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Learning to Fly

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Cassandra Claeys is a bohemian artist with a passion for shoes and architecture. Her past wasn't pretty and she's got the scars to prove it, but she's determined to live and love again and she's hoping her newest client is just the man for the job. But the crazed serial killer that once held her captive escapes from prison, willing to kill again to make his maniacal fantasies come true.

Architect Kyle McCloud hires the fiery redhead to illustrate his latest project, never dreaming that she would bring passion and danger to his door. Cassie is easily spooked and as flighty as one of his injured birds, but he's willing to work overtime to make her soar for him alone.

192 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 7, 2012

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43 people want to read

About the author

Melissa Snark

38 books542 followers
Subscribe to Melissa Snark's newsletter for new releases, prizes, and lots of fun. http://www.melissasnark.com/mailing-l... (Just copy & paste the link into your browser.) You'll get a free ebook just for signing up!

Author Melissa Snark lives in the San Francisco bay area with her husband, three children, and a glaring of litigious felines. She reads and writes fantasy and romance, and is published with The Wild Rose Press & Nordic Lights Press. She is a coffeeoholic, chocoholic, and a serious geek girl. Her Loki's Wolves series stems from her fascination with wolves and mythology.

• She blogs about books and writing on http://www.thesnarkology.com/.
Visit her website at http://www.melissasnark.com/.
• Follow her on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MelissaSnark
• Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B0076EEQIU
• Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/MelissaSnark

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
Profile Image for Roxie's Reviews.
1,162 reviews23 followers
August 24, 2015
" A place to hide"
This is a incredible suspenseful and exciting book!
The story line and characters are fantastic! right from the first it draws you in then it keeps you reading with how it flows.
Years before Cassie was abducted by a serial killer Simon. He had killed several women who looked like her. The FBI rescued her , but not before she was put though a nightmare that left her untrusting of men. He was captured and sent to prison. Now the FBI calls to tell her he has escaped!. Lucky for Cassie she was to start a new job out of town in a week so she decides to head there early. When Cassie gets there she almost gets her self killed. She was looking over the cliff when her new boss walks up and scares her causing her to fall over the cliff. That goodness her new boss Kyle was there to rescue her. Kyle notices how skid-dish Cassie is of him. So he mentions it to his brother Kieran who owns his own security company with lots of connections. Kieran finds out Cassies past and so the brothers vow to protect her. Kyle comes to desire Cassie with an intense passion. Only he wonders if her pass will doom them from the get-go. Can the brothers protect Cassie and will Simon find her?. Will she learn to put the past behind her and give Kyle a chance?. This is a fantastic intense book with amazing spin-tingling suspense, and steamy romance!.
Profile Image for Kristy.
680 reviews
September 11, 2015
I was given an ARC of 'Learning to Fly' from Melissa Snark, in exchange for an honest review.

WOWZER, I was hooked from the very start of this suspense filled book, glued to the page from the first chapter until the very last. I will say Melissa covered a very sensitive topic with gentleness & care, as some of the scenes are traumatic. I loved the growth made by our lead Cassie, especially when her dark past comes after her again. I will say our leading man Kyle was gentle when needed, hard when needed & a knight when needed, he made Cassie feel safe enough to start living again.

I'm hoping there is more to this book as I want to know what happens with Kyles brother... I was literally gripping the seat of my chair in parts of this book.
Profile Image for Donna Hokanson.
1,694 reviews35 followers
July 28, 2014
Soaring and flying with Love
When I agreed to read and review this book I had no clue what it was about. The title learning to Fly might suggest flying a plane or something but I forgot about the best type of flying. That’s the one where you fly and soar thru the heaven with Love. This book truly captures that by the end of the book. Well written and very enjoyable to read. High praises to the author. Looking forward to reading more work by this author. I was given a free copy of this book for an honest review.
Profile Image for Cassandra Lawson.
Author 68 books165 followers
July 5, 2013
This was a very sweet romance. I liked how the author set up a connection between Kyle and Cassandra before they met in person. It made it easier to believe their fast paced romance. The story moved at a good pace and I never found myself getting bored. There are a few formatting issues, but overall this is a great book and I highly recommend it.
Profile Image for Michelle Fritz PA.
1,362 reviews98 followers
September 30, 2017
Awe!! Just Awe!!

Loved this sweet story! The plot was quickly broached and on we went! It was fun to watch Cassie shed her fears and give into taking chances. Loved the housekeeper!! What a sassy riot! This story had suspense and romance and true heart placed into it. Now we need more because there was a certain twin that is begging for his story to be told! Ms. Snark certainly paints a vivid picture no matter who's tale she's telling ♡
Profile Image for Theresa.
396 reviews1 follower
November 13, 2017
Very enjoyable

Really loved the book. The book spends more time on Cassie getting over her fears with an EXTREMELY patient Kyle then it does on her old kidnapper finding her. Has a very wonderful ending. Would love it if the author wrote another book about Kieran (Kyle’s twin)!
Profile Image for Got Romance!  Reviews.
325 reviews40 followers
July 19, 2014
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Content: M/F, Oral Sex
Length: Novel
Heat Level: Spicy
Reviewer: Marchelle
Date: July 18, 2014


Cassie is on the run from a serial killer who escaped from prison after kidnapping and torturing her several years ago. She runs straight to Kyle McCloud, who is supposed to be her new employer. He knows immediately that something dark haunts her and he's determined to help her. Lucky for them both, Kyle's twin brother Kieran is a former Army ranger and now owns a security firm. With the McCloud brothers working to keep her safe, she may get out of this alive.

I really enjoyed the motherly housekeeper, Shelly Arthur. She and her husband Henry, the groundskeeper, took care of Kyle and Kieran after their parents died tragically when the boys were only sixteen. Now, as grown men, their interaction with Shelly is teasing and loving while still respectful. She is outspoken and demanding as only a mother would be. I laughed out loud at her manipulation when presenting Kyle with forms to sign, putting him on a waiting list with an exclusive nanny agency, even though he has no current prospects for a wife and no plans for children in the near future. Yet, he still signs the papers.

The hawk rescue was an interesting part of the story. Early in the story, Kyle is called out to save an injured hawk. He nurses it back to health until it is ready to be set free to fly again. His actions with the hawk is symbolic of his relationship with Cassie. He is also helping to save her, while drawing her out of her shell and helping her to trust again so she is free from the past and ready to give love as well as accept it. As successful as he is with the hawks, it gives the reader hope that he is the right man for the job with Cassie as well.

"Learning to Fly" is very well written with a solid story line and like-able characters. There are a couple of times, it alludes to a woman in Kieran's life, hopefully setting up the next installment.
Profile Image for Racy.
1,711 reviews16 followers
September 9, 2015
WOW, what a great read. Melissa Snarks had done an amazing job with this story. I just love strong women and I found the character Cassie not only stronger then she gave her self credit for but so brave.

Cassie had this awful past. A past that no person should ever have to go thru. She had this crazy serial killer that was obsessed with her. She was more then a victim, she was a survivor! I love the strength that I saw in Cassie. Though she it was plain to see that she had not only physical but emotional scars, it was also plain to see that she was fighting to get her life back. Now Cassie was faced with the fact that this awful serial killer had escaped from prison and was coming after her. Should she turn to the FBI or should she just run?

Cassie had excepted a job as a illustrator on an architectural project for this sexy man by the name of Kyle McCleod. I always love how the authors describe the male voice in books. Anyway, Cassie had fell in love with Kyle’s voice before she ever met him. Imagine what it would be when she sees him for the first time.

Kyle could tell there was something Cassie was hiding when he met her. She acted like a scared animal. This made him angry. He wanted to hurt whoever caused this fear he saw in Cassie. He knew he had feelings for her, but also knew that if he moved to fast he would scare her. Question is will Cassie ever be able to be in a relationship after all that has happen to her? Can Cassie truly heal?

I received this book for an honest review and I have to say I enjoyed each and every bit of the story. It is a story you will not want to put down.
Profile Image for Melissa Ogletree.
186 reviews6 followers
August 22, 2015
I received this book for an honest review.
Cassandra is excited about a new job she has coming up until she gets a phone call that shakes her to the core. The deranged serial killer that she helped put in jail has escaped and is most likely heading her way. Running scared she decides to show up early at the new job and hope her new boss doesn't mind. Kyle is surprised when the fiery red head shows up at his house a week early to illustrate the latest project he's working on but his protective instinct kicks in and though he knows she's hiding something from him he welcomes her in and lets her start early while trying to figure out what it is she's running from. With his smooth voice and sexy all male demeanor Kyle is the first guy to catch Cassie's eye but will her past stand in the way of her future?
There was more to this book than meets the eye. I wasn't sure what to expect going into it but it the connection between the two lead characters was deeper than I expected I thought it would be more of a protector/protectee relationship and though that was there it was more. They connected over various things between their love of their "art", the tragedy of their pasts, and they're desire for each other. It was definitely a tale of that sometimes all you need is the right support to lift you up. The story was well written and fast paced, kept you interested so that you didn't want to put it down. Add in a sexy mysterious twin for Kyle who will hopefully get his own book and it's definitely worth a one click! This is a standalone novel with no cliffhanger.
Profile Image for April.
373 reviews5 followers
September 10, 2015
I really enjoyed Learning to Fly. The first thing that made me want to read this book was the title. It's such a wonderful title for this story. I also loved the side story about the bird and it's implied message that went perfectly with everything that Cassie goes through. It is a fairly quick read and definitely held my interest the entire story. The chemistry between Cassie and Kyle was exactly what I look for in a romance novel and their strong but loving spirits really suited each other quite well. I liked that the suspense was not over done or over dramatic but always there, quietly foreboding in the background. I liked that the quick confrontation was towards the end of the book and that we got a quick resolve and a wonderful HEA ending. Although this is a standalone read I would absolutely love to have a spin-off novel featuring Kyle's hunky dangerous twin brother Kieran. Some of the words used in some of the sexier scenes were my only qualms with the story. Everyone has those certain words that irk them and make them stumble on them and unfortunately there were at least three of my least favorites used here. Because I know your probably wondering what words I mean I will list the ones that come to mind... suckled, lapped, and weeping folds. Other than that though I did enjoy the scenes and the overall story was one that I would definitely recommend to fans of steamy romantic suspense.

** I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review **
Profile Image for Nikki Brooks.
3,573 reviews55 followers
August 17, 2015
This is the romantic suspense filled story of Cassie and Kyle.

Cassie is in danger...again. She once escaped a stalker, one who had targeted several females who looked just like her. But he's just escaped jail and Cassie is not about to sit around and wait for him to get to her again. Serendipitously she just received a job offer to work for a month on an architectural job. The answer to her prayers.

Kyle is the said architect, working on a renovation project. When the beautiful and clearly worried Cassie turns up early to work on the project he is intrigued to say the least. But red flags are raised when she is clearly hiding something from him. And what's the use of having a brother with a security company if you can't have him do a little digging.

When the reality of what Cassie has suffered through and is facing yet again sinks in, Kyle is sucked into the drama and h=is devoted to ensuring Cassies safety.

Great suspense with heart lurching moments and sizzling romance and moments of sweetness. The banter between Kyle, his brother and their motherly housekeeper if very familial and tender. Great engaging and sympathetic characters and believable plot. Well paced and no extraneous plot gimmicks.

I received a free arc for an honest review.
Profile Image for Sherill.
1,296 reviews38 followers
August 11, 2015
TRUE LOVE HEALS!!

Learning to Fly: A suspenseful romance.

This story features Cassie a sultry, red-headed beautiful artist; Kyle a buffed, charismatic architect.

TERROR HAS CASSIE QUERYING HER DESIRES!!!

The story is filled with potent, impressive and engaging characters, plot spectacular, lives in jeopardy, secrets unfold, pent up fury, suspense, banter superb, emotions spiral, jaw-dropping spine-tingling romance, and a conclusion that soars and soothes the soul.

SPECTACULAR fast paced exhilarating well indited read by a gifted author. The fusion of authenticity and fantasy make the story fierce and impressive. Cassie's character is awe-inspiring and Kyle's undying devotion and patience is definitely praise worthy. A most gratifying read and I loved it from start to finish. If you relish stories with suspense and sizzling romance; this is definitely a terrific book for your library. In the world of fantasy romance the possibilities are illimitable but always fascinating. {I received an arc for a thoroughly truthful review}. Without reservations I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Simply Love Book Reviews.
7,046 reviews870 followers
October 13, 2012
Lee's
review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews

I’ll be honest and say that Learning to Fly really did surprise me. I didn’t expect to like this book as much as I did. Part of that is due to the fact that I didn’t care for the cover. After reading this book I can say that the cover did not to this story justice. That being said, I can’t come up with anything else about this book that I DIDN’T like.

Ms. Snark did a very good job when she wrote her characters, Cassie and Kyle. The relationship between between these two was very sweet and a joy to read. But who doesn’t love a man with a sexy Irish brogue?

Through the entire book I enjoyed watching the relationship between these two play out, while at the same time, waiting to see what was going to happen with Simon Lynch. I was not disappointed in how Ms. Snark had this story play out. This is definitely one of those times where you can not judge a book by it’s cover. The content is totally worth it and I look forward to reading more by Ms. Snark.
Profile Image for Tanja.
740 reviews16 followers
May 6, 2023
When Cassandra gets a call from the FBI she makes one hasty decision. not even packing clothes, just her current project and purse and she leaves everything behind. showing up a week early, she's not sure if she'll be welcomed by Kyle, her new client. Luckily they let her stay and don't ask too many questions. At first that is. when they do meet, there is instant attraction and her life turns into a roller-coaster ride of emotions.
she can't help but act jittery and she knows she has to tell him why she came sooner. his brother already checked her out and he already knows what happened to her.
Kyle doesn't know the details and leaves that up to Cassandra to tell. for her it feels like a weight is lifted of her shoulders. with the bad guy still on the loose they tighten security but will it be enough?

a fast paced, well written, whirlwind romance with a HEA. a must have if you like a bit of action and drama but most of all a nice love story!

free copy gifted in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Reba Rhynland.
29 reviews4 followers
September 16, 2014
Cassie loves shoes and architecture. Kyle loves his privacy, big birds and designing amazing buildings. In Learning to Fly, the two come together in what could be a swan dive to disaster or soaring to an eagle's aerie of joy.
Cassie has a secret which pushes her to head to her new employers home a week sooner than she is expected. Unwilling to tell hime of her plight, she hopes the crazed killer will not find her there.
In an exciting series of twists, turns, and very steamy bedroom scenes, Kyle discovers her secrets and they discover each other.
The author, Melissa Snark, has a way of telling a story that puts you right in it. You can see the characters, feel their emotions as well as hearing the dialog. The setting, too is as if you are there.
This is the first book I read by Ms. Snark, but it will not be the last.
290 reviews
August 12, 2015
Learning To Fly by Melissa Snark was a breath taking erotic suspense romance. Reading the story was a breeze. I devoured the story in one sitting. This story was well-written and a good escape read. This story was just awesome!

She woven a wonderous tale about a strong courageous woman, Cassandra "Cassie". She never gave up after being brutally abducted by a serial killer. Her past came calling and she took a runner. Will she be able to escape or find happiness or love?

I gave this book 5 stars! You'll just have to read the novel to find out what happens next, and the HEA. I highly recommend this author. I would buy books from her in the future. I received this story for free in exchange for an honest review.

DebA
Profile Image for Crystal's Quirky Reviews.
186 reviews10 followers
August 13, 2015
This is the first romance I've read by Author Melissa Snark and I admit I'm usually not one for it but decided to venture off my familiar path of paranormal romance and fantasy and let me just say that I am so glad I did! I loved it! It grabs your attention and keeps it throughout the entire book! An action packed and beautiful romance story with exceptionally built characters, a good story line and many twists and turns. Without giving away too many spoilers, Cassie, a woman with a traumatic background runs to her next job meeting her boss Kyle but can he slay the nightmares of her past and keep them all alive? An excellent book!

I was given an arc copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for Becky.
4 reviews
September 17, 2014
Sexy architect Kyle McCleod, who does volunteer raptor rescue, has a renegade twin and a love of privacy, hires Cassandra Claeys, a talented illustrator with a secret, to work on a pet project.
Cassie's secret causes her to flee to his home a week early, hoping for sanctuary, but instead finds immediate fireworks. Her past will not allow her to feel free enough to enjoy his attention, and when her secrets catch up with her, the relationship explodes . . . but does it bomb, or are there more fireworks?
The author, Melissa Snark, writes a wonderful love story with fabulous imagery, well fleshed out characters and a very compelling story line.
I look forward to reading more of her books.
Profile Image for Sheryl.
2,030 reviews22 followers
November 15, 2014
I received a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review by author Melissa Snark.

Cassandra Claeys is trying to get her life together after a harrowing experience of a madman. She is hired by Kyle McCloud who is beginning to see her as more then in a professional area. He wants to try and help her break free of the past she suffered.

I loved the character of Cassandra and how she interacted with the other characters. The author wrote a very smooth flowing story from start to finish.

This is for mature romance book readers and 1 of the better romance book I have read in a while.
Profile Image for Sarah Boniface-Zeeb.
109 reviews
September 13, 2015
This was amazing and a breath of fresh air from what I have been reading. It was different, exciting, and heartwarming. Cassie has been through hell for the last 5 years. She hasn't been able to trust men until she met Kyle. He is a good hearted man and gorgeous. He knew instantly something was wrong with Cassie the moment they met in person, but he didn't push. He waited until she came to him to talk about what happened to her when she was ready. He promised to protect her no matter what. There needs to be more men like him in this world. Finally after the years of hell she has been through Cassie has found her peace in Kyle. I must admit I can't stop smiling since I read this. I loved it.
Profile Image for Lisa Rayns.
Author 7 books145 followers
September 14, 2012
Learning to Fly is a beautifully crafted romance about a woman learning to love and trust again after she’s been hurt by a madman. When he escapes from prison, she takes refuge with the one man who can break down all her defenses. I love this book! The symbolic usage is inspiring. The characters are realistic and enduring, a couple you won’t easily forget. Suspense and tension rose steadily along with the romance, and I couldn’t stop reading. I was captivated by Cassie and Kyle’s story and I highly recommend this novel!
Profile Image for Sandra Dailey.
Author 6 books36 followers
August 24, 2015
Fleeing from an old enemy, Cassandra Claeys runs into the arms of her sexy client, Kyle McCleod.
This book is well written and edited, (something you don't see often these days). The characters were well rounded, including secondary. They developed satisfactorily along with the story.
With a little more back story and antagonist involvement I could have easily given it five stars. However, it was a great, light, feel good story. I look forward to the sequel I'm sure will follow - I hope will follow. Please, Melissa Snark, don't leave me hanging about the brother.
Profile Image for Lynn Vincent.
653 reviews4 followers
August 26, 2015
I was given this ARC in exchange for an honest review. This is my honest opinion and has not been influenced by the author in anyway.
I loved this story. It is the story about a young woman Cassie who has suffered a horrible experience. The man who stalked and terrorized her has escaped. Her problem with trust has increased. She runs to her new job hoping to escape. Kyle her boss falls for Cassie. Will his patients with Cassie pay off? will Cassie be found by her crazy stalker? This is a must read at 5 stars.
Profile Image for Angel.
328 reviews
September 13, 2015
I really loved Learning To Fly. I'll admit, the story didn't grab me at first, but I'm very glad I stuck it out and finished. This book has great character development and is well-written. I also appreciate that the book isn't only about sex. I enjoy erotic novels, but I tire of books that are all sex. I liked that Kyle was understanding and didn't force Cassie into anything. I recently read a book where that happened and hated it. Great job with this story, Melissa! Learning To Fly is definitely worth the read!

I received a copy of Learning To Fly in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Lory.
3,273 reviews33 followers
January 24, 2016
I didn't realized at first that this wasn't a PNR, but I still enjoyed it all the same. I definitely enjoy a strong heroine and Cassie didn't disappoint not only was she strong but brave as well if only she would cut herself some slack. Cassie is carrying around lot of emotional and physical baggage but, didn't stop her from trying to fight to get here life back I love that. This story is filled with so much action, and spin-tingling romance it will whole your attention from beginning to the end. So if your into suspenseful romance I totally recommend that you read this book.
15 reviews
September 11, 2015
I loved Learning to Fly. I was fortunate to get a review copy as this is a new author for me, and this won't be the last book of hers I will read if this story is an indication. There was lots of suspense as well as romance. I loved the way Kyle was with Cassandra, especially how patient he was knowing who was out to get her. The housekeeper is hilarious as she mother's Kyle and his brother. will be reading this one again.
Profile Image for Roseanna.
61 reviews
September 15, 2014
I loved this book. Wonderful romance filled with great characters. Cassie is struggling to overcome a dark past. She is a very strong character and was written very well. Kyle compassionate man who is determined to protect her from whatever she running from. Definitely a must read story full of sexy moments and dramatic moments. Can't wait to read more from this wonderful author.
Profile Image for Han.
165 reviews6 followers
October 14, 2014
Red is running and run she does to the gentle, calm Kyle. Can this artist trust him? The story has a great speed to it, not fast and definitely not slow. I loved the ending! The housekeeper, playing a important role, is a endearing character! I am pleasently surprised by Kieran and can not wait to read his story! Does the madman steal Red? Awesome story!
Profile Image for Teressa Mirault.
69 reviews1 follower
August 8, 2015
This is a must read for anyone who likes a little suspense with their romance. I couldn't stop reading it!
The story flows at a perfect pace which keeps your interest all the way through, and at no point did I find myself wanting to skip over any part because of excessive description.
The characters were believable and well written. You could picture each one in your mind.
Profile Image for Zeinab Dh.
1,639 reviews38 followers
August 10, 2015
I got this in exchange of an honest review, I loved it a lot, it had such action suspense thriller mystery I was surprised a lot in this one the main characters were amazing I loved how she was so strong yet human I recommend this to everyone Melissa is awesome writer she knows how to make her readers desire more out of her
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews

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