across the airport terminal……….. a bump, a pair of beautiful violet eyes staring up at him, a small package pressed into his hands and the smiling girl who was walking out of his life as quickly as she had walked in. Dominic had heard of the tradition of giving gifts of shortbread cookies to returning soldiers but it had never happened to him before, neither had he ever seen such beautiful eyes.
This story follows the meeting of Dominic and Violet, the blossoming love, Dominic's resistance and acceptance, but above all, Violet's understanding and determination to make Dominic see that there could be light at the end of the tunnel, a delightful ,quick read.
I received a free copy of this book and my review is voluntary.
November 13, 2021
Shortbread shakedown is a short novella by Sofia Aves, the book is set by Brigadier General Dominic Cage returning from deployment days before Christmas and struggling with the trauma of his career and set to avoid Christmas on base. On his return he has an unexpected encounter with Violet involving an accidental delivery of Christmas cookies to the wrong person. Following their encounter he tries and fails to forget her.
This was an okay novella, but i didn't feel like it had much depth behind the storyline. This appears to be a standalone novella, I feel like I would have enjoyed this more if it was a bonus Christmas book as part of a series, with a pre-existing storyline and setting behind it. I also feel like I would have enjoyed it more if there was greater detail into the building of their relationship.
I received an advanced copy of shortbread shakedown from netgalley for an early review.
This was an okay novella, but i didn't feel like it had much depth behind the storyline. This appears to be a standalone novella, I feel like I would have enjoyed this more if it was a bonus Christmas book as part of a series, with a pre-existing storyline and setting behind it. I also feel like I would have enjoyed it more if there was greater detail into the building of their relationship.
I received an advanced copy of shortbread shakedown from netgalley for an early review.
November 18, 2021
Dominic is just returning from overseas and as he was looking for his driver when a beautiful woman ran into his arms hugging him and then she pulled away and moved on after apologizing and leaving a small package in his hand all he could do was stand there wanting more attention from her but he finally moved on and went on to the base where he went back to the office he had not been in for 3 years he meets the woman again in the officer's club and she is there with one of the men he trained Max and from there everything in their lives change. Violet made sure that Dominic knew that she was interested in him as he seemed to be in her, he never had a Christmas like this. A warm love storyline and the characters are so comfortable with each other it really brings the attraction and kindness of Christmas home. I read an ARC via BookFunnel without obligation. I volunteered an honest review.
November 29, 2021
Acting Brigadier General Dominic Cage returns from deployment ro Afghanistan and is met at the airport by a mysterious blonde bombshell that kisses him and presses some cookies into his hands and then disappears. Crusty Cage returns to his old office and digs in to spend the rest of the holiday leave catching up on work. But soon one of his friends introduces him to a relative who just happens to be VIolet. She proceeds to include him in Christmas plans with her family and has the man head over heels for her but very dubious about the whole famliy thing. It comes around to them making a commitment to each other and him buying in to the whole house and furniture and belongings thing that he has avoided all these years with multiple warzone deployments.
I felt like this could have been a full fledged, fleshed out story. It was too condensed. I loved the premise and the characters but the plot could have been more developed. A happy story that left me wanting more . .
I felt like this could have been a full fledged, fleshed out story. It was too condensed. I loved the premise and the characters but the plot could have been more developed. A happy story that left me wanting more . .
October 25, 2021
Shortbread Shakedown by Sofia Aves is a quick read but a good one, like one piece of perfect homemade shortbread instead of a package of the store-bought stuff. An often deployed army officer with no family ties, a chance encounter with a vivacious woman, and a gift of shortbread are the ingredients of a heart-warming holiday read that never crosses the line into sappiness. It’s easy to understand and identify with the characters and their problems (PTSD for Cage, a little extra weight for Violet). I read it in one sitting. The only way it could have been better is if I’d had a plate of shortbread and a cup of hot chocolate to go with it. Shortbread Shakedown will be released on November 16, 2021 just in time for the start of the holiday season. I received an ARC for my fair review.
