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Cooper's Cove #1
The Perfect Recipe
One property.
Two potential owners.
And a battle they never expected to fight for— their hearts.
Even as a child, Ava Kelly dreamed of owning her own bakery, and with the help of her uncle and best friend, she made it happen. Then the store front next door becomes available, and the opportunity arises to expand her business—except there’s one giant problem.
After former Air Force pilot Maxwell ‘Max’ Ellis lost his leg during the war, he opened his own MMA gym in Cooper’s Cove, GA to channel his grief and anger. When the store next to him comes up for rent, he discovers his chance to grow the business and help other men like himself. Unfortunately there’s one tiny problem: Ava, and the fact that he’s falling for her.
When her dangerous ex returns to town and disaster strikes, will they be able to overcome the threat and find the perfect recipe for love?
*The perfect recipe for readers with a sweet tooth for clean, swoon-worthy romance! Add a sprinkle of suspense, and you’ll devour this love story.*
Two potential owners.
And a battle they never expected to fight for— their hearts.
Even as a child, Ava Kelly dreamed of owning her own bakery, and with the help of her uncle and best friend, she made it happen. Then the store front next door becomes available, and the opportunity arises to expand her business—except there’s one giant problem.
After former Air Force pilot Maxwell ‘Max’ Ellis lost his leg during the war, he opened his own MMA gym in Cooper’s Cove, GA to channel his grief and anger. When the store next to him comes up for rent, he discovers his chance to grow the business and help other men like himself. Unfortunately there’s one tiny problem: Ava, and the fact that he’s falling for her.
When her dangerous ex returns to town and disaster strikes, will they be able to overcome the threat and find the perfect recipe for love?
*The perfect recipe for readers with a sweet tooth for clean, swoon-worthy romance! Add a sprinkle of suspense, and you’ll devour this love story.*
236 pages, Paperback
First published May 27, 2019
15 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
About the author
Lily Prescott
3 books13 followersLily Prescott is the sweet and clean romance pen name of author L. K. Shaw.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
February 26, 2020
The perfect recipe is a sweet romance. When two people want the same thing and only one can get it, it’s time to play dirty. Ava has a small bakery. She’s dedicated the hours and built it into a success. When the shop next door becomes available she’s desperate to expand. Unfortunately for her she’s not the only one with her eye on the space.
Max is a war veteran. He owns a gym which he wants to expand. When he meets Ava sparks fly and not just the space between them is looking inviting. What starts as a battle soon becomes a friendship and more.
KU read.
Max is a war veteran. He owns a gym which he wants to expand. When he meets Ava sparks fly and not just the space between them is looking inviting. What starts as a battle soon becomes a friendship and more.
KU read.
May 30, 2019
I'm kind of in love with so many things about this book, the cover topping my list because OMG so pretty!!
I am a sucker for small town stories and Cooper's Cove is really a great setting. I devour books like this all the time. Also, Ava is a baker, to me that = perfect heroine. She's also really a nice lady. I wasn't sure what to make of Max at first. He seemed like every ex-military hero I've read about, down to his disability. He comes across as arrogant and really hard to like at first, though Ava was just as stubborn when it comes to the the expansion of her business.
What I really loved was how they both changed in their feelings for one another and how it built nicely into love. From the beginning, Max sets to protect her, even when he has no real reason to. She was just a thorn in his side.
The two of them really start to be perfect for each other. There's attraction. There's a commonality in wanting to succeed in their businesses. Both are ambitious, but both are also caring.
Max proved himself when things started happening at the bakery too. Then Ava stepping up to learn more about his PTSD.
These were two made for each other characters. I had my reservations at first, but by the end, they both won me over.
This was a fantastic read and a great start to a series. I hope Ava's friend Eliza is the next book. (fingers crossed)
I am a sucker for small town stories and Cooper's Cove is really a great setting. I devour books like this all the time. Also, Ava is a baker, to me that = perfect heroine. She's also really a nice lady. I wasn't sure what to make of Max at first. He seemed like every ex-military hero I've read about, down to his disability. He comes across as arrogant and really hard to like at first, though Ava was just as stubborn when it comes to the the expansion of her business.
What I really loved was how they both changed in their feelings for one another and how it built nicely into love. From the beginning, Max sets to protect her, even when he has no real reason to. She was just a thorn in his side.
The two of them really start to be perfect for each other. There's attraction. There's a commonality in wanting to succeed in their businesses. Both are ambitious, but both are also caring.
Max proved himself when things started happening at the bakery too. Then Ava stepping up to learn more about his PTSD.
These were two made for each other characters. I had my reservations at first, but by the end, they both won me over.
This was a fantastic read and a great start to a series. I hope Ava's friend Eliza is the next book. (fingers crossed)
May 23, 2019
Every now and then, I like to change things up and read a new author to me. I also have started reading what I call, sweet romances. I know, I know, I read a lot of erotic stuff but this book just called to me and I'm glad I answered the call. Ave owns a bakery and is wanting to expand. Max owns a gym and is also wanting to expand. Both want the same place but only one can have it. This was such a good story. Max struggles with PTSD and lost part of a leg in the military. The gym he owns helps him get out the anger and work through the anxiety. When things start happening at the bakery, Max comes to Ava's rescue. They slowly become involved but someone doesn't like that. In this story, you won't get all the sexy bedroom talk but you KNOW what happens. And the secondary characters interested me just as much as the main characters. I wanna know what's going on with Eliza and her boyfriend...........and if Hayden is going to find someone. And I loved Uncle Charlie. This was a refreshing read and I really am hoping the next book isn't that far away!!!
May 29, 2019
You know I really don't like the term sweet romance, picky I know, lol!!
To me it's all romance, this just isn't all in your face but the chemistry between them is just amazing.
Went from a rocky beginning to hopefully the beginning of a beautiful relationship.
If the person trying to make life difficult for her doesn't go off the deep end!! I really love how the PTSD is handled in here, was not an oh well you're in love, all is ok now, still had issues. Needed to communicate and trust each other
And now that I've completely lost track of anything because I'm a ditz today.....have to say I really , really enjoyed this story. The emotions and characters just got me, will be following for more I'm sure!!
To me it's all romance, this just isn't all in your face but the chemistry between them is just amazing.
Went from a rocky beginning to hopefully the beginning of a beautiful relationship.
If the person trying to make life difficult for her doesn't go off the deep end!! I really love how the PTSD is handled in here, was not an oh well you're in love, all is ok now, still had issues. Needed to communicate and trust each other
And now that I've completely lost track of anything because I'm a ditz today.....have to say I really , really enjoyed this story. The emotions and characters just got me, will be following for more I'm sure!!
May 27, 2019
So. Dang. Cute. I loved how Max & Ava were just so perfect together. They brought out the best in each other, even though their first few meetings were a hit rocky. There was just the right touch of added suspense to keep the story moving, but I liked that the focal point was Ava & Max.
May 27, 2019
So. Dang. Cute. I loved how Max & Ava were just so perfect together. They brought out the best in each other, even though their first few meetings were a hit rocky. There was just the right touch of added suspense to keep the story moving, but I liked that the focal point was Ava & Max.
May 29, 2019
I don't always read sweet romance, but when I do I only have one author that I go to. I'm excited to add another author to my list of go to for sweet romance. I absolutely loved Ava and Max so much. These two are so sweet together and I hope to read more from this series.
May 27, 2019
A beautifully written sweet romance. You will fall in love with Ava and Max. Even if you usually read spicier books I think you still will enjoy reading this book. I fell in love with Cooper’s Cove as I believe you will when you read this book.
December 4, 2019
The Perfect Recipe is the first book in the new series Cooper's Cove. I can't wait for more in this new series. I never wanted to put this down. This is Max & Ava's story.
Ave owns a bakery and is wanting to expand. Max owns a MMA gym and is also wanting to expand. Both want the same place but only one can have it. Ave owns a bakery and is wanting to expand. Max owns a gym and is also wanting to expand. Both want the same place but only one can have it.
