What do you think?
Rate this book
Blame It on the Fruitcake
Fruitcake is the laughingstock of the holiday season. But can it be an aphrodisiac instead? Motorcycle mechanic Sam McGuire is surprised to find a gaily wrapped box on his doorstep with a piece of fruitcake accompanying an invitation to a holiday party.
Wondering if he’ll fit in, Sam attends the party—mostly to get more of the fruitcake he falls in love with—and meets Jay Merriweather, his new neighbor. The lure of Jay’s big family and its holiday tradition of enjoying Grandma’s fruitcake hook Sam, as does the sexy man himself.
But Sam can't imagine why handsome, college-educated Jay would want someone like him, who was raised in a children’s home and barely graduated high school. Maybe the magic of the holiday season can help two men who seem so different come together like the ingredients in a well-made fruitcake. A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2015 Advent Calendar package "Sleigh Ride".
Wondering if he’ll fit in, Sam attends the party—mostly to get more of the fruitcake he falls in love with—and meets Jay Merriweather, his new neighbor. The lure of Jay’s big family and its holiday tradition of enjoying Grandma’s fruitcake hook Sam, as does the sexy man himself.
But Sam can't imagine why handsome, college-educated Jay would want someone like him, who was raised in a children’s home and barely graduated high school. Maybe the magic of the holiday season can help two men who seem so different come together like the ingredients in a well-made fruitcake. A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2015 Advent Calendar package "Sleigh Ride".
37 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2015
4 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
About the author
Pat Henshaw
29books76followersPat has lived on both coasts and in the middle of the United States. Pat’s been a book reviewer for too many years to count as well as an English composition instructor and theatrical costumer. Places visited include Canada, Mexico, Europe, Egypt, Nicaragua, and Thailand. Pat's found that people everywhere are remarkably similar.
See Pat Henshaw.
See Pat Henshaw.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
September 29, 2024
3.5 Stars
Who doesn’t like an opposites attract romance set amongst the holiday?
Poor Sam never had a family nor any Christmas cheer growing up, but when his new neighbor Jay, says hello with a curious fruitcake, it’s a fucking revelation.
Ensue some mild back and forth as Sam is determined to get more of the controversial treat. Beware lots of insecurity on Sam’s part but it’s hard to resist a gentle giant who needs and deserves so much love. Add a polished guy who has his own sad story and these two nicely get over their hangups!
Heart warming and feel good!
Who doesn’t like an opposites attract romance set amongst the holiday?
Poor Sam never had a family nor any Christmas cheer growing up, but when his new neighbor Jay, says hello with a curious fruitcake, it’s a fucking revelation.
Ensue some mild back and forth as Sam is determined to get more of the controversial treat. Beware lots of insecurity on Sam’s part but it’s hard to resist a gentle giant who needs and deserves so much love. Add a polished guy who has his own sad story and these two nicely get over their hangups!
Heart warming and feel good!
December 3, 2020
I have a confession to make. *hangs head, shuffles feet, scuffs a toe back and forth* I've never eaten fruitcake. My whole life I've heard such horrors about it, that I've never tried it. So if you love it, or love making it, my apologies. Although, if I found a fruitcake that brought two gorgeous and well deserving men together, I'd definitely share that.
"Fruitcake, at least according to Jay Merriweather’s grandma, appeared to be a solid brownish mass with bits of fruit and nuts in it and smelled like a pint of Jim Beam. The thing reeked. This was holiday food?"
Sam was raised in an orphanage and he's pulled himself up by his bootstraps to where after just five years he's gotten a loan approval to expand his garage where he works on Harleys. He's never gotten a Christmas gift, just for himself, since the Children's Home drew numbers and then the kids always swapped. So when he gets the gaily wrapped fruitcake and a nice note inviting him to a party, he can't resist taking a bite. And yowza, what a bite!
Please find my full review at
"Fruitcake, at least according to Jay Merriweather’s grandma, appeared to be a solid brownish mass with bits of fruit and nuts in it and smelled like a pint of Jim Beam. The thing reeked. This was holiday food?"
Sam was raised in an orphanage and he's pulled himself up by his bootstraps to where after just five years he's gotten a loan approval to expand his garage where he works on Harleys. He's never gotten a Christmas gift, just for himself, since the Children's Home drew numbers and then the kids always swapped. So when he gets the gaily wrapped fruitcake and a nice note inviting him to a party, he can't resist taking a bite. And yowza, what a bite!
Please find my full review at
December 21, 2015
3.75 stars
In this cute little story, Sam discovers the joys of fruitcake ... and perhaps true love too.
In this cute little story, Sam discovers the joys of fruitcake ... and perhaps true love too.
December 31, 2017
3.0 Stars
All the angry/depressed "I'm not good enough" angst got a little too overwhelming for such a short story and the family members showing up/interfering was a bit weird...but as one of those odd people that like (certain) fruitcakes, I had to read it.
All the angry/depressed "I'm not good enough" angst got a little too overwhelming for such a short story and the family members showing up/interfering was a bit weird...but as one of those odd people that like (certain) fruitcakes, I had to read it.
December 15, 2015
4.5 Heart Review by Danielle
What a lovely story! I am familiait with this author, having read her stories before and I have to say I really like her style. With this Christmas telling she offers a lovely, sweet yet very intense and emotional story.
We see on one hand Sam, who owns a motorcycle shop and who is making a living for himself despite his past and his upbringing. You can sense his loneliness and his past still rules his life. I have to say the author did an amazing job on bringing that over to the reader in my opinion.
When he gets an unexpected gift from what turns out to be his new neighbour, he finds himself to trying to be social and attending the party that he got invited too. Even if it was just for the fruitcake which was included in the package.
Which brings in Jay, his neighbor who’s an art deco stylist, and an educated family man. He’s everything Sam isn’t but there is no denying the chemistry between the two men right from the moment they meet. Despite Sam struggling with being totally opposite of charming and social Jay the attraction is instant and there.
That also brings me to the only little form of criticism , if you can call it that. We see and read some sweet interaction between the men, some loving kissing and we are told of more intimate contact. But that last part is all of a page.
I don’t say I am expecting or asking for full on sex or anything hardcore but I really would love to see this author venture a little bit more on the physical side of the relationship.
Back to the story, we see Sam struggling with his upbringing, his insecurties and the feeling of not being good enough for Jay. Jay is trying to be patient but he is having a hard time getting through. With a little bit of help from a little fruitcake bringing, slightly interfering nana, things seem to be turning for the better. Thankfully Jay isn’t the giving up kind of person.
With a wonderful sweet epilogue the author wraps up a wonderful Christmas short, that is well worth reading!
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
What a lovely story! I am familiait with this author, having read her stories before and I have to say I really like her style. With this Christmas telling she offers a lovely, sweet yet very intense and emotional story.
We see on one hand Sam, who owns a motorcycle shop and who is making a living for himself despite his past and his upbringing. You can sense his loneliness and his past still rules his life. I have to say the author did an amazing job on bringing that over to the reader in my opinion.
When he gets an unexpected gift from what turns out to be his new neighbour, he finds himself to trying to be social and attending the party that he got invited too. Even if it was just for the fruitcake which was included in the package.
Which brings in Jay, his neighbor who’s an art deco stylist, and an educated family man. He’s everything Sam isn’t but there is no denying the chemistry between the two men right from the moment they meet. Despite Sam struggling with being totally opposite of charming and social Jay the attraction is instant and there.
That also brings me to the only little form of criticism , if you can call it that. We see and read some sweet interaction between the men, some loving kissing and we are told of more intimate contact. But that last part is all of a page.
I don’t say I am expecting or asking for full on sex or anything hardcore but I really would love to see this author venture a little bit more on the physical side of the relationship.
Back to the story, we see Sam struggling with his upbringing, his insecurties and the feeling of not being good enough for Jay. Jay is trying to be patient but he is having a hard time getting through. With a little bit of help from a little fruitcake bringing, slightly interfering nana, things seem to be turning for the better. Thankfully Jay isn’t the giving up kind of person.
With a wonderful sweet epilogue the author wraps up a wonderful Christmas short, that is well worth reading!
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
December 16, 2018
Let me just say that I personally hate fruitcake. This was a short quick read that surprisingly I liked even though I am not a fan of fruitcake. Sam McGuire is surprised to find a gaily wrapped box on his doorstep with a piece of fruitcake accompanying an invitation to a holiday party. Sam loves the cake at the party he meets Jay Merriweather his new neighbor. The lure of Jay’s big family and its holiday tradition of enjoying Grandma’s fruitcake. Sam doesn't understand why Jay wants him he has some self-esteem problems. I liked both of these characters they didn't fall in love instantly. This was my first time reading this author. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling.
December 15, 2020
Cute
3.25 stars
I enjoyed this one, it’s a very short story of two seemingly opposites attracting.
I felt for Sam and his insecurities resulting from his childhood. I loved his addiction to the fruit cake, that was cute. I liked Jay too but don’t really feel like I know much about him.
Wished it was longer, but still enjoyable.
3.25 stars
I enjoyed this one, it’s a very short story of two seemingly opposites attracting.
I felt for Sam and his insecurities resulting from his childhood. I loved his addiction to the fruit cake, that was cute. I liked Jay too but don’t really feel like I know much about him.
Wished it was longer, but still enjoyable.
December 18, 2015
Sam is shocked when his neighbor gives him his very first Christmas present and an invite to a party. He’s even more shocked that the present is fruitcake and that he LOVES it. He decides that the neighbor can’t be all bad and if the chance for more fruitcake comes with a party invite, he might as well go.
When Sam gets to the party he’s happily surprised again by meeting his neighbor, Jay. Jay is everything Sam isn’t � white collar, tidy, educated, polished, from a loving family. Sam talks himself out of believing Jay is as attracted to him as he is to Jay � for awhile. Eventually the evidence leans enough the other way that Sam agrees to some “dates�.
These dates go very well � so well that Sam is thinking he may have found something special. But just when things begin to look bright for this holiday season, something reminds him that Jay is everything Sam can never have�
**
I always have a hard time reviewing Pat Henshaw’s stories. On the one hand, I love the writing, and the blue-collar characters, the sweet story lines and the simple emotions involved. On the other hand, I always feel a little let down by the end. Not because the story isn’t good, just that it seems to always end too soon.
I don’t mind the fade-to-black sex scenes � though I’d love it if that weren’t the case * wink � but I do wish that the ending was a little bit more drawn out. Sam spends so much time in his head waffling about his feelings of inadequacy and then POW in one paragraph the two reconcile and POW the story is over.
I loved the “epilogue� ending � always a favorite of mine � and I did feel these guys got a really nice HEA � I just wanted the “big talk� between the two MCs to cover more than a paragraph or two before they reconciled so it felt more authentic.
All in all I really enjoyed this play on “fruitcake, the most misunderstood of all holiday treats� and I do recommend it.
When Sam gets to the party he’s happily surprised again by meeting his neighbor, Jay. Jay is everything Sam isn’t � white collar, tidy, educated, polished, from a loving family. Sam talks himself out of believing Jay is as attracted to him as he is to Jay � for awhile. Eventually the evidence leans enough the other way that Sam agrees to some “dates�.
These dates go very well � so well that Sam is thinking he may have found something special. But just when things begin to look bright for this holiday season, something reminds him that Jay is everything Sam can never have�
**
I always have a hard time reviewing Pat Henshaw’s stories. On the one hand, I love the writing, and the blue-collar characters, the sweet story lines and the simple emotions involved. On the other hand, I always feel a little let down by the end. Not because the story isn’t good, just that it seems to always end too soon.
I don’t mind the fade-to-black sex scenes � though I’d love it if that weren’t the case * wink � but I do wish that the ending was a little bit more drawn out. Sam spends so much time in his head waffling about his feelings of inadequacy and then POW in one paragraph the two reconcile and POW the story is over.
I loved the “epilogue� ending � always a favorite of mine � and I did feel these guys got a really nice HEA � I just wanted the “big talk� between the two MCs to cover more than a paragraph or two before they reconciled so it felt more authentic.
All in all I really enjoyed this play on “fruitcake, the most misunderstood of all holiday treats� and I do recommend it.
January 6, 2016
REVIEW COMING SOON @
Blame it on the Fruitcake by Pat Henshaw was my first story by this author and I was pleasurably surprised by it. Although it’s a short, the author did really great, especially with the character of Sam. I could feel his past, his hurts and his feelings. I cheered him on to find some family and forget about the one who abandoned him in a basket. I was so happy he met the sunny Jay and his delicious fruitcake, not a sweets but a truly drug (LOL). I felt the loneliness in Sam, scared to be part of something because he had none in his life and someone like Jay, so different from his nature, doesn’t seem the right person.
I liked the writing, the reading flew easily and I liked the plot and the development of the story. Sweet but not too much, most of all, a real story, believable. There were some funny moments too, when Sam stole the fruitcake.
Another great addition to the DSP Advent Calendar.
The cover art by Paul Richmond is so cute and his style is unique and lovely. He’s one of my favorite artist so of course this one is a winner to me.
Blame it on the Fruitcake by Pat Henshaw was my first story by this author and I was pleasurably surprised by it. Although it’s a short, the author did really great, especially with the character of Sam. I could feel his past, his hurts and his feelings. I cheered him on to find some family and forget about the one who abandoned him in a basket. I was so happy he met the sunny Jay and his delicious fruitcake, not a sweets but a truly drug (LOL). I felt the loneliness in Sam, scared to be part of something because he had none in his life and someone like Jay, so different from his nature, doesn’t seem the right person.
I liked the writing, the reading flew easily and I liked the plot and the development of the story. Sweet but not too much, most of all, a real story, believable. There were some funny moments too, when Sam stole the fruitcake.
Another great addition to the DSP Advent Calendar.
The cover art by Paul Richmond is so cute and his style is unique and lovely. He’s one of my favorite artist so of course this one is a winner to me.
Read
December 1, 2015review coming for love bytes dec 2nd
November 30, 2017
This was a sweet little tale. The characters are annoying but mostly an enjoyable story of opposites attracting.
December 27, 2015
The "secret powers of fruitcake" were never something I thought about, but reading this story, they became quite obvious to me. Sam has never had fruitcake, so when he is confronted with it as part of an invitation to a party at Jay's, one of his neighbors' apartments, he becomes curious. And as the story develops and the fruitcake continues to play a central role, I began to smile. Personally, I have always loved it, but I can see how someone who has never had the opportunity to try it may see it as a challenge or a revelation, depending on their preferences.
Sam ends up loving the fruitcake made by Jay's grandmother. He and Jay begin to really like each other, but Sam's lack of self-esteem means he can't believe Jay is interested in him for more than some fun between the sheets. Sam just can't see beyond what years of disappointment in an orphanage, followed by several jerks as boyfriends have taught him: he is not worth anything, and his lack of an education means less than the fact he has built a successful motorcycle repair business from scratch. Sam has a lot to learn! And when Jay's grandmother herself gets involved? Sam begins to understand there is no way anyone can resist their family and that the self-image he has built may be less than valid.
If you like stories about men who think of themselves as worthless, only to learn they are valued by the people who matter, if two men who seem to have different backgrounds yet find out they are not so dissimilar at all sound interesting, and if you're looking for a sweet read that is full of hope and lots of love, then you will probably like this short story.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review.
Sam ends up loving the fruitcake made by Jay's grandmother. He and Jay begin to really like each other, but Sam's lack of self-esteem means he can't believe Jay is interested in him for more than some fun between the sheets. Sam just can't see beyond what years of disappointment in an orphanage, followed by several jerks as boyfriends have taught him: he is not worth anything, and his lack of an education means less than the fact he has built a successful motorcycle repair business from scratch. Sam has a lot to learn! And when Jay's grandmother herself gets involved? Sam begins to understand there is no way anyone can resist their family and that the self-image he has built may be less than valid.
If you like stories about men who think of themselves as worthless, only to learn they are valued by the people who matter, if two men who seem to have different backgrounds yet find out they are not so dissimilar at all sound interesting, and if you're looking for a sweet read that is full of hope and lots of love, then you will probably like this short story.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review.
December 23, 2015
Original Blog Post:
Review by: multitaskingmomma
My Rating: 4 of 4 Stars
I know a lot were surprised to find out how much I love fruit cake. And pudding. All you need to do is go to my FB page and my reviews on other christmas themed stories featuring this awesome concoction of fruits and brandy. Done very well, as Jay's grandma's is done, it is the absolute bomb. I love it so much, I researched the origins of the cake way back in grade school and found the most delicious back stories as well as survivor ones.
Blame It On The Fruitcake is the story of how the delight changed the life of loner Sam McGuire. One bite was all it took and he sunk into ambrosia. One bite was all it took and Jay had him hooked.
There is no insta-love to this holiday romance. The two men actually took the time out from each other and got into a messy situation until the fruitcake got them back together into blissful romanticdome once more.
Can they blame the cake filled to the brim with fruits and dunked in brandy? I don't, I think the deliciousness opened Sam's eyes to the wonders that many miss because of its reputation. Sam love for the cake turns into an addiction that sends him into Jay's loving arms and someone else who I can't name because it will spoil the whole story. Needless to say, Sam's arms are those of a mechanic who is buff and tough and as loveable as could be.
Recommended for those who love (or not) fruitcake and bikers who fall for men in suits.
Review by: multitaskingmomma
My Rating: 4 of 4 Stars
I know a lot were surprised to find out how much I love fruit cake. And pudding. All you need to do is go to my FB page and my reviews on other christmas themed stories featuring this awesome concoction of fruits and brandy. Done very well, as Jay's grandma's is done, it is the absolute bomb. I love it so much, I researched the origins of the cake way back in grade school and found the most delicious back stories as well as survivor ones.
Blame It On The Fruitcake is the story of how the delight changed the life of loner Sam McGuire. One bite was all it took and he sunk into ambrosia. One bite was all it took and Jay had him hooked.
There is no insta-love to this holiday romance. The two men actually took the time out from each other and got into a messy situation until the fruitcake got them back together into blissful romanticdome once more.
Can they blame the cake filled to the brim with fruits and dunked in brandy? I don't, I think the deliciousness opened Sam's eyes to the wonders that many miss because of its reputation. Sam love for the cake turns into an addiction that sends him into Jay's loving arms and someone else who I can't name because it will spoil the whole story. Needless to say, Sam's arms are those of a mechanic who is buff and tough and as loveable as could be.
Recommended for those who love (or not) fruitcake and bikers who fall for men in suits.
December 28, 2015
I really liked this one. For a short this one felt like it had a lot of depth. Of course it’s a little festive too. Mostly it’s just the fruitcake but it all comes back around to family and the holidays. Despite the length of this short I felt like I got to know the characters quite a bit. Sam was an orphan passed over for adoption his entire life. That’s kind of done a number on his self worth. So he’s told himself he’s all he’s got and that’s fine. Sam has his own business as mechanic. He’s made something out of himself. He can’t help but not feel deserving of his hot new educated neighbor’s attention. Sam is totally attracted to Jay. Jay seems pretty set on dating Sam but there’s always that self doubt niggling at Sam. He’s been let down too many times to just see where things go. Even if things between them are amazing.
This is another one that had great characters. Some shorts just feel like a really good complete story and for me this was one of those. I understood Sam’s fear of giving his heart and hopes to Jay. It made his wanting something between them feel so much more momentous. Jay was totally likable and obviously wanted Sam from the start. Thank goodness he’s persistent. I really liked Granny. This one had a great HEA. It was more poignant after hearing about Sam’s struggle in life having never belonging to anyone. I recommend this one for sure. Again not super festive but totally worth the read.
December 30, 2015
Sweet and intoxicating, like Nana's fruitcake! First I must admit, I do enjoy fruitcake during the holiday season, especially if its perfectly baked. Sweet, yet not overtly so, great balance of fruit and just that wonderful hint of rum. Like that perfectly balanced fruitcake, this story was just the right balance of fun, sweetness and coziness of the holiday season.
I especially love that it was told from Sam's perspective. Sam, who seemed like a man's man, confident when it comes to his work and garage, is actually insecure, lonely and battered down by feelings of unworthiness. he just can't fathom why someone like Jay will actually like someone like him. But as it turns out, they do have something in common and we find out eventually. The chemistry between Sam and Jay though for me, hit a point where it was almost there but not quite yet. Had it been written slightly longer, it would definitely have hit that sweet spot.
The writing was wonderful, capturing not only the voice of Sam, but his personality, thoughts and character. Even though it was a short read, Sam seemed to come off the pages as a more fully fleshed character than what some full length novels were able to achieve. I definitely wanted more!
I especially love that it was told from Sam's perspective. Sam, who seemed like a man's man, confident when it comes to his work and garage, is actually insecure, lonely and battered down by feelings of unworthiness. he just can't fathom why someone like Jay will actually like someone like him. But as it turns out, they do have something in common and we find out eventually. The chemistry between Sam and Jay though for me, hit a point where it was almost there but not quite yet. Had it been written slightly longer, it would definitely have hit that sweet spot.
The writing was wonderful, capturing not only the voice of Sam, but his personality, thoughts and character. Even though it was a short read, Sam seemed to come off the pages as a more fully fleshed character than what some full length novels were able to achieve. I definitely wanted more!
December 16, 2015
Sam is a working-class mechanic who has no family and was raised in a children's home. When he arrives home to fruitcake on his doorstep and an invite to his new neighbours party he isn't going to bother going - until he tastes the fruitcake! When he meets his new neighbour, Jay, he doesn't understand why someone so hot, with a fancy job and a loving family would be interested in him.
This was a really fun and sweet read. Sam's obsession with fruitcake was hilarious, as well as his despair with Jay's meddling family. They were a lovely couple and you did slightly want to shake Sam sometimes for his insecurities, but it was nice to see him starting to work through them. I'm not always a fan of first person narrative but it did work well here, Sam's internal voice was really funny and I loved some of his turns of phrases. It might have been nice to get a little more insight into Jay's side of things, but that's the trade-off I suppose.
Overall, this was a really sweet and funny romance that will def get you in the Christmas mood - and probably wanting fruitcake! Will def look for more from this author.
December 24, 2015
This was such a cute holiday story!
So with this story we get Sam who is a motorcycle mechanic and was a orphan so he really did not get very good Christmas's growing up. Well he has never tried fruit cake before and gets his chance when a new neighbor gives him some as a present when he invites Sam to his housewarming party. Let's just say Sam and the fruit cake hit it off right from the start and he loves it but at the same time he has a instant attraction to his new neighbor.
I thought the way this author wrote this story and these characters was so good! You get your sweet in this book and you get to see Sam work through his fears as he grows closer to his new neighbor.
All together I really liked this story and would definitely recommend this novella!
I received this book free in exchange for an honest review from Inked Rainbow Reads.
So with this story we get Sam who is a motorcycle mechanic and was a orphan so he really did not get very good Christmas's growing up. Well he has never tried fruit cake before and gets his chance when a new neighbor gives him some as a present when he invites Sam to his housewarming party. Let's just say Sam and the fruit cake hit it off right from the start and he loves it but at the same time he has a instant attraction to his new neighbor.
I thought the way this author wrote this story and these characters was so good! You get your sweet in this book and you get to see Sam work through his fears as he grows closer to his new neighbor.
All together I really liked this story and would definitely recommend this novella!
I received this book free in exchange for an honest review from Inked Rainbow Reads.
December 27, 2015
This short story was just "okay" for me. Given its brevity, I expected it would be a meet-cute with some funny family involvement and the promise of a happy holiday to come. Instead, it sped through an entire relationship. To cover that much ground, we get kind of a thousand-foot view of the characters and their lives. I don't feel like I got to know Sam or his romantic interest very well. Sam made the orphan thing the pivot upon which everything in his world turns and Jay is a vague figure. In the end, I wasn't really rooting for them as much as I was just waiting to see how it all played out.
Having said that, this little story wasn't bad. It just wasn't my favorite short holiday read so far. If you like the Kindle sample, give it a try.
Side note: I love fruitcake! Glad this story stood up for it and against all the haters! :D
Having said that, this little story wasn't bad. It just wasn't my favorite short holiday read so far. If you like the Kindle sample, give it a try.
Side note: I love fruitcake! Glad this story stood up for it and against all the haters! :D
December 27, 2015
3.5 Stars
Sam was a really likable character and my heart broke for him every time he referred to his upbringing. He was so matter of fact about it because he really didn't know any other way, just that he was lonely. Not that he'd ever admit that. He wasn't one to throw a pity party and I liked the vibe he had at his repair shop, the author did a really good job of showing his world. It made me really respect him and root for his HEA.
I didn't have as strong of a read on Jay. His character was lacking a little depth for me so some extra page time for him would have been helpful. I can tell you his brother is a clueless dick though and I hope Jay gives him a good ass kicking.
What I did know of Jay worked well with Sam and made me happy for them both.
Sam was a really likable character and my heart broke for him every time he referred to his upbringing. He was so matter of fact about it because he really didn't know any other way, just that he was lonely. Not that he'd ever admit that. He wasn't one to throw a pity party and I liked the vibe he had at his repair shop, the author did a really good job of showing his world. It made me really respect him and root for his HEA.
I didn't have as strong of a read on Jay. His character was lacking a little depth for me so some extra page time for him would have been helpful. I can tell you his brother is a clueless dick though and I hope Jay gives him a good ass kicking.
What I did know of Jay worked well with Sam and made me happy for them both.
January 20, 2016
This is the first book by this author and I loved it. There were parts that were humorous and parts that were down right frustrating. I immediate felt for Sam because now one should be left out of the holidays. I also love Jay and was glad to finally see them get together. This was only 36 pages and the author made every page count. Great job, Ms. Henshaw.
I received a free copy of this book to read for Inked Rainbow Reads in exchange for an honest review.
I received a free copy of this book to read for Inked Rainbow Reads in exchange for an honest review.
December 11, 2015
This story really confused me. Not because it was an M/M story (which, it turns out I’m not allergic to!) but because the characters were underdeveloped, the plot holes were…well there were more holes than plot itself. And the fruitcake-as-meetcute was a little drab. I’ve been wracking my brain trying to come up with factors about the story that I really like, but the best thing about this story was its length which was, thankfully, short.
December 20, 2015
Four Sweet Stars! Sam is a mechanic who was raised in the foster care system. He receives an invitation to his neighbors party along with a fruit cake. Jay is Sam's neighbor and is attracted to Sam. This is a sweet funny romantic comedy and it's perfect for this time of year.
I received this book as an ARC for an honest review. This book was read and reviewed by Annamaria for Alpha Book Club.
I received this book as an ARC for an honest review. This book was read and reviewed by Annamaria for Alpha Book Club.
December 7, 2017
Aaaah...I loved this one. It's so sweet and fluffy like a cloud !
Sam was a sad kid, abandoned by his own parents, never been wanted by any foster parents, always alone and feeling low.
And then Jay came into his life and not giving up on wanting him.
It's normal he's having such a doubt about Jay's intention.
But I'm glad Jay is a determined guy. And there's grandma...who made a perfect fruitcakes, and Sam's crazy about it.
And I really loved the ending ! It's perfect !
Recommended!
Sam was a sad kid, abandoned by his own parents, never been wanted by any foster parents, always alone and feeling low.
And then Jay came into his life and not giving up on wanting him.
It's normal he's having such a doubt about Jay's intention.
But I'm glad Jay is a determined guy. And there's grandma...who made a perfect fruitcakes, and Sam's crazy about it.
And I really loved the ending ! It's perfect !
Recommended!
November 25, 2016
A great celebration of fruitcake! I love fruitcake and always make my own Christmas cake - fed with alcohol from making to eating, it is yummy and nothing like dry old shop cake!
Sam is a big guy with big self worth issues and these lead to all the misunderstanding in the story.
It is a short story so not as much character development as I'd want to fully explore these two guys who I liked!
Perfect for an afternoon coffee with a slice of cake!!
Sam is a big guy with big self worth issues and these lead to all the misunderstanding in the story.
It is a short story so not as much character development as I'd want to fully explore these two guys who I liked!
Perfect for an afternoon coffee with a slice of cake!!
January 27, 2016
Reviewed for Prism Book Alliance
Blame it on the Fruitcake is such a sweet little tale. It has some characters that annoyed me, but mostly I just enjoyed the story of opposites attracting and left it at that.
For full review see Prism Book Alliance
January 3, 2016
I loved the switch on fruitcake in this book, its actually a good thing. When Sam meets his neighbor Jay, he's attracted immediately. But the more he knows him, and the more Jay's brother questions him, the more he doubts that they can actually have anything together. Boy is he wrong. Super cute story.
December 4, 2015
Cute, fun short story. A white collar and a blue collar find common ground in a love of Grandma's fruitcake. Short, sweet read for the holidays.
December 22, 2015
Surprisingly heartwarming!
December 29, 2015
Sam feels a connection but insecurities cause him to pull back. But Jay's whole family jumps in to help and Jay has his own insecurities. They might just be the perfect match.
May 14, 2016
for a short story it sure does pack a lot of angst. I'd have loved to read a full length novel on this.would have been great.left me wanting..not in a bad way ..just...wish it was longer.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
Can't find what you're looking for?
Get help and learn more about the design.