October 28, 2021
Shortbread Takedown (Christmas Cookies) by Sofia Aves. A delightful holiday read. (but this is nice story regardless of the time of year! The author weaves together a story about a experienced officer returning from combat, is gifted a packaged meant for someone else. Will this package and the mysterious woman ruin any future he might have. He attempts to uncover what is happening while he fights his own demons. This is a brilliant read! It pulled me in from beginning to end and held my attention. The world building is detailed and imaginative. This novel has strong, well developed characters and an interesting story line that keeps you turning the pages. I recommend this novel and would read more novels by this author. . I gave this honest, voluntary review after being given a free copy of the novel.
November 6, 2021
I loved this short story. Dominic Cage has returned from active duty to take up a desk job promotion and is unsure if he can adapt to being back home. After a chance meeting at the airport, he is introduced to Violet through a colleague and there's an instant attraction.
Violet comes from a military family and she's determined to show him that he can build a life outside his work but he's resistant. Once he see's what he's been missing out on, he's unsure if he deserves a happy life.
It was heartbreaking to watch Dominic go through the adjustment of being away from a war zone, but Violet is there to lend support, he just needs to learn that he can rely on someone and doesn't have to be alone.
A real heart-warming story of adjusting to a new environment and allowing yourself to enjoy the small things in life.
Violet comes from a military family and she's determined to show him that he can build a life outside his work but he's resistant. Once he see's what he's been missing out on, he's unsure if he deserves a happy life.
It was heartbreaking to watch Dominic go through the adjustment of being away from a war zone, but Violet is there to lend support, he just needs to learn that he can rely on someone and doesn't have to be alone.
A real heart-warming story of adjusting to a new environment and allowing yourself to enjoy the small things in life.
November 16, 2021
Sweet holiday romance
It started as a chance meeting at the airport. When Brigadier General Dominic Cage gets handed a package of shortbread cookies meant for someone else, he can't stop thinking of her and her stunning looks.
He has returned from deployment days before Christmas and has a schedule for his future, chances are the beautiful Violet with honey-coloured curls will derail these plans
Cage is a damaged returned veteran who is still fighting the acts of war he has seen. He is unsure of himself and what he can offer Vi. Violet is a warm, caring women who has seen this before in her family members and wants to help Cage return to life on home soil.
There is an insta love connection that is sweet and romantic in this short story. Lovely read to set you up for the holiday season.
It started as a chance meeting at the airport. When Brigadier General Dominic Cage gets handed a package of shortbread cookies meant for someone else, he can't stop thinking of her and her stunning looks.
He has returned from deployment days before Christmas and has a schedule for his future, chances are the beautiful Violet with honey-coloured curls will derail these plans
Cage is a damaged returned veteran who is still fighting the acts of war he has seen. He is unsure of himself and what he can offer Vi. Violet is a warm, caring women who has seen this before in her family members and wants to help Cage return to life on home soil.
There is an insta love connection that is sweet and romantic in this short story. Lovely read to set you up for the holiday season.
November 17, 2021
“Shortbread Shakedown” by Sofia Aves is a sweet short story perfect for the Christmas season! This story fully captures the spirit of Christmas and is made even better with the romance between Cage and Violet! This book had me in the Christmas mood and hoping for December to come quickly!
“Shortbread Shakedown” follows Cage, a veteran who receives shortbread cookies by a mystery woman as he arrives home from deployment. Cage is quickly enthralled by this mystery woman and can’t seem to get her off his mind. He tries everything in his power to find her, until he unexpectedly runs into her at his headquarters. Violet is everything Cage ever dreamed about and more. Cage trusts Violet’s promise of a true Christmas, but will he allow himself this chance at happiness? Find out in Sofia Aves’ “Shortbread Shakedown”!
“Shortbread Shakedown” follows Cage, a veteran who receives shortbread cookies by a mystery woman as he arrives home from deployment. Cage is quickly enthralled by this mystery woman and can’t seem to get her off his mind. He tries everything in his power to find her, until he unexpectedly runs into her at his headquarters. Violet is everything Cage ever dreamed about and more. Cage trusts Violet’s promise of a true Christmas, but will he allow himself this chance at happiness? Find out in Sofia Aves’ “Shortbread Shakedown”!
November 18, 2021
Shortbread Shakedown is such a sweet Christmas story. Cage has just returned from another deployment feeling even more beaten down. Each tour has taken a piece of him and he's not sure where to go from here. He has a choice to promote, which would mean more politics, or stay where he's at. He has no one in his life and doesn't feel like he deserves anyone now that he has been broken so many times. Violet is the light in his darkness. After a case of mistaken identity, there is a pull between them that neither can deny. Can Violet bring him out of the darkness and show him the love he deserves? Will she be able to show him that she understands and can deal with any issues he may have? Read and watch as Violet slowly breaks down his walls and shows Cage what life could be like having a home.
November 26, 2021
I enjoyed this book and enjoyed reading a book written from the man’s perspective. I did keep expecting to have a chapter from Vi’s perspective, but it never came. It stayed in Cage’s perspective the entire time.
I did not realize this was an instalove novella. While it is a good story, it’s the stuff of Christmas movies and leaves the same cotton candy sweetness in your mouth when you’re done. Cage had real problems that a shopping trip, some cookies, and a couple of family celebrations really can’t solve….except in the world of tv Christmas movies and instalove novellas.
All and all, the couple is lovable, Vi’s family is great. The story is endearing but sappy. Just the kind of thing you expect in a Christmas book or movie.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I did not realize this was an instalove novella. While it is a good story, it’s the stuff of Christmas movies and leaves the same cotton candy sweetness in your mouth when you’re done. Cage had real problems that a shopping trip, some cookies, and a couple of family celebrations really can’t solve….except in the world of tv Christmas movies and instalove novellas.
All and all, the couple is lovable, Vi’s family is great. The story is endearing but sappy. Just the kind of thing you expect in a Christmas book or movie.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 1, 2021
I cannot make up my mind about this short story, while it is impossible to fit a whole lifetime of experience and background of the characters into a short; I feel that I don’t know enough of Cade and Violet to really care about them.
At the same time the struggle Cade evidently has with PTSD and his dysfunctional way of keeping himself and others safe and some indication of Violet’s previous heartbreak making her sensitive and vulnerable; they have failed to really capture my emotions, which a love story of this kind should...
Never the less it is a sweet and tender story, of two vulnerable people finding each other. As well as showing that for some people a large, close knit and understanding family can help heal and support them.
I received this book as ARC copy from the author and am leaving this review of my own volition.
At the same time the struggle Cade evidently has with PTSD and his dysfunctional way of keeping himself and others safe and some indication of Violet’s previous heartbreak making her sensitive and vulnerable; they have failed to really capture my emotions, which a love story of this kind should...
Never the less it is a sweet and tender story, of two vulnerable people finding each other. As well as showing that for some people a large, close knit and understanding family can help heal and support them.
I received this book as ARC copy from the author and am leaving this review of my own volition.
November 3, 2021
Now if you are looking for a good Christmas holiday novella, then you need to check this out. It is a great book that will give you the warm and fuzzy vibe. We get insta love and a lot of emotions. We have Dominic who is back on US soil and he is nervous. He doesn't want to be around people, he is not feeling the whole reintegration to society. He struggles with it but an accidently bump into a blonde beauty his world starts to change. Violet was looking for her cousin and instead got the wrong guy by mistake. There is an instant attraction with them both. What are the chances of bumping into each other again? Luckily fate was on their side. Now they must learn to navigate a relationship and being around others. How will this all work out? Check it out to see.
November 8, 2021
The title gives the impression of a cheesy hallmark movie and that's not the case. The story is about a soldier who falls in love at first sight, but struggles to commit because he feels he's too damaged to be loved.
There was a lot of hinting about the things Cage had been through but you never actually find out what. It just seemed a bit pointless to constantly hint at it to them never actually say it. There was also a lot of commentary about Violets curves. That's not a problem, it just got to the point where I was rolling my eyes because it was mentioned so often.
I loved Violet, her bubbly personality and unwillingness to give up made her a lovely character.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
There was a lot of hinting about the things Cage had been through but you never actually find out what. It just seemed a bit pointless to constantly hint at it to them never actually say it. There was also a lot of commentary about Violets curves. That's not a problem, it just got to the point where I was rolling my eyes because it was mentioned so often.
I loved Violet, her bubbly personality and unwillingness to give up made her a lovely character.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 14, 2021
I loved everything about this story from beginning to end. Acting Brigadier General Dominic Cage returns from another deployment, not expecting to be met by anyone, especially a beautiful young woman. Violet is at the airport to meet her cousin and runs into Dominic, with a hug and a box of homemade cookies. Dominic has no idea who she is, but she brought a moment of joy and light into his life. Unable to get her out of his mind, this battle-hardened warrior believes it is too late for him to have a “normal” life. He hasn’t counted on Violet and is unable to say no to her, when she asks him to dinner, to meet her family, to take a chance on them. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)
November 18, 2021
Tasty Treat
Sofia Aves’ short story in the ‘Christmas Cookies’ Collection with various authors, is a really sweet read. Cage and Violet, the main characters, meet by accident at the airport. Cage is returning from a mission from overseas, when Violet gives him a box of cookies thinking he’s her cousin. When Cage reads the name on the package is Max, he knows he’s in the same barracks and gives him the box. Max introduces Cage to Violet and she has a strong urge to want to reach out and comfort him. Cage is not a people person around non-military personnel. Cage has a lot of demons but being near Violet seems to calm him. A sweet Christmas romance that warms your heart. Highly recommended and definitely a MUST read!
Sofia Aves’ short story in the ‘Christmas Cookies’ Collection with various authors, is a really sweet read. Cage and Violet, the main characters, meet by accident at the airport. Cage is returning from a mission from overseas, when Violet gives him a box of cookies thinking he’s her cousin. When Cage reads the name on the package is Max, he knows he’s in the same barracks and gives him the box. Max introduces Cage to Violet and she has a strong urge to want to reach out and comfort him. Cage is not a people person around non-military personnel. Cage has a lot of demons but being near Violet seems to calm him. A sweet Christmas romance that warms your heart. Highly recommended and definitely a MUST read!
October 31, 2021
I received an advance review copy from Booksirens for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Shortbread Shakedown by Sofia Aves is a sweet, quick little novel.
Dominic Cage is returning home after several tours of duty in the Middle East. Waiting for his ride at LAX he find himself in the embrace of a beautiful woman who hands him a bag of shortbread cookies with a note that says " To Max, love Violet" and then disappears into the terminal.
Suddenly obsessed with finding out who the mysterious Violet is, Dominic tries to settle back into civilian life.
Will he find her?
I enjoyed this but honestly it was instantly forgettable.
Shortbread Shakedown by Sofia Aves is a sweet, quick little novel.
Dominic Cage is returning home after several tours of duty in the Middle East. Waiting for his ride at LAX he find himself in the embrace of a beautiful woman who hands him a bag of shortbread cookies with a note that says " To Max, love Violet" and then disappears into the terminal.
Suddenly obsessed with finding out who the mysterious Violet is, Dominic tries to settle back into civilian life.
Will he find her?
I enjoyed this but honestly it was instantly forgettable.
November 17, 2021
It's a beautiful story about Violet, who bumps into Cage that had just arrived in the USA from deployment, leaves a box of shortbread cookies in his hand and disappears. Some hours later, they meet again and are properly introduced by her cousin, that happens to be the real recipient to the cookies and is also Cage's colleague. As the story goes, Cage is torn between suffering from PTSD thus thinking he's not worth of having a good life with Violet, while she gets closer to him with her optmistic point of view.
This story is full of comradeship, love, struggles and companionship.
I've read an ARC copy of this ebook and all the opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
This story is full of comradeship, love, struggles and companionship.
I've read an ARC copy of this ebook and all the opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
November 17, 2021
Genuinely sweet set up, and determined, unflappable, gentle yet tough and utterly resilient MFC. Big, gruff, wounded and scarred Cage meets his perfect match in Violet. She understands him more than he can believe and there are some difficult moments to work through. Ultimately the struggles reintegrating into civilian life after such tough time on the frontline are written with empathy and gentleness that belies a very real and genuine understanding. This book was sweet, and I wish the heat turned up more as it was there, so there multiple times but never pushes onto it. So more heat please! However, I will defintely be looking for more of Sofia Aves work.
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December 30, 2021Enjoyed this short Christmas story! I love that this tackles the subject of soldiers with PTSD and handles it in a believable way. There's no quick and easy fix and the author doesn't try to give you one. Instead she makes our characters acknowledge and accept it, and they find love despite/because of that. My only complaint is that the whole thing is told from the hero's point of view. Though the author gives you a good idea of what the heroine is thinking and feeling, I would have liked to see some of the scenes from the heroine's point of view. But overall this book has a beautiful message with enough Christmas cheer to brighten your holiday!
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