Beneath the Mountain Sky

An OUTSTANDING story!!
The first book in the McBride Brothers Lumberjack series is a remarkably fascinating and touching second chance romance!
Every moment of Killian and Willow’s story draws you into their captivating, intriguing and heartfelt love story.
Killian McBride has been broken since the day Willow walked out on him…
While searching for a tree with his brothers Killian notices someone in danger and helps them. When he realizes the person he saved is the only woman he has ever loved, this brooding and grumpy lumberjack wants answers.
Willow wakes up in the hospital not remembering anything about hers and Killian’s breakup.
As Willow starts piecing back some her memories with the help of the man she has always loved and can’t phantom ever leaving, a twisted, horrid and devastating revelation comes to light.
The chemistry is unquestionably blazing beneath the surface, the passion is intoxicating and their love is stronger then ever.
Killian will do everything to ensure the safety of his family.
Let me say that Killian McBride is the ultimate book boyfriend, powerful, possessive, protective and dirty between the sheets…or anywhere else!
Escaping into Beneath The Mountain Sky was an all-consuming experience filled with a deeply heart-gripping, highly suspenseful and sensually enticing storyline with strong, engaging and interesting characters.
Killian and Willow’s romance is simply EXHILARATING and HEARTWARMING.

Kristy Odom

1,549 reviews40 followers

Patricia (Spellbound Stories Trish)

OMG! I loved this book! The suspense was off the charts. The angst and pain between them was off the charts. I swear I was holding my breath by the time was half way through this book. The reason they lost so much time was incredibly sad, but I loved that she trusted herself. She knew who he was. I need more! I hope we get Connor & Liam’s fast!

2,842 reviews119 followers

What would you do if you could get another chance with the one you let get away? What would you say to take back the hurt and the pain? Those questions and more have plagued Killian for a year. When a hike with his brothers turns his world upside down.

Killian and Willow’s story is such a beautiful read. This story had so many emotions as they fight for their love and try to find forgiveness in their hearts. The angst is high and I love a story that has me on edge because when things finally get hot…oh it’s delicious and I was instantly addicted.

Gwyn has created such a beautiful story with this first book and sets the scene for a series I know I’m going to love. The towns people, the McBride brothers and a mountain full of surprises is sure to provide us with stories that will keep us on our toes and falling in love!

Brittany Hayley Fraser

147 reviews4 followers

Just finished Beneath the Mountain Sky by Gwen McNamee. Like all her books I’ve read it sucks you in makes you feel all the feels from the FMC. It follows a grumpy lumberjack Killian who messed up his relationship a year before the story takes place while he was brooding angry at himself and forced to help his brother find the perfect tree so his brother can make something out of it he finds in the river someone he hoped to make things right with Willow. When Willow woke up in the hospital she’s found she lost a years worth of memories, and beaten up by the unknown reason of why she was found in the river. While she thinks she’s still with Killian, she doesn’t understand why he’s been so aloof with his emotions towards her. Little by little her memories are coming back so she and Killian go on a hike to find anything that can help her find her memories. This book made me have the butterflies, the knot in my stomach. I loved the spice that was in it I loved how the plot flowed. I can’t wait to get this on my shelf of trophies.

Franjessca

1,700 reviews98 followers

4-star-rating arc author-gwyn-mcnamee

I was excited to find out that Gwyn McNamee was going to be writing another Lumberjack series because I enjoyed her Lumberjack in Love series. The first book in her McBride Lumberjack Brothers series, Beneath the Mountain Sky, didn’t disappoint. Gwyn McNamee hooked me from chapter one, especially with the mystery surrounding what happened to the FMC, Willow.

Killian, the MMC, knows he messed up a year ago by saying something hurtful to Willow, causing her to run away. He regrets losing her and is stunned to unexpectedly find her while out with his brothers. She’s not only hurt but has amnesia and doesn’t remember what happened to her. Determined to uncover the truth, he also needs to tread carefully because bringing up what he said a year ago might mean losing her again.

I love Killian’s type in romance books. He’s a grumpy alpha, but his love for Willow and desire to make up for lost time are clear. He refuses to let Willow out of his sight and is determined to find out who hurt her; they’ll answer to him once he does. Did I mention he’s very overprotective?

Willow is a strong, determined heroine who wants to figure out what happened to her over the last year and with Killian. I completely understood why she was upset with him and would have reacted the same way once it was revealed what he said to her. She’s truly a fighter; I loved reading her character and seeing her determination to find the truth. She also showed Killian she hadn’t stopped loving him, even after what he said.

The story is full of mystery and suspense as the truth about Willow’s missing year unfolds. I suspected what might have happened, but the twist toward the end surprised me. Gwyn McNamee delivered an emotional book, and I rooted for the characters to receive closure and their well-deserved HEA. Gwyn McNamee truly knows how to write an unforgettable Lumberjack Romance.

Oh, the steamy scenes between the characters, let’s just say Killian is all about making up for loss time and also caring for Willow first. 😉

This was a great start to the new series, and I loved the main couple. I also enjoyed getting to know the other McBride brothers and secondary characters, and I look forward to Conner and Liam’s books. Overall, another great book by Gwyn McNamee. I give it four stars.

Single/Dual POV: Dual POV

Would I recommend this book? Yes, especially if you like Lumberjack Romances with a grumpy, protective MMC determined to protect the love of his life. Check out this book by Gwyn McNamee, and her Lumberjack In Love series, if you haven’t already!

What to Expect:
🪓Small Town Romance
🪓Lumberjack/Mountain Man Romance
🪓Second Chance
🪓Grumpy/Sunshine
🪓Hurt/Comfort
🪓Amnesia
🪓Forced Proximity
🪓Found Family

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Check out all my book reviews at A Book Lovin' Mama's Blog

Roxs Reads

826 reviews1 follower

2nd-chance-at-love arc interconnected-series

There are so many great things to say about this book, I don’t know where to begin! Beneath The Mountain Sky by Gywn McNamee is the type of romance story I love. There’s the second-chance element that I absolutely love because I honestly believe your heart never forgets that first love. The sexual tension between the main characters is off the charts, obviously because of that first-love element, but their circumstances keep them at arms length. Every glance they make or every brush of skin sets the sparks flying and gets their hearts pumping.

The suspense is through the roof on this one. From the first chapter, the author had me gripped to the pages wondering what had happened to Willow. Where has she been? How did she end up back on the mountain? What made her leave? How did a love so perfect go so wrong? Yes, Killian is grumpy and has an intensity about him that can make grown men shiver, but Willow knows his inner soft side. She brings out only the best in him.

Willow and Killian have both suffered throughout their life, the friendship and then their love healed them. The pain that comes through the words had me in tears at times. As the story progressed and more truths came to light, shock settled in, and I felt every emotion as Killian and Willow came to grips with the truth of the last year. Beneath The Mountain Sky was a four star read for me. There isn’t an ounce of boredom, but I did find some of the story to be a bit far-reaching when it came to believability. It’s a tad on the longer side, which was great--no stars lost because of this. It was the perfect length to settle in and spend a full weekend enjoying.

I am totally on board with the new McBride Brothers Lumberjack series. I get a vibe about a possible connection between Killian’s brother Conner and Willow’s best friend, Raven. I can’t help but feel all the emotions for Liam as well. The truths that are revealed for him are real shockers. Hopefully, he ends up finding a woman who can help heal him as well.

World Of Books 65

3,251 reviews61 followers

I don’t even know where to begin with this review or how to do this book justice, except to say that Gwyn McNamee has delivered a stunning and unforgettable first installment in her brand-new McBride Brothers Lumberjacks series.

Beneath the Mountain Sky might be described as a small-town, mountain man, lumberjack, second-chance romance, but it’s so much more. It’s a masterpiece of emotions—a story of heartbreak, healing, passion, and suspense that holds you captive from the very first page.

A year ago, Killian was left shattered when Willow, the love of his life, walked away, leaving him with nothing but broken pieces. Then fate intervenes. In a breathtaking twist, Killian finds Willow barely clinging to life in a mountain stream—alive, but with no memory of the past year. As she struggles to piece together her missing time, Killian and Willow slowly rebuild what they once had. Their love reignites, fierce and undeniable, but the shadows of that lost year refuse to stay buried.

Ms McNamee weaves raw emotion and pulse-pounding mystery into a beautifully layered second-chance romance. The tension simmers on every page, the passion burns deep, and the suspense keeps you guessing until the very end. And then comes the jaw-dropping finale—the kind of ending that makes your heart race and leaves you desperate for the next book.

Heartfelt, gripping, and unforgettable, Beneath the Mountain Sky is not just the beginning of a new series—it’s the start of a reading obsession.

“This is McBride Mountain, and I’ll protect anything and everything on it with my life until the day it ends.”

Stephanie Ditmore

2,098 reviews31 followers

This book was hands down the best book I’ve read all year. I absolutely loved Willow and Killian. Two people in love, living their best lives and one conversation changes everything and lives will never be the same. When Killian said what he was feeling in the moment, he left Willow to her own devices which was to pack up and leave. Killian never thought the last thing he would’ve said to her was the last time he’d speak to her for a year. Not even her bestieRaven knew where she was except she was living her best life. Well, everything is not what it appears to be. Especially when Killian and his brothers find Willow in the river on the mountain, unsure where she’d come from and unconscious, and that’s when all the questions and concerns begin. Where has she been? What happened, who was she with this whole time? Answers that everyone needs, especially Willow and Killian. If only she could remember what happened that day she drove down the mountain heading into town for space. Their story is emotional, suspenseful, heartbreaking, twists and turns you won’t see coming and there is something Willow needs to remember because it’s as important as the air she breathes. Such a great book and I can’t wait for Liam and Connor’s books. This story deserves more than 5 stars in my book.

Paige Wuerdemann

518 reviews24 followers

As always a massive thank you to Gwyn McNamee for the ARC of Beneath the Mountain Sky!

Every time I pick up a book from Gwyn and read it, I don't think she can play with my emotions anymore. Then she comes out with new books that bring us on an emotional rollercoaster. It's a book that cannot be put down and demands to be read in one sitting. She knows how to pack all the mystery and suspense into a book that has you wanting more despite how many times you may have cried reading her books.

Wouldn't you do anything to have a second chance with the one that got away? To be able to take the hurt and pain that you caused away? Luckily Killian gets that chance- the unfortunate thing? Willow remembers nothing of what caused her to leave in the first place.

I absolutely love the fact that Gwyn's lumberjacks are always super protective of those they consider theirs. And when they fall, they fall HARD. With Willow back in his life- Killian finds himself fighting his way back to her while helping her through her memory loss. Is this the second chance he's been wanting? Can Willow and Killian work through what was said in the past?

A new set of lumberjacks have wormed their way into my heart and I cannot wait for the other books in the McBride Brother Lumberjacks!

Sue Ouellet-Cofsky

2,558 reviews48 followers

August 19, 2025

Oh Mama, these brothers are just "chef's kiss" and Killian is absolutely the head chef (or head lumberjack, or head grumpy/softie-take your pick). Gwyn's lumberjacks are always super protective and when they fall, they REALLY fall and nothing can stop them from protecting their women with everything they have. The story had me riveted throughout not only because of the usual Gwyn McNamee alpha steam (and let me tell you, easily a one handed read if you know what I mean) but also the mystery, the suspense, and the community of McBride Mountain that know how to come together for one of their own both lovely sweet Willow AND grumpy, sometimes volatile Killian. The author keeps us guessing about the why's and then later about the how's and that is what kept me turning page after page to get to the climax of the story. (see what I did there? lol). I'm completely in love with the Mountain, the brothers and the women who tame them.

Amanda M

2,849 reviews16 followers

August 27, 2025

This is the best book this author has written so far. I mean all of her books are amazing but this one there was just something special about it. I absolutely fell in love with it when I started reading it. From one page to the next the story just flows at a nice even pacing. I really liked the suspense and mystery surrounding Willow with her memory loss and her whereabouts for the last year. I also really liked seeing the main characters finding their way back to each other as they unravel the mystery to help her regain her memories, to find out the truth. And when that truth is revealed it just might shock you, I know it did me. I'm just in awe at how this author wrote this book she did it so well. Captivating, engaging, thrilling, mysterious, suspenseful page turner. This book is a masterpiece in itself. I loved every bit of it. I could not get enough of it. I highly recommend reading. It is that good of a book.

Coffeenbooks

1,876 reviews33 followers

- Second chance
- It's always been her
- Romantic suspense
- Lumbersnack
- Grumpy MMC

Oh. My. word. I love lumberjacks and Gwyn writes them soooooo well! This book had me in its hold right from the start and I just loved it. It's no secret that I also love a grumpy MMC, but Killian was more than just grumpy - he was heartbroken. He had the woman of his dreams - Willow - until a year ago (372 days to be precise) when she left him after a doozy of a row.

He finds Willow injured while out in the mountains with his brothers. He is so worried about her..especially since she can't remember any events from the past year...and no one knows how or why she ended up in the river.

Now Killian is determined to make things right between him and Willow while making sure she is safe. The drama and tension were sooooo delicious!

I highly recommend this book and am looking forward to the extra grumpy Connor's book!!!

Michelle

10.7k reviews28 followers

Have you ever read a book that you literally could not put down for a second because you didn't want to miss a thing, even though you really wouldn't miss a thing? After all, it's a book, and you can reread it. Well, you know what I mean, this was that book for me. I read this book nonstop, and I mean nonstop. I made my breakfast with it, I ate said breakfast with it, I listened to it while I showered, I listened to it while I got ready, I, well, you get the idea. I loved Killian and Willow's crazy, mysterious journey of love, and I was cheering them on to finally get their happily ever after. The mystery, suspense, unexpected twists, amnesia, drama, angst, pain, and love that filled the pages make this a fantastic read. You really need to grab this book and read it. Beneath the Mountain Sky is book one in the McBride Brother Lumberjacks series, and I can't wait to read the next book.

2025 5-star-read arc

Kari Hansen

12.3k reviews92 followers

There is nothing that Killian regrets more than letting Willow walk out of his life but he never expected to see her again. A year later she comes back into his life however the physical injuries were only part of the problem as she has no recollection of what has happened both when they were apart or who is responsible for hurting her.

Willow is strong, resilient and determined to find the answers she needs. Even though she doesn’t remember what tore them apart she realizes that the feelings that she has for him haven’t diminished over time especially when he will do whatever is required to keep her safe and protect her from the past she doesn’t remember.

The love that Killian and Willow shared is enduring, the suspense keeps you guessing and the emotional pull of the story will draw you in and not let you go.

Kari

621 reviews3 followers

Beneath the Mountain Sky is the first novel in the McBride Mountain Lumberjacks series by Gwyn McNamee. I love these lumberjack stories! Something about the picturesque mountain scenery described throughout the novel and the rollercoaster ride of a story!

Willow ran away from McBride mountain a year ago and came back in a completely unexpected way. The even more surprising part is that she has no memory of her time away from the mountain.

Killian is the grumpy eldest brother of the McBride brothers and Willow's ex. He has been struggling for the last year in her absence and now in the way that she came back into his life. can they solve the mystery of where she has been and what she was doing? Will we ever find out what Killian said to Willow to cause her to leave so suddenly? You'll have to read this amazing novel to find out!

Glenda

186 reviews2 followers

Wow this book was everything. I have loved all of Gwyn McNamee's books but I can definitely say that this one is by far my favorite, and if this is any indication as how the rest of the series will go it will also be my favorite series. You will be hooked from page , the suspense through out the story was just captivating and don't get me started on the plot twists 🤯 that's exactly what happened when they where revealed. Then the way she vividly describes scenes or characters or even feelings was so good that you just feel as though you're part of the story. You definitely don't want to pass up this book this is definitely a MUST READ it will definitely be going on my favorites of 2025 list, and I definitely can't wait to read the rest of the series because if this is any indication on what's to come i already know I will love the rest of the books as well.

Naughty Nightie

854 reviews15 followers

August 31, 2025

I loved Killian and Willow's story. Killian finds Willow one day badly injured in the river. She's been missing for a year. Now Willow has no memory of where or what she has been doing over that time. She also has no memory of their relationship, and Killian beats himself up for what happened to end their relationship. Gwyn keeps you turning the pages, giving you all the feels with their story as they reconnect.
I received an arc for my voluntary honest review for NN Book blog. You will love this book if you're looking to enjoy a small town steamy second-chance Lumberjack romance with angst. I could have turned around and read this book all over again. This is Book One in the McBride Lumberjack Series, and this is only Book One. How will Gwyn manage to top this one? I cannot wait to read the following books in the series and meet the other McBride brothers.

MizFig

631 reviews7 followers

Trust me, you will not put this book down once you start!!
The McBride Mountain is a close knit community. Everyone knows everyone.
Killian McBride and Willow had the perfect life, relationship and a wonderful future planned… until one night everything shatters. Killian is left to pick up the pieces and wonder if he will ever get a second chance. He was grumpy before but now he’s a complete bear.
Out with his brothers he sees something. As he gets closer he can’t believe what he’s seeing. Is this his chance?
So much happens in this book. You’ll be glued to the pages, dying to know what’s going to happen.
This new world that we are introduced to will make you want to get in your car and go search for this mountain!!

Gazelle

843 reviews10 followers

August 25, 2025

So first just go buy the book! Secondly, I knew I was going to love this book because it's set in the NC mountains, and the author never disappoints. What you should expect is a book that is going to have you hooked and trying to solve the mystery of the mountain! There is suspense as well as tension from chapter 1. Killian is the ultimate grumpy alpha that you're going to fall for. Willow is strong, determined and brave! Get ready for an amazing trip on the mountain that will have you craving more of this world and characters that burrow themselves deep in your heart. It truly took me a couple days to try to put into words how much I enjoyed this one!

Meggie

92 reviews2 followers

Gwyn strikes again. She has made me obsessed with another lumberjack! 😅

I ATE THIS BOOK UP!! I couldn’t put it down for anything! It was like reading a spicy thriller. I had no idea what was going to happen next. I haven’t read a book quite like this and it was just what I needed! 🙌🏻

Killian and Willows story was angsty, sweet, and sexy. It was just everything! And I have to say Killian is top tier “touch her & ☠️” book boyfriend material!!! His possessiveness and love for her is unmatched!

I loved every single thing about this book. And cannot recommend it enough! I am so excited for the next McBride brother story!

Book-Lovin-Momma

3,930 reviews31 followers

Be still, my heart! There's another grumpy alpha lumberjack taking over in my mental collection of hotties! Killian and Willow get a second chance at love, but it's fraught with trouble, danger, and angst. The McBride brothers are already proving to bring us more romances, but not without their fair share of heartache.

I loved the suspense factor as we figure out the who's and why's. Willow is the perfect, beaten down heroine coming back into the picture. Killian is rough and rough, but I also loved that tender side peeking out on occasion. This was a sweet and sexy read, just so good!

Book 1 was simply amazing, and I am so looking forward to more!

Rae Latte

1,407 reviews14 followers

𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝓜𝓸𝓾𝓷𝓽𝓪𝓲𝓷 𝐒𝐤𝐲 @gwynmcnamee

A scorchin' hot read I could NOT put down. Gwyn I LOVED every little part of this story and the way you kept me turning page after page...all the feels...the angst...the heat...well done. I can't wait to read the next book in this series and hope it won't be too long.

If you want a book with

Suspense ✔
Angst ✔
Scorchin' Hot Heat ✔
Captivating Plot ARC ✔
Characters that leap off the page ✔

One-click and discover a story that pulls you in from the very first page...this is a great read.

Thank you Gwyn McNamee for sending me an advance reader copy for an honest and fair review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

35 reviews

September 2, 2025

More McBride Mountain Please

My first book by Gwyn McNamee and I’m absolutely in love with these characters and McBride Mountain. So excited for more 😍 Let’s face it Killian is husband material not a boyfriend. With everything Willow and Killian went through, helping a partner regain memories, doing right by them and not what’s right for you... Killian takes the cake. Yeah, there was some coaxing from his brothers to have him tell Willow what he said to make her leave but it worked out. I wish I had a little more back story on Connor and Liam’s adoptions but I imagine we’ll get that in the rest of the series. January can’t come fast enough <3

lovestoread

964 reviews12 followers

August 24, 2025

Oh so much to unpack. Did not play out the way I thought it would. Great read if a bit heartbreaking at times.

Killian doesn't forgive himself for what he said to Willow that drove her away. The townfolk stear clear of the grump.

When he stumbles across her a year later, he's beside himself. The fact that she can't remember anything but knows she was on her way back to him has the whole town in an uproar. There is no explanation.

Things take a turn when Willow starts to remember...wow.

Joy Whiteside

4,884 reviews113 followers

August 24, 2025

Such a fantastic read. OMG you will not want to put this book down once you start reading and no doubt you will probalby finish in one sitting. This book will grab you and take you away to another world in which you lose yourself. It moves along at a pace that is just perfect for this story and these characters, you will fall in love with them. This book will not disappoint you and once you are done, you will be wanting to read over again. It is that kind of story, that you can not get enough of.

LLS

924 reviews21 followers

August 26, 2025

What a beginning to a new series! Killian and his brothers live on McBride mountain. It's their family legacy. Willow is the girl Killian has always loved and the one he destroyed with one sentence. Willow left the mountain and was living her life without him. One day, as the brothers were scouting for a certain tree, Killian finds Willow half dead face down in the river. She is left with amnesia. She can't remember the last year. What follows is a great mystery with lots of twists and turns. So looking forward to more from this series!

Stacey Beck

53 reviews

August 26, 2025

Killian & Willow

After an argument, Willow leaves the love of her life to think about their relationship and whether she can forgive the harsh words. She’s gone for a year and Killian is angry, self loathing and dying inside.
When Willow shows up again it’s not in the way it should have been. Something sinister is surrounding her mysterious appearance and calls into question where she’s really been this past year.
Love the shocking truth Gwyn weaves into her story. I was watching it unfold in my head and loving every minute of it.

Victoria Shelton

1,038 reviews14 followers