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Planning for the All-Star

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He’s a celebrity baseball player. She’s an event planner with a secret crush—on him. Should she continue to hide her feelings or should she let him into her heart?


My old high school crush just hired me. Me, the awkward, studious 4.0 student who spewed fire retardant all over him when he set the chemistry lab on fire. I doubt he remembers me because he went on to score a major league baseball contract. Can I plan his party, while keeping my heart safe from his magnetic charm that I unfortunately still find irresistible?


I wasn't expecting to recognize my new party planner. She’s the pint-sized dynamo that could win a debate against Abraham Lincoln. I’ve always been overwhelmed by her brains and her beauty. Grams and Gramps deserve a spectacular party—I hired Arielle because she’s the best in the business, but she intrigues me beyond “just business” and now I’m determined to win her heart.

You’ll laugh out loud as Arielle and Griff work together to get ready for a party in a crumbling Victorian mansion with one unforeseen disaster after another.

Can the endearingly awkward party planner and the charming baseball star find their HEA?

A plethora of quirky side characters—along with two grandparents who aren’t shy about offering dating advice—add to the fun in this rollicking, humorous Rom Com that will tug your heartstrings and tickle your funny bone.

Planning for the All-Star is Book 3 in the hilarious new romantic comedy series Too Busy for Love. If you love Hallmark movies with the perfect blend of laugh-out-loud scenes and heart-touching moments, this book is for you. Fans of Emma St. Clair, Ellie Hall, and Savannah Scott will enjoy this new series of clean and wholesome stories filled with romance and comedy. This full-length novel may be read as a standalone.

223 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 7, 2023

87 people are currently reading
235 people want to read

About the author

Leah Busboom

59 books165 followers
Leah Busboom wanted to become an author since the day she learned how to read! She specializes in the Romance genre because she loves a good story with a happy ending. Her books are known for their heartwarming stories; intriguing characters and hilarious real life situations that will make you want to laugh out loud.

Leah currently lives in Colorado with her wonderful husband, her "Blue Bomber" bicycle and a hundred bunny rabbits that roam free in the neighborhood.

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5 stars
159 (44%)
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115 (32%)
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68 (18%)
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12 (3%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
594 reviews10 followers
March 7, 2023
What a fun, sweet story. Both Ari and Griff are such great characters (especially Griff), and I love their awkward and endearing history together. I enjoyed their journey of finally coming together as adults. I’ve enjoyed the whole series so far and it was wonderful to catch up with Ari’s siblings as well. This book can be read as a standalone, but I think it’s more fun if you read the whole series in order. There is a lot of build-up in this book with some secondary characters and I am so excited to see that they will get their own book next! I’ll definitely be reading it. This book is clean but still romantic. If you enjoy rom-coms, this will hit the spot.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
471 reviews4 followers
March 7, 2023
Grand Slam

This third book in the Too Busy series is a grand slam. Ari and Griff are such a cute couple, she’s so small but a powerhouse in creativity and getting things done but doesn’t like the spotlight. He’s large and muscular and loves to make the crowd roar when he hits a home run. But both of them are nervous about each other and have had a crush since high school. This story is about overcoming fear in all its forms and being able to laugh at the crazy things that life throws at them. This is a comedy and I literally was laughing out loud (and yes shaking the bed trying not to wake my hubs), but it also looks at the hard things that inevitably come with living. Totally recommend. Clean.
Profile Image for MaryEllen.
2,911 reviews29 followers
February 27, 2023
LOVED IT!
This is my voluntary review of a copy I received from BookSprout.

Although it was overall comedic, there were plenty of realistic, touching moments.
Both the main characters were well written. They were charming and loveable, but realistically insecure. Totally relatable.

I can't wait for the next book!
Profile Image for Moni.
613 reviews
February 26, 2023
Since the official synopsis is missing, I'm quoting it below for other potential readers:

"He’s a celebrity baseball player. She’s an event planner with a secret crush—on him.

Arielle:
My old high school crush just hired me. Me, the awkward, studious 4.0 student who spewed fire retardant all over him when he set the chemistry lab on fire. I doubt he remembers me because he went on to score a major league baseball contract. Can I plan his party, while keeping my heart safe from his magnetic charm that I unfortunately still find irresistible?

Griff:
I wasn't expecting to recognize my new party planner. She’s the pint-sized dynamo that could win a debate against Abraham Lincoln. I’ve always been overwhelmed by her brains and her beauty. Grams and Gramps deserve a spectacular party—I hired Arielle because she’s the best in the business, but she intrigues me beyond “just business” and now I’m determined to win her heart.

You’ll laugh out loud as Arielle and Griff work together to get ready for a party in a crumbling Victorian mansion with one unforeseen disaster after another.

Can the endearingly awkward party planner and the charming baseball star find their HEA?"

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. This is the first book of the author's that I've read & I definitely want to read more of Too Busy for Love Series. This is book 3 in the series & is a standalone so you won't feel as if you're missing something if you haven't read the other books, though you will want to read them if you haven't. The synopsis tells you what to expect. It's a good & clean wholesome second chance at love dual pov romance.

Ari, or Arielle, can be awkward but she's not afraid to make her thoughts known. She's not overly bold but she also doesn't sit still & keep quiet. She was part of the debate team in high school & those skills have helped her in her party planning business, as well as with Griff. Although she isn't certain she can keep up with Griff's celebrity status, she doesn't want to have regrets like she did in high school.

Griff is an All-Star but he's not a braggart. He doesn't mind lending a hand & actively participating in his grandparent's party planning. Sure, part of the reason why is because he wants to spend time with Ari but he genuinely wants to help. As he spends more time with Ari, he becomes inspired to find other ways to use his status & offer more help than he had already been doing. Being around Ari also brings out the boy he was in high school with a crush on her but, just like Ari, he isn't going to miss his chance this time around.

It doesn't take long for them to clear up the misunderstanding they had in high school & confess their mutual feelings. The pacing of their relationship is nice & they don't experience much conflict between them. Readers may be thrown off a bit to Griff's reaction to news about his baseball season but, as we read his thoughts & conversation with Ari, it will make sense why he acted that way. Besides their romance, there's plenty of side characters who you will like, like his grandparents. & you will be curious to read Brent & Libby's story next. You will enjoy this sweet & easy to read book.
Profile Image for Christi.
1,168 reviews36 followers
March 9, 2023
The Too Busy for Love series has been so much fun to read!! Planning for the All-Star is the third novel in the series that showcases the final sibling of the Too Busy team, party planner Ari Warner. I have loved getting to know each sibling, but Ari has felt the most like myself, so I couldn’t wait to see what antics she would find herself in.

Ari is planning an anniversary party for baseball star, and ex-high school crush, Sebastian “Griff” Griffin. Griff is an all-around good guy that is the total package, so it’s no wonder that all those old feelings come flooding back when they awkwardly meet again.

These two are quite the pair and it seems like every time they’re together something awkward, embarrassing, or downright crazy happens, which made for quite the entertaining read. Griff and Ari are so cute together and I loved every moment!

My favorite scenes actually didn’t have to do with Griff and Ari’s relationship but between Griff and his charming grandparents, particularly the texts between Griff and his grandmother. I was giggling the entire time because it is so relatable! My mom is notorious for text messages that are eerily similar and it both baffles and amuses me. It makes for quite a few laughs and a lot of confusion, I’ll tell you that.

I always find myself grinning or giggling when I’m reading this series and I love that. I also love that we won’t have to wait much longer for the next book in the series as they are such fun reads and a great escape.

*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.8k reviews361 followers
March 9, 2023
Ari and Griff Together Again . . .

Arielle (“Ari”) was hired to plan a party by her former high school crush. Would he remember that she was the one who doused him in fire retardant with the heavy fire extinguisher that was as big as she was when the chemistry lab was on fire? When she finished, he looked very much like the Michelin Man buried under all that foam.

Griff, now a major league baseball player, recognized Ari as soon as he saw her. He remembers her mostly for her brains and she’s definitely pretty as well. The party he wants her to plan is for his Grams and Gramps (who specialize in dating advice which will keep you laughing) and he wants their party to be special. But it just may feel like those old school days again when it’s one disaster after another as the two of them get together to plan the party.

You will love the laughs and the wonderful characters we are introduced to in this story. With the two of them still having crushes, we can only hope that the sparks ignite for the two of them to find happiness together.
Profile Image for RedReviews4You Susan-Dara.
803 reviews25 followers
March 9, 2023
This is Book 3 in the Too Busy for Love Series and the first book that I have read by this author. I was able to easily enter into this addicting book and I will be looking forward to catching up on the first two books. This was a great sweet romantic comedy that reunites two old high schoolers as adults. Ari was the perfect student who was secretly in love with a star baseball player, while Griff was also intimidated by the ‘pint-sized dynamo’ who he secretly admired. But what happens when they come back together as adults? He needs a party planner and he wants the best that can be found, in true Rom Com fashion who is that? Arielle and all the baggage that comes with years apart, but don’t think this drags the story or the narrative. This is a great background that helps make all the fun moments that much brighter. This was a great read about finding and accepting what’s important in life.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Rachel Crosby.
69 reviews13 followers
August 9, 2023
They knew each other in high school, but do they know each other now?

Arielle was hired to create the perfect anniversary party for Griff's grandparents, but as circumstances keep forcing Ari & Griff together, can they ignore the feelings they have both had since they were in school together?

Griff is a major league baseball player, and Ari has kept up with all of his stats, in fact, when she gets nervous, she lets it known just how well she has kept up with his major league career.

Griff insists that Ari is the one for him and gets her to go on a few dates with him when an injury during a game puts his entire life on hold. He pushes away everyone closest to him, including the girl he is falling in love with.

Will he be able to keep playing ball?
Will he be able to make amends with those he loves?
Will they actually get over their nervousness and finally be together?

These are questions you can answer for yourself when you read this book!
Profile Image for Lindsy.
696 reviews16 followers
March 17, 2023
Planning for the All-Star is the third book but can be read as a standalone.
It’s about Ari and Griff. Arielle and Griffin met in high school during chemistry class. She was a shy bookworm so she didn’t think Griff would actually be interested in her.
Now she’s a party planner with her brother and sister. Griff is now a professional baseball player who needs a party planner for his grandparents anniversary party.
She recognized him right away but he didn’t realize who she was until after the first meeting.
This was a quirky funny book with witty characters and disasters around every corner. I loved how much fun these two had together and how inseparable they became. It definitely doesn’t stay that way though but you are going to have to read it to find out what happens.
I’m definitely interested in Brent and Libby’s story now because they had major tension in this story.
868 reviews8 followers
March 9, 2023
Loved this book!!

It is time for the ever-so-organized party planner behind the Too Busy companies success to meet her match in the shape of her high school crush, now an All Star baseball player for the local team.

Arielle and Griff need to navigate a series of setbacks to provide his grandparents the 50th wedding anniversary party that Griff feels they deserve. Working together to meet the party deadline allows them time to learn about the other as adults and professionals, as well as overcoming the mutual feelings of inferiority from the high school crush days.

I received an ARC copy of this story from the author via Booksprout and voluntarily chose to share my review.
Author 7 books7 followers
March 10, 2023
Loved it!

These Too Busy for Love books are all so fun, but I have to say this one, Planning for the All-Star, has been my favorite so far. Ari is the bookworm of the siblings and an endearing character. Watching her get out of her comfort zone in the romance department and slowly let go of her fears, to know that she's enough, was wonderful! Griff is definitely a swoony book boyfriend, and I loved how the two interacted. The story kept me turning pages into the wee hours of the morning, and I have no regrets.
P. S. Organ Stop Pizza in Arizona is absolutely as awesome (and delicious) as it's written!
2,447 reviews15 followers
March 12, 2023
Leah Busboom hits it out of the park with the third book in her Too Busy for Love Series, Planning for the All-Star, a ridiculously entertaining, sweet romantic comedy. Griff and Arielle knew each other back in high school - the jock and the awkward straight-A student. Years later, he's a pro baseball player and she's a renowned event planner, whom he hires for his grandparents' anniversary party. He's still charming, she's still quirky, and together their story full of fun and funny. A rom-com you don't want to miss.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Ashlee.
455 reviews13 followers
October 12, 2023
Oh my goodness, all the feels

Um baseball star meets "average girl" romance? Yes please! This book has been my favorite so far in the series because sports romances are one trope I'm a sucker for. There were some moments that made me laugh out loud (I'm looking at all the chaos that happened at the Voorhees Mansion!). The anniversary party was just so crazy and hilarious. But then there were also some very touching moments, especially with Griff needing to come to terms with some potential big changes. It was so adorable and I just loved it. I'm excited to keep binge reading this series. Very funny, light hearted, and complete with a happily ever after.
4,536 reviews38 followers
March 9, 2023
Planning for the All-Star is a laugh out loud, heartwarming, romantic comedy! I love this series and Ari's story just may be my favorite. This well written book could be read as a standalone, but it is even better if you read the previous books first. I love that Ari and Griff were chemistry lab partners in high school. It was fun to see them interact as adults planning a 50th anniversary party for Griff's grandparents. The mansion does seem to have a vendetta against Ari's parties! This book is another delightfully fun, entertaining book from the incomparable Leah Busboom!
Profile Image for Jill.
128 reviews4 followers
March 9, 2023
Planning for the All–Star by Leah Busboom is book 3 in her Too Busy for Love series. I enjoyed this book and getting to know Ari better. I liked the jaunts down memory lane to Griff and Ari’s high school days and the unknown crush each one had for the other. That gave their characters a lot more depth and it was fun seeing them meet again in their young adult lives. An All-Star baseball player and a bookworm event planner make a really cute couple. This story has lots of fun moments, some emotional moments, and a happy ending which makes it a wonderful read!
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20.1k reviews257 followers
April 9, 2023
This is the third book in this series, and this is Ari and Griff’s story. Griff is a star baseball player, who is arranging an anniversary party for his grandparents, and Ari is the party planner who he hires, and she had a huge crush on him in high school. Whenever these two are together something crazy always happens. This is a well written story which has witty banter, humor, family, friendships, romance, love, and is an entertaining, fun, and unpredictable page turner.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Fran.
2,468 reviews4 followers
February 27, 2023
This is a sweet story about Ari and Griff who are just like anyone else trying to find a way to be a couple. They both crushed on each other while in school and now as adults finally trying to date. The story has some hilarious moments and some spots left a tear but it is well written, fun and I felt fast paced, I read it in a day, and just a great read. Looking forward to the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,646 reviews17 followers
March 9, 2023
Griff and Ari both had crushes on each other in high school but neither of them realized it. They come together when he hires her to plan his grandparents anniversary party and much banter and hijinks ensue resulting in several laugh out loud moments. I think I would have given up on the venue after everything that happened and Griff almost forces Ari to give up on him when a life altering event makes him push her and everyone else away.
Profile Image for Tiffany.
1,534 reviews14 followers
March 12, 2023
Kisses only. This is a sweet book with likable characters. Ash and Avery from the first two books are in it here and there as well but this definitely can be a stand alone. My only complaint is I didn’t like how often Griff was referred to as “the all star” or “the baseball star” (I counted at least 19 times that Ari called him that). It just doesn’t seem like something a normal person would keep referring to.
Profile Image for Bonny Rambarran.
1,521 reviews21 followers
April 26, 2023
She’s a party planner. He’s a pro baseball player
He wants to do a party for his grandparents anniversary and he hires her. When they meet at the location they realize they knew each other in high school. They each had a crush on the other, but it never went anywhere. As they get to know each other again . . . life gets interesting and full of twists and turns. . . .great story . . . .loved it!!! I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.

Profile Image for Megan.
485 reviews6 followers
July 11, 2023
I liked Ari and Griff, and the story was good. Even so, there seems to be something about this series that I’m just… missing I guess. It’s hard for me to connect with the characters.

Guessing now that the fourth book will have: shoulders shaking, so much giggling, “octogenarians”, and shoes dropping. Kinda wish there was a bit more variety in the writing. But the series is pleasant enough that I’ll finish it.
1,377 reviews8 followers
May 11, 2024
Crushes and Crushed

Ari and Griff have a history from high school when they had crushes on each other, but never let the other know. As adults, they reconnect. Their story is so interesting as we follow Ari in her event planning, and Griff helps her. As their story develops, things happen that try to crush them and their relationship. There is a definite happy ending, though. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
361 reviews
March 12, 2023
Loved the story

Great book with lots of adventures to keep it interesting. All of the events at the Voorhees
Museum added to the uniqueness of the story. Also another happy ending.
Profile Image for Tanya Thrasher.
103 reviews
March 15, 2023
5 Stars!

I love Leah's books! This series is laugh out loud funny! Ari and Griff's story is Fantabulous! As are the first two books in the series. Leah does "Rom-Coms" like nobody else! Take a peek! You'll be glad you did!!
19 reviews4 followers
March 20, 2023
Cute read

I am really so VERY tired of the teeny, tiny fairy dust Barbie dolls in the books. It makes me wonder why a huge guy needs someone so 'petite'. Kid fetish maybe?? Otherwise, I have enjoyed all of your books. They are just easy and sweet books.I
Profile Image for Jordyn Gines.
376 reviews3 followers
April 7, 2023
not my favorite

It was a cute idea but the writing wasn’t my favorite. There wasn’t enough getting in the character’s head and everything seemed a little too easy when they reunited.
114 reviews1 follower
May 19, 2023
Fun and funny

I cracked up laughing so hard at the text messages with Griff's grandparents and Griff. So many hilarious auto-correct fails. This story was sweet, funny, quirky, and lovable. I truly enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Eliana .
2,998 reviews24 followers
June 11, 2023
This was so cute, i love high school crushs meeting again in adult life plots, it's adorable.
"I grab my laptop, straighten my shoulders, and approach the entrance, feeling a lot like Maria Von Trapp on her way to meet the Captain."
342 reviews3 followers
June 13, 2023
Ditch the Mansion

I’ve read the first three stories in this series. Ash was my favorite story. This was cute and I love baseball, so that was a win. While I am never too busy to shop or cook, she can plan my event lol.
Profile Image for Barbara Tobey.
3,002 reviews87 followers
March 6, 2023
Entertaining and engaging. A sweet romance that makes one laugh and cry. Wonderful characters. A delightful read. Thanks to Booksprout for providing a copy. My review is voluntary.
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