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Gateway to Heaven
Life is rough when you're gorgeous, rich, talented and so sexy the media won't leave you alone.
It was certainly the truth in Christian Lasher's case. He returns to the neighborhood of his childhood to escape the spotlight, hungering for a change in his creative endeavors. In the midst of his soul searching he meets Megan and is captured by the tantalizing hint of her hidden fires. Megan knows nothing about his wild, rebellious youth or his career as a rock star―and Christian would prefer to keep it that way.
There was much, much more to her than the role of a fragile victim.
Megan Shreve is a sculptor with creative depths and passions that tragedy had forced into the shadows. When she looks into Christian's eyes she sees herself for the first time as an exciting, sexy woman. She longs to discover more of herself in Christian's arms and in his bed.
Two passionate souls destined for one another―unless the stifling roles imposed by tragedy and fame rip them apart.
It was certainly the truth in Christian Lasher's case. He returns to the neighborhood of his childhood to escape the spotlight, hungering for a change in his creative endeavors. In the midst of his soul searching he meets Megan and is captured by the tantalizing hint of her hidden fires. Megan knows nothing about his wild, rebellious youth or his career as a rock star―and Christian would prefer to keep it that way.
There was much, much more to her than the role of a fragile victim.
Megan Shreve is a sculptor with creative depths and passions that tragedy had forced into the shadows. When she looks into Christian's eyes she sees herself for the first time as an exciting, sexy woman. She longs to discover more of herself in Christian's arms and in his bed.
Two passionate souls destined for one another―unless the stifling roles imposed by tragedy and fame rip them apart.
172 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2008
60 people are currently reading
1607 people want to read
About the author
Beth Kery
186 books2,694 followersBeth Kery is the New York Times and USA Today best selling author of over thirty novels, novellas and serials. She writes contemporary romances as well as erotic contemporary romances, her hallmarks being emotional intensity, leap-off-the-page realistic characters and steamy sexual tension.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
May 3, 2012
This book was a nice surprise. It was a kindle freebie, but amazingly it was so good that I would definitely recommend it, (even if you have to pay for it)!
What is it about rocker heroes? There is just something about bands that intrigue me. Christian is the lead singer for the band Lasher Down. He has lived the high life as a celebrity, but he longs for "more" in his life. The band goes back to his home town to perform in a fundraising event and Christian meets Megan who also grew up in the same town as Christian.
The sparks fly immediately when these two are introduced. Their romance begins immediately, but both come from troubled pasts which prove to be initial barriers to their HEA. I loved this short read. It had surprising depth for it's shorter length, and you come to really care for these characters.
A short, satisfying read that I highly recommend.
What is it about rocker heroes? There is just something about bands that intrigue me. Christian is the lead singer for the band Lasher Down. He has lived the high life as a celebrity, but he longs for "more" in his life. The band goes back to his home town to perform in a fundraising event and Christian meets Megan who also grew up in the same town as Christian.
The sparks fly immediately when these two are introduced. Their romance begins immediately, but both come from troubled pasts which prove to be initial barriers to their HEA. I loved this short read. It had surprising depth for it's shorter length, and you come to really care for these characters.
A short, satisfying read that I highly recommend.
July 20, 2017
It was okay. Nice enough story. But I didn't really get sucked totally in. Some opportunities for angst were missed. I'm not a psychologist but I wonder if she would realistically have had more reaction to her childhood trauma than was portrayed here. Also a bit unrealistic that she could have gone so long without figuring out who he was if he was so famous. Some crazed fan would surely have come up for an autograph etc. Pleasant read though all in all.
June 22, 2012
Solid 3 stars
For the most part I enjoyed reading Gateway to Heaven. The plot was fresh and interesting. There were times, however, I had difficulty connecting with the hero and heroine during the story. For whatever reason, they weren't able to make me a true believer in their romance. That said, I think most people will enjoy this story.
For the most part I enjoyed reading Gateway to Heaven. The plot was fresh and interesting. There were times, however, I had difficulty connecting with the hero and heroine during the story. For whatever reason, they weren't able to make me a true believer in their romance. That said, I think most people will enjoy this story.
October 10, 2013
Weak 3 stars. Emotional and sexy, but not much plot. It’s shorter than a typical novel.
STORY BRIEF:
Christian is a lead singer rock star. He wants a quieter life and to create a different type of music. It’s lust and maybe love at first sight when he sees Megan. He ardently pursues her.
Megan lives a quiet life as a sculpture artist and teacher. Everyone walks on eggshells around her because she was sexually abused when she was three-years-old. She loves what Christian makes her feel - love, lust, passion.
