What do you think?
Rate this book
Falhaven Castle #1
Princesses & Pastries
A returning baker means that Princess Evie can spend even more time making pastries.
Princess Evie loves nothing more than to head down to the castle's kitchens to bake alongside her miniature dragon, and now she's trying to perfect a complicated pastry.
When her best friend returns after five years away from Falhaven Castle, Evie realises she might have the answer to her baking problems.
But after being apart for so long, things have changed between Evie and Nate, and they need to discover if they still have what it takes to bake together.
-
Princesses & Pastries is book one in the Falhaven Castle series, a cozy fantasy with a baking dragon, a princess who wants to be in the kitchen over the throne room, and the baker who wants to be there with her. There is a slow-burn friends-to-lovers romance, with a pinch of steam in later books, and an ace heroine.
Princess Evie loves nothing more than to head down to the castle's kitchens to bake alongside her miniature dragon, and now she's trying to perfect a complicated pastry.
When her best friend returns after five years away from Falhaven Castle, Evie realises she might have the answer to her baking problems.
But after being apart for so long, things have changed between Evie and Nate, and they need to discover if they still have what it takes to bake together.
-
Princesses & Pastries is book one in the Falhaven Castle series, a cozy fantasy with a baking dragon, a princess who wants to be in the kitchen over the throne room, and the baker who wants to be there with her. There is a slow-burn friends-to-lovers romance, with a pinch of steam in later books, and an ace heroine.
208 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 6, 2025
28 people are currently reading
289 people want to read
About the author
Laura Greenwood
570 books1,669 followersLaura is a USA Today Bestselling Author of fantasy romance and urban fantasy. She lives in the UK, where most of her books are set, with her partner. When she's not writing, Laura can be found exploring worldwide cusine with her partner, drinking tea, and reading fantasy books. Laura specialises in quick reads, featuring healthy relationships and consent-positive moments, regardless of whether she's writing light-hearted romance, mythology-inspired modern fantasy, cozy fantasy or anything in between.
Discover one of Laura Greenwood's most popular series:
- The Apprentice of Anubis (mythology inspired modern/urban fantasy)
- Forgotten Gods (mythology inspired fantasy romance)
- Jinx Paranormal Dating Agency (mythology inspired paranormal rom-com)
- House of Blood and Roses (vampire romantasy)
- Amethyst's Wand Shop Mysteries (urban fantasy murder mystery)
- Scales of Justice (mythology inspired modern/urban fantasy)
- Purple Oak Oasis (cozy fantasy romance)
- Falhaven Castle (cozy fantasy romance)
You can find a full book list and more information on her website, or in her Facebook Reader Group.
Happy Reading!
Discover one of Laura Greenwood's most popular series:
- The Apprentice of Anubis (mythology inspired modern/urban fantasy)
- Forgotten Gods (mythology inspired fantasy romance)
- Jinx Paranormal Dating Agency (mythology inspired paranormal rom-com)
- House of Blood and Roses (vampire romantasy)
- Amethyst's Wand Shop Mysteries (urban fantasy murder mystery)
- Scales of Justice (mythology inspired modern/urban fantasy)
- Purple Oak Oasis (cozy fantasy romance)
- Falhaven Castle (cozy fantasy romance)
You can find a full book list and more information on her website, or in her Facebook Reader Group.
Happy Reading!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
November 6, 2025
I feel seen…
While I do not have Autism (seems to me that Princess Evelyn does), I do share some of her triggers & over-stimulants as a NeuroDivergent myself (the difference is in the frequency & severity). Evie mentions various thangs such as tactile bothers, safe foods, having no filters, set schedules & rules (hence, her love of baking!), auditory preferences, social anxiety, expecting language to make sense, inability to pick on up social cues (e.g. facial expressions), etc. The author also portrayed our heroine as taking comments at face value and the patience that her siblings & others need in order to explain what they mean. Representation in books not only alleviates some of the negative impact of some “conditions” (feel free to provide a better word), it also helps educate people who are not in that specific group on their experiences (this applies to *many* types). Evie is so so so very fortunate to have such an incredible support system – it’s obvious in how she’s treated & how she views herself.
There are definitely fun elements to this tale…
*Chuckled at the paraphrase of “the lady doth protest too much, methinks”:
‘The more you protest, the less true it sounds’.
*I enjoyed the light banter among the siblings – they seem close enough that they can tease without fighting:
‘You're not totally useless’ is sometimes the best compliment one can receive from a sibling (as long as the *real* compliment precedes it).
I’m soooo gonna develop a hyper-fixation on learning how to bake (totally NOT my forté). Perhaps I’ll begin with some in-season fruit pies & slagroomtaart, croissants & cheesecake, truffles & tea? Maybe even buy a stroopwafel iron? Whatever my next purchase, puddings should be at the top of my list for the next in series, ‘Custards & Crowns’.
While I do not have Autism (seems to me that Princess Evelyn does), I do share some of her triggers & over-stimulants as a NeuroDivergent myself (the difference is in the frequency & severity). Evie mentions various thangs such as tactile bothers, safe foods, having no filters, set schedules & rules (hence, her love of baking!), auditory preferences, social anxiety, expecting language to make sense, inability to pick on up social cues (e.g. facial expressions), etc. The author also portrayed our heroine as taking comments at face value and the patience that her siblings & others need in order to explain what they mean. Representation in books not only alleviates some of the negative impact of some “conditions” (feel free to provide a better word), it also helps educate people who are not in that specific group on their experiences (this applies to *many* types). Evie is so so so very fortunate to have such an incredible support system – it’s obvious in how she’s treated & how she views herself.
There are definitely fun elements to this tale…
*Chuckled at the paraphrase of “the lady doth protest too much, methinks”:
‘The more you protest, the less true it sounds’.
*I enjoyed the light banter among the siblings – they seem close enough that they can tease without fighting:
‘You're not totally useless’ is sometimes the best compliment one can receive from a sibling (as long as the *real* compliment precedes it).
I’m soooo gonna develop a hyper-fixation on learning how to bake (totally NOT my forté). Perhaps I’ll begin with some in-season fruit pies & slagroomtaart, croissants & cheesecake, truffles & tea? Maybe even buy a stroopwafel iron? Whatever my next purchase, puddings should be at the top of my list for the next in series, ‘Custards & Crowns’.
November 14, 2025
I received a free copy from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.
I really enjoyed the prequel novella for this series and was so excited to read more about Evie and Nate in this first book in the series. This book takes place 5 years after the prequel and Nate is back for a visit after 5 years of being away and Evie is excited to catch up with her best friend and bake with him again. This book deals with them reconnecting and Evie slowly realizing she has feelings for him. There is also a bittersweet part as they know Nate will leave again for his job.
I really enjoyed this story. Evie is neurodivergent and she felt very relatable and realistic to me. It could be a bit tough to read about her sometimes, especially the scenes where she had to do things that made her very uncomfortable as I know that feeling and it's so hard to deal with it. I liked the scenes were she could be herself and I liked how Nate liked her for who she was and even did things specifically to make things easier for her.
I liked Evie and Nate together, it's clear how close they are and I look forward to seeing them grow even closer. There are so many sweet scenes between them. And I liked reading about all the baking they do together. It was fun how they make some Dutch pastries in this book as that isn't something I see often in books. There is a slight bit of politics in this one and I think that will play a bigger role later on.
To summarize: This was a great first book in this series. I liked Evie as a main character, she's neurodivergent and I found her relatable and realistic. Although some scenes were she struggles and has to do things that make her uncomfortable could be tough to read as I know how hard that is. I really liked Evie and Nate together. They are so cute together with plenty of sweet scenes and I like how clear it is how close they are. I look forward to their romance developing. The baking element was fun and I liked reading about all the things they baked and there are some Dutch food they make in this one. There is a hint of politics and I think that will play a bigger role in future books. I look forward to the next book in the series.
I really enjoyed the prequel novella for this series and was so excited to read more about Evie and Nate in this first book in the series. This book takes place 5 years after the prequel and Nate is back for a visit after 5 years of being away and Evie is excited to catch up with her best friend and bake with him again. This book deals with them reconnecting and Evie slowly realizing she has feelings for him. There is also a bittersweet part as they know Nate will leave again for his job.
I really enjoyed this story. Evie is neurodivergent and she felt very relatable and realistic to me. It could be a bit tough to read about her sometimes, especially the scenes where she had to do things that made her very uncomfortable as I know that feeling and it's so hard to deal with it. I liked the scenes were she could be herself and I liked how Nate liked her for who she was and even did things specifically to make things easier for her.
I liked Evie and Nate together, it's clear how close they are and I look forward to seeing them grow even closer. There are so many sweet scenes between them. And I liked reading about all the baking they do together. It was fun how they make some Dutch pastries in this book as that isn't something I see often in books. There is a slight bit of politics in this one and I think that will play a bigger role later on.
To summarize: This was a great first book in this series. I liked Evie as a main character, she's neurodivergent and I found her relatable and realistic. Although some scenes were she struggles and has to do things that make her uncomfortable could be tough to read as I know how hard that is. I really liked Evie and Nate together. They are so cute together with plenty of sweet scenes and I like how clear it is how close they are. I look forward to their romance developing. The baking element was fun and I liked reading about all the things they baked and there are some Dutch food they make in this one. There is a hint of politics and I think that will play a bigger role in future books. I look forward to the next book in the series.
featured
September 23, 2025Princess Evie from Falhaven Castle is asexual!
https://aspeccharactersoftheday.tumbl...
https://aspeccharactersoftheday.tumbl...
December 14, 2025
A blossoming romance is explored in this series starter that features an ace heroine!
Evie may be a princess of Falhaven, but she would rather spend her time baking in the kitchen then overseeing her kingdom's need. When her best friend, Nate, returns after five years away, she knows that they have to catch up in all things baking. Evie and Nate used to spend every day baking together before Nate was transferred to work as a chef in a different castle. With Nate back in Falhaven, Evie begins to realize that she may just have feelings for him. But with Nate leaving in a few short days, how can she tell him how she really feels?
It was really fun to step back into Falhaven Castle and check back in with all these characters I've come to love. Despite this being the first official book in the series, two books have already been released prior to this one. I honestly feel that this book would struggle immensely as a stand alone, but if you combined "Dragons & Dumplings" and "Princesses & Pastries" into a single book, this story has a great starting potential.
Evie is such a strong main character. She is asexual and autistic, so she runs in a different circle than most people. These attributes have her often feeling like an outsider, but her family tries her hardest to meet her needs. Evie doesn't like it when her food touches, hates the feel of certain textures, and is easily bothered by materials that her fancy dresses are made out of. All these details among other things lead me to believe that she is on the autism spectrum, and I find it so cool to see this identity represented in an 1800s inspired fantasy world. Being asexual is another huge part of Evie's identity that has her questioning her true feelings for Nate and experiencing attraction in a different way than many people. I find Evie to be a very relatable main character, so it is always a joy to follow her journey.
Nothing terribly exciting happens during the course of this book, but I am a big fan of the characters and this world, so I still think highly of this short novel. However, the only major thing that occurs is the further development of Evie and Nate's relationship. If you've read the prequel novella, this book is truly more of the same, but it does have me very excited to read book two now that Evie and Nate's relationship has the potential to actually go somewhere.
Overall, "Princesses & Pastries" is another fun installment in the "Falhaven" universe. It was so great seeing all the familiar faces in this book and seeing how they have grown over the last few years since we've encountered them. This is such a cozy, feel good story about a young princess coming to terms with her emotions surrounding her best friend. I am super ecstatic to see how Evie and Nate's relationship develops in future installments of this series! They will be such a cute couple, and I'm looking forward to seeing them together as more than friends.
Evie may be a princess of Falhaven, but she would rather spend her time baking in the kitchen then overseeing her kingdom's need. When her best friend, Nate, returns after five years away, she knows that they have to catch up in all things baking. Evie and Nate used to spend every day baking together before Nate was transferred to work as a chef in a different castle. With Nate back in Falhaven, Evie begins to realize that she may just have feelings for him. But with Nate leaving in a few short days, how can she tell him how she really feels?
It was really fun to step back into Falhaven Castle and check back in with all these characters I've come to love. Despite this being the first official book in the series, two books have already been released prior to this one. I honestly feel that this book would struggle immensely as a stand alone, but if you combined "Dragons & Dumplings" and "Princesses & Pastries" into a single book, this story has a great starting potential.
Evie is such a strong main character. She is asexual and autistic, so she runs in a different circle than most people. These attributes have her often feeling like an outsider, but her family tries her hardest to meet her needs. Evie doesn't like it when her food touches, hates the feel of certain textures, and is easily bothered by materials that her fancy dresses are made out of. All these details among other things lead me to believe that she is on the autism spectrum, and I find it so cool to see this identity represented in an 1800s inspired fantasy world. Being asexual is another huge part of Evie's identity that has her questioning her true feelings for Nate and experiencing attraction in a different way than many people. I find Evie to be a very relatable main character, so it is always a joy to follow her journey.
Nothing terribly exciting happens during the course of this book, but I am a big fan of the characters and this world, so I still think highly of this short novel. However, the only major thing that occurs is the further development of Evie and Nate's relationship. If you've read the prequel novella, this book is truly more of the same, but it does have me very excited to read book two now that Evie and Nate's relationship has the potential to actually go somewhere.
Overall, "Princesses & Pastries" is another fun installment in the "Falhaven" universe. It was so great seeing all the familiar faces in this book and seeing how they have grown over the last few years since we've encountered them. This is such a cozy, feel good story about a young princess coming to terms with her emotions surrounding her best friend. I am super ecstatic to see how Evie and Nate's relationship develops in future installments of this series! They will be such a cute couple, and I'm looking forward to seeing them together as more than friends.
November 5, 2025
I need a croissant and the next book…NOW! (Please and thank you)
This first book of a series is much like a nice warm pastry: cozy, fluffy and sweet.
~*~
Evie is a princess that would much rather just bake. As second in line to the throne she is graced with a certain liberty to use the castle’s kitchen to do just that.
She prefers people to be direct as she cannot always understand the nuances of speech of those around her, she is particular about sounds and textures…she is indeed a bit different..and at the same time, not at all.
While she navigates the days doing her best in her royal duties, alongside her little dragon, Ember, Evie spends her afternoons perfecting her other skills in the kitchen. But, more than anything, she misses the person who understood her the most: Nate.
Nate is back at Falhaven castle, along the delegation that anticipates the royal descendants from Wafeland, where he was sent to take his apprenticeship. He’s known Evie most of her life and knows her needs better than anyone, he understands them, doesn’t judge her.
Those around them do not condemn their friendship but instead wonder if there could be more to it (even if Evie is oblivious to it).
Five years separated the two best friends who now must consider the prospect of Nate’s leaving once more so soon after coming back.
Feelings she’s not used to emerge on top of those that were already so natural before and will make Evie consider Nate in a new light.
~*~
This book moved me in many ways, one of them being the representation of autism, bisexual and asexual individuals.
The story flows with much care, making one not only crave pastries and other yummy foods but also more of this romance that is just taking off.
We are promised by the author that some spice will come in the future and, even though that does not top my list of reasons why I need the next book, it does feature in it.
Thank you for the trust Laura, I really enjoyed reading this ARC! If I would have anything changed…it’s the length of the book! It’s the size of an appetiser! I need moreee!
This first book of a series is much like a nice warm pastry: cozy, fluffy and sweet.
~*~
Evie is a princess that would much rather just bake. As second in line to the throne she is graced with a certain liberty to use the castle’s kitchen to do just that.
She prefers people to be direct as she cannot always understand the nuances of speech of those around her, she is particular about sounds and textures…she is indeed a bit different..and at the same time, not at all.
While she navigates the days doing her best in her royal duties, alongside her little dragon, Ember, Evie spends her afternoons perfecting her other skills in the kitchen. But, more than anything, she misses the person who understood her the most: Nate.
Nate is back at Falhaven castle, along the delegation that anticipates the royal descendants from Wafeland, where he was sent to take his apprenticeship. He’s known Evie most of her life and knows her needs better than anyone, he understands them, doesn’t judge her.
Those around them do not condemn their friendship but instead wonder if there could be more to it (even if Evie is oblivious to it).
Five years separated the two best friends who now must consider the prospect of Nate’s leaving once more so soon after coming back.
Feelings she’s not used to emerge on top of those that were already so natural before and will make Evie consider Nate in a new light.
~*~
This book moved me in many ways, one of them being the representation of autism, bisexual and asexual individuals.
The story flows with much care, making one not only crave pastries and other yummy foods but also more of this romance that is just taking off.
We are promised by the author that some spice will come in the future and, even though that does not top my list of reasons why I need the next book, it does feature in it.
Thank you for the trust Laura, I really enjoyed reading this ARC! If I would have anything changed…it’s the length of the book! It’s the size of an appetiser! I need moreee!
December 9, 2025
Evie of Fallhaven Castle is not your ordinary princess. First there is her pet dragon, Ember, hatched from a gifted egg. More importantly, though, Evie is more comfortable in the castle kitchen, perfecting her baking, than she is attending to the affairs of state. People in general make her uncomfortable and she is content to avoid them as much as possible. That is except for her childhood best friend, Nate. Five years ago, Nate left Fallhaven to gain a cooking apprenticeship and Evie has missed him dreadfully everyday. She’s overjoyed to learn he will be returning, if only briefly, with an entourage from a neighboring kingdom. That joy is tempered by worries that their relationship might not be the same and the inevitable heartbreak when he has to leave again. When her family assumes that there is more than friendship between them, Evie starts to exam her feelings. She knows he makes her feel safe and understood, and she doesn’t mind him touching or hugging her. But is she in love with him? And how does Nate feel about her?
Princess Evie is written with many characteristics of a neurodivergent person, including audio and physical sensitivities, discomfort with small talk, and a need for order and routine. As someone who is autistic and adhd, I appreciate seeing characters like Evie presented so sensitively. Ms. Greenwood also shows the different ways those around Evie react to her idiosyncrasies in a realistic manner, from full support and attempts to make accommodations to disapproval that she’s not more normal. In addition, Evie is identified as asexual. As someone unfamiliar with asexual relationships, I appreciate Ms. Greenwood including this as well. I loved the relationship between Evie and Nate as presented in the prequel book, Dragons and Dumplings, and like how it continues to unfold here. Evie’s relationship with her sister, Veronica, is a highlight as well. I’m very much looking forward to more of this fantasy series.
Princess Evie is written with many characteristics of a neurodivergent person, including audio and physical sensitivities, discomfort with small talk, and a need for order and routine. As someone who is autistic and adhd, I appreciate seeing characters like Evie presented so sensitively. Ms. Greenwood also shows the different ways those around Evie react to her idiosyncrasies in a realistic manner, from full support and attempts to make accommodations to disapproval that she’s not more normal. In addition, Evie is identified as asexual. As someone unfamiliar with asexual relationships, I appreciate Ms. Greenwood including this as well. I loved the relationship between Evie and Nate as presented in the prequel book, Dragons and Dumplings, and like how it continues to unfold here. Evie’s relationship with her sister, Veronica, is a highlight as well. I’m very much looking forward to more of this fantasy series.
November 7, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐
This book is the first installment to Laura's Falhaven Castle series, and it is here that we are introduced to the MCs of that series, Princess Evie and her long-time best friend, Nate. Both of them share a deep love and passion for baking, with Nate having made it his livelihood and Evie learning more of it from him.
In this book, we see Evie and Nate's long-standing friendship showing promise of blossoming into more in this book. Nate returns to Falhaven after 5 years working for another royal family, and it is during this comeback that both seem to realize once and for all that they might feel more than friendship for each other. The story here sets the stage for the rest of the series, where we know more of Evie and Nate's story will come to play and unravel. I love the gentle and sweet tones of Laura's writing in this book. The world building is beautiful as well, making one want to actually see and feel what Falhaven might be like.
I was likewise fascinated with Evie's personality, with her asexuality striking me the most. I'm eager to see more of her and her quirks in the books to come, especially wondering how she will learn to deal with her growing affections for Nate. Laura promises more steam in future books, so I'm curious how that will play out in relation to Evie's declaration of her asexuality.
I'm thankful to the author for granting me a free review copy of this book. I leave this review voluntarily.
This book is the first installment to Laura's Falhaven Castle series, and it is here that we are introduced to the MCs of that series, Princess Evie and her long-time best friend, Nate. Both of them share a deep love and passion for baking, with Nate having made it his livelihood and Evie learning more of it from him.
In this book, we see Evie and Nate's long-standing friendship showing promise of blossoming into more in this book. Nate returns to Falhaven after 5 years working for another royal family, and it is during this comeback that both seem to realize once and for all that they might feel more than friendship for each other. The story here sets the stage for the rest of the series, where we know more of Evie and Nate's story will come to play and unravel. I love the gentle and sweet tones of Laura's writing in this book. The world building is beautiful as well, making one want to actually see and feel what Falhaven might be like.
I was likewise fascinated with Evie's personality, with her asexuality striking me the most. I'm eager to see more of her and her quirks in the books to come, especially wondering how she will learn to deal with her growing affections for Nate. Laura promises more steam in future books, so I'm curious how that will play out in relation to Evie's declaration of her asexuality.
I'm thankful to the author for granting me a free review copy of this book. I leave this review voluntarily.
November 6, 2025
I genuinely just love the Falhaven Castle series. These reads are short, heartwarming, and always put my brain in a good space.
I first came across Evie in Dragons & Dumplings (prequel novella) and found her to be such a breath of fresh air. Evie is a neurodivergent, ace princess that adores baking and has a dragon familiar. Social cues, loud noises, and big crowds aren't for her, which is so relatable and honestly refreshing because I feel like we don't see that enough. Often FMCs in fantasy stories are graceful, poised, etc. (much like her sister Kathryn). I adore Evie's bluntness. She is who she is regardless of "the norm" expected of a princess.
In Princesses & Pastries, Nate is finally returning to Falhaven after 5 long years to accompany his employer for a banquet. While Nate and Evie have corresponded all this time, it is so different once they're finally in the same room. I think we got the hint at the end of Dragons & Dumplings that Nate had feelings for Evie, but the interactions we get here all but confirm it. And Evie is finally realizing she is interested too!
This story ended way too quickly for me, but slow burn is gonna slow burn. So I shall patiently wait for the next one where we hopefully see it all click into place for Princess Evie and Pastry Chef Nate.
I first came across Evie in Dragons & Dumplings (prequel novella) and found her to be such a breath of fresh air. Evie is a neurodivergent, ace princess that adores baking and has a dragon familiar. Social cues, loud noises, and big crowds aren't for her, which is so relatable and honestly refreshing because I feel like we don't see that enough. Often FMCs in fantasy stories are graceful, poised, etc. (much like her sister Kathryn). I adore Evie's bluntness. She is who she is regardless of "the norm" expected of a princess.
In Princesses & Pastries, Nate is finally returning to Falhaven after 5 long years to accompany his employer for a banquet. While Nate and Evie have corresponded all this time, it is so different once they're finally in the same room. I think we got the hint at the end of Dragons & Dumplings that Nate had feelings for Evie, but the interactions we get here all but confirm it. And Evie is finally realizing she is interested too!
This story ended way too quickly for me, but slow burn is gonna slow burn. So I shall patiently wait for the next one where we hopefully see it all click into place for Princess Evie and Pastry Chef Nate.
November 4, 2025
I know this is totally outside my usual wheelhouse of tropes and triggers, but for some reason, I love these two characters. 🤷🏻♀️
Evie finally gets to see Nate after 5 long years 🎉 They’re both happy to see each other. Evie is self-aware that she has physical and emotional reactions to the physical changes in Nate—plus the fact she realizes she likes his hugs, proximity touches, and genuinely likes looking at him. This is a lot for her to process, especially knowing he isn’t there to stay—which she knows she isn’t going to handle well.
There is a lot of story in ‘Princess and Pastries’—a reacquaintance of castle and characters if you read ‘Dragons and Dumplings’. Very sweet couple with an adorable dragon. Now, to find the patience to wait for book 3, ‘Custards and Crowns’.
*** Recommended ***
MMC:
✨Nate
FMC:
✨Evie
HEA/Cliffhanger:
✨to be continued
Series:
✨Book 1 of Falhaven Castle
Tropes:
👉cozy fantasy romance
👉friends to lovers
👉asexual fmc
👉neurodivergent fmc
Burn Speed:
✨🐌
Spice Level:
✨🦋
✨MF
Evie finally gets to see Nate after 5 long years 🎉 They’re both happy to see each other. Evie is self-aware that she has physical and emotional reactions to the physical changes in Nate—plus the fact she realizes she likes his hugs, proximity touches, and genuinely likes looking at him. This is a lot for her to process, especially knowing he isn’t there to stay—which she knows she isn’t going to handle well.
There is a lot of story in ‘Princess and Pastries’—a reacquaintance of castle and characters if you read ‘Dragons and Dumplings’. Very sweet couple with an adorable dragon. Now, to find the patience to wait for book 3, ‘Custards and Crowns’.
*** Recommended ***
MMC:
✨Nate
FMC:
✨Evie
HEA/Cliffhanger:
✨to be continued
Series:
✨Book 1 of Falhaven Castle
Tropes:
👉cozy fantasy romance
👉friends to lovers
👉asexual fmc
👉neurodivergent fmc
Burn Speed:
✨🐌
Spice Level:
✨🦋
✨MF
November 4, 2025
I received an ARC from the author and though I wasn’t required to post a review I wanted to offer my honest, voluntary impression of the book.
There is a prequel to this story entitled Dragons and Dumplings that I encourage you to get. It’s free if you sign up to Laura’s newsletter.
This story continues from that one 5 years later when Nate returns to the castle as a visiting chef. He and Evie meet again only this time there is a change between them they both feel. Maybe the years have made them realize they could be more than just friends and baking partners!
I enjoyed seeing these two get back together and look forward to their budding romance in the future books in this series about a princess who would rather be in the kitchen baking than sitting on the throne carrying out her royal duties and a baker who wants nothing more than to be by her side!
I heartily recommend this book and urge you to get Dragons and Dumplings and read it first before reading this book so you’ll have a background for Evie and Nate before starting this book.
There is a prequel to this story entitled Dragons and Dumplings that I encourage you to get. It’s free if you sign up to Laura’s newsletter.
This story continues from that one 5 years later when Nate returns to the castle as a visiting chef. He and Evie meet again only this time there is a change between them they both feel. Maybe the years have made them realize they could be more than just friends and baking partners!
I enjoyed seeing these two get back together and look forward to their budding romance in the future books in this series about a princess who would rather be in the kitchen baking than sitting on the throne carrying out her royal duties and a baker who wants nothing more than to be by her side!
I heartily recommend this book and urge you to get Dragons and Dumplings and read it first before reading this book so you’ll have a background for Evie and Nate before starting this book.
January 9, 2026
I've been looking forward to this since I read the prequel, Dragons and Dumplings, where Evie's dragon, Ember, a gift from the Shengda ambassador, hatches and her best friend and partner in baking, Nate, goes off to another castle in Wafeland for a baking apprenticeship. Evie, our clueless heroine, is very excited that Nate will be visiting with her cousins and the two excitedly reunite. They have kept up a relationship over correspondence, and Evie just hasn't been able to get the croissants right. As she asks Nate how to fix them, the two bake together and enjoy each other's company. After an offhand remark from her sister, Evie is trying to discover whether her feelings for Nate run deeper than friendship, and the looming date of his departure make the stakes feel high. Readers will enjoy watching Evie stumble through the budding romance with Nate, as well as her poise with palace politics, baking, and dragon rearing. It's a cute, quick read that will leave you eagerly waiting for the next installment.
November 19, 2025
This charming tale is a warm hug wrapped in flaky pastry. Princess Evie isn’t your typical royal—her heart belongs to the castle kitchens, where she bakes with a miniature dragon and dreams of a life filled with flour, not formality. When childhood friend Nate returns after years apart, their reunion is sweet, slow, and full of tender moments that feel like home.
I adored the gentle pace and cozy setting. The story celebrates passion, friendship, and quiet courage—Evie’s determination to follow her calling, even when it defies tradition, is quietly empowering. The romance is soft and sincere, and the magical baking scenes are pure delight.
Perfect for fans of cozy fantasy, low-stakes romance, and stories that feel like comfort food. I’ll definitely be back for seconds in Falhaven Castle.
November 6, 2025
Princesses and Pastries is the first book in the Falhaven Castle series by Laura Greenwood. I thoroughly enjoyed the introduction of Evie and Nate, the FMC and MMC. I loved Evie’s naïveté and her thoroughly straightforward approach to her life as a princess. She is a working royal, put in charge of banquets by her father. This makes it less likely that she will offend royals visiting from allies with her rather blunt speech. She discovers she may have feelings for her best friend from childhood-and the “plot thickens” from there! The two have been baking together since they were children, and he is now a pastry chef in a neighboring kingdom. I am very much looking forward to the next book in the series!!
December 21, 2025
I absolutely loved this story! I began this series by reading the prequel Dragons & Dumplings and it was such a cozy Tale. I greatly enjoyed seeing Princess Evie and Nate as young adults and the chance to see their friendship blossoming into a romantic relationship. I love the baking parts of the book they make it feel very cozy. I also like how they don't have to be intimate to show they care for each other. After 5 years and he remembered how hard her cycles are that he comes to dote on her to make her feel better. The slow burn friendship to lovers is written with small gesture romance and it feels so wholesome. I just pre-ordered Custard & Crowns and I will be reading Love Letters and Lemondrops while I wait for the release in February.
November 3, 2025
This was a sweet story, with a friends to lovers romance, a cute dragon companion, and lots of baking.
Princess Evie has been separated from her friend Nate for 5 years, and even if he's only back for a short visit she plans to spend every moment with him baking.
It was interesting exploring Evie's thoughts and feelings with her Ace sexuality and neurodivergent qualities. She finds joy and relief in baking, is often inpatient and emotional, but struggles with identifying other people's feelings, including Nate's towards her.
This was a short read and the start of a series with more to come from Evie and Nate, and their baking adventures.
Princess Evie has been separated from her friend Nate for 5 years, and even if he's only back for a short visit she plans to spend every moment with him baking.
It was interesting exploring Evie's thoughts and feelings with her Ace sexuality and neurodivergent qualities. She finds joy and relief in baking, is often inpatient and emotional, but struggles with identifying other people's feelings, including Nate's towards her.
This was a short read and the start of a series with more to come from Evie and Nate, and their baking adventures.
November 16, 2025
I received a free copy of this book for an honest review!
This was a very cozy story perfect going into the harsh cold winter season. I related to Evie a lot, being neurodivergent myself and Nate seems like such a sweetie.
My only drawback was that this book felt incomplete. It ends abruptly and while I knew their story continued in other books before starting, I had thought they would have made more of a progression with their feelings than what we got. Because of this, it felt like the story ended right in the middle.
Otherwise, I love the story and I’m invested. I can’t wait for the next volume!
This was a very cozy story perfect going into the harsh cold winter season. I related to Evie a lot, being neurodivergent myself and Nate seems like such a sweetie.
My only drawback was that this book felt incomplete. It ends abruptly and while I knew their story continued in other books before starting, I had thought they would have made more of a progression with their feelings than what we got. Because of this, it felt like the story ended right in the middle.
Otherwise, I love the story and I’m invested. I can’t wait for the next volume!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 7, 2025
I enjoyed this story and and I loved the ending, but the Princess Evie needs to learn how to tell the person she has almost always been in love with how she feels. From what I have read, these royals are not all that particular about who their children fall in love with, as long as they wait to have children after being married. So, Evie is not denied her Chef just on some silly royal principals. I just hope she discovers herself and how she really feels, soon. The wait is agonizing! I definitely recommend this book.
November 14, 2025
Cozy fantasy with a (very) slow-burn romance.
This is very pleasant and presents some interesting points & perspectives however I would have liked a little more actual content with the main characters (Evie & Nate) - especially as the prequel was so good.
I'm really liking Veronica (Evie's younger sister) and want to see more of her - either in the future of the main thread or, maybe, in a dedicated side-thread.
(I was fortunate to receive an ARC however the above is, as ever, my own opinion.)
This is very pleasant and presents some interesting points & perspectives however I would have liked a little more actual content with the main characters (Evie & Nate) - especially as the prequel was so good.
I'm really liking Veronica (Evie's younger sister) and want to see more of her - either in the future of the main thread or, maybe, in a dedicated side-thread.
(I was fortunate to receive an ARC however the above is, as ever, my own opinion.)
November 24, 2025
Evie Finds Feelings.
The fact that Princess Evie fails at social cues and hints just make her flaws more endearing. Completely oblivious to social markers, Evie is finding feelings and submitting to them when it comes to Nate just shows she’s in love. Only it takes her mother and younger sister to make comments to a confused Evie for Evie to really contemplate. The fact that Nate is so patient and calm with her just shows his tenderness with her. It’s an endearing story that’s full of baking and finding feelings.
I received a BookFunnel copy and voluntarily leaving an honest review.
The fact that Princess Evie fails at social cues and hints just make her flaws more endearing. Completely oblivious to social markers, Evie is finding feelings and submitting to them when it comes to Nate just shows she’s in love. Only it takes her mother and younger sister to make comments to a confused Evie for Evie to really contemplate. The fact that Nate is so patient and calm with her just shows his tenderness with her. It’s an endearing story that’s full of baking and finding feelings.
I received a BookFunnel copy and voluntarily leaving an honest review.
November 25, 2025
When you're looking for quick, easy, and fun reads ... Laura Greenwood is where to go. Evie and Nate are so cute together. Add in flirting while baking and you got yourself a story. The giddy feeling of young love can be seen and felt throughout.
And ... there's a dragon. We saw Ember hatch in the prequel and now we see her as a toddler of sorts. I think I'm going to love watching all of the characters grow. Including Ember.
Still spice free and swoony. But there are promises of some spicy bits later on the series. I can't wait.
And ... there's a dragon. We saw Ember hatch in the prequel and now we see her as a toddler of sorts. I think I'm going to love watching all of the characters grow. Including Ember.
Still spice free and swoony. But there are promises of some spicy bits later on the series. I can't wait.
December 23, 2025
Evie is a princess of Falhaven, and her royal cousins are coming to visit. However, she's more excited that her friend, Nate, is returning with them (if only for a week) since he's been away from Falhaven for 5 years, and is now working as a pastry chef for her cousin's kingdom.
This is a charming romance, as we explore, along with Evie, her feelings and her realization of them. A must-read for any romance and fantasy fans. Spice level is 1, with nothing overt happening, but there are mentions of past experiences.
This is a charming romance, as we explore, along with Evie, her feelings and her realization of them. A must-read for any romance and fantasy fans. Spice level is 1, with nothing overt happening, but there are mentions of past experiences.
November 3, 2025
A very cute start to the series! This is book 1 in the series but I recommend reading the prequel novella Dragons and Dumplings first - it’s a good introduction to Nate, Evie and Ember before Nate left 5 years previously. I think the plot so far is adorable, and you can really see how much Evie is struggling to come to terms with her feelings and with feeling like she’s going to lose Nate. I can’t wait to see how the story unfolds!
November 4, 2025
It was lovely visiting with Evie and her little dragon. Nate comes for a visit after 5 long years, but he's working as a chef for the visiting court. I loved all of the scenes of them working side by side in her little kitchen with the wood fired oven. I definitely recommend reading the prequel! As and added bonus, there's a recipe book! You'd better believe I'm grabbing it! I've got to try some of the recipes myself.
Thank you for the early copy! This is my honest and voluntary review.
Thank you for the early copy! This is my honest and voluntary review.
November 5, 2025
Baking love.
It's been five long years since Princess Evie and Nate have baked together in the kitchen at Falhaven Castle. They write letters, but it's not the same. She has missed her best friend. Now, he is returning as the chef of visiting Wafeland royalty. Will her pet dragon remember him? Will their friendship be different after five years?
This is a sweet, friends-to-lovers story with a happy ending. I received a free copy, but my review is honest and voluntary.
It's been five long years since Princess Evie and Nate have baked together in the kitchen at Falhaven Castle. They write letters, but it's not the same. She has missed her best friend. Now, he is returning as the chef of visiting Wafeland royalty. Will her pet dragon remember him? Will their friendship be different after five years?
This is a sweet, friends-to-lovers story with a happy ending. I received a free copy, but my review is honest and voluntary.
November 9, 2025
Such a beautiful cozy romance between a princess and her baker best friend. I loved the prequel and this first book in Evie and Nate’s story is just as lovely. The neurospicy representation, as this ASD household refers to it, is fantastic and relatable - even though each individual is unique, the feelings that triggers illicit is well reflected in this story. I can’t wait for more of their journey, we all need a nice feel good romance once in a while 😊
November 9, 2025
I do believe that the Princesses Evie is OCD. That explains so very much. I like her. There is no pretense about how she feels or how she lets others know what it is that she does not like. The maids and others in the Castle have adjusted to her ways. I look forward to the next time Nate comes back. But I don't know how she will feel about the sous chef he will ask to be his helper. Should be interesting to find out.
November 21, 2025
Princesses & Pastries book 1 of the Falhaven Castle series by Laura Greenwood is a delightful and quirky continuation of this series. This is definitely not your typical slow burn romance and has certain aspects that I don't connect with but kept reading because the writing is really good and you know it's Laura Greenwood and I love her!
I received an ARC from the author and am leaving my review freely.
I received an ARC from the author and am leaving my review freely.
January 2, 2026
Such a cute cozy fantasy book with a little start to romance in it. Evie and Nate have been apart for 5 years and now he comes back for a banquet. They bake more together and realizing some feelings. I can’t wait to follow these two and their relationship. Evie is an interesting character with some quirks and she is a princess. I love her and her quirks. This is a short, quick, novella for you. If you like baking, fantasy, slow burn, cozy, then this is for you!
November 3, 2025
I really liked this continuation to the prequel because I really wanted to know what Evie and Nate would do. I like how Evie is so oblivious about her feelings until Veronica asks her if she is in love with Nate; that sounds so familiar (and so me). I am looking forward to seeing how they court each other.
I received an ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 5, 2025
If you love friends learning about their feelings toward each other, a cute pet dragon, and baking lessons this is a great book. Nate is patient with Evie during their cooking lessons and remembers all her cute quirks while he was away during his internship. The ending made me happy and look forward to the next book to see how the relationship evolves.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews