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Until You Say Stay
He's the reckless Formula One driver with a viral scandal. She's the bartender-musician afraid to take the stage. Fake dating was supposed to be simple. Falling for each other was never part of the deal.
Jack Midnight returns to Dark River with his racing career on the line. One viral scandal has his sponsor doubting him and his future in Formula One slipping away. Lark Reyes bartends at the Black Lantern while building her music career online. She's finally caught a label's attention, but they need proof she can build a massive social media presence before they'll sign her.
When Lark's ex shows up and threatens an awkward scene, Jack intervenes, claiming to be her boyfriend. What starts as a rescue sparks a deal: fake date through summer. His followers boost her music, her presence repairs his reputation. Come September, they walk away clean.
But the more they play the part, the harder it gets to separate performance from reality. He's not supposed to care this much. She's not supposed to let anyone this close. They're lying to the world about their relationship, but the biggest lie might be the one they're telling themselves. And September's approaching like a finish line neither of them wants to cross.
Until You Say Stay is a steamy contemporary romance featuring fake dating, sizzling banter, and the kind of electric chemistry that'll keep you glued to the page—the next addictive installment in The Midnight Men series.
The Midnight Men Series:
Until the Storm Breaks (Book 1)
Until You Stay Say (Book 2)
Until the Stars Fall (Book 3)
Jack Midnight returns to Dark River with his racing career on the line. One viral scandal has his sponsor doubting him and his future in Formula One slipping away. Lark Reyes bartends at the Black Lantern while building her music career online. She's finally caught a label's attention, but they need proof she can build a massive social media presence before they'll sign her.
When Lark's ex shows up and threatens an awkward scene, Jack intervenes, claiming to be her boyfriend. What starts as a rescue sparks a deal: fake date through summer. His followers boost her music, her presence repairs his reputation. Come September, they walk away clean.
But the more they play the part, the harder it gets to separate performance from reality. He's not supposed to care this much. She's not supposed to let anyone this close. They're lying to the world about their relationship, but the biggest lie might be the one they're telling themselves. And September's approaching like a finish line neither of them wants to cross.
Until You Say Stay is a steamy contemporary romance featuring fake dating, sizzling banter, and the kind of electric chemistry that'll keep you glued to the page—the next addictive installment in The Midnight Men series.
The Midnight Men Series:
Until the Storm Breaks (Book 1)
Until You Stay Say (Book 2)
Until the Stars Fall (Book 3)
406 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 13, 2025
296 people are currently reading
287 people want to read
About the author
Nate Wilder
6 books28 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 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 9, 2026
I’m disappointed
I’m reviewing this book because I rarely give a review below four stars. I’m disappointed because the subject matter of formula 1 racing was so poorly defined. With some research, I discovered the races occur all over the world, few of them in the western hemisphere. How are Jack and Lark supposed to stay together when he is racing and she is pursuing a musical career?
The whole scenario is so unrealistic. Yes, the ending was fairy tale. So much so, that my suspension of disbelief just didn’t work. He gets top formula 1 race car driver. She gets a hit album despite telling her only musical ‘in’ to f*** o**.
What really bothered me was the lack of real historical info about formula 1 racing. I live in Sebring Florida, where the first US formula 1 race took place. I’m proud of that. It was historic (google it). It didn’t happen again.
Nate, I encourage your efforts as a romance writer. I want you to do well. But you should think about writing about real people, with real problems, and real solutions.
Stop this fairytale nonsense.
I’m reviewing this book because I rarely give a review below four stars. I’m disappointed because the subject matter of formula 1 racing was so poorly defined. With some research, I discovered the races occur all over the world, few of them in the western hemisphere. How are Jack and Lark supposed to stay together when he is racing and she is pursuing a musical career?
The whole scenario is so unrealistic. Yes, the ending was fairy tale. So much so, that my suspension of disbelief just didn’t work. He gets top formula 1 race car driver. She gets a hit album despite telling her only musical ‘in’ to f*** o**.
What really bothered me was the lack of real historical info about formula 1 racing. I live in Sebring Florida, where the first US formula 1 race took place. I’m proud of that. It was historic (google it). It didn’t happen again.
Nate, I encourage your efforts as a romance writer. I want you to do well. But you should think about writing about real people, with real problems, and real solutions.
Stop this fairytale nonsense.
January 27, 2026
I love finding new authors to binge and am so glad I found Nate Wilder! He is one to read and one to watch! I started with the first book in the Midnight Men series, “Until the Storm Breaks,” and then immediately downloaded “Until You Say Stay.” I haven’t left the house the past two days due to a snow storm, and was gleefully hunkered down under a blanket reading this book non-stop.
When finding new authors to read, I read their bios and reviews, and I really liked what he had to say. He is a journalist and a chef, and he loudly and proudly expressed his passion for reading and writing romance. And it shows!
What I like most about Wilder’s writing is actually his writing, LOL. Love how he describes every little detail–from the main and supporting characters to the town they live in, to how they all came to be a family and how they express their feelings.
The Midnight Men series features five brothers, all adopted when young by a loving couple, who find themselves home again after their mother passes.
Book two features the youngest brother Jake, a free spirt who is a professional Formula One Driver. Either this author is a fan of race car driving or really did his homework because his writing seemed very authentic. I found myself deeply immersed in this world and loved learning about this career and demands of this lifestyle.
We’re first introduced to our heroine, Lark, in book one as Maren’s best friend—the owner of the town’s local bar. Lark works as a bartender and is also a musician, quietly dreaming of her big break. I loved how humble and down-to-earth she is—so genuine, loyal, and easy to root for.
Carrying the scars and insecurities of a failed marriage, Lark starts off a little broken, but her growth over the course of the story is truly rewarding, both personally and professionally. The author excels at creating relatable characters who grapple with knowing their worth and trusting their instincts, and I deeply admired Lark in every role she filled: bartender, musician, daughter, friend, and girlfriend.
The author writes relatable characters who deal with insecurity, knowing your worth and trusting your gut, and I really admired Lark as a bartender, musician, daughter, friend, and girlfriend.
Jake wasn’t perfect; he admits to his shortcomings and works to be a better man. As someone used to being in the public eye and is often scrutinized, he really is a sweetheart underneath. I loved his relationship with his family, how he was so supportive of Lark’s dream of becoming a professional singer, how he put Lark’s slimy ex in his place, and how he was a moral and stand-up guy.
While the first two books do have a third-act breakup due to miscommunication, trust the process because it all works out.
This author’s writing is wonderful because he understands that romance lives in the details. The emotional beats are earned, not rushed—every glance, hesitation, and half-spoken thought deepens the connection between the characters. Their relationship started out as “fake” for the benefit of both of their careers, but page by page you will have front row seats to them falling in love.
The dialogue feels natural and intimate, often saying more in what’s left unsaid than in what’s spoken aloud. Their prose is lyrical without being overdone, striking a perfect balance between vivid imagery and emotional clarity. What truly sets this author apart is how grounded the love stories feel: the characters are flawed, self-aware, and emotionally complex, making their growth and eventual happily ever after deeply satisfying.
By the time the romance blooms, it feels inevitable and hard-won, leaving a lingering emotional resonance long after the final page. As an avid romance reader since high school, Nate Wilder gets it. He writes with heart and passion and I can’t wait for more. Please give this author a try and leave a review.
When finding new authors to read, I read their bios and reviews, and I really liked what he had to say. He is a journalist and a chef, and he loudly and proudly expressed his passion for reading and writing romance. And it shows!
What I like most about Wilder’s writing is actually his writing, LOL. Love how he describes every little detail–from the main and supporting characters to the town they live in, to how they all came to be a family and how they express their feelings.
The Midnight Men series features five brothers, all adopted when young by a loving couple, who find themselves home again after their mother passes.
Book two features the youngest brother Jake, a free spirt who is a professional Formula One Driver. Either this author is a fan of race car driving or really did his homework because his writing seemed very authentic. I found myself deeply immersed in this world and loved learning about this career and demands of this lifestyle.
We’re first introduced to our heroine, Lark, in book one as Maren’s best friend—the owner of the town’s local bar. Lark works as a bartender and is also a musician, quietly dreaming of her big break. I loved how humble and down-to-earth she is—so genuine, loyal, and easy to root for.
Carrying the scars and insecurities of a failed marriage, Lark starts off a little broken, but her growth over the course of the story is truly rewarding, both personally and professionally. The author excels at creating relatable characters who grapple with knowing their worth and trusting their instincts, and I deeply admired Lark in every role she filled: bartender, musician, daughter, friend, and girlfriend.
The author writes relatable characters who deal with insecurity, knowing your worth and trusting your gut, and I really admired Lark as a bartender, musician, daughter, friend, and girlfriend.
Jake wasn’t perfect; he admits to his shortcomings and works to be a better man. As someone used to being in the public eye and is often scrutinized, he really is a sweetheart underneath. I loved his relationship with his family, how he was so supportive of Lark’s dream of becoming a professional singer, how he put Lark’s slimy ex in his place, and how he was a moral and stand-up guy.
While the first two books do have a third-act breakup due to miscommunication, trust the process because it all works out.
This author’s writing is wonderful because he understands that romance lives in the details. The emotional beats are earned, not rushed—every glance, hesitation, and half-spoken thought deepens the connection between the characters. Their relationship started out as “fake” for the benefit of both of their careers, but page by page you will have front row seats to them falling in love.
The dialogue feels natural and intimate, often saying more in what’s left unsaid than in what’s spoken aloud. Their prose is lyrical without being overdone, striking a perfect balance between vivid imagery and emotional clarity. What truly sets this author apart is how grounded the love stories feel: the characters are flawed, self-aware, and emotionally complex, making their growth and eventual happily ever after deeply satisfying.
By the time the romance blooms, it feels inevitable and hard-won, leaving a lingering emotional resonance long after the final page. As an avid romance reader since high school, Nate Wilder gets it. He writes with heart and passion and I can’t wait for more. Please give this author a try and leave a review.
December 4, 2025
Until You Say Stay is a fun, high-gloss small-town-meets-celebrity romance with a fake-dating setup I genuinely enjoyed at the start—especially because both leads feel like adults with real lives and real pressures. But while the chemistry is strong and the premise is addictive, the emotional pivot (and the trust issues that follow) left me unconvinced this couple could actually survive the reality of distance, fame, and two high-stakes careers.
Jack Midnight is Dark River royalty: a hometown hero turned Formula 1 star, sidelined after an accident and fighting to claw his way back onto the Ferrari team. Unfortunately, his playboy reputation—and a party video where drugs are clearly present—has him in sponsor limbo. Lark is a bartender and singer/songwriter with a mean case of stage fright, still recovering from the long-term emotional damage inflicted by her cruel ex-husband, Brandon. When Brandon shows up at the bar with the woman he cheated with and publicly needles Lark until she panics and claims she’s dating someone, Jack steps in and plays the role of boyfriend like he was born for it.
From there, the two strike a mutually beneficial deal: fake-date to rehab Jack’s image and boost Lark’s social media presence so a record label will take her seriously. The small-town ripple effect is delicious—everyone knows, everyone watches—and the “we’re pretending but…are we?” tension builds nicely. Wilder also does a great job showing how their worlds collide: Lark at racing events, Jack at music-industry spaces, and both of them discovering they have more in common than either expected. The forced proximity moment in Miami (hello, one bed) and the way Lark charms the Ferrari team were especially fun.
Where the story shines most is in the quieter middle: Lark finding her voice again and Jack showing flashes of steadiness beneath his image. The LA record-label plotline also adds an interesting layer—Lark being asked to sand down everything distinctive about herself, from her sound to her look, in favor of something more marketable. The Banff escape is peak romance fantasy: a luxury cabin, a storm, walls coming down, and “I love you”s that feel honest in the moment.
But then the second half hinges on a conflict that didn’t work for me. Jack’s communication starts to crumble under pressure and insecurity, and a longer cut of the party video drops—one that includes him kissing another woman while Lark believed his version of events was harmless and brief. Lark’s spiral and immediate jump to the worst conclusions, without real conversation or space for Jack to fully explain, made the emotional logic feel shaky. I understand why she’s sensitive—Brandon has spent years destabilizing her—but the intensity of her reaction and the lack of trust (especially given the realities of Jack’s very public, very scrutinized life) made it hard for me to buy into a satisfying long-term HEA.
The Vegas showcase finale is undeniably cinematic: Lark choosing herself and singing her songs as written, a brand-new and more prestigious label noticing her, Jack hearing Until You Say Stay and realizing what he almost lost, and that thrilling 18th-to-1st race that lands him back on the team. It’s a big, emotional, crowd-pleasing ending…even if it felt more like a movie montage than a believable relationship resolution.
Overall, Until You Say Stay is entertaining, romantic, and easy to devour, with a heroine I rooted for creatively and a hero who almost feels ready. I just couldn’t fully believe this relationship would hold once the spotlight (and distance) really did what it always does: test every weak seam.
Jack Midnight is Dark River royalty: a hometown hero turned Formula 1 star, sidelined after an accident and fighting to claw his way back onto the Ferrari team. Unfortunately, his playboy reputation—and a party video where drugs are clearly present—has him in sponsor limbo. Lark is a bartender and singer/songwriter with a mean case of stage fright, still recovering from the long-term emotional damage inflicted by her cruel ex-husband, Brandon. When Brandon shows up at the bar with the woman he cheated with and publicly needles Lark until she panics and claims she’s dating someone, Jack steps in and plays the role of boyfriend like he was born for it.
From there, the two strike a mutually beneficial deal: fake-date to rehab Jack’s image and boost Lark’s social media presence so a record label will take her seriously. The small-town ripple effect is delicious—everyone knows, everyone watches—and the “we’re pretending but…are we?” tension builds nicely. Wilder also does a great job showing how their worlds collide: Lark at racing events, Jack at music-industry spaces, and both of them discovering they have more in common than either expected. The forced proximity moment in Miami (hello, one bed) and the way Lark charms the Ferrari team were especially fun.
Where the story shines most is in the quieter middle: Lark finding her voice again and Jack showing flashes of steadiness beneath his image. The LA record-label plotline also adds an interesting layer—Lark being asked to sand down everything distinctive about herself, from her sound to her look, in favor of something more marketable. The Banff escape is peak romance fantasy: a luxury cabin, a storm, walls coming down, and “I love you”s that feel honest in the moment.
But then the second half hinges on a conflict that didn’t work for me. Jack’s communication starts to crumble under pressure and insecurity, and a longer cut of the party video drops—one that includes him kissing another woman while Lark believed his version of events was harmless and brief. Lark’s spiral and immediate jump to the worst conclusions, without real conversation or space for Jack to fully explain, made the emotional logic feel shaky. I understand why she’s sensitive—Brandon has spent years destabilizing her—but the intensity of her reaction and the lack of trust (especially given the realities of Jack’s very public, very scrutinized life) made it hard for me to buy into a satisfying long-term HEA.
The Vegas showcase finale is undeniably cinematic: Lark choosing herself and singing her songs as written, a brand-new and more prestigious label noticing her, Jack hearing Until You Say Stay and realizing what he almost lost, and that thrilling 18th-to-1st race that lands him back on the team. It’s a big, emotional, crowd-pleasing ending…even if it felt more like a movie montage than a believable relationship resolution.
Overall, Until You Say Stay is entertaining, romantic, and easy to devour, with a heroine I rooted for creatively and a hero who almost feels ready. I just couldn’t fully believe this relationship would hold once the spotlight (and distance) really did what it always does: test every weak seam.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 3, 2026
This wasn't as profound and lovely as the first book in the series. I might have given it 4 stars, but took one away because chapter 9 left me wondering whether the author had watched Formula One. I think even I could tell him F1 cars don't have doors! A race-seat is made to the driver's specifications and there's definitely no room in them for more than one person, so there's no way he could do a test session and take his girlfriend out for a drive in the same car afterwards! The only way they could possibly have done similar is if the team owned a two-seater, equivalent to F1 in speed, which they took celebrities/royalty out in. This really needed more thought because it was off-putting. Otherwise, I liked the story and the characters. It's funny how small things can blow up into big fights, with both wishing they could take words back. So, well-written apart from chapter 9.
February 3, 2026
This is the second book in the Midnight Men series.
Jack, the youngest is home trying to rehabilitate his imagine after a PR nightmare while he's on the inactive Formula One Ferrari roster following an accident.
Leah is a twenty-six year old bartender at the local bar in Dark Rivers. She is also trying to overcome the mental abuse her ex-husband inflicted on her.
Jack and Leah obviously cross paths periodically and actually knew each other in HS. And, she is trying to increase her online presence as a singer-songwriter. After Jack poses as her boyfriend to chase her ex out of the bar, they come to an agreement for a fake relationship intended to help his image and increase her online presence while he's in town for the summer.
Read on to see what could possibly go wrong.
Jack, the youngest is home trying to rehabilitate his imagine after a PR nightmare while he's on the inactive Formula One Ferrari roster following an accident.
Leah is a twenty-six year old bartender at the local bar in Dark Rivers. She is also trying to overcome the mental abuse her ex-husband inflicted on her.
Jack and Leah obviously cross paths periodically and actually knew each other in HS. And, she is trying to increase her online presence as a singer-songwriter. After Jack poses as her boyfriend to chase her ex out of the bar, they come to an agreement for a fake relationship intended to help his image and increase her online presence while he's in town for the summer.
Read on to see what could possibly go wrong.
February 1, 2026
Wow! An excellent find! Read in 3 days. Was free on Amazon kindle on special - (notified through Bookbub) and so amazed at how good this was!! Such a great story with some unexpected turns, such great dialogue and banter that literally had me laughing out loud and the chemistry and spice was just too good. Can’t wait to read more in the series! They can be read as standalone as about different couples each time that are all related. I started on this one - book two - but didn’t feel like I was missing anything from book one. Really refreshing to have a male author in steamy romance - he did an incredible job!! One to keep and eye out for!
November 16, 2025
loving these Midnight Men
This is the second of the Midnight Men series, and I enjoyed it as much as the first - solid follow up. I know a lot of women out there might be hesitant about a male author writing romance novels, but Wilder’s FMCs are strong and relatable, and the spice is women forward and hot! This book needs another edit in some places, and the argument leading to the third act breakup was a bit weak, but I enjoyed the growing love story and the last fourth of the book is very satisfying! I’m looking forward to Theo’s story next!
This is the second of the Midnight Men series, and I enjoyed it as much as the first - solid follow up. I know a lot of women out there might be hesitant about a male author writing romance novels, but Wilder’s FMCs are strong and relatable, and the spice is women forward and hot! This book needs another edit in some places, and the argument leading to the third act breakup was a bit weak, but I enjoyed the growing love story and the last fourth of the book is very satisfying! I’m looking forward to Theo’s story next!
November 26, 2025
I loved this book. I liked how pretend turns into real attraction. Their pursuit of their passions are similar. Lots of interesting events and how they fall into place at the end. I can’t believe these are first books. I’ve read over 200 books and was really impressed with both of these. I rarely write reviews but I’m hoping this author keeps delivering great stories like these.
February 3, 2026
Until You Stay
The man can write! Nate, you have a wonderful concept of what a girl wants. So many of us are hung up on stuff from our past regardless of how much love and support we get from family and friends. You have managed to to tell this story with situations most people can relate to. I’m looking forward to the next read!
The man can write! Nate, you have a wonderful concept of what a girl wants. So many of us are hung up on stuff from our past regardless of how much love and support we get from family and friends. You have managed to to tell this story with situations most people can relate to. I’m looking forward to the next read!
January 5, 2026
A good story, admittedly filled with tropes, but not in a bad way. I liked Lark and Jack as characters in the first novel and the world of F1 was fun. The conflict felt blown out of proportion by both character’s - similar to the first book, but it was an entertaining read for my holiday.
November 29, 2025
Enjoyed the character growth, an epilogue without pregnancy, strong FMC.
January 29, 2026
I love a good story with strong characters that can let me escape after a long day at work and just enjoy their story. I am enjoying this series and enjoying Wilders writing style.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews