SHADY LADY

Author: Elizabeth Thornton ISBN: 0553584901 2/2004 HISTORICAL Publisher: BANTAM
Time Period: Regency

As the Avon Journal’s no-nonsense publisher, Jolie Chesney always stuck to the facts. And the fact was that she found the celebrated war hero who’d come to her office angrily demanding a retraction unsettlingly charismatic. His wild sexual exploits had found their way into her paper’s gossip column, and Jo had no intention of compromising her standards, journalistic or otherwise. But when her star reporter suspiciously vanishes, Jo seeks help from this dangerously sensual man, whose connection to the Special Branch may save her friend’s life, even if it means putting her own life—and heart—on the line. Waldo Bowman sensed danger in his immediate attraction to Jolie the instant they met. Beautiful and independent, she was unlike any woman he knew—and he was determined not to lose her, whatever the risk. But when Jo uses her paper to set a trap for a cold-blooded killer, these reluctant lovers embark on a mystery that will change their lives—or end them.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

Widow Jolie Chesney has taken over the printing business run by her late husband, John, a man she both idolized and adored. One of the more popular articles contained in her paper is a column written by one Lady Tellall, a gossiper that "tells all" regarding members of the ton and their daily/nightly exploits. Written by Jolie's dear friend Chloé, a member of the ton herself, Jolie suddenly finds herself on the hunt when Chloé mysteriously disappears, hinting at foul play and a possible murder. But who could have reason to kidnap or dispose of Jolie's best friend? And what of a motive? Enter suddenly Waldo Bowman as a very viable suspect.

Rakish Waldo, a member of the ton, is outraged at a recent ondit that Lady Tellall has alluded to in her column, and most individuals assume to be about him. Storming into Jolie's shop, sure that she's the writer of the column and slanderer of his "good" name, Waldo demands she print a retraction. But Jolie's not to be cowed and refuses, further adding fuel to his ire.

At first, Jolie's almost sure Waldo's got the motive and means to have done the deed to Chloé, but soon realizes that Waldo's not the guilty party. The two become paired, in more ways than one—the journalist and the Special Branch agent—working together intent upon finding Chloé, dead or alive. And as their investigation continues, both find themselves drawn to the other, and not without complications: he's a confirmed bachelor who plans never to marry, and Jolie can't let go of her dead husband's memory.

One of the best things about this book is Jolie's character, who is portrayed as an independent, determined, and intelligent young woman, a strong heroine which is another trademark of Thornton's writing. No wimpish misses or hesitant lassies occupy any of wonderful books. And the personality traits of her heroes are similar: strong and sensual, men's men if you will. However, there's one exception that she's made with this particular hero that turned me off, and it is the only reason I gave this book a 4 Rose Read instead of Top Pick. I simply can't get past the name Waldo. Yes, I know it was common at that time, but...Waldo? NO hot-blooded, strong-minded, and sensual man like the lead male character in SHADY LADY should be named Waldo. I simply can't make it fit the vision of the man Ms. Thornton created in my head.

But if you can make yourself get past that name, as usual Elizabeth Thornton gives her readers much to ponder and think about, with her trademark style of intelligent dialogue and suspenseful plotting. SHADY LADY is simply one more in a long line of Thornton historical romances her many fans will come to enjoy. The next, A VIRTUOUS LADY, will be out in April 2004. I've already got mine on order!

Nancy Davis