Nothing More to Lose
Kathryn Shay
Berkley, Feb 2005, $6.99, 368 pp.
ISBN: 0425201112

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 storylines 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