Once in a Blue Moon

by Dorianne Cole

Book Overview

Can a white man ever truly love a black woman? Denise Adams thinks she knows the answer to that question. But Dan Phillips believes Denise is the most extraordinary woman he has ever met, and he is... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1585710709
• ISBN13: 9781585710706
• Release Date: January 2002
• Publisher: Genesis Press (MS)
• Length: 496 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.3" x 4.8" x 7.2"

Customer Reviews

Luv-N-Color

I don't often read interracial romances but I like a good love story and Once In A Blue Moon definitely proved to be that for me. Black or White Ian Phillips loved his "little" Denise Adams unconditionally. There are mitigating factors to most conflicts and race along with family views of "crossing over" can be a major factor. Denise was sheltered, quiet, and docile where as Ian was adventurous, opinionated, and aggressive but both were highly intelligent. Ian is working as a private contractor upgrading computers for the government agency that employs Denise who is assigned to assist him when the project runs into trouble. Ian is smitten right away and sets out on making Denise a part of his world regardless of her resistence (I like a man who can weather the storm). Denise was bound by her loyalty and love of a strong African American family with deep civil rights ties, but her life took on a new found freedom and excitement with Ian that her ex-man Kenny could never bring out of her. Lynn the sister who practically raised Denise, and her inabilty to accept a white man loving her "baby girl" is the main reason she is reluctant to share the new happiness she's found with Ian. There are several special moments that I found in Blue Moon; their mother's confession after asking Denise about her new love, Andy's "pale, anorexic glue-sniffing" reference to Ian's dating habits, I was touched by Ian's overall emotion when Denise told him they could not be together, as well as the extent he went to show his grief. I have this book on my shelf of re-reads. I hope Ms. Cole continued success and hope she lets us share in Ian and Denise's "Luv-n-Color" once again.

Where is Ms. Cole's Next Book?

To the best of my knowledge, I've read all the interracial (bw/wm) romance novels currently available and this one is excellent. One of my complaints about IR romances is the lack of sensuality, it's almost as if the author is afraid to "go there." As I'm also an avid reader of mainstream romances, I find this to be very frustrating. Indeed the only other book in this genre that displays similar sensuality is "No Commitment Required" by Seressia Glass. I especially enjoyed the insight into Ian's character. And I liked the fact that these characters were not isolated from other people of their own race, a factor that is all to common in IR romances.I also enjoyed the full character development, and while the production values could be better, this is a thoroughly good read. This is definitely on par with Sandra Kitt.

Characters I Actually Cared About

Out of all the interracial romance novels on the market, and there aren't that many, 'Once In A Blue Moon' was probably the most character-driven tale yet. Ms. Cole did such a remarkable job of bringing Denise Adams and Ian Phillips to life, I felt as if I might have known them. While reading this book, I found myself talking back to Denise when she discovered just how much she liked Ian--people on the bus probably thought I'd lost it. My heart ached for Ian when Denise broke off their relationship. I booed her sister Lynn, with her narrow-minded attitudes (I wanted to slap her silly).Ms. Cole realistically dealt with the uncertain terrain that often comes with an interracial relationship, although some of the attitudes I found distasteful, especially coming from blacks, who know better than most how damaging prejudice can be. I also liked the fact that Denise was more of a bookish-computer nerd type, rather than the typical "strong black woman". After all, there's many types of strength, and she proved it when she decided that Ian was the man for her. Of course, Ian was the kind of man that every woman wants, no matter what colour he is.I will be reading this book again, and hopefully, not as fast. I want to savor each page.

Oh...my!

'Once in a Blue Moon' was fantastic! I was skeptical about how much I could enjoy it after reading two outstanding interracial stories by JJ Murray, however, my skepticism only lasted for the few minutes it took me to reach page twenty four where the reader really gets a glimpse of how much Denise (the heroine) effects Ian (the hero). I really enjoyed Ian's brother's reaction when he discovered whom Ian was in love with...he didn't care that Denise was Black-he cared that she had made Ian a better man. I liked the fact that his parents admired and respected Denise because she was an outstanding person-not out of obligation. I was sure that Ian's family would be the barrier in their relationship, but again was surprised by the direction that Ms. Cole went. I have to admit that Denise's older sister was getting on my last nerve-thank goodness that Denise's mother had good sense, and that her little sister was so cool. It was a reminder that so many people turn their back on what could have been their 'once in a blue moon' love to keep the approval of someone who is unable to give them forever. My favorite thing about this book was how much Ian loved her...not only was he impressed with her beauty he was amazed by her intellect. Many writers forget how sexy and intriguing an amazing intellect is, and frequently overlook that to concentrate on the character's physical appearances. For me, one of the most moving parts of the book was when Ian told his brother what he dreamed of/saw/desired when he looked at Denise. He saw forever...and that was beautiful.

This book is better than the cover!

I thoroughly enjoyed Once in a Blue Moon. The portrayal of the main characters, Denise and Ian was realist and I felt emotionally involved in their budding relationship right from the first few chapters. In fact, I immediately realized this book was going to be a "keeper". I fell in love with Ian myself; he developed from an arrogant, commitment shy loner into a warm, caring and focused individual. Both characters grew and became better people as a result of their relationship; you could see how they brought out the best in each other. I stayed up till 3:00 a.m. reading this book and hated to leave this wonderful love story. I have read several interracial romance novels and feel this book rates as one of the best. The author spends quite of bit time dealing with Denise and her family's negative views on interracial relationships, but its relevant consider the family history