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Misfit Inn #3
Stay a Little Longer
Athena Reynolds is a goddess in the kitchen, and she’s got a Michelin star to back it up. Darling of the Chicago restaurant scene, she’s flying high—until a betrayal leads to her sudden fall from grace. Furious and reeling, she escapes home to small-town Tennessee to hide from the scandal and nurse her wounds among family.
Logan Maxwell's life is a world away from the Windy City. His his are hands full keeping his organic farm thriving and in the black, but that hasn't stopped him from reliving last summer's passionate wedding fling with the notoriously prickly, award-winning chef. But it's the glimpse of her vulnerability when she returns that has him craving more.
Small towns are like small kitchens, everyone's constantly bumping into each other and sooner or later something's bound to boil over. Maybe that's why Logan finds it so hard to resist Athena. Well, that and the fact that he's never been able to walk away from a woman in distress. An unexpected confidant, Logan reminds Athena of her roots, and in turn, she begins to question everything she’s worked for. But can love win out over the temptation of redemption, when her old life comes calling?
Logan Maxwell's life is a world away from the Windy City. His his are hands full keeping his organic farm thriving and in the black, but that hasn't stopped him from reliving last summer's passionate wedding fling with the notoriously prickly, award-winning chef. But it's the glimpse of her vulnerability when she returns that has him craving more.
Small towns are like small kitchens, everyone's constantly bumping into each other and sooner or later something's bound to boil over. Maybe that's why Logan finds it so hard to resist Athena. Well, that and the fact that he's never been able to walk away from a woman in distress. An unexpected confidant, Logan reminds Athena of her roots, and in turn, she begins to question everything she’s worked for. But can love win out over the temptation of redemption, when her old life comes calling?
244 pages, Paperback
First published January 18, 2019
845 people are currently reading
509 people want to read
About the author
Kait Nolan
153 books1,362 followersKait 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 168 reviews
January 5, 2019
I have come to love the books by this talented author, and this one proved my point. Though I have not read the previous stories in this series, I had no problems with it since it’s definitely a stand alone.
The story centers around Athena Reynolds and Logan Maxwell. Athena now a chef with a Michelin star and part owner of a Chicago restaurant, is one of the girls that were sent to the foster home of now deceased Joan. The home that is now an Inn and owned by other “sisters” that also with Joan when they were young.
Logan, owns an organic farm close to the Inn. These two met and had a fling at a wedding. But Athena went back to Chicago and Logan to his farm.
When things blow up in Chicago, Athena returns “home” much to Logan’s delight but also aware that she is a very complex woman and one he has to treat with care. But will they be able to reach their HEA when life throws them curveballs?
The story is engaging from the start and the characters complex, imperfect and very human. The author also reminds us that our experiences as children do in fact mold us as adults, for better or for worse.
Another winner by Ms. Nolan. I now want to go back and check the previous stories in this series, which I am sure I’ll enjoy just as much.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expresed are solely my own.
The story centers around Athena Reynolds and Logan Maxwell. Athena now a chef with a Michelin star and part owner of a Chicago restaurant, is one of the girls that were sent to the foster home of now deceased Joan. The home that is now an Inn and owned by other “sisters” that also with Joan when they were young.
Logan, owns an organic farm close to the Inn. These two met and had a fling at a wedding. But Athena went back to Chicago and Logan to his farm.
When things blow up in Chicago, Athena returns “home” much to Logan’s delight but also aware that she is a very complex woman and one he has to treat with care. But will they be able to reach their HEA when life throws them curveballs?
The story is engaging from the start and the characters complex, imperfect and very human. The author also reminds us that our experiences as children do in fact mold us as adults, for better or for worse.
Another winner by Ms. Nolan. I now want to go back and check the previous stories in this series, which I am sure I’ll enjoy just as much.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expresed are solely my own.
May 14, 2022
Another solid story by Kait Nolan. No miscommunication, no silly conflict. I love all the side characters and how the couple didn’t fight their relationship.
January 20, 2019
Kaits love stories are always cozy, sexy, and super fun to read. Her characters are likable and always leaves me wanting to read more of her books.
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.
January 19, 2019
ARC for honest review with no compensation 4.5 stars
Stay a Little Longer is book 3 in the Misfit Inn series by Karl Nolan and a great addition to this series!
This story is about Athena Reynolds a world renowned chef, who after catching her boyfriend in a very compromising position in their Michelin Star restaurant in Chicago, she has a meltdown that ends up on you tube..so not good...so she heads back home to Tennessee to figure out what is next for her life...helping her “sisters” in the Misfit Inn and reconnecting with Logan Maxwell her one night stand or leaving again to start over somewhere else...
Logan Maxwell, owner of the up and growing organic farm has feelings for Athena since their one night of passion but knowing she belongs in Chicago at her restaurant he hasn’t pursued her...that is until he runs into her suddenly at the Misfit Inn and wonders why has she returned home?
What happens next is swoon worthy, has secrets, lots of sparks, laughter, tears and rooting for this couple to find their way to a HEA!!
Stay a Little Longer is book 3 in the Misfit Inn series by Karl Nolan and a great addition to this series!
This story is about Athena Reynolds a world renowned chef, who after catching her boyfriend in a very compromising position in their Michelin Star restaurant in Chicago, she has a meltdown that ends up on you tube..so not good...so she heads back home to Tennessee to figure out what is next for her life...helping her “sisters” in the Misfit Inn and reconnecting with Logan Maxwell her one night stand or leaving again to start over somewhere else...
Logan Maxwell, owner of the up and growing organic farm has feelings for Athena since their one night of passion but knowing she belongs in Chicago at her restaurant he hasn’t pursued her...that is until he runs into her suddenly at the Misfit Inn and wonders why has she returned home?
What happens next is swoon worthy, has secrets, lots of sparks, laughter, tears and rooting for this couple to find their way to a HEA!!
December 13, 2023
The couple: Logan and Athena
Romance trope: one-night stand turns into something more
Series: Misfit Inn
Length: 246 pages
Plot: Logan and Athena had a one-night stand after the wedding of some friends and then started talking long-distance - nothing serious, but maybe they were hoping for more. But their talks tapered off as Athena became busy in her high-powered career as a top chef and she found someone else - someone else incredibly unreliable, as it turns out. She ends up coming home and she and Logan sort of pick up where they left off, except that Athena will have to be brave enough to take what Logan is offering while navigating family issues and her own self-doubt.
Commentary: I liked the plot in this one but I'm not a huge fan of the extra-prickly heroine. I always feel like I want her to calm down a little, realize that not everyone is out to get her. She was a little softer with Logan, but still like a little porcupine, always puffing up (especially in their fight at the end, which while I understood why she was mad, seemed more like her fault to me).
Tiny crossover with the couple from Chef Sugarlips by Tawna Fenske
Previous book in the series: Those Sweet Words
Next book in the series: Bring it on Home
Romance trope: one-night stand turns into something more
Series: Misfit Inn
Length: 246 pages
Plot: Logan and Athena had a one-night stand after the wedding of some friends and then started talking long-distance - nothing serious, but maybe they were hoping for more. But their talks tapered off as Athena became busy in her high-powered career as a top chef and she found someone else - someone else incredibly unreliable, as it turns out. She ends up coming home and she and Logan sort of pick up where they left off, except that Athena will have to be brave enough to take what Logan is offering while navigating family issues and her own self-doubt.
Commentary: I liked the plot in this one but I'm not a huge fan of the extra-prickly heroine. I always feel like I want her to calm down a little, realize that not everyone is out to get her. She was a little softer with Logan, but still like a little porcupine, always puffing up (especially in their fight at the end, which while I understood why she was mad, seemed more like her fault to me).
Tiny crossover with the couple from Chef Sugarlips by Tawna Fenske
Previous book in the series: Those Sweet Words
Next book in the series: Bring it on Home
October 1, 2019
Most of the time we want the inevitable running after the unseen. Nolan provides us the insight of the walls and doors in place around the heart of Athena.
Great introduction into the men and the Reynolds sisters
Great introduction into the men and the Reynolds sisters
in-collection-boxset
November 2, 202111/02/21 currently free in Just a Taste
boxset
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09J1KYPPF/
boxsethttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B09J1KYPPF/
March 5, 2021
Book 3 in the misfit inn series!!!!
I loved this series and the more i read about all these characters the more i love them cant wait to read more :)
I loved this series and the more i read about all these characters the more i love them cant wait to read more :)
April 18, 2021
4.5 stars
May 27, 2022
Loved this book, Athena had a tough journey but logan was just what she needed patient and loving. He also took the time to believe in who she truly was and helped her discover what she really wanted.
June 29, 2024
Audio-this book is my favorite. Logan is perfection and perfect for Althea.
January 18, 2019
Athena and Logan finally get their story and it doesn't disappoint! And of course I was thrilled that she came back to her "misfit" family. My favorite characters fro the series all made an appearance and while this can be read as a standalone, it will make more sense to read the series in order (plus they are all wonderful!) I can't wait for the next in the series!
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.
July 30, 2019
This is the 3rd and most current book in Kait Nolan’s Misfit Inn series detailing the lives and romance of the four Reynolds sisters of Eden Ridge Tennessee. If your interested the 4th and I assume final book (unless she does one for Ari) is due this Fall. This book features the story of Athena and Logan. I’ve been excited to start this book because truth be told my first Nolan book was What I Like About You which begins at Logan and Athena’s wedding. I liked this book well enough to want to back and read their story as well as the other family members of their bridal party.
. What we already know about Athena from the previous two books is that she is very tightly wound, quick to anger and has an acerbic tongue. Athena is a Michelin starred chef running her restaurant in Chicago when the book opens. It’s pretty much her restaurant in name only because even though the ideas and the menu are hers, she’s really only a minority owner. She’s secretly dating the majority owner and business manager Jayson. It is immediately obvious that what Athena loves is to cook and that she’s frustrated with all the hobknobbing with investors and food critics her job requires. When her sous chef and best friend goes missing during the middle of the Friday night dinner rush Athena goes to check on her to see if she’s alright. What she discovers is her lover and her BFF banging on his desk. Devastated that two people she had come to trust had betrayed her she gets into a violent confrontation with Jayson and then quits and walks out. She returns home to Eden Ridge to regroup but lies to her sisters and tells them the restaurant is under remodeling and she’s taking a break. Things go from bad to worse when a video of her going ballistic on her ex-lover goes viral and then the restaurant loses it’s Michelin star further tarnishing her professional reputation. None of this bodes well for Athena landing a new job as a head chef at a prestigious restaurant. Athena needs a big paycheck because besides supporting herself she’s paying for her father to stay at a high end healthcare facility because of something that happened to him when she was a little girl, that caused her to go into the foster care system. I’ll say right here that there is a component to this story that I don’t understand. A big part of Athena’s issue is her failure to trust because a teacher sent her to see a guidance counselor when she continually appears exhausted at school. After hearing of Athena’s home life the counselor notifies social services which places Athena in what was supposed to be temporary custody in a foster home run by Joan Reynolds her eventual adoptive mother. IMHO the teacher, school counselor and social services did exactly what they should do in that situation. Further, unlike her sisters, Athena went directly to the caring home of Joan Reynolds so she never had a bad experience with the foster care system. It would seem to me that now in her mid-twenties Athena would accept that reality and rather than being mistrusting and resentful of therapists and counselors etc. Also, since this series is based upon the lives of four young women and a teenager Ari, who were foster children before their foster mother adopted them, much is made of how foster children resent how helpless they feel over having no control over decisions impacting their lives. But in reality, what child is given control over major life decisions even when they live with their parents? Okay, so Athena is back home in Eden’s Ridge trying to put her life back together while living at the Inn that she and her sisters own.
Enter organic farmer Logan Maxwell. We’ve met Logan briefly in other stories. We know he is best friends with Xander, Athena’s sister Kennedy’s husband. We know that he and Athena hooked up for one night at Xander and Kennedy’s wedding. We learn that for a brief time until Athena started dating her former boss he had kept in phone contact with her. We know that he thought the sex he had with Athena was the best sex of his life and he’s thought about her often since that night. We learn that before becoming an organic farmer he’d been in his final year of graduate school studying to be a psychologist. We learn that he used all of his trust fund to purchase and invest in his organic farm the running of which consumes all of his time and energy.
Can an organic farmer and a classically trained chef trying to find a way to redeem her reputation find their happily ever after? Well this is a contemporary romance story so of course they can! And I found it a very entertaining story as to just how it all happens. Also, just as in Pru and Flynn’s story it’s Kennedy and Ari that save the day.
I’ve got one more comment about this story which won’t matter to those who haven’t read the first book in the series When You’ve Got a Good Thing, Kennedy and Xander’s story (and no, still don’t get how the title relates to the story?). In that book Kennedy is soundly berated by Athena more than anyone for abandoning her family and traipsing around the world for ten years. Yet, in this book we learn that Athena even before she started her restaurant Olympia in Chicago spent years developing her culinary skills working in different restaurants with some of the great chefs of Europe, even working in one in Italy with Kennedy for a while before attending the world’s most prestigious cooking school in France. So, I’m at a loss to understand how she felt in any position to justify criticizing Kennedy for not being around when she was hardly around anymore than Kennedy? Just thinking out loud.
. What we already know about Athena from the previous two books is that she is very tightly wound, quick to anger and has an acerbic tongue. Athena is a Michelin starred chef running her restaurant in Chicago when the book opens. It’s pretty much her restaurant in name only because even though the ideas and the menu are hers, she’s really only a minority owner. She’s secretly dating the majority owner and business manager Jayson. It is immediately obvious that what Athena loves is to cook and that she’s frustrated with all the hobknobbing with investors and food critics her job requires. When her sous chef and best friend goes missing during the middle of the Friday night dinner rush Athena goes to check on her to see if she’s alright. What she discovers is her lover and her BFF banging on his desk. Devastated that two people she had come to trust had betrayed her she gets into a violent confrontation with Jayson and then quits and walks out. She returns home to Eden Ridge to regroup but lies to her sisters and tells them the restaurant is under remodeling and she’s taking a break. Things go from bad to worse when a video of her going ballistic on her ex-lover goes viral and then the restaurant loses it’s Michelin star further tarnishing her professional reputation. None of this bodes well for Athena landing a new job as a head chef at a prestigious restaurant. Athena needs a big paycheck because besides supporting herself she’s paying for her father to stay at a high end healthcare facility because of something that happened to him when she was a little girl, that caused her to go into the foster care system. I’ll say right here that there is a component to this story that I don’t understand. A big part of Athena’s issue is her failure to trust because a teacher sent her to see a guidance counselor when she continually appears exhausted at school. After hearing of Athena’s home life the counselor notifies social services which places Athena in what was supposed to be temporary custody in a foster home run by Joan Reynolds her eventual adoptive mother. IMHO the teacher, school counselor and social services did exactly what they should do in that situation. Further, unlike her sisters, Athena went directly to the caring home of Joan Reynolds so she never had a bad experience with the foster care system. It would seem to me that now in her mid-twenties Athena would accept that reality and rather than being mistrusting and resentful of therapists and counselors etc. Also, since this series is based upon the lives of four young women and a teenager Ari, who were foster children before their foster mother adopted them, much is made of how foster children resent how helpless they feel over having no control over decisions impacting their lives. But in reality, what child is given control over major life decisions even when they live with their parents? Okay, so Athena is back home in Eden’s Ridge trying to put her life back together while living at the Inn that she and her sisters own.
Enter organic farmer Logan Maxwell. We’ve met Logan briefly in other stories. We know he is best friends with Xander, Athena’s sister Kennedy’s husband. We know that he and Athena hooked up for one night at Xander and Kennedy’s wedding. We learn that for a brief time until Athena started dating her former boss he had kept in phone contact with her. We know that he thought the sex he had with Athena was the best sex of his life and he’s thought about her often since that night. We learn that before becoming an organic farmer he’d been in his final year of graduate school studying to be a psychologist. We learn that he used all of his trust fund to purchase and invest in his organic farm the running of which consumes all of his time and energy.
Can an organic farmer and a classically trained chef trying to find a way to redeem her reputation find their happily ever after? Well this is a contemporary romance story so of course they can! And I found it a very entertaining story as to just how it all happens. Also, just as in Pru and Flynn’s story it’s Kennedy and Ari that save the day.
I’ve got one more comment about this story which won’t matter to those who haven’t read the first book in the series When You’ve Got a Good Thing, Kennedy and Xander’s story (and no, still don’t get how the title relates to the story?). In that book Kennedy is soundly berated by Athena more than anyone for abandoning her family and traipsing around the world for ten years. Yet, in this book we learn that Athena even before she started her restaurant Olympia in Chicago spent years developing her culinary skills working in different restaurants with some of the great chefs of Europe, even working in one in Italy with Kennedy for a while before attending the world’s most prestigious cooking school in France. So, I’m at a loss to understand how she felt in any position to justify criticizing Kennedy for not being around when she was hardly around anymore than Kennedy? Just thinking out loud.
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December 29, 2020Available in eBook, print and audio: https://books2read.com/staylonger
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January 15, 2019
Marshmallow encased in cast Iron -- This one just melted my heart!
Kait Nolan's The Misfit Inn series is special. Each book I've read in this series so far touches my heart in a new way, but at it's core, this is a series about family--and how family isn't necessarily something you're born into, but that it can be something you become a part of, or that you create or grow on your own. Each book in the series (so far, but I have hopes it will extend beyond this once the sisters get their due) focuses on a different sister of the four sisters that became sisters when they were brought together by a very special foster mom, Joan. In Stay a Little Longer, we are getting Athena's story. Athena is a famous chef, with a restaurant in Chicago, far away from the Misfit Inn her sisters Pru and Kennedy and their husbands are running back in Eden Ridge, Tennessee. We've met Athena in the first two books, and to be honest, I wasn't her biggest fan. She came across a bit mean, and I wasn't sure I believed she even had a soft side. There were a couple of glimpses that maybe....but I wasn't convinced. One of Kait Nolan's biggest strengths, though, is her character development. All her characters are unique, especially in this series, and Nolan is very good at helping you get to know them, warts and all. In this book, Nolan uses our "Farmer Boy" hero, Logan to help us get to know Athena, which I found a very clever approach. Logan sees a side of Athena that her sisters don't often see, and as a result, we the readers get to see that side of Athena as Logan pushes past her carefully constructed fortress walls. Logan sees what not everyone else sees...that Athena is constant on guard, protecting herself from everything and everyone in an effort to avoid pain. I really enjoyed this book--but don't read it while you're hungry. I seriously ended up getting out a cookbook and planning a terrific meal for tomorrow as a result of reading this book! There is some humor here, and some VERY sexy times...but for me the best parts of the book are the real people, with real challenges finding their way through their difficulties and learning how to relate to each other and to others. Athena is a difficult woman...but by the end of this book, I really respected her and admired her strength. I couldn't put the book down until I got to the end, because I just could not leave Athena in the mess she was in! Kait Nolan is an automatic "buy" for me, and I reread all her books as comfort food, and am happy to report that this is another one bound for my "favorites" shelf. I highly recommend this book!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout in exchange for an honest review; I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Kait Nolan's The Misfit Inn series is special. Each book I've read in this series so far touches my heart in a new way, but at it's core, this is a series about family--and how family isn't necessarily something you're born into, but that it can be something you become a part of, or that you create or grow on your own. Each book in the series (so far, but I have hopes it will extend beyond this once the sisters get their due) focuses on a different sister of the four sisters that became sisters when they were brought together by a very special foster mom, Joan. In Stay a Little Longer, we are getting Athena's story. Athena is a famous chef, with a restaurant in Chicago, far away from the Misfit Inn her sisters Pru and Kennedy and their husbands are running back in Eden Ridge, Tennessee. We've met Athena in the first two books, and to be honest, I wasn't her biggest fan. She came across a bit mean, and I wasn't sure I believed she even had a soft side. There were a couple of glimpses that maybe....but I wasn't convinced. One of Kait Nolan's biggest strengths, though, is her character development. All her characters are unique, especially in this series, and Nolan is very good at helping you get to know them, warts and all. In this book, Nolan uses our "Farmer Boy" hero, Logan to help us get to know Athena, which I found a very clever approach. Logan sees a side of Athena that her sisters don't often see, and as a result, we the readers get to see that side of Athena as Logan pushes past her carefully constructed fortress walls. Logan sees what not everyone else sees...that Athena is constant on guard, protecting herself from everything and everyone in an effort to avoid pain. I really enjoyed this book--but don't read it while you're hungry. I seriously ended up getting out a cookbook and planning a terrific meal for tomorrow as a result of reading this book! There is some humor here, and some VERY sexy times...but for me the best parts of the book are the real people, with real challenges finding their way through their difficulties and learning how to relate to each other and to others. Athena is a difficult woman...but by the end of this book, I really respected her and admired her strength. I couldn't put the book down until I got to the end, because I just could not leave Athena in the mess she was in! Kait Nolan is an automatic "buy" for me, and I reread all her books as comfort food, and am happy to report that this is another one bound for my "favorites" shelf. I highly recommend this book!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout in exchange for an honest review; I am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 18, 2019
I've read a few of Kait Nolan's books in the last year, and I think this one might be the best of those. Hot-tempered Athena Reynolds is a professional, Michelin star holding chef. She's poured her heart, sweat, and money into her restaurant in Chicago. Then, her partner, in both the business and life, is caught in the act with one of Athena's staff, right in the middle of an night's restaurant service. Athena loses it and walks away from the relationship and the restaurant. She returns home to her family in Tennessee, where she's met with open arms and consolation. She soon crosses paths (again) with the handsome farmer who now owns the farm she grew up on. Of course, sparks fly.
Beyond the yummy romance in this book, there's a true story of an accomplished woman fighting to overcome all the hardships life has brought her way. She definitely has a temper, and isn't afraid to use it. But Logan, the farmer, has a calming effect on her; he helps her focus and figure out her options. It was a joy to watch how Athena evolved, how she made attempts at new things, how she came to understand herself better and determine the direction she wanted her career to take. It wasn't all smooth sailing, but Athena slowly overcame much of the fear and anxiety she'd held onto since she was a teenager.
Never fear, this story is hot. There's a real chemistry between Athena and Logan. Logan is quite a guy, hardworking and patient, the perfect pairing for the hot tempered, impatient Athena. It's explosive in a wonderful way. If you enjoy steamy romances that come with a real, honest-to-goodness story, this just might be the book for you.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the author. I thank her for her generosity, and I very much enjoyed reading this book; however, comments in this review express my true and honest reactions to reading this book.
Beyond the yummy romance in this book, there's a true story of an accomplished woman fighting to overcome all the hardships life has brought her way. She definitely has a temper, and isn't afraid to use it. But Logan, the farmer, has a calming effect on her; he helps her focus and figure out her options. It was a joy to watch how Athena evolved, how she made attempts at new things, how she came to understand herself better and determine the direction she wanted her career to take. It wasn't all smooth sailing, but Athena slowly overcame much of the fear and anxiety she'd held onto since she was a teenager.
Never fear, this story is hot. There's a real chemistry between Athena and Logan. Logan is quite a guy, hardworking and patient, the perfect pairing for the hot tempered, impatient Athena. It's explosive in a wonderful way. If you enjoy steamy romances that come with a real, honest-to-goodness story, this just might be the book for you.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the author. I thank her for her generosity, and I very much enjoyed reading this book; however, comments in this review express my true and honest reactions to reading this book.
January 19, 2019
This may have been my favorite Kait Nolan book to date! (I might say that about all of her books, but I really mean it this time.)
Athena is one of the "foster sisters" who came to live with Joan (their mother) when she was a young girl. We meet her in the first book of the series "When You Got a Good Thing". She also makes an appearance in the second book, "Those Sweet Words." In both books, I found her to be cold, distant, and really unlikable. Kait does a wonderful job of peeling away the many layers of Athena's life and subsequent personality which allows the reader to discover the reasons for her hard shell.
Logan Maxwell is the best friend of Athena's brother-in-law. He and Athena hooked up one night during her sister's wedding. Logan can't get that night out of his head, even though Athena has gone back to Chicago to work as a chef in her restaurant. He also knows that she now has a boyfriend. Even though that night stays in his thoughts, Logan has moved and becomes a successful farmer. When he discovers that Athena has moved back home, he's not sure what to think.
I loved their connection! Logan understand Athena in ways that her sisters do not. He knows when to do be patient and when to push. Her family even calls him, "the Athena Whisperer"! These two are perfect for each other - something Ari, Athena's teenage niece, seems to know right from the get go. She adds a lot of humor and fun to the story.
Without giving anything away, Kait did an incredible job in bringing their connection around full circle. I found myself reading this part of the story several times because I loved the way she linked their lives together.
Whether or not you have read one of Kait Nolan's books, this is a must read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Athena is one of the "foster sisters" who came to live with Joan (their mother) when she was a young girl. We meet her in the first book of the series "When You Got a Good Thing". She also makes an appearance in the second book, "Those Sweet Words." In both books, I found her to be cold, distant, and really unlikable. Kait does a wonderful job of peeling away the many layers of Athena's life and subsequent personality which allows the reader to discover the reasons for her hard shell.
Logan Maxwell is the best friend of Athena's brother-in-law. He and Athena hooked up one night during her sister's wedding. Logan can't get that night out of his head, even though Athena has gone back to Chicago to work as a chef in her restaurant. He also knows that she now has a boyfriend. Even though that night stays in his thoughts, Logan has moved and becomes a successful farmer. When he discovers that Athena has moved back home, he's not sure what to think.
I loved their connection! Logan understand Athena in ways that her sisters do not. He knows when to do be patient and when to push. Her family even calls him, "the Athena Whisperer"! These two are perfect for each other - something Ari, Athena's teenage niece, seems to know right from the get go. She adds a lot of humor and fun to the story.
Without giving anything away, Kait did an incredible job in bringing their connection around full circle. I found myself reading this part of the story several times because I loved the way she linked their lives together.
Whether or not you have read one of Kait Nolan's books, this is a must read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 4, 2019
I've enjoyed reading The Misfit In series so much. Athena has always been the loner of the group. Sure she & her sisters are banded together against the world, but she pretty much deals with things on her own. Went things blow up at her restaurant Athena heads back home to get herself together and figure out her next move. She just doesn't count on Logan, her wedding fling, featuring into everything quite like he does. She decides to make the most of having him around. Athena just doesn't know that Logan is planning on a more permanent situation. She feels comfortable enough to share her feelings with him. He becomes her safe zone in the center of her personal storm. Everything seems to be going so well for them until Athena makes a choice that scares Logan. He then says things he probably shouldn't and never gave her a chance to speak first. In the end the ending is even better than it would've been because everyone bans together once again. Athena wins. Logan wins. The story comes to a brilliant conclusion.
This book was one I had very patiently waited for. And boy was I glad I did! There were a couple sizzling bedroom scenes. But for the most part it was just darn good storytelling! Kait Nolan is in her zone with the small town romances and it shows in each book she writes. She's got the tight community down. Her characters are always so real it's almost like I know them personally. You can't help but cheer them on through everything. The only thing that got me a little down was when I realized there's just one sister left...
I received an ARC of this book. I have chosen to leave my review in support of the book and author. All views expressed are my own.
This book was one I had very patiently waited for. And boy was I glad I did! There were a couple sizzling bedroom scenes. But for the most part it was just darn good storytelling! Kait Nolan is in her zone with the small town romances and it shows in each book she writes. She's got the tight community down. Her characters are always so real it's almost like I know them personally. You can't help but cheer them on through everything. The only thing that got me a little down was when I realized there's just one sister left...
I received an ARC of this book. I have chosen to leave my review in support of the book and author. All views expressed are my own.
January 18, 2019
Stay a Little Longer is the third book in the Misfit Inn series. Athena has watched her relationship, her career, and her dreams crash into flames. Heading home to lick her wounds, she runs into Logan, a man she surprisingly feels like she can trust, and she reluctantly allows his comfort, support, strength, and passion into her life. But when she’s offered a chance to redeem herself, will she pick her career or a chance at love and home?
Oh my, this book was amazing and I absolutely loved Athena and Logan! Athena has this hard and almost mean exterior that shielded her heart from everything, including getting too close to family, friends, and her sisters. I absolutely loved that Logan was able to see through that shield, to let Athena be the woman that she needed to be, the vent her emotions safely, and he was patient enough to let her come to him. I loved their relationship, too, because as they got closer, Athena was a little scared while Logan just wanted more, and there was so much going on within Athena with her past hurts and betrayals, Logan just had to hang on sometimes. I loved watching the sisters band together to help fight and plan and even though everyone was from a crazy past, they’ve always been there for each other! This book was filled with a lot of emotions, a lot of growing respect and love, and enough unknown of their future that you just had to keep reading to find out more! This is an amazing series and I absolutely loved this addition!
Oh my, this book was amazing and I absolutely loved Athena and Logan! Athena has this hard and almost mean exterior that shielded her heart from everything, including getting too close to family, friends, and her sisters. I absolutely loved that Logan was able to see through that shield, to let Athena be the woman that she needed to be, the vent her emotions safely, and he was patient enough to let her come to him. I loved their relationship, too, because as they got closer, Athena was a little scared while Logan just wanted more, and there was so much going on within Athena with her past hurts and betrayals, Logan just had to hang on sometimes. I loved watching the sisters band together to help fight and plan and even though everyone was from a crazy past, they’ve always been there for each other! This book was filled with a lot of emotions, a lot of growing respect and love, and enough unknown of their future that you just had to keep reading to find out more! This is an amazing series and I absolutely loved this addition!
July 8, 2023
Farm Boy meets Bad-Ass Chef
Misfit's Inn Book 3 was just as good as all the rest of the series.
The idea of opening a restaurant at the inn, bringing Athena in as part of the family was something Athena thought was a good idea, but would take time and a lot of money. She would table this idea for the time being.
She could teach farm-to-table concepts to a larger audience without dealing with them directly. Ari and Kennedy are a pair of nosy, interfering busybodies - but geniuses.
- Filming in Progress -
With the help of her sisters, Athena managed to carve out her niche for herself doing exactly what she wanted - highlighting the farm-to-table cooking she was so passionate about.
The Misfit Kitchen web site and the accompanying food blog had been a runaway success along with her cookbook deal. Athena had buried that virtual video in good press and earned back her good name her way.
Maxwell Organics had grown by leaps and bounds. With Athena by Logan's side, they had become quite a pair.
Now Athena was coming home to the place where she grew up, a place she had been taken away from when she was twelve years old. This was a dream she had given up long, long ago. She was marrying Logan and they would live on her childhood farm and make it a home with Logan.
I hope you enjoyed this series and may I suggest you read all of Kait's book. You won't be disappointed. Happy reading!
Misfit's Inn Book 3 was just as good as all the rest of the series.
The idea of opening a restaurant at the inn, bringing Athena in as part of the family was something Athena thought was a good idea, but would take time and a lot of money. She would table this idea for the time being.
She could teach farm-to-table concepts to a larger audience without dealing with them directly. Ari and Kennedy are a pair of nosy, interfering busybodies - but geniuses.
- Filming in Progress -
With the help of her sisters, Athena managed to carve out her niche for herself doing exactly what she wanted - highlighting the farm-to-table cooking she was so passionate about.
The Misfit Kitchen web site and the accompanying food blog had been a runaway success along with her cookbook deal. Athena had buried that virtual video in good press and earned back her good name her way.
Maxwell Organics had grown by leaps and bounds. With Athena by Logan's side, they had become quite a pair.
Now Athena was coming home to the place where she grew up, a place she had been taken away from when she was twelve years old. This was a dream she had given up long, long ago. She was marrying Logan and they would live on her childhood farm and make it a home with Logan.
I hope you enjoyed this series and may I suggest you read all of Kait's book. You won't be disappointed. Happy reading!
May 4, 2024
Finding your way
This story had the perfect balance of humor, heartwarming love, real life issues, and spice. I loved how Athena’s prickly parts fit perfectly into Logan’s smooth edges and the way he gently, lovingly, and beautifully helped her come out of her self-imposed prison of control and begin to embrace what really fed her soul. Athena is a Michelin star chef whose business partner/boyfriend cheated on her with her best friend/sous chef. The fall out resulted in her selling her shares in her restaurant and an unflattering video going viral. So she’s come home to small town Eden’s Ridge to her family’s B&B to figure out what’s next. Logan runs an organic farm in Eden’s Ridge. He is content to work hard and believes in the magic he creates on his land. He and Athena are friends who had one spicy encounter almost a year ago. Now that Athena is back and they begin spending more time together, the attraction, chemistry and feelings deepen but there is baggage unpacking, inner voice finding, and life course correction that needs to be done to get to their HEA. This heartwarming romance was well written and included engaging dialogue, three dimensional characters who grow, and a captivating storyline and included sweet moments, spice, chuckles, supportive friends, messy families, painful pasts, and love. I’m looking forward to reading the last book in this series.
This story had the perfect balance of humor, heartwarming love, real life issues, and spice. I loved how Athena’s prickly parts fit perfectly into Logan’s smooth edges and the way he gently, lovingly, and beautifully helped her come out of her self-imposed prison of control and begin to embrace what really fed her soul. Athena is a Michelin star chef whose business partner/boyfriend cheated on her with her best friend/sous chef. The fall out resulted in her selling her shares in her restaurant and an unflattering video going viral. So she’s come home to small town Eden’s Ridge to her family’s B&B to figure out what’s next. Logan runs an organic farm in Eden’s Ridge. He is content to work hard and believes in the magic he creates on his land. He and Athena are friends who had one spicy encounter almost a year ago. Now that Athena is back and they begin spending more time together, the attraction, chemistry and feelings deepen but there is baggage unpacking, inner voice finding, and life course correction that needs to be done to get to their HEA. This heartwarming romance was well written and included engaging dialogue, three dimensional characters who grow, and a captivating storyline and included sweet moments, spice, chuckles, supportive friends, messy families, painful pasts, and love. I’m looking forward to reading the last book in this series.
January 13, 2019
This book could be read stand-alone, but I would highly recommend reading this as part of the Misfit Inn series, as you will get so much more from the characters, relationships and backstory.
It was great to get to know Athena so well, after meeting her in previous book as the highly strung and slightly emotionally distant sister in previous books. Understanding her past, her experiences and challenges, you can then understand her reactions and her guarded heart.
When Athena returns to Tennessee and the Misfit Inn, she also returns to Logan her wedding fling from a year ago, and as well as being a fabulously deep and well rounded character, he is also an ideal man (one I daydream of often!). I really appreciate the well crafted storylines, no insta-love unbelievable connections, but true depth, real life interactions and building a relationship on a strong foundation - one that will therefore weather whatever life throws at them.
This was an incredibly well written book and the depth of characters, as well as the joyful storytelling, is what brings me back to this series and Kait Nolan’s other series time and time again.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book, and am proud and honoured to be part of Kait Nolan’s ‘Squee Squad’ and to feel even tangentially involved in the creation of her beautiful little slices of Southern life, family and community.
It was great to get to know Athena so well, after meeting her in previous book as the highly strung and slightly emotionally distant sister in previous books. Understanding her past, her experiences and challenges, you can then understand her reactions and her guarded heart.
When Athena returns to Tennessee and the Misfit Inn, she also returns to Logan her wedding fling from a year ago, and as well as being a fabulously deep and well rounded character, he is also an ideal man (one I daydream of often!). I really appreciate the well crafted storylines, no insta-love unbelievable connections, but true depth, real life interactions and building a relationship on a strong foundation - one that will therefore weather whatever life throws at them.
This was an incredibly well written book and the depth of characters, as well as the joyful storytelling, is what brings me back to this series and Kait Nolan’s other series time and time again.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book, and am proud and honoured to be part of Kait Nolan’s ‘Squee Squad’ and to feel even tangentially involved in the creation of her beautiful little slices of Southern life, family and community.
January 18, 2019
Rcvd an advanced reader copy from the author for giving my two cents. We met Athena in previous stories, who is a world renowned Michelin chef and is part owner of a high scale restaurant in Chicago...until she catches her bf and sous chef in his office. An outburst in the kitchen was the last straw that broke the camels back...Athena quit. We meet Logan, organic farmer, and Athenas wedding nookie from last year and he still thinks about her and is shocked to see she is at the Midfit Inn. Logan feels this his chance to get to know the real athena. Athena is home...with her tail btn her legs...but hasn't told anyone anything except the restaurant is having renos. When she receives bad news...she drowns in sorrow in drinking and then calling Logan and on top of that..she tells him everything. Logan wants to be there for her but its hard when she has serious roadblocks up. Athena is defeated and has no choice but to tell her family. Logan suggests a way for her to make some extra cash but wonders if it will help soothe the beast so to speak. But when an opportunity knocks, will Athena run towards it or will she put her happiness ahead of her bruised ego?
January 19, 2019
There are so many - too many to list them all! - things that I loved about Athena and Logan's story! I devoured it in one sitting, and then went back for a slower, second read to get my thoughts in order for a review.
Athena - her name alone tells you she is a strong woman and, when you read where she came from, that strength shines through in her character. She's fiery, passionate and so very proud but Logan comes along and smooths all her rough edges perfectly.
Logan - a sexy farmer with a weakness for a damsel in distress, and also a man who knows what he wants and is not afraid to go after it! *swoon*
Their chemistry is palpable and the love that grows between them is just beautiful.
Once again Kait Nolan has captured the essence of small town living and given the reader a true sense of family by exploring the relationship between the sisters of the Misfit Inn while they find their true loves. While interconnected, each one can definitely be read as a standalone and I highly recommend this book, as well as the others in the quartet.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Athena - her name alone tells you she is a strong woman and, when you read where she came from, that strength shines through in her character. She's fiery, passionate and so very proud but Logan comes along and smooths all her rough edges perfectly.
Logan - a sexy farmer with a weakness for a damsel in distress, and also a man who knows what he wants and is not afraid to go after it! *swoon*
Their chemistry is palpable and the love that grows between them is just beautiful.
Once again Kait Nolan has captured the essence of small town living and given the reader a true sense of family by exploring the relationship between the sisters of the Misfit Inn while they find their true loves. While interconnected, each one can definitely be read as a standalone and I highly recommend this book, as well as the others in the quartet.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 20, 2019
Stay A Little Longer joyfully returns us to the ever eventful Misfit Inn where Jo's foster kids who are now adopted siblings continue to forge ahead in life. Each sibling has a challenging past which influences their current path in life. In this story we learn more about Athena who has tried to escape her small-town past and has become incredibly successful as a Michelin Star chef but finds herself returning home to the safety and security of family after a disturbing upset of betrayal. Things seem to go from bad to worse when Athena encounters "farmer boy" Logan who now owns her family farm but Logan reaches Athena in ways few ever have. This story explores the joys of cooking, farm-to-table and organic farming, and the beauty of family. I so love each of these stories in the Misfit Inn series and while they are each standalones they are so worth every bit to bond with this beautiful clan! Such a pleasure splurge!
-- I received an advance complimentary copy of this book and am delighted to offer this review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
-- I received an advance complimentary copy of this book and am delighted to offer this review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 15, 2023
I should start this edited review with a bit of a funny, I guess, story. I actually thought I had downloaded another one of the books in this series that I had already read. I had assumed I had read it in an anthology and this time it was coming up for free on its own so I picked it up. And marked it as read and then was surprised when I didn't have a review for it already. Because even if I read something in an anthology, I do a review of the standalone version of it. So I quickly dashed off a very brief review. Then maybe a half day later for some reason I decided to go back and I realized it was the one book in the series I hadn't read yet. The one I have been putting off as Athena has always not resonated with me and I didn't want to read her story. But now I had it. And I was an idiot to wait so long to read it. Of course, It's a wonderful story. Of course, there's more to Athena than meets the eye and you need to hear about her not from the people who love her but don't always understand her but from herself and someone who does understand her. So I'm really glad that I had the opportunity to read this book as it's a really great piece of this series. Although Maggie and Porter's is still my favorite.
January 6, 2019
Chef Athena Reynolds had worked hard to achieve her place in the culinary world. Her Chicago restaurant was her glory and tied to her identity. In one night she lost it all..her boyfriend, her restaurant and the Michelin star. She has a responsibility to the care of her disabled father and must figure out a way to provide for his continued care. Off to Edens Ridge, to the comfort of her family and Misfit Inn, she began the journey to redefine herself.
Logan Maxwell is a farmer. He has worked hard to create a sustainable farm with organic roots. He is working to develop relationships with restaurants wanting fresh produce.
As Athena finally begins to recover and share with her sisters what actually happened, the family and Logan provide suggestions on how to move ahead.
Kait Nolan is a masterful story teller who provides twists and turns that lead to the Happy Ever After for Athena and Logan.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Logan Maxwell is a farmer. He has worked hard to create a sustainable farm with organic roots. He is working to develop relationships with restaurants wanting fresh produce.
As Athena finally begins to recover and share with her sisters what actually happened, the family and Logan provide suggestions on how to move ahead.
Kait Nolan is a masterful story teller who provides twists and turns that lead to the Happy Ever After for Athena and Logan.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 15, 2019
As I consider writing this review, I realize that although I adored this book, it wasn't perfect. How can I justify giving it five stars then?
Because it made me laugh. It brought tears to my eyes. I loved Athena and I wanted to shake her, but most of all I BECAME her for a few hours, and the happily-ever-after satisfied me.
Logan is too perfect. We don't learn his dark secrets or find out what really motivates him. Normally, I take something off for that. But...he is exactly who Athena needed. He championed her. He saw beyond her veneer. He is SO MUCH like my husband that I wonder, can PERFECT truly be all bad?
My love for this story surprises me because I detest the "catches him with another woman" trope. Despise it. Almost as much as I can't stand love triangles. It's overdone. Can't anything else be the catalyst?
But Athena's ache came from losing her mother. Just like it did for the other two sisters in this series. And I can hardly wait to find out how the fourth sister gets her happy ending.
Grab this book. Your romantic heart won't regret it.
Because it made me laugh. It brought tears to my eyes. I loved Athena and I wanted to shake her, but most of all I BECAME her for a few hours, and the happily-ever-after satisfied me.
Logan is too perfect. We don't learn his dark secrets or find out what really motivates him. Normally, I take something off for that. But...he is exactly who Athena needed. He championed her. He saw beyond her veneer. He is SO MUCH like my husband that I wonder, can PERFECT truly be all bad?
My love for this story surprises me because I detest the "catches him with another woman" trope. Despise it. Almost as much as I can't stand love triangles. It's overdone. Can't anything else be the catalyst?
But Athena's ache came from losing her mother. Just like it did for the other two sisters in this series. And I can hardly wait to find out how the fourth sister gets her happy ending.
Grab this book. Your romantic heart won't regret it.
January 16, 2019
Athena has left her restaurant returned to Tennessee and the family inn to recover from a betrayal by her boyfriend/partner and her sous chef. What could be worse? A viral video that does not put her in the best light and damages her reputation as a chef. Logan now lives on the farm Athena grew up on. He left college and a career for the simple farm life. The two had a quick encounter the year before at a family wedding. Are they going to be able to work out how to get around all the issues that are facing them? Athena is torn, trying to decide how she is going to make enough money to support herself and her disabled father. She doesn’t think she has time for Logan. She has just gotten out of a bad relationship. But Logan hasn’t been able to forget their encounter the previous year. And he knows his farm should be Athena’s home again. Can these two work things out? Can they find their happily ever after?
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.
June 9, 2025
Kait Nolan can weave a story that tugs at your heartstrings while putting you in the middle of the action. I am loving the Misfit Inn series and these sisters of the heart. Each one is broken is some way and received healing from their foster mom, Joan. They have formed a true family. In this series you meet the men who complete them. The men who are showing them that coming home again is a good thing.
Stay a Little Longer is Athena’s story. She is the prickliest sister, the one no one wants to tangle with. She suddenly shows up at the Misfit Inn with her baggage in tow. Baggage, both literal and emotional. Logan is the one who is happiest to see her return home. He is the only one who truly sees her and all that lies below the surface. They have their bumps and bruises to get over, but you’ll love watching them figure it out. This is the third book in the Misfit Inn series. You do not have to read the others first, but I recommend that you do. Reading these books in order enhances each one. I love this family of misfits!
Stay a Little Longer is Athena’s story. She is the prickliest sister, the one no one wants to tangle with. She suddenly shows up at the Misfit Inn with her baggage in tow. Baggage, both literal and emotional. Logan is the one who is happiest to see her return home. He is the only one who truly sees her and all that lies below the surface. They have their bumps and bruises to get over, but you’ll love watching them figure it out. This is the third book in the Misfit Inn series. You do not have to read the others first, but I recommend that you do. Reading these books in order enhances each one. I love this family of misfits!
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