The Three Night Stand

Wildwood Society #3

by Roxie Noir

She's the one night stand I never forgot.
And now her dad is about to marry my mom.

It has to be some kind of cosmic joke, right? For once, I feel like I’ve got my life together—good job, great friends, a fresh start in a new place. I’ve been on my best behavior for ages. At last, everything’s coming up Javier.

Until the moment I walk into my stepdad’s house and meet his daughter.

I should say: I meet her again. Madeline and I have already met. It was one night, two years ago. A quick, casual hookup that had no right to be as mind-blowing as it was. I haven’t stopped thinking about it–or her–ever since.

But our parents are getting married, so under no circumstances should we sleep together again.

Or… again. Or one more time after that, just to get it out of our systems.

Madeline’s funny, fiery, and so gorgeous with her pink hair and nerdy tattoos that I can barely look at her without breaking into a sweat. But she has too much going on to be interested in commitment, and God knows I’m a bad boyfriend candidate.

Once the wedding’s over, we’ll be normal stepsiblings who don’t have sex with each other, and Thanksgiving won’t be awkward at all.

Right?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Rom Com, Contemporary, Small Town Romance, Found Family, Mental Health

432 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 13, 2024

About the author

Roxie is a romance author by day, and also a romance author by night. She lives in Los Angeles with one husband, two cats, far too many books, and a truly alarming pile of used notebooks that she refuses to throw away.

She's the author of the Loveless Brothers series, the upcoming Wildwood Society series, and a bunch of other books that are also delightful.

If you need updates or free stories, you can sign up for her newsletter: http://roxienoir.com/newsletter

Reviews

[sashenka 🖤 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oh well I forgot to review it.
Not my favorite of this series but that's more a me problem than anything else.

[Jen (mrs-machino) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this installment of Wildwood - thanks so much to the author for the ARC!

Roxie Noir always writes a great mix of steam, humor and complex yet healthy characters, which I love. This book had an “idiots to lovers” vibe that I really enjoyed, these two just keep banging and ignoring their feelings for a really long time. This might be her steamiest book?!

Javi has a lot of baggage, between his recovery from addiction and his complicated relationship with an abusive father. Madeline is less troubled but no less interesting, she’s quirky and fun in a relatable way without being too NLoG.

My favorite thing about this book is the way it shows the Wildwood guys having healthy strong friendships and supporting each other, doing things like bringing food, watching each other’s cats, and hugging. It’s like a breath of anti-toxic-masculinity fresh air. The only downside is it felt more integrated into the Loveless/Wildwood universe than the other books in the series, so it might be harder to pick up as a standalone.

[Noi (in & out)]

I saw an Instagram post where it said Idiots to Lovers and I just keep thinking about that so... we shall see?

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this fine, it's not particularly memorable at the moment because I finished it a week ago. I wish there had been more of the hero's weird collecting/art on page because it felt like it was going to be more important than it ended up being.

[meownnie · Rating 2 out of 5]

we as a society cannot let the miscommunication trope be rebranded as Idiots to Lovers.

lowkey felt like these two had zero chemistry…like the love confession felt like it came out of nowhere????? so much of this book fell flat to me, perhaps that’s a me problem cos I just could not picture these two characters as a couple. I loved Javi’s story and growth and all the healthy friendships in this book? like I was more invested in them than the protagonists’ romance ell o ell.

also I need the logistics of Javi and Madeline having children explained to me. like they’ll have one set of grandparents technically? can u imagine explaining that to your child 😭😭😭

[Lynn_G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Javier you beautiful complicated messy lovable man - I’m so glad we got to focus on you, my favorite of the male Wildwood Society denizens. And Madeline you gorgeous nerd girl who’s not at all manic pixie but just lovely and funny.

Roxie Noir never disappoints, always serving tons of delicious heat with poignancy and relatability. The step sibling aspect was a hilarious twist and watching Madeline and Javi squirm around the attraction they share was such a satisfying experience for this reader.

Javi’s issues with addiction are near and dear to me, and it’s handled well here, it was believable and it leaves one rooting for him to stay clean. Likewise Madeline’s success in a male-dominated industry adds to her charm and all around badassery. When the two of them stop obfuscating and admit what they have is greater than superficial it’s a joy to read.

I was fortunate to have received an advance reader copy from The Author Agency, and I’m pleased to share my honest review.

[bookishblunders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Javier and Madeline never expected to see each other again after their one-night stand. They definitely didn’t expect to meet again when their parents announce their engagement. Cue pining, some wild banter, and well, maybe a few more supposed one-offs.

The classic Roxie-style banter was especially on-point in this book. The characters were fun, flirty, and clever, but not always super discerning. Watching these two idiots fall in love without realizing it was a fun romp, filled with moments both heartfelt and spicy.

As always, characters from other Roxie novels made appearances, bringing a special “found family” vibe that I have come to expect in this series. It’s kind of like a homecoming every time you open one of these books.

I was honored to receive an ARC of this book, and I am leaving an honest review. Pick up this book! You won’t regret it!

[Liz Alden]

Oh boy is this one spicy! It's such a sexy book, and I loved the cameos from the Loveless brothers and other Sprucevale residents. And of course, Zorro and the men of Wildwood - such fantastic wholesome relationships. Lots of men hugging men and just in general being sweet and supportive of each other. Love it!

[Teal Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roxie Noir is my favorite contemporary romance author. She just writes the most amazing characters, banter, and spice. She’s an auto buy.

[DMATMOOBILforever · Rating 4 out of 5]

- 3.5 stars rounded to 4
- 66% this one is such a weird one for me. I’m enjoying it (great dialogue) but at the same time I feel like it’s slow and meh, yet moments are making me cry? But I’m sorta meh about it because though it’s clear to me that Javi is now pining for her… I honestly don’t get the feeling that she likes/loves him more than someone to chat with and hook up with. Like I see her liking him as a friends either benefits thing even though I know she’s actually supposed to like him romantically as well
- Also I think that Javi is a little too real, too fucked up for me to really like him and view him as this hot and desirable MMC.
- 72% so weird. She just dropped in thought that she knew they were waiting to start fucking again after the wedding and start dating, but I swear they never talked about it ever? So she’s just telling us it happened….? Okay I just went back and scanned the last 10% of the book and I did not miss anything… so that’s super weird we’re being told when there’s been SO much dialogue and telling isn’t Roxie Noir’s style
- 80% okay well at least we did get to see them say it.. they’re going to tell their parents a week after their honeymoon
- Ugh the last 10% of the book was so nice. Clear communication about her wanting to move to Sprucevale, domestic bliss, and the first ‘I love you’ scene was so fucking perfect

“You could have anyone you want,” he finally says. “You could have something easier, with someone who isn’t so much work. You know there’s nothing after in recovery, right? There’s no recovered. This is it.”
I turn my head toward his and nuzzle his cheek with my nose. “Javi,” I say as quietly as I can, the ocean shushing beneath us. “Why would I want easy when I could have you?” He turns me so our temples are pressing together, and I’m still in his jacket in this weird tangle of limbs, and it’s cold out but warm everywhere that we’re touching. I have the brief certainty that no one else has felt this way in the history of the world. How could they? If everyone felt like this, the earth would explode.
“I love you,” he says, and that’s all.
“So you’ll let me try moving?”
“Please. You knew I’d say yes,” Javi says. “All I’ve wanted for three years is to say yes to you.”
“All I’ve wanted is to ask,” I say. “I love you, too.”

- So this book really confused me. I wasn’t super invested and I didn’t love Javier, yet I cried and I did love the ending? Great dialogue as always except that weird confusion thing I had around 72%. I guess I am a bit disappointed given I loved the first two books in the series so much.
- there were a bunch of seriously real siblings moments, so funny
- Not sure how much I’m looking forward to the fourth book given that I know that Wyatt is pining for whatever her name is, yet she won’t give him more than friendship all this time? And I know that Javier is mad at her for that. Obv I’ll read it though.
✅ lots of feels

[Rombookfanlove · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5 ⭐️ rounded to 4.

This was a nice romance overall, with funny banter and quirky characters that are easy to like.

The romance is written in a funny but also understated way that took me a bit to grasp the tone and overall vibe and I think this is why it took me until about the 30% mark to start getting into the story.

There were a lot of snort-inducing moments (from the humor) and the band-aid convo made me almost cry laughing. Definitely an entertaining book.

To me it felt more like reading about a group of friends and family (who are all fun, individual characters) and there happens to be a romantic relationship amongst it rather than a focused romance. For the first time, I’ve read something where I had the thought that I would have rather seen this as a movie and I think it would be a good character-driven quirky vibe one. It just seemed more suited for that for some reason. Not meant to be a negative, just an observation I had!

Javier and Madeline are delightful and seem to be the perfect match for each other. They are adorable together and just “fit”; they give the ‘cozy’ vibes.

It was a good book and I am glad I read it. I can totally see this being a read that many people will fully enjoy more than I did. There’s nothing particularly wrong with the writing, I think the tone/‘voice’ maybe is what threw me - overall I think it’s just a mismatch for me but absolutely not one to pass over if you’re very interested in the book!

So, my more-subjective-than-usual rating is a 3.5/5 ⭐️ rounded to 4 for GR, but I could easily see it being a solid 4 or more for others.

I received an advance copy of this book and have left my honest, un-influenced review.

[Grace Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Note: I received an ARC for review.

This is book three of Roxie Noir’s Wildwood Society series and I am enjoying every one of them. I think Noir’s unofficial tagline is funny books that fuck, and this book lives up to to the promise. In fact, the book starts with a very spicy cab ride! Noir keeps the tension humming throughout the book, with three nights spread over months of high-heat tension interspersed with the silly and the dramatic!

But there is only minimal angst! Noir is one of my first choice authors for when I need to read a good time with a guaranteed happy ending. People have good lives in Noir’s books, and that includes the gay characters, the older characters, the siblings, the friends, and the lady at the diner. If you want a tear-jerker, look elsewhere. Even when Noir deals with serious topics—divorced parents, drug addiction—the book doesn’t tug at your heartstrings in an effort to make you cry.

One of the joys of Noir’s writing is the ADHD representation—I, too, have left coffee, keys, and Kindles on the top of my car before driving away—and this book doesn’t disappoint. We can tell that Noir has done her research, and I appreciated the tidbits about different treatments for ADHD and the chaos ADHD sometimes brings to your life. In addition, Noir excels at sketching a portrait of a small mountain town that goes beyond the stereotypes. Her characters and setting feel real in a way that many books do not.

If you're looking for a good time in a contemporary romance that offers delightful details, well-drawn characters, and good friends and family, this is the one for you!

[Lilian · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first night they spend together was as strangers. The second night was after Javier and Madeline have just realised that they will become step siblings soon , with her dad, Gerald, marrying his mom, Paloma, in six months’ time. The next one is when Javier informs Madeline that they should never ever do it again, because it is getting too hard.

To Madeline, it is a hint that she is not good enough for him. But for Javier, he is falling hard and needs to stop before it becomes even more difficult to do the “right thing”. When Madeline gets into trouble though, Javier steps into action and realises how deeply he cares for her.

I liked that both Madeline and Javier have friends whom they can rely on such as Ben and Wyatt, respectively. As for dear Zorro, he’s such a scene stealer lol. The dual POV allows us to see how the mutual pining takes place with both of them having doubt and different worries. Thank God for Javier’s siblings who points out his “mistake”.

[Yazmin Stone 🤍 · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️ ARC REVIEW: I did not expect to love this book as much as i did but holy wow i could tell from the second chapter that it was gonna be a 5 star read!!! You hookup with a stranger one night only to find out 2 years later that hes going to be your stepbrother but you continue hooking up anyway? Fuck yea i ate it upppp!!! The banter in this was the best i was laughing out loud the whole way through the characters and so unserious and thats the best part it makes you feel like you actually know them and are reading there life story. The spice in this one was absolutely scrumptious, it was all done so well and i couldn’t fault it one bit i had the best time.

[thebeespot72 · Rating 4 out of 5]

It has been a while since I’ve read a Roxie Noir book. “Three Night Stand” was spicy, sweet, and full of bright comedic banter that I enjoy reading in rom-coms.  Roxie sprinkles it with a touch of the forbidden, with Javier and Madeline being step-siblings. Of course, in the beginning, they were not aware.

I loved how being step-siblings was repeatedly thrown at them humorously throughout the story. Also, the two characters' deeper themes were woven into the plot, bringing on some emotions. Overall, I enjoyed the story.

[Taylor Johnstone · Rating 4 out of 5]

The start of this book is everything you could ask for: the characters had banter, it was spicy and it was just an easy story to fall into.

I found the middle section of the book to drag on quite a bit, I had to push myself to keep reading at some bits as I personally felt like it didn’t hold me as a reader the same as the beginning did. I got quite distracted with different characters names popping up and not being explained exactly who they were in the scenario so I got a bit muddled up with who I was reading about.

I’m glad I finished the book as it was a good plot and I fell in love with the main characters. It was a fairly quick read! I had the privilege of being chosen for an ARC read x

[Shauna D · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, I’m so grateful to have been given an ARC copy and the opportunity to have read this story. My honest review is as follows:

Let’s dive in- I absolutely loved this story. The step-sibling trope can be so tricky, but Roxie knocked it out of the park with this one. It felt every bit as much like a star-crossed lovers BUT with the best ending for these two. 10/10epilogue = happy tears!

MMC and FMC are SO perfect for each other! Javier is SO sweet. Genuinely sweet and lovable. Who doesn’t love a cat dad? Madeline is SO funny and someone I’d love to be friends with. I adore her! So kind and solid. She doesn’t have the biggest social circle, but you can tell with her that it is “quality over quantity”.

The extended family dynamic was a bit rocky to navigate, but it was so fun to see the Loveless brothers and crew make a few appearances. Love Javier’s friends as well!

My one reservation about the book is that I wanted to learn more about Madeline. I think she’s so awesome and I would have loved to hear more about her throughout. I’m also curious about her group of girlfriends. We didn’t hear much about them as she and Javier got closer.

All in all, such a fabulous read! Dynamite plot, perfect amount of romance (hello, first chapter!), lots of laughs. Highly, highly recommend.

[Miss Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh this book is spicy. But but but, I felt a little bit out of places. I don't get that feeling when I read the other of her books. But I still enjoy it. The bromance is good, the romance kinda good. And we get sneak peak on everyone. I love it because I miss everyone. So I can't wait for Wyatt and Lainey.

[Readingwithdesi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This literally started off with a BANG! So steamy and good, then it goes to years later! These characters were so funny trying to make it seem like they NEVER MET but regardless they always seem to meet again so so good!

[Hillary · Rating 3 out of 5]

- The awkward rapport is chef’s kiss and comedic
- Once again, I wish I had a brother, maybe I’ll tell my mom again that it’s not too late to adopt one

[Stephy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[V · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5
I didn't like the "stepsibling" conflict much, I mean they are not blood relatives who met in their 30s, why anyone (including them) care is beyond me.

[Cara · Rating 2 out of 5]

wack. not my normal trope and i didnt know until it was too late. however it does strike me that the story could be exactly the same as it is if they were say, just buddies.

[Amanda Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Three Night Stand by Roxie Noir
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I really enjoyed how this book started off with a literal bang and then developed into a heartwarming, funny story about love, challenges, and family.

The relationship between Madeline and Javier began during a difficult time in Javier's life, and they both thought they would never see each other again. Fast forward, and they meet again at a dinner celebrating their parents' engagement.

Javier is an amazing character who deserves to see himself through the eyes of others during his recovery. As a reader, I found myself rooting for him. Meanwhile, Madeline is excelling in a male-dominated career. The dynamic of them becoming step-siblings adds an entertaining twist, as neither of them knows how to act around their new family.

The banter between the characters in this book was funny and engaging, making me feel like I was part of their conversations.

I always enjoy Roxie's writing, and I'm already feeling disappointed that I have to wait so long for Wyatt and Lainey's story. However, I've already downloaded Wells and Josie's story, so hopefully that will keep me entertained until 2025.

Thank you Roxie Noir for this ARC!

[Allie · Rating 4 out of 5]

OG Review:
Roxie described this book in her enewsletter thusly: ...Three Night Stand actually opens In Medias Bang. (That's Latin for, "In the middle of banging.")

And then provided the first chapter.

I mashed the preorder button so fast. 💁🏻‍♀️

After finishing Three Night Stand:
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 - WHEW!

Matt rolled his eyes at me when I told him about In Medias Bang lol.

I really liked this book, but have a couple of caveats:
1) There were a few too many side characters that didn't have enough of a story arc, and therefore I couldn't remember who was who or differentiate between them.
2) I read Roxie's newsletter and really enjoy it, but both Madeline and Javier's voices in this book were ... the same as Roxie's voice. And I'd be reading and I'd forget whose POV I was in because they were the same.

Still, the banter was great, the family dynamics were great, did I mention that it was insanely spicy omg, and this was set alternately in Virginia Beach and the Blue Ridge mountains, and I miss it there all the time. The end.

[Moi · Rating 3 out of 5]

high 3 stars

solid. the relationship "peril" felt real while also being hot and funny, and they handled their many hurdles with the right mix of flail and maturity. very satisfying. the frequent references to other roxie noir books/romances were mostly handled well, though they can sometimes unnecessarily convolute a scene.

so glad i've found roxie noir. she's a reliably good read, her sex scenes are creative and hot (and reflect characterizations, which is so key to good sex scenes), her characters are (for the most part) good people who don't act like children, and her banter is often excellent.

[Janet Martinez · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first 2 in this series were 5 stars easy. This one missed the mark for me. I don’t like the miscommunication in here and the chemistry between javi and Madeline was weird.
Also, wouldn’t it have been better to tell the family the whole truth - knowing each other from before the engagement? But whatever lol.
I enjoyed the characters and the appearances from the loveless brothers etc. I do love how the author depicted ADHD very well .
Idk I just wanted more depth 🤷‍♀️
3 stars ⭐️

[Roman Edits · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

Roxie Noir continues to deliver opening chapters that make the book impossible to put down. Even with a trope that isn’t necessarily my cup of tea (I won’t reveal which!), I blinked and suddenly I was only 2 chapters away from the end. Roxie Noir dominates my TBR list, and I don’t see that changing any time soon.

As for the main relationship’s struggles… This book is like watching a disaster in slow motion. You see the full water glass at the edge of the table. You know someone is going to bump it, but you can’t move it. All you can do is watch as the characters inch it closer to the edge. The fall is inevitable. You know disaster is coming, you just don’t know when. It’s great!

But let’s talk about what everyone really wants to know: how good is the spice? Let me tell you: Roxie Noir knows how to season to perfection. And dishes are served EARLY!

Our main characters do get a little kinky, and to me, it seems like Javier slides closer to the dominant side of the dominant/submissive slash. But rest assured, dominance fits our MMC like a glove. I find dominance can often be overwritten, or portrayed like a caricature of what it actually is. Not here. It’s as easy for him as breathing. There’s no posturing or pretense, it’s just a part of him. It’s just who he is. It’s just that easy. Roxie, I commend you.

This book can be read as a stand-alone. However, for those who have read other books in this series and/or the Loveless Brothers series, there are some guest appearances! As someone who has yet to work through the rest of Roxie’s repertoire outside of “Enemies with Benefits,” I still enjoyed the connected world. Sprucevale feels so lived-in and well-loved. Every character feels so real and three-dimensional, whether it’s your first meeting or your fiftieth. Sprucevale is the resting note to a composition, the one we always come back to in the end, a homing beacon amidst the trials and tribulations of the characters.

And boy, were there some trials and tribulations. If you love when your friends spill tea about their family drama, this book is for YOU! Grab your popcorn and pull up a chair, because this is too good and too real to miss. But I will warn you: sometimes this book rips you from your chair, spills the popcorn on the floor, and plops you in the middle of the crossfire. Some of those family discussions were hard to read because they were so similar to reality, but there are conversations and apologies in this book that everyone needs to hear-- and they brought me to tears.

When Roxie Noir said they were bringing the ADHD representation microtrope, I don’t think I was prepared for how seen I would feel. Normally, when someone says they feel seen, they’re elated. Their hearts are light and fluttery with hope. But this book steers into the hard truths of ADHD. Don’t get me wrong, a part of me is happy so many people will finally get what it’s like. But there’s another part of me that’s screaming, saying, “Wait, how did you know that? You’re not supposed to know that! Don’t look at me!” Roxie exposed my struggles like Dorothy unmasking the Wizard of Oz. Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain! I won’t go into too much detail so everyone can have their own experience with the text, but I’ll give you one quote from Javier that sniped my heart:

“Did something happen?” And was it my fault?

Honorable mention: I’m not sure if the friendship between Javier and his best friend, Castillo, was supposed to be ADHD/Autism friendship rep, but as someone who has known friendships like this in my own life, it certainly felt like representation. I loved it.

Now, I will preface this section by saying I have only read “Enemies with Benefits,” and I am not familiar with how much of the author’s own life experience is in this book. I went in with a blank slate. So initially, I was caught off guard by Javier’s background and family life. As a Latino person myself, I worried that the story might lean into harmful stereotypes. But then I read the book. There were some moments that made me “hmm” and squint my eyes, but they were few and far between (two at most, really). I can’t speak for anyone aside from myself, but the conclusion I came to was this: people are complex. Javier was a well-rounded, multi-faceted character, and I always felt like he was a real person. While I still question why the choice was made for a Latino character specifically to have this particular background, I return to my earlier conclusion: people are complex, and so too will be the characters that represent them. If authors didn’t write diverse, complex characters, we wouldn’t have stories that reflect life. Anyone could be dealing with addiction. Anyone could be dealing with a turbulent family. These stories exist in every community, and they should be told.

I can’t speak on the representation of dealing with addiction, but I can say the characters felt real. You feel like you know them or have lived what they’re living. They’re a friend. They’re a family member. They’re you.

Read the book. Find your own connections. Form your own opinions. It’s worth the read.

[Kayleigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ One of the things I loved about Roxie Noir is that she doesn't shy away from real-life topics. This book focuses pretty heavily on recovery, and she presents it flawlessly. My biggest qualm with this book is that it was longer than it needed to be. Javier and Madeline were adorable, but I'm still team Gideon and Andy. IYKYK. 💜

[Judy Engell · Rating 3 out of 5]

feels like a YA book

It’s written like a young adult should be reading it. I kept going to see how the plot ended. But the sex scenes are way more than young adults. Different, not my favorite, but I liked the story line