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Divine Creek Ranch #10
Divine Phoenix
[Siren Menage Everlasting: Erotic Cowboy Menage a Trois Romance, M/F/M, spanking, sex toys, HEA]
Every woman wants a fairy-tale ending, but Lily Valentine has given up on that. Other women may get their happily ever after, but what she lives is more like a nightmare.
Admitted loner Clay Cook has heard all the stereotypes about artists and even lived some of them. He struggles with his craft, wondering if his best work is behind him.
Mortally ill, Lily flees to Divine, barreling headlong into Clay's life from the distant past.
Clay's brother Del returns from a lengthy deployment, suffering from deep trauma of his own, at a loss for how to move on from it. In an effort to remake herself, Lily unintentionally does more harm than good.
As Lily Valentine rises from the ashes of her former life, jealousy is sparked and danger comes calling.
Will Clay and Del be able to save her when her old life tries to reclaim her?
Note: There is no sexual relationship or touching for titillation between or among siblings. ** A Siren Erotic Romance
Every woman wants a fairy-tale ending, but Lily Valentine has given up on that. Other women may get their happily ever after, but what she lives is more like a nightmare.
Admitted loner Clay Cook has heard all the stereotypes about artists and even lived some of them. He struggles with his craft, wondering if his best work is behind him.
Mortally ill, Lily flees to Divine, barreling headlong into Clay's life from the distant past.
Clay's brother Del returns from a lengthy deployment, suffering from deep trauma of his own, at a loss for how to move on from it. In an effort to remake herself, Lily unintentionally does more harm than good.
As Lily Valentine rises from the ashes of her former life, jealousy is sparked and danger comes calling.
Will Clay and Del be able to save her when her old life tries to reclaim her?
Note: There is no sexual relationship or touching for titillation between or among siblings. ** A Siren Erotic Romance
320 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2012
13 people are currently reading
348 people want to read
About the author
Heather Rainier
45 books529 followersHeather Rainier lives and writes in South Central Texas. Her stories offer up the content of her fantasies, with humor, tragedy, and triumph mixed in.
Heather's love of romance fiction began as a teenager when her mom gave her copies of Kathleen Woodiwiss's "The Flame and the Flower" and Bertrice Small's "Skye O'Malley". To this day she's pretty sure that was her mom's version of the "birds and the bees" talk.
Heather writes the type of novel she loves to read: More erotic and edgy than the mainstream, with plenty of sweet romance mixed in and a happily ever after guaranteed. Heather's favorite type of hero is the gentle, lovable giant but readers will discover a wide variety of heroes and alphas on the pages of her novels.
When not at her keyboard, Heather is usually busy corralling her teenagers, or loving on her smokin' hot husband, who thankfully loves to cook.
Heather invites readers to e-mail her at heather.rainier@yahoo.com and also to visit her website at www.heatherrainier.com
Heather's love of romance fiction began as a teenager when her mom gave her copies of Kathleen Woodiwiss's "The Flame and the Flower" and Bertrice Small's "Skye O'Malley". To this day she's pretty sure that was her mom's version of the "birds and the bees" talk.
Heather writes the type of novel she loves to read: More erotic and edgy than the mainstream, with plenty of sweet romance mixed in and a happily ever after guaranteed. Heather's favorite type of hero is the gentle, lovable giant but readers will discover a wide variety of heroes and alphas on the pages of her novels.
When not at her keyboard, Heather is usually busy corralling her teenagers, or loving on her smokin' hot husband, who thankfully loves to cook.
Heather invites readers to e-mail her at heather.rainier@yahoo.com and also to visit her website at www.heatherrainier.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
July 15, 2012
Originally posted at: http://whippedcream2.blogspot.com/201...
Even in the darkest of times, a person can claw her way out and rise above the ashes to start anew.
This story is about Lily Valentine, originally from Divine and childhood friends with Clay and Del Cook. Lily and her family moved away while she was still in school and she lost contact with the boys. Moving away may have seemed like the worst thing to ever happen to Lily until she met and married a man named JT, who turned out to be a sick, sick man. Lily spent the next twelve years in her abusive husband's clutches, with no hope for escaping. But after a final humiliating confrontation she decides enough is enough and Lily heads for Divine. Little does she know her entrance would be a smash.
Clay is the local jeweler and owns a shop where he designs his own creations. Even though he’s as dependable and caring as he can be, Clay still buys into the stereotypical idea of what artist should be, flaky, in touch with with emotions and unreliable. He spends most of his time alone and works on his friends' tokens of love for their women while he has no one. It wasn't until Lily came crashing back into his life that he realized what he was missing.
His older brother Del finally comes home from working in a private military company. It’s been four years since his last visit and this time he brought home some emotional baggage. Unable to deal with his issues, Del sets himself to making his run down ranch functional. Of course, that’s easy to do when you never sleep. Once he and Lily reconnect, sparks fly but Del can't help but worry about Clay's feelings.
While Lily sets a backbreaking pace to improve herself and her life, Del sets the same pace but instead of improving, he ignores his issues. Clay is the healing agent for them both. Initially the story starts off as Clay and Lily grow closer to one another and when Del shows up everything shifts to create their triad. I really loved how different all of theses characters were and how they complimented each other without even trying. And how they just easily flowed into creating their relationship between the three of them with little discussion. Once the idea was planted, it literally grew wings and flew.
What I enjoyed most about Divine Phoenix was the emotions that the author was able to pull out of me. As a reader, I admit I can be a bit jaded when it comes to conflicts and the bad guys. But this story really grabbed me from the beginning to the very end. I just wanted to hug Lily, kiss Clay and hold Del. And I really wanted to do serious damage to JT.
But what made this book 5 stars for me was Ms. Rainier’s restraint when it came time for the climax. I deeply feared what I was going to read as I sped through her words but she gave you just enough without going too deep. Once you read this book, and I think everyone should, you’ll understand what I mean. Sometimes authors walk a fine line when it comes to painting a character especially the bad guy. They can come off a one dimensional or even ridiculous, but Ms. Rainier did it just perfectly. She painted a beautiful story with all the right colors and the end was a portrait of a divine phoenix.
Even in the darkest of times, a person can claw her way out and rise above the ashes to start anew.
This story is about Lily Valentine, originally from Divine and childhood friends with Clay and Del Cook. Lily and her family moved away while she was still in school and she lost contact with the boys. Moving away may have seemed like the worst thing to ever happen to Lily until she met and married a man named JT, who turned out to be a sick, sick man. Lily spent the next twelve years in her abusive husband's clutches, with no hope for escaping. But after a final humiliating confrontation she decides enough is enough and Lily heads for Divine. Little does she know her entrance would be a smash.
Clay is the local jeweler and owns a shop where he designs his own creations. Even though he’s as dependable and caring as he can be, Clay still buys into the stereotypical idea of what artist should be, flaky, in touch with with emotions and unreliable. He spends most of his time alone and works on his friends' tokens of love for their women while he has no one. It wasn't until Lily came crashing back into his life that he realized what he was missing.
His older brother Del finally comes home from working in a private military company. It’s been four years since his last visit and this time he brought home some emotional baggage. Unable to deal with his issues, Del sets himself to making his run down ranch functional. Of course, that’s easy to do when you never sleep. Once he and Lily reconnect, sparks fly but Del can't help but worry about Clay's feelings.
While Lily sets a backbreaking pace to improve herself and her life, Del sets the same pace but instead of improving, he ignores his issues. Clay is the healing agent for them both. Initially the story starts off as Clay and Lily grow closer to one another and when Del shows up everything shifts to create their triad. I really loved how different all of theses characters were and how they complimented each other without even trying. And how they just easily flowed into creating their relationship between the three of them with little discussion. Once the idea was planted, it literally grew wings and flew.
What I enjoyed most about Divine Phoenix was the emotions that the author was able to pull out of me. As a reader, I admit I can be a bit jaded when it comes to conflicts and the bad guys. But this story really grabbed me from the beginning to the very end. I just wanted to hug Lily, kiss Clay and hold Del. And I really wanted to do serious damage to JT.
But what made this book 5 stars for me was Ms. Rainier’s restraint when it came time for the climax. I deeply feared what I was going to read as I sped through her words but she gave you just enough without going too deep. Once you read this book, and I think everyone should, you’ll understand what I mean. Sometimes authors walk a fine line when it comes to painting a character especially the bad guy. They can come off a one dimensional or even ridiculous, but Ms. Rainier did it just perfectly. She painted a beautiful story with all the right colors and the end was a portrait of a divine phoenix.
May 17, 2012
OK, Heather, you did it again . . . hit a grand slam right out of the literary park!! Those of us who have read all the Divine Creek books are delighted to meet again some of the characters who have populated previous novels and especially fine that bachelor and master jeweler, Clay Cook, has finally met his match in Lily Valentine. A wonderful story that embraces the experience of a woman caught in a destructive and abusive marriage for 12 years, whose life-force, her feisty and charming persona has been beaten, judged, criticized, crushed right out of her so that her old pal, Clay Cook, a man who, together with his brother Del, were Lily's best childhood friends. It is now 26 years later and he barely recognizes her. Not only is Lily struggling to regain the fullness of herself again and reclaim her future, but Del is back from the horror of war in Afghanistan and carrying a whole load of PTSD, working himself nearly to death in the hopes that he can have just one full night of rest without the insomnia and nighmares. This is a book that never backs away from the fears and hopes, the hurts and wounds that cruel and inhumane people foist upon one another, whether it be on the battlefields of the Middle East or through the words and actions of a cruel, psychotic spouse, or the judgmental accusations and piercing criticism of a religious bigot. It is a menage love story, to be sure, but it is told with sensitivity and caring, with persons filling out the field of characters that are authentic and full of life, whose humorous and kind acceptance of Lily when she was most vulnerable was an important ingredient in her restoration. And of course, there's the loving--hot and sensual, careful and gentle at times and at others it is seasoned with unbearable and not to be inhibited passion. It's another wonderful story about those counter-culture citizens of Divine, Texas, and it's not to be missed.
June 16, 2012
Lily Valentine lived a nightmare marriage for twelve long years, a final betrayal by her husband was the last straw. Lily heads back to the only place she experienced true happiness when she was a kid, Divine. Hoping to be a positive start to her future is short lived as she crashes into artist Clay Cooks store.
Clay cannot believe the woman who crashed into his store is his childhood playmate Lily. Uncertain what to do he steps in as a friend offering his help, when her past unfolds he is by her side through out. Clay has been alone a long time, but the time with Lily has him wondering if it was all worth it now that she is back in his life.
When Del Cook returns home he is surprised to hear Lily is back. Seeing Clay with Lily he knows he is witnessing them falling in love, but he wants to be part of that for his feelings for Lily run deep. Del has been gone years and has not seen the changes in Divine, but Clay is more than willing to share Lily if she is willing to take a chance on them both.
I loved this story, one of those that grabs ahold and doesn't let go. Everything about it was passionate and well paced, in my top four favorites from this series, not sure where it lands exactly but would reread again.
Clay cannot believe the woman who crashed into his store is his childhood playmate Lily. Uncertain what to do he steps in as a friend offering his help, when her past unfolds he is by her side through out. Clay has been alone a long time, but the time with Lily has him wondering if it was all worth it now that she is back in his life.
When Del Cook returns home he is surprised to hear Lily is back. Seeing Clay with Lily he knows he is witnessing them falling in love, but he wants to be part of that for his feelings for Lily run deep. Del has been gone years and has not seen the changes in Divine, but Clay is more than willing to share Lily if she is willing to take a chance on them both.
I loved this story, one of those that grabs ahold and doesn't let go. Everything about it was passionate and well paced, in my top four favorites from this series, not sure where it lands exactly but would reread again.
June 20, 2012
A series book by author Heather Rainier but can be read independently as a stand alone book.
Clay and Del, brothers, have always thought of Lily Valentine King as their own. But her family moves out of the area and they loose touch. Lily marries a man who turns out to be a sadistic abusive man who leaves a permanent personal message on her. She finally leaves him to return to her childhood home town and the men who were her best friends.
This has some transition issue problems for me. I did get distracted trying to keep up with the scenes and such but enjoyed the overall story and chemistry/relationship between the central figures. The menage action doesn't occur until the later part of the book but there are juicy m/f scenes that have a definite heat factor to them. There are hints of BDSM but no actual scenes occur.
