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Divine Creek Ranch #2
Her Gentle Giant, Part 1: No Regrets
Eli Wolf provides security at The Dancing Pony Nightclub in Divine, Texas. He'd like to provide security and a whole lot more for the beautiful and voluptuous Rachel Lopez. Rachel is attracted to this cross between a huge Viking and Indian warrior brave, but knows her jealous nature will keep them from being happy together. Can she compete with the women who flock to him like moths to a flame at the nightclub?
When her apartment burns down, Eli is determined to make her a permanent houseguest. Can she deny the attraction she feels when he's always made it abundantly clear she's the only woman he wants? Tragedy strikes, and Eli and Rachel are forced to relive painful memories from their pasts. Eli proves he's willing to do what it takes to protect and avenge her, and Rachel discovers the inner woman who longs to live life with no regrets.
When her apartment burns down, Eli is determined to make her a permanent houseguest. Can she deny the attraction she feels when he's always made it abundantly clear she's the only woman he wants? Tragedy strikes, and Eli and Rachel are forced to relive painful memories from their pasts. Eli proves he's willing to do what it takes to protect and avenge her, and Rachel discovers the inner woman who longs to live life with no regrets.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2010
27 people are currently reading
370 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 49 reviews
July 28, 2014
Miss Rainier is a well written author, but she has yet to learn the definition of the word "abridged". While the composition of the story is well written, she relishes in the every day details that are unnecessary for the reader and only tend to bog down the story. I look forward to her leaning that brevity is not the same as summary.
March 1, 2017
3.5 stars
Sweet story. Beta hero. Kind of long. Very safe.
Sweet story. Beta hero. Kind of long. Very safe.
December 19, 2010
A beautiful love story that continues the author's series set in Diving, Texas. The hero, Eli, is truly a gentle giant. 6'9" tall, with Native American and Swedish Viking heritages, he is so in love with Rachel, so patient as she works through her fear of another loser relationship, until she finally gets tired of running. He is a forever kind of man, and he never wavers in his devotion to her. When she is nearly killed by being run off the road due to deer in the path of hers and another's car, he stays by her side and never loses faith that she will mend and be well. It is one of those love stories that is not marked with lots of distrust and anger between lovers. It is one of those kinds of stories that makes the reader believe that real people with real feelings and real struggles can find a way to walk life's journey together. A really good read!!
July 29, 2016
3.5 stars
I really like this series but what's up with all the heroine's being plus sized and all the seriously hot hunks who love them. Aren't any of the heroine's in this series average sized? I mean I think it's great to have the occasional heroine who is plus sized, but all of them? It gets a little old.
I really like this series but what's up with all the heroine's being plus sized and all the seriously hot hunks who love them. Aren't any of the heroine's in this series average sized? I mean I think it's great to have the occasional heroine who is plus sized, but all of them? It gets a little old.
December 11, 2011
For those who read "Divine Grace", Rachel is the one who rescued Grace from a verbal assault in the ladies room, and they became fast friends.
Like Grace, Rachel is also a voluptuous woman and she also knows how to dance. Eli Wolf is the new bouncer in the Dancing Pony, a club Ethan owns. He's also a contractor for some electrical work. He has been asking her out for 2 months and she always declines, but because he's really persistent so somehow they got together, but not in the best of circumstances.
Rachel's apartment caught fire and the most logical place to seek shelter was at Eli's. He lives in a duplex and the unit next to him has just been vacated. Their first time together was beautiful, and it only gets better and better.
I can't help but compare this one to the previous novel, where there is minor conflict. They didn't even fight, Rachel has to fend for herself when it comes to women constantly coming on to Eli. He's really sweet and the book is aptly titled. He is her gentle giant, and they were matched very well physically and all other aspects.
I forgot to mention in my first review how I loved the description of the pictures. That is what I want to do for my self actually, but it gave me an idea to give it to my future husband. I just hope the lingerie would also be purchased for me so I could just model them.
I surmise the story is divided into two parts because in here, we see Eli's past and in the next, Rachel's.