OPINION:
This is sensual and almost entirely about their relationship. No other plot. So, the misunderstandings between them are the plot. There are several of these. For example: one person makes an inaccurate assumption and walks away, or walks away without explaining so the other person thinks the wrong thing. Some of this was ok, but one really bothered me (in spoiler).
The story is their back and forth until they finally get together at the end and know they love each other. This was nice if that’s your mood.
The sex scenes were worthy of the genre.
There were a handful of errors that a spell checker would not find, for example “ever” should be “never,” “hair” should be “her hair.”
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Kindle count length: 3,201 (369 KB) 228 pages. Swearing language: strong including religious swear words, but rarely used. Sexual language: mild. Number of sex scenes: 4. Setting: current day Chicago, Illinois. Copyright: 2011. Genre: contemporary romance, rock star hero.
STORY BRIEF:
Christian is a lead singer rock star. He wants a quieter life and to create a different type of music. It’s lust and maybe love at first sight when he sees Megan. He ardently pursues her.
Megan lives a quiet life as a sculpture artist and teacher. Everyone walks on eggshells around her because she was sexually abused when she was three-years-old. She loves what Christian makes her feel - love, lust, passion.
OPINION:
This is sensual and almost entirely about their relationship. No other plot. So, the misunderstandings between them are the plot. There are several of these. For example: one person makes an inaccurate assumption and walks away, or walks away without explaining so the other person thinks the wrong thing. Some of this was ok, but one really bothered me (in spoiler).
The story is their back and forth until they finally get together at the end and know they love each other. This was nice if that’s your mood.
The sex scenes were worthy of the genre.
There were a handful of errors that a spell checker would not find, for example “ever” should be “never,” “hair” should be “her hair.”
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Kindle count length: 3,201 (369 KB) 228 pages. Swearing language: strong including religious swear words, but rarely used. Sexual language: mild. Number of sex scenes: 4. Setting: current day Chicago, Illinois. Copyright: 2011. Genre: contemporary romance, rock star hero.
August 11, 2011
This reminded me of "Wicked Burn", where the hero has a literary background. While the hero there is a playwright, Christian Lasher is a rock star, with depth to his lyrics and has a brain to match his charm.
I noticed Ms Kery's writing style is somewhat similar to the above mentioned novel, where she withholds a mystery about a certain character until the love interest finds out from other people. In this case, both the hero and heroine have secrets that spilled somewhere along the way. The author doesn't make too much drama of it, though.
Megan Shreve is a conservative schoolteacher with a past that makes most people treat her as if she were fragile. Behind that facade is a woman who longed to be desired, someone who burns, and is actually a strong person.
Christian Lasher wanted a breather and decided to go to his childhood town in Chicago and perform for his alma mater. Though he went to school with Megan, they didn't cross paths.
It's only now that they met that they felt the spark, and they live in the same condominium. Though this wasn't as heavy as "Wicked Burn" (that's my only point of reference since this is only the 2nd novel I've read from this author), I liked it in its simplicity. It's not a full-length novel and whatever questions the reader may have, all of them are answered along the way.
I hated how Megan's family smothered her personal growth, and I loved how Christian influenced her to have a normal life, and not let the past define her being. There were a lot of sensual touches, but only two major love scenes here. I don't want to go into the details, suffice it to say I'll still read this author's works.
I noticed Ms Kery's writing style is somewhat similar to the above mentioned novel, where she withholds a mystery about a certain character until the love interest finds out from other people. In this case, both the hero and heroine have secrets that spilled somewhere along the way. The author doesn't make too much drama of it, though.
Megan Shreve is a conservative schoolteacher with a past that makes most people treat her as if she were fragile. Behind that facade is a woman who longed to be desired, someone who burns, and is actually a strong person.
Christian Lasher wanted a breather and decided to go to his childhood town in Chicago and perform for his alma mater. Though he went to school with Megan, they didn't cross paths.
It's only now that they met that they felt the spark, and they live in the same condominium. Though this wasn't as heavy as "Wicked Burn" (that's my only point of reference since this is only the 2nd novel I've read from this author), I liked it in its simplicity. It's not a full-length novel and whatever questions the reader may have, all of them are answered along the way.
I hated how Megan's family smothered her personal growth, and I loved how Christian influenced her to have a normal life, and not let the past define her being. There were a lot of sensual touches, but only two major love scenes here. I don't want to go into the details, suffice it to say I'll still read this author's works.
April 12, 2012
I've read several of Beth Kery's books in the past and I really enjoyed both her writing style and her characters (RAWR! to sexy alpha males!) BUT I'm not a big fan of non-paranormal contemporary storylines. So, I went into this one with one eye on the door in case I needed to make a quick escape. Oh, guys. OH, GUYS! This book was outstanding. Christian and Megan's story was lovely and sweet and sad and I'm so, so glad I decided to step outside my werewolf-infested comfort zone and give them a try.
Megan has been shaped by a horrible tragedy that she really doesn't remember. It's defined her and made everyone treat her with kid gloves. Christian, on the other hand, doesn't know about her past. He simply sees someone he desires. To the chagrin of everyone around Megan, he goes after her and for the first time Megan sees that she doesn't have to be chained down by something that happened years and years ago. Of course, things don't go entirely smoothly for the two of them. When Megan finds out that Christian is a rock superstar, she has to deal with her insecurities and the way the media paints him.
A wonderfully written story, Beth Kery has given us characters with depth and heart. I can't tell you how excited I am to play in her world.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Megan has been shaped by a horrible tragedy that she really doesn't remember. It's defined her and made everyone treat her with kid gloves. Christian, on the other hand, doesn't know about her past. He simply sees someone he desires. To the chagrin of everyone around Megan, he goes after her and for the first time Megan sees that she doesn't have to be chained down by something that happened years and years ago. Of course, things don't go entirely smoothly for the two of them. When Megan finds out that Christian is a rock superstar, she has to deal with her insecurities and the way the media paints him.
A wonderfully written story, Beth Kery has given us characters with depth and heart. I can't tell you how excited I am to play in her world.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
June 22, 2012
I thoroughly enjoyed this short story. Beth Kery’s books IMO are so much more than your typical ‘hot sexy book’. She draws you into the minds of her characters and as a result, the reader is able to ‘feel’ what the characters are experiencing….be it doubts, fear, or excitement. In this short story, Megan is an older virgin, a sculptor and works part time for her neighborhood church. She has had a traumatic experience that has led to her being treated special/sheltered by her family/parish. Christian is a rock star that has come home to perform a benefit concert for the same church he also attended growing up. They meet….Instant Attraction….Yet they are so different Or Are They?
May 1, 2012
Beth Kery’s Gateway to Heaven was free on Kindle (now $2.99), and since I’ve enjoyed Beth's books in the past, it was a given I would grab this one. Also, there are just not enough rock star romances and I’ve been dying to read a few. We need more rockstar hero romances, STAT! I also liked the idea that the supposed bad boy rock star isn’t as “bad” as the reader is first led to believe. The hero, Christian Lasher, who has an awesome sounding name, has deep roots in the town he grew up in and where his family still lives. Megan, the heroine, is everything sweet and innocent, but Beth writes a major emotional twist to give Megan more dimension. Something very horrible happened to Megan when she was a toddler. Regardless of this shocking event, Megan has a great outlook on life. Her sunny disposition is what draws Christian to her.
Christian keeps his identity a secret at first from Megan because he’s afraid his reputation will turn her off. Megan’s mother and sister are very protective of her and think Christian will hurt Megan because it’s a given he’ll want to have sex with her. Megan is a virgin and it makes sense why regarding the horrible trauma she went through as a child. Megan wants to take a chance with Christian and finally engage in intimacies with a man like having sex because she knows deep down Christian's a good person who can give her what she needs. Christian also has some issues, but nothing too angsty. The reader will stay engaged as these two will come together and heal one another and hopefully have a wonderful future of laughter and love.
Gateway to Heaven is a lovely romance that has a nice balance when it comes to the sensuality factor between Christian and Megan. Because Megan is a virgin, Christian handles her with extreme care although he wants to consume her with his passion he’s barely keeping in check. There's also a slight spirituality factor regarding one's faith and religion that gives the story more dimension. When Megan and Christian finally make love, it’s very tender and equally hot. This was a very enjoyable read and one fans of contemporary romance will enjoy.
Christian keeps his identity a secret at first from Megan because he’s afraid his reputation will turn her off. Megan’s mother and sister are very protective of her and think Christian will hurt Megan because it’s a given he’ll want to have sex with her. Megan is a virgin and it makes sense why regarding the horrible trauma she went through as a child. Megan wants to take a chance with Christian and finally engage in intimacies with a man like having sex because she knows deep down Christian's a good person who can give her what she needs. Christian also has some issues, but nothing too angsty. The reader will stay engaged as these two will come together and heal one another and hopefully have a wonderful future of laughter and love.
Gateway to Heaven is a lovely romance that has a nice balance when it comes to the sensuality factor between Christian and Megan. Because Megan is a virgin, Christian handles her with extreme care although he wants to consume her with his passion he’s barely keeping in check. There's also a slight spirituality factor regarding one's faith and religion that gives the story more dimension. When Megan and Christian finally make love, it’s very tender and equally hot. This was a very enjoyable read and one fans of contemporary romance will enjoy.
November 5, 2015
Megan lives in the neighbourhood she grew up in in Chicago, where she has a job running an art program for kids, and is also a sculptor. Christian shows up one day because his famous band is going to perform for a church fundraiser. Christian owns the penthouse apartment upstairs from Megan, and they totally hit it off.
Megan has Something Terrible in her childhood, and is trying to escape being treated like porcelain. There’s an interesting exploration of how Something Terrible has repercussions for the people who love you, and how that rebounds on you, and how impossible and difficult it can make some relationships. That was the good part of the book and I could have gone for more of that.
Not so great was whatever was going on with Christian. He wasn’t exactly a tortured rock star but he had his own problems, and seemed to spend most of the book unsure what he actually wanted to do with Megan. Or tell her, since ‘actually, I’m a famous rock star’ doesn’t come up in conversation between them. And it’s not like famous rock stars would be introverted about it, or anxious to preserve their secret identities on account of being super hero vigilantes after dark. In fact, Christian could have been an accountant with fundamentally the same relationship trauma, and it wouldn’t have made much difference. Sure, an accountant isn’t going to have Paparazzi Bitterness, but everything else would work.
Megan’s story is too interesting and wins. Christian does win points for being caring and supportive when he learns about Megan’s background. This book is fine, but not great.
Megan has Something Terrible in her childhood, and is trying to escape being treated like porcelain. There’s an interesting exploration of how Something Terrible has repercussions for the people who love you, and how that rebounds on you, and how impossible and difficult it can make some relationships. That was the good part of the book and I could have gone for more of that.
Not so great was whatever was going on with Christian. He wasn’t exactly a tortured rock star but he had his own problems, and seemed to spend most of the book unsure what he actually wanted to do with Megan. Or tell her, since ‘actually, I’m a famous rock star’ doesn’t come up in conversation between them. And it’s not like famous rock stars would be introverted about it, or anxious to preserve their secret identities on account of being super hero vigilantes after dark. In fact, Christian could have been an accountant with fundamentally the same relationship trauma, and it wouldn’t have made much difference. Sure, an accountant isn’t going to have Paparazzi Bitterness, but everything else would work.
Megan’s story is too interesting and wins. Christian does win points for being caring and supportive when he learns about Megan’s background. This book is fine, but not great.
June 16, 2012
Rock Star Christian Lasher spends a month every year returning home seeking solace and relaxation. This year is no different but much needed, then he meets Megan Shreve who is the exact opposite of him but exudes a sense of calm that he has never felt before. Wanting to be a part of her tranquility he pursues the tender Megan, what he doesn't know that inside her is a rippling tide of mixed emotions and a past that has kept her from ever experiencing any intimacy.
Megan doesn't remember what happened to her, but she has spent a life of everyone walking on eggshells around her waiting for her to break. Until Christian walked into her life, she hadn't quite realized that she could have something more. Outside influences though are straining the fragile string between them and it will take courage on both of their parts to make it work.
I thought this was hauntingly beautiful. Christian often blows up without many words, he watches and spends most time in his own head waiting like a tiger on the prowl but Megan has him befuddled and tied in knots. Megan is drawn to Christian because he makes her feel alive, but communicating that to him is difficult and often she draws at other issues to hide what she is really feeling. I thought this was a raw read but so worth it. Like frosting and cake these two belong together, without one you are left missing something.
Megan doesn't remember what happened to her, but she has spent a life of everyone walking on eggshells around her waiting for her to break. Until Christian walked into her life, she hadn't quite realized that she could have something more. Outside influences though are straining the fragile string between them and it will take courage on both of their parts to make it work.
I thought this was hauntingly beautiful. Christian often blows up without many words, he watches and spends most time in his own head waiting like a tiger on the prowl but Megan has him befuddled and tied in knots. Megan is drawn to Christian because he makes her feel alive, but communicating that to him is difficult and often she draws at other issues to hide what she is really feeling. I thought this was a raw read but so worth it. Like frosting and cake these two belong together, without one you are left missing something.
May 4, 2012
I can't believe this book was free. If the object of free is to entice me to try more books by Beth Kery, then it succeeded.
Very well done: the self-questioning rock musician and elusive art teacher. I want to use adjectives like innocent, virginal, naive -- she is all that -- but the reasoning behind her lifestyle is poignantly believable and her emotional and sexual unfolding is very well done.
Why 4 stars? I thought her mother could have been developed further. And the ending was a little rainbows and unicorns. In terms of labeling, to me this is not erotica, the heat doesn't rise to that level, but it is very hawt. Maybe it's my conditioning from the books I read but there wasn't a condom in sight and that seemed odd.
Very well done: the self-questioning rock musician and elusive art teacher. I want to use adjectives like innocent, virginal, naive -- she is all that -- but the reasoning behind her lifestyle is poignantly believable and her emotional and sexual unfolding is very well done.
Why 4 stars? I thought her mother could have been developed further. And the ending was a little rainbows and unicorns. In terms of labeling, to me this is not erotica, the heat doesn't rise to that level, but it is very hawt. Maybe it's my conditioning from the books I read but there wasn't a condom in sight and that seemed odd.
June 9, 2015
Did not really like this one. The switch in POVs happened to quickly for me to be able to connect. The story was there, but the execution was poor. What annoyed me was the heroine and her discussion of her breasts. There is some internal obsession with breasts in this story.
This did not work for me.
This did not work for me.
April 30, 2012
Loved it. More brainy, angsty rock star heroes please. I've been sampling erotica and haven't been impressed until this one. Kery at least in this story gets the balance right between erotica and romance. Off to glom Beth Kery.
April 25, 2012
Free book at amazon! Wonderful read.
March 6, 2019
Not a bad little romance with good characters. Two people with very different tragedies develop a romance when the rockstar returns home for his annual church fundraiser concert. Christian meets Megan not realizing she is the young woman he has just fallen head over heels for!
Short but sweet.
Short but sweet.
April 16, 2012
I chose this book because I thought the blurb sounded good and I was not disappointed.
Megan is the full time art teacher at the St. Pat's parish school in her home neighborhood near Chicago. She is a woman who carries on almost a shadow existence due to her past and everyone treats her as fragile and unapproachable to men because of being a childhood rape victim. Christian is one of the St. Pat's kids who grew up and became a famous rockstar. He comes home for the charity block concert every year with his band. This year, Christian has some big decisions to make about his music career so he has also come home to think. Then the day he is visiting Father Gregory on his tour of the school, he sees a beautiful woman with a student. It's the same women that has caught his eye when he met her near his building and in the park where she was playing with her little girl. He felt instant attraction and now he meets her. Megan is equally taken by the tall handsome alumni that Father Gregory is showing around, but then is interrupted in the process of meeting him when her brother in law arrives to drop off her niece. Suddenly, the man stiffens up and behaves funny even though he helps her with her niece and the bag when she walks home. She discovers that he lives in her building. He comes into her apartment and in the process of talking discovers that she is just babysitting. Her niece is taken with Christian and on the spur of the moment he decides to accompany them to American Girl.
From there, their relationship begins to blossom. That is until Megan's sister interferes with snide accusations about Christian and drives a wedge between them. Megan had no idea that Christian is a famous musician/singer and he is terrified to hurt her when he finds out about her past. Can the attraction of seeming opposites and their past be an insurmountable obstacle?
The plot was that of a sweet, tender romance that was packed with passion. I loved seeing them work through things even if I felt the tension each time something new came up threatening to separate them. The pace is nice and though steady did not drag for me.
The characters were wonderful to get to know. I loved Christian and Megan. There was so much to them. There was such a difference between the warm, openness of his family and the closed almost dead feeling of her family. I wanted to smack Megan's older sister Hilary upside the head on a few occasions even though she meant well.
It was a good read that I can recommend.
Megan is the full time art teacher at the St. Pat's parish school in her home neighborhood near Chicago. She is a woman who carries on almost a shadow existence due to her past and everyone treats her as fragile and unapproachable to men because of being a childhood rape victim. Christian is one of the St. Pat's kids who grew up and became a famous rockstar. He comes home for the charity block concert every year with his band. This year, Christian has some big decisions to make about his music career so he has also come home to think. Then the day he is visiting Father Gregory on his tour of the school, he sees a beautiful woman with a student. It's the same women that has caught his eye when he met her near his building and in the park where she was playing with her little girl. He felt instant attraction and now he meets her. Megan is equally taken by the tall handsome alumni that Father Gregory is showing around, but then is interrupted in the process of meeting him when her brother in law arrives to drop off her niece. Suddenly, the man stiffens up and behaves funny even though he helps her with her niece and the bag when she walks home. She discovers that he lives in her building. He comes into her apartment and in the process of talking discovers that she is just babysitting. Her niece is taken with Christian and on the spur of the moment he decides to accompany them to American Girl.
From there, their relationship begins to blossom. That is until Megan's sister interferes with snide accusations about Christian and drives a wedge between them. Megan had no idea that Christian is a famous musician/singer and he is terrified to hurt her when he finds out about her past. Can the attraction of seeming opposites and their past be an insurmountable obstacle?
The plot was that of a sweet, tender romance that was packed with passion. I loved seeing them work through things even if I felt the tension each time something new came up threatening to separate them. The pace is nice and though steady did not drag for me.
The characters were wonderful to get to know. I loved Christian and Megan. There was so much to them. There was such a difference between the warm, openness of his family and the closed almost dead feeling of her family. I wanted to smack Megan's older sister Hilary upside the head on a few occasions even though she meant well.
It was a good read that I can recommend.
September 12, 2012
This is such a heart-warming, sweet and so lovely romance. And hey the hero, Christian is a famous rock-star (I so love love stories about rockstars!!!)
Christian and Megan, an artist are two people, hiding so many secrets from the world and who had to meet and be together.....such two true souls.
The tension and chemistry between the two is so well developed. Great writing.
I really enjoyed this book.
Book Synopsis: Life is rough when you're gorgeous, rich, talented and so sexy that the media won't leave you alone.
It's certainly the truth in Christian Lasher's case. He returns to the neighborhood of his childhood to escape the spotlight, hungering for a change in his creative endeavors. In the midst of his soul searching he meets Megan and is captured by the tantalizing hint of her hidden fires. Megan knows nothing about his wild, rebellious youth or his career as a rock star--and Christian would prefer to keep it that way.
There was much, much more to her than the role of a fragile victim.
Megan Shreve is a sculptor with creative depths and passions that tragedy had forced into the shadows. When she looks into Christian's eyes she sees herself for the first time as an exciting, sexy woman. She longs to discover more of herself in Christian's arms and in his bed.
Two passionate souls destined for one another--unless the stifling roles imposed by tragedy and fame rip them apart.
Christian and Megan, an artist are two people, hiding so many secrets from the world and who had to meet and be together.....such two true souls.
The tension and chemistry between the two is so well developed. Great writing.
I really enjoyed this book.
Book Synopsis: Life is rough when you're gorgeous, rich, talented and so sexy that the media won't leave you alone.
It's certainly the truth in Christian Lasher's case. He returns to the neighborhood of his childhood to escape the spotlight, hungering for a change in his creative endeavors. In the midst of his soul searching he meets Megan and is captured by the tantalizing hint of her hidden fires. Megan knows nothing about his wild, rebellious youth or his career as a rock star--and Christian would prefer to keep it that way.
There was much, much more to her than the role of a fragile victim.
Megan Shreve is a sculptor with creative depths and passions that tragedy had forced into the shadows. When she looks into Christian's eyes she sees herself for the first time as an exciting, sexy woman. She longs to discover more of herself in Christian's arms and in his bed.
Two passionate souls destined for one another--unless the stifling roles imposed by tragedy and fame rip them apart.
May 24, 2013
3.5 Stars
Good story, good writing, but here's my big issue... Christian is a DICK! I don't give a crap what personal demons you're battling or what fears you're harboring, if you are going to bother to go slow and worry about the virgin's feelings, even saying no to sex for fear of taking things too fast and freaking her out... and then finally, FINALLY, she trusts you enough to give herself to you... for the love of all that's holy, do NOT end her first time by throwing on your pants and walking out, leaving her vulnerable and naked on the couch. NO, CHRISTIAN! NO!
UGH!! And yes, they worked it out, but damn... I'm not sure if I was happy about it by then, because I was still mad that he screwed up in such a monumental way. I'm STILL mad!
Bad, rocker... bad, bad rocker!
Good story, good writing, but here's my big issue... Christian is a DICK! I don't give a crap what personal demons you're battling or what fears you're harboring, if you are going to bother to go slow and worry about the virgin's feelings, even saying no to sex for fear of taking things too fast and freaking her out... and then finally, FINALLY, she trusts you enough to give herself to you... for the love of all that's holy, do NOT end her first time by throwing on your pants and walking out, leaving her vulnerable and naked on the couch. NO, CHRISTIAN! NO!
UGH!! And yes, they worked it out, but damn... I'm not sure if I was happy about it by then, because I was still mad that he screwed up in such a monumental way. I'm STILL mad!
Bad, rocker... bad, bad rocker!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2012
I originally downloaded this one because Kelly told me to. And it's pretty well established that I do just about everything that Kelly tells me to. I put off reading it, probably because I haven't read a lot of contemporary romance lately, but... it was worth it. I loved the emotional journey that Christian and Megan go through. It was sweet, poignant, and sexy.
Gateway to Heaven was a free Kindle book I downloaded on April 12, 2012 for the Why Buy the Cow? challenge.
Gateway to Heaven was a free Kindle book I downloaded on April 12, 2012 for the Why Buy the Cow? challenge.
May 10, 2012
I checked this book out because I saw someone rave about it on here (thanks Crista). It was so good. Amazingly, a freebie that is better than the past three books I've bought. Definitely check this author out!
tbr-later
November 5, 20157 October 2014: $0.99 on Kindle
August 12, 2011
This book came up as a recommendation on Kindle and I decided to give it a go.
I really liked this book and so glad I took the time to read it.
I really liked this book and so glad I took the time to read it.
June 20, 2013
This just wasn't my cup of tea
March 19, 2018
Romance and some erotic themes in this book. A easy fast read.
November 16, 2018
It was ok
I was a cute quick read. It didn't blow my hair back. I'm not a fan of hovering smothering family members but I got why
I was a cute quick read. It didn't blow my hair back. I'm not a fan of hovering smothering family members but I got why
December 29, 2019
Gateway To Heaven is unlike other books I've read by Beth Kery...I found it lacking in many ways.
Would I read it again or recommend the book? Probably not.
Would I read it again or recommend the book? Probably not.
dnf
April 2, 2020Didn't catch my interest. DNF at 2%
September 13, 2012
I'm not sure about anyone else, but I tend to read books by theme. I had just finished re-reading about my favorite rock-n-roll sinners and went hunting more bad boy rockers. This led me to Beth Kery and her Gateway to Heaven novel. Just to warn you, I'm trying to hold back, but am afraid that I have to unleash my inner fangirl for this book. Kery has written a sensual, sexual and poignant story of innocence, sexuality, change and growth.
Christian Lasher is an uber successful rock star who wants to branch out into a softer genre. He comes back to his hometown parish to perform an annual charity event as well as reevaluate his life choices. That is, until his spies our stunningly super-sweet (Not naive dammit! Book discussions between friends can become violent, let me tell you.) Megan. Our little virgin is bowled over by Christian's innate sexuality and his pursuit of her leaves her fumbling her reactions as well as revving her errr, emotions. They navigate a tricky trail of half-truths (Christian doesn't come clean about his band Lasher Down) and untold secrets (Megan's is the most devastating of widespread tragedies).
Megan's history is heartbreaking and handled with kid gloves by Kery. What I loved most were the dynamics of the situation. Christian's inner turmoil; does he or doesn't he, take what he desperately wants or give her what he thinks she needs? Megan's innocence (not naivety dammit!) has her lashing (Hah!) out at inopportune times but her newly discovered libido keeps her in the game.
My only complaint about this book is that it is too short! I would love see some of the characters fleshed out a bit more and also traverse the daily ins and outs of Christian and Megan's relationship, as well as see what happens with the band and definitely catch up with Vic. I hate reviews with spoilers so I'm just gonna sum up by saying that Gateway to Heaven is one of my top five best books of the year!
Christian Lasher is an uber successful rock star who wants to branch out into a softer genre. He comes back to his hometown parish to perform an annual charity event as well as reevaluate his life choices. That is, until his spies our stunningly super-sweet (Not naive dammit! Book discussions between friends can become violent, let me tell you.) Megan. Our little virgin is bowled over by Christian's innate sexuality and his pursuit of her leaves her fumbling her reactions as well as revving her errr, emotions. They navigate a tricky trail of half-truths (Christian doesn't come clean about his band Lasher Down) and untold secrets (Megan's is the most devastating of widespread tragedies).
Megan's history is heartbreaking and handled with kid gloves by Kery. What I loved most were the dynamics of the situation. Christian's inner turmoil; does he or doesn't he, take what he desperately wants or give her what he thinks she needs? Megan's innocence (not naivety dammit!) has her lashing (Hah!) out at inopportune times but her newly discovered libido keeps her in the game.