I was a little disappointed that the abusive husband slant wasn't used more strategically but that's the author's choice and I just am saying that my personal view is I didn't like it as written. The subplots in the story were good and added to the book as a whole. I do see the set ups for future characters so this series has more coming for the future.
Clay and Del, brothers, have always thought of Lily Valentine King as their own. But her family moves out of the area and they loose touch. Lily marries a man who turns out to be a sadistic abusive man who leaves a permanent personal message on her. She finally leaves him to return to her childhood home town and the men who were her best friends.
This has some transition issue problems for me. I did get distracted trying to keep up with the scenes and such but enjoyed the overall story and chemistry/relationship between the central figures. The menage action doesn't occur until the later part of the book but there are juicy m/f scenes that have a definite heat factor to them. There are hints of BDSM but no actual scenes occur.
I was a little disappointed that the abusive husband slant wasn't used more strategically but that's the author's choice and I just am saying that my personal view is I didn't like it as written. The subplots in the story were good and added to the book as a whole. I do see the set ups for future characters so this series has more coming for the future.
July 9, 2022
Clay, Del and Lily had me all caught up in their drama. She has lived a difficult life and comes to Divine for a redo. She is run over by Clay and their journey begins. When Del comes home from the military, he joins them. As they start the path of self-discovery, Lily's past comes back to the forefront. Will Clay and Del be able to keep Lily safe?
June 8, 2020
Def one of the better of the Siren Publishing authors I’ve read. The relationships actually develop over a reasonable period of time, instead of less than 24 hours. And a decent # of pages, not just over a hundred.
August 30, 2012
Piper's review posted on Guilty Pleasures
I have really enjoyed Heather Rainier’s Divine Creek Ranch series. In this book we get the story of Lily, Clay and Del. We have met Clay in previous books. He owns the local jewlery store. We have only heard about Clay’s brother Del and know that he has been over seas in Afghanistan. Lily is from Divine and has come back to get her life back together after being in abusive marriage for the last 12 years. Her return does not go so well, but someone is looking out for her. Lily was close with Clay and Del growing up and she is surprised to find Clay there for her in a time when she needs him most. Del is finally home after years in Afghanistan and carries a secret. I loved watching Del and Lily heal each other. It was a great part of the story line. This is wonderfully told love story between childhood friends and shows you that no matter what life hands you, you can and will come out on the other end. You may be bruised and a little lost, but with love and loyal friends you can put your life back together. That is one thing that I love about these stories. The common thread that with loyal loving friends you can and will make your way back.
Happy Reading!
I have really enjoyed Heather Rainier’s Divine Creek Ranch series. In this book we get the story of Lily, Clay and Del. We have met Clay in previous books. He owns the local jewlery store. We have only heard about Clay’s brother Del and know that he has been over seas in Afghanistan. Lily is from Divine and has come back to get her life back together after being in abusive marriage for the last 12 years. Her return does not go so well, but someone is looking out for her. Lily was close with Clay and Del growing up and she is surprised to find Clay there for her in a time when she needs him most. Del is finally home after years in Afghanistan and carries a secret. I loved watching Del and Lily heal each other. It was a great part of the story line. This is wonderfully told love story between childhood friends and shows you that no matter what life hands you, you can and will come out on the other end. You may be bruised and a little lost, but with love and loyal friends you can put your life back together. That is one thing that I love about these stories. The common thread that with loyal loving friends you can and will make your way back.
Happy Reading!
September 4, 2012
3.5 star read
I enjoy this series by Heather Rainier. She writes full length menage fiction with real people involved. Ok yes, the guys are super protective and always know what (or who) they want but that's all part if the fantasy.
In this story we meet Lily who has been abused mentally and physically by her husband. He's described as a sadistic bastard and he really is. Over the years Lily has lost herself and after walking in on her husband having sex with another woman she makes a break.
What I loved about this story is we see the damage that's been done and just how much effort will go into reclaiming her life. Lily had her dad and 2 amazing guys helping her out but its so easy to see why so many women stay with abusive partners. So with little money and quite a bit of physical damage we see Lily work to gain control and the author does a great job showing the everyday struggle this would involve.
Sadly, Ms Rainier still can't seem to get a flow going with her love scenes. What should be steamy and exciting somehow isn't. The mechanical descriptions are there but the rhythm isn't. Knowing they all love each other helps but the issue remains.
