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The Stranger in Seat 8B
He has one rule on flights…
No working in the air.
And he's determined to make the ice queen abide by it.
Annie is a workaholic. Her entire life revolves around being a successful lawyer, which means she has no time for anything or anyone else. And that includes engaging with handsome strangers that try to distract her from working.
Damien knows the second he sits beside her that he's going to ignore the unspoken flight etiquette that says not to initiate small talk. He can’t help but to coax Annie out of her cold shell, one playful comment at a time.
Can Damien convince Annie to take a chance on him, even if it's just for tonight? Or will she rebuild her walls and shut him out?
Please note: The Stranger in Seat 8B is a standalone novella in the Just Tonight character series, featuring strong language and explicit sex scenes. Reader discretion is advised.
No working in the air.
And he's determined to make the ice queen abide by it.
Annie is a workaholic. Her entire life revolves around being a successful lawyer, which means she has no time for anything or anyone else. And that includes engaging with handsome strangers that try to distract her from working.
Damien knows the second he sits beside her that he's going to ignore the unspoken flight etiquette that says not to initiate small talk. He can’t help but to coax Annie out of her cold shell, one playful comment at a time.
Can Damien convince Annie to take a chance on him, even if it's just for tonight? Or will she rebuild her walls and shut him out?
Please note: The Stranger in Seat 8B is a standalone novella in the Just Tonight character series, featuring strong language and explicit sex scenes. Reader discretion is advised.
124 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 28, 2022
354 people are currently reading
8011 people want to read
About the author
Nikki Castle
10 books1,248 followersNikki Castle is a wife and dog mom from Philadelphia who writes spicy love stories about alpha MMA fighters and the women that melt their badass, playboy hearts. She's a full-time romance author during the day and spends her evenings running a Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) gym with her husband, who is also a retired fighter.
Nikki has been writing in one way or another since she was a teenager. She pursued an English and Philosophy degree in college, and finally decided to sit down and fulfill her longtime dream of writing a novel when quarantine began in 2020. “5 Rounds” was her first book—and it was supposed to be her only book. Now, she’s a full-time author who can’t imagine a life in which she’s not crafting love stories.
Nikki has been writing in one way or another since she was a teenager. She pursued an English and Philosophy degree in college, and finally decided to sit down and fulfill her longtime dream of writing a novel when quarantine began in 2020. “5 Rounds” was her first book—and it was supposed to be her only book. Now, she’s a full-time author who can’t imagine a life in which she’s not crafting love stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,385 reviews
June 10, 2025
If we are talking about who should be an ambassador of Anti-Insta Lust movement, I am the only right person to run for the presidency. So just why did I end up enjoying this despite it being insta-love/lust, because you can't happen to fall in love with the person you decided to meet on a plane and fuck?
While this book is pretty forgettable as I tried to write the review after two months of reading it —admittedly, Damien and Anna feel right. I enjoy the grumpy sunshine trope and to have a reverse role in a form of a spicy novella sure adds to delight. Anna is a strong alpha woman and Damien is surely charming, which I love to see how he brought the banter between them.
It's quite bewildering how their love story works within the short pages. While I often find novellas rushed and forced, this one does not feel like it. If truth be told, it almost seems plausible for it to happen. You know, to catch a flight and find your way with love? Like hello, ME WHEN?
For the most part, if you're in a slump or want a quick palette cleanser, this book might be what you need and I may have just need to check Nikki Castle other works after this one.
While this book is pretty forgettable as I tried to write the review after two months of reading it —admittedly, Damien and Anna feel right. I enjoy the grumpy sunshine trope and to have a reverse role in a form of a spicy novella sure adds to delight. Anna is a strong alpha woman and Damien is surely charming, which I love to see how he brought the banter between them.
It's quite bewildering how their love story works within the short pages. While I often find novellas rushed and forced, this one does not feel like it. If truth be told, it almost seems plausible for it to happen. You know, to catch a flight and find your way with love? Like hello, ME WHEN?
For the most part, if you're in a slump or want a quick palette cleanser, this book might be what you need and I may have just need to check Nikki Castle other works after this one.
July 4, 2022
Super fun and hot novella! Annie and Damien meet on a plane and end up hooking up when they are both stranded on their layover and have to get a hotel room. I really enjoyed how much we actually got to know these characters in such a short amount of time. This is a great steamy read to pick up for something quick!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 28, 2024
This was a novella spectacularly done. The writing was immaculate and it gave me the best experience I’ve had ever while reading a short story.
Annie was a bit annoying at first but I got used to it. And Damien being obsessed with her was so damn cute. He’s such a lil softy but the way he could read her little tells was just the cream on the cake. 😋
The emotion was there. The tension was there too. I mean how was there really good tension in such a short book?? And the spice was great.
I loved the way she did the grumpy sunshine trope because it actually was written so well!! Nikki castle is an amazing writer and I enjoyed all her books.
Annie was a bit annoying at first but I got used to it. And Damien being obsessed with her was so damn cute. He’s such a lil softy but the way he could read her little tells was just the cream on the cake. 😋
The emotion was there. The tension was there too. I mean how was there really good tension in such a short book?? And the spice was great.
I loved the way she did the grumpy sunshine trope because it actually was written so well!! Nikki castle is an amazing writer and I enjoyed all her books.
July 13, 2022
It was a well written piece of smut with a hint of a plot. I would have maybe appreciated more character development, but I get it, it’s a novella, no time to beat around the bush, straight to business!
So!
A piece of advice for all slow burn lovers - don’t waste your time, you’ll hate it.
However if you believe that a small talk with a stranger on a plane could actually include a life altering orgasm, (because why not and nobody’s judging here) this is your book!
3.5 stars
So!
A piece of advice for all slow burn lovers - don’t waste your time, you’ll hate it.
However if you believe that a small talk with a stranger on a plane could actually include a life altering orgasm, (because why not and nobody’s judging here) this is your book!
3.5 stars
November 18, 2022
"The right guy would make you forget even your job title."
This novella packs the heat and the spice, and it's a real page-turner. My only thing? I so wish Damien and Annie could have their own full-length book because I loved them that much.
"I don't know what I've done to make you think I could ever be sweet, but I look forward to seeing you try."
Take the grumpy-sunshine trope and flip it. Make Annie the grump in this story, the workaholic ice queen. Make Damien the guy who's trying to break down (melt down?) all the walls she's been so good at raising around her.
"Tell me what you want a man to do to you in the bedroom."
Have them meet on a plane. Total strangers who don't see eye to eye but are absolutely attracted to each other.
Take that, and then make sure to add all the sexual tension and chemistry, and you have this story.
"I need you to own my body, Damien.
As you'd expect, I loved Damien. The way he takes charge. The way he knows what he wants. His dirty mouth. But Annie… She owns everything she is, and you can be damn sure she knows what she wants.
"I can't wait to see what kinds of sounds you make when I'm inside you."
When his persistence pays off, it is the stuff of smutty dreams! I love his dominant side, how he reads her like a book, and knows exactly which buttons to press. And Annie? She has some surprises up her sleeve as well.
"I could live on the taste of you, sweetheart."
The ending was spot on for these two. Is there a woman alive who'd resist this guy?
Now, Nikki, would you kindly tell me where I need to sit to find my own Damien whenever I board a plane on my own?
Looking for a quick way to incinerate your Kindle? Here you go! Loved it.
This novella packs the heat and the spice, and it's a real page-turner. My only thing? I so wish Damien and Annie could have their own full-length book because I loved them that much.
"I don't know what I've done to make you think I could ever be sweet, but I look forward to seeing you try."
Take the grumpy-sunshine trope and flip it. Make Annie the grump in this story, the workaholic ice queen. Make Damien the guy who's trying to break down (melt down?) all the walls she's been so good at raising around her.
"Tell me what you want a man to do to you in the bedroom."
Have them meet on a plane. Total strangers who don't see eye to eye but are absolutely attracted to each other.
Take that, and then make sure to add all the sexual tension and chemistry, and you have this story.
"I need you to own my body, Damien.
As you'd expect, I loved Damien. The way he takes charge. The way he knows what he wants. His dirty mouth. But Annie… She owns everything she is, and you can be damn sure she knows what she wants.
"I can't wait to see what kinds of sounds you make when I'm inside you."
When his persistence pays off, it is the stuff of smutty dreams! I love his dominant side, how he reads her like a book, and knows exactly which buttons to press. And Annie? She has some surprises up her sleeve as well.
"I could live on the taste of you, sweetheart."
The ending was spot on for these two. Is there a woman alive who'd resist this guy?
Now, Nikki, would you kindly tell me where I need to sit to find my own Damien whenever I board a plane on my own?
Looking for a quick way to incinerate your Kindle? Here you go! Loved it.
October 27, 2023
1/5
One star, because the word 'naughty' needs to be banned from Damien’s mouth.
One star, because the word 'naughty' needs to be banned from Damien’s mouth.
July 29, 2024
This is my favorite romance novella ever. Now, I can never go on a plane again because this book is imbedded into my brain 🤭🤣
Damien is GOALS. The forwardness and him never backing down. YES YES YES. Miss Annie needed him
The spice in this is immaculate. That is all.
Highlights:
"What I wouldn't give to know what kind of romance you read."
"Hi, Annie Bakirtzis, you're a hard woman to find, you know that?" 🫠🫠🫠
-novella
-forced proximity
-reverse grumpy x sunshine
-opposites attract
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Damien is GOALS. The forwardness and him never backing down. YES YES YES. Miss Annie needed him
The spice in this is immaculate. That is all.
Highlights:
"What I wouldn't give to know what kind of romance you read."
"Hi, Annie Bakirtzis, you're a hard woman to find, you know that?" 🫠🫠🫠
-novella
-forced proximity
-reverse grumpy x sunshine
-opposites attract
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
January 3, 2023
This was actually really cute & hot !!! I actually enjoyed it quite a lot !! Hopefully my July readings are better than last month !!
July 2, 2022
Damien is such a simp lol
November 2, 2023
4/5
Вау😍
Це було ну дуже гаряче🔥Останнім часом мені не щастить на новели, але ця підкорила сердечко.
Невеличка історія про сильну і самодостатню жінку зі сталевим характером, яка з правильним чоловіком перетворюється на милу, сексуальну кішечку.
Дем'єна і Енні - вільні, розкуті, не бояться своїх бажань і вміють говорити про те, чого хочуть.
Єдиний мінус, мені було мало, і хотілося трішки більше про Дем'єна дізнатися, але крім цього все прекрасно, класні герої, вогняні сцени 🔞 і цікавий сюжет ( хоча між тими сценами його було не багато, але ж був😅).
Вау😍
Це було ну дуже гаряче🔥Останнім часом мені не щастить на новели, але ця підкорила сердечко.
Невеличка історія про сильну і самодостатню жінку зі сталевим характером, яка з правильним чоловіком перетворюється на милу, сексуальну кішечку.
Дем'єна і Енні - вільні, розкуті, не бояться своїх бажань і вміють говорити про те, чого хочуть.
Єдиний мінус, мені було мало, і хотілося трішки більше про Дем'єна дізнатися, але крім цього все прекрасно, класні герої, вогняні сцени 🔞 і цікавий сюжет ( хоча між тими сценами його було не багато, але ж був😅).
June 18, 2023
“I don’t know what I’ve done to make you think I could ever be sweet, but I look forward to seeing you try,”
3.5*
This was sweet and spicy. It’s a relatively quick read, but it doesn’t feel too fast. It’s grumpy sunshine with the heroine being the grumpy one, although I don’t feel like she’s that grumpy she just wants to enjoy a quiet flight.. BUT ANYWAY.. I still enjoyed this read 😂
3.5*
This was sweet and spicy. It’s a relatively quick read, but it doesn’t feel too fast. It’s grumpy sunshine with the heroine being the grumpy one, although I don’t feel like she’s that grumpy she just wants to enjoy a quiet flight.. BUT ANYWAY.. I still enjoyed this read 😂
July 28, 2022
This was a really fun novella! It was over 100 pages of the MMC being obsessed with the FMC and I loved every second of it. Annie wasn’t my favourite but Damien made up for it. It was refreshing to see the MMC chase after the FMC and be the one that’s completely infatuated with the other! There was surprisingly a lot covered in this story without it feeling rush or jumpy like other novellas. I really enjoyed this read and if you’re looking for a fun pallet cleanser with some good smut, you should pick this one up!
November 14, 2022
i just remembered this book existed and i read it and honestly? it’s the most realistic and genuine book i’ve ever read 🥰
”i love watching you like this,” he admits … “i might be addicted to you now. you might be stuck with me.” (fmc monologue) “i might be addicted to you too.”
it was a very fun, short, smutty novella with the insta-love trope with some banter and is written in dual, first person perspective!!
and it’s actually well written compared to other insta-lovey books
3.75 stars
”i love watching you like this,” he admits … “i might be addicted to you now. you might be stuck with me.” (fmc monologue) “i might be addicted to you too.”
it was a very fun, short, smutty novella with the insta-love trope with some banter and is written in dual, first person perspective!!
and it’s actually well written compared to other insta-lovey books
3.75 stars
September 14, 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Safety gang:
- No cheating
- No OW/OM drama
- Light BDSM
- HEA
This was a such a fun reverse grumpxsunshine novella. I don't think I have ever read a book where it's the girl that is grumpy. I also wouldn't classify her as really grumpy but more strict on herself and people around her which causes her not to be able to enjoy her life.
In reality his pursuit of her would seem stalkerish lol but in the book it seems sweet and shows how much he couldn't let go and as Annie describes it she only sees ''trust and affection'' in his eyes.
The spice was just the perfect amount and Damien has a mouth on him 👀
I do wish we had gotten a better look into the future but it doesn't leave you hanging so it's still a good way to end their story.
Safety gang:
- No cheating
- No OW/OM drama
- Light BDSM
- HEA
This was a such a fun reverse grumpxsunshine novella. I don't think I have ever read a book where it's the girl that is grumpy. I also wouldn't classify her as really grumpy but more strict on herself and people around her which causes her not to be able to enjoy her life.
In reality his pursuit of her would seem stalkerish lol but in the book it seems sweet and shows how much he couldn't let go and as Annie describes it she only sees ''trust and affection'' in his eyes.
The spice was just the perfect amount and Damien has a mouth on him 👀
I do wish we had gotten a better look into the future but it doesn't leave you hanging so it's still a good way to end their story.
December 24, 2024
Novella
A novella but ugh so wanted more! Hot though, story about meeting sexy stranger that escalates. After leaving it as agreed- a one night stand, neither of them could stand to be away from each other. Love Annie, she��s tough, soft with him but boss.
A novella but ugh so wanted more! Hot though, story about meeting sexy stranger that escalates. After leaving it as agreed- a one night stand, neither of them could stand to be away from each other. Love Annie, she��s tough, soft with him but boss.
July 7, 2022
2.5⭐
Now this is a novella i liked.
Cute
Smutty enough
Sunshine hero grumpy heroine
Airplane fingering
And tying up during sex
✌️😙✌️
The plot actually started somewhere and ended somewhere.
One thing i hate was...the repeated use of the name "Annie" when her name is Anna.
Once or twice is enough not every other sentence.
All in all it was decent.
Now this is a novella i liked.
Cute
Smutty enough
Sunshine hero grumpy heroine
Airplane fingering
And tying up during sex
✌️😙✌️
The plot actually started somewhere and ended somewhere.
One thing i hate was...the repeated use of the name "Annie" when her name is Anna.
Once or twice is enough not every other sentence.
All in all it was decent.
August 6, 2022
4.5 stars
Omg omg omg omg this book was so good and freaking smoking hot!!!!!
I absolutely LOVEDDDDDD it. The freaking flight scene…the elevator scene… JESUS.
This was a novella and I literally have 70+ highlights, enough said 🤣 kinkyyyyyy
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶.5
Tropes:
Elevator spice
Spanking
Strangers to lovers
Reverse grumpy sunshine
Omg omg omg omg this book was so good and freaking smoking hot!!!!!
I absolutely LOVEDDDDDD it. The freaking flight scene…the elevator scene… JESUS.
This was a novella and I literally have 70+ highlights, enough said 🤣 kinkyyyyyy
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶.5
Tropes:
Elevator spice
Spanking
Strangers to lovers
Reverse grumpy sunshine
October 1, 2022
this was exactly what it said it was but sadly im too much of a slow burn girlie to enjoy it more
July 3, 2022
If you’re looking for a solid, spicy novella, look no further
July 11, 2024
ATE THIS UP more then i thought i would considering the fact that i’m in a big ass slump rn😭
July 12, 2022
Okay so when is it my turn to meet a handsome stranger on the plane who ends up treating me like a queen and being ultimately obsessed with me and liking me for who I am with no judgment ?? If anyone knows, please let me know.
I actually really enjoyed this novella. Though I wish it was longer since the ending felt pretty rushed, I enjoyed Anna and Damien’s story. I found the plot very interesting and I liked how things progressed. I’ve never read a reverse grumpy x sunshine romance so it was a great change of things for me as well.
I actually really enjoyed this novella. Though I wish it was longer since the ending felt pretty rushed, I enjoyed Anna and Damien’s story. I found the plot very interesting and I liked how things progressed. I’ve never read a reverse grumpy x sunshine romance so it was a great change of things for me as well.
July 1, 2022
Got damn ! 😮💨 A grumpy heroine x sunshine hero spicy novella?? 💳💥💳💳💥💥💳💳💳💥💥💥💥
My book besties bullied me to move this up the priority read and I can never tell them hookers no so here I am… BUT I don’t ever regret their recs 😂 this was good and well written for a spicy novella. And like all my rating if I enjoyed it, it gets 5 stars. 🤷🏽♀️ I don’t make the rules.
My book besties bullied me to move this up the priority read and I can never tell them hookers no so here I am… BUT I don’t ever regret their recs 😂 this was good and well written for a spicy novella. And like all my rating if I enjoyed it, it gets 5 stars. 🤷🏽♀️ I don’t make the rules.
November 6, 2023
Мені сподобались персонажі, їхня пристрасть 🥵
Коротко, гаряче і гарно☺️
Цікаво було б дізнатись як там в них справи будуть далі😄
Коротко, гаряче і гарно☺️
Цікаво було б дізнатись як там в них справи будуть далі😄
March 9, 2023
Between the whiskey in my hand and the man at my side, it’s taken less than an hour to weaken my shields and give him a peek inside. F*ck.
The reverse grumpy / sunshine trope is one of the best tropes to ever exist and this book delivered it brilliantly, wrapped in feisty banter and steamy moments. I loved this novella. The story felt complete, the characters were fully and perfectly introduced and the length was just enough to enhance those two. The ending was promising without giving off a feeling of something missing. Also, the characters’ chemistry was off the charts!
Annie or Damien’s Ice Queen was incredible. There’s something about bad b*tches that I just can’t resist. There’s a specific way that Nikki writes her fmcs. They always seem to be strong, dynamic characters with ambitions but also without losing their sensuality and I always seem to come back to them!
And Damien well… Damien was a dream. I am generally not one to obsess about a golden-retriever mmc but I would gladly spend my days dreaming of Damien. He was this beautifully optimistic character that was captivated by Annie but not once felt threatened by her. He actually applauded and supported her power. He was also scorchingly hot and in a true Nikki Castle way when he took control the temperature skyrocketed.
Fast and lovely read!
Did I like it? Yes
Would I reread it? Yes
4/5⭐
3.5/5🌶️
The reverse grumpy / sunshine trope is one of the best tropes to ever exist and this book delivered it brilliantly, wrapped in feisty banter and steamy moments. I loved this novella. The story felt complete, the characters were fully and perfectly introduced and the length was just enough to enhance those two. The ending was promising without giving off a feeling of something missing. Also, the characters’ chemistry was off the charts!
Annie or Damien’s Ice Queen was incredible. There’s something about bad b*tches that I just can’t resist. There’s a specific way that Nikki writes her fmcs. They always seem to be strong, dynamic characters with ambitions but also without losing their sensuality and I always seem to come back to them!
And Damien well… Damien was a dream. I am generally not one to obsess about a golden-retriever mmc but I would gladly spend my days dreaming of Damien. He was this beautifully optimistic character that was captivated by Annie but not once felt threatened by her. He actually applauded and supported her power. He was also scorchingly hot and in a true Nikki Castle way when he took control the temperature skyrocketed.
Fast and lovely read!
Did I like it? Yes
Would I reread it? Yes
4/5⭐
3.5/5🌶️
December 3, 2023
Вааау 💞
Чудова історія, коротка, дуже гаряча, і персонажі неймовірні
Іноді ловила себе на проведенні паралелей між Енні і Дем'єном та героями Маас (Різом з Фейрою, а також Нестою з Кассіаном, такі ж гострі на язик та захоплені одне одним)
Буду продовжувати знайомство з авторкою 👀
Чудова історія, коротка, дуже гаряча, і персонажі неймовірні
Іноді ловила себе на проведенні паралелей між Енні і Дем'єном та героями Маас (Різом з Фейрою, а також Нестою з Кассіаном, такі ж гострі на язик та захоплені одне одним)
Буду продовжувати знайомство з авторкою 👀
June 17, 2024
2.75 rounded up
very simple reverse grumpy sunshine, one night stand to more novella. nothing crazy but was mindlessly entertaining and gave me a break from the heavy books ive been reading! and yall know i loveee an ice queen in a book.
very simple reverse grumpy sunshine, one night stand to more novella. nothing crazy but was mindlessly entertaining and gave me a break from the heavy books ive been reading! and yall know i loveee an ice queen in a book.
January 29, 2023
hooking up with someone you literally met five minutes ago on a plane is absolutely wild 😍 anywho i’m a whore for anything reverse grumpy x sunshine so i’ll let it slide
September 22, 2024
4.5/5⭐️
Quick, fun, and oh-so-spicy! Trust me, it delivers on all the juicy promises.
Quick, fun, and oh-so-spicy! Trust me, it delivers on all the juicy promises.
July 11, 2022
This was a super short and steamy read which has left me completely torn. I loved the reverse Grumpy X Sunshine element, with Annie being the uptight Lawyer and Damien, the cheeky, carefree record label owner. Their chemistry was instant, even if Annie did try to deny it, and the intimate moments between them were insanely hot. However, I felt like the ending was really abrupt and would have loved a bit more closure for the story and their relationship. I am a stickler for an Epilogue and always feel slightly cheated when I don't get one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,385 reviews