The Pastry Warlock

Broomstick Bakery #2.5

by Laura Greenwood

Ash has been in love with his best friend since the moment they met, but he's never done anything about it for fear of ruining their friendship.

When Ellie is nervous about an internship interview, Ash takes things into his own hands and makes her croissants filled with hope magic.

Can a shared moment in the kitchen finally take their friendship to a romance?

-

The Pastry Warlock is a paranormal romance and part of the Broomstick Bakery series set at Grimalkin Academy. It includes a baking warlock, and a sweet friends-to-lovers m/f romance with a happy ever after.

Genres: Paranormal Romance, Romance

40 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 18, 2022

About the author

Laura 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!

Reviews

[Ayşe · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short and cute read featuring Ellie and Ash. I honestly wish it was a little longer.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew that this was only gonna be a short novella and therefore it was the perfect read for when I had not so much time. Like all books in the series, the story was really cute! Even though we don't get much time with the characters, it feels like we do get to see how special their connection is and how their friendship has slowly grown into romance. I also really liked the mutual pining in this book, without it becoming prolonged for more drama. When you've been such close friends, I understand that you really want to be sure the other feels the same. However, of course I could see the ending coming from miles away! This book is such a cute little pick-me-up!

[Michelle Dohring · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book begins with Daphne from Grimalkin Academy Catacombs series, escorting Eloise (Ellie) Denning to her dormitory room. Ellie’s roommate is Ash Parkes. Ash is the youngest brother of the sisters from the Broomstick Bakery.

Ash and Ellie become best friends. They have a fun and warmhearted relationship. They are very compatible. They are both afraid to explore a more passionate relationship. They do not want to ruin their friendship.

Ellie wants to be an intern with a fashion company named Demarque. She interviews and awaits their answer. She is very nervous and afraid that she will not get the internship. Ash wants to cheer Ellie up and give her hope. Together they bake magical croissants that are infused with hope. Will Ellie get the internship? Will Ash and Ellie take a chance on love?

This was a quick and sweet read. Ash and Ellie are adorable. They are made for each other. They are cute when they worry how the other will react if they become romantically involved. This is the third book in the Broomstick Bakery series. This series has been fun and charming. I look forward to reading the next book in the series. I received a free copy of this book from Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lola · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy from the author through Booksprout and voluntarily reviewed it.

This was a quick and fun read. It's a bit shorter than the rest of the books in the series and I actually wish it was a bit longer as I liked getting to know Ash. Ash is the only brother in the series and he hopes to become part of the Broomstick Bakery. I would've liked to see a bit more about that and whether he joins the bakery or not.

The Pastry Warlock is set at Grimalkin Academy and features a sweet friends to lovers romance between Ash and his best friend Ellie. I liked how the book starts with their first meeting and the jumps forward to the current time. I liked reading about Ellie and Ash. They made for a cute couple and I liked seeing them finally take that step to something more.

I liked how supportive Ash was of Ellie and how he baked croissants with her to help her with her nerves. I thought that was a great scene. I liked the inclusion of baking in this book and the magic infused baking that's been the theme of this series.

To summarize: This was a cute and sweet romance between friends who turn into more. I liked reading about Ash and seeing him interact with the other characters. I wish the book was long as I would've liked to read more about Ash and whether he becomes part of the bakery. I liked how supportive Ash was of Ellie and how he helped her by baking croissants with her. It was such a great scene and I liked reading about how they took the step to become more than friends. It's a great addition to the series.

[Laura Greenwood]

The Broomstick Bakery Series:

1. The Cupcake Witch: books2read.com/thecupcakewitch
2. The Macaron Witch: books2read.com/themacaronwitch
3. The Gingerbread Witch: books2read.com/thegingerbreadwitch
4. The Baklava Witch: books2read.com/thebaklavawitch

- The Pastry Warlock: A Broomstick Bakery Story (#2.5): https://books.authorlauragreenwood.co...

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet short romance. Ash and Ellie’s complete story. Younger brother to the magical pastry witches Ash completely wants to join them but is studying at Grimalkin because his sisters want him to have a career. Luckily for him as on his first day he meets Ellie who happens to be in a similar situation. She dreams of being a designer but her parents are against it. The two connect from the start and their relationship grows and develops til they are pretty much inseparable. The only question is will they take the leap of faith or won’t they?
A great addition to the Broomstick Bakery series. It was lovely seeing Ash as opposed to hearing him mentioned now and again. Love the cameo from Daphne. A sweet, lighthearted, quick read. Definitely recommend!!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Skye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ash and Ellie are such a cute friends to lovers couple, and I love that their story is more of a short novella – they don’t have as much angst as Ash’s sisters. And, because they already know each other, they are able to build their relationship from a fantastic foundation. I’m always a fan of friends to lovers stories (what better foundation than being friends first?) and I love that Ash and Ellie transitioned seamlessly. It might be scary to take that extra plunge with a great friend, yet, it’s fun to see how this couple were finally able to do so comfortably.

There is always this sense of cuteness and sweetness to Greenwood’s writing that I enjoy – in a world that is somewhat insane and intense, it’s nice to read something that’s kind of simple. I love that Ash and Ellie’s story starts at a time when they are just about to take that plunge into being something more than friends. But, it’s not filled with angst, just a moment in time when they decide to take the plunge together. The Pastry Warlock is just a fun, short and incredibly sweet story that I managed to (joyously) read in one sitting.

It’s been hinted at in The Cupcake Witch and The Macaron Witch that the sisters’ little brother is keen to be a part of the bakery. I love that The Pastry Warlock confirms this. Although nothing is set in stone for Ash’s future with Broomstick Bakery at the end of this story, there are hints for a good future together. I love that Ash is finally taking the steps to start his future the way he wants to. Making his own fate happen, with his best friend at his side.

I love how Ash and Ellie fit together so seamlessly, Ash and Ellie might have different career goals in their lives, but both support each other wholeheartedly. Plus, Ellie fits in really well with the rest of Ash’s family, a gorgeous, instant family that had me smiling and happy when I finished the final word of this book. Beautiful and fun in a way that will make this a hard moment to forget.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The sisters of Broomstick Bakery little brother Ash has his own story, The Pastry Warlock. This sweet story has Ash taking a chance at love and possibly gearing up to ask for his place in the family bakery.


Ash is so adorable. He's so sweet, kind, thoughtful, and caring, I kinda think that his sisters' personalities might overpower his. Elle is Ash's love interest, she seems like a nice person even if her assumptions kinda irritated me. I do like the fact that she's also going after something she wants despite the obstacles in her way.


As with any story with the Parkes, the story had sweet magic with a touch of romance and good food. I enjoyed Ash's story and hope to see more of him in the coming books.

[Goddess of Chaos · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I can make you a confidence cupcake too,…”

Ash has an amazing flat mate at Grimalkin Academy… but does he dare risk a wonderful friendship by gambling for more?

The great thing about Elle and Ash’s story is how easy it is to relate to, almost every one of us has been in a friendship we didn’t want to risk by changing, treasuring what we have, fearing losing it, and worse, ending up with nothing.

This done in one quick read focuses on what makes these two great friends, on how they support one another, and their dreams, and truly get to know one another… and left me hoping we revisit them in the future.

I was gifted with a copy of The Pastry Warlock and chose to share my thoughts.

[Douglas Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fears are holding both of our characters back, but when our hero shows our heroine his support, she returns the favor and the kitchen definitely heats up.

This is book 2.5 of the series, written as a standalone side story. So no prior reading is required.

The story is a paranormal romance with a touch of magic. The story is well written and easy to read with an intriguing setting and fun characters. I loved both our hero and heroine and enjoyed watching the sparks fly as they explore the attraction between them. The plot moves at a solid pace and makes for a fun story. Overall, another enjoyable entree from our author and I look forward to seeing more in this series.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.

[TaniaRina · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘It's not home until you've had that first cup of tea’

I would have loved some settled magic on my first day of university – even though I lived at home in the next town. I think all eighteen year-olds can use all the help they can get when going to school.

The best way to start a friendship:
‘You bring the pizza, I'll bring the cake.’

It totally helps having sisters who own a bakery and a cousin who owns a coffee shop – they all chip in (pun intended) to push, er, help along the budding romance.


Next in line for possible romances are Rowen in ‘The Gingerbread Witch’ next month then Clover in ‘The Baklava Witch’.

[Laure · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ash may be away from home for the first time, but he loves to bake just as much as his sisters. He's also in love with his best friend, but he hesitates to tell her how he feels for fear that it will ruin their friendship. When his best friend Elle is nervous about an interview, he bakes her a batch of croissnts with a dash of hope baked in. Fortunately, a successful interview, and a shared hug will lead to a first kiss.
This is a sweet, clean, and quick read involving a young couple who's friendship evolves into romance. The characters are well written, and compelling. Definitely a must read part of this series.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh! That was just such a sweet little story. We’ve heard a lot about Ash in his sisters’ books, so I really enjoyed this chance to get to know him a little better ‘in his own words’. And Ellie seems like such a sweetheart. That after years of close friendship the pair were finally willing to take the risk to take their relationship a step farther, made me “squee!” in delight. I only wish we could have had more time with them. I wasn’t at all ready for this book to be over when it was done.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout.

[DeeDeeWReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sweet book in between Books 2 and 3 was a small introduction to the little brother Ash that we keep hearing about that is off at the Academy. We meet him and how he met Ellie, who becomes his best friend almost instantly.

Fast forward a year and Ellie is applying for a big internship and it's up to Ash to help her keep her confidence up and have hope. Also maybe it's time they each show the other that feelings are also circulating.

Fun sweet story!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ash and Ellie are adorable and watching them be awkward in their crushes was so sweet. I like that they did use magic, but only to bolster confidence, not get through the awkward "does he/she like me that way?" part. Ash's sisters make a brief appearance and were lovely. This is part of a series, but you can pick it up as a standalone.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Julianna Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it another great short story I liked it so much I bought the 1st one in in the series.
Ellie is a witch and she's attending magical school to learn more about magic she meets a warlock named ash and they become best friends. Ash wants to work at the bakery with his sisters but he's nervous to tell them and also is in love with Ellie but to scared to tell her. Ellie wants to get an internship at a fashion school and also is in love with ash but to scared to tell him and ruin the friendship. Read the book to find out if Ellie gets her internship and if ash tells his sisters he wants to work at the bakery. Also read to find out if Ellie and ash tell each other how they really feel.

[Linda (ellsky) Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adorably short and sweet trip into Ash's life at Grimalkin Academy with his best-friend-to-more Ellie. As the youngest brother in the Parkes' family, Ash has made small appearances in the main series as well as in Cauldron Coffee Shop, and it was nice to see a bit more of him. He is trying to prove himself to his older sisters, and also to show that he loves his friend Ellie. Very short, very sweet, and I know we'll get more of Ash in the future. I read this on Kobo Plus.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really cute story in the Broomstick Bakery series, this is a bit of an extra, telling the tale of Ellie, who just arrived at Grimalkin Academy, and her best friend, Ash.
Both too shy to admit how they feel, no matter how similar it may be.
Quick, sweet romance story, with the magic of witches and warlocks. I definitely need to read the others and meet all of Ash's sisters.
I received a free copy of this book, and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Caroline Doig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ash’s sisters own a bakery so he also loves to bake he has been best friends with Ellie for quite awhile he’s actually in love with her but he doesn’t want to say anything for fear of losing their friendship. Sorry guys no spoilers, this is a fantastic short but fun story and I highly recommend this book.

[Sherryle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ash & Ellie - This is a very cute story filled with hope and dreams. Their relationship is based on a close friendship more than anything. Will love conquer all? Sparks fly too.
Ash is still at the academy learning.
Ellie is there too.
They both have dreams, will these come true?
I really liked this story.
Thanks Laura for another great series...

[Tahnia Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

This quick read has Ash and Ellie as new flatmates in Grimalkin Academy. The two hit it off immediately, but they don't admit their feelings for each other until they are in their second year. There is plenty of romance here with a hopeful ending. Very highly recommended.

I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked Ellie and Ash’s story. Ash wants to work with his sisters at the bakery but is afraid to tell them. Ellie is trying to get into design. Ash makes her a croissant made with hope magic, but this might also help both decide that they want more than friendship. I enjoyed this short story and would recommend it.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an addition to Greenwood's delightfully sweet Broomstick Bakery series. Well written paranormal romance that is sweet and fun. Great characters delight in this read. Ash and Ellie’s complete story is short, sweet and satisfying!

I received a free copy of this book via BookSprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great heartwarming read! Ellie and Ash meet at Grimalkin academy and become best friends and are so good together that they are afraid to take it any further in case it ruins things between them. It’s a wonderful short read about young love in this friendship to lovers story that’s full with awkwardness, hope, magic and love.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A side story of The Broomstick Bakery series. The youngest & only brother, Ash Parke wants to be a part of his family (sister’s) bakery as a pastry chef but lacks courage to ask. He is crushing on his best friend Eloise “Ellie” Denning but hasn’t the courage to tell her his feelings. This is their story.

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's not necessary to have read the other books in the series but Ash gets a few mentions in them and even in the Cauldron Coffee Shop books. I liked getting to know him a bit better. I really like him and Ellie, but I wish there was a little more development of them as people. I hope at some point we get a glimpse of them after graduation and see where their hopes led them.

[Claire Trickett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love that this book is about Ash. He's featured a few times in other books and I've wanted to know more about him.

I even downloaded the bonus chapter too!

I received a complimentary copy of the book and I'm leaving a voluntary and honest review.

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had high hopes for Ash's book but it was a let down for me. Although it was short, sweet and a cute read, it seemed to revolve more around Ellie. Even the main, non romantic, plot revolved around Ellie. I wanted and was expecting more Ash.

[Debbie Benson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Two friends become after sharing a flat a school. I like how Ash helps Ellie gain confidence in herself. I hope he gets his wish too.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

So short. The hope for something more. I enjoyed the story. I hope to read more about Ash in a later story. I received a complimentary review copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.