"A Light-Hearted Romp with huge ensemble cast"

He was called the "Lord of Sex" and was known for his talent with the ladies, but to Chloe Heart the Viscount Sexton would always be John, the man she'd loved since childhood. Having finally returned from a long trek to the colonies, Chloe is ready to prove to him that she's all grown up -- and to convince him that she's the one woman who will hold him forever!

Of course, the final step of her plan, the part where he actually marries her, is a bit more convoluted. Thankfully, after convincing John of her goal to become a female rake and enjoy endless men, he agrees to marry her and 'prepare' her for her future lifestyle.

Now throw in a huge cast of supporting characters with a multitude of foibles, slap them all down in a sprawling countryside manor, and turn up the laugh-track.

Dara Joy, the author of the popular Matrix of Destiny novels, manages with TONIGHT OR NEVER to pull off a historical romance story with a huge ensemble cast. Though the book is much lighter than her futuristic stories, it is still permeated with the smoldering sensuality that makes Joy's heroes so very delicious. The characterization is excellent, and for those who like similar stories, it is only to be expected that little half-French Chloe has John wrapped around her finger. The sexual training that he puts her through is hot, sometimes wild, and always very satisfying.

Joy could have very easily gotten too involved with the excitement and personalities of all the family members, friends, and houseguests that appear during the course of the book. The subplots and sheer number of people alone came perilously close to drowning out Chloe and John's romance, in this reviewer's opinion. Ultimately, however, TONIGHT OR NEVER is a good, light-hearted story that is saved from certain disaster simply because of Joy's deft weaving of character and sensuality. Readers who enjoy such busy, full-of-personality romps will certainly enjoy TONIGHT OR NEVER, a book that truly shows how talented a writer Dara Joy really is.

Reviewed by Ann Leveille
Courtesy Sensual Romance
Posted September 13, 2002

Summary

Touted as the ""Lord of Sex,"" the Viscount Sexton-- England's most notorious Don Juan--contemplates an end to his debauched career when he meets Chloe, a feisty redhead with a plan to beat the seducer at his own game.