Like Grace, Rachel is also a voluptuous woman and she also knows how to dance. Eli Wolf is the new bouncer in the Dancing Pony, a club Ethan owns. He's also a contractor for some electrical work. He has been asking her out for 2 months and she always declines, but because he's really persistent so somehow they got together, but not in the best of circumstances.
Rachel's apartment caught fire and the most logical place to seek shelter was at Eli's. He lives in a duplex and the unit next to him has just been vacated. Their first time together was beautiful, and it only gets better and better.
I can't help but compare this one to the previous novel, where there is minor conflict. They didn't even fight, Rachel has to fend for herself when it comes to women constantly coming on to Eli. He's really sweet and the book is aptly titled. He is her gentle giant, and they were matched very well physically and all other aspects.
I forgot to mention in my first review how I loved the description of the pictures. That is what I want to do for my self actually, but it gave me an idea to give it to my future husband. I just hope the lingerie would also be purchased for me so I could just model them.
I surmise the story is divided into two parts because in here, we see Eli's past and in the next, Rachel's.
July 4, 2011
Have to say this is one of the sweetest stories I have ever read. From beginning to end of book two was just awesome. If you need something "light" yet super sexy this is the book and really series for you!
June 29, 2020
Read many years ago but lost my books in a house move.
Liked both Eli and Rachel, they were a good fit.
I remember why I don’t reread this series very often. Way too much sex that detracts from the characters stories. A fair bit of overlapping timeline wise with book one and once again full of every day trivial filler I did not need. Every song and artist is named, drives me nutty.
Way too much time spent with Grace and her men from book one. At least two chapters were about them. WTH? They have had their story; I don’t want, nor need, more sexy times with them. They had enough in their own book.
I prefer the later books in this series as they are not so full of filler and feature more on the characters.
Pity about that sleaze Reece. He got off lightly.
Liked both Eli and Rachel, they were a good fit.
I remember why I don’t reread this series very often. Way too much sex that detracts from the characters stories. A fair bit of overlapping timeline wise with book one and once again full of every day trivial filler I did not need. Every song and artist is named, drives me nutty.
Way too much time spent with Grace and her men from book one. At least two chapters were about them. WTH? They have had their story; I don’t want, nor need, more sexy times with them. They had enough in their own book.
I prefer the later books in this series as they are not so full of filler and feature more on the characters.
Pity about that sleaze Reece. He got off lightly.
March 4, 2017
So I'm starting the review before I'm even finished because I'm frustrated and the story kind of feels finished and I have 70% more to read. Eli is in love with Rachel, who has put off his gentlemanly advances because she's very jealous and doesn't want to ruin the relationship with that. Eli is perfect. Literally, this guy is textbook perfect. He's kind, gentle, doting and he never even glances at another woman. (I appreciate that this guy leaves no room for doubt regarding consent, but the constant questioning of whether she's okay and if he hurt her or if he can get her anything she needs... little overboard.) With a guy this perfect, what possible conflict could there be? At 30% they have already declared their love, had sex and conquered her jealousy issues. I struggle to figure out what more could take up an entire 70% of a book after all of that. And I'm already kind of bored.
In addition, so far, these characters act like teenagers. Catty and vindictive, cardboard other women who are trying to steal her man, jealousy so obsessive that the heroine has to follow her man to work and sit with him during his shift, and the heroine and her friend kiss and tell like middle schoolers. I just can't get into this...I'll skim the rest and see if it improves.
**************
So the rest of the book basically involves juvenile behavior in the bar, sex, more juvenile behavior in the bar, anal play and sex, a car accident for a touch of angst followed by a misunderstanding and more sex. As I can see it, the writing is good - not many typos and professionally done. This kind of reads like a Mary Sue world, where people are either perfect or definitely not and everyone is perfectly understanding about everybody else. I know that many people like that sort of story because it makes them feel good. That's just not to my taste - I need a more realistic feeling world where characters have flaws and make mistakes.
In addition, so far, these characters act like teenagers. Catty and vindictive, cardboard other women who are trying to steal her man, jealousy so obsessive that the heroine has to follow her man to work and sit with him during his shift, and the heroine and her friend kiss and tell like middle schoolers. I just can't get into this...I'll skim the rest and see if it improves.