I enjoy this series by Heather Rainier. She writes full length menage fiction with real people involved. Ok yes, the guys are super protective and always know what (or who) they want but that's all part if the fantasy.
In this story we meet Lily who has been abused mentally and physically by her husband. He's described as a sadistic bastard and he really is. Over the years Lily has lost herself and after walking in on her husband having sex with another woman she makes a break.
What I loved about this story is we see the damage that's been done and just how much effort will go into reclaiming her life. Lily had her dad and 2 amazing guys helping her out but its so easy to see why so many women stay with abusive partners. So with little money and quite a bit of physical damage we see Lily work to gain control and the author does a great job showing the everyday struggle this would involve.
Sadly, Ms Rainier still can't seem to get a flow going with her love scenes. What should be steamy and exciting somehow isn't. The mechanical descriptions are there but the rhythm isn't. Knowing they all love each other helps but the issue remains.
July 15, 2014
I loved the connection that Clay and Del had with Lily from when they were kids, how it translated to more later in life for them. I don't know that things would have worked for them when they were younger, they had to get beat up a bit by life to realize who they loved and what they wanted.
I found this book to be a bit different from the rest in the series. In the others they guys knew they wanted one woman. With this book Clay seemed open, but only because he saw how happy his friend and customers were and because Del finally came home. Being gone for so long, Del was unused to this new side of Divine, but once he thought about it and what he could have he was all in.
I loved how Lily seemed to flourish in Divine, on her own and with the guys. The helped make her safe to allow her to really got for it, to life her life like how she wanted. If anyone deserved a HEA, it was Lily, so I was glad when she got it with her guys!
I found this book to be a bit different from the rest in the series. In the others they guys knew they wanted one woman. With this book Clay seemed open, but only because he saw how happy his friend and customers were and because Del finally came home. Being gone for so long, Del was unused to this new side of Divine, but once he thought about it and what he could have he was all in.
I loved how Lily seemed to flourish in Divine, on her own and with the guys. The helped make her safe to allow her to really got for it, to life her life like how she wanted. If anyone deserved a HEA, it was Lily, so I was glad when she got it with her guys!
May 17, 2012
I love every book in this fabulous series,the plots are amazing,the characters well rounded and thought out,and the love is real. Each group of lovers the emotions are so well written I feel like I can see each scene as it unfolds.
Thank you to Heather Rainier your words have inspired me to continue with my own writing... I had started to doubt myself... thank you for making me believe that love doesn't judge or find fault. Love is there for everyone in many different ways. Sometimes between a man and a woman, a woman and her men, a man and a man/men.
Love is out there.
Thank you to Heather Rainier your words have inspired me to continue with my own writing... I had started to doubt myself... thank you for making me believe that love doesn't judge or find fault. Love is there for everyone in many different ways. Sometimes between a man and a woman, a woman and her men, a man and a man/men.
Love is out there.
October 19, 2012
Heather Rainier has a fantastic thing going with the Divine, Texas series. I greatly enjoy the group of people she has developed in this set of books, especially how we get to catch back up with them through the subsequent novels. Diving Phoenix is great. The guys are really hunky, but tender and nicely developed, character-wise. I liked the heroine and enjoyed reading about her triumph over her situation.
Much as I don't want her to stop writing Divine, it would be fun to see Ms. Rainier write a new series sometime soon!
Much as I don't want her to stop writing Divine, it would be fun to see Ms. Rainier write a new series sometime soon!
April 12, 2015
Lily is trying to get away from an abusive, demeaning husband who takes pleasure in beating her down physically and mentally when she arrives in Divine and has a run in with Clay Cook....Clay can't believe his eyes when he realizes that it's his Lily before him. He knows that she has a lot to work through and he plans to be one of her supporters as well as his brother Del....this was a beautiful story and the sad part about it is that it's a semi true story for so many, this one struck a bit closer to home and I just loved it...Thank you Heather Rainier for this one....onto the next
December 29, 2012
Got to say I never get tired of the Heather Rainier and her Divine Ranch Series. This time it is Clay Cook and his brother Del who reunite with the childhood best friend Lilly Valentine who is on the run from her soon to be ex-husband. He has abused her and demeaned her for twelve long years. But Clay and Del know how to help her learn to trust again. Loved It!!!
July 24, 2013
I really loved this book. I know I say that often. The book is more than just a hot love story. It shows how people recover from things differently. There are many of a books out there about broken people and how they come back from it to be a better person. This is all about that. The book touched my heart unlike some books. A really amazing book.
May 17, 2014
Great story. A lot of upsetting stuff happens to Lilly and if ur easily upset if suggest not reading it. Even with major hardship she find home again love and friend. Great HEA.
I think I love how the writer includes music in story. I absolutely love country music my favourite band Lady Antebellum was mention in last book.
I think I love how the writer includes music in story. I absolutely love country music my favourite band Lady Antebellum was mention in last book.
October 17, 2015
I love a story of Divine. What a great town. The characters are deep and thoughtful. The story has suspense, romance, sexy lovin', and a well written tale. We always learn something new in a Divine Creek story. Lily flees her abusive ex, and finds love with old friends who grew up with her, Del and Clay. Heartwarming, true feelings, and romance in Divine. ENJOY !!
April 13, 2016
Lovely
Lily has been to shell and back at the hands of her husband - she finally takes her life back and flees - she goes back to the town she was from and finds her childhood friends Clay and Del one thing leads to them being in love with each other but first there are things they need to work out.
Lily has been to shell and back at the hands of her husband - she finally takes her life back and flees - she goes back to the town she was from and finds her childhood friends Clay and Del one thing leads to them being in love with each other but first there are things they need to work out.
July 6, 2017
Devine Phoenix
I love this book. In fact I love the whole series. It's a whole new world that lets my imagination soar. I'm not too good with writing reviews. This one's about a girl in a bad place that finds the courage to leave & the good people that help her and the love she finds while on her journey. This one is a re-read for me & goes back into my re-read pile.
I love this book. In fact I love the whole series. It's a whole new world that lets my imagination soar. I'm not too good with writing reviews. This one's about a girl in a bad place that finds the courage to leave & the good people that help her and the love she finds while on her journey. This one is a re-read for me & goes back into my re-read pile.
June 17, 2012
Another great "Divine Series" book. Wow, what can I say, I couldn't put it down. I just love how you continue to include every character from the other 9 book. Still my favorite is "Grace". Hope you continue the series.
August 30, 2014
I loved this book!! Oh, if only I could move to Divine!! Sexy men a plenty!! Great tale and I was ready for Clay to have his happy ever after! Who knew he had a brother to throw in the mix!! Can not wait for the next book!!! Super steamy fun reading!
October 28, 2012
Really liked this story. Loved all the characters especially Clay. He was so sweet and patient. This was one of the best of the series. The only problem was why did Lily stay with her sadistic ex for 12 years? I liked what she did to take back control of her life.
August 30, 2014
Hot Hot hot!!! Love all the steamy goings on in Divine!! I have been ready for Clay to get his HEA!!! Loved the story and Lilly's taking back her power! The series gets better and better with each book! Can not wait for her tattoo artist to find love!
October 19, 2014
Heather Rainier tends to slip in bits and pieces from another book to get you all curious. This is what happened to me and I ended up reading the whole series! It is that good and that addicting, like a drug.
April 29, 2015
Not one, but two men willing to save her?! What's hotter?! Lily is a very lucky lady to find Clay and Del Cook! These men show her exactly how she deserves to be treated, and save her from her crazy ex. Loved this story!
June 13, 2015
Romance Danger Rekindled Love
When deciding to read a book or in this case a series you just have to love the way the author writes and fall in love with her characters as she leads you thru the story she tells and let's just say Heather is one of the greatest.
When deciding to read a book or in this case a series you just have to love the way the author writes and fall in love with her characters as she leads you thru the story she tells and let's just say Heather is one of the greatest.
May 14, 2012
Fantastic!
July 4, 2012
brill heather rainier does it again
August 15, 2018
First read: July 2012. Reread.
July 6, 2015
I know exactly what Lily endured and overcame, my only regret...I didn't have a Clay or Del to help me thru it. Oh well, maybe next time lol ;-) I really love Heather's books ;-)
October 10, 2012
i have not read the others in the series but I thought this one was fine as a stand alone.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews