Tonight or Never [Paperback]

Tonight Or Never started out promising and had my eyes glued to the pages. I loved the introduction of the hero, John, it was just so apropos considering he was nicknamed the "Lord of Sex", and the heroine, Chloe, was much, much better than Lilac (in REJAR). She was likable, she had spunk and she wasn't afraid to go after what she wanted. She definitely wasn't a bore or a whimp. I wasn't sure if I could imagine a rake like John, who slept with any female that crossed his path, settling down with one woman. But I have to hand it to Dara Joy, midway through the story I really bought it.

So why wasn't this another keeper? Well, I just didn't find it all that funny, definitely not as funny as her previous work. Some of the situations were cute but nothing made me laugh. And I found the subplot featuring the search for the Black Rose a little on the boring side. Then there were the sex scenes. Much to my delight there were a lot of 'em but to my dismay they weren't the kind that draw me into the scene and make me feel a part of them. I guess I kept waiting for the "Lord of Sex" to do something truly extraordinary but this is probably more the publisher than the author's fault. And one last niggle, I wish John's true sensitive nature had been revealed in little bits and pieces throughout the novel, rather than in one short paragraph towards the very end (that one short paragraph made my eyes fill with tears but it was too darn short!) I would've liked to have been witness to more of his past.

If I hadn't read Dara Joy's previous works and loved them so much I feel I may have enjoyed this one much more than I did and have been less picky. Still, if you like light-hearted romps and ultra-sexy heroes (with sensitive hearts) you'll want to give this one a try.

John, the `Lord of Sex', but not much else as his father gambled away his inheritance, is a rouge and libertine. He is well known amongst the ton for his affairs, and his nickname is of long standing. Chloe has always been dear to John, and is very much valued as a friend. He is startled by her transformation, but stunned by her admission that she wants to be just like him - in effect, Lady Sex. Chloe manipulates John into agreeing to marry her, so that she will be free to follow this path (never for one minute actually planning to go through with it). John agrees, because he cannot countenance Chloe putting her proposal to anyone else. And once he views Chloe as a sexual being, he finds he wants her for himself, and not to share. With Chloe comes her house, estate and charming, naughty grandmother, and household of eccentrics - all of whom John realises have made him feel at home. But not as much as Chloe does.

It's a simple story, and Dara Joy tells it well. There is plenty of steaminess in the book, as you'd expect from the Lord and Lady of Sex, and this is told with Joy's customary straightforward erotic style - not flowery or embellished, just hot.

The fun part is the escape from tragedy that is the French revolution and guillotine for the aristocracy, as more and more of those friends of Chloe's family rescued from jail and certain death by the Black Rose find sanctuary at their home. As they descend, much fun is had by Joy as they all attempt to get along. I particularly enjoyed the 7 Cyndreac brothers, and Baronne Dufond's hair accessories. Ms Joy clearly had fun writing this book, and it was also a joy to read.

Chole has been Johns confidant, friend, his self appointed ward since she arrived to live with her aunt when she was only six. Chole knows Johns reputation as Lord of Sex and is determined that he will be hers. She went away to the states to grow up a bit and now at 19 is ready to claim her rake. It's obvious John cares for her but she wants him to see her as a woman... his woman.

To do this Chole deceives John into thinking that she wants to marry him only for the pleasures he can teach her. She tells him she wants a marriage free to explore her sexual side and that after he teaches her all he knows they will be able to each go there own way. There marriage one in name only. Plus he will get her land. After a lot of soul searching John realizes that he wants Chole badly. Something he's never felt before.

Each chapter name is sure to make you grin. Add to this book a bit of adventure (a must in any Dara book), steamy scenes so hot you'll need a fan, plus the added bonus of humor this book is a must own!