Betti Blanchard lives in a small town in Texas. She has worked hard to be successful as a hairdresser and business owner. But, her history: is one filled with a deceased mother who was the town drunk, and a loose reputation, Betti is trying to live down. Now, the one man that she has always been in love with, Ty Boudreaux has re-entered her life. He is now divorced and Betti wants to comfort him with one night of passion. This one night changes everything for both of them. Betti finds out she is pregnant with Ty's baby. They will now start a life together as a couple. The road ahead for them will be anything but smooth.

Once in a Blue Moon is by Celia Stuart. Ms. Stuart has struck gold with this book! This hometown story is unbelievably down-to-earth, sharp-witted, and exceptionally well written. Between the backstabbing, bickering, luscious gossip, and hot explicit sex, the readers will want for nothing. Ms. Stuart used a very different concept in the character's dialogues. One moment the story is told in third person, the next, Betti is telling her own story. This formulation creates such a wonderful connection to the characters and their tale of love. Ms. Stuart, you foraged a whole new avenue that this reader hopes other authors will pursue. You will get so caught-up with the very lives of these characters that you forget you are only reading about them, and not actually living it.

Betti has been in love with Ty since high school. Betti finds out she is pregnant with Ty's baby, and she is not sure what to do. When Ty gets wind of it, he confronts Betti with a marriage proposal. Betti, for once in her life, has a shot at happiness. She will have some major hurdles to overcome in regards to Ty's abuse by his ex-wife. How will Betti handle these problems; can she make this a true marriage?

Ty's mental and physical anguish caused by his ex-wife, is heart wrenching. You want to reach out to him - comfort him. His poster-boy looks and gentle demeanor are what attract Betti to him. She just wants to help him, hold him, and love him with her body and soul. Can Betti's pregnancy and love be enough to make Ty whole again?

If this reviewer could have given more than 5 hearts; she would have! If you only read one contemporary erotic romance this year, put Once in a Blue Moon by Celia Stuart, at the top of your list! It is heartfelt and beautifully delivered, and this reviewer cherishes her copy! Do not miss out; pick up your copy at Liquid Silver Books, when it is released November 21, 2005!

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Explicit

Reviewer: Janalee
October 30, 2005