What do you think?
Rate this book
Tight Quarters
Two hearts converge…until fear runs love off the rails.
A Strangers on a Train Story
In the years since a horrific car accident left her with a long list of phobias, Brenna Burke has overcome them all except one. Crippling claustrophobia—not a good trait for an aspiring travel writer.
With an interview for her dream job looming, Brenna forces herself to board a train for a weekend tour through New York State…only to find her berth has been double booked.
Retired NYPD detective Reid Cooper isn’t happy about the mix-up, or his attraction to his petite, sexy roommate. But as their up-close-and-personal weekend progresses, something remarkable happens. Being with Reid makes Brenna feel normal, unafraid of anything.
After one passionate night, both are thinking beyond a mere weekend fling. But when Brenna’s last phobia pounces at the worst possible time, she could miss the last boarding call for happily ever after.
This book contains a hot-to-the-touch hero and sizzling sex at high speeds.
77 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 2, 2013
About the author
Samantha Hunter
152 books86 followersSamantha Hunter grew up in the Finger Lakes Region and now resides in Syracuse, NY with her husband. She showed early interest in being a writer when she signed her name as the author of an encyclopedia when she was seven years old. As an adult, she has published over 25 romance and mystery novels with new ones on the horizon.
Sam loves to travel and is always inspired by the places she's been, sharing her experiences with readers through her stories. She is also a serial hobbyist and volunteers for local animal shelters (which means she's always trying to figure out how to take more dogs and/or cats home!).
You can find out about new releases at www.samanthahunter.com or at her Samantha Hunter Books page on Facebook.
Sam loves to travel and is always inspired by the places she's been, sharing her experiences with readers through her stories. She is also a serial hobbyist and volunteers for local animal shelters (which means she's always trying to figure out how to take more dogs and/or cats home!).
You can find out about new releases at www.samanthahunter.com or at her Samantha Hunter Books page on Facebook.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
April 7, 2013
Grade: D (very, very close to being a DNF)
Lesson learned from this story: Only phobias and anxieties triggered by tragedy and trauma are worthy of sympathy. All others are fair game for shame and ridicule.
In other words, a big FUCK YOU to readers like me who don’t have a heart-wrenching backstory to blame for their irrational fears and panic attacks.
The writing was good — really good. But HELL FUCKING NO on the Magical Orgasm Cure. I’ll save the rest of my CAPSLOCK OF RAGE for my upcoming (someday) blog theme on mental illness, but here’s a teaser: If a crippling fear disappears in the presence of testosterone, it’s not a “phobia.” IT DOESN”T WORK THAT WAY.
He wanted to tell her he was sorry for being so cavalier about her phobia. Anyone who had lived through that hell would end up with some kind of damage, and she was fighting it.
Lesson learned from this story: Only phobias and anxieties triggered by tragedy and trauma are worthy of sympathy. All others are fair game for shame and ridicule.
In other words, a big FUCK YOU to readers like me who don’t have a heart-wrenching backstory to blame for their irrational fears and panic attacks.
The writing was good — really good. But HELL FUCKING NO on the Magical Orgasm Cure. I’ll save the rest of my CAPSLOCK OF RAGE for my upcoming (someday) blog theme on mental illness, but here’s a teaser: If a crippling fear disappears in the presence of testosterone, it’s not a “phobia.” IT DOESN”T WORK THAT WAY.
September 20, 2013
Different from the other Strangers on a Train books for sure.
This and other reviews can also be found on my blog, where the review wa originally posted: (un)Conventional Bookviews.
Tight Quarters is the fourth story I have read in the Strangers on a Train series by different authors. It is quite different from the other books in this series, because the characters, Reid and Brenna, both have something difficult to deal with.
This and other reviews can also be found on my blog, where the review wa originally posted: (un)Conventional Bookviews.
Tight Quarters is the fourth story I have read in the Strangers on a Train series by different authors. It is quite different from the other books in this series, because the characters, Reid and Brenna, both have something difficult to deal with.
April 5, 2013
Ever since she spent three hours trapped inside a crushed car after a terrible accident Brenna has been struggling to cope with her phobias. It has taken a long time but she is finally getting her fears under control, now if she can just learn to deal with her claustrophobia she might have a chance to get her dream job as a travel writer. She has booked a weekend train tour believing that if she can cope with staying in a tiny cabin she can deal with anything that the job could throw at her. Unfortunately a mix up with the bookings means she finds herself sharing the cabin with Reid, a retired detective who is still recovering from the injuries he received when he was shot in the line of duty. Neither of them are happy about the situation but they can't deny the attraction that they feel and being with Reid makes Brenna feel normal for the first time in years. Can Reid help Brenna get past her fears or will her phobia stand in the way of her achieving her dreams?
