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Misfit Inn #1.5

Til There Was You

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Misty Pennebaker came to Eden’s Ridge to escape a painful past and find a new beginning. She’s built a life surrounded by beauty, with her gift shop showcasing local artisans and her work as the only florist in town. Contented with her shop and her dog, the last thing she’s looking for is a relationship. Especially one with the gorgeous, tattooed biker who works at the tavern down the street.

Denver Hershal has been aware of Misty since she showed up in town three years ago. Aware, and interested. But he doesn’t have time for more than running his bar, tinkering with his vintage motorcycle, and riding herd on his pup--or so he tells himself. No matter how much his heart races whenever he’s near her. Besides, why would a beautiful, modern-day flower child want anything to do with a rough-around-the-edges bar owner?

When his bartender cooks up a matchmaking scheme to put Denver in Misty's orbit, he’s surprised at how much he has in common with her--including their mutual tendency to want to leave the past in the past and keep it private. But what will happen when Misty's private past is revealed, and clashes painfully with the things Denver's tried to put behind him?

*A shorter version of this book was originally published as Once Upon A Wedding. It has been expanded into a full novella.

110 pages, ebook

First published February 14, 2020

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419 people want to read

About the author

Kait Nolan

146 books1,368 followers
Kait Nolan is a RITA® Award-winning Mississippi author who calls everyone sugar, honey, or darlin', and can wield a 'Bless your heart' like a Snuggie or a saber, depending on requirements. She believes in love, laughter, and that tacos are the world's most perfect food. When she's not writing, reading, working the evil day job, or wrangling family (both the two-legged and the four-), you can find her obsessively watching The Great British Bake Off.

Sign up for her newsletter! rebrand.ly/kaitsnewsletter

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5 stars
322 (49%)
4 stars
214 (32%)
3 stars
95 (14%)
2 stars
16 (2%)
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5 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 171 reviews
3,560 reviews40 followers
August 21, 2017

I have recently discovered this author and when given the opportunity to read this book, I jumped at it.
It’s a very touching and well developed story about two individuals who have changed their lives after experiencing devastating sorrow. Though their pain was in different sides of the spectrum, their loss is just as intense.
Both Misty, the flower shop owner, and Denver, the bar owner are complex individuals whom you will come to love and want to see them have their HEA. Their friends give them a task in which they have to interact and this finally triggers the beginning of a relationship. But rough waters have to be overcome before they both move forward not only in their relationship but from their past.
Looking forward to reading more stories by this author.
I was gifted this copy. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Profile Image for Donna.
Author 7 books33 followers
August 25, 2017
Denver and Misty make such a cute couple. I loved how they were so awkward around each other at first. It was sweet. I also loved that the book advocated for rescuing dogs, especially seniors. Of course, the love that bloomed between Oscar and Moxie was especially sweet. I found it humorous when Denver told Misty he had to make things right between them or Oscar would never forgive him.

As always Kait Nolan has written a book that I highly recommend reading. The story is well-written, the characters have depth, and the story kept me engaged from beginning to end. I recommend you buy your copy today.
Profile Image for Winter.
24 reviews3 followers
October 27, 2022
My friend who I must say has amazing taste in books recommended this book to me, I absolutely loved it. Lately, I've been trying to read new genres and try something new. This book is amazing and now I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the books in the series. I definitely recommend this book and I hope that you will enjoy it too!
920 reviews31 followers
March 12, 2020
This is another home run hit by Kait Nolan. In this book, we watch Denver and Misty as they get to know each other and fall in love. But it’s not just their story. It’s three for one because we also get to peek in as Kennedy and Xander plan their wedding, and we also get a sneak peek at the beginning of Pru and Flynn's relationship, and learn a little more about what happened to Joan and how Ari came to join the family. All in all, it proved highly satisfying, as all of Ms. Nolan’s books do.

Denver owns the tavern; Misty owns the flower shop. They seem to have nothing in common until Kennedy and her wedding planner instigate a meeting between the two, creating a reason for Denver and Misty to work together. It doesn’t take long until they realize that they have some things in common and that they enjoy spending time together. Is it enough? Will it last? Read this book to find out. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the author. I thank her for her generosity, and her talent, but it had no effect on this review. All opinions in this review express my true and honest reactions to reading this book.
Profile Image for Becky Claxon.
2,214 reviews18 followers
February 14, 2020
Denver owns Elvira’s Tavern in Eden’s Ridge where Kennedy works. Since this is a small town where everyone knows everyone’s business, he keeps to himself. I loved that Kennedy and Cayla noticed how Denver looks at Misty, but has never made a move to get to know her. Since Kennedy is getting married, they bring Misty and Denver together by asking him to build an arbor and Misty to take care of the flowers for the arbor. Since Misty owns the flower shop in town, this is a good way to get the two to talk. I enjoyed them working together and putting their ideas together to make the arbor even better than it started. The two have a good time getting to know each other and break down each other’s walls until Misty tells Denver something about her past. I was a little disappointed in Denver for not talking to Misty about what upset him. I enjoyed the book and encourage you to read the book. I was given a copy of the book and voluntarily wrote a review.
Profile Image for Jennie Fortna.
2,550 reviews29 followers
February 16, 2020
ARC for honest review with no compensation received from BookSprout

Til There Was You is book 1.5 novella in the Misfit Inn series by Kait Nolan. I read the short version called Once Upon A Wedding a long time ago. Love this updated and extended version about Misty and Denver!

Two people who are working together for one of their friend’s wedding but an attraction between them makes them both look inside at the feelings they have but have never acted upon them.

Will these two find a way to connect, open their hearts and put all the traumas from their past in the past and make a future together??
Profile Image for Rellim.
1,676 reviews43 followers
March 7, 2020
Note: This is an extended version of the novella originally titled, “Once Upon A Wedding” which is no longer available. Both are considered Book 1.5 in the Misfit Inn series.

This is an adorable little novella and lovely addition to the Misfit Inn series. I love Kait Nolan’s writing style. It’s a unique mix of small town sweet and realistically sexy. Misty and Denver are an adorable couple who experience their own ups & downs in life as well as in their relationship. They do experience a hiccup, but I love that it’s resolved quickly and maturely.

Trigger Warnings (possible spoilers):
Death of a parent. Death of a friend.
Profile Image for Nickole.
1,487 reviews9 followers
August 20, 2017
rcvd an advanced reader copy from the author for giving my two cents. super cute short read. I love this series by Kate. it makes you feel good. we meet Misty, transplant to Eden Ridge and town florist who always has flowers in her hair. then we meet quiet sexy loner bar-keep Denver who always notices everything and everyone...including misty. it's been 3 yrs since she moved to town and he hasn't said many words to her...more like admire from afar. Kennedy and xander are getting hitched and Dawson is elected to build an arbour that misty thinks will be good for displaying flowers at tbt wedding. they now have to work together to make it work. with work outta the way misty does the unthinkable and invites him and his pup for dinner. Dawson likes misty more and more but when he learns smtg from her past he has a hard time letting it go...hence brooding begins. Misty is upset about it but doesn't know what to do. good friends try to help with that...will Dawson apologize and make the 1st move or will misty be content by herself?
Profile Image for Timothy Hendricks.
477 reviews6 followers
August 25, 2017
Another excellent story from this author. I think this Misfit series of books are going to be as well done as her other series of books. This was a story about Misty and Denver. They had experiences in common. She had worked as a medical insurance claims adjuster. She had made a friend of a client that was trying to get medical care she needed; but when she finally obtained it for her friend the friend had died. Her new interest, Denver had had to deal with such a person as Misty while caring for his father. And, because he had had so much trouble trying to obtain consent for medical care that he had lost his dad. This experience threatened to wreck the relationship they were building. They finally overcame the strain. I know exactly how the characters in this story felt as I had a similar experience caring for my Mother and trying to get approval to pay for care that she needed.

The story was well written and I couldn't put it down until I was finished. The only complaint that I had is that it was too short. I look forward to the next edition in this series.
Profile Image for Stephanie Corbett.
700 reviews12 followers
August 21, 2017
A wonderful and joyful short story, that is helping to tide me over until book 2 of the misfit inn series is released in the autumn!! This novella adds to the Meet Cute series, as well as being set in the new Misfit Inn series (rather than Kait's amazing Wishful series).

This book provides a wonderful update on Kennedy & Xander (from the awesome first book in the new series), but also properly introduces us to Denver and Misty... Who at first seem as different as two people could be, but behind their shy/private facade you find two deeply kind, giving and family orientated individuals that are just perfect for each other!!

However, can they take in stride the impact of their pasts and how they rub at the pain hidden underneath?? This is a wonderful read that joyfully you can get through in one sitting... So no guessing required!!

I received an arc of this book and have left an honest and independent review.
3,560 reviews40 followers
August 25, 2017
I have recently discovered this author and when given the opportunity to read this book, I jumped at it.
It’s a very touching and well developed story about two individuals who have changed their lives after experiencing devastating sorrow. Though their pain was in different sides of the spectrum, their loss is just as intense.
Both Misty, the flower shop owner, and Denver, the bar owner are complex individuals whom you will come to love and want to see them have their HEA. Their friends give them a task in which they have to interact and this finally triggers the beginning of a relationship. But rough waters have to be overcome before they both move forward not only in their relationship but from their past.
Looking forward to reading more stories by this author.
I was gifted this copy. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Profile Image for Sharon Hughson.
Author 31 books63 followers
August 25, 2017
Nolan invites you to revisit her newest small town and attend the wedding of characters you fell in love with (in WHEN YOU GOT A GOOD THING). Meanwhile, she'll flesh out the backstory of some minor players and give them their own romance.
I enjoyed getting to know the older, small business owners and speeding through town with them. I still had too many questions about Denver, and it was difficult to swallow his over-reaction to Misty's past. While I loved the characters and revisiting old friends, this story lacked the depth that most of Nolan's work has (but its 15K words, so I can offer a little grace). Notice, I still enjoyed it, but it's not amazing enough to get five stars.
However, it did get me salivating for the next installment of Misfit Inn. A must read for fans of Nolan, especially if the steam of her longer works puts you off. None of that in a Meet Cute Story.
Profile Image for Kate Dickinson.
58 reviews
January 3, 2023
Til There Was You is a very cute story from Kait Nolan. Her Misfit Inn series is one of my favorites, so I was happy to grab this one to help me finish out my reading challenge for 2022. Misty and Denver are cute characters (and I do love a good biker/florist story) who love dogs and each other.

The subplot about how their backgrounds kind of intersect didn't quite hit for me the way Kait Nolan's stories usually do, which is the only reason I bumped the rating down. It felt a little more forced than usual, but maybe I just wasn't quite the target audience for it. I still loved how the romance developed between the couple and how respectful Denver was the whole time.

It's a cute, fun, fast little read for when you need a quick pick-me-up!
Profile Image for Whitney .
987 reviews31 followers
August 20, 2017
I have been provided with a copy of Once Upon A Wedding by the author for an impartial review. This novelette is book seven in the Meet Cute Romance series and the second book in the Misfit Inn series. I really enjoyed this novelette it was such an easy book to read that can be finished within one sitting. In this book you get to see Misty and Denver find their way to each other. This book had me on the edge of my seat wondering if they are going to work out or were things of the past going to get in the way. I absolutely adored this book and getting to see some of the characters of Eden’s Ridge again. I can’t wait to read what comes next.
Profile Image for Ann-Maree.
1,112 reviews9 followers
August 24, 2017
This is a sweet novella that is a crossover of the Misfit Inn series that I just loved, it was very short wished it was longer and we could have gotten to know the 2 characters a bit better. They are both different from each other but the attraction is there for the tattooed bikers bar owner and very quiet flower shop owner. I receive a copy of this book and here is my voluntarily written honest review. This book like almost all of Kait Nolan books will not disappoint you and will give you that feel good feeling when you get to the end. I am waiting patiently for the next installment in the Misfit Inn Sisters.
Full review can be read at www.readingfortheloveofbooks.com
Profile Image for Kristen Lewendon.
8,429 reviews63 followers
August 24, 2017
This was completely adorable. A quick read filled with awe-worthy moments and some thought provoking situations. Misty and Denver may look like opposites but they're living proof that opposites attract. Both of them have some big emotional baggage that they've been trying to escape, and together they just might be the solution to each others problems. I loved the chance to see Kennedy and Xander's wedding, but this really isn't going to tide me over until the next release. I'm more anxious than ever to see book two about the sisters behind the Misfit Inn.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book.
Profile Image for Ann-Maree.
1,112 reviews9 followers
August 25, 2017
This is a sweet novella that is a crossover in the Misfit Inn series that I just loved, it was very short wished it was longer and we could have gotten to know the 2 characters a bit better. They are both different from each other but the attraction is there for the tattooed bikers bar owner and very quiet flower shop owner.
I receive a copy of this book and here is my voluntarily written honest review. This book like almost all of Kait Nolan books will not disappoint you and will give you that feel good feeling when you get to the end. I am waiting patiently for the next installment in the Misfit Inn Sisters.
Full review at www.readingfortheloveofbooks.com
Profile Image for Donna.
Author 7 books33 followers
August 25, 2017
Denver and Misty make such a cute couple. I loved how they were so awkward around each other at first. It was sweet. I also loved that the book advocated for rescuing dogs, especially seniors. Of course, the love that bloomed between Oscar and Moxie was especially sweet. I found it humorous when Denver told Misty he had to make things right between them or Oscar would never forgive him.

As always Kait Nolan has written a book that I highly recommend reading. The story is well-written, the characters have depth, and the story kept me engaged from beginning to end. I recommend you buy your copy today.
Profile Image for Lauren B.
21 reviews1 follower
August 26, 2017
I received an ARC of this book, but all reviews are my own. I was glad to see Kennedy and Xander's wedding, but this was not my most favorite book by Kait Nolan. I greatly enjoyed the story, but felt that it was too short, and the plot rushed. I would have liked to see the story drawn out a little bit more and Misty and Denver's relationship grow a little less quickly if that makes sense. I felt like their characters deserved a little bit more depth and a longer story. I still enjoyed the romance of opposites attract, and look forward to hopefully seeing Misty and Denver in the next Misfit Inn Series. I love getting a Kait Nolan romance story, and look forward to the next one.
168 reviews
August 1, 2022
Bad boy bar owner, Denver, has had a thing for Misty, a free spirit florist and gift store owner, for years. Misty has also had a thing for Denver from a distance. They get together for Kennedy's wedding and things are good until she tells him her backstory of an insurance claims adjuster. Denver turns around and walks out due to memories of his dad. She doesn't understand and he won't talk. Well, they both get badgered by the misfits and friends to sit down and talk. When the full story comes out, they see where their relationship mistakes are, and rekindle their love at Kennedy's wedding. You gotta pull for them right from the start.
1,336 reviews4 followers
April 25, 2019
Oscar meets Moxie

Denver is all gruff on the outside, but the inside has him rescue a puppy from a trashcan. Oscar. Misty is all flowers and sunshine on the outside and the inside is made up of sterner stuff. She rescued a elder toy dog who looks like it's on her last leg but can give Oscar a good romp around the yard. When all meet they all blend quite nicely. Overall quality of writing was good, proofreading has a few glitches, no cheating or cliffhanger, but would love to see these two finish their story and get their happy ever after!
1,177 reviews12 followers
August 20, 2017
Sweet short story…I was given an ARC of this book. I really enjoy this series of books which highlights the start of a romance. They are light, well written, and satisfying. This latest one is about Denver and Misty, who are aware of each other but never, get to really know each other. Preparation for Kennedy’s weddings has them working together. Kait Nolan’s books and stories are always on my go read list.
32 reviews
August 26, 2017
Kait Nolan's Once Upon A Wedding is a wholesome and honest story of two lonely people navigating their way through past traumas. With the help of the town, Misty and Denver are thrown together and fast become interested in each other and find that they need to make some adjustments if they want to make ago of their relationship.

As part of Kait Nolan's launch team, I received an Advanced Reader's Copy in exchange for an honest review posted within a week of release.
Profile Image for Nicki Conroy.
631 reviews11 followers
August 25, 2017
Being a novella, this is short and sweet. But do not mistake that for not having well developed characters and a setting that is to die for. Both Denver and Misty are great people to be getting together in this Meet Cute. Both are similar but you have to get inside this novella to find their similarity. This is a great weekend read (you'll be finished in an afternoon).

I received an ARC of this novella from the author but my review is given freely and 100% my own opinions.
879 reviews3 followers
August 25, 2017
This is a wonderful short story. This is a quick easy read that leaves you feeling good. The love story of Misty a quiet florist, and Denver a sexy tattooed bar owner. They have been aware of each other for years and just now start talking. It is good to read and maybe sometimes opposites can attract and fit together. I received an advanced copy of this book and I voluntarily post this as my honest review.
868 reviews8 followers
August 26, 2017
Kait Nolan's Meet Cute stories are short and fun. They are a great way to find out more about the series. I enjoyed the story of Denver and Misty. Both have had difficult events in their pasts and I enjoyed seeing them get a happily ever after. It also gave us a glimpse of the upcoming wedding with characters from the first book in the Misfit Inn series. Can't wait for the next. I received an advance copy in return for an honest review.
Profile Image for Jennie Fortna.
2,550 reviews29 followers
August 28, 2017
ARC for honest review with no compensation

Once Upon a Wedding by Kait Nolan is a short, sweet read about two people who are working together for one of their friend’s wedding but an attraction between them makes them looking inside at the feelings they have but have never acted upon them.

Will these two find a way to connect together and put all the traumas from their past in the past and make a future together??
1,468 reviews
August 25, 2017
This was a good read! I love the town of Eden Ridge already and am invested in seeing what happens to all the sisters. Denver and Misty gave us a chance to check back in. It's a sweet book and I loved the ending! I just didn't love how Denver didn't seem able to take the first step at any point in the book until the ending.
Profile Image for Tree Schwartz.
905 reviews2 followers
September 7, 2023
Love the descriptions!

I want to visit Misty’s flower shop and Denver’s wood working shop and their new home with the beautiful flower garden! I want to play with Moxie and Oscar! I loved everything about this story. A refreshing, light, sweet read. A flower child and a biker! Perfect! 💐❤️💐❤️💐❤️
12 reviews1 follower
August 2, 2024
I am a big fan of Kait Nolan’s books, and she again hasn’t disappointed!
I really loved this short book, with its themes of overcoming loss, trusting someone to be different from those who hurt you in the past and letting love into your lives again. All the charavters are well depicted - and the dog ‘couple’ were especially cute!
Highly recommended 💝
Displaying 1 - 30 of 171 reviews

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