"Superb romantic suspense thriller"

Firefighter Ian Woodward was a first responder to the Twin Towers tragedy. While many of his brothers and sisters died on 9/11, he lived but lost the use of his legs and had to learn activities for daily living. Two years later, the wheelchair bound Ian visited his sister in Hidden Cove, New York; he met and formed a friendship with actress Lisel Loring, but when she wanted to take it to a more loving level he withdrew feeling inadequate to be her lover.

A year after fleeing from Lisel, Ian wonders what he has to live for although he enjoys teaching at Hidden Cove Academy. Lisel returns to Hidden Cove, but an out of control fan stalks her. She has hired disgraced former police officer Rick Ruscio to protect her. Rick is doing community services at a preschool as part of his conviction. There he meets teacher Faith McPherson, whose lust for life consumes him although he feels inadequate to be worthy of her love. As the danger from the stalker mounts these stubborn dumb males do not yet comprehend the strength of the females who love them.

The Hidden Cove tales continue to provide superb romantic suspense thrillers while paying homage to firefighters. The current tale is terrific as Kathryn Shay employs multiple story lines tied together by Lisle and favorites from previous books return. Readers will cry for Ian, yet Ms. Shay does not paint a tearjerker or provoke pity tears for him. NOTHING MORE TO LOSE is a strong entry in one of the best running collections on the market today.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted January 30, 2005

Nothing More to Lose is the story of two men who have lost it all and two women who refuse to give up on them. Return to Hidden Cove in this final installment of Kathryn Shay's firefighter trilogy about the lives and loves of America's Bravest and Finest.

Summary

Ever since 9/11 claimed the lives of many of his fellow firefighters—and left him unable to walk on his own—Ian Woodward had struggled to find a reason to live. Until actress Lisel Loring entered his life. Lisel challenged him out of his depression, and with her support Ian was finding a new sense of hope. Then Lisel wanted more from their friendship, from him. And that was something Ian vowed never to give any woman again. So he said the one thing guaranteed to make her leave. But now she's back in Hidden Cove, and in trouble. Someone is stalking her...

Disgraced ex-cop Rick Ruscio needed a second chance and protecting Lisel Loring from a rabid fan was a step in teh right direction. So was doing his mandatory community service—at a city preschool, of all places. And when he meets teacher Faith McPherson, her joy and innocence act as a balm to his weary heart. Rick knows he should stay away from Faith, but he can't resist her allure—even if it means getting burned...