Tight Quarters is one of the five stories in the Strangers on a Train series published by Samhain, each of the stories has been written by a different author (the authors involved in the collaboration are Ruthie Knox, Meg Maguire, Serena Bell, Donna Cummings & Samantha Hunter) and is currently available as an ebook but I believe there will be a print bind up containing the whole series published sometime next year. These stories can be read in any order, they are linked only by the common theme that each couple start out as strangers who meet each other on a train, so there is no cross over of characters or story lines.
I really enjoyed reading Tight Quarters, I immediately connected with Brenna and felt so bad for her and the way she struggles with her phobias. I have to admit I was impressed that she worked so hard to overcome them though, she dreams of being a travel writer but she knows she can't do that unless she can get over her fears of small spaces. At the moment she finds it impossible to travel but she is determined to make this train trip a success and no matter how terrified she is of getting on the train she pushes through it. You have to admire her bravery and her positive outlook. Reid was a great character too, he has his own demons to fight but I loved the way he was so understanding towards Brenna and how supportive he was of her. He could see how hard it was for her and went out of his way to make it as easy as possible. You do have to suspend belief a little while reading the story - I didn't believe that someone as scared as Brenna would agree to share her cabin with a complete stranger and I didn't think she could get over her fears as quickly as she did - but as long as you can look past that this is a really enjoyable story. I would have loved for this to be a full length novel so we could spend more time exploring the characters and what made them tick but I'd definitely recommend the story and I'll be reading more from Samantha Hunter in the future.
Tight Quarters is one of the five stories in the Strangers on a Train series published by Samhain, each of the stories has been written by a different author (the authors involved in the collaboration are Ruthie Knox, Meg Maguire, Serena Bell, Donna Cummings & Samantha Hunter) and is currently available as an ebook but I believe there will be a print bind up containing the whole series published sometime next year. These stories can be read in any order, they are linked only by the common theme that each couple start out as strangers who meet each other on a train, so there is no cross over of characters or story lines.
I really enjoyed reading Tight Quarters, I immediately connected with Brenna and felt so bad for her and the way she struggles with her phobias. I have to admit I was impressed that she worked so hard to overcome them though, she dreams of being a travel writer but she knows she can't do that unless she can get over her fears of small spaces. At the moment she finds it impossible to travel but she is determined to make this train trip a success and no matter how terrified she is of getting on the train she pushes through it. You have to admire her bravery and her positive outlook. Reid was a great character too, he has his own demons to fight but I loved the way he was so understanding towards Brenna and how supportive he was of her. He could see how hard it was for her and went out of his way to make it as easy as possible. You do have to suspend belief a little while reading the story - I didn't believe that someone as scared as Brenna would agree to share her cabin with a complete stranger and I didn't think she could get over her fears as quickly as she did - but as long as you can look past that this is a really enjoyable story. I would have loved for this to be a full length novel so we could spend more time exploring the characters and what made them tick but I'd definitely recommend the story and I'll be reading more from Samantha Hunter in the future.
January 24, 2014
I randomly started with Samantha Hunter's Tight Quarters. The heroine, Brenna, is a travel writer who suffers from claustrophobia after being in a bad car accident. Any enclosed space, even a car, is difficult for her -not good for someone in her job.
For the last few years, Brenna has been trying to get on a train that does a tour through New York State. This year, finally, she's managed to get on, only to find that her carefully chosen berth has been double booked by retired detective Reid Cooper.
What follows is an unconvincing setup of two strangers sharing a berth and a romance developing. It wasn't very good at all. Neither of the characters felt real. Brenna, especially, never really gelled. Her claustrophobia was inconsistent and not particularly interesting. As for the romance, it was much too fast to be remotely believable.
It was a quick read and I did manage to get to the end, but that's as much as I can say in favour of it.
MY GRADE: A C-. It was not-quite-average.
For the last few years, Brenna has been trying to get on a train that does a tour through New York State. This year, finally, she's managed to get on, only to find that her carefully chosen berth has been double booked by retired detective Reid Cooper.
What follows is an unconvincing setup of two strangers sharing a berth and a romance developing. It wasn't very good at all. Neither of the characters felt real. Brenna, especially, never really gelled. Her claustrophobia was inconsistent and not particularly interesting. As for the romance, it was much too fast to be remotely believable.
It was a quick read and I did manage to get to the end, but that's as much as I can say in favour of it.
MY GRADE: A C-. It was not-quite-average.
April 11, 2013
This was definitely my least favorite of the group. I just didn't connect with the characters and I thought the situations were unrealistic. I just wasn't able to get on board (heh) with this one.
April 1, 2013
Cute, but I think these characters and the situations they were in needed more time to unfold. Review coming.
