This is the 3rd book in the Firefighter Series that takes place in Hidden Cove.
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. I really enjoyed this book as I did the first two (After The Fire & On The Line). I bought this books as soon as it came out and read it over a weekend. I think Kathryn Shay is a good writer. ( )

Every time I read a new Kathryn Shay book, I'm reminded why she's on my must-buy list. This third book featuring the Hidden Cove Fire Department (previous books were After the Fire and On the Line) is just as intensely emotion-packed and satisfying as her others.

This time, there are two damaged heroes: Ian Woodward and Rick Ruscio. The title is particularly appropriate: they both feel they have Nothing More to Lose. The story picks up after events in On the Line, and while Nothing More to Lose does stand on its own, you'll want to read the first two to get the most out of it, and just because they're that good.

Ian is a firefighter who'd lost the use of his legs on 9/11. He had previously begun a friendship with stage actress Lisel Loring, but pushed her away when she wanted more, believing he didn't have anything to offer her. Now they're both back in Hidden Cove. He's reluctantly agreed to teach at the firefighter's academy. She's fleeing a stalker.

To protect herself, she hires ex-police officer Rick Ruscio, who lost his badge in On the Line because he'd helped sabotage the fire department. He'd received a lighter sentence & community service because he was the victim of blackmail, but he still lost his badge and with it a good portion of his self-respect. When he reports for his community service at a day care center, he meets his supervisor, teacher Faith McPherson, a minister's daughter who persists in believing he's a good man.

Both these stories have a lot in common--two decent men who, for different reasons, believe they have nothing to offer the women they've come to love; and two strong, stubborn women who are determined to show them that they believe in them.

My heart went out to these couples. It was wonderful watching Ian begin to feel part of a team again, Lisel come to terms with her parents, and Rick begin to forgive himself.

Families also played a large part in this story: Ian's & Faith's warm and loving families, Lisel's harsh and ambitious one, and Rick's damaged one. I particularly enjoyed Faith's father, a minister who embodied the spirit of forgiveness and acceptance that too often seems missing these days.

As if all this emotional growth weren't enough, there's also the mystery of Lisel's stalker to keep readers on our toes.

And of course, we get to see again the characters from the previous two books.

I laughed and cried and felt completely wrung out by the end of this book. That happy ending is so satisfying when the characters have to work so hard for it. ( )