Nothing More to Lose: 6

I thought this book was geat! It was set in a school setting with issues that face teachers and kids everyday. The characters were also well developed. I really enjoyed this book.

Once in awhile a book grabs you so much that you can't think of anything else. You want to finish it because it's so good, yet if you do the characters will be out of your life. This book is an amazing story for anyone who has been touched by the 9/11 tragedy and how life is too precious to waste. Ian and Lisel's story draws you in while the sub-plot with Rick and Faith makes you believe in both love and second chances. Characters from Shay's last books make an appearance and it's like bringing back family for a reunion. The book can stand on it's own, but read all three in order. This one, however, is the most amazing and heart-warming.

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