November 30, 2017
The hero was a real jerk about not being able to tell that the heroine was having a panic attack and just thinking she was being a diva - who does that? Shouldn't someone in law enforcement have better body language reading skills? And then in his internal monologue he called her crazy, which pretty much disqualifies him from earning the term "hero." Very disappointed.
June 28, 2022
This was definitely my least favorite of the group. I just didn't connect with the characters and I thought the situations were unrealistic. I just wasn't able to get on board (heh) with this one.
March 17, 2013
Reviewed for Sara at www.HarlequinJunkie.com! :D
Review copy courtesy of the publisher.
I loved this novella! And you should know by now that I don't love novellas... But the author, Samantha Hunter, had me feeling happy, sad, angry and amused. All of that in 70-something pages? Consider me impressed!
Because Tight Quarters is one of the Strangers on a Train series, you know this is going to have a train involved. But this time, its a real, actual operating train (see my review for Big Boy by Ruthie Knox). We meet Brenna Burke, who had a horrific accident when she was younger and who now suffers from pretty severe claustrophobia. A lot of us suffer from that a little, right? So what's the big deal? Well, again, hers is severe but what makes matters worse is that she wants to be a travel writer. And you can't be a travel writer if you're too scared to fly or drive or get on a train because of the tight spaces. Now, my first thought was, "If you have severe claustrophobia, why in the heck would you even TRY to be a travel writer?!" but that's what made me like Brenna so much. It doesn't matter that she fears something. If she wants it, she's going to work so that she can get it! Later, I thought that her You-Can-Do-It attitude would be cloying and irritating but it never really is. I mean, Brenna struggles so its not just "Yay, you can do it" and she does it. It's definitely not that simple for her and I was really rooting for her. Anyways, her first test is a train ride. Like the ones that cost an arm and a leg these days... with the sleeper cab and dining cars and all that? Well Brenna books herself the largest sleeper cab that there is and she's going to try to take this quick little four day trip to see if she can handle simple travel in a relatively small-ish space. But you have GOT to know that it's not going to go as planned for poor Brenna!
In walks sexy, 6'3", wall of muscle, Reid Cooper! He's a former NYPD officer who was hurt while on duty. He's retired early and is now trying to figure out what to do with his life. But first, he has to figure out how his reservation on this train got mixed up because he's booked in the same room as Brenna! You KNOW that for Brenna, its bad enough that she would have to share her space but to have to share it with a giant like Reid? Um, no! But that's what happens and Reid is helpless against Brenna's gruff exterior since her sweetness and charm can't really be hidden. Reid is an awesome character. His size is so intimidating but he's such a great guy. The way he just kind of jumps in and helps Brenna... He could practically be a shrink! He just kind of has a knack for speaking to Brenna and handling her phobia and it was so much fun to watch.
I thought it was really implausible that a single, modern woman would consent to sharing a sleeper berth with a large, strange man especially when Brenna is so afraid of travel, etc. But if you set aside the implausibility, you'll love this story! I had a lot of fun reading it and also had a few laughs along the way. Reid and Brenna make a great couple and they are certainly very hot and steamy! Even though this is a novella, I loved this book and would definitely recommend it! An excellent, quick read!
Review copy courtesy of the publisher.
I loved this novella! And you should know by now that I don't love novellas... But the author, Samantha Hunter, had me feeling happy, sad, angry and amused. All of that in 70-something pages? Consider me impressed!
Because Tight Quarters is one of the Strangers on a Train series, you know this is going to have a train involved. But this time, its a real, actual operating train (see my review for Big Boy by Ruthie Knox). We meet Brenna Burke, who had a horrific accident when she was younger and who now suffers from pretty severe claustrophobia. A lot of us suffer from that a little, right? So what's the big deal? Well, again, hers is severe but what makes matters worse is that she wants to be a travel writer. And you can't be a travel writer if you're too scared to fly or drive or get on a train because of the tight spaces. Now, my first thought was, "If you have severe claustrophobia, why in the heck would you even TRY to be a travel writer?!" but that's what made me like Brenna so much. It doesn't matter that she fears something. If she wants it, she's going to work so that she can get it! Later, I thought that her You-Can-Do-It attitude would be cloying and irritating but it never really is. I mean, Brenna struggles so its not just "Yay, you can do it" and she does it. It's definitely not that simple for her and I was really rooting for her. Anyways, her first test is a train ride. Like the ones that cost an arm and a leg these days... with the sleeper cab and dining cars and all that? Well Brenna books herself the largest sleeper cab that there is and she's going to try to take this quick little four day trip to see if she can handle simple travel in a relatively small-ish space. But you have GOT to know that it's not going to go as planned for poor Brenna!
In walks sexy, 6'3", wall of muscle, Reid Cooper! He's a former NYPD officer who was hurt while on duty. He's retired early and is now trying to figure out what to do with his life. But first, he has to figure out how his reservation on this train got mixed up because he's booked in the same room as Brenna! You KNOW that for Brenna, its bad enough that she would have to share her space but to have to share it with a giant like Reid? Um, no! But that's what happens and Reid is helpless against Brenna's gruff exterior since her sweetness and charm can't really be hidden. Reid is an awesome character. His size is so intimidating but he's such a great guy. The way he just kind of jumps in and helps Brenna... He could practically be a shrink! He just kind of has a knack for speaking to Brenna and handling her phobia and it was so much fun to watch.
I thought it was really implausible that a single, modern woman would consent to sharing a sleeper berth with a large, strange man especially when Brenna is so afraid of travel, etc. But if you set aside the implausibility, you'll love this story! I had a lot of fun reading it and also had a few laughs along the way. Reid and Brenna make a great couple and they are certainly very hot and steamy! Even though this is a novella, I loved this book and would definitely recommend it! An excellent, quick read!
April 2, 2013
Slick‘s review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
3.5 Stars
I really enjoyed this short story by Samantha Hunter. Tight Quarters takes place over a weekend on a train trip through New York State and turns into something so much more for a phobia laden writer and a retired NYPD detective recovering from being shot. It was hard not to like these two wounded characters and feel for their plight.
Brenna Burke survived a horrible accident as a teen that left her with several phobias but she’s managed to mostly conquer them with the exception of claustrophobia. She’s applying for a job as a travel writer and knows she must get past this to win the job, so she’s booked a trip on the train and is dead set on making it work.
Reid Cooper is freshly retired from the NYPD and recovering from a gunshot wound. He’s trying to figure out where to go next in his life and plans on using this trip to figure out what direction to go.
Finding out they are both booked in the same berth sends Brenna into a panic but Reid is somewhat excited as he’s immediately attracted. Since they both want to make the trip, they decide to share the room. When Brenna wants to set up some rules, Reid throws them right out and suggests they just live in the minute.
It was fun watching Reid help Brenna realize not everything has to be controlled. I think his injury made him see life in a whole new light and it was nice to see him share that with her. There is no doubt Brenna has had a huge uphill battle to fight but I did wonder if after so long it became more of a habit than anything. While with Reid she took huge steps in getting better, but without him she took even bigger ones.
While I enjoyed this story, they seemed to move a really rapid pace; one I’m not so sure someone with extreme phobias would have been able to handle. Brenna seems somewhat self absorbed and while I can sympathize with her issues, I had a hard time connecting with her. Reid on the other hand was very easy to like and I admire him for seeing past Brenna’s issues.
Tight Quarters is a very easy story to like; it’s short, sexy, and has a great male lead. However, I would have loved an epilogue because with Brenna’s issues it would have been nice to know how things turn out for them.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
3.5 Stars
I really enjoyed this short story by Samantha Hunter. Tight Quarters takes place over a weekend on a train trip through New York State and turns into something so much more for a phobia laden writer and a retired NYPD detective recovering from being shot. It was hard not to like these two wounded characters and feel for their plight.
Brenna Burke survived a horrible accident as a teen that left her with several phobias but she’s managed to mostly conquer them with the exception of claustrophobia. She’s applying for a job as a travel writer and knows she must get past this to win the job, so she’s booked a trip on the train and is dead set on making it work.
Reid Cooper is freshly retired from the NYPD and recovering from a gunshot wound. He’s trying to figure out where to go next in his life and plans on using this trip to figure out what direction to go.
Finding out they are both booked in the same berth sends Brenna into a panic but Reid is somewhat excited as he’s immediately attracted. Since they both want to make the trip, they decide to share the room. When Brenna wants to set up some rules, Reid throws them right out and suggests they just live in the minute.
It was fun watching Reid help Brenna realize not everything has to be controlled. I think his injury made him see life in a whole new light and it was nice to see him share that with her. There is no doubt Brenna has had a huge uphill battle to fight but I did wonder if after so long it became more of a habit than anything. While with Reid she took huge steps in getting better, but without him she took even bigger ones.
While I enjoyed this story, they seemed to move a really rapid pace; one I’m not so sure someone with extreme phobias would have been able to handle. Brenna seems somewhat self absorbed and while I can sympathize with her issues, I had a hard time connecting with her. Reid on the other hand was very easy to like and I admire him for seeing past Brenna’s issues.
Tight Quarters is a very easy story to like; it’s short, sexy, and has a great male lead. However, I would have loved an epilogue because with Brenna’s issues it would have been nice to know how things turn out for them.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
April 3, 2013
Interview with Samantha Hunter and a chance to win her newest title @ http://brunettelibrarian.blogspot.com... until April 8th, 2013
Another train story, another novella, yet a totally new concept and a sizzling romance from Samantha Hunter. Brenna, a severe clausterphobic, is paired with a retired NYPD Police Detective called Reid Cooper. From the minute Brenna stepped on the train, I knew it was going to be a fantastic train adventure and I was completely right.
Brenna has been claustrophobic, with a host of other neurosis disorders, since she was young. As a result of a car accident, she feared the outside world and closed spaces. Trying to overcome her fear and in the process, a new job as a travel writer, Brenna books a ride on a cross country train. She is surprised and quite petrified to realize her private car has been double booked and she is expected to share her quarters with a complete stranger.
Reid retired from the NYPD a few months ago after being shot and decides he wants a new lease on life. When he meets the slightly weird woman he is expected to share a room with on the train, he is intrigued. He is amused by her intricate lists and interested in her actions and reasoning's behind them. While trying to understand her, he finds himself falling in love.
In less than 80 pages, Hunter created a fully fleshed out romance that was quite wonderful. Brenna is so lost and seems hopelessly OCD and Reid is able to talk her through her panic attacks. He is the ying to her yang and Reid finds his missing parts within her. I thought the story was incredibly sweet while also being funny with a mixture of hotness thrown together. An exceptional anthology and a winner from Samantha. I wouldn't mind meeting my own Reid Cooper on my next train ride!
Another train story, another novella, yet a totally new concept and a sizzling romance from Samantha Hunter. Brenna, a severe clausterphobic, is paired with a retired NYPD Police Detective called Reid Cooper. From the minute Brenna stepped on the train, I knew it was going to be a fantastic train adventure and I was completely right.
Brenna has been claustrophobic, with a host of other neurosis disorders, since she was young. As a result of a car accident, she feared the outside world and closed spaces. Trying to overcome her fear and in the process, a new job as a travel writer, Brenna books a ride on a cross country train. She is surprised and quite petrified to realize her private car has been double booked and she is expected to share her quarters with a complete stranger.
Reid retired from the NYPD a few months ago after being shot and decides he wants a new lease on life. When he meets the slightly weird woman he is expected to share a room with on the train, he is intrigued. He is amused by her intricate lists and interested in her actions and reasoning's behind them. While trying to understand her, he finds himself falling in love.
In less than 80 pages, Hunter created a fully fleshed out romance that was quite wonderful. Brenna is so lost and seems hopelessly OCD and Reid is able to talk her through her panic attacks. He is the ying to her yang and Reid finds his missing parts within her. I thought the story was incredibly sweet while also being funny with a mixture of hotness thrown together. An exceptional anthology and a winner from Samantha. I wouldn't mind meeting my own Reid Cooper on my next train ride!
March 30, 2013
Brenna is attempting to conquer a major fear of hers caused by a traumatic incident in her past. She's supported by the staff of the train as they really want her to succeed on this attempt but when she finds out there was a mistake with booking and she will have to share the berth with another passenger or try this again later. She can't try this again later because if she wants to become a travel writer she has to overcome this fear of enclosed spaces so she decides to make the best of it. What she ends up finding is a man who is incredibly supportive of her fight and also gives her another reason to want to succeed in this fight. She opens up to him in more ways than just sexually and not only helps herself but also helps him in opening up.
Reid has just retired from the NYPD after being shot on the job. He's from a line of cops but after that incident he realizes that he wants to open a B&B or do something else with his life where he isn't afraid all the time. Not that fear rules him but being shot made him realize he wanted more than what the NYPD could offer him. He's not happy with being made to share a berth with this uptight woman but as he gets to know her and spend more time around her he realizes how brave and strong she is. He wants more than just this weekend but isn't certain if this means as much to her as it has come to mean for him. He's at times a bit brusque and rude but ultimately this is what they both need to realize what matters in life.
I'd love to see more of these two just because it was a lovely story even with the quick resolution.
I have to thank Ruthie Knox for giving me the chance to be a part of the fun surrounding this release and giving me the chance to read all of the wonderful stories…
Reid has just retired from the NYPD after being shot on the job. He's from a line of cops but after that incident he realizes that he wants to open a B&B or do something else with his life where he isn't afraid all the time. Not that fear rules him but being shot made him realize he wanted more than what the NYPD could offer him. He's not happy with being made to share a berth with this uptight woman but as he gets to know her and spend more time around her he realizes how brave and strong she is. He wants more than just this weekend but isn't certain if this means as much to her as it has come to mean for him. He's at times a bit brusque and rude but ultimately this is what they both need to realize what matters in life.
I'd love to see more of these two just because it was a lovely story even with the quick resolution.
I have to thank Ruthie Knox for giving me the chance to be a part of the fun surrounding this release and giving me the chance to read all of the wonderful stories…
March 17, 2013
I love a story where the characters battle phobias. This one features a woman with a chance to embark on her dream career of travel writing, but she needs to conquer her crippling claustrophobia before she can commit to the job she's been offered.
Here's the set up: Brenna is forcing herself to face her claustrophobia head on by taking a train trip to prove she can travel for the new job she's about to accept. The book opens on her fifth attempt to take said trip, meaning, she's tried and failed a few times, and this time is the last straw. If she can't make herself do this, she's going to refuse the job. A computer snafu results in several of the train's berths being double booked. Neither Brenna or the man double booked for her berth, retired cop Reid, is willing to postpone their trip, so Brenna has to deal with her claustrophobia with an audience, a very sexy and sometimes irritating audience.
I loved how Brenna's claustrophobia showed up on the page and played a pivotal role in her romance with Reid, who having survived multiple gunshot wounds in the past understands a thing or two about physical and mental scars. I also loved how Reid is pretty much the perfect man. Not only is he hot and prepared for some action after a long "hiatus" from romance, but once he sets his sights on his Brenna, he puts up with insane amounts of her pushing him away because he is just that crazy about her.
Tight Quarters was sweet and sexy and was a fabulous way to spend a few hours of reading time.
Here's the set up: Brenna is forcing herself to face her claustrophobia head on by taking a train trip to prove she can travel for the new job she's about to accept. The book opens on her fifth attempt to take said trip, meaning, she's tried and failed a few times, and this time is the last straw. If she can't make herself do this, she's going to refuse the job. A computer snafu results in several of the train's berths being double booked. Neither Brenna or the man double booked for her berth, retired cop Reid, is willing to postpone their trip, so Brenna has to deal with her claustrophobia with an audience, a very sexy and sometimes irritating audience.
I loved how Brenna's claustrophobia showed up on the page and played a pivotal role in her romance with Reid, who having survived multiple gunshot wounds in the past understands a thing or two about physical and mental scars. I also loved how Reid is pretty much the perfect man. Not only is he hot and prepared for some action after a long "hiatus" from romance, but once he sets his sights on his Brenna, he puts up with insane amounts of her pushing him away because he is just that crazy about her.
Tight Quarters was sweet and sexy and was a fabulous way to spend a few hours of reading time.
March 26, 2013
Two very different people meet by accident when a screw up by a computer books them in the same room on a train tour. Brenna Burke is a young woman fighting demons left over from a tragic accident as a teenager. Her last overwhelming phobia is claustrophobia. She has tried several times to take this train ride, but has quickly exited before it starts. This time she is determined to take the whole ride. Brenna has booked a particular room, it is larger, at the end of the train car and totally suits her needs.
Reid Cooper is fighting some demons of his own. He is a retired NYPD officer, wounded and nearly died six months ago. He decided life was too short to risk it daily, so left the force and is now taking this relaxing tour to think about what he wants to pursue next. It looks like it will be Brenna!
This is an entertaining novella, with two very fascinating people. Reid, who still has the protector instinct, and Brenna a very damaged young woman wanting to finally start living her life. Their back and forth flirting is so much fun. His ability to make her feel normal is a gift she never expected to ever achieve. Reid is working through his nightmares, and thoroughly enjoying opening up Brenna to the world she has been closing out.
Ms. Hunter has brought a delightful story of two damaged souls, who meet and start on the road to healing. This is another story of Strangers on a Train that leaves me wanting more! It's a very entertaining read.
I received this novella for an honest review. No compensation was offered or accepted.
July 2, 2015
Tight Quarters (Strangers on a Train) - Samantha Hunter Brenna and Reid are "stuck" together for a few days in the same berth on a train when both of them wants this trip to be a "time off". Actually Reid doesn't mind that much sharing the berth with her, but he won't give up his place on the train, while Brenna, dealing with her claustrophobia - REALLY doesn't want to share the berth with him (he's too big! :D) or anyone else that clouds her space and she surely doesn't want to give up the ride. Reid is sweet and supportive. Even though they barely know each other he finds himself trying to help her out (well, he is extremely attracted to her - that's a good excuse as any, right? :)) and Brenna though she wants to deal alone with her fears finds herself not the only one who has a past to deal with and put behind. With Reid she can loosen up and have fun. she can face her demons. but does that mean that Reid is just a crutch that actually stands in her way of facing her fear on her own or is he a new fear she has to deal with?I loved this Novella. It was so sweet and real for me. This is the 3rd I've read from the "strangers in the train" - I also liked "Big Boy" by Ruthie Knox and "Back on Track" by Donna Cummings. I got to reading this Novella after I got a recommendation to "Bending Over Backwards" By Hunter which I LOVED! so went back to check this story out! I'll surely be checking out more books by Hunter!
April 2, 2013
My Review:
What a completely creative and wonderful twist on a reason for taking a train ride. Brenna suffers debilitating claustrophobia. She's trying to cure herself from it by taking a four day excursion on the train....where accommodations are tight. To make it even worse, there was a computer glitch and now she's sharing her tight accommodations with HUGE former NYPD cop who's 6'3" and 205 lbs.
Reid is not a small guy, but he has his own reasons for taking this trip. He needs the break and relaxation after being shot on the job and taking early retirement from the force. Now he's trying to figure out what to do with the rest of his life.
I liked the combination of these two characters. They both have mental scars from traumatic events in their lives and that gives them a connection. On top of that, Reid is trained to talk panicking people down from the edge so he handles Brenna's panic perfectly. I loved the way that he was always able to calm her.
This was another fabulous installment to this group of stories. I love what these authors have done and marvel at how amazingly creative the story lines are...this one especially. Not only are they great little romances, but every time I finish one, I feel like I've been on a mini-vacay...this story we got to visit upstate NewYork (and it was gorgeous). I think you'll like it too!
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
What a completely creative and wonderful twist on a reason for taking a train ride. Brenna suffers debilitating claustrophobia. She's trying to cure herself from it by taking a four day excursion on the train....where accommodations are tight. To make it even worse, there was a computer glitch and now she's sharing her tight accommodations with HUGE former NYPD cop who's 6'3" and 205 lbs.
Reid is not a small guy, but he has his own reasons for taking this trip. He needs the break and relaxation after being shot on the job and taking early retirement from the force. Now he's trying to figure out what to do with the rest of his life.
I liked the combination of these two characters. They both have mental scars from traumatic events in their lives and that gives them a connection. On top of that, Reid is trained to talk panicking people down from the edge so he handles Brenna's panic perfectly. I loved the way that he was always able to calm her.
This was another fabulous installment to this group of stories. I love what these authors have done and marvel at how amazingly creative the story lines are...this one especially. Not only are they great little romances, but every time I finish one, I feel like I've been on a mini-vacay...this story we got to visit upstate NewYork (and it was gorgeous). I think you'll like it too!
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
May 22, 2014
2.5
This wasn't an awful read but I found the story really predictable and therefore, boring.
Characterization was sketchy at best and caricatural at worst. Sure, the hero was awful nice but he had no reason to be. It's not that I have no sympathy for the heroine's plight but her issues, the way it was depicted, felt superficial and unrealistic, like a convenient pretext to the story, to make it original and add some dramatic weight. Removing all that, all that is left is an annoying/unsympathetic character that started to get on my nerves towards the end. Also, do these characters have real, actual goals in their life ? With a love story this weak, there should have been no loose ending on that point.
I was willing to buy the manufactured train booking misunderstanding so as to get into the book but the resolution was so unsatisfying that I find myself not-the-least-bit convinced by this story.
As for the writing itself, it was rather commonplace, using the same sort of trite phrasing as any other unexceptional romance book out there. But at least it was not bad and I can even say I found the beginning engaging.
Ultimately, this was a harmless and light feel-good-but-shallow story. I'm sure the author meant well. Too bad it doesn't stand out in any remarkable way for me.
This wasn't an awful read but I found the story really predictable and therefore, boring.
Characterization was sketchy at best and caricatural at worst. Sure, the hero was awful nice but he had no reason to be. It's not that I have no sympathy for the heroine's plight but her issues, the way it was depicted, felt superficial and unrealistic, like a convenient pretext to the story, to make it original and add some dramatic weight. Removing all that, all that is left is an annoying/unsympathetic character that started to get on my nerves towards the end. Also, do these characters have real, actual goals in their life ? With a love story this weak, there should have been no loose ending on that point.
I was willing to buy the manufactured train booking misunderstanding so as to get into the book but the resolution was so unsatisfying that I find myself not-the-least-bit convinced by this story.
As for the writing itself, it was rather commonplace, using the same sort of trite phrasing as any other unexceptional romance book out there. But at least it was not bad and I can even say I found the beginning engaging.
Ultimately, this was a harmless and light feel-good-but-shallow story. I'm sure the author meant well. Too bad it doesn't stand out in any remarkable way for me.
January 28, 2013
Brenna Burke is determined to make it through a full weekend on a train in order to interview for her dream job... but first she has to overcome the crippling claustrophobia that she has. It's been years since the accident that brought the phobia on and this is her last hurdle.
Reid Cooper is a retired NYPD detective who after a brush with death is determined to change his life.
When a booking mistake interferes with both their plans, they find that they connect on an intense and passionate level. Helping each other overcome their demons is a step in the right direction ... as long as they can accept the help each other is offering.
Hunter writes an wonderfully emotional story of two people who just needed to find each other. This has a bit of everything, some sweet moments, and yes, some excellent smut!
Definitely give it, and the others in the Strangers on a Train novellas a read!!
This review can be found on my blog, Fic Fare:
Reid Cooper is a retired NYPD detective who after a brush with death is determined to change his life.
When a booking mistake interferes with both their plans, they find that they connect on an intense and passionate level. Helping each other overcome their demons is a step in the right direction ... as long as they can accept the help each other is offering.
Hunter writes an wonderfully emotional story of two people who just needed to find each other. This has a bit of everything, some sweet moments, and yes, some excellent smut!
Definitely give it, and the others in the Strangers on a Train novellas a read!!
This review can be found on my blog, Fic Fare:
April 27, 2013
3,75 stars
I loved the premise of this story: because of double booking a claustrophobic heroine finds herself with an unexpected hot cop roomie on her the train trip that is going to overcome her claustrophobia.
And the book itself delivered on the promise of the premise. I really liked it. It even had me teary-eyed in the end and rooting for Brenna to overcome het fears and get her guy.
I was immediately drawn in by this author's fluent, simple and crisp voice. My first encounter with Samantha Hunter's writing was a really good one! I look forward to reading more.
Fave Scene:
- the first kiss > sexy and sweet!
Fave Quote:
The intensity of his stare and the way he was looking at her had stunned her. No man had looked at her like that, ever. Like she was a ripe, succulent grape that he wanted to peel and swallow whole.
I loved the premise of this story: because of double booking a claustrophobic heroine finds herself with an unexpected hot cop roomie on her the train trip that is going to overcome her claustrophobia.
And the book itself delivered on the promise of the premise. I really liked it. It even had me teary-eyed in the end and rooting for Brenna to overcome het fears and get her guy.
I was immediately drawn in by this author's fluent, simple and crisp voice. My first encounter with Samantha Hunter's writing was a really good one! I look forward to reading more.
Fave Scene:
- the first kiss > sexy and sweet!
Fave Quote:
The intensity of his stare and the way he was looking at her had stunned her. No man had looked at her like that, ever. Like she was a ripe, succulent grape that he wanted to peel and swallow whole.
May 28, 2013
On the one hand I really liked the interactions between the hero and the heroine.
On the other - magical sex cure for her phobia - didn't love it.
Also didn't love that I had no idea how they were going to make their life work. She wants to be a travel editor, traveling the world, and he wants to open up a B&B. There's no discussion on how they're going to actually make this relationship work, or even that that is a concern/consideration. Made me less able to buy into the grand gesture at the end.
On the other - magical sex cure for her phobia - didn't love it.
Also didn't love that I had no idea how they were going to make their life work. She wants to be a travel editor, traveling the world, and he wants to open up a B&B. There's no discussion on how they're going to actually make this relationship work, or even that that is a concern/consideration. Made me less able to buy into the grand gesture at the end.
May 3, 2014
This was a ridiculous book. I can't believe people have scored it so high but I guess there's a niche for it. I scored it a two and I felt that was generous, mainly because it was short and I skimmed the second half. The premise really is that the main girl has severe claustrophobia from a childhood accident and meets a guy who has his own issues from being shot on the job. It's set on a train trip, which really who do you think you are, Agatha Christie? And then they proceed to have a pretty superficial and slutty connection. Didn't buy it.
January 27, 2013
Another funny one, but pretty emotional at that.
I'm thoroughly impressed with how Samantha Hunter dealt with Brenna's issue in this novella, while including swoon, smut, fun and humor. I had tears in my eyes at the end there.
Very sweet.
I'm thoroughly impressed with how Samantha Hunter dealt with Brenna's issue in this novella, while including swoon, smut, fun and humor. I had tears in my eyes at the end there.
Very sweet.
May 17, 2013
This was an interesting take on phobias, and worked very well for me, as did the description of the train journey itself. The double-booking issue has turned up rather too often recently for me to find it particularly fresh as a way of throwing characters together, but a fun read nonetheless.
January 22, 2013
Loved this book. It was very well written with enough passion and drama to make me want to start taking train rides! The only problem with this book is that it was too short!
June 10, 2015
Nice story. Hero and heroine both have baggage, they work through them and find a HFN/HEA. It was nicely paced, sweet and sexy.
May 9, 2013
I really enjoy reading this novella.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews