Sparrow

Own The Skies #1

by Emma Nichole

Amelia

Fourteen years ago, the boy that stole my heart left Savannah, Georgia. Left me.
All I had left of us were the sunkissed memories of young love and a golden sparrow around my neck.
The years passed in a blur of happiness, sadness, and excitement, but one thing was never far from my mind. Him.
Now, I’m back, running from someone I thought I could trust, hiding from my choices, and plowing headfirst into the one that got away.


Grayson

Fourteen years ago, I left the girl of my dreams to serve my country.
We chose to part ways for good. I wanted her to spread her wings and fly.
My service came with heartbreak, injury, and memories I wish I could forget.
The years passed in a haze of war, fighting, pain but that was eased by someone new… until she was gone too, leaving me alone with a young daughter.
My mind always slipped back to the girl I left behind all those years ago… and now?
She’s standing right in front of me.

Genres: Romance, Second Chance, Contemporary, Military Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Novella, Amazon

215 pages, ebook

First published August 30, 2018

About the author

After years of living vicariously through so many characters and stories created by others, Emma Nichole has taken the plunge herself.

A Southern girl, born and raised in the foothills of the Great Smokey Mountains in East
Tennessee, Emma is an avid college football fan, a self-proclaimed true crime obsessive, a lover of horror movies and music of every genre.

But her true love, of course, is creating romance filled worlds for readers to escape inside of.

Whether it’s a small town second chance romance, an angsty, high steam forbidden romance,
or a fun, workplace romp, you’re sure to find something you love in her swoonworthy smut.

Reviews

[Dri ✰ · Rating 4 out of 5]

★ 3.5 STARS ★

“A sparrow. They symbolize vigilance and hard work. It can guide you to a happy and full life. It’s a symbol of protection. Even if we never see each other again, I’ll always be there…” he reaches down to touch the necklace, “over your heart.”

▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬

Esse livro foi uma leitura bem rápida e gostosa.
Fiquei presa desde o prólogo, onde conhecemos Mills e Gray (Amelia e Grayson) ainda jovens... Eu gostei bastante de ambos os personagens e digo que não foi fácil acompanhar a trajetória desses dois.

Me vi dividida e sem saber o que sentir em determinadas situações... Um verdadeiro conflito entre a razão e a emoção. Mas mesmo assim, ao refletir com calma fui capaz de compreender as escolhas de cada um...

Às vezes a nossa vida segue um caminho diferente do que queremos e acabamos deixando para trás lugares e pessoas importantes e isso não nos torna vilões ou nos faz esquecer aquilo que um dia foi especial... Creio que o que tiver que acontecer, acontecerá. Independente de quanto tempo passar...

“I want to kiss our pasts away. Kiss our fears away. Kiss my way back into her heart.”

A história é contada em povs duplos e por ser um livro consideravelmente pequeno, procurei relevar o ritmo rápido que a trama seguiu.
A maneira como o enredo foi desenvolvido me agradou bastante, foi diferente do que estou acostumada a ler.
Entretanto, alguns acontecimentos perto do final foram bem previsíveis pra mim...

Vi que este é o livro de estreia da autora e acredito sim, que ela conseguiu realizar um bom trabalho.
A escrita e narrativa dela me agradaram bastante e espero poder ler mais de seus livros no futuro.

Sparrow contém uma história de segunda chance e uma das coisas que eu mais gostei foi que a autora conseguiu trazer um diferencial com esse tema. Dentre tantos livros que li envolvendo esse enredo, foi prazeroso constatar que há algo “a mais” aqui, saindo um pouco do padrão que a maioria insiste em seguir/escrever.
E embora a história tenha alguns pontos negativos, no geral eu gostei e me senti satisfeita ao finalizar esta leitura!

[Amazeballs Book Addicts · Rating 5 out of 5]

The prologue had me hooked. I got a little emotional reading the prologue and knew I was in for an emotional roller coaster of a read. Amelia (Mills) moved away when she was sixteen and Grayson joined the military. Even though they were apart they still thought of each. I kind of excepted them to reunited sooner in the story but they go through so much stuff first. They have ups and down in life. I was so routing for them to be happy. I was so hooked on this one and was really upset that at 88% my kindle battery died and I had to wait to finish it. This one is an amazing read and you should definitely one click it. I hoping that Nora (Amelia's friend) and Case (Grayson's friend) get a book.

[DJ Sakata · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Rating:
4.5

Favorite Quotes:

“A sparrow. They symbolize vigilance and hard work. It can guide you to a happy and full life. It’s a symbol of protection. Even if we never see each other again, I’ll always be there…” he reaches down to touch the necklace, “over your heart.”

“A dark secret, huh?” She laughs. “I hate chocolate.” “Excuse me? That’s downright blasphemous… I need to speak with your boss. I can’t have a nurse who doesn’t like chocolate. You’re clearly unhinged and not trustworthy,” I say, feigning seriousness.

Amelia, that man looked at you like you were a piece of cake, and he wanted to get all up in your frosting.

My Review:

Sparrow was a quick and super sexy second chance romance. Written in my favorite dual POV, this crafty writer packed a steamer trunk load of contemporary issues into her compelling novella including postpartum depression, spouse abuse, addiction, active-duty injury, single parenting, divorce, abandonment, and grief. Despite all the tragedy, the storylines were well balanced and engaging with hefty handfuls of sensuality, wit, and an adorable preschooler. The main characters were destined to be together by gravitational pull, vibrantly alluring, endearing, and swore like champions.

[Becca Whaley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gray and Mills were perfection... I love the deep down “southern roots” in this book. I love the connection between them and how even after all their years apart they still longed for each other, no matter what they went through . And boy did they both go through crap to get to where they wanted to be . It was full of southern charm, love, and so much more ....

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful debut book by Emma Nichole. Sparrow is a second chance romance that keeps readers turning the pages.
Amelia and Grayson have a past when they are teenagers. He goes into the army- she’s off to college. They lead separate lives for 10 years before they reconnect. Amelia in the process of getting a divorce, Grayson is raising his daughter. When they finally reconnect- it s real. The pain from both their pasts are affecting them now.
There is romance, banter, passion, caring, angst, drama and the story kept me wanting more. I look forward to reading more books by Emma Nichole.

[Leo (Queen of the Rants and Spoilers) · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dnfed @ 25%

Manwhore hero claimed he loved the heroine when they were teenagers he sets her free because he’s leaving for the marines.
You know same old same old plot, the one where the heroine is either celibate or has abusive relationships.

Heroine spent the majority of those 14 years having no luck with dating and when she meets someone who sweeps her off her feet he turns out to be an junkie, drug dealer abuser husband who cheats and hits the heroine whenever he likes.

Meanwhile hero gets to fall in love with a pretty woman moves in with her, gets her pregnant, loves the baby with all his heart, his girlfriend used him, never loved him and never wanted to be a mother, he kicks her out of his house, he spends his time raising his kid and having 4 women each month on Saturday night over at his house for his “play/ fuck dates”

Oh yeah and he loves the heroine so much?

I need bleach to wipe my brain clean from this shit.

Where the heck all those 5 stars reviews come from? I really feel sorry for those readers who think the manwhore is a good hero. I sincerely hope he uses protection every time he sleeps with these 4 women.

[Angie McGuire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a great book! I love second chances, but this one is slightly different due to the fact no volatile break occurred... It was destined to happen due to circumstances and age, but what they always say..."if it's meant to be it will be". Which is exactly the case with Gray and Amelia.

They lived their lives, many years pass... With love lost on both ends, and new lives becoming the norm. They see each other again by chance, and it was like they never missed a beat. I voluntarily reviewed this book from the author. I hope you like it as much as I did.

[Jacquie · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 You've GOTTA Read This Stars!!!

I simply CANNOT believe Sparrow is Emma Nichole's debut!!! It truly is a REMARKABLE read, full of ALLLLL the things I love about a second chance romance with a few twists and turns that made me love it even more!!! This beautiful, captivating love story is the perfect blend of angst, sexy banter and even though it's a novella, the story is so well written, it FEELS like a novel!

I am soooooo looking forward to the next offering from this author who is SURE to be on many "auto-click" lists....including MINE! I can't WAIT to see what Ms Nichole comes up with next!

[Karen Hrdlicka · Rating 5 out of 5]

This debut book by Emma Nichole grabbed me from page one. I'm a sucker for young love torn apart by circumstances, and second chances for that love to reignite. Ms. Nichole's characters are likable and realistic, her pacing for the story is spot on, and her banter is sexy and seductive. Add in a nasty ex and a darling four year old and you have the makings of an amazing story.
Amelia and Gray were separated by fate as teens, but their love set the bar extremely high for any one else who tried to measure up later. When Gray left his Mills for the army, he gave her a sparrow necklace, a lasting reminder of vigilance and protection. Little did he know how much she would need that reminder in the next fourteen years.
While life dealt both of them hard blows, eventually they each end up back in Savannah. A chance meeting and almost immediately their feelings are rekindled. Ms. Nichole does an excellent job of exploring the relationship between Amelia and Gray and the dark secrets of their pasts. This story is the perfect blend of humor and passion with a dash of danger. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and cannot wait to read more by this author

[J.M. Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sparrow is a sexy, second-chance romance and this story was right up my alley. I was hooked from the prologue and totally blown away by the end. I could not put it down and I'm totally in love with Grayson! **claiming him** This debut book by Emma Nichole is well written and has every component to make for a great romance. Emma's enthusiasm for her characters drew me in from the start. Amelia and Grayson are realistic and loveable and the author did a great job with the dialogue and tension between them. I loved the banter between these two, making them realistic and loveable. The plot has plenty of twists and turns and enough suspense to keep you flipping the pages. There's plenty of spark and passion between Grayson and Mills to keep you wanting more. I want more from these characters and I can't wait to see what's next from Emma Nichole!!!!

[Dani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sparrow, the debut novel by Emma Nichole, is one of the rare few books that doesn't stand out as an obvious first book to me when I read it.

The characters, the emotional feels, the progression, all of it works and flows seamlessly together to make a story that will have you LOVING everything about it. Literally everything. You won't be able to help but adore the two main characters, Grayson and Amelia, as well as their friends and family that are included.

Grayson is a strong, sweet Southern gentleman that has been through hell, a couple times, and has come out stronger and a better man for it in the end. But that's not to say that he doesn't still carry the scars, physically or emotionally, from those journeys through the worst of times. And while their time apart has spanned many, many years, Amelia is still the woman that he compares all others to.

Amelia is a strong, determined Southern woman that is looking to get back on her feet with a fresh start after a tumultuous relationship has left her lost, a little broken, and needing to find herself again....

And, in that process, life--or maybe fate--brings them back together. They are older now, they've grown and experienced many different changes and things in life, but one thing will never change--their off the charts chemistry. When they're together fireworks fly and their sex is hotttt. They're pretty damn cute and qualify as relationship goals outside of the bedroom, too, though!

And their supporting cast, including family members, best friends, and an extreme asshole that you easily and believably hate only add to the story, and make this a second chance romance that you can't help but root for.

The writing is strong and the story is one that you wish would keep going and going, not because it's lacking in plot or leaves anything up in the air, but because it's so well written and you get so attached to the characters that you quite simply aren't ready to read 'the end' and say goodbye yet.

This was a knockout story, not only for a debut author, but for any author aiming to make their reader swoon, hurt, smile, get frustrated, and be happy right along with the characters.

I can't wait for Emma's next book. She's an author that is definitely worth following and keeping on your list of author's to keep an eye out for.

And Sparrow is a book that I would recommend to any and everyone.

[A Book Obsessed Brit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sparrow is a beautiful second chance romance by Emma Nichole and a great debut novel. The first few chapters are spaced out over several years; but give you enough detail and emotional connectivity that you are immediately sucked into the worlds of Grayson (Gray) and Amelia (Mills).

The story introduces us to Gray and Mills as high school sweethearts on the day they are letting each other go - Amelia is moving across the country and Grayson is joining the Marines. The next few chapters show us snippets of our hero and heroine as the years pass by and at pivitol moments in their lives. Once we reach present day Grayson is now a single father to a beautiful little girl and Amelia is trapped in an abusive marriage she is trying to gain the courage to run from. When she does and finds herself back in Savannah, fate deals it's card and they reunite on a chance encounter.

It isn't long until the memories and feelings come rushing back for Gray and Mills, they are soul mates and it's the 14 years of unknown history, the scars, the trauma and the heartbreaks that are unknown between them waiting to be explored. Emma Nichole writes their growing relationship beautifully giving us romance mixed with some good banter between Grey, Mills and their respective best friends Chase and Nora (I hope to see more from these two in the future!). Yet also drama and vulnerability, with Gray's need to protect his daughter and Amelia's fear of her husband (I loved this darker element to the story).

Sparrow was a good mix of romance and drama making this second chance romance a little more complex, it had a great real life relatable feel to it with Grayson and Mills being very easy to fall in love with. The flow of the story was good, the balance of information given across the first few chapters held enough weight to be relevant; but not take up too much time out of this shortened novel overall. Emma Nichole's writing was easy to read and descriptive keeping me hooked and I devoured Sparrow in a few short hours. Excited to see what is to come from this new Author!

[Suzi (Obsessive Reading Disorder) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is part of the Meet Me in Savannah series. It is also the debut work by this author. It's a short read but turns into an epic tale of true love. Amelia and Gray part ways as teens, very much in love but very aware of their circumstances. Time goes on for both of them.

The author takes us on the journey of each of their lives, apart and unaware of each other except for memories and the sparrow necklace Amelia wears.

When Savannah finally calls both of them home, their happened meeting seems to be destined. There is some darkness they both need to overcome. A bit of suspense before this all wraps up. Did I mention this is a single dad trope as well??? sigh.

Great second chance story and the message that love is timeless. Keep on writing Ms. Nichole. I know you'll give us more great stories!

*Complimentary copy provided for an honest review.

[Karlyn Weldon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely fell in love with Gray and Mills just by reading the prologue. The chemistry between them sucked me in from the very first page. They fell in love as teenagers but life forced them onto different paths in different directions. During their time apart, both of their lives changed drastically. Years later, their paths cross again. They both realize instantly that the feelings that they once had for each other never changed. They have obstacles that must overcome on their way to happily ever after. Just like everything in life though, anything worth having, is worth fighting for.

You will absolutely want to grab your copy of this book! I can't wait to see if their best friends, Case and Nora, will also travel the road to happily ever after!!

[Kasey McCarthy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amelia and Grayson were two young people in love. Everything changed with Amelia had to move and Grayson joined the Marines. What will happen? Can they ever find their way back to each other? Will they be the same if they meet again? A second chance romance you won’t want to put down.

[Casey Thornton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Fell in love with Mills and Gray and couldn’t put the book down!

[Rachel H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blew me a way

This book was phenomenal. It is a quick read, but every word has you hooked ! I hope to see more from these characters in the future.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

A second chance novel that almost doesn't get a chance to happen.
Amelia and Grayson meet as young lovers, before their future paths diverge.
It is more than a decade before they will meet again.

Grayson joined the military and was the victim of an IED. He was the soul survivor, along with the scars and guilt. When he hooks up with one of his physical therapists, life seem to be going better. Their happily ever after is not to be.

Amelia starts by following her dreams after high school. She goes on to culinary school.
When she ends up married to a man she meets, when working in a restaurant, her life takes a very different path. Unfortunately along with the money come obligations, until she reaches her breaking point.
But Amelia's husband doesn't let go of what is "his" easily, if at all. He is not a man who gives up control.

A dangerous and gritty love story.
An amazing result for a first book.

[Heather Navarre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing new author. Sparrow is amazing. I could not put it down. It was a novel that spans time and begins will Mills (Amelia) and Gray saying goodbye as Gray goes off into the Military and Mills moves to California.

After many years Gray has been through many tours and meets Laura. Together they have Cadence. Mills meets Jaxon and unfortunately has a bad marriage.

Amelia manages to get away from Jaxon and with a little fate Gray and Mills meet again.

It is instant heat again. There are of course some ups and downs but we get our HEA and it is so unique.

There are so many wonderful lines in this book. One of my favorites is: We have moved forward and I won't let the past dictate our future.

With all this sweetness is also some major major heat! This is a quick read because it sucks you in and you can't leave until you finish all the words.

I will read more from Emma Nichole.

[hugsandcookies · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sparrow is one of those reads that’s a random buy and you don’t realise at how good it actually is.

It’s a story about second chances but with a sweet and hot sexy storyline that the main characters Amelia and Grayson were so easy to adore. Each page flick, I needed to know about their past and what their future holds but what comes from it is drama and the crazies but it doesn’t disappoint.

[Kathy Wideman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Emma’s debut book. I loved it. This book is a second chance romance however it is slightly different from other ones. In this one there is no horrible thing that tears them away from each other. Just life. He goes off to the marines and she moves with her father. This book takes places over about ten years. They both remember the one that got away but they live their lives. They both have other relationships with other people but find their way back to each other. Amelia’s life in particular takes some serious twists and turns. Not to say that Grayson’s life is super easy. I loved Amelia and Grayson so much. They were just destined to be together. This book was so sweet at times and at others so heart breaking. I highly recommend this book and I look forward to reading more book by Emma in the future.

[Leslee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amelia and Grayson were so in love once upon a time. Too bad Fate stepped in and separated them for fourteen years. Now she is back in Savannah to start over and Grayson shows up on her doorstep to install her security system. Now that they have this chance, neither of them want to waste a moment. Happiness is within their grasp and then Fate steps in again. Will they finally get their happily ever after?

I didn't want to give too many details as I just want everyone to get this book and devour it as I did. Amelia and Grayson are wonderful, you can't help but fall in love with them. I was so desperately invested in their happiness I couldn't stop until I had reached the end. Emma Nichole is a wonderfully talented author and I pray that we will be seeing more stories from her soon. All the stars for Sparrow!

[A little birdie told me... · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet story of a second chance on love with a bit of angst and mess to keep it interesting. It's a quick, easy, perfect little end-of-summer read.

[Natasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 STARS...

What an amazing book for this debut author. Truly heartache and healing as these two find each other again after years apart. Greyson years ago left Amelia for the military as she moves to another state with hopes to see each other again. Each one goes through extreme heartache over the years.
Amelia finally has the courage to leave and move back to Savannah to find herself, but she finds more. She finds the love of her life, Grey. Grey has been dealt some hard blow, but now he sees Amelia is back and he would do anything to be her protector. I love that this couple just laid it all out and said this was meant to be it is meant to be. They did have the rollercoaster of love and emotions in the past with other lovers, now that they are older they know what they want and go for it.
Great story in this Meet Me in Savannah series and I can’t wait to read more from this author in the future..

[Brooke Prihoda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was told from my favorite POV and I love a good 2nd chance at romance. I loved the significance of what "sparrow" is and what it means. I had quite the roller coaster of emotions while reading. I laughed and cried and everything in between. I liked the struggles Mills and Grayson went through to grow as individuals even though they weren't easy. I was surprised it took them that long to get back together, but I was happy to see their "young love" never went away. Even though this book made me cry a bit, I would still say this is a great book for a feel good romance. I read it so quickly and I already want to reread it again. I thoroughly enjoyed the supporting characters and can't wait to see what their stories are.

[Chasing The Words Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my aching heart....

Emma Nichole, girl you sure know how to pull a girls heart in a million different directions. I 100% fell in love with Gray and Mills (a.k.a. Grayson and Amelia). Sparrow is a quick read but leaves you wanting for nothing. The story is about love, strength and the obstacles that one sometimes has to go through to get back to where they truly belong. A true love story about second chances.

Where to even start...Grayson and Amelia parted ways when both were young. Neither wanted to leave each other but ultimately had no choice. Fast forward and there lives cross paths again when circumstances in Amelia’s life brings her back to Savannah. Life has happened for both in the years since they have seen each other both good and bad. Will Amelia be able to escape her past and be able to move forward with Grayson?

Sparrow held my attention from the beginning and I truly loved getting to know Grayson and Cadence, Amelia, Nora and Case. (I sure hope Case gets a book at some point - I loved him too).

P.S. Mama bear wanted to rear her ugly head a time or two for Amelia. My god the strength and courage she had was commendable.

[Jenna Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow.
Sparrow grabbed my heart from the first very page and never let go. Emma Nichole's words are beautiful, and her story will take you on an emotional second chance journey that's impossible to put down.

Grayson will make your heart swoon! He is oh so sexy, and perfect in every way. What is it about single dads? They are just so incredibly HOT, and Grayson is no exception. He's going to make your heart melt!

Amelia is the type of heroine you want to root for! She is witty and kind, and her love for Grayson is undeniable. The banter between the two will have you grinning from ear to ear, and their chemistry will melt your kindle.

I LOVED Sparrow, and I know you will too! I can't wait to read more from Emma Nichole!

[Philomena Callan Cheekypee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author certainly knows how to capture her readers. I can’t believe this is a debut novel.

The story is told over quite a few tears which I really liked.
Amelia (Mills) and Grayson shared a young love. Grayson joins the military and Mills moves away. Each of them gets on with their own lives. Fate has a plan for them which brings them back to Savannah, back to each other.

I had a massive smile on my face when I finished this story. I can’t wait to read more from this author.

[Laid-Back Book Bitches · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow I still cannot believe that this is this authors debut novel! Just wow! I loved this book so much, I am a sucker for young love torn apart by circumstances, and second chances. I loved the banter between these two, it was sexy and seductive. I loved Amelia and Grayson story! Even years apart they still thought of each other. You know its gonna be a emotional great read , when you are super emotional reading the prologue. These two have their ups and downs, but what couple doesn't? I was pulling for these from the very beginning. You can just feel the love between these two! I cannot stress how much a MUST read this book is. Everyone needs to go get there copy of this book like right this second.

[Jessica Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grayson and Amelia’s story was absolutely perfect! I don’t know how anybody could go that long and end up right back where they belong. They both had a separate, rough, long journey to get back to one another but they did it!