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Until the Storm Breaks
He's the brooding literary darling who swore he'd never come home. She's the bar owner who can't afford to fall for someone who's leaving. Coming home was his first mistake. Falling for her was his second.
Calvin Midnight arrives in Dark River with one settle his mother's estate and disappear back to Seattle. But the small Washington town he abandoned has other plans—starting with Maren Strand, who owns the Black Lantern bar and lives in the cabin on his family's property.
Maren's built her life on being everyone's safe harbor, pouring drinks and keeping her own heart locked away. Now the Midnight estate might be sold, taking her home with it. She should hate Calvin for what his family could cost her. Instead, she finds herself watching him work shirtless on the porch, bringing him coffee, and forgetting why falling for a temporary neighbor is a terrible idea.
He writes devastating prose about grief but can't speak his own truth. She fixes everyone's problems except her own. Now they're stuck in side-by-side cabins with paper-thin walls, dancing around an attraction that proves that the fiercest storms happen between two hearts afraid to collide.
Until the Storm Breaks is a steamy, slow-burn contemporary romance featuring forced proximity, grumpy/sunshine dynamics, and just enough push-and-pull to make you scream 'kiss already!' First in The Midnight Men series—where every love story leaves a mark.
Kind words from early readers:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I’ll be honest—I was skeptical about a male author writing this kind of romance, but Nate Wilder completely won me over. He actually gets the female perspective without making it feel performative. The emotional beats are genuine, and he writes sexual tension like he understands what women (and men if they’d admit it!) actually want to read.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Okay so I literally could not put this down??? The whole grumpy lit professor meets sunshine bar owner thing usually isn’t my jam but WOW Until the Storm Breaks made it work. And the steam was... ahem (fanning myself to cool off). Anyway, I stayed up way too late reading!”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐“This absolutely wrecked me in the best possible way. One minute I’m giggling at their banter, the next I’m ugly crying into my wine glass. If you need a book that hits every single emotional note, this is it. Until the Storm Breaks was everything.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “New favorite author alert! Nate Wilder better write faster because I NEED more of this. Funny, scorching hot, emotionally satisfying ending that had me bawling and grinning like an idiot. Off to pre-order whatever the hell this man writes next!”
The Midnight Men
Until the Storm Breaks (Book 1)
Until You Say Stay (Book 2)
Until the Stars Fall (Book 3)
Calvin Midnight arrives in Dark River with one settle his mother's estate and disappear back to Seattle. But the small Washington town he abandoned has other plans—starting with Maren Strand, who owns the Black Lantern bar and lives in the cabin on his family's property.
Maren's built her life on being everyone's safe harbor, pouring drinks and keeping her own heart locked away. Now the Midnight estate might be sold, taking her home with it. She should hate Calvin for what his family could cost her. Instead, she finds herself watching him work shirtless on the porch, bringing him coffee, and forgetting why falling for a temporary neighbor is a terrible idea.
He writes devastating prose about grief but can't speak his own truth. She fixes everyone's problems except her own. Now they're stuck in side-by-side cabins with paper-thin walls, dancing around an attraction that proves that the fiercest storms happen between two hearts afraid to collide.
Until the Storm Breaks is a steamy, slow-burn contemporary romance featuring forced proximity, grumpy/sunshine dynamics, and just enough push-and-pull to make you scream 'kiss already!' First in The Midnight Men series—where every love story leaves a mark.
Kind words from early readers:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I’ll be honest—I was skeptical about a male author writing this kind of romance, but Nate Wilder completely won me over. He actually gets the female perspective without making it feel performative. The emotional beats are genuine, and he writes sexual tension like he understands what women (and men if they’d admit it!) actually want to read.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Okay so I literally could not put this down??? The whole grumpy lit professor meets sunshine bar owner thing usually isn’t my jam but WOW Until the Storm Breaks made it work. And the steam was... ahem (fanning myself to cool off). Anyway, I stayed up way too late reading!”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐“This absolutely wrecked me in the best possible way. One minute I’m giggling at their banter, the next I’m ugly crying into my wine glass. If you need a book that hits every single emotional note, this is it. Until the Storm Breaks was everything.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “New favorite author alert! Nate Wilder better write faster because I NEED more of this. Funny, scorching hot, emotionally satisfying ending that had me bawling and grinning like an idiot. Off to pre-order whatever the hell this man writes next!”