**************
So the rest of the book basically involves juvenile behavior in the bar, sex, more juvenile behavior in the bar, anal play and sex, a car accident for a touch of angst followed by a misunderstanding and more sex. As I can see it, the writing is good - not many typos and professionally done. This kind of reads like a Mary Sue world, where people are either perfect or definitely not and everyone is perfectly understanding about everybody else. I know that many people like that sort of story because it makes them feel good. That's just not to my taste - I need a more realistic feeling world where characters have flaws and make mistakes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2016
Rachel Lopez was the statuesque beauty that helped Grace with Patricia the Psycho in "Her Divine Grace." Eli Wolf is part of the security team for The Dancing Pony Night Club in Divine, Texas. When he met Rachel Lopez, he fell hard. Rachel is attracted to Eli but when he asks her out, She turns him down. Rachel knows she has a jealous streak and won't be able to handle the women flocking to Eli. She thinks she can't compete with the skinny women that won't leave Eli alone.
Eli is one of my favorite heroes in this series. While this is Eli and Rachel's story, there is a lot of Grace and her men in this story. This novel and Divine Grace are the foundations for this series.
Eli is one of my favorite heroes in this series. While this is Eli and Rachel's story, there is a lot of Grace and her men in this story. This novel and Divine Grace are the foundations for this series.
July 9, 2011
Rachel Lopez is a stong independent woman whose secret longing is to accept a date with the strikingly handsome Eli Wolf, but her fear of the other woman who fawn over him while he is a bouncer at a nightclub has her treading backwards whenever he asks. Eli only has eyes for Rachel, and his patience is unlimited when it comes to her. Every week he asks knowing that one day she will finally say yes and he can reassure her in every way possible that she is the one for him.
Another fantastic chapter in the Divine Creek series. The synopsis had Rachel as a jealous person which was why I had not picked it up yet but it really is secondary in the story. It is more about her own insecurity acknowledging how she feels towards Eli. Eli is a big teddy bear, although a tough guy on the outside he is a softy when it comes to Rachel. Looking forward to part 2.
Another fantastic chapter in the Divine Creek series. The synopsis had Rachel as a jealous person which was why I had not picked it up yet but it really is secondary in the story. It is more about her own insecurity acknowledging how she feels towards Eli. Eli is a big teddy bear, although a tough guy on the outside he is a softy when it comes to Rachel. Looking forward to part 2.
April 25, 2011
Where to begin? I thinks that this is one of my all time favorite erotic romance novels. I loved the way the hero (Eli) and his true love (Rachel) where already half way in love. This story just flowed and you know from the begining how they felt about each other. I think what I like the most was the cementing of their relationship and watching them get to know each other. It was so much fun getting to visit their friends from "Divine Grace" and watching everyone grow together. Their is smoking hot love scenes, which continues on into "Her Gentle Giant, part2".
May 26, 2014
I didn't really get why Rachel kept turning down Eli when he asked her out, so when she finally agreed I was happy. I found it interesting how each of them admitted to being jealous and brought up that fact to the other and how Eli's job had the potential to push buttons for them. I loved that Eli's boss knew the right way to help alleviate things for both Rachel and Eli, but even better was how Rachel pushed away the women.
The drama at the end kept me on the edge of my seat, but I did like how Eli let everyone know just how he felt. It helped that there was a happy ending to it.
The drama at the end kept me on the edge of my seat, but I did like how Eli let everyone know just how he felt. It helped that there was a happy ending to it.
December 18, 2014
Much better than the fist book which was too drawn out, it's nice to have a break in the middle of this story although clearly it is designed to be one big book. Eli is gorgeous and Rachel has a lot of spunk. Only disturbing part is how all the women find their men giving rude/insulting men a beating well after a point of offense has been made to be sexy and an example of them 'defending them'. Seems like plain bullying to me when another man had already gotten into a scuffle because of it. Excessive is the word that comes to mind.
