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Starlight Mountain: A brand-new small town romance for fans of emotional forbidden love stories in 2026!
Preorder the next book in the heart-stealing Autumn Falls series nowThe Carter brothers were once inseparable – five boys, a band, and a bond that seemed unbreakable. But it’s been ten years since the band broke up and even longer since they left the family ranch and the wide-open skies of Autumn Falls. Fame, secrets and time have left cracks that no one wants to face.
Don't miss out on discovering what happens to the Carter brothers in the next books in the series…Book 1: Autumn Falls
Book 2: Silver Sky
Book 3: Redemption River
Book 4: Starlight Mountain
Book 5: Midnight Promise
Don't miss out on discovering what happens to the Carter brothers in the next books in the series…Book 1: Autumn Falls
Book 2: Silver Sky
Book 3: Redemption River
Book 4: Starlight Mountain
Book 5: Midnight Promise
- GenresRomance
308 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 3, 2026
About the author
Taylor Gray
5 books28 followersTaylor Gray grew up watching too much TV and reading far too much romance. Now she’s a writer, she calls it research. She spends her days scribbling illegible notes in a notebook, dictating into her phone as she walks then trying to decipher the transcription, and wishing she could type as fast as her characters thought. Obsessed with the nature of relationships, working out what it is that keeps us apart and brings us together is something she’ll never get tired of. She lives in a house overtaken by plants and pictures with her husband, son and cat.
Autumn Falls is her first small town romance series featuring the Carter brothers, Jack, Logan, Brodie, Noah and Ethan. Having shot to the fame in their teens when they made up one of the hottest boybands on the planet, the series starts ten years after the band split up. Once as close as any brothers could be, they’re now little more than strangers. Broken, burnt out and dealing with the consequences of fame, it’s only when they come home to Autumn Falls and the ranch they grew up on that they can face the mistakes they’ve made – and the hearts they’ve broken…
Book 1: Autumn Falls – Logan’s Story
Book 2: Silver Sky – Noah’s Story
Book 3: Redemption River – Brodie’s Story
Book 4: Starlight Mountain – Willow’s Story
Book 5: Midnight Promise – Ethan’s Story
Autumn Falls is her first small town romance series featuring the Carter brothers, Jack, Logan, Brodie, Noah and Ethan. Having shot to the fame in their teens when they made up one of the hottest boybands on the planet, the series starts ten years after the band split up. Once as close as any brothers could be, they’re now little more than strangers. Broken, burnt out and dealing with the consequences of fame, it’s only when they come home to Autumn Falls and the ranch they grew up on that they can face the mistakes they’ve made – and the hearts they’ve broken…
Book 1: Autumn Falls – Logan’s Story
Book 2: Silver Sky – Noah’s Story
Book 3: Redemption River – Brodie’s Story
Book 4: Starlight Mountain – Willow’s Story
Book 5: Midnight Promise – Ethan’s Story
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
July 31, 2026
Starlight Mountain by Taylor Gray is the fourth book in the Autumn Falls series and follows Willow Carter, the only daughter of the Carter family. With a dual pov and themes such as forbidden romance, rival families, this book completely pulled me into the world of Autumn Falls once again.
I have to admit that I really didn't like Emmet, Willow's and the carter boys' father. In the first few books I thought he was a grumpy old man who barely spoke and showed even less emotion. As this story progressed, though, I changed my mind about him. Emmet is a man of few words, but that made an important moment near the end of the book hit even harder. That part of the story genuinely made me emotional. And if you know me, books rarely bring tears to my eyes.
Dylan also left a strong impression on me. His backstory is heartbreaking, and it was incredible to see how he managed to keep himself going in life despite everything he had been through. I found myself rooting for him from beginning to end.
I also loved Willow's character development. The moment she finally found the courage to communicate what she had been carrying with her for so long and ultimately chose herself was beautifully written.
The connection between Willow and Dylan felt absolutely right to me. Their relationship was given the time it needed to develop, and nothing felt rushed. It fit both of their individual journeys perfectly and made the ending all the more meaningful.
Now there is only one book left in the series, and while I can't wait for it's release, I know I'll be sad when the journey comes to an end. I have grown incredibly attached to the characters of Autumn Falls, and it will be difficult to say goodbye.
For me, Starlight Mountain is another beautiful and emotional addition to a series that has found a very special place in my heart.
Thank you one more chapter and netgalley for this arc in exhange for my honest review.
I have to admit that I really didn't like Emmet, Willow's and the carter boys' father. In the first few books I thought he was a grumpy old man who barely spoke and showed even less emotion. As this story progressed, though, I changed my mind about him. Emmet is a man of few words, but that made an important moment near the end of the book hit even harder. That part of the story genuinely made me emotional. And if you know me, books rarely bring tears to my eyes.
Dylan also left a strong impression on me. His backstory is heartbreaking, and it was incredible to see how he managed to keep himself going in life despite everything he had been through. I found myself rooting for him from beginning to end.
I also loved Willow's character development. The moment she finally found the courage to communicate what she had been carrying with her for so long and ultimately chose herself was beautifully written.
The connection between Willow and Dylan felt absolutely right to me. Their relationship was given the time it needed to develop, and nothing felt rushed. It fit both of their individual journeys perfectly and made the ending all the more meaningful.
Now there is only one book left in the series, and while I can't wait for it's release, I know I'll be sad when the journey comes to an end. I have grown incredibly attached to the characters of Autumn Falls, and it will be difficult to say goodbye.
For me, Starlight Mountain is another beautiful and emotional addition to a series that has found a very special place in my heart.
Thank you one more chapter and netgalley for this arc in exhange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I've had the pleasure of reading all of Taylor Gray's books as an ARC reader, and Starlight Mountain is another wonderful addition to her collection. Gray has a gift for creating heartfelt small-town romances that feel genuine, emotional, and deeply relatable, and this story is no exception.
The combination of family secrets, second chances, and a charming small-town setting kept me invested from beginning to end. I loved watching the characters navigate their pasts while finding the courage to move forward. The emotional depth of the story balanced perfectly with the romance, making the journey both touching and satisfying.
As with all of Taylor Gray's books, the characters felt authentic and easy to connect with, and the sense of community added so much warmth to the story. There were moments that made me smile, moments that tugged at my heartstrings, and a conclusion that left me feeling completely satisfied.
If you enjoy small-town romance, emotional family dynamics, and stories about healing, forgiveness, and second chances, I highly recommend Starlight Mountain. Taylor Gray continues to be an auto-read author for me, and I can't wait to see what she writes next.
📚I was able to read an advanced copy of title thanks to NetGalley, Taylor Gray and Harper Collins 📚
📚All reviews and opinions are entirely my own📚
The combination of family secrets, second chances, and a charming small-town setting kept me invested from beginning to end. I loved watching the characters navigate their pasts while finding the courage to move forward. The emotional depth of the story balanced perfectly with the romance, making the journey both touching and satisfying.
As with all of Taylor Gray's books, the characters felt authentic and easy to connect with, and the sense of community added so much warmth to the story. There were moments that made me smile, moments that tugged at my heartstrings, and a conclusion that left me feeling completely satisfied.
If you enjoy small-town romance, emotional family dynamics, and stories about healing, forgiveness, and second chances, I highly recommend Starlight Mountain. Taylor Gray continues to be an auto-read author for me, and I can't wait to see what she writes next.
📚I was able to read an advanced copy of title thanks to NetGalley, Taylor Gray and Harper Collins 📚
📚All reviews and opinions are entirely my own📚
July 18, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and One More Chapter for the Arc of Starlight Mountain by Taylor Gray.
I'm always super excited when the ARC for this series comes up for me. It's by far and away one of my favourite series to date and I feel like I have truly become part of the family with the Carters.
This story follows willow, the girl of the family and often the forgotten one against her famous brothers. She is struggling with an injury and the impact that will have on her career as a dancer. She is back in Autumn Falls to recover but little does she know her life will be turned upside down by a former crush and family enemy coming back into her life. The story is told by her and Dylan her love interest. It explores love, heartbreak, abuse and family troubles all in a beautifully stitched together novel.
Taylor Gray has created a beautiful detailed and emotionally charged world writing both females and males so well and blending the tropes of romance with heart and soul. She does not shy away from hard topics but always balances them with happy moments and heartwarming storylines.
I can't get enough of this series and the next one can't come soon enough!
I'm always super excited when the ARC for this series comes up for me. It's by far and away one of my favourite series to date and I feel like I have truly become part of the family with the Carters.
This story follows willow, the girl of the family and often the forgotten one against her famous brothers. She is struggling with an injury and the impact that will have on her career as a dancer. She is back in Autumn Falls to recover but little does she know her life will be turned upside down by a former crush and family enemy coming back into her life. The story is told by her and Dylan her love interest. It explores love, heartbreak, abuse and family troubles all in a beautifully stitched together novel.
Taylor Gray has created a beautiful detailed and emotionally charged world writing both females and males so well and blending the tropes of romance with heart and soul. She does not shy away from hard topics but always balances them with happy moments and heartwarming storylines.
I can't get enough of this series and the next one can't come soon enough!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Willow Carter lleva años persiguiendo un sueño en Nueva York, convencida de que el escenario es el único lugar al que pertenece. Pero cuando una lesión la obliga a regresar a su pueblo natal, se encuentra atrapada en una vida que ya no reconoce.
Mientras intenta decansar, una yegua indomable llamada Thunder la conduce hasta un rincón del pasado que creía olvidado. Allí ve a Dylan Hawkins, el hombre (antes chico) al que no ha visto en años y cuyo apellido sigue siendo suficiente para despertar viejas tensiones en su familia.
Con una rivalidad que parece escrita mucho antes de que ellos nacieran, secretos que nadie quiere remover y una atracción imposible de ignorar, Willow comienza a cuestionarse si todo aquello de lo que huyó sigue siendo realmente el enemigo. Porque a veces regresar a casa no significa volver al mismo lugar, sino descubrir una versión de ti que nunca llegaste a conocer.
Mientras intenta decansar, una yegua indomable llamada Thunder la conduce hasta un rincón del pasado que creía olvidado. Allí ve a Dylan Hawkins, el hombre (antes chico) al que no ha visto en años y cuyo apellido sigue siendo suficiente para despertar viejas tensiones en su familia.
Con una rivalidad que parece escrita mucho antes de que ellos nacieran, secretos que nadie quiere remover y una atracción imposible de ignorar, Willow comienza a cuestionarse si todo aquello de lo que huyó sigue siendo realmente el enemigo. Porque a veces regresar a casa no significa volver al mismo lugar, sino descubrir una versión de ti que nunca llegaste a conocer.
July 6, 2026
This is the fourth in the Autumn Falls series, and it's just as good as the previous books! This one focusses on Willow, the youngest sister who was left behind when the Carter Brothers had their big break. She later grew up and went and studied ballet and became a dancer on New York. Now she's back in Autumn Falls, with an injured knee. Also back is Dylan, whose ranch backs on to Silver Skies. The two families have an unpleasant history.
One of things I loved about this book is that it doesn't limit its focus to the burgeoning relationship between Willow and Dylan. It's broad, looking at Willow's relationships with her family and her job.
We get visits from all the previous couples, which is a delight. And the chapter after the final chapter isn't an epilogue it's a teaser for the next book - Ethans book and I cannot wait.
Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for this DRC in exchange for an honest review.
One of things I loved about this book is that it doesn't limit its focus to the burgeoning relationship between Willow and Dylan. It's broad, looking at Willow's relationships with her family and her job.
We get visits from all the previous couples, which is a delight. And the chapter after the final chapter isn't an epilogue it's a teaser for the next book - Ethans book and I cannot wait.
Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for this DRC in exchange for an honest review.
July 12, 2026
Oh I do love a small town romance add in some forbidden romance and I’m so down!
Starlight Mountain is the fourth book in the Autumn Falls series but can be read as a standalone.
Two rival families hell bent on keeping as far away from the other as possible. There’s bad blood from the past between the fathers and it seeps into their children.
But that doesn’t stop Willow and Dylan catching glances at each other.
Seeing these two begin something that seems so forbidden was exciting. She’s lived to help her family, help on the farm and help around the house so It’s about time she lived a little for herself rather than everyone else and seeing her do so with Dylan was brilliant to see.
They were so good for each other and too adorable.
Starlight Mountain was a charming small town romance filled with family secrets, second chances and a whole lot of chemistry. It’s cute, it’s emotional and very easy to read.
Starlight Mountain is the fourth book in the Autumn Falls series but can be read as a standalone.
Two rival families hell bent on keeping as far away from the other as possible. There’s bad blood from the past between the fathers and it seeps into their children.
But that doesn’t stop Willow and Dylan catching glances at each other.
Seeing these two begin something that seems so forbidden was exciting. She’s lived to help her family, help on the farm and help around the house so It’s about time she lived a little for herself rather than everyone else and seeing her do so with Dylan was brilliant to see.
They were so good for each other and too adorable.
Starlight Mountain was a charming small town romance filled with family secrets, second chances and a whole lot of chemistry. It’s cute, it’s emotional and very easy to read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I’ve really enjoyed this series, and while Silver Sky is still my favourite, this one comes in a very close second. I loved finally getting Willow’s story, and the forbidden romance element kept me invested from start to finish.
The emotional moments hit just as well as they have throughout the rest of the series, and I found myself completely caught up in the family dynamics and ongoing tensions. I did find myself wishing for a little more time with the romance after some of the major developments, as I wasn't quite ready for the story to end.
Overall, this was an engaging, emotional read with plenty of drama, and that final chapter has me very eager to pick up the last book in the series.
Thanks to the author, Harper Collins, OneMoreChapter and NetGalley for an eARC. All opinions are my own.
The emotional moments hit just as well as they have throughout the rest of the series, and I found myself completely caught up in the family dynamics and ongoing tensions. I did find myself wishing for a little more time with the romance after some of the major developments, as I wasn't quite ready for the story to end.
Overall, this was an engaging, emotional read with plenty of drama, and that final chapter has me very eager to pick up the last book in the series.
Thanks to the author, Harper Collins, OneMoreChapter and NetGalley for an eARC. All opinions are my own.
July 14, 2026
I loved the latest book in The Carter Brothers series. This one is Willow's story, and it's full of emotion, forbidden attraction and learning to live your life for you. Willow is a ballerina who returns home after working on an existing injury. It's not just her body that's hurting; mentally, she fears the loss of her dreams and doesn't want to be home until a wild horse reacquaints her with a lost forbidden attraction. Dylan doesn't intend to stay in Autumn Falls; his family has a bad history there, but training Thunder means he can keep seeing Willow and maybe finish what they started. It's a story full of compassion and conflict that makes you invest in the couple who deserve their chance at happiness. I like the believable conflict, the horses, and the romance. Perhaps my favourite book in the series so far.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I have enjoyed the other books in the series and Starlight Mountain certainly didn't disappoint. From the very first page the author's writing had me hooked and I kept reading until the end as I wanted to know what happened. I loved the small town place setting in the story and there was a great cast of characters. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author.
🩷 Thank you to Netgalley, the author, Taylor Gray and one more chapter for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
🩷 Thank you to Netgalley, the author, Taylor Gray and one more chapter for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
July 4, 2026
I absolutely love this series. I've been eagerly awaiting Willow's story, and it definitely doesn't disappoint. Not my favorite of the series, but solid.
I did think the ending felt a little unfinished, there's a little less closure in this one than the others, but the entire story leading up to it was good.
**Thank you NetGalley and One More Chapter for sending this book for review. All opinions are my own.**
I did think the ending felt a little unfinished, there's a little less closure in this one than the others, but the entire story leading up to it was good.
**Thank you NetGalley and One More Chapter for sending this book for review. All opinions are my own.**
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June 2, 2026Me sorprendió que al final quedaran juntos. A lo largo del libro se ve como es que se gustan, pero cada uno tiene aspiraciones que los llevan por caminos contrarios, incluso en la parte final en donde ambos están separados haciendo lo que les gusta, no se veía como lograrían estar juntos. Y de la nada ella se retira, regresa y son felices por siempre.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is my first read of the series and Taylor Gray book.
The story was engaging and interesting.
Small town, Forbidden romance.
This is an emotional story, that deals with previous trauma.
both MMC and FCM deal with their Trauma as they driver deeper into their relationship.
thank you HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter , the Author and NetGalley for the advance copy
The story was engaging and interesting.
Small town, Forbidden romance.
This is an emotional story, that deals with previous trauma.
both MMC and FCM deal with their Trauma as they driver deeper into their relationship.
thank you HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter , the Author and NetGalley for the advance copy
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Cute plot. Love a rivals/forbidden romance. Wish this had been written in dual 1st person POV. Also wish some of the flashback scenes/dialog had been more easily identifiable. It got a little confusing in parts.
July 8, 2026
This is book four in this series. It’s just as good as the previous ones. It’s full of emotion and romance. I’m looking forward to the next one.
August 11, 2026
The first 3 books in this series focused on one of the Carter brothers. This one focuses on their little sister Willow. Although these books can be read as stand-alone stories, I think they are best enjoyed in order as all characters are related in one way or another and you get to know more and more about the family dynamics with each book in the series.
I loved being back in Autumn Falls and really wish I could live there. This is an emotional cowboy closed door romance story about second chances, family secrets and the small town.
Taylor Gray is quickly becoming an auto-read author for me!
I loved being back in Autumn Falls and really wish I could live there. This is an emotional cowboy closed door romance story about second chances, family secrets and the small town.
Taylor Gray is quickly becoming an auto-read author for me!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
There is nothing quite like a high-stakes, small-town feud paired with irresistible star-crossed sparks to make a romance completely unputdownable. 🏔️✨ Starlight Mountain by Taylor Gray is a wonderfully heartwarming, emotionally rich story that pulls you in from the very first chapter.
The narrative follows Willow Carter, an injured ballerina returning to her hometown of Autumn Falls to heal, who finds herself drawn directly into the path of Dylan Hawkins, a former high school football star and a key member of her family's long-standing rival clan. Despite the strict hands-off rules dictated by their families' history, their undeniable chemistry and a series of unexpected encounters reignite old feelings. Gray writes small-town dynamics with charm, layering the forbidden attraction with emotional depth as both characters navigate past heartbreaks and family legacy pressures. 🐎❄️
The slow-burn tension between is magnificently executed, grounded in mutual respect, secret yearning, and a second-chance spark. It strikes the perfect balance between cozy small-town atmosphere and character growth, making it a captivating read. If you love small-town romances filled with heart, heat, and forbidden love, add this to your reading stack right away! 📖✨
A massive thank you to @onemorechapterhc and @netgalley for providing a digital ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts. Starlight Mountain is out now!
The narrative follows Willow Carter, an injured ballerina returning to her hometown of Autumn Falls to heal, who finds herself drawn directly into the path of Dylan Hawkins, a former high school football star and a key member of her family's long-standing rival clan. Despite the strict hands-off rules dictated by their families' history, their undeniable chemistry and a series of unexpected encounters reignite old feelings. Gray writes small-town dynamics with charm, layering the forbidden attraction with emotional depth as both characters navigate past heartbreaks and family legacy pressures. 🐎❄️
The slow-burn tension between is magnificently executed, grounded in mutual respect, secret yearning, and a second-chance spark. It strikes the perfect balance between cozy small-town atmosphere and character growth, making it a captivating read. If you love small-town romances filled with heart, heat, and forbidden love, add this to your reading stack right away! 📖✨
A massive thank you to @onemorechapterhc and @netgalley for providing a digital ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts. Starlight Mountain is out now!
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