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The One Night Stand
A BRAND NEW chilling psychological thriller from the BESTSELLING author of The Fake Date, L.H. Stacey, scheduled for release in August 2025
281 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 21, 2026
76 people are currently reading
114 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
February 1, 2026
3.5 ⭐️ | One Night Stand definitely shows one bad decision can unravel everything. Told through alternating POVs from Daisy, Tom, and Sarah, the story keeps the drama rotating and ensures no one is innocent in the chaos.
Daisy is deeply unhappy in her marriage, and of course fate decides that’s the exact moment she runs into an old fling. Because one night stands are usually messy… right? From there, Daisy’s web just keeps getting more tangled, and every attempt to fix things somehow makes it worse.
Tom was definitely giving me red flags! He was absolutely ready to do whatever it took to get what he wanted, and his perspective added a darker edge to the story. Sarah’s POV rounds out the mess, proving that literally every single character is involved in the fallout.
Overall, the story was messy and dramatic, with characters that were not always likable, but definitely engaging if you enjoy drama where no one escapes unscathed. Thank you NetGalley & Boldwood Books for an advanced reader copy.
Daisy is deeply unhappy in her marriage, and of course fate decides that’s the exact moment she runs into an old fling. Because one night stands are usually messy… right? From there, Daisy’s web just keeps getting more tangled, and every attempt to fix things somehow makes it worse.
Tom was definitely giving me red flags! He was absolutely ready to do whatever it took to get what he wanted, and his perspective added a darker edge to the story. Sarah’s POV rounds out the mess, proving that literally every single character is involved in the fallout.
Overall, the story was messy and dramatic, with characters that were not always likable, but definitely engaging if you enjoy drama where no one escapes unscathed. Thank you NetGalley & Boldwood Books for an advanced reader copy.
January 26, 2026
L.H. Stacey - The One Night Stand
Audio book review.
Would you take a chance on a one night stand with an old flame who still lights your fire?
Daisy did just that. But if she thought she could go back to her safe life with her rich and handsome husband, she is in for a rude awakening. Secrets have teeth, and this one is ready to bite Daisy right where it hurts.
I finished The One Night Stand a few days ago, but I’ve taken some time to process it in my head. It’s one of those books that doesn’t leave quietly when you finish the last page. It steps back, but continues to whisper to you and questions your every thought about what you’ve just read.
I had mixed emotions about the characters in this book.
Overall I liked Daisy. She was maybe a little selfish, but also hugely manipulated by the men who claimed to love her.
Both of the main male characters sent shivers down my spine, and not in a good way.
The story is told from the pov of Daisy, her sister Sarah and Tom - Daisy’s ex.
The tension kicks in from page one. When I thought we were going one way, LH Stacey throws in a curve ball and drags the reader off down another dark alley.
The One Night Stand is dark and atmospheric. It’s chilling, disturbing and completely gripping. There is sadness in this story, and it did make me quite tearful. But it’s fair to say that once your in, you won’t want to put it down.
L H Stacey doesn't sit her books squarely in one genre. She takes her stories and makes them uniquely her own. The One Night Stand is no exception, and it’s a compelling book to read.
The audio book is narrated by Claire Storey. She does a great job and really captures the tension and mood of the book.
I thoroughly lost myself in this book and I can only give it five shiny ‘read me now’ gold stars.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Audio book review.
Would you take a chance on a one night stand with an old flame who still lights your fire?
Daisy did just that. But if she thought she could go back to her safe life with her rich and handsome husband, she is in for a rude awakening. Secrets have teeth, and this one is ready to bite Daisy right where it hurts.
I finished The One Night Stand a few days ago, but I’ve taken some time to process it in my head. It’s one of those books that doesn’t leave quietly when you finish the last page. It steps back, but continues to whisper to you and questions your every thought about what you’ve just read.
I had mixed emotions about the characters in this book.
Overall I liked Daisy. She was maybe a little selfish, but also hugely manipulated by the men who claimed to love her.
Both of the main male characters sent shivers down my spine, and not in a good way.
The story is told from the pov of Daisy, her sister Sarah and Tom - Daisy’s ex.
The tension kicks in from page one. When I thought we were going one way, LH Stacey throws in a curve ball and drags the reader off down another dark alley.
The One Night Stand is dark and atmospheric. It’s chilling, disturbing and completely gripping. There is sadness in this story, and it did make me quite tearful. But it’s fair to say that once your in, you won’t want to put it down.
L H Stacey doesn't sit her books squarely in one genre. She takes her stories and makes them uniquely her own. The One Night Stand is no exception, and it’s a compelling book to read.
The audio book is narrated by Claire Storey. She does a great job and really captures the tension and mood of the book.
I thoroughly lost myself in this book and I can only give it five shiny ‘read me now’ gold stars.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 12, 2025
A blistering, addictive spiral of first love, forbidden choices, and the one night that destroys everything…
Daisy Bailey looks like she’s living a dream—beautiful home, devoted husband, picture-perfect life. But the facade cracks the moment she bumps into Tom Burgess, the boy who once held her whole heart. What starts as innocent nostalgia becomes a storm she can’t outrun: obsession, electricity, and a temptation that threatens to burn her world down.
But Daisy isn’t the only one hiding truths.
Her sister Sarah is watching closely—maybe too closely.
And her husband Cole? His “perfect” image masks shadows Daisy has never dared to look at.
As lies layer like glass shards underfoot, Daisy tumbles into a dangerous web of passion and paranoia. Every choice digs the hole deeper. Every secret becomes a weapon waiting to be used. And when tragedy finally hits, Daisy is forced to make an impossible decision—one that will break her heart… and someone else’s life.
Raw. Tense. Gorgeously messy.
This is a story of the past that refuses to stay buried, the future hanging by a thread, and the devastating cost of the truth.
If you love domestic suspense dripping with emotion, flawed heroines, and jaw-dropping twists, this one will wreck you—in the best way.
Daisy Bailey looks like she’s living a dream—beautiful home, devoted husband, picture-perfect life. But the facade cracks the moment she bumps into Tom Burgess, the boy who once held her whole heart. What starts as innocent nostalgia becomes a storm she can’t outrun: obsession, electricity, and a temptation that threatens to burn her world down.
But Daisy isn’t the only one hiding truths.
Her sister Sarah is watching closely—maybe too closely.
And her husband Cole? His “perfect” image masks shadows Daisy has never dared to look at.
As lies layer like glass shards underfoot, Daisy tumbles into a dangerous web of passion and paranoia. Every choice digs the hole deeper. Every secret becomes a weapon waiting to be used. And when tragedy finally hits, Daisy is forced to make an impossible decision—one that will break her heart… and someone else’s life.
Raw. Tense. Gorgeously messy.
This is a story of the past that refuses to stay buried, the future hanging by a thread, and the devastating cost of the truth.
If you love domestic suspense dripping with emotion, flawed heroines, and jaw-dropping twists, this one will wreck you—in the best way.
January 7, 2026
This book isn’t awful but personally it wasn’t my style. The characters got annoying and sometimes i felt like the book was dragging on and other times so much happened in one chapter, pretty inconsistent. There were parts that were suspenseful but it didnt sit right with me
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
✨️ARC review✨️
I absolutely devoured this book… but I’m still really divided on how to rate it.
I ended up giving it a 4 ⭐⭐️⭐️⭐️, because I flew through it and I COULD NOT
put it down... which is usually the sign of a perfect thriller, right? And yet… I finished it feeling underwhelmed, and I can’t fully put my finger on why. Stay with me on this guys 😂🤔🫠
The plot itself is brilliant. From the title alone, you know what it's about and being a thriller... some bad shit is going to go down, and honestly, I loved every bit of that. But the story as a whole feels a little woolly. I feel like it needed more development in places, and for the physiological twists/turn of events, to be more cinched in order to really tie it together.
It definitely has the bones of a real claustrophobic high-tension thriller: two intense MMCs (one a full-on stalker, the other obsessively safety-driven) creating a suffocating dynamic, while the sisters spiral through their own chaotic decisions under the guise of “looking out for each other.”. By the final part of the book it snowballs into one big mess - one bad decision after another, disaster piling on disaster! And honestly, that’s probably why I couldn’t stop reading 📢🤗🤯
If you’re okay with unlikeable characters and a tonne of drama, then this one's for you! It’s entertaining, contradictory, frustrating, but a total soap-opera energy under a thriller spotlight and I am HERE FOR IT 💅
Thank you so much for the ARC in exchange for honest review
@Lynda.Stacey
@TheMurderList
@LoveBooksTours
@LBT.Crew
I absolutely devoured this book… but I’m still really divided on how to rate it.
I ended up giving it a 4 ⭐⭐️⭐️⭐️, because I flew through it and I COULD NOT
put it down... which is usually the sign of a perfect thriller, right? And yet… I finished it feeling underwhelmed, and I can’t fully put my finger on why. Stay with me on this guys 😂🤔🫠
The plot itself is brilliant. From the title alone, you know what it's about and being a thriller... some bad shit is going to go down, and honestly, I loved every bit of that. But the story as a whole feels a little woolly. I feel like it needed more development in places, and for the physiological twists/turn of events, to be more cinched in order to really tie it together.
It definitely has the bones of a real claustrophobic high-tension thriller: two intense MMCs (one a full-on stalker, the other obsessively safety-driven) creating a suffocating dynamic, while the sisters spiral through their own chaotic decisions under the guise of “looking out for each other.”. By the final part of the book it snowballs into one big mess - one bad decision after another, disaster piling on disaster! And honestly, that’s probably why I couldn’t stop reading 📢🤗🤯
If you’re okay with unlikeable characters and a tonne of drama, then this one's for you! It’s entertaining, contradictory, frustrating, but a total soap-opera energy under a thriller spotlight and I am HERE FOR IT 💅
Thank you so much for the ARC in exchange for honest review
@Lynda.Stacey
@TheMurderList
@LoveBooksTours
@LBT.Crew
January 30, 2026
I really enjoyed the cat and mouse aspect of The One Night Stand. There were so many character twists that I got whiplash keeping them straight at times. I couldn’t decide if the main character was charming or irritating, but then again isn’t that pretty believable?!
The plot was intriguing enough to keep me on my toes, and I would recommend this for anyone looking for a thrilling palette cleanser!
The plot was intriguing enough to keep me on my toes, and I would recommend this for anyone looking for a thrilling palette cleanser!
January 20, 2026
One night. One secret. One choice she can never take back.💔
Wow this book kept me on my toes
Daisy Bailey has it all: the perfect home, the perfect husband, the perfect life. Or so it seems
How far will she go for the man she can’t forget - and what will her one night stand cost her to finally know the truth?
Wow this book kept me on my toes
Daisy Bailey has it all: the perfect home, the perfect husband, the perfect life. Or so it seems
How far will she go for the man she can’t forget - and what will her one night stand cost her to finally know the truth?
February 2, 2026
The One Night Stand by L.H. Stacey was an advanced reader's copy from NetGalley. While I enjoyed the twists and turns, it seemed to struggle on the landing. Daisy is the main character and we get her point of view. She should have been a sympathetic character but it fell flat for me. The other point of view is Tom, whom Daisy dated as a teenager. Tom is still smitten with Daisy and Daisy feels guilt over leaving him for her no husband Cole. Tom seems to be unfinished business. Daisy, Cole and Tom all seem to have secrets. It was a good read.
January 21, 2026
LH Stacey has done it again! This gripping story monopolised my attention and kept me guessing until the final chapters. The tension was unrelenting as each twist and turn was uncovered, keeping me awake until way past my bedtime.
In all honesty, none of the characters were particularly likeable; each exuded their own kind of darkness, leaving the book littered with red flags. Daisy was cast as being more of a bored wife looking for a little excitement. Her actions left me feeling pity for her, but not enough for me to want her to find happiness as a result of her indiscretions.
Tom was harder to read and proved to be a great source of the twists and turns as her slowly revealed his true persona. He was genuinely drawn to Daisy, but not necessarily in the way that most women would welcome. I certainly didn’t cast him as a book-boyfriend!
Cole brought a suffocating level of devotion to their marriage, and Daisy had no clue about the reasons behind his attentiveness. Once revealed, the story arc became infinitely more complex and presented an enormous twist that few will see coming.
The descriptions of the locations were breathtaking and reminded me of some of the homes I encountered when I owned a business dealing with million-dollar homes. There was a real sense of place as the coastal scenery was described, bringing back my desire to visit Yorkshire’s Coastline.
This author never fails to grab my attention, and I always look forward to her books. The One Night Stand is a league above, and I can happily recommend it.
In all honesty, none of the characters were particularly likeable; each exuded their own kind of darkness, leaving the book littered with red flags. Daisy was cast as being more of a bored wife looking for a little excitement. Her actions left me feeling pity for her, but not enough for me to want her to find happiness as a result of her indiscretions.
Tom was harder to read and proved to be a great source of the twists and turns as her slowly revealed his true persona. He was genuinely drawn to Daisy, but not necessarily in the way that most women would welcome. I certainly didn’t cast him as a book-boyfriend!
Cole brought a suffocating level of devotion to their marriage, and Daisy had no clue about the reasons behind his attentiveness. Once revealed, the story arc became infinitely more complex and presented an enormous twist that few will see coming.
The descriptions of the locations were breathtaking and reminded me of some of the homes I encountered when I owned a business dealing with million-dollar homes. There was a real sense of place as the coastal scenery was described, bringing back my desire to visit Yorkshire’s Coastline.
This author never fails to grab my attention, and I always look forward to her books. The One Night Stand is a league above, and I can happily recommend it.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I expected something more sinister, a sexy suspenseful thriller maybe, instead I got a bad soap-opera plot with characters that couldn’t act their age.
Honestly, it takes a special kind of stupid not to see the massive red flags waving throughout this entire book. The story kicks off with Daisy and Tom (her ex-fiancé from 12 years ago) having a ‘One night stand.’ When Daisy's husband, Cole, decides to surprise her with a massive new mansion he built without consulting her, things start getting weird and fishy fast.
The setup is suspicious: Cole involves unknown people in their lives, starts saying Daisy did things she doesn't remember, and basically guilts her into accepting a life she never wanted (like getting a housekeeper by appealing to wartime sympathy; seriously?). It's clear their marriage is deeply flawed. Daisy has been thinking about her ex for over a decade, which screams unhappiness and obsession.
This is where the issues really start. Every character's behavior is utterly unrealistic for people their age. They behave like they're in a soap opera, completely ignoring the obvious tell-tale signs of the chaos surrounding them. Suddenly, everyone is tangled up with dirty secrets, and all the twists, like the cheating wife, the suspicious husband, the psycho ex-fiancé, and the shady sister (too close to her brother-in-law), are incredibly predictable (if we can even call them twists). Throw in a confusing, uninspired pregnancy subplot, and you still get no real fire in the already lacking plot with no spark. I felt absolutely nothing for any of them, and frankly, none of them were likable.
But the biggest gripe? The ending. The story tries to redeem Daisy's cheating by blaming the drugs Tom used on her. Please, cue the violins. Daisy's cheating started the moment she agreed to meet Tom and dressed up for him. She was already checked out of her marriage when she admitted she thought of her ex for 12 years, but still has the audacity to call herself innocent.
I mean, are these people for real? Are there actually people like that out there cause I’m losing the last smidgen of hope for humanity at this point. For the author to try and paint her as an innocent victim at the end, absolving her of all guilt for her own decisions, was a major letdown. Own your choices, people.
Also, the writing structure needs some editing. The narration is often difficult to read, especially the excessive out-loud self-talk that's formatted like dialogue. Who talks to themselves like that, so often? It's overly dramatic and really strained my eyes trying to make sense of the flow. Please use italics for internal monologue and skip the out loud self-talk.
Many, many thanks to L. H. Stacey, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ARC. This is a voluntary review, reflecting solely my opinion.
Honestly, it takes a special kind of stupid not to see the massive red flags waving throughout this entire book. The story kicks off with Daisy and Tom (her ex-fiancé from 12 years ago) having a ‘One night stand.’ When Daisy's husband, Cole, decides to surprise her with a massive new mansion he built without consulting her, things start getting weird and fishy fast.
The setup is suspicious: Cole involves unknown people in their lives, starts saying Daisy did things she doesn't remember, and basically guilts her into accepting a life she never wanted (like getting a housekeeper by appealing to wartime sympathy; seriously?). It's clear their marriage is deeply flawed. Daisy has been thinking about her ex for over a decade, which screams unhappiness and obsession.
This is where the issues really start. Every character's behavior is utterly unrealistic for people their age. They behave like they're in a soap opera, completely ignoring the obvious tell-tale signs of the chaos surrounding them. Suddenly, everyone is tangled up with dirty secrets, and all the twists, like the cheating wife, the suspicious husband, the psycho ex-fiancé, and the shady sister (too close to her brother-in-law), are incredibly predictable (if we can even call them twists). Throw in a confusing, uninspired pregnancy subplot, and you still get no real fire in the already lacking plot with no spark. I felt absolutely nothing for any of them, and frankly, none of them were likable.
But the biggest gripe? The ending. The story tries to redeem Daisy's cheating by blaming the drugs Tom used on her. Please, cue the violins. Daisy's cheating started the moment she agreed to meet Tom and dressed up for him. She was already checked out of her marriage when she admitted she thought of her ex for 12 years, but still has the audacity to call herself innocent.
I mean, are these people for real? Are there actually people like that out there cause I’m losing the last smidgen of hope for humanity at this point. For the author to try and paint her as an innocent victim at the end, absolving her of all guilt for her own decisions, was a major letdown. Own your choices, people.
Also, the writing structure needs some editing. The narration is often difficult to read, especially the excessive out-loud self-talk that's formatted like dialogue. Who talks to themselves like that, so often? It's overly dramatic and really strained my eyes trying to make sense of the flow. Please use italics for internal monologue and skip the out loud self-talk.
Many, many thanks to L. H. Stacey, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ARC. This is a voluntary review, reflecting solely my opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The One Night Stand by LH Stacy, in the book we meet Daisy she’s in London on a work trip and she’s trying to hang up the phone with her sister Sarah. It seems Daisy despite being married for years to Cole is going to meet the first love of her life and the man she left to be with Cole… Tom. despite daisies hesitation she meets Tom and wind up spending the weekend with him on Sunday tells him we must get back to our lives and only contact me if it is life or death. Daisy goes back and tries to resume life as normal but the guilt is eating her up inside but it seems every time she wants to tell Cole something else comes up and stops her. she believes her and her husband have a great relationship and even her sister Sarah loves her brother-in-law Cole and works for him at his parents construction company. Daisy has a feeling that Cole despite their good marriage is keeping a secret so the night she prepares to cook dinner and finally tell him about Tom he sweeps her away to surprise her with the humongous mansion with servants it’s already decorated in 10 minutes after the first time she sees the house there was a welcome house party. The only problem is Daisy loves her cottage by the bay and if Cole had been paying attention at any point he would know she bought that with her mother‘s money and doesn’t want to live anywhere else but agrees to give the Gaudie mansion a try. While all this is going on Tom is having issues of his own obviously in England, when you don’t pay your bills they come to your home and take anything a value and this is happening to Tom he even swallows his pride and gets a job at Kohl’s construction company and it doesn’t go well and soon he’s calling Daisy with a life or death message. There is a lot more to this book and it is very twisty I did think it would end differently but just know Daisy thinks she may be pregnant and throughout the book we get hints that Cole and Tom may not be the people they pretend to be and oh yes her sister Sarah may have something to do with Cole not being so faithful… Possibly? I really thought this book would end a different way and although it ended the way it did it did seem a bit unusual but I am still giving it four stars because as I said it is twisty it kept me on the edge of my seat and at no time while reading it, did I want to put the book aside because I honestly could not stop reading it. I did wonder how Cole could build and have money to build such a humongous mansion and Daisy have no clue but then again I guess it could happen. I definitely recommend this book to those who read books to be entertained and love twist and turns just be prepared to suspend belief just a little bit and you will absolutely enjoy this book I definitely absolutely did!#NetGalley, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview, #LHStacy, #TheOneNightStand,
December 15, 2025
I was completely hooked by this book from the very first chapter. The premise immediately pulled me in and made me want to keep reading, which is always a great start.
The reason I ultimately rated this three stars is that there were moments where I felt confused about whether I was reading events in the past or the present, which took me out of the story at times. I also felt that parts of the plot were slightly far-fetched. That said, once I put those issues aside, I really enjoyed the storyline and the overall reading experience.
One of the strongest aspects of this book was the characters. I loved being inside everyone’s heads and seeing events unfold from multiple perspectives. Daisy was a great main character—although at times she came across as selfish, this made much more sense once everything was revealed. Her sister was an interesting character too, but I did find her quite sketchy, and I think she could have benefited from more development to add depth and intrigue. As for Tom… he was absolutely evil.
Cole was another standout for me. I really liked him, though I did find myself wishing he had his own POV. That said, I understand that giving him one may have made certain twists far more obvious, so I can see why that choice was made.
The ending was clearly intended to shock, and while it didn’t surprise me in the way I think it was meant to, I did enjoy the cliffhanger. It definitely left me wanting to read on, and I was genuinely surprised that the book ended where it did.
Overall, this was a solid story with an engaging premise and strong character moments. I really enjoyed reading it, and I’m grateful to NetGalley and the author for providing me with an advance reader copy.
The reason I ultimately rated this three stars is that there were moments where I felt confused about whether I was reading events in the past or the present, which took me out of the story at times. I also felt that parts of the plot were slightly far-fetched. That said, once I put those issues aside, I really enjoyed the storyline and the overall reading experience.
One of the strongest aspects of this book was the characters. I loved being inside everyone’s heads and seeing events unfold from multiple perspectives. Daisy was a great main character—although at times she came across as selfish, this made much more sense once everything was revealed. Her sister was an interesting character too, but I did find her quite sketchy, and I think she could have benefited from more development to add depth and intrigue. As for Tom… he was absolutely evil.
Cole was another standout for me. I really liked him, though I did find myself wishing he had his own POV. That said, I understand that giving him one may have made certain twists far more obvious, so I can see why that choice was made.
The ending was clearly intended to shock, and while it didn’t surprise me in the way I think it was meant to, I did enjoy the cliffhanger. It definitely left me wanting to read on, and I was genuinely surprised that the book ended where it did.
Overall, this was a solid story with an engaging premise and strong character moments. I really enjoyed reading it, and I’m grateful to NetGalley and the author for providing me with an advance reader copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Can you ever truly forget your first love? I don’t think that’s possible, because a first love is special and always will be, regardless of whether the relationship ended on a positive or a negative note.
When you later meet someone else who can offer you different—or at that moment better—things, you make a choice, and your first love is pushed to the back of your mind. But when the scent of roses has faded and the moon no longer shines as brightly in the sky, you begin to wonder whether you made the wrong choice all those years ago…
A chance encounter gives you the opportunity to reminisce, and that in itself is perfectly fine—as long as it ends there.
This is the situation Daisy, the main character, finds herself in, and it turns her entire world upside down.
She makes her choice fairly quickly and believes that this will solve everything. Unfortunately…
She sinks deeper and deeper into a situation that she partly created herself, doesn’t she?
The story mainly revolves around four people: Daisy and her sister Sarah, and Tom and Cole. I immediately got a slippery, untrustworthy feeling about Cole, while Tom struck me as a kind and gentle man. The sisters are complete opposites, but that’s fine as long as you’re there for each other, right?
The author has hidden a few surprising twists in the book, and I really enjoyed that. Occasionally, I felt the tension dipped a little and things became somewhat flat, but those revelations jolted me awake and pulled me right back into the story.
For me, it could have been a bit darker, but that doesn’t change the fact that I thought it was a very good book.
Four stars is more than well deserved in my opinion.
When you later meet someone else who can offer you different—or at that moment better—things, you make a choice, and your first love is pushed to the back of your mind. But when the scent of roses has faded and the moon no longer shines as brightly in the sky, you begin to wonder whether you made the wrong choice all those years ago…
A chance encounter gives you the opportunity to reminisce, and that in itself is perfectly fine—as long as it ends there.
This is the situation Daisy, the main character, finds herself in, and it turns her entire world upside down.
She makes her choice fairly quickly and believes that this will solve everything. Unfortunately…
She sinks deeper and deeper into a situation that she partly created herself, doesn’t she?
The story mainly revolves around four people: Daisy and her sister Sarah, and Tom and Cole. I immediately got a slippery, untrustworthy feeling about Cole, while Tom struck me as a kind and gentle man. The sisters are complete opposites, but that’s fine as long as you’re there for each other, right?
The author has hidden a few surprising twists in the book, and I really enjoyed that. Occasionally, I felt the tension dipped a little and things became somewhat flat, but those revelations jolted me awake and pulled me right back into the story.
For me, it could have been a bit darker, but that doesn’t change the fact that I thought it was a very good book.
Four stars is more than well deserved in my opinion.
December 28, 2025
Obsession. Deception. Manipulation.
Have you ever thought about an ex and wondered “what if?”
Well that’s a question Daisy not only has but one she also wants an answer to in ‘The One Night Stand’ by L.H. Stacey, set to release January 21, 2026.
When Daisy runs into her childhood friend turned boyfriend, Tom, on a train they begin talking and thinking about the past and what could have been.
But waiting at home is Daisy’s husband, Cole - the one who, very unexpectedly, swept Daisy off her feet while dating Tom.
As Daisy discovers the answer to her question (which….let’s be honest, her decision is the title of the book), she has no idea how quickly her life, and the life of other’s, will spiral out of control.
I’ve enjoyed numerous books by L.H. Stacey and will always request and read them! This was a 3.5 star read for me that I’m rounding up to 4 stars for Goodreads format.
The fact that Daisy wasn’t exactly happy seemed VERY repetitive and it felt as though it was mentioned on every page at the beginning of the story. Then towards the end, I didn’t exactly buy into the decision she made; I couldn’t really identify what made her change her mind.
But I rounded up to four stars because I really was hooked and gripped throughout the story to see how everything would pan out.
I recommend checking this out in January and in the meantime, check out L.H. Stacey’s other thrilling works available to read for free through Kindle Unlimited.
Thank you NetGalley, L.H. Stacey, and Boldwood Books for gifting another engrossing thriller in exchange for a candid review.
Have you ever thought about an ex and wondered “what if?”
Well that’s a question Daisy not only has but one she also wants an answer to in ‘The One Night Stand’ by L.H. Stacey, set to release January 21, 2026.
When Daisy runs into her childhood friend turned boyfriend, Tom, on a train they begin talking and thinking about the past and what could have been.
But waiting at home is Daisy’s husband, Cole - the one who, very unexpectedly, swept Daisy off her feet while dating Tom.
As Daisy discovers the answer to her question (which….let’s be honest, her decision is the title of the book), she has no idea how quickly her life, and the life of other’s, will spiral out of control.
I’ve enjoyed numerous books by L.H. Stacey and will always request and read them! This was a 3.5 star read for me that I’m rounding up to 4 stars for Goodreads format.
The fact that Daisy wasn’t exactly happy seemed VERY repetitive and it felt as though it was mentioned on every page at the beginning of the story. Then towards the end, I didn’t exactly buy into the decision she made; I couldn’t really identify what made her change her mind.
But I rounded up to four stars because I really was hooked and gripped throughout the story to see how everything would pan out.
I recommend checking this out in January and in the meantime, check out L.H. Stacey’s other thrilling works available to read for free through Kindle Unlimited.
Thank you NetGalley, L.H. Stacey, and Boldwood Books for gifting another engrossing thriller in exchange for a candid review.
January 30, 2026
Holy smokes, this one pulled me in fast and did not let go. The One Night Stand is a deliciously twisty domestic thriller packed with obsession, bad decisions, and that constant sense of dread where you know something is about to explode.
Daisy seems to have the perfect life with her husband Cole until her first love, Tom, reappears and cracks everything wide open. What starts as nostalgia quickly turns dark, and Tom is the kind of character who sets off alarm bells almost immediately. His fixation on Daisy escalates in such an unsettling, believable way that it kept my nerves buzzing the entire time.
I really loved the use of multiple points of view. Hearing from Daisy, Tom, and Sarah added so much tension and complexity, and it constantly made me question who could actually be trusted. Daisy is deeply flawed and frustrating at times, but that only made her feel more real. Her choices had me shaking my head, yet I could not look away. Cole and Tom both feel intentionally hard to fully connect with, which works perfectly for the story and keeps the unease simmering.
This is a true slow burn that absolutely pays off. The tension builds steadily, the twists creep up on you, and the final act delivers in a way that feels both shocking and satisfying. The way love blurs into control and obsession is chilling and handled so well.
If you enjoy messy characters, dark domestic drama, and thrillers where one impulsive choice sets off a chain reaction of consequences, this is an easy recommendation. I flew through it and was hooked right to the end.
Daisy seems to have the perfect life with her husband Cole until her first love, Tom, reappears and cracks everything wide open. What starts as nostalgia quickly turns dark, and Tom is the kind of character who sets off alarm bells almost immediately. His fixation on Daisy escalates in such an unsettling, believable way that it kept my nerves buzzing the entire time.
I really loved the use of multiple points of view. Hearing from Daisy, Tom, and Sarah added so much tension and complexity, and it constantly made me question who could actually be trusted. Daisy is deeply flawed and frustrating at times, but that only made her feel more real. Her choices had me shaking my head, yet I could not look away. Cole and Tom both feel intentionally hard to fully connect with, which works perfectly for the story and keeps the unease simmering.
This is a true slow burn that absolutely pays off. The tension builds steadily, the twists creep up on you, and the final act delivers in a way that feels both shocking and satisfying. The way love blurs into control and obsession is chilling and handled so well.
If you enjoy messy characters, dark domestic drama, and thrillers where one impulsive choice sets off a chain reaction of consequences, this is an easy recommendation. I flew through it and was hooked right to the end.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The One Night Stand is a chilling psychological thriller that takes the idea of a fleeting reunion and spins it into a dangerous spiral of obsession, deception, and devastating choices. L. H. Stacey has crafted a story that feels both intimate and unsettling, pulling the reader into Daisy Bailey’s seemingly perfect life—and then dismantling it piece by piece.
Daisy is a compelling protagonist: outwardly secure in her marriage and home, yet vulnerable to the pull of her first love, Tom Burgess. What begins as nostalgia quickly morphs into temptation and obsession, and Stacey captures that shift with sharp, tense prose. The dynamic between Daisy, her sister Sarah, and her husband Cole adds layers of intrigue, as each character harbours secrets that threaten to unravel everything.
The novel thrives on its atmosphere of mistrust and suspense. Every choice Daisy makes feels like a step deeper into a web of lies, and the looming sense of tragedy keeps the tension high. Stacey’s pacing ensures the reader is constantly questioning who to trust and how far Daisy will go before the truth finally comes to light.
The One Night Stand is a gripping, twist-filled thriller about desire, betrayal, and the dangerous consequences of a single choice. Perfect for fans of domestic suspense, it’s a story that lingers long after the final page—reminding us that sometimes the past is far more dangerous than it seems.
Daisy is a compelling protagonist: outwardly secure in her marriage and home, yet vulnerable to the pull of her first love, Tom Burgess. What begins as nostalgia quickly morphs into temptation and obsession, and Stacey captures that shift with sharp, tense prose. The dynamic between Daisy, her sister Sarah, and her husband Cole adds layers of intrigue, as each character harbours secrets that threaten to unravel everything.
The novel thrives on its atmosphere of mistrust and suspense. Every choice Daisy makes feels like a step deeper into a web of lies, and the looming sense of tragedy keeps the tension high. Stacey’s pacing ensures the reader is constantly questioning who to trust and how far Daisy will go before the truth finally comes to light.
The One Night Stand is a gripping, twist-filled thriller about desire, betrayal, and the dangerous consequences of a single choice. Perfect for fans of domestic suspense, it’s a story that lingers long after the final page—reminding us that sometimes the past is far more dangerous than it seems.
January 21, 2026
ARC provided by NetGalley
This was a tense, fast-moving psychological thriller that kept me engaged the entire time, even when I didn’t love every choice the characters made.
The story follows the fallout of a one night decision that spirals into obsession, secrets, and escalating consequences. The pacing was consistently strong, which is huge for me in a thriller. I never felt bored or tempted to put it down, and the suspense was handled really well through multiple POVs. The antagonist’s chapters were short, unsettling, and perfectly placed, and each one revealed just how unhinged he really was.
That said, I didn’t like a single character. Daisy especially frustrated me from start to finish. I understood her reasoning, but understanding it didn’t make her more enjoyable to follow. The book definitely made me feel things, anxiety, tension, irritation, which I count as a win emotionally, even if I wasn’t rooting for anyone.
The writing itself was effective but repetitive at times. Certain phrases were noticeably overused, which occasionally pulled me out of the story. I also felt like some subplots were introduced without much payoff, particularly later in the book, which made the ending feel emotionally flat even though everything wrapped up cleanly.
Overall, this was a solid, suspenseful read with great pacing and an unsettling antagonist. It is not perfect, but it was fun, immersive, and absolutely kept me on edge.
Content warnings: miscarriage, infant death
This was a tense, fast-moving psychological thriller that kept me engaged the entire time, even when I didn’t love every choice the characters made.
The story follows the fallout of a one night decision that spirals into obsession, secrets, and escalating consequences. The pacing was consistently strong, which is huge for me in a thriller. I never felt bored or tempted to put it down, and the suspense was handled really well through multiple POVs. The antagonist’s chapters were short, unsettling, and perfectly placed, and each one revealed just how unhinged he really was.
That said, I didn’t like a single character. Daisy especially frustrated me from start to finish. I understood her reasoning, but understanding it didn’t make her more enjoyable to follow. The book definitely made me feel things, anxiety, tension, irritation, which I count as a win emotionally, even if I wasn’t rooting for anyone.
The writing itself was effective but repetitive at times. Certain phrases were noticeably overused, which occasionally pulled me out of the story. I also felt like some subplots were introduced without much payoff, particularly later in the book, which made the ending feel emotionally flat even though everything wrapped up cleanly.
Overall, this was a solid, suspenseful read with great pacing and an unsettling antagonist. It is not perfect, but it was fun, immersive, and absolutely kept me on edge.
Content warnings: miscarriage, infant death
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This gripping story grabbed my attention and kept me guessing until the final chapters. The tension was unrelenting as each twist and turn was uncovered.
None of the characters were particularly likeable. I really like it when you are challenged by all, or most of the characters in a book. And this book had me finding darkness in every one, with great big red flags against each of them.
We meet Daisy who bumps into a ex boyfriend, Tom, who he was in love with when she was much younger. She is enticed into a brief affair and her actions were questionable throughout the book. I did feel like she was ultimately being manipulated by the two main male characters which did draw me in. Tom was a really well written character. The twists and tuns surrounding his storyline were uncomfortable and incredibly tense. Daisy's husband, Cole, brought menace and a suffocating level of devotion to their marriage,
The story develops into a much more complex and thrilling adventure as we are drawn into each of the characters and their lives.
The descriptions of the locations were breathtaking. There was a real sense of place as the coastal scenery was described. The descriptions of the scenery and surroundings definitely brought a bit of lightness and serenity to a dark and twist story.
None of the characters were particularly likeable. I really like it when you are challenged by all, or most of the characters in a book. And this book had me finding darkness in every one, with great big red flags against each of them.
We meet Daisy who bumps into a ex boyfriend, Tom, who he was in love with when she was much younger. She is enticed into a brief affair and her actions were questionable throughout the book. I did feel like she was ultimately being manipulated by the two main male characters which did draw me in. Tom was a really well written character. The twists and tuns surrounding his storyline were uncomfortable and incredibly tense. Daisy's husband, Cole, brought menace and a suffocating level of devotion to their marriage,
The story develops into a much more complex and thrilling adventure as we are drawn into each of the characters and their lives.
The descriptions of the locations were breathtaking. There was a real sense of place as the coastal scenery was described. The descriptions of the scenery and surroundings definitely brought a bit of lightness and serenity to a dark and twist story.
January 22, 2026
Daisy is married to Cole but decides to have a one night stand with Tom, who is her ex-fiancee. Oh dear, is it happy ever after for Daisy or does she feel some regrets?
Yes, I have some regrets as I found The One Night Stand to be a POOR 2 star read. Although this is a psychological thriller, it is very soft and tame for this genre. There is some light suspense but I found reading this book disappointing, a drag and very easy to put down. There is very little sex involved, so nothing to get the reader excited there! I did like how this story explored the dangers and problems of modern day dating with introductions being made online via smartphone. I did wonder why any married person would have a one night stand?
The One Night Stand is mostly told from Daisy’s point of view with the odd small chapter from her sister Sarah or Tom. Why do Daisy, Sarah or Tom constantly whisper thoughts to themselves? I found this to be an annoying storytelling/writing style. I understood all the characters but did not develop an empathy for any of them. Nothing unusual happened in this story, all the events were quite expected, with predictable turns making this into a bad soap opera.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Boldwood Books for passing me an ARC on the understanding that I post a review.
Yes, I have some regrets as I found The One Night Stand to be a POOR 2 star read. Although this is a psychological thriller, it is very soft and tame for this genre. There is some light suspense but I found reading this book disappointing, a drag and very easy to put down. There is very little sex involved, so nothing to get the reader excited there! I did like how this story explored the dangers and problems of modern day dating with introductions being made online via smartphone. I did wonder why any married person would have a one night stand?
The One Night Stand is mostly told from Daisy’s point of view with the odd small chapter from her sister Sarah or Tom. Why do Daisy, Sarah or Tom constantly whisper thoughts to themselves? I found this to be an annoying storytelling/writing style. I understood all the characters but did not develop an empathy for any of them. Nothing unusual happened in this story, all the events were quite expected, with predictable turns making this into a bad soap opera.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Boldwood Books for passing me an ARC on the understanding that I post a review.
January 23, 2026
This book is a gripping, emotionally charged domestic thriller that pulled me in from the first page, with its promise of secrets—and it delivers plenty of them. Helped by the short chapters, giving it a fast pace.
Daisy Bailey appears to have the perfect life, but that illusion begins to crack the moment her first love, Tom, re-enters her world. What starts as a rush of nostalgia quickly spirals into obsession, temptation, and a dangerous emotional tug-of-war. Stacey does a great job exploring how quickly “what ifs” can turn into catastrophic choices.
The character dynamics are where this book really shines. Daisy is frustrating yet believable, Cole is far more complex than he first appears, and Sarah’s role adds an undercurrent of tension that keeps you second-guessing everyone. Just when you think you understand where the story is heading, another secret surfaces.
While parts of the plot require a little suspension of disbelief, the twists are compelling and the emotional stakes remain high throughout. The pacing builds steadily toward a dramatic and thought-provoking conclusion that lingers after the final page.
If you enjoy psychological thrillers packed with messy relationships, moral dilemmas, and the devastating consequences of one reckless decision then this is the perfect book!
Daisy Bailey appears to have the perfect life, but that illusion begins to crack the moment her first love, Tom, re-enters her world. What starts as a rush of nostalgia quickly spirals into obsession, temptation, and a dangerous emotional tug-of-war. Stacey does a great job exploring how quickly “what ifs” can turn into catastrophic choices.
The character dynamics are where this book really shines. Daisy is frustrating yet believable, Cole is far more complex than he first appears, and Sarah’s role adds an undercurrent of tension that keeps you second-guessing everyone. Just when you think you understand where the story is heading, another secret surfaces.
While parts of the plot require a little suspension of disbelief, the twists are compelling and the emotional stakes remain high throughout. The pacing builds steadily toward a dramatic and thought-provoking conclusion that lingers after the final page.
If you enjoy psychological thrillers packed with messy relationships, moral dilemmas, and the devastating consequences of one reckless decision then this is the perfect book!
January 29, 2026
Holy Smokes! I flew through The One Night Stand by L.H.
Stacey and wow... this one had me hooked from the start. It's full of domestic drama and that creeping feeling that something bad is coming, because let's be honest, you don't introduce a first love into a "perfect" marriage without consequences.
Daisy seems to have it all with Cole, until Tom shows up. And Tom? Major red flag! His determination to win Daisy back quickly turns obsessive. It was giving subtle You vibes, and I was loving it.
I really enjoyed how the use of multiple perspectives was employed here. We get to hear from Daisy, Tom, and Sarah, and it added so much depth and kept me questioning everyone's motives. I couldn't fully connect with either Cole or Tom, and I think that was intentional on the authors part. But Daisy? Daisy's choices definitely had me shaking my head more than once.
This slow burn thriller truly pays off in the final act. The twists sneak up on you, the ending catches you off guard, and the portrayal of love spiralling into obsession is chillingly bellevable.
If you love flawed characters, dark domestic drama, and stories where one bad choice changes everything, I'd definitely recommend this one.
Many thanks indeed to the author and Boldwood Books for access to the digital ARC via NetGalley in exchange for honest feedback.
Stacey and wow... this one had me hooked from the start. It's full of domestic drama and that creeping feeling that something bad is coming, because let's be honest, you don't introduce a first love into a "perfect" marriage without consequences.
Daisy seems to have it all with Cole, until Tom shows up. And Tom? Major red flag! His determination to win Daisy back quickly turns obsessive. It was giving subtle You vibes, and I was loving it.
I really enjoyed how the use of multiple perspectives was employed here. We get to hear from Daisy, Tom, and Sarah, and it added so much depth and kept me questioning everyone's motives. I couldn't fully connect with either Cole or Tom, and I think that was intentional on the authors part. But Daisy? Daisy's choices definitely had me shaking my head more than once.
This slow burn thriller truly pays off in the final act. The twists sneak up on you, the ending catches you off guard, and the portrayal of love spiralling into obsession is chillingly bellevable.
If you love flawed characters, dark domestic drama, and stories where one bad choice changes everything, I'd definitely recommend this one.
Many thanks indeed to the author and Boldwood Books for access to the digital ARC via NetGalley in exchange for honest feedback.
January 19, 2026
✨ ARC review ✨
What a read! This was one of those books I absolutely flew through, super easy to read, gripping from the start, and packed with creative curveballs that really kick in from the middle right through to the end.
From the title alone, you know you’re in for trouble, secrets, and bad decisions… and honestly, it delivers on all of that tension. I loved how the story kept shifting just when I thought I had things figured out, with twists that felt surprising without being ridiculous (always a win for me in a thriller).
The second half is where this one really shines. The pacing tightens, the stakes rise, and everything starts snowballing until you’re fully locked in and refusing to put it down. And the ending? So satisfying. I loved how it came back full circle while still giving the characters a sense of closure – their stories felt finished, not rushed or abandoned.
If you enjoy fast-paced thrillers with messy choices, escalating tension, and an ending that actually delivers, this is definitely one to add to your TBR.
Huge thank you to Love Books Tours and L. H. Stacey for the ARC in exchange for an honest review 💚
What a read! This was one of those books I absolutely flew through, super easy to read, gripping from the start, and packed with creative curveballs that really kick in from the middle right through to the end.
From the title alone, you know you’re in for trouble, secrets, and bad decisions… and honestly, it delivers on all of that tension. I loved how the story kept shifting just when I thought I had things figured out, with twists that felt surprising without being ridiculous (always a win for me in a thriller).
The second half is where this one really shines. The pacing tightens, the stakes rise, and everything starts snowballing until you’re fully locked in and refusing to put it down. And the ending? So satisfying. I loved how it came back full circle while still giving the characters a sense of closure – their stories felt finished, not rushed or abandoned.
If you enjoy fast-paced thrillers with messy choices, escalating tension, and an ending that actually delivers, this is definitely one to add to your TBR.
Huge thank you to Love Books Tours and L. H. Stacey for the ARC in exchange for an honest review 💚
December 10, 2025
Title: The One Night Stand
Author: LH Stacey
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Publication Date: January 21, 2026
When I first started reading this book, I couldn't figure out how it was classified as a psychological thriller. It felt more like a romance to me. Finally, a little over halfway through the book, it became apparent that this was NOT a love story after all.
The main character, Daisy, has basically found herself in a love triangle between her current husband and former boyfriend. There were definitely a couple of things I was shocked by that I never saw coming.
I found it slightly annoying the way the characters always seemed to be talking out loud to themselves. I also noted two instances where the word "breath" was used when it should have been "breathe." I'm hoping those errors will be caught before publishing.
If you're looking for a quick, easy, non-predictible read, then this is it!
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion/review.
Author: LH Stacey
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Publication Date: January 21, 2026
When I first started reading this book, I couldn't figure out how it was classified as a psychological thriller. It felt more like a romance to me. Finally, a little over halfway through the book, it became apparent that this was NOT a love story after all.
The main character, Daisy, has basically found herself in a love triangle between her current husband and former boyfriend. There were definitely a couple of things I was shocked by that I never saw coming.
I found it slightly annoying the way the characters always seemed to be talking out loud to themselves. I also noted two instances where the word "breath" was used when it should have been "breathe." I'm hoping those errors will be caught before publishing.
If you're looking for a quick, easy, non-predictible read, then this is it!
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion/review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Daisy Bailey has lost it all: the perfect home, the perfect husband, the perfect life when she runs into Tom Burgess - her first love - old feelings spark back to life. But what starts as a nostalgic reunion soon twists into obsession, temptation, and a dangerous game Daisy Can't seem to walk away from. Her sister Sarah thinks she is reckless, ready to throw away her marriage to Cole for a man she barely remembers.
Daisy Bailey's happy life shatters the moment she bumps into an old flame who had once held her heart, Tom Burgess. Her sister Sarah thinks she is stupid to throw everything away for a man she barely remembers.
The characters are annoying, Daisy and Cole's marriage is flawed, and they all act like spoiled children. Some parts of the story dragged out and it was a little confusing. There were a few good surprising twists along the way. The story shows how making the wron choice can be dangerous.
Published 21st January 2026
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #LHStacey for my ARC of #OneNightStand in exchange for an honest review.
Daisy Bailey's happy life shatters the moment she bumps into an old flame who had once held her heart, Tom Burgess. Her sister Sarah thinks she is stupid to throw everything away for a man she barely remembers.
The characters are annoying, Daisy and Cole's marriage is flawed, and they all act like spoiled children. Some parts of the story dragged out and it was a little confusing. There were a few good surprising twists along the way. The story shows how making the wron choice can be dangerous.
Published 21st January 2026
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #LHStacey for my ARC of #OneNightStand in exchange for an honest review.
January 22, 2026
A big thank you to Love Book Tours and L.H. Stacey for the early release copy.
So… this one definitely pulled me out of my comfort zone. I went in wanting to give the psychological‑thriller vibe a proper chance, but I really struggled to connect with the characters — and not in the “they’re flawed but fascinating” way. More in the “I’m not sure I want to be in a room with any of you” way.
Daisy, especially, was tough for me. She cheats on her husband with an old flame, and while flawed characters can be fun, she’s written with a level of selfishness that made it hard to root for her. Cole literally builds her a new house — yes, without telling her, which is its own issue — but instead of communicating or coming clean, she uses it as another reason to avoid the truth. She says she wants to fix her marriage, but her actions don’t match that energy at all.
Cole isn’t innocent either. He’s hiding things, he’s unpredictable, and the secrecy makes him feel just as unreliable. And then there’s Tom, who is so obsessed with the life he and Daisy used to have that it crosses into uncomfortable territory. For someone who claims to love her, he’s not exactly showing it in a healthy way.
All that said, the pacing is genuinely strong — exactly what you want from a psychological thriller. Even though I didn’t click with the characters, the tension and momentum kept me turning the pages. It’s one of those books that you keep reading because you need to know how the mess unravels.
Overall, this was an alright read for me. I think readers who love messy characters, moral grey zones, and twisty domestic drama will get more out of it than I did. Sometimes it really does come down to personal taste, and this one just wasn’t quite my match.
So… this one definitely pulled me out of my comfort zone. I went in wanting to give the psychological‑thriller vibe a proper chance, but I really struggled to connect with the characters — and not in the “they’re flawed but fascinating” way. More in the “I’m not sure I want to be in a room with any of you” way.
Daisy, especially, was tough for me. She cheats on her husband with an old flame, and while flawed characters can be fun, she’s written with a level of selfishness that made it hard to root for her. Cole literally builds her a new house — yes, without telling her, which is its own issue — but instead of communicating or coming clean, she uses it as another reason to avoid the truth. She says she wants to fix her marriage, but her actions don’t match that energy at all.
Cole isn’t innocent either. He’s hiding things, he’s unpredictable, and the secrecy makes him feel just as unreliable. And then there’s Tom, who is so obsessed with the life he and Daisy used to have that it crosses into uncomfortable territory. For someone who claims to love her, he’s not exactly showing it in a healthy way.
All that said, the pacing is genuinely strong — exactly what you want from a psychological thriller. Even though I didn’t click with the characters, the tension and momentum kept me turning the pages. It’s one of those books that you keep reading because you need to know how the mess unravels.
Overall, this was an alright read for me. I think readers who love messy characters, moral grey zones, and twisty domestic drama will get more out of it than I did. Sometimes it really does come down to personal taste, and this one just wasn’t quite my match.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is a perfect life… now look closer.
This was my first read by L.H. Stacey, and her descriptions of Lindisfarne and Northumberland were beautifully done and genuinely convincing. Those sections were immersive enough to confirm I’d happily read her again — as long as it’s a travel brochure, because the characters themselves never quite rise above the scenery.
Decisions you’ve made and their consequences — this is what you’ve got.
Decisions others have made, either for you or affecting you — this is what you gave up to get where you are.
On paper, that should make for compelling drama. In reality, it mostly highlights how little emotional depth there is to engage with. The twists are technically present… if you squint, suspend disbelief, and ignore reality entirely.
Fine for light reading, but frustrating if you actually want to care about what happens — or who it happens to.
My thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.
This was my first read by L.H. Stacey, and her descriptions of Lindisfarne and Northumberland were beautifully done and genuinely convincing. Those sections were immersive enough to confirm I’d happily read her again — as long as it’s a travel brochure, because the characters themselves never quite rise above the scenery.
Decisions you’ve made and their consequences — this is what you’ve got.
Decisions others have made, either for you or affecting you — this is what you gave up to get where you are.
On paper, that should make for compelling drama. In reality, it mostly highlights how little emotional depth there is to engage with. The twists are technically present… if you squint, suspend disbelief, and ignore reality entirely.
Fine for light reading, but frustrating if you actually want to care about what happens — or who it happens to.
My thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Y’all! The One Night Stand is messy in the best, can’t-stop-reading way. 💔 One chance encounter between Daisy Bailey and her first love, Tom Burgess, cracks her picture-perfect life wide open, and from there it’s all obsession, temptation, and terrible choices that snowball fast.
Daisy is flawed and frustrating (as she should be), Tom is nostalgia with a dangerous edge, and husband Cole? Quietly unsettling. 👀 Bonus points for sister Sarah, whose every scene hums with I know something you don’t tension.
L.H. Stacey’s writing is sharp and propulsive—short chapters, simmering secrets, and a creeping sense of dread you can feel in your chest. I wanted one emotional beat to hit harder, but overall this was twisty, addictive, and deliciously uncomfortable. 🥀📖
Thank you, Boldwood Books for this advance copy via #NetGalley for my honest, voluntary review. #TheOneNightStand #LHStacey #NewRelease #DomesticThriller
Daisy is flawed and frustrating (as she should be), Tom is nostalgia with a dangerous edge, and husband Cole? Quietly unsettling. 👀 Bonus points for sister Sarah, whose every scene hums with I know something you don’t tension.
L.H. Stacey’s writing is sharp and propulsive—short chapters, simmering secrets, and a creeping sense of dread you can feel in your chest. I wanted one emotional beat to hit harder, but overall this was twisty, addictive, and deliciously uncomfortable. 🥀📖
Thank you, Boldwood Books for this advance copy via #NetGalley for my honest, voluntary review. #TheOneNightStand #LHStacey #NewRelease #DomesticThriller
December 21, 2025
I’ve just finished “The One Night Stand” by L.H. Stacey, and it was a great psychological thriller! It’s the story of a woman, Daisy, who has a one night stand with her ex fiancé, Tom, from many years ago. Daisy is keeping it a secret from her sister Sarah, and her husband, Cole, but it seems like her husband may be keeping his own secrets as well.
Daisy’s old flame, Tom, seems to develop an obsession with her and her perfect life with her husband. The story develops from there with his stalking of Daisy. It’s a quick read and you’re wondering the whole time who to trust, or to trust no one at all!
I enjoyed the story and rate it 3.5 stars. Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advanced reader copy! This books publishes on January 21st. Now go read it!
#NetGalley #TheOneNightStand
Daisy’s old flame, Tom, seems to develop an obsession with her and her perfect life with her husband. The story develops from there with his stalking of Daisy. It’s a quick read and you’re wondering the whole time who to trust, or to trust no one at all!
I enjoyed the story and rate it 3.5 stars. Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advanced reader copy! This books publishes on January 21st. Now go read it!
#NetGalley #TheOneNightStand
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5⭐️
Daisy appears to have the perfect life: a beautiful home, a successful husband, and stability. But when she unexpectedly reconnects with her first love, Tom, nostalgia quickly turns into temptation and obsession. As Daisy's life spirals, her sister Sarah watches with growing concern because she knows more than she’s letting on. And Daisy’s husband Cole? He’s hiding secrets of his own.
Daisy is spectacularly bad at choosing men. Have you seen how awful the couples on MAFS are? Daisy should produce the show.
This is a classic domestic suspense built on deception, poor choices, and the dangerous belief that the past is better than the present. Everyone has something to hide.
The plot does repeat itself slightly in the first half, but it picks up momentum in the second, when secrets start colliding and the tension sharpens. One bad decision leads to another, and another until tragedy strikes.
As a Northumbrian, I loved the references to places I know and how the story showcases the beauty of the area.
Thank you to NetGalley, L.H. Stacey and Boldwood Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Daisy appears to have the perfect life: a beautiful home, a successful husband, and stability. But when she unexpectedly reconnects with her first love, Tom, nostalgia quickly turns into temptation and obsession. As Daisy's life spirals, her sister Sarah watches with growing concern because she knows more than she’s letting on. And Daisy’s husband Cole? He’s hiding secrets of his own.
Daisy is spectacularly bad at choosing men. Have you seen how awful the couples on MAFS are? Daisy should produce the show.
This is a classic domestic suspense built on deception, poor choices, and the dangerous belief that the past is better than the present. Everyone has something to hide.
The plot does repeat itself slightly in the first half, but it picks up momentum in the second, when secrets start colliding and the tension sharpens. One bad decision leads to another, and another until tragedy strikes.
As a Northumbrian, I loved the references to places I know and how the story showcases the beauty of the area.
Thank you to NetGalley, L.H. Stacey and Boldwood Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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