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** Nora **

There are three simple things I need to do to get my life back on track.

Go to Savannah for two weeks.
Let the ocean reset my mind.
Do not fall for Case Carmichael.
I’ll just ignore his incredible body, his wicked charm, his chivalrous ways, his perfect smile, and his never-ending ability to make me melt right where I stand.
I resisted temptation once, I can do it again. Easy enough, right?

** Case **

The last person I expected to see when I walked into my best friend’s home was her.

Nora Masen.

She’s not like other women I’ve met.
She shot me down once, even though her body was screaming otherwise.
I'm determined to keep her from slipping away again.
Even when my demons threaten to pull me below the surface, can I convince her to give me a chance?

291 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 3, 2019

35 people are currently reading
224 people want to read

About the author

Emma Nichole

23 books649 followers
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.

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5 stars
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37 (28%)
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11 (8%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
Profile Image for Leslee.
2,653 reviews76 followers
April 20, 2019
Nora knew when she met Case in Savannah that he was dangerous. Sweet and sexy, it would be so easy to fall for him. But she can't do that, he's a cop, he is driven to be the hero. So she went home to California without even kissing him. Now she is back for a visit, re-evaluating her life and what she wants. Case cannot get Nora out of his head. When she shows back up, he is determined to see what they could have. They both have their demons, their secrets that are holding them back from the life they should have together. When Case shares his, Nora is determined to get him past it. The question is will she be willing to do the same and seize a future with the man she has come to love?

Nora and Case are two wounded souls carrying a heavy load of secrets that have kept them on the sidelines of life. They both want more but fear keeps them trapped. To watch these two work through the past in order to move on together was mesmerizing. The attraction between them was palpable, near explosive. Emma Nichole did an amazing job with this story. I fell in love with Nora and Case and their happy ending put a smile on my face. If you enjoy Adriana Locke and AL Jackson you will love Emma Nichole!
Profile Image for KarenLou NorthandSouthBlog.
347 reviews8 followers
May 4, 2019
Wooooooow.


This is bloody amazing, having not read the first book in the series (not sure how I missed it) I loved reading this, and meeting all the characters for the first time.

Nora visits her best friend in savannah again for a break, a break from her life, her job and just to have fun again. After catching up with Case Carmichael again, they agree on just to have a casual thing for the time she is there. She doesn’t want to fall for him as he is a cop, and Nora can’t bare to loose anymore people from her life.

Case has always kept things casual with women, not having the time for anything serious. Until he sees Nora again, he agrees to casual but knows he feels more for Nora. Will her feelings towards cops get in the way of their relationship

You must read to find out! Especially for the dog! I have always always loved German Shepard’s.
Everything about this book is brilliant, from the cover (hot) to the story itself. Can’t wait for falcon.
Profile Image for Rina's Reads.
1,656 reviews44 followers
April 23, 2019
* I received an ARC but am leaving an honest and voluntary review *

“Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear” -Mark Twain
This quote perfectly sums up Case and Nora, who both had to face their fears in this gripping read.

I have been waiting patiently for this book ever since I read Sparrow.

Boy, was it worth the wait.

It was captivating, breathtaking and it was playful. The attraction between Nora and Case was tangible, interesting, intense and deliciously dirty.

Feelings got hurt, tears were shed and emotions ran high throughout this story - would Case and Nora get their happily ever after? Or would it get ripped away from them before they could admit their feelings?

I know the answers to those questions, you will need to read it to find out! It's SO good, GRAB IT!
2 reviews
April 30, 2019
I did receive an ARC of this book. I have to say that I will be buying several of the hardcover copies when they are available. I am so impressed with this book. It is a companion to Sparrow, Emma Nicole's debut novel.

This is the story of Case and Nora, the best friend's of the main characters in Sparrow. It is a compelling story of a woman scared of further loss in her life (aren't we all??). When Nora encounters Savanah Police Officer Cade, the attraction is undeniable. They agree to a short term fling for the time that Nora is in Savannah. The story is full of great characters and the further into the book you read, the more you fall in love with Cade!!

I also love the way Emma Nicole works in the area that the story is set in. I loved the description of the "Haunted Savannah" tour. I was also very happy that she included a trip to the Varsity in Atlanta. What a trip to Atlanta be without a stop for some of the best fast food in the world???

Although this is the 2nd book in the series ( there will be a 3rd book!!), it does well as a stand alone book. There is such good chemistry between the characters and the story moves along at a good pace that makes it hard to put down!!

Waiting impatiently for the next book....
Profile Image for Karen Hrdlicka.
1,347 reviews27 followers
April 26, 2019
After reading Emma Nichole's debut book, Sparrow, I was intrigued by each of the couple's best friends. Grayson's best friend, Case, was smitten with Amelia's friend, Nora, the moment they met. Nora was equally attracted but ran back to California rather than allowing Case into her heart.
Unhappy in her nursing job, Nora comes back to visit her best friend and sort her life, however there is still one complication: Case, the handsome SPD police officer.
Ms. Nichole does a great job weaving a story of people with deep-seated fears, which ironically are the very things the other finds solace in, into an angsty, humorous, passionate journey. Their chemistry is off the charts, but will they give into their fears or their feelings?
Ms. Nichole has written an well-paced story with engaging characters, deep emotions, and realistic situations. Her characters are well-developed and quickly become old friends to the reader. I love that she shared what was going in Amelia and Grayson's life and shows how the bond of friendship and love can overcome even the deepest fears in one's soul.
Profile Image for Catlou.
1,418 reviews15 followers
April 19, 2019
Case and Nora aren’t looking for forever after, but there’s something there between them they just can’t resist. Case is ready to have Nora in his life anyway he can. Nora’s not ready to let Case into her heart, but as long as it remains casual her heart’s safe, right? As they both deal with the demons of their pasts, they grow closer, but can they conquer their fears enough to move toward the future together? While Nora is struggling to overcome her concerns about Case’s career, Case risks his life to save a young child from drowning, the worst fear of both.

This is a very powerful and emotional tale. Fair warning it will definitely tug at your heartstrings and make you cry. Case is the epitome of the best boyfriend ever, and the chemistry he shares with Nora is so hot, and his relationship with his partner Arya is so endearing. It’s a wonderful love story from beginning to end, and to make it even more enjoyable, we get to visit again with Amelia, Grayson and Cadence. You will certainly find this one hard to put down. I highly recommend this very engaging and entertaining romance!!
Profile Image for Susan.
1,015 reviews12 followers
May 5, 2019
This is Emma Nichole's second book, and it did not disappoint! She has already proven that she knows how to develop characters that you care about, and construct a strong plot that incorporates those characters.

After losing her parents when she was young, Nora Masen was not looking for a hero. Going to visit her friend Amelia in Savannah, she knows she can't fall for Case Carmichael. But his charm and chivalry make it hard for her. They vow two weeks together. But feelings grow too strong to resist.

I very much loved Phoenix! Emma Nichole has a talent that makes her writing some that I greatly enjoy. I highly recommend Phoenix!
392 reviews
April 17, 2019
Phoenix reminds you that sometimes love is worth getting over your fears. Case is a sexy cop who is used to getting what he wants. He met his match in Nora a nurse who isn't exactly happy with her life right now. I love this story because you can't go wrong with love, a sexy cop and his women, and an adorable puppy! Great read!
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20.1k reviews256 followers
June 6, 2019
This is the second book in this phenomenal series, and is Case and Nora’s story. Case is police officer, and Nora is a nurse, and from the moment they met they were attracted to each other, but Nora ran rather than face her fears. Now that Nora is back Case is determined that this time she will not get away. This is a beautifully written tale which has engaging characters, angst, passion, which all lead to a steamy and humorous read. I was captivated throughout this addictive page turner and I highly recommend this gifted author for all.
Profile Image for Julie.
2,003 reviews31 followers
May 3, 2019
An amazing read. This story tore me apart a times, the emotions were so intense.
Case is a sexy cop who is always determined to get his man, but he has a secret and it’s an issue that could bring him down. Enter Nora is a nurse who hasn’t been happy with her life at the moment, she needs a break, and her meeting up again might be just what Nora and Case need.
I really enjoyed this story. A love story between a sexy cop with his adorable K9 dog and a busy ER nurse. An excellent story!
1,304 reviews
May 3, 2019
I very much enjoyed this book. The storyline was brilliant and kept me interested throughout. The characters were very likeable and easy to read about. Once I started reading I found myself loving every word. I would very much recommend this.
Profile Image for Monica.
369 reviews20 followers
May 3, 2019
This book was absolutely amazing and I loved it Soo much I couldn't put it down highly recommend
Profile Image for Bailey Boughton.
349 reviews2 followers
May 4, 2019
Slow burn

Emma Nichole has done it again!! Case and Nora are one of my favorite couples of 2019! You see them go through struggles and fight to find their happy ending! This book is one of my favorite books in 2019
Profile Image for Dani .
212 reviews25 followers
May 4, 2019
Let me start off with this-- Case Carmichael is EVERYTHING! And he is mine! Yes, I love him so much I am claiming him as my book boyfriend and I don't plan on sharing him...ever! ;)

Phoenix, book #2 in the Own the Skies series, is a wonderfully written story about two people that each have their own histories and baggage that are drawn to each other from day one. Even when they shouldn't be. Even when one of them absolutely does not want to be. And the chemistry, banter, connection, and everything that results from those things are off the charts perfection.

Case is a sexy police officer that is all things sweet and swoony, cocky and sure, and strong and bad-ass! His job is everything to him, and he is damn good at it. And he lived through an experience in the past that has shaped who he is and that still has a life-altering effect on him still. He's a character written with so much depth and feeling, you can't help but absolutely LOVE him from beginning to end.

And Nora. Sigh. I might have a girl-crush on Nora, too. She is witty and determined. She's an incredible nurse that has made it her life's goal to make her parents proud of her. Everything she does, she does in honor of them, and that drive and motivation make her someone that you easily relate to. But on top of all of that, she is sweet and funny, she's an incredible friend, she knows exactly what she wants, and doesn't want, and she has no problem making those things known. She has a heart of gold and, just like Case, has things from her past that she needs to work to overcome and that define her life every day.

In all, this sophomore release by Emma Nichole is absolutely brilliant. I said when the first in this series, "Sparrow", released it read nothing like a debut novel. And I still stand by that. But where Sparrow was an incredible debut, Phoenix takes it ten steps further and is a follow up that is absolutely perfect.

Case and Nora are a couple that everyone needs to read, and Emma is an author that people should be on the lookout for, because her stories are nothing short of brilliance.
Profile Image for AnneKR.
874 reviews25 followers
May 5, 2019
Two souls rising from the ashes

Nora and Case are best friends of Amelia & Grayson, from book 1/Sparrow (doesn’t need to be read but highly recommend it). They’ve talked & flirted, but Nora doesn’t let it go further than that. Having feelings for a cop puts her heart in a dangerous situation, & her fear of losing him like her parents has her pushing him away. Case clicks with Nora & wants more with her, but he was born to protect & serve. Will her fears finally push Case away for good?

Case is the perfect guy - hardworking, selfless & passionate about helping & protecting others. Nora is a nurse who lost her parents at a young age, but through the grief & pain she managed to rise above the ashes to be the strong, nurturing woman she is today. This was a great sequel about two people overcoming their fears by believing in their faith & love for one another. Looking forward to reading the next book!
Profile Image for Amy  Crull.
2,446 reviews38 followers
May 6, 2019
Nora and Case are my favorite couple! These two make things fun in this book. I mean, there's sexual tension between them and everyone can see it but them. Their best friends are rooting for them. Nora is doing what her mom would want her to do rather then what she wants. She isn't happy but keeps doing it. She's tight with her brother and Amelia. Those two know her the best. Her and Case had a moment but it was gone. It takes some carefully planning but these two finally get together and act on the sexual tension. I must say I loved Case. He has a very special connection with his K-9. These two are in sync perfectly. He hasn't forgotten about Nora but has to work to get her. She's a feisty one that's for sure. This book was fun to read. There's some sweets, sexy and scary moments in this book. All in all this was a great book with fun characters who truly care about each other.
Profile Image for A Book Obsessed Brit.
559 reviews67 followers
May 6, 2019
After reading Emma's debut novel Sparrow last August I loved her writing style and her ability to capture a depth of emotion in her characters. I was looking forward to Case and Nora's story when it was finished and it didn't disappoint.

Case and Nora met in Book 1 so I knew they had chemistry; however Nora went back to California and that was that. Phoenix begins with setting up Nora's growing dissatisfaction with her work life, she decides to take a leave of absence and head back to Savannah.
Case has not forgotten about Nora, ever since their almost kiss at his best friends wedding he can't get Nora off his mind, so when he hears she is in town he has to see her.

Phoenix was an enjoyable read, Emma ploughed lots of chemistry into the book between our hero and heroine. Case was a true southern gent and Nora found him incredibly endearing, the relationship with his work partner Arya is a special one. Both central characters have deep rooted fears that have the opposite effect in each others life's and I was keen to see how they played out. Reading how Case and Nora came together to help overcome these fears was poignant. A stand out moment for me was Nora helping Case face his fear this whole chapter was so vivid in my mind and beautifully written.

If you love your romance with chemistry, a pinch of humour and characters with emotion depth then Phoenix is for you. I am looking forward to book 3 in the series when Emma releases it into the world.
Profile Image for Melinda.
2,141 reviews20 followers
May 5, 2019
Fire and water don't go together instead they destroy. Water extinguishes fire yet when it comes to Nora and Case it is something they never expected. For years Nora has been hiding never really living for herself until Case. He is a sexy police officer who protects people yet cannot be strong for himself. Emma Nichole has once again brought the mighty to their knees and boy does Case fall. I loved that they deny it is just sex and casual. Readers beware this is so much more it is filled with passion, friendship but also the promise of living again. Loved it.

"I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own."
Profile Image for Cat.
2,201 reviews1 follower
May 5, 2019
I really loved this story,and riding the emotional rollercoaster that is Case and Nora's Romance.
It sure was a heartwrencher that is for certain,so tissues should be near by when reading.
I could not put it down and flipped through the pages with such ease.Time was lost because it completely consumed me.
Following these two broken souls Case and Nora were just meant to be.But had to resolve their demons before a future together could be possible.
I guarantee you will love them,and love this compelling book. Emma Nichole has woven a Beautiful story and I highly recommend it.
Profile Image for Heather Navarre.
768 reviews3 followers
May 6, 2019
Great book 2

I loved the realness in this book. The fears were exactly what you would expect out of the things that happened.

Case and Nora are amazing. They fit each other perfectly and I love how they realize it and act on it yet still are themselves.

There are secondary characters that are where they are supposed to be.

A great second book. Taking chances on new writers often pays off such as the case here. I really enjoy Emma’s writing. I’m sure we will continue to see great things from her!
Profile Image for Lauren.
1,011 reviews2 followers
May 7, 2019
After briefly meeting Case and Nora in Sparrow I was super intrigued as to how their story would pan out. Nora and Case both agree to keep it casual but is it always that easy? She really tries to keep her heart out of things but Case knows what he wants and he wants Nora, swoon!!
This is another well written, developed and addictive storyline that I really enjoyed. I’m super excited to see what Emma Nichole writes next.
Profile Image for Ashley Scales.
71 reviews18 followers
May 8, 2019
I loved this book. From the moment I first read Emma Nichole I knew I was going to be a fan. I also knew Case would also have my heart. I was not wrong about either. Phoenix pulled at my heart strings over and over again. It was great to see their relationship develop as well.

As much as I wanted to dislike Nora I couldn’t. Not that she did anything wrong at all cause she didn’t. I could relate to her on many levels. I related to the fear she has with Case playing hero. Her love of water and a Phoenix those things are also me. They are a part of me. Her strong will and determination make her a wonderful female character.

And Case. God my heart loves him! I am
So happy he got his Happily ever after. They both deserved it.

5 stars for this book
Profile Image for Stephanie.
Author 63 books623 followers
June 18, 2020
I loved this book! Case and Nora will have you swooning the entire time. You can see the chemistry as if they are actually in front of you. They are both flawed in their own ways and both a little scared to be together but at the end of the day they are made for each other. Add in an adorable dog and you have everything you could want!
Profile Image for Karlie.
119 reviews5 followers
May 5, 2019
First off make sure you read sparrow,which is Emma’s debut book and first book to this duet.
this is where you meet Nora and case,and starting rooting for them 😀.
This book will make your heart skip a beat,it will bring tears and happiness.
From start to finish I enjoyed this book
Profile Image for Danielle Robbins.
2,952 reviews12 followers
May 5, 2019
Phoenix is book two in the series and is Case and is Nora's book. I really loved it. I loved Case and Nora. Case was so swoony and sexy! I loved their chemistry and connection. The sexy scenes were scorching! They were perfect together!
Profile Image for Natasha.
648 reviews4 followers
May 8, 2019
Emma you are killing it with this series and this is only your second book!!! AMAZING..

Nora and Case have an easy banter between them. They can sit for hours enjoying each other’s company and even more fun when they are between the sheets. This is a love story, but it also is a story of two souls healing emotionally.
the fact water is your therapy while it’s my nightmare
I love a man for the first time in my life, and it scares the hell out of me

See more of my review on the link – A Day With Ethel YouTube channel - https://youtu.be/x5zCFAg_JdY
Profile Image for Spunky N Sassy.
5,399 reviews119 followers
May 21, 2019
Spunky N Sassy Rating: 4.0

~~~~~~~~~~Lindsey's ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review~~~~~~~~~~

A Must Read

This book is a must read. I seriously had trouble putting it down. I hope there are more books to come because two just isn’t enough.
Profile Image for Sherry bruyette.
30 reviews2 followers
May 9, 2019
easy loving read

No spoilers here but I'll tell you know why this is an easy lovable read it had trusts drama and hot sexy times it's a must read I enjoyed this is a first time read for me and I'm glad I was able to I can say this book hit all the feels while still keeping it sexy this is an Author in my opinion to look out for
1,641 reviews15 followers
May 10, 2019
What's not to like? A cop and a nurse that help each other with their issues due to traumas. The story was interesting, sweet and very romantic. And who wouldn't love Arya? I have read this author before and the way she writes just draws you in. Very good story
Profile Image for Vickie L.
Author 1 book2 followers
June 6, 2019
Omg!!! I love Case and Nora!! This book was absolutely incredible! I love how strong they were in spite of their fears. They deserved their HEA!
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