The secondary characters interested me just as much as the main characters. I wanna know what's going on with Eliza and her boyfriend.
I received an advance copy of this book. I am voluntarily giving my honest review, and I plan to buy this book when it becomes available.
Ave owns a bakery and is wanting to expand. Max owns a MMA gym and is also wanting to expand. Both want the same place but only one can have it. Ave owns a bakery and is wanting to expand. Max owns a gym and is also wanting to expand. Both want the same place but only one can have it.
The secondary characters interested me just as much as the main characters. I wanna know what's going on with Eliza and her boyfriend.
I received an advance copy of this book. I am voluntarily giving my honest review, and I plan to buy this book when it becomes available.
May 28, 2019
As a first time reader of these authors I had no idea what to expect and although I usually read spicier novels, I enjoyed this sweet romance. The Perfect Recipe is the first is the Cooper's Cove series.
Ava and Max were great characters with compelling backstories. Both are entrepreneurs looking to expand their business with some conflict over the space. Ava is a baker and Max is a gym owner and wounded veteran dealing with some additional stressors which felt very realistic. In addition, I love authors that tell the stories of our wounded heroes without putting them in a negative light. Post traumatic stress is not exclusive to veterans; it's not a definition or a label that must be worn, it is a daily battle being fought by millions. There's some slight suspense which moved the story forward but you'll have to use your imagination for the sexy times. If you're looking for a sweet, relatively "clean" story with great characters (including excellent supporting characters), you've come to the right place!
Ava and Max were great characters with compelling backstories. Both are entrepreneurs looking to expand their business with some conflict over the space. Ava is a baker and Max is a gym owner and wounded veteran dealing with some additional stressors which felt very realistic. In addition, I love authors that tell the stories of our wounded heroes without putting them in a negative light. Post traumatic stress is not exclusive to veterans; it's not a definition or a label that must be worn, it is a daily battle being fought by millions. There's some slight suspense which moved the story forward but you'll have to use your imagination for the sexy times. If you're looking for a sweet, relatively "clean" story with great characters (including excellent supporting characters), you've come to the right place!
May 29, 2019
4 stars
As a first time reader of these authors I had no idea what to expect and although I usually read spicier novels, I enjoyed this sweet romance. The Perfect Recipe is the first is the Cooper's Cove series.
Ava and Max were great characters with compelling backstories. Both are entrepreneurs looking to expand their business with some conflict over the space. Ava is a baker and Max is a gym owner and wounded veteran dealing with some additional stressors which felt very realistic. In addition, I love authors that tell the stories of our wounded heroes without putting them in a negative light. Post traumatic stress is not exclusive to veterans; it's not a definition or a label that must be worn, it is a daily battle being fought by millions. There's some slight suspense which moved the story forward but you'll have to use your imagination for the sexy times. If you're looking for a sweet, relatively "clean" story with great characters (including excellent supporting characters), you've come to the right place!
AnnMarie - Alphas Do It Better Book Blog
As a first time reader of these authors I had no idea what to expect and although I usually read spicier novels, I enjoyed this sweet romance. The Perfect Recipe is the first is the Cooper's Cove series.
Ava and Max were great characters with compelling backstories. Both are entrepreneurs looking to expand their business with some conflict over the space. Ava is a baker and Max is a gym owner and wounded veteran dealing with some additional stressors which felt very realistic. In addition, I love authors that tell the stories of our wounded heroes without putting them in a negative light. Post traumatic stress is not exclusive to veterans; it's not a definition or a label that must be worn, it is a daily battle being fought by millions. There's some slight suspense which moved the story forward but you'll have to use your imagination for the sexy times. If you're looking for a sweet, relatively "clean" story with great characters (including excellent supporting characters), you've come to the right place!
AnnMarie - Alphas Do It Better Book Blog
May 29, 2019
As a first time reader of these authors I had no idea what to expect and although I usually read angsty books, I enjoyed this sweet romance. The Perfect Recipe is the first is the Cooper's Cove series.
A beautifully written sweet romance. You will fall in love with Ava and Max. Even if you usually read spicier books I think you still will enjoy reading this book. I fell in love with Cooper’s Cove as I believe you will when you read this book.
There's some slight suspense which moved the story forward but you'll have to use your imagination for the sexy times. If you're looking for a sweet, relatively "clean" story with great characters (including excellent supporting characters), you've come to the right place!
A beautifully written sweet romance. You will fall in love with Ava and Max. Even if you usually read spicier books I think you still will enjoy reading this book. I fell in love with Cooper’s Cove as I believe you will when you read this book.
There's some slight suspense which moved the story forward but you'll have to use your imagination for the sexy times. If you're looking for a sweet, relatively "clean" story with great characters (including excellent supporting characters), you've come to the right place!
May 28, 2019
The Perfect Recipe by Lily Prescott & Rose Everhart is the First book in the Cooper's Cove Series. This is the story of Maxwell ‘Max’ Ellis and Ava Kelly.
Ava has a bakery that she is wanting to expand and has her eye on a great place. Max is dealing with the aftereffect of being hurt physically and mentally while in military. Max owns a gym that helps him deal with both things but he needs to expand and he has his eye on a great place. Which of course is the same one that Ava wants. Max comes to her aid one day which leads them to open a door into getting to know each other better.
Really Sweet easy read.
Ava has a bakery that she is wanting to expand and has her eye on a great place. Max is dealing with the aftereffect of being hurt physically and mentally while in military. Max owns a gym that helps him deal with both things but he needs to expand and he has his eye on a great place. Which of course is the same one that Ava wants. Max comes to her aid one day which leads them to open a door into getting to know each other better.
Really Sweet easy read.
May 30, 2019
This is Book 1 in the Cooper’s Cove series. This was soooo good!!! I absolutely loved reading this story. Ava has always wanted to own a bakery and now it’s going so well that she wants to expand. But she runs into a problem. Max owns the local MMA gym and he wants to expand. He runs into a problem. They both want the same building to expand in. Then her ex-boyfriend comes back to town and things really start to get exciting. If you love to read good sweet book, then this is the one for you. The sex is there but you don’t get the details so it’s a good clean story if you aren’t into major sex scenes. I would definitely recommend this book to mother. I can’t wait to read more by this new author.
May 29, 2019
This is the first book in the series. It's a cute story that has a bit of suspense in it. I really liked Ava and Max. Max just instantly captures your heart with his back story and you want him to be able to find peace. Ava has a big heart and when she comes into Max's life he may find a ray sunshine through the darkness with her. I was drawn to this book because Ava owns a bakery. I love books with bakers in them because I love to bake myself. There is a little enemies to lovers going on. Then through in someone who has it out for the bakery. You have a recipe for a good story. It's a book that's easy to read.
May 30, 2019
I really liked the story of Max and Ava. They have competing interest for an adjoining space. Ava for her bakery expansion and Max for his gym. Max is a veteran with PTSD. It is thoughtfully treated in this story. Max comes to the rescue when stuff happens at the bakery. This story doesn't have all the graphic sex but it has great chemistry. And chemistry is sexy when written so it is obvious when sparks fly. The other characters are superbly woven into the story and leaves the reader wanting more. This story would make a great Hallmark movie!
May 31, 2019
Wow this novel had me hooked from page 1, lily and rose have worked amazingly together to create such awesome and loving characters. This novel is about Ava who owns her own bakery and Max who owns his own mma gym who both want the same property so they can each fulfill their own dream of expanding their business.
I loved reading this novel and can't wait for book 2 to come out.
I loved reading this novel and can't wait for book 2 to come out.
May 29, 2019
I Love baking, I was a baker, So this book appealed to me on that level. I also used to be a big regular boxing fan, so I was intrigued about the MMA boxing. I really enjoyed this book. It has sweet romance with some intrigue. Kept me glued to the pages, did not want to put it down. I really enjoyed reading it. From a new Fan... Pam James.
May 30, 2019
This first book in the Copper Cove series is very good. It grabs your attention with the potential for an enemies to lover theme. Ava and Max want the same store for additions to their business. Ava starts having incidents happening at her store and Max wants to protect her. It is a clean sweet romance but a hotsweet romance that will draw you in with the suspense of who is bothering her store.
July 5, 2019
Wonderful
I fell in love with feisty Ava from her first run in with Max. Add Eliza, Hayden and Uncle Charlie in the mix and you have a family that just happens to work well together. Great loving romance throughout. This is a feel good book.
I fell in love with feisty Ava from her first run in with Max. Add Eliza, Hayden and Uncle Charlie in the mix and you have a family that just happens to work well together. Great loving romance throughout. This is a feel good book.
June 3, 2019
Nice and sweet story
August 10, 2019
The Perfect Recipe by Lily Prescot and Rose Everheart 🍰🍰🍰🍰🍰
Ava has her own bakery and dreams of expanding it making it more than just a place to devour delectable treats .
Max is a MMA fighter, a war vet and runs a gym to train but also for other vets like him struggling with PTSD and he to is looking to expand ....
So both Ava and Max want to expand and both seem to have their eye on the same property....
I had a good laugh when Ava marches over to the gym in a huffy ready to challenge Max and I don't think she was ready for what she got ....
Both Max and Ava have their their own stories but I enjoyed theirs and I was in a constant state of drill with all Avas delectable treats !
Secondary characetrs like Hayden (yummy ) Uncle Charlie ( a darling man with a big heart) and Eliza ( what a chick) add to the brilliant tale that makes this a 5 star read !
I loved getting lost in "The Perfect Recipe " they're my kind of people ❤
Ava has her own bakery and dreams of expanding it making it more than just a place to devour delectable treats .
Max is a MMA fighter, a war vet and runs a gym to train but also for other vets like him struggling with PTSD and he to is looking to expand ....
So both Ava and Max want to expand and both seem to have their eye on the same property....
I had a good laugh when Ava marches over to the gym in a huffy ready to challenge Max and I don't think she was ready for what she got ....
Both Max and Ava have their their own stories but I enjoyed theirs and I was in a constant state of drill with all Avas delectable treats !
Secondary characetrs like Hayden (yummy ) Uncle Charlie ( a darling man with a big heart) and Eliza ( what a chick) add to the brilliant tale that makes this a 5 star read !
I loved getting lost in "The Perfect Recipe " they're my kind of people ❤
November 18, 2019
A great story that involves a small town and all that goes with it. There is nothing better than a story with a Veteran that finds peace and love for their life. My heart and soul were warm from head to toe when I finished that great love story
July 14, 2020
Max and Ava both want the open business between their own businesses to expand.
Both will do almost anything to get what they want.
After the decision is made by the landlord who will get it, each go about their own business.
But there is a rotten person in Coppers Cove who is not happy with the way things ended in the past.
The love and strength Max and Ava have for each other is phenomenal and will get them through it all.
I absolutely enjoyed this book and look forward to many more from this author.
Both will do almost anything to get what they want.
After the decision is made by the landlord who will get it, each go about their own business.
But there is a rotten person in Coppers Cove who is not happy with the way things ended in the past.
The love and strength Max and Ava have for each other is phenomenal and will get them through it all.
I absolutely enjoyed this book and look forward to many more from this author.
June 12, 2020
This book was by far the cutest book I have read in quite a while. I loved that it was a small town romance, enemies to lovers. It was so sugary sweet that I just can't handle it. I need the next book like now!!!
June 15, 2021
This book was super cute. I loved the relationship between Max and Ava, I just wish there was more of it. I also loved the side characters, especially Hayden. I loved that it talked about PTSD and what that looks likes and what support can look like. The book was fast paced and I wish there was more development of Max and Ava's relationship. Honestly I could of used like 50-100 more pages. It just seemed like insta love. There was no conflict between them except in the beginning which got resolved in like the first 5 chapters. It was too perfect. I also don't like that we never got a real reason as to why Brandon did what he did. Overall though it was a super cute, good, quick read.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews