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The Grinch & The Fruitcake
He loves Christmas more than Will Ferrell. She dreads the holidays more than listening to jingle bells on repeat.
I recently became a full-time project manager at the architecture firm where I interned. My college days are over, and I’m dedicated to carefully constructing a more mature, sophisticated image meant to impress my employer and my new girlfriend.
There’s only one small problem. It’s the holiday season, and I’m like a toddler with a sugar high at FAO Schwarz the whole month of December.
An inflatable sleigh and eight tiny reindeer grace my apartment’s balcony starting the day after Thanksgiving. My very own Santa suit is cleaned and ready by December 1. The twelve days of Christmas are filled with baking holiday cookies and treats, including my favorite of the unjustly maligned fruitcake.
Breezie and I haven’t been dating long, and sadly I’ve learned that she’s a big-time Grinch—worse than the green guy himself. She refuses to put up a Christmas tree or any decorations, she deplores watching Elf, and she detests fruitcake.
Then there’s also the small matter that I can’t help meddling. When I take on the makeover of Breezie’s father, I also try to transform their father-daughter relationship, which is a misstep bigger than Santa overlooking Rudolph.
What’s a guy to do? How can I keep my holiday traditions, do some family meddling, and still win over my dream girl?
Will Oliver and Breezie harmoniously navigate the holidays while finding their sleigh ride to happiness?
The Grinch and the Fruitcake is Book 6 in the hilarious new romantic comedy series Too Busy for Love. This story gives the grumpy/sunshine trope an unexpected twist with the female lead as the grump. If you love Hallmark movies with the perfect blend of laugh-out-loud scenes and heart-touching moments, this book is for you. Clean and wholesome stories filled with romance and comedy. This full-length novel may be read as a standalone.
I recently became a full-time project manager at the architecture firm where I interned. My college days are over, and I’m dedicated to carefully constructing a more mature, sophisticated image meant to impress my employer and my new girlfriend.
There’s only one small problem. It’s the holiday season, and I’m like a toddler with a sugar high at FAO Schwarz the whole month of December.
An inflatable sleigh and eight tiny reindeer grace my apartment’s balcony starting the day after Thanksgiving. My very own Santa suit is cleaned and ready by December 1. The twelve days of Christmas are filled with baking holiday cookies and treats, including my favorite of the unjustly maligned fruitcake.
Breezie and I haven’t been dating long, and sadly I’ve learned that she’s a big-time Grinch—worse than the green guy himself. She refuses to put up a Christmas tree or any decorations, she deplores watching Elf, and she detests fruitcake.
Then there’s also the small matter that I can’t help meddling. When I take on the makeover of Breezie’s father, I also try to transform their father-daughter relationship, which is a misstep bigger than Santa overlooking Rudolph.
What’s a guy to do? How can I keep my holiday traditions, do some family meddling, and still win over my dream girl?
Will Oliver and Breezie harmoniously navigate the holidays while finding their sleigh ride to happiness?
The Grinch and the Fruitcake is Book 6 in the hilarious new romantic comedy series Too Busy for Love. This story gives the grumpy/sunshine trope an unexpected twist with the female lead as the grump. If you love Hallmark movies with the perfect blend of laugh-out-loud scenes and heart-touching moments, this book is for you. Clean and wholesome stories filled with romance and comedy. This full-length novel may be read as a standalone.
216 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 17, 2023
52 people are currently reading
113 people want to read
About the author
Leah Busboom
59 books165 followersLeah 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.
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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
October 18, 2023
Is There Room for Compromise ? . . .
This opposites attract story – with Oliver loving everything about Christmas (to extremes) and his girlfriend Breezie who is more a fan of the Grinch – is certain to keep the reader laughing and cheering for their favorite character. Find the one you relate to and enjoy the fun as they try to make a relationship work while not wanting to admit defeat. Oliver is fully immersed in the season for the entire month of December. Breezie won’t even tolerate a Christmas tree. They can’t even agree on fruitcake! Can Oliver find a way to make Breezie happy over the holiday? Will either of them compromise a little bit? Or will Oliver go too far and lose his lady over this holiday battle?
This opposites attract story – with Oliver loving everything about Christmas (to extremes) and his girlfriend Breezie who is more a fan of the Grinch – is certain to keep the reader laughing and cheering for their favorite character. Find the one you relate to and enjoy the fun as they try to make a relationship work while not wanting to admit defeat. Oliver is fully immersed in the season for the entire month of December. Breezie won’t even tolerate a Christmas tree. They can’t even agree on fruitcake! Can Oliver find a way to make Breezie happy over the holiday? Will either of them compromise a little bit? Or will Oliver go too far and lose his lady over this holiday battle?
October 17, 2023
This was a good holiday read. Oliver and Breezie are newly dating. Plus it's Christmas time. The problem is that one loves this time of year and the other is a grinch. Thankfully, in the end everything works out and they get their happy ending.
November 4, 2023
Kisses only. This book was kind of bland. I remember Breezie from previous books but kinda forgot about Oliver. Breezie’s name forgetting thing wasn’t much of a thing in this book. I felt like the roles were a bit weird. I would have taken Oliver for the grinch since he’s organized and put together and Breezie for the sunshine character so it weirded me out that she was the grinch. I dunno the couple started off together and stayed together the whole book. Breezie gets Christmas spirit really quickly and Oliver is perfect at everything from the get go so not much room for improvement there.
October 17, 2023
I've been a Leah Busboom fan for awhile, but for some reason, I didn't immediately jump into the Too Busy rom com series. Maybe it was because it seemed different from the other series I've read and loved from her and I was too nervous to give it a shot? Well, when I got notice about getting a review copy of this book, I figured why not and jumped in. I binge read the first 5 books in the series to prepare and while that's not necessary, I think it definitely adds to the enjoyment of each subsequent story as you've gotten to know characters. By the time you get to this story, you're more removed from the original characters but you've met Oliver and Breezie if you start from book 1.
The Grinch and the Fruitcake is such a fun read. While I think it can be read any time, it will definitely make a good read around Christmas as there's so many great Christmas references. Oliver loves the holiday so he's always baking (which all sounded so delicious) and goes all out with decorating. Breezie on the other hand starts off like the Grinch, hating the holiday season. I enjoyed the grumpy/sunshine trope where the guy was the sunshine and the girl was the grump. You don't see that often so it was different.
Being a rom com, this was definitely a lightheaded read. Yes there's some drama to keep the story interesting but it really doesn't last that long, which I appreciate. Oliver and Breezie each acknowledge where they went wrong and how they can work on it. Both characters definitely feel more mature and grown up from the versions of them that we get introduced to in other stories. Which certainly makes sense as time has passed and people eventually grow up. I recommend this book and the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and I'm leaving an honest and voluntary review.
The Grinch and the Fruitcake is such a fun read. While I think it can be read any time, it will definitely make a good read around Christmas as there's so many great Christmas references. Oliver loves the holiday so he's always baking (which all sounded so delicious) and goes all out with decorating. Breezie on the other hand starts off like the Grinch, hating the holiday season. I enjoyed the grumpy/sunshine trope where the guy was the sunshine and the girl was the grump. You don't see that often so it was different.
Being a rom com, this was definitely a lightheaded read. Yes there's some drama to keep the story interesting but it really doesn't last that long, which I appreciate. Oliver and Breezie each acknowledge where they went wrong and how they can work on it. Both characters definitely feel more mature and grown up from the versions of them that we get introduced to in other stories. Which certainly makes sense as time has passed and people eventually grow up. I recommend this book and the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and I'm leaving an honest and voluntary review.
November 27, 2023
This series is always so much fun to read and The Grinch and the Fruitcake is no exception. This story features two of the goofiest and most fun characters in the series, Oliver Twist and Breezie Malone. The pair seems to be practically perfect for one another in every way but one: Christmas. Oliver is head over heels gaga over all things Christmas and Breezie sees herself closer to the Grinch. Oliver’s goal is to bring his girl onto his side of thinking and show her the magic of Christmas one glimmering tradition at a time.
Don’t get me wrong, I love Christmas but even I do not go as hard as Oliver! This man is like the energizer bunny that is full of Christmas cheer and strives for perfection in everything he does. I can see why Breezie feels like she can’t measure up to his unrealistic expectations, but I love seeing how his positivity and focus helps elevate her character while she brings Oliver down to more realistic expectations. It’s not about what gets done but who does the doing with you that matters.
Like the rest in the Too Busy for Love series, The Grinch and the Fruitcake has several moments that are tongue in cheek, as well as a few moments that had me giggling. Though there are amusing moments there are also moments with real heart, and I loved seeing the tenderness balanced with the laughter.
This series continues to get better and better, and this is truly the perfect holiday read. It gets you into the spirit of the season while also not taking a lot of time out of your busy holiday season. The characters are lovable, the setting bright and cheery, and the story full of heart and amusement. What more could you want?
Don’t get me wrong, I love Christmas but even I do not go as hard as Oliver! This man is like the energizer bunny that is full of Christmas cheer and strives for perfection in everything he does. I can see why Breezie feels like she can’t measure up to his unrealistic expectations, but I love seeing how his positivity and focus helps elevate her character while she brings Oliver down to more realistic expectations. It’s not about what gets done but who does the doing with you that matters.
Like the rest in the Too Busy for Love series, The Grinch and the Fruitcake has several moments that are tongue in cheek, as well as a few moments that had me giggling. Though there are amusing moments there are also moments with real heart, and I loved seeing the tenderness balanced with the laughter.
This series continues to get better and better, and this is truly the perfect holiday read. It gets you into the spirit of the season while also not taking a lot of time out of your busy holiday season. The characters are lovable, the setting bright and cheery, and the story full of heart and amusement. What more could you want?
October 19, 2023
This cute story take two of the quirkier secondary characters from the series and matches them up for romance. Breezie, with her lack of fashion sense and inability to remember names, and a newly professional and grown-up Oliver hit it off from the start. They have a lot to learn about each other. They discover that while Oliver is Mr. Christmas, obsessed with the season, Breezie is a bit of Grinch. Oliver makes it his mission to help convert Breezie to the joys of the holidays. Being a helper and a fixer, Oliver assists her in delivering fruitcakes for her mother’s business. The deliveries turn into more than they bargained for and leave their relationship with some rocky ground to navigate. Oliver is a sweet guy, “I believe he’d be called a Cinnamon Roll. A hunky sweet guy with a gooey center who always puts the girl first.” But his fixer tendencies don’t always make for smooth sailing. It’s a sweet and funny story with lots of the zaniness a reader would expect when Breezie and Oliver are involved. It’s a fun and easy holiday read. While these main characters appear in other books in the series, this book reads well as a standalone. This is a clean romance with no harsh language.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 8, 2023
As a Christmas book this is definitely one you don't want to miss. Breezie is funny and has a quirky individual dress sense, except when it comes to christmas. Then she becomes the Grinch hating anything and everything to do with the season. Oliver is trying to improve his appearance to improve himself at work to prove he's grown and worth his new full-time position. Gone are the fun slogan t-shirts and slouchy combats, now it shirt and trousers proving his maturity. He loves the christmas season from blow up Santa's to wreaths, trees, twinkle lights he has it all. How are the two going to have any chance when she can't even remember his name. This is the sixth book in the series and its a laugh a minute. The way these two opposites try to make things work you can help hoping everything works out for them. I've loved all the books in this series but this is by far the best. I hope you have as much fun reading this as I have. I received this as an ARC copy and this is my own personal and honest opinion and review
October 12, 2023
Bah humbug meets Merry Christmas
Breezie amd Oliver couldn't be more different when it comes to this most festive season. Breezie is the Grinch incarnate. Oliver could just as easily identify with little Cindy Lou Who. With a boyfriend as unrelentingly sweet and as enthusiastic about Christmas as Oliver, Breezie has about the same chance of resisting him as the Grinch holding out on little Cindy Lou Who.
This book is a high-speed chase through all the traditions of the winter holidays. Laced with fruitcake, laughter, cookies, tears, lots of decorations, cookies, warm fuzzies, twinkling lights, makeovers, GOOD fruitcake (yes, there IS such a thing if you plan far, far in advance), a sweet and touching HEA, and still MORE yummy cookies, I found this a great addition to the Too Busy For Love series. This is a book that can be enjoyed by even the Scrooges and Grinches in the reading world.
I received an ARC copy of this story from Booksprout and voluntarily chose to share my review.
Breezie amd Oliver couldn't be more different when it comes to this most festive season. Breezie is the Grinch incarnate. Oliver could just as easily identify with little Cindy Lou Who. With a boyfriend as unrelentingly sweet and as enthusiastic about Christmas as Oliver, Breezie has about the same chance of resisting him as the Grinch holding out on little Cindy Lou Who.
This book is a high-speed chase through all the traditions of the winter holidays. Laced with fruitcake, laughter, cookies, tears, lots of decorations, cookies, warm fuzzies, twinkling lights, makeovers, GOOD fruitcake (yes, there IS such a thing if you plan far, far in advance), a sweet and touching HEA, and still MORE yummy cookies, I found this a great addition to the Too Busy For Love series. This is a book that can be enjoyed by even the Scrooges and Grinches in the reading world.
I received an ARC copy of this story from Booksprout and voluntarily chose to share my review.
October 16, 2023
This series is great I don't want it to end! You do not have to read the others in the series to enjoy this one. Breezie and Oliver are so cute together. I love how in this book they just start out dating and there isn't really any when will they get together they just are. You get to go on a journey with them to help Breezie find her Christmas spirit. You also get to see how big Oliver's heart is and how he loves to help other people. I loved how Breezie knew that she didn't love Christmas but didn't really know why and she made the choice on her own to find her Christmas spirit. She didn't do it just because Oliver loves Christmas she didn't feel the need to change just to be with Oliver. This book will definitely put you in the Christmas spirit! This is a clean sweet romcom and it was so fun to read.
October 18, 2023
Breezie and Oliver were both interesting characters in the last book. I thought he was an overgrown child but he much more mature now, shows how much he cares about others, loves Christmas, and sounds like he’s an amazing gourmet chef, which is good because he loves to eat. Breezie was Maggie’s eclectic roommate but Christmas has been ruined by all the work she has to do for her mother. Can Oliver turn her from a grinch into a holiday lover? I wouldn’t mind reading a recipe that makes fruitcake taste good as I’ve never been a fan. There were plenty of laugh out loud, sweet, and romantic moments.
October 17, 2023
The Christmas elf and the Grinch will keep you giggling. Breezie is a true Grinch whose heart is two sizes too small. Oliver’s favorite movie is Elf and he lives up to his idol. When they deliver fruitcake to her mom’s clients, they find a whole new group of friends, quirky as they are. They also discover important truths about Breezies family. This book will definitely enlarge your heart several sizes.
Clean.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Clean.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 11, 2023
The grinch and the fruitcake. This story lives up to its title. That’s pretty much what this book centers around. Except the girl is the grinch and the fruitcake is of course not good.
Breezie and Oliver met in the first chapter and are boyfriend girlfriend by the third chapter. Then they spend half the book delivering fruitcakes to her mothers clients.
You do get a little surprise twist thrown in but it was a little predictable to me.
Also it could just be me but I felt that the words boyfriend/girlfriend were over used in this book.
I really hope I enjoy her next book…
Breezie and Oliver met in the first chapter and are boyfriend girlfriend by the third chapter. Then they spend half the book delivering fruitcakes to her mothers clients.
You do get a little surprise twist thrown in but it was a little predictable to me.
Also it could just be me but I felt that the words boyfriend/girlfriend were over used in this book.
I really hope I enjoy her next book…
October 16, 2023
This is another fun read by Leah Busboom in her Too Busy for Love series. I enjoyed getting to know Oliver and Breezie and the rest of the crew in this Christmas story. This “opposites attract” story between Oliver and all his Christmas likes and Breezie and her Grinch-likeness is so much fun. With the addition of Breezie’s parents, a couple of make-overs, Oliver’s matchmaking/meddling, and of course, fruitcake there’s never a dull moment. It’s a page turner that leads to a happy ending.
December 9, 2023
Sweet romance
Such a sweet romance...my first from this author (but definitely not the last). A great plotline with the protagonist spending almost all of the first half delivering fruit cakes made by Breezie's mother. Fortunately Oliver the Christmas addict adjusted the fruitcake recipe so that it was actually edible the following year. Great ending to the story with Breezie's family coming together after years apart.
Such a sweet romance...my first from this author (but definitely not the last). A great plotline with the protagonist spending almost all of the first half delivering fruit cakes made by Breezie's mother. Fortunately Oliver the Christmas addict adjusted the fruitcake recipe so that it was actually edible the following year. Great ending to the story with Breezie's family coming together after years apart.
May 13, 2024
My Favorite In The Series
I have enjoyed every single book in this series, but this one touched my heart even more. I loved Breezie and Oliver from previous books, but you really get to know their quirks and lovable parts in this one. Oliver is ELF in opposition to Breezie's Grinch. There is heartache from an absent father, lonely fruitcake friends, and relationship hiccups. It ends in a beautiful, satisfying way. Great story!
I have enjoyed every single book in this series, but this one touched my heart even more. I loved Breezie and Oliver from previous books, but you really get to know their quirks and lovable parts in this one. Oliver is ELF in opposition to Breezie's Grinch. There is heartache from an absent father, lonely fruitcake friends, and relationship hiccups. It ends in a beautiful, satisfying way. Great story!
October 22, 2023
The Grinch and the Fruitcake is a clean, fun, heartwarming, opposites attract romance for Oliver and Breezie. I love both of these characters. In this intelligent, well written book, Oliver and Breezie have much to learn about each other, but they complement each other well. Ms. Busboom writes amazing characters with all their faults and foibles. I just sat and keep reading one more page. I really enjoyed this book!
October 27, 2023
This was a fun holiday read! Oliver loves Christmas and he is happiest baking and decorating, which he excels at! Breezy on the other hand, isn’t really a fan of the holidays, so, she is kind of Grinchy!
I love these two together and they compromise! They are adults and that’s always a nice factor in a story.
4 solid stars!
I love these two together and they compromise! They are adults and that’s always a nice factor in a story.
4 solid stars!
January 16, 2025
Christmas-kindness-changing-love, what a fantastic combination! This book is both Christmas overload and the loveliest message ever. If you love Christmas, grinches, cookies, and a variety of personalities, this book will leave you feeling happy and longing to try to emulate those feelings. Wonderful detailed descriptions immerse you into the story. I loved it.
October 11, 2023
This is my voluntary review of a copy I received from Booksprout.
There are many charming comedic moments, plus a few heartfelt ones, too.
The characters were well done and varied, plus we hear about some old friends from the previous books.
There are many charming comedic moments, plus a few heartfelt ones, too.
The characters were well done and varied, plus we hear about some old friends from the previous books.
October 17, 2023
Fun, witty read set in the holiday season. This time Oscar oops I mean Oliver, and Breezie's story in this series. Opposites really do attract! They seem to have nothing in common! Makes for hilarious reading!
Ideal fot those who like a sweet rom com.
Ideal fot those who like a sweet rom com.
October 28, 2023
Cute Christmassy romance read, but not my fav of this series.
Breezie and Oliver both did not really do it for me in the previous book (loooooved that one) and unfortunately that did not really change.
I was surprised at how fast their relationship developed (10% and they are already boyfriend girlfriend?) and I could not really connect with them or their romance. Perhaps because they were so young?
Also the side characters and side stories were a bit random for me.
Loved the cheeky meta comment about reading 'a book by that author Leah something'.
Plus, making me laugh: when Oliver was itching to pick up the books on the floor and organise them properly- in alphabetical order by author. Same Oliver, same!!! #theonlyrightway
3.5 stars rounded down.
I received an ARC of this book (thanks!) and these are my own opinions.
Breezie and Oliver both did not really do it for me in the previous book (loooooved that one) and unfortunately that did not really change.
I was surprised at how fast their relationship developed (10% and they are already boyfriend girlfriend?) and I could not really connect with them or their romance. Perhaps because they were so young?
Also the side characters and side stories were a bit random for me.
Loved the cheeky meta comment about reading 'a book by that author Leah something'.
Plus, making me laugh: when Oliver was itching to pick up the books on the floor and organise them properly- in alphabetical order by author. Same Oliver, same!!! #theonlyrightway
3.5 stars rounded down.
I received an ARC of this book (thanks!) and these are my own opinions.
October 25, 2023
A grumpy and sunshine story. Breezie hates Christmas and Oliver loves it. Can he convince her to give him and Christmas a chance?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 11, 2023
That was a really festive read! Even thought I am a festive elf at heart, I may have found Oliver a bit too much from time to time and the fruitcake delivery antics were great and entertaining. really liked it!
July 27, 2025
Fun holiday story
A fun story for Oliver and Breezie. Full of Christmas cheer for him and grumpy grinch for her. And lots of dry fruitcake make for a delightful story to read. I enjoyed this book.
A fun story for Oliver and Breezie. Full of Christmas cheer for him and grumpy grinch for her. And lots of dry fruitcake make for a delightful story to read. I enjoyed this book.
October 19, 2023
40 procent. Schattig hoor, lekker vlot en instalove. Maar je moet er maar net zin in hebben...
October 21, 2023
Loved it
It kept me reading non stop until I finished it
Thankyou for the this wonderful book kept me laughing very nice.
It kept me reading non stop until I finished it
Thankyou for the this wonderful book kept me laughing very nice.
October 22, 2023
So fun
I loved seeing more of these characters. They were so fun seeing things in opposite directions. The Christmas cheer brought so much joy.
I loved seeing more of these characters. They were so fun seeing things in opposite directions. The Christmas cheer brought so much joy.
October 24, 2023
fun read
Another great book in the too busy for love series. This is an easy read and you will laugh throughout the book.
Another great book in the too busy for love series. This is an easy read and you will laugh throughout the book.
July 18, 2024
A sweet story full of christmas feels. Enjoyed the side characters and the reunion of heroine's parents.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
dnf
November 30, 2024I just could not get through this book. The writing was definitely not for me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews