Two men think they've lost it all, including the chance of
ever finding true love. Then into their lives come two
strong women who'll prove them wrong, if they'll just
accept it and quit fighting the inevitable.
Following 9/11, Ian Woodward is confined to a wheelchair,
unable to use his legs or to do what he loves the most --
being a firefighter. When he's offered a job of teaching at
the fire academy in Hidden Cove, he refuses, at first. The
encouragement of his family and the lovely Broadway star,
Lisel Loring, finally convince him that he may have
something to offer other firefighters, even if he can't
walk. Lisel's tough challenge that he should be glad he's
still here to be able to pass his knowledge on to others is
the catalyst he needs to make him agree to teach. Lisel
also plays a big part in bringing Ian out of his
depression, but he won't let their relationship go any
further than friendship, even though he's strongly
attracted to her. When Ian refuses Lisel after she admits
to being in love with him, she leaves Hidden Cove. However,
it doesn't take long for her to return. A maniacal fan is
stalking Lisel, and she has nowhere else to turn for help.
Living next door to Ian is a bigger temptation than either
of them can resist. It doesn't take Ian long to realize he
may pass up the best thing that's ever happened to him. But
is he man enough to protect Lisel, as well as return her
love? Of course! But the road traveled to reach that goal
is a rough one, even for a hero like Ian.
Disgraced cop Rick Ruscio is given a chance to redeem
himself by acting as bodyguard for Lisel. He also must
perform community service for his misdeeds, which puts him
in direct contact with teacher Faith McPherson at her
preschool. It's hard enough for him to be around small
children, let alone having to deal with his attraction to
the sweet and innocent Faith. He's stunned to learn that
she feels the same toward him. When Faith begins actively
pursuing a romantic relationship with Rick, it takes all of
his strong resolve to keep his distance. He'd never forgive
himself if he hurt her the way he has everyone else in his
life. But Faith is stronger than Rick ever imagined, and
she has plans for their future together.
This final installment of Ms. Shay's Hidden Cove trilogy is
a stupendous novel. The characters in NOTHING MORE TO LOSE
are some of the most poignant and complex of all the ones
introduced in this series, and their redemption and
evolution are a pure joy to behold. It's one of those rare
and marvelous books that you can't put down once you start
it. This author never disappoints readers as she immerses
them in the intricacies, heartaches and joys of human
nature and living life to the fullest. An excellent read!
Firefighter Captain Ian Woodward lost the use of his legs
on September 11th and still hasn't gained back his sense of
self-worth. Broadway star Lisel Loring helps him find it
again, as do the recruits at the Fire Academy where he
begins to work.
In a second story, optimistic, innocent Faith McPherson
isn’t about to give up on tough, cynical Rick Ruscio even
though he’s lost all hope in himself.