May 6, 2013
I love Eli and Rachel. Two independent people that finally find their other half. That is the ultimate goal for anyone and alot don't even get there. But Heather is an amazing author to write these stories. And I love that the woman are plus sizes thus far. Normally they are all little tiny things and finally us bigger women have something we can actually relate to and dream of being involved in. GO Heather.
July 9, 2015
I loved this next instalment from Divine. The only downside was that it was in two parts! (I'm just impatient when I get my head into a book and want the story to continue in one flow and prefer just one book, but that's just me).
Rachel is a sweetheart and Eli is just the man to build her trust again and to bring out her naughty side.
Another epic story from the small town of Divine, thank you Heather, just keep 'em comin'
Rachel is a sweetheart and Eli is just the man to build her trust again and to bring out her naughty side.
Another epic story from the small town of Divine, thank you Heather, just keep 'em comin'
August 24, 2018
Where was the conflict? I kept waiting for something happen, but there was no actual conflict. Rachel, the heroine, stressed many times that she had rejected Eli's advances because she was a very jealous woman and, due to his job and because he was a hunk, he was constantly having women throwing themselves at him. Conflict? Nope. Hero and heroine fall in love, have tons of great sex, and fall even more in love.
February 1, 2011
Let me start by saying I'm not a fan of books with lots of tension and angst. I enjoy an easy and satisfying read. But, Her Gentle Giant had practically 0% tension...just not a whole lot going on. The hero is super yummy but I found the heroine's "struggle" kinda lame (and I'm a reader who doesn't mind suspending all belief and reality for the sake of a good hero, heroine and story). Bummer.
July 27, 2012
This is one of those books where you just cant help but cross your fingers and hope Eli get's the girl! While they do suffer their ups and downs in this book it's enough to keep you turning the pages to see what lies ahead. Eli and Rachel are one of my favorite couples in the series and when you finish this book it has you reaching for the next to see just where they are headed.
June 21, 2012
The love between Eli and Rachel is a beautiful thing. To see the devotion they have is awesome to watch. The sex will blow you away. This series just wonderful. Heather you are an amazing writer!!
July 8, 2012
This is a really good love story, it is part 1 of a 2 part book. I found that I really like the characters of Rachel and Eli and this little comunity called Divine Texas. Rachel and Eli both are strong and independent, but find that they find there soul mate in each other.
April 21, 2014
Really liked this story but seriously long winded, not to mention that's not the end this book comes in two parts. I do think the books I'v read so far could be so much shorter. I'v purposely missed a lot of pages and still follow the story perfectly.
December 30, 2015
Not sure why it's taken me so long to get back to this series. I love Eli. He's big and strong but has a soft heart. The way he loves Rachel makes me melt. I thought the story went a little slow in the middle but then it cranked way up. Now on to Part 2!
August 2, 2017
I just love her books. I really enjoy the mixture of the obvious devotion the hero and heroine have for each other as well as the totally HOT love scenes. I also enjoy the interaction of them with the other characters in the book so you really do get the whole story.
November 7, 2015
Love Eli and Rachel!!
Love this book of Eli and Rachel they were both made perfectly for each other! Love how committed Eli was to only Rachel and how Rachel handle her jealous nature maturely. She was awesome!! This is the best series ever!!
Love this book of Eli and Rachel they were both made perfectly for each other! Love how committed Eli was to only Rachel and how Rachel handle her jealous nature maturely. She was awesome!! This is the best series ever!!
won-t-finish
September 1, 2011If it weren't for the frequent and too-detailed sex scenes, there wouldn't be much book or plot. Absolutely not worth a two-part book.
Kindle Edition.
Kindle Edition.
June 14, 2011
I treated both parts as one book, so my review is under the second part.
February 12, 2012
Mrs Rainier has done it again, oh my what a story I cannot wait to read part 2 !!! I just couldn't put it down!
May 20, 2012
One of my favorite books in the series.
August 30, 2014
Eli is one of my book crushes!! I absolutely love him and Rachel together!! What a great story! And Mr Wolf is man enough that a girl doesn't need any more!! Super hot and steamy!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews