"Exceptional historical romance filled with mystery and intrigue."

Jo Chesney, proprietor of a small provincial newspaper, receives a cryptic plea from her good friend and star reporter, Chloe. Chloe was last seen at a country estate, where she disappeared with no clues as to her destination. Jo owes Chloe a debt for shaking her out of depression and convincing her to take over her husband's paper after his unexpected death. She will move heaven and earth to find her. However, Jo never imagined she'd encounter bad boy Waldo Bowman, who sets her on edge as sparks fly between them.

Waldo, heir to a sizable fortune, enjoys all the privileges his wealth provides. Women flock around and endeavor to please him, while their mothers look upon him as an excellent matrimonial prospect for their daughters. He's unprepared for the disdain Jo accords him when he accosts her for printing gossip regarding him. After their confrontation, Waldo is surprised when he receives an appeal from Jo to bail her out of jail.

Attracted to Jo's sharp tongue and simmering passion, Waldo joins forces with her. Sexual tension swirls around them as they work toward solving Chloe's mysterious disappearance.

Filled with mysteries and intrigues, SHADY LADY quickly captures and engulfs readers in its compelling tale. An exceptional historical romance author, Ms. Thornton once again has penned a winner!

Reviewed by Suan Wilson
Courtesy Old Book Barn Gazette
Posted February 1, 2004

Summary

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.