The Midnight Men
Until the Storm Breaks (Book 1)
Until You Say Stay (Book 2)
Until the Stars Fall (Book 3)
354 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 23, 2025
498 people are currently reading
700 people want to read
About the author
Nate Wilder
4 books11 followersNate Wilder writes small-town romance—steamy, emotional, and full of the kind of chemistry that keeps you reading past midnight. A former journalist and chef, he's a devoted romance reader who believes the world needs more love, more steam, and more happily-ever-afters. He writes from Washington state, where he is supervised in all matters by his opinionated cat, Nala.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
October 21, 2025
If you love small towns drenched in rain and complicated families - Until the Storm Breaks will gut you in the best way.
This first book in Nate Wilder’s Midnight Men series introduces the five adopted Midnight brothers and the hauntingly beautiful town of Dark River. The story centers on Calvin Midnight, a broody English professor and reluctant literary icon, and Maren Strand, the fiercely loyal woman who cared for his mother through her final years. When Calvin returns home after his mother’s death, grief, guilt, and old wounds collide—especially since he and Maren are now forced to share a cabin and a past that neither can escape.
Calvin is a man trapped between the weight of his fame and the emptiness of his success. Maren, meanwhile, has built a quiet, steady life around loss—owning the local bar, caring for the woman who took her in, and anchoring herself to a town that feels more like family than the Midnight brothers themselves. Their relationship starts with barbed words and old resentments but slowly transforms into something tender and redemptive. The chemistry between them feels raw and lived-in, like two people learning how to breathe again after years of holding it in.
Wilder’s storytelling shines most in the family dynamics—the tension between siblings burdened by guilt, duty, and grief. The contrast between Calvin’s academic world in Seattle and Maren’s grounded, salt-of-the-earth existence adds emotional depth, and the scenes around repairing the storm-damaged home beautifully mirror the slow mending of Calvin’s spirit.
When betrayal, secrets, and the intrusion of Calvin’s past threaten what they’ve built, both characters are forced to confront whether love is enough to weather the storms that follow them. The climactic reunion at the publishing conference—equal parts emotional reckoning and romantic catharsis—had me absolutely rooting for them.
Until the Storm Breaks is a lyrical, deeply emotional love story about finding home in another person—and about the courage it takes to stay once you do. Poetic, tender, and achingly human.
This first book in Nate Wilder’s Midnight Men series introduces the five adopted Midnight brothers and the hauntingly beautiful town of Dark River. The story centers on Calvin Midnight, a broody English professor and reluctant literary icon, and Maren Strand, the fiercely loyal woman who cared for his mother through her final years. When Calvin returns home after his mother’s death, grief, guilt, and old wounds collide—especially since he and Maren are now forced to share a cabin and a past that neither can escape.
Calvin is a man trapped between the weight of his fame and the emptiness of his success. Maren, meanwhile, has built a quiet, steady life around loss—owning the local bar, caring for the woman who took her in, and anchoring herself to a town that feels more like family than the Midnight brothers themselves. Their relationship starts with barbed words and old resentments but slowly transforms into something tender and redemptive. The chemistry between them feels raw and lived-in, like two people learning how to breathe again after years of holding it in.
Wilder’s storytelling shines most in the family dynamics—the tension between siblings burdened by guilt, duty, and grief. The contrast between Calvin’s academic world in Seattle and Maren’s grounded, salt-of-the-earth existence adds emotional depth, and the scenes around repairing the storm-damaged home beautifully mirror the slow mending of Calvin’s spirit.
When betrayal, secrets, and the intrusion of Calvin’s past threaten what they’ve built, both characters are forced to confront whether love is enough to weather the storms that follow them. The climactic reunion at the publishing conference—equal parts emotional reckoning and romantic catharsis—had me absolutely rooting for them.
Until the Storm Breaks is a lyrical, deeply emotional love story about finding home in another person—and about the courage it takes to stay once you do. Poetic, tender, and achingly human.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 9, 2025
This was truly such a beautiful read, which happens when you have two writers as characters and one who focuses on poetry. There were so many beautiful lines that I lost track of the highlights.