My only complaint about this book is that it is too short! I would love see some of the characters fleshed out a bit more and also traverse the daily ins and outs of Christian and Megan's relationship, as well as see what happens with the band and definitely catch up with Vic. I hate reviews with spoilers so I'm just gonna sum up by saying that Gateway to Heaven is one of my top five best books of the year!
January 9, 2012
Christian Lasher is the lead singer of a very popular and successful hard rock band. Despite his fame and good fortune, he wants to take his music in a different direction. Needing time to decompress and think things through, he escapes from LA and returns to his childhood roots in Chicago, where he finds something more to soothe his soul.
Megan Shreve is a talented artist and sculptor. Her gentle and shy nature sparks Christian's interest in her. His words set her body aflame and she longs to explore the passion he brings forth in her. Things seem to be going in Christian's favor until Megan's sister tries to warn him off and discloses a horrible secret about Megan.
Christian isn't characterized like the typical rock star – a man whore with a revolving door to his bedroom. He's actually very intelligent and well versed in many different things. I really liked that about his character. I constantly waited for the other shoe to drop, like he's too good to be true. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised that Megan had never heard of his music before or knew exactly who he was. But since this story seems to revolve around a common parish, I was surprised that it never got brought up in front of Megan. He had a few secrets of his own, but they weren't nearly as bad as Megan's sister made them out to be.
I really liked Megan. Her inexperience with men, only to be confronted with the attentions of someone like Christian made her kind of adorable. I can't say that I liked her mother or sister. Her mother lived in serious denial (and shame?) and her sister was a mother hen. I can't fathom that they didn't realize what their actions were doing to Megan.
Their chemistry was sweet, smoldering at times, and I loved the way they eased into their romantic relationship and dealt with the bumps along the way. A beautiful story. My first Beth Kery book and I'll definitely read more of her work.
July 3, 2012
3.5 stars
First published in 2008, I picked this up as a Kindle freebie recently. Christian Lasher is a rock star who's looking to take his career in a different direction. He meets art teacher and sculptor, Megan Shreve and is instantly captivated by her. She's different to anyone he's ever met before and she doesn't know who he is. Because he doesn't think she'd go for the "rock god" thing, he keeps it from her so she can get to know him without the hype. Megan is over protected by her sister Hilary, who gives her all the dirty gossip about Christian PDQ. When Megan was 3 years old, she was abused by the husband of her daycare provider and even though she can't remember those events, they have affected her ever since. Hence her sister's over protectiveness. But Megan isn't as fragile as Hilary believes and Christian wants her to chart her own course and not be held in kid gloves. There is a bit of the on again/off again between Christian and Megan - a few times there I was kind of surprised that she was apologising - especially when it was Christian being the ass. There is kind of early shades of Bared To You and similar books in the dynamic between them - although, not quite as obsessive. I enjoyed the chemistry between Megan and Christian and found this one an easy, fast read. At the end, even though I believed in their HEA, I would have liked to have more about what their lives would be like - what did she end up doing with her career etc. I do like Beth Kery's writing and I think this is one of her earlier works. It does kind of show - I think her writing has become more polished since then. But, I did like this one.
www.kaetrinsmusings.blogspot.com
First published in 2008, I picked this up as a Kindle freebie recently. Christian Lasher is a rock star who's looking to take his career in a different direction. He meets art teacher and sculptor, Megan Shreve and is instantly captivated by her. She's different to anyone he's ever met before and she doesn't know who he is. Because he doesn't think she'd go for the "rock god" thing, he keeps it from her so she can get to know him without the hype. Megan is over protected by her sister Hilary, who gives her all the dirty gossip about Christian PDQ. When Megan was 3 years old, she was abused by the husband of her daycare provider and even though she can't remember those events, they have affected her ever since. Hence her sister's over protectiveness. But Megan isn't as fragile as Hilary believes and Christian wants her to chart her own course and not be held in kid gloves. There is a bit of the on again/off again between Christian and Megan - a few times there I was kind of surprised that she was apologising - especially when it was Christian being the ass. There is kind of early shades of Bared To You and similar books in the dynamic between them - although, not quite as obsessive. I enjoyed the chemistry between Megan and Christian and found this one an easy, fast read. At the end, even though I believed in their HEA, I would have liked to have more about what their lives would be like - what did she end up doing with her career etc. I do like Beth Kery's writing and I think this is one of her earlier works. It does kind of show - I think her writing has become more polished since then. But, I did like this one.
www.kaetrinsmusings.blogspot.com
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