Until the Stars Fall

The Midnight Men #3

by Nate Wilder

He's a single dad who owns Dark River's best restaurant. She's the new teacher with a temporary contract. Neither planned on a connection that would make them question everything.

When twenty-four-year-old Emma Hayes takes her first teaching job in Dark River, she never expects to end up living in Theo Midnight's downtown apartment. Or that the renowned restaurateur would make her pulse race every time he walks into a room.

Theo has spent the last three years focused on his seven-year-old daughter Chloe and the award-winning restaurant he runs with his brother. The last thing he needs is an inconvenient attraction to Chloe's teacher—especially one ten years his junior.

As Emma becomes more entangled in their lives through school, an after-school program, and their living arrangement, the chemistry between them becomes impossible to ignore. Each shared moment over homework, each accidental touch passing in the hallway pulls them closer, despite every reason they should keep their distance.

And just when they can no longer deny their feelings, Theo's ex-wife returns with demands that threaten everything. Now Emma must decide if fighting for her place in their lives is worth risking her career, while Theo faces the ultimate choice between protecting his heart and taking a chance on love again.

Until the Stars Fall is the next installment in The Midnight Men series, perfect for readers who love forbidden romance, devoted single dads, and the risk of falling for someone completely wrong for all the right reasons.

Series
Book 1: Until the Storm Breaks
Book 2: Until You Say Stay
Book 3: Until the Stars Fall

Genres: Romance, Audiobook, Small Town Romance, Contemporary Romance

362 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 21, 2026

About the author

Nate 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.

Reviews

[lovestoread · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favourite Midnight man - Theo. Series keeps getting better. FLOVE.

Looking forward to the continuation.

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audiobook review- ⭐️⭐️⭐️

For some reason I didn’t connect with the two main characters in the same way that I did with the previous two books. This meant that although I enjoyed listening to the book it didn’t captivate me as much, I just wanted more depth from the characters. However it was an easy enjoyable listen and I’ll continue to listen to series when the next books are released on audiobook.

[Eya · Rating 1 out of 5]

Singe dad, small town, and age gap romance sounded so appealing whenever you see it in a book. I thought I’m gonna have the best time which I sort of did in the first few chapters however, there’s a bunch of stuff that I didn’t like as I read through it.

1.) The story was having a normal pacing until it wasn’t. I’m not sure where it started but the storyline picked up its pace to the point where the relationship between Theo and Emma felt fast and underdeveloped.

2.) I would love it if they had a slow burn romance because wow it takes guts to flirt with the parent of your student 😭 I can’t put my mind into it! Somehow, their relationship quickly turned sexual with just few meetings 😭

3.) I also have a bone to pick with Victoria. She really just up and went back as if nothing happened. I didn’t like how she was reintroduced to the story again, easily got redeemed, and gets along well with Emma and Theo. I would’ve loved to see a development in between the time where she tries to come back and how she manages to rebuild that trust. It would have been a good bridge for me to understand her character more.

I would say it’s a 1.5 star at least since I did enjoy the first few chapters, it’s just that these things were what put me off :(

[Mahayana Dugast]

Did not finish

[Valeriem · Rating 3 out of 5]

I LOVED the first two books in this series. The relationship in this one was my least favorite. I didn’t love how Emma was blatantly trying to seduce Theo, and it didn’t make sense to me that he just changed his mind one night. Her behavior made her seem 24- without consequence for all of the pieces in play… a child, being that child’s teacher, etc. Then they went from zero to 60 in one encounter with the whole dominance nuance. It didn’t seem true to the character of Theo.
I have LOVED Nate Wilder’s books. He has been my favorite new author to read, and I’ve read these in quick succession. I guess I appreciate more of the slow, angsty build than the explosion. I can’t wait to see what happens with Dom.

[Jacqueline's Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Surprising Stars

Until the Stars Fall is the third book in The Midnight Men (brothers) series. This is Theo and Emma's book.

Theo is a single dad and he likes structure. He has a daughter and she needs things to be constant and that is what Theo is. Emma is a first grade teacher and Theo's daughter loves Emma. So, why wouldn't it work out right?

I really enjoyed the last book and so I was pretty surprised how much I enjoyed this one. I always have a soft spot for a single parent read, but I just really liked how calm this book was. The best part of the read was the tension between Theo and Emma. I liked reading how much they wanted each other, but Theo wanted to be responsible.

I'm not a fan of age-gap reads (ever since I became a mom to a pre-teen daughter), but I didn't mind it so much in this one. My kid's teacher is 26, so reading about Emma being a 24 year old elementary teacher wasn't a stretch at all.

I enjoyed listening to the narrators too! Which I didn't think was possible, bc I really liked the narrators in the previous book. I do like how each book has different narrators.

Overall, Until the Stars Fall was an easy read / listen from start to finish. I will continue the series.

[Kristiej · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 out of 5

Another great book by Nate Wilder. This one is an older single father and a younger woman. The hero in this one Theo Midnight is the single father we’ve seen in the previous books. He’s part owner, along with his brother Alex, of a high end restaurant in Dark River. Emma is our teacher heroine who is working as a fill in teacher across the country whose current teaching assignment is in Dark River. As a teacher she is not meant to have favourites but can’t help having a close bond with Chloe Midnight , a precocious young girl and daughter of Theo. Theo gas primary custody of Chloe as her mother didn’t want full custody and is more of a society woman.

When Theo and Emma meet, sparks fly but there are major hurdles. The age difference is just one of them. There’s also the fact that Emma likes to travel and never stays in one place for long. But in romance books love conquers all and there is the required HEA.

I found this to be another great book by Mr. Wilder. I enjoyed the main couple Theo and Emma. They were right for each other. And again I loved the closeness of the bothers. Even though they were all adopted and not blood related, there is a real bond that shines through. This one, like the others , gets my thumbs up.

[Sunshine Graves · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cozy small-town romance, and I absolutely loved both main characters. Honestly, I completely forgot about the age gap because of the connection they shared. There was something so comforting about the way they could simply exist in each other's presence. Their relationship felt natural, safe, and full of warmth, which made this such an enjoyable read.

There were definitely moments when Theo frustrated me. I struggled with how he never really stood up to his ex-wife for the way she treated Emma. However, his brother made a great point about Theo always being the mediator and trying to keep the peace. While it didn't excuse everything, it helped me understand his character better, and by the end, I found myself appreciating that quality in him more.

And because of that Theo has officially earned a spot on my list of favorite fictional men. ❤️

I'm also really excited to continue with the rest of this series. I unexpectedly fell in love with the Midnight family and the sense of comfort and community they bring to the story. I can't wait to spend more time with them.

[Leigh · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had high hopes for this based off of the first two in the series. This one felt rushed and incomplete. Victoria went from not being a very active parent, which was even mentioned in the other books, so suddenly available and taking Chloe more often than ever before with zero character building or explaining. That made it seem more like Theo jumped at the chance to have more time for Emma, when the first two books painted Theo as someone who barely leaves Chloe’s side.

When Theo picks up Emma when she was on her late night cheese run, that was the dumbest part of the whole book. I felt like a chapter was missing before that.

I felt like the author pulled chapters to shorten the book.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emma is a new first grade teacher in Dark River living in an extended stay motel when she bumps into Theo Midnight at the post office spilling her candy and dropping her Simone Perele lingerie box.
Theo is a 34 year old single Dad raising his daughter Chloe and part owner of a local restaurant with his brother Alex.
Sparks fly between Emma and Theo but, with a ten year age difference issues are bound to arise.
Read on to follow the unfolding of their relationship and the part that Theo's ex-wife, Victoria plays in her attempt to return to Dark River.
If you like steamy love scenes and love conflict you'll enjoy "Until the Stars Fall".

[Kiki · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the book, but I felt like there was a tad too much grace given to Theo's ex. She cheated on him during their marriage, decided she only wanted minimal contact with their young daughter Chloe in the divorce, even frequently canceling when her husband (the one she cheated with) was too busy or whatever. Then when Theo got with Emma, she wants to be all b*tchy about Emma's age and if he's moving too fast, etc. Thennnn all of a sudden, she magically wants to be a mom to Chloe! Theo didn't necessarily put her in her place. Everyone pretty much tiptoed around the ex for the sake of Chloe. I see why Emma felt insecure!

[Sarah Tummey · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked Theo and Emma when they were with Chloe and around other people. I don't think 10 years was a good choice if the author wanted an age-gap, as that's not really significant; 20 would have worked better. I thought the twist at the end with Victoria was a bit predictable and didn't enjoy this as much as his other books. It might be nice to have a book about Victoria finding love again, but the series is called the Midnight Men, so that rules out focusing on other characters, which is a shame; he could have named it Dark River after the town instead.

[Jamie Squibb · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have such a difficult time with books that don’t follow the timeline in the book. The first time Theo picks her up is during thanksgiving weekend and it is also stated that the board meeting is January 15. So during that, let’s say 6 week period, they start sleeping together, go out of town (where she gets pregnant) and then she find out she is pregnant and says she is really, really late. All the while they keep saying it has been months that they have been together. Unrealistic timelines really make my brain disengage from the story.

[Joanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book in the Midnight Men series and my favorite thus far. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Stella Hunter and Christian Hunter and their performance is outstanding! First grade teacher, Emma, and single dad/restaurant owner, Theo, first meet in the post office over lingerie and candy - and he notices the “freckles scattered across her nose and cheeks like constellations.” Their story is beautifully written. Looking forward to the next books in the series!

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Nate's stories

This is my 3rd book by Nate and I enjoyed each one. And I really love getting the next one to see the continuation of the Midnight family. Theo was the rock steady of the guys but he got blown away by Emma, the teacher. Or was it their meet cute at the post office and her packages? I love their journey. You will too.

[Nerissa Trenear-Harvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

stunned, exquisite prose!

I thoroughly enjoyed every word.
It wasnt till the end did i realise the author was male. First time for me.
Made me realise i want to read again, starting with the first book in the series.
Plus factor was the incredible food, as a chef it was a delight as well.
Thank you.

[Joanne Pruett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent!!! Beautiful love story! Nate Wilder is a masterful romance writer! On to Book 4!!! Oh NO! Books 4, 5, and 6 are not on Audible yet. I want to listen because I LOVE many of the male narrators. Reading the actual book or on Kindle just isn't the same as listening to a sexy male voice!

[Gizelle Falcon · Rating 4 out of 5]

growth

Each book in this series has gotten better. The spice in this one was 🔥! I think seeing the character development among the brothers from book one plays a role in me liking each book more but I think the writing style of the author slightly changed as well. I am a sucker for a single dad trope so the book had an advantage over the others.

[Ann M Dearnley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sigh

These books just keep getting better! So hooked on this author, I've laughed, cried and cursed all in one or two chapters!!!
Best reads ever and by a man! Who would've thought, great talent.

[Ava · Rating 2 out of 5]

Emma bugged me the whole book. And in my opinion, she acted 24. The last 30% of this book sucked. I also hated the pregnancy trope at the end, like why do book couples always have to get pregnant and after less than a year together. They can simply just be together.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good book by Nate Wilder. I would call this one the earnest one. Not as lyrical or involved as the first two but still a solid piece in the series. One you read to get to the other side.

Yeah.

[Kristi White · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't read this series in order ,but I'll tell you it was a great read all of them.I read all five books in 4 days .. loved each story .Nate Wilder you show such insight and respect. Wow!! Cant wait to read more from you

[Fancy LC · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Peggy Thornton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gave this book a five even though I don't like the spanking parts still a good read

[Elizabeth K · Rating 5 out of 5]

And book 3 only got better! Definitely spicier! Absolutely loved it!

[Andrea Fernandez · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heartwarming, sweet, entertaining and fun romance. I enjoyed going on this adorable adventure with Theo and Emma.

[Niki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick and easy romance

[Trudy J. Shattls · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read! The storyline books follow the same pattern, but each story is very special. ADULT READING Only. On to book 4.

[F.e.]

The first steamy scene was just too much. It’s your first time and you barely know each other and she’s your daughters teacher and you’re pulling out allll the dirty talk? No thanks.

[Kerri Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️