Love and Other Kerfuffles

by Trinity Wood (Editor), Sofia Aves, Liz Alden

Is Cupid a lover or a fighter?

This Valentine’s Day affairs of the heart wind their way around workplace flings, turning enemies into romance, friends into lovers and shooting his darts at a certain best friend’s brother.

Kerfluffy is on the rampage, making cute ‘n’ fluffy appearances throughout this collection of romance stories bringing love and laughter to every Happily Ever After.

Over thirty titillating stories from USA Today best-selling and award-winning romance authors in a rom-com collection curated by The New Romance Cafe, with ALL proceeds going to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Authors:
Amilia Quinn
Anna Volkin
Annee Jones
Bethany Monaco Smith
Chelle Pimblott
Cinna Stone
D A Nelson
Debra Deasey
Diane Wiggs
Élodie Garroway
Guinevere Jordan
H. D’Agostino
Harper Michaels
Jackie Paxson
Jakki Frances
Jan Halen
Jenny Fenshaw
Jewelz Baxter
JK Lycke
K McEvern Lestrade
Kate McWilliams
Kimberly Ann
Laura Marquez Diamond
Lily Kindall
Linda G. Hill
Liz Alden
LoLo Paige
Melissa Kendall
Michelle Ventura
Rachel Blake
Rachelle Wright
RJ Gray
Rubi Jade
Ryleigh Sloan
Sofia Aves
Tasha Blythe
Trinity Wood

Genres: Anthologies

626 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 7, 2023

About the author

Trinity writes contemporary romance set in New Zealand. Because she can't get enough of book boyfriends, she created some of her own. Get ready to meet Sam, Corey, Jay, Tai, Luke, Mike, Travis, and many more, but please form an orderly line. Behind Trinity.

A self-professed good-time nerd, Trinity's never far away from one of her trusty Pokemon coffee mugs. Trinity also swears that Margaritas can cure colds.

Keep in touch on Facebook in The New Romance Cafe.

Reviews

[Hazel Khatter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review for Canadian Valentine by Kimberly Ann”


“He didn't want to admit that he'd been too afraid to ask. He didn't want to hear that she was growing tired of being married to him. Tired of the lifestyle he'd forced on her. It had taken so long for Lila to accept her feelings for him and embrace their relationship. And their marriage. He didn't want to hear that she was ready to give it all up." 🫶🏼

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Characters: Travis Langston, Lila Langston

Tropes: Disconnected Couple

Review: Travis and Lila's story continues the tale that began in Canadian Fall, the second book in the Logan Creek series by Kimberly Ann. After a not-so-blissful year of marriage, Lila doubts if Travis will remember Valentine's Day or if their marriage is doomed to fail. 😔

Travis and Lila are my favorite couple from the Logan Creek series; seeing them again was so good. The tale is a relatively short collection of five chapters that serve as an epilogue to the book. The domestic scenes that readers claim to crave for are all here. 🥰

While the chapters don't have a story of their own, they are cute and warm, and for those who loved the original book, these are EVERYTHING! Unfortunately, the chapters aren't available as a stand-alone but can be found in the charity anthology "Love and Other Kerfuffles." 🌸

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished Canadian Valentine. I am very familiar with Travis and Lila's history and their out of this world chemistry! I never thought anything would come between their love crazed relationship, but with Travis's new career advancements it was almost inevitable. However, just as quickly as they fell into their rut, they managed to pull themselves back out. Reading about these two always puts a huge smile on my face because in the end, you know they're perfect for each other! Definitely a super cute read ☺️

[ShannonKay12 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Canadian Valentine ARC REVIEW
With the push and pull of work and personal lives, Lila and Travis find themselves disconnected more than ever. What a little holiday love and quality time can't fix right? I love this world of characters and this quick novella just shows the realistic struggle normal couples deal with on a daily basis. What matters at the end of the day is finding that special time to find that spark and ignite it to pull you through the rough times. Kimberly Ann know exactly how to wrap those small town vibes with all the sweet swoon worthy feels.

[Lizzie LoveofBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was exceptionally well written. I liked the inner monologues of the characters. I’m glad Travis didn’t shy away from letting Lila know what she meant to him. All in all it was a great little novella to follow up on Travis and Lila’s relationship!

[Devons book corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love and other Kerfuffles is an anthology of short stories that will make you laugh, swoon, and fall in love. I loved and enjoyed them all, but Canadian Valentine by Kimberly Ann was probably my favorite. This is the perfect collection of short stories, and just in time for Valentines day.

[Lauren L. Moon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am reviewing Waiting for Your Heart by Bethany Monaco Smith!

Although this might be short, it was still such a page turner and was so cute 🥺 I wish there was more. Alex NEEDS to be real because I am absolutely obsessed with him (and I mean the other characters too... But like Alex 😍😍😍)

[Heather Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far I have only read Kimberley Anne's Canadian valentine. It doesn't matter if it 3 chapters or 30 Kimberley connects you with authentic characters in real life situations. You feel their love, their struggles and their happiness.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love love love this. The story by Kimberly Ann was so sweet I love it!!!

[Britni Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Canadian Valentine

⭐️: 4/5
🌶️: 5/10

This was such a cute short story! While i haven’t read their story and how they got here, Lila and Travis seem adorable. And i love how this focused on life after “i do” and how real it was. A normal everyday couple missing each other because life keeps getting in the way of their time together. Super sweet. Some spicy moments and def got me interested in jumping into this series.

[Kaitie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review is for Waiting For Your Heart by Bethany Monaco Smith. I love sweet. Love it so much!!! This short story was just so much fun!

[Lori Hammons · Rating 5 out of 5]

This anthology of short stories made me laugh, hold my breath, and swoon. I thoroughly enjoyed each story of love.

[Stacie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Kimberly Ann for the E-ARC of Canadian Valentine. My review is based on my honest opinion.

I adore Kimberly Ann's Logan Creek series. I just want to go live there.
Canadian Valentine is a well-written short story, with Travis and Lila.
The issue they have are so relatable and how they overcome it, just warmed my heart and made me swoon.

Such a cosy, swoony read

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Waiting for Your Heart
Bethany Monaco Smith


A sweet short story of friends to lovers with a surprise Valentine’s Day declaration. Such a cute couple and such a cute declaration. If you’ve read the Ida series, you’ve already met Ivy and Alex and get to read about their HEA.

[AddictedToReadingRomance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Canadian Valentine by Kimberly Ann

Awww such a romantic story. Perfect for this Valentine ❤️. Reading about Lila and Travis again as husband and wife it’s so exciting. The proof of love this time hits them in a different way. And they manage to overcome it. She’s still his hellcat. I love them so much and I love Logan Creek.

Waiting for Your Heart by Bethany Monaco Smith

Omg another perfect story for Ida Romance couple. Ivy and Alex are those bestfriends that are secretly in love with each other. After months crushing finally the Perfect Valentine Date make possible profess their love for each other. This is one of the most romantic Valentine’s Date ever. Steamy small town romance is one of my favorite. I love them so much and specially how they plan the perfect Valentine’s Date.

[Resse · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Sounds like a bit of a... kerfuffle."

Love and Other Kerfuffles: A Romantic Comedy Collection for Charity is an anthology I was lucky enough to get ARCs of 2 of the stories included. So this is a review of only those that I have read. However, after finishing them, I am interested in reading more, especially since kerfuffle is an interesting word and is the theme, along with love.

🦋🦋🦋🦋 (4)

THIS IS A REVIEW OF Waiting For Your Heart by Bethany Monaco Smith

"Well, you ended up here regardless. Must be fate."

Can best friend to lovers be a family thing? Sorry, that was a lousy attempt at a joke.

Waiting For Your Heart is about Ivy and Alex. Ivy is Kalia's cousin. Kalia is from Bethany Monaco Smith's Ida Romance series, specifically Faking It for the Holidays. Alex is Ivy's best friend. And Alex falls first, or at least that's what I got out of this if I got the timeline straight.

Ohhh, best friends to lovers... people love reading them. The history between the two and how they love each other but don't do anything about it, afraid of messing up their current relationship. I have a love/hate relationship with them. I usually prefer strangers or enemies to lovers. It's a personal preference.

Short stories are tough for me. But, after finishing Waiting For Your Heart, I wanted more—specifically the New Year's Eve scene. That tends to be the thing; short stories make me crave more. However, this on its own is fine too. You can get enough for everything to make sense. It's just that I'm curious and want to know more about them. Call it the completist in me. But I did enjoy reading Waiting For Your Heart. It was a quick, fun read. I can't wait to read more from Bethany.

🦋🦋🦋🦋 (4)

THIS IS A REVIEW OF Canadian Valentine by Kimberly Ann

"If you really want it, fight for it."

Everyone wants a happily ever after. Happy, in love, and everything is perfect. However, real life is far from that. Instead, everyone must experience both the good and bad. Life is messy and uncomplicated, but that makes it real and worth living, even if it doesn't seem like it.

As much as we want to believe in happily ever after, it doesn't last forever; you must constantly work on it. You can be so in love, and then BAM! something happens. And you don't know how or what happened, but everything changed.

Canadian Valentine is a snapshot of the happily ever after. It features Lila and Travis from the second book of the Logan Creek series, Canadian Fall. This is a short story from the Logan Creek universe. It takes place a few months after they're married and on their first Valentine's Day together. It's unnecessary to read Canadian Fall beforehand, but I recommend you do so. However, if you haven't, it's okay too because it may make you want to read more about them!

The honeymoon period is over. But life goes on, and somehow you're now going through the motions.

Seeing the after was interesting because people tend to wonder what happens after the THE END. So this glimpse made me want to read even more. But then again, I always love the chance to dive back into the world of Logan Creek because I love the characters so much!

🦋🦋🦋🦋 (4)

[Kelchickbooklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Canadian Valentine by Kimberly Ann

In this sweet novella, Ms. Ann delivers a heart-gripping romance that sees Travis and his wife, Lila, just barely being a couple. Has their marriage gotten stale? Could his new job be putting a strain on their marriage? Worrying that Tavis is too focused on his job that after a year of marriage, Lila thinks that Valentine's day will come and go with no romance happening, or will it? Travis is worried that Lila is bored with their marriage and is afraid to bring up the subject. How will he show her that she is the most important person in the world to him? Well, he will pull out all the stops to make sure she knows exactly how he feels. I felt that this story was believable and relatable for a lot of people and so glad that we got a glimpse of the two of them again.

Waiting for Your Heart by Bedthnay Monaco Smith

In this best friends-to-lovers romance, Ms. Monaco Smith gives us a storyline that is a joy to read but also might have you shaking your head. Ivy and Alex have been friends for a long time and she has feelings for him but is frustrated with him. Why? Well, he has been asking her to help him plan the perfect Valentine's day for a girl he wants to impress. Ivy, being the friend that she is, does just that but with a heavy heart. I loved the two of them together and you could feel the connection that they had and the love that they shared. Alex pulls off the best surprise of the world and is definitely swoon-worthy.

[Shani (Bttrflymama88) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviews for... Waiting For Your Heart by Bethany Monaco Smith & Canadian Valentine by Kimberly Ann



❤️ Waiting For Your Heart by Bethany Monaco Smith


Even in a 2 Chapter Novella Bethany can still pull out all the feels! I think it's why she will forever be one of my favorites! Plus we all know she's the queen of small town friends to lovers!

Ivy and Alex. Two Best friends secretly in love with eachother. It's the sweetest little pick me up that I didn’t know I needed until I read it! Sweet with a side of steam! Ivy is the right amount of sass. While Alex is all kinds of smooth and swoon!

And that bonus epilogue! ❤️🥃🥰

I'm going to need more please!!



❤️ Canadian Valentine by Kimberly Ann


Lila & Travis. While this Novella starts off with our two main characters already together and Married its not all lovey dovey and happily ever after. I loved that this story shows that no relationship is perfect and that it's hardwork. Learning to find balance and communication. You have to put the time and energy into every day. Happily Ever after isn't just given. It's worked for! I love that Travis was able to realize that and work to change. It doesn't happen overnight and that was something Lila needed to learn as well. Teamwork! As always another amazing read by Kimberly! And it was super fun to revisit Lila & Travis' love story! Canadian Fall was def one of my favorites so i loved this! ❤️

[DeeDeeWReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series has SO many wonderful authors and stories. Here is my review below of a couple of them:

Waiting For Your Heart by Bethany Monaco Smith
***** (5 stars)

This one was 2 chapters basically but so sweet with fun and love thrown in. Two best friends, one not knowing how the other feels about them. There is a very short epilogue for after that lets you know what happened after Valentine's Day. Definitely read it.

Paper Hearts & Cupid's Darts by Sofia Aves
***** (5 stars)

Another homerun out of the ball park in this series. Spoiled brother wants his ex back, what does he do?? Enlists his ex-Marine brother to help him. Well read the story but I think you have an idea of where this story might held. Also I had to google the 'Kerfuffle' given to Opal. Adorable.

Canine Cupid by Michelle Ventura
***** (5 stars)

I picked this one to read for my ARC review because it must have a dog in it. The best stories have dogs. This one also has a hot pro football player... Touchdown!! From the canine takedown to the cupid dog toy, I loved every second of this one. So sweet, so doesn't really happen like this in RL (I think), but so Valentine's Day

I can't wait to read more of the collection when I have time.

I received a free copy of this book via Sofia's Cowboy Romance Lovers and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rom-Com Collection . . .

Over 30 stories from some wonderful, generous romance authors in a rom-com collection curated by The New Romance Cafe, with ALL proceeds going to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Many thanks to all of the authors for their time and talents to help with a very important cause. The stories are themed on relationships, which encompasses many possibilities as you will see here! Be sure to grab your copy and spend some time falling in love as you read through the stories. The variety alone will keep a smile on your face!

❤ Contributing Authors:

Annee Jones, Bethany Monaco Smith, Chelle Pimblott, D A Nelson, Debra Deasey, Diane Wiggs, Guinevere Jordan, H. D’Agostino, Harper Michaels, Jackie Paxson, Jakki Frances, Jan Halen, Jewelz Baxter, K McEvern Lestrade, Kimberly Ann, Laura Marquez Diamond, Laurelle Lewis, Lily Kindall, Linda G. Hill, Liz Alden, LoLo Paige, Melissa Kendall, Michelle Ventura, Rachelle Wright, Rubi Jade, Ryleigh Sloan, Sofia Aves, Tasha Blythe, & VK Holt

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book from Sofia Aves for honest review. I enjoyed the short story of Opal and Deakon. Chaz was, and never would be good enough for Opal. I think that ad much as Deakon crushed on Opal, she also had a crush on him too. It was a perfect quick read.

Elijah and Abby were in different leagues. The attraction, desire and lust was off the charts. Although Abby was older than Elijah, they seemed to be amazing together.

Abby and Alex best friends. It was so cute. I mean setting up the perfect date for Alex with Abby’s help. Surprising Abby when it is a date with her. How two best friends became a couple.

Willow and Russell are engaged. They decided to have a low key Valentines. Things changed. Russ and Willow had each given big gifts. This was a sweet read.

The other short stories were great also. This book definitely has made me want to read more from these terrific authors.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read “Waiting for your heart” by Bethany Monaco Smith and it was so adorable! It’s the perfect novella for Valentine’s Day! Ivy has been pining over her best friend Alex for a while now and she’s too scared to reveal her true feelings. However, she doesn’t think anything will ever happen and when he goes out on a date for V-Day she is crushed but is hoping their might be a chance. Alex has loved and fantasies about Ivy since New Year’s and he’s ready to finally reveal his true everything to her but he’s not sure if she’ll return his affection. There is some adorable banter and these two characters are beyond lovable and you will devour this fantastic and super cute and a bit spicy novella. Enjoy the lead up because the finale is perfection. Happy Reading!!

[All You Read is Love · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since tomorrow is Valentines Day I wanted to get this review posted!

I was lucky enough to be an ARC reader for Canadian Valentine by @kimberlyannbooks this book is part of a collection of short stories called Love and Other Kerfluffles. Available now.

This was a fun short read about a newly promoted detective and his wife who owns a bakery. New promotions can obviously be tough and proving your worth and all but the toll it can take can also be hard. What better time than Valentines Day to rekindle the fire and love. This book was a great reminder that we all have to prioritize and find that fire inside us sometimes even when we think we're too busy.
This collection of romance books will be perfect for Valentines reading.

[Ellie English · Rating 5 out of 5]

Waiting for your heart (Novella & Epilogue) by Bethany Monaco Smith

1-Second-Summary and Review -

How to fall in love with Romance:

Step one: Read this book!

I don't even know what to say, in less that 50 pages Bethany Monaco Smith has made me absolutely swoon over dreamy BFs to Lovers Ivy and Alex.

In fact within Seconds of finishing this one, I had already devoured the epilogue chapter.

What to expect:
HAPPY ever After
Valentine's Date Themed
BFF to lovers
SWOONY characters

If HOT steamy and dreamy romances are your cup of tea, this one is piping HOTT!


Long life the romance lovers,

Ellie

[Country Mama · Rating 3 out of 5]

This review is for the Kimberly Ann- Candian Valentine story:

This review is for the Kimberly Ann- Candian Valentine story:

It was a Valentine Day story about how the husband and wife have been working too hard and away from eachother. The story was written well and I like the author's writing style but could not relate to this story about the relationship, specifically there is a theme about the man being made to feel guilty for working too hard and this grated on me, and the female character's selfishness put me off as a married woman.

All in all, it wasn't my cup of tea, but for those who like the Valentine's Romance stories this may be for you.

[Ade · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m reviewing Canadian Valentine by Kimberly Ann

This is a book on reconnection. Sometimes we take a lot of things for granted as Travis and Lila found out in this book.

This book examines the relationship between a married couple and how they found a work life balance and keep the spice in their marriage.

It was short, sweet and straight to the point. It can be read under 30 mins and the plot did not have any gaps. I haven’t read the couple’s original story but I did not miss anything.

All of the characters were interesting and it was fun meeting them.

I received an advanced copy via Romance me with books and I am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paper Hearts and Cupid's Darts by Sofia Aves

Such a sweet story. A Spoiled brother wants his ex back, but he doesn’t want to grovel himself, so he sends his brother for him. What truly steals the story is the Kerfuffle, so cute. I enjoyed Opal, she absolutely was not going to accept these gifts, and had good reasons. However, when Deakon showed up at her door ,she let him in and they both realized what they truly wanted. I recommend you read this analogy if all of the other stories are as cute and engaging as this one. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Coffeenbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review is for "Waiting for Your Heart" by Bethany Monaco Smith. This is a short, but so satisfying friends to lover story. I absolutely adored it!!

Ivy is in love with her best friend Alex. Too bad he's not interested in more than friendship. He's even enlisted her help in planning a Valentine's date with another girl. UGH!

Alex is totally in love with Ivy, but she doesn't seem to realize it. He has her help plan the perfect Valentine's date so he can declare his love...

So cute! Just loved this!

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read “Waiting for Your Heart” by Bethany Monaco Smith, and if that’s any indication of the rest of the stories (which I would almost guarantee it is) then I absolutely need to read the others as soon as humanly possible! Ivy and Alex were just, so much and not enough (I.e. I wanted so much more to read and just to keep living in their world!). Friends to lovers is one of my absolute favorite tropes, and following them along as background characters prior to this just made me want to stay in their bubble! I beyond adored it!

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Bethany for letting me ARC read this beautiful book. I love Ivy and Alex relationship the best friends to lover theme. I love how they are trying to hint at each other that they have feelings but keep missing it. What alex does for Ivy and the thought he puts into is so sweet. I love how surprised and excited Ivy is. The spice was so good as always bethany does an amazing job writing her spicy scene. This is a short story but a great one. I wanted more of Ivy and Alex because I just fell in love with their story.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review for: Canadian Valentine by Kimberly Ann

A sweet valentines themed novella. Sometimes life gets in the way of our relationships. We might start to feel like there’s distance between us. That’s where Lila and Travis are at. And the added pressure of Valentine’s Day isn’t helping.

Lila is expecting nothing for Valentine’s Day but Travis has other plans.

It’s a great read that reminds us that even when we feel disconnected it doesn’t take much to rekindle that spark with the one we love.