This book gave such a beautiful analogy of grief, from so many different angles, and all written in a way that felt so authentically true. The analogy of the storm in the sense of grief is one that I personally use often, so to hear it be used and written in such a poetic way was a special treat.
The only thing that bothered me the most was a reaction that happened around the 85-90% mark in the book on Calvin’s end. I felt like it was just a little unnecessary and overdramatic for what it was at its base. The only reason it didn’t affect my rating on the book was because it was authentic. It was genuine. There is something about the way he reacted that, while overdramatic and not necessary, was real and felt human. I could feel the humanity in it through the pages, because I’m sure in the moment I would have reacted the same way. (Still wasn’t a fan of it though lol!)
This book gave such a beautiful analogy of grief, from so many different angles, and all written in a way that felt so authentically true. The analogy of the storm in the sense of grief is one that I personally use often, so to hear it be used and written in such a poetic way was a special treat.
The only thing that bothered me the most was a reaction that happened around the 85-90% mark in the book on Calvin’s end. I felt like it was just a little unnecessary and overdramatic for what it was at its base. The only reason it didn’t affect my rating on the book was because it was authentic. It was genuine. There is something about the way he reacted that, while overdramatic and not necessary, was real and felt human. I could feel the humanity in it through the pages, because I’m sure in the moment I would have reacted the same way. (Still wasn’t a fan of it though lol!)
November 6, 2025
I liked what this was trying to do. It was a romance novel, yes, but it was also a discussion about grief as well as about influencer culture and parasocial relationships. It’s also written by a man who clearly put effort and thought into writing female desire and cared about challenging stereotypical portrayals of women.
I love all of these ideas, but I feel like none of them were nailed perfectly. Some of it felt forced. I feel like the author tried to do too much at once, and it left the actual romance missing a little something.
But it did make me think! I rarely write reviews but I felt compelled to analyze how I felt about it and write it down.
It was a good debut novel. The story is not making me sit on the edge of my seat for the next one in the series but I like his writing style and the thought put into the work.
I love all of these ideas, but I feel like none of them were nailed perfectly. Some of it felt forced. I feel like the author tried to do too much at once, and it left the actual romance missing a little something.
But it did make me think! I rarely write reviews but I felt compelled to analyze how I felt about it and write it down.
It was a good debut novel. The story is not making me sit on the edge of my seat for the next one in the series but I like his writing style and the thought put into the work.
January 2, 2026
For a romance novel, this was an almost literary kind of read. The characters were interesting, though she really could have skipped a sex scene or two to develop them fully. I like the fact that it was a slow burn kind of thing rather than "Hi. Nice to meet you. Now let's get naked." like so many of them are now.
I didn't give it a 5 only because it felt like the author gave up at the ending, like "Whoops, I hit the word count! Wrap it up!". Again, shorten a sex scene and give me just a bit more conversation or thought spiral.
On the Yes List.
I didn't give it a 5 only because it felt like the author gave up at the ending, like "Whoops, I hit the word count! Wrap it up!". Again, shorten a sex scene and give me just a bit more conversation or thought spiral.
On the Yes List.
November 2, 2025
excellent and beautiful!
This is so beautifully written - I can’t even express it! These characters are so strong, each buried in grief yet somehow finding ways to move on. To weave all this around the liters world is amazing. The special poems are so touching. The family of brothers is really good and I love all the crazy side characters, from Eleanore to Jayson to Lark. Looking forward to reading the next book!
This is so beautifully written - I can’t even express it! These characters are so strong, each buried in grief yet somehow finding ways to move on. To weave all this around the liters world is amazing. The special poems are so touching. The family of brothers is really good and I love all the crazy side characters, from Eleanore to Jayson to Lark. Looking forward to reading the next book!
January 6, 2026
I cried...multiple times.
I really enjoyed this book. It covered deep topics like grief, acceptance, forgiveness and love.
I did find some of the writing a liiiiitttllleee pretentious but overall a really great read. The FMC & MMC are clearly way more mature than I could ever hope to be, in dealing with some of the challenges presented. The cast of characters were beautifully written.
I avoided adult responsibilities to finish it in a few hours.
Spice level: 🌶🌶🌶.5
I really enjoyed this book. It covered deep topics like grief, acceptance, forgiveness and love.
I did find some of the writing a liiiiitttllleee pretentious but overall a really great read. The FMC & MMC are clearly way more mature than I could ever hope to be, in dealing with some of the challenges presented. The cast of characters were beautifully written.
I avoided adult responsibilities to finish it in a few hours.
Spice level: 🌶🌶🌶.5
November 2, 2025
The beginning of a well-written captivating new series by a new-to-me male author. An interesting cast of characters set in a small town setting and includes love, laughter and happily-ever-after . . . even if it hurts sometimes.
Looking forward to the second book in The Midnight Men Series on November 13, 2025.
November 22, 2025
Wonderful love story!
Such a refreshing change - a love (not a lust) story written by a man who doesn't focus just on sex! I loved getting to know the characters and what made them unique. Understably sensitive with a strong message about grief and getting through it. I've already downloaded the next book and can't wait to get started!
Such a refreshing change - a love (not a lust) story written by a man who doesn't focus just on sex! I loved getting to know the characters and what made them unique. Understably sensitive with a strong message about grief and getting through it. I've already downloaded the next book and can't wait to get started!
November 24, 2025
At first I wasn’t sure I would like it. But as I read on I just got better and better. Loved the plot, characters and the original story subject. Intelligent writing and believable story lines. I could do with a little less sex as I sometimes feel it’s just filler. Over all I really enjoyed it. I Will read the next 2 and I hope he keeps writing.
January 4, 2026
I was enjoying this book until 3/4 of the way through it took a hollow and melodramatic turn. The author manufactured relationship drama to give the book its climax, neglecting other aspects of the story that would have better served the purpose i.e. developer / big brother storyline. A shame really - the story had legs, until it didn’t.
January 3, 2026
Loved the story, but hated the ending when he finally pulls his head out of his a** and goes to find her at the convention. Such a massive display of public affection, and just not one that matched or vibed with the character.
January 18, 2026
Great book !!
First time reading Male author ,wasn't sure what to expect. But it held me from the beginning. I am 83 and read daily, usually at least a book a day so I feel I can say Mr Wilder is an exceptional romance writer and I look forward to reading his next book.
First time reading Male author ,wasn't sure what to expect. But it held me from the beginning. I am 83 and read daily, usually at least a book a day so I feel I can say Mr Wilder is an exceptional romance writer and I look forward to reading his next book.
January 19, 2026
4.5 stars. This got me out of my reading funk. It was intelligently and beautifully written with just the right amount of spice. The way it was written... I felt what they felt. So glad I gave this book a chance.
October 26, 2025
So good!
It is so great to read a smart and original story. I thought the characters were so interesting. I can't wait to start on book 2.
It is so great to read a smart and original story. I thought the characters were so interesting. I can't wait to start on book 2.
November 12, 2025
Love it
Awesome book grief of someone dying, love found, love lost, love reclaimed. All with a grumpy man and a sunny woman in a small town romance. What could be better!
Awesome book grief of someone dying, love found, love lost, love reclaimed. All with a grumpy man and a sunny woman in a small town romance. What could be better!
November 22, 2025
Love this book
What a great story with obessesions of death to a love greater than ever imagined. Never be afraid of the storm.
What a great story with obessesions of death to a love greater than ever imagined. Never be afraid of the storm.
January 2, 2026
And she was written by a MAN!? Beautiful..
January 4, 2026
Chose this from an excerpt on social media. It was pretty good, but got draggy towards the end.
January 6, 2026
calvin ruined the 4 stars it was gonna get
January 13, 2026
An intensely captivating, endearing, emotional and heartfelt journey to go on with Calvin and Maren. I enjoyed every single moment of this sweet adventure.
January 14, 2026
Such a good book and a beautiful story
January 15, 2026
Great sweet story.
January 17, 2026
Every conversation felt like it was trying to be something deep and profound. It felt extremely manufactured. And I do not think they had any chemistry.
January 18, 2026
2.75 via audiobook
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews