Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
Don’t fall for the sexy silver fox that just rolled into town.
Easier said than done.
Especially when he’s your new neighbor.

Dianna came to Moss Creek for a fresh start. To learn from the mistakes of her past.
But Griffin Fraley is testing her commitment to that task. Somewhere between those baby blue eyes and a set of hands she can imagine doing debaucherous things, her focus starts to shift.
And that’s before she ends up pantsless in the back room of her bakery discovering just how much those hands are really capable of.
But Griffin came to Moss Creek for a reason too—to build a relationship with the son he didn’t know he had—and he won’t let anything stand in the way of that. Not his past. Not his present.
And maybe not their future.

358 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 16, 2023

837 people are currently reading
276 people want to read

About the author

Janice Whiteaker

67 books151 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
1,119 (60%)
4 stars
473 (25%)
3 stars
203 (11%)
2 stars
28 (1%)
1 star
13 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
Profile Image for Kristina .
1,052 reviews940 followers
June 25, 2023
low key, low angst, refreshing small town romance

This was a really light, easy read. It was an age-gap, small town trope, with two more mature characters. The heroine, a bakery owner in her 30s, is recovering from an abusive marriage and trying to learn to love herself. The hero, a semi-retired entrepreneur/mechanic in his late 40s, moves to town to be closer to the adult son he recently learned about.
Both characters are trying to better themselves and recover from past trauma as a result there is a little negative motivation because both try to resist a relationship. It did make sense to the plot though so I tried to roll with it (even though I hate negative motivation most fervently).
Overall this story was very refreshing in how it approached a lot of conventional tropes and I was impressed by it.
Firstly, it really normalized therapy for trauma and working through issues. Both characters in this sought therapy and didn’t expect the other to carry the load of their healing.

Secondly, the body issues that the heroine dealt with were presented in a realistic way. She did have moments of being down on herself because of her trauma, but she grew and changed how she talked to and about herself throughout the book. Her inner voice wasn’t cruel and her entire personality wasn’t about being less than slim. No women were brought down to lift up her curvy self. Overall this author is really kind and progressive in how she presents her women characters, the mains as well as the sides.

Thirdly, the hero had issues and was completely aware of them. He faltered a few times but kept trying and worked hard at earning his place beside the heroine.

This was a very relationship driven book. The plot centred completely around the two of them and most scenes were at each of their houses. As a result it did restrict the plot a bit and there were times when it lagged.
The writing itself was also just ok. I’ve read this author for awhile and see a marked improvement in her writing and the editing of her books. I would still love to see more growth in her craft, as her ideas are sound, her viewpoint important but her writing skills are not complex and she REALLY needs to learn how to structure longer sentences and use a semicolon. I rarely get this nitty gritty in my reviews, but the short sentences and choppy, partial phrases got annoying to me and I’d love the fluidity that comes with more intricate prose.
That being said I’m just going to jot some highlights and lowlights below. Warning for spoilers.

Things I liked:
👏🏻 stay at home dad representation. ❤️ it. Not all small town romances that end with babies need to include the mother giving up everything to be the primary care giver. This book made my heart happy and as someone who worked while her partner did the home duty, I love to see it.
👏🏻 therapy for trauma. Neither character was saved by sex or love here.
👏🏻 realistic portrayal of what happens in a bakery. No one was wearing high heels and dresses while working in a commercial kitchen. Gloves were worn. My inner pastry school grad was so happy to see this.
👏🏻 amazing and supportive female friendships, no catty ow, no dragging other women down to boost our protagonist. There was an ow situation but it was handled so maturely and fit with the plot so well, I didn’t even mind it.
👏🏻 low key om drama which I am always here for.

Some stumbling blocks for me:
👏🏻 birth control discussion? Uh where was that? I know this is tricky in a surprise baby trope, but at least some std talk could have happened here. Because she had fertility issues, I get the BC being bypassed, but the std stuff? Needed a convo.
👏🏻 no one likes a miracle pregnancy when fertility issues are mentioned. This is a tricky thing to portray and a trigger if anyone experiences infertility.
👏🏻 negative motivation and characters getting in the way of their own happiness. This is common in contemporary. I don’t love it. It was light here but still was here.

And this last one is just me being picky and in no way affected my rating…buuuut holy crap, the eating habits of these two were terrible! How did this guy have a toned body when all he ate was starch, high fat meats and gravy? Could either of these two people have eaten a fruit or a vegetable once? Their HEA will be sorely limited because they will both be dead of heart attacks before their kids reach middle school. Ok rant done.


So try this author out. She’s an indy and has some seriously refreshing takes on small town romances. If you know me at all, you know I hate misogyny, double standards and traditional gender roles, and this writer works hard at presenting a more modern idea of how women and men should be presented in fiction.
Profile Image for RLbooks (in and out).
1,004 reviews482 followers
January 21, 2025
I may actually keep this review shorter but it will have spoilers because around the 80% mark, I got upset. Prior to that point, this was a sweeter read of two individuals who are trying their hardest to grow. They don’t always get it right, but they’re trying and I loved that growth mindset.

Written in third person, dual POV. No ow drama, tiny amount of om drama because another man is interested in the h and the H is not.happy.about.it. Both are experienced, the H was far more experienced though and there are a couple of small mentions of how he was in past relationships. Also see spoiler below.

Some themes/tropes:
☆ Older main characters
☆ Recovery from toxic relationships
☆ Positive therapy rep
☆ Spontaneous steamy times
☆ Small town

Dianna (h) is a baker newer to a small town, recovering from an abusive marriage. She’s had therapy, she has mantras to keep her thoughts on track, and she’s not ready yet to be in a relationship. Griffin (H) is a mechanic/business owner trying to build a strong relationship with the adult son he’s recently learned about. He’s never been a true partner in past relationships, only being able to offer physical connection or monetary support, so he thinks he’s crappy at all relationships and just wants to focus on his son right now. However, these two are combustible and both are absolutely terrible at resisting their attraction to each other, no matter how not ready they are for anything to develop between them.

I liked that they become inadvertent neighbors and some of the situations they found themselves in. I did feel like both of their hangups became repetitive, though their on page mental processing was a touchpoint for how their growth was coming along. Griffin was so much better than he gave himself credit for and his supportiveness and care of Dianna was great. Dianna was esp likable and I was rooting for her throughout the book, which made the part I didn’t like even worse honestly.

Steam-wise, these two are smoking and there are plenty of scenes. The physical intimacy definitely happens before the emotional scenes and the vulnerability starts coming out. Considering that vulnerability was extra hard for Griffin and how he previously used sex to avoid the harder emotional stuff, learning how not to do that was a struggle for him, but he did try for Dianna. Even though they weren't officially putting themselves out there as a couple for most of the story, I wish that there'd been some dating alongside some of the cute scenes that they had at their homes. Griffin being hapless in the kitchen was adorable though.

Where it went wrong for me -

This situation was used as a driver to then help move Griffin further along in their relationship and from there, everything happens very quickly, along with another surprise that I was also not a big fan of (or the surprise of it). I did appreciate that Griffin starts going to therapy, thankfully, and he has a heart to heart with his son and his son’s wife, finally. The ending is sweet with big gestures and love expressed and the epilogue is a little down the road with Dianna and Griffin in their HEA, but how they got from Point A to Point B was maddening to me. I want to try another of this author’s books in this series because I feel like I could really like a different premise in this small town with this author. Also, shout out to the adorable squirrel who was totally a cute animal sidekick.
Profile Image for Van.
804 reviews35 followers
January 21, 2025
Awful
Not romantic at all
He doesn’t love her, he is there to be a father
Her new friend is his ex, they suspected it but never tell heroine, they let her down and honestly feel like they were laughing at her. They gaslight her feelings and he never apologized
They never have a proper conversation about how she found out and how he never fought for her to listen or apologize! It really not romantic but the next chapter she is pregnant so everything is solved! Really? The author is weak and rushed the end… everybody is friends again. How? Why? Why you want people to like that in your life?
she is weak, they are shit, he is ridiculous for a grown man, a boy
I really hate when everything is solved because of a pregnancy surprise! They old enough to buy condoms!!! Ridiculous
I’ve tried this author a few times and only one book I’ve read is romantic, the rest is never a satisfactory read to me, never again! I regret read this like a bad fuck!
They are all stupid people
Ughhhhhhhhhhhh
Profile Image for Amanda Grace.
806 reviews59 followers
June 22, 2023
We briefly met Griffin in the previous book when he discovered that he has a son he knew nothing about. He rearranges his life to move to Moss Creek with the sole purpose of becoming a part of Troy's life.

Dianna has been in town for about a year running a successful bakery. Her pastries and pies are beloved by everyone in Moss Creek, including Griffin, but Dianna is trying to focus on herself and her businesses after a bad relationship.

These characters are mature adults that still have insecurities despite being successful in their professional lives. They are both working on themselves and try to avoid becoming involved while doing so, but they cannot deny the attraction.

This book is steamy and emotional with the perfect amount of funny moments in between. The story is a little more angsty than the others in the series with some outside forces and miscommunication that causes problems for Griffin & Dianna. I was happy to see them work through everything to the HEA.

No Going Back is the seventh book in the Cowboys of Moss Creek series, but I feel like it can be read as a standalone. There are some characters from previous books, but they do not take away from Griffin and Dianna's story. Janice Whiteaker does a great job of explaining everything going on without overcrowding the page.

I recommend this book if you love:

A Silver Fox
Small Town Romance
Age-Gap

The author does have some content warnings at the beginning of the book, so please check those out.
Profile Image for Marit Prins.
170 reviews
June 3, 2023
So there’s Griffin. He is Troy’s long lost dad (we met Troy in No Coming Back), he has a lifetime of bagage with him, but he took all his doubts and insecurities and packed his bags to move to Moss Creek, to be with his son.
Swoon.
Then there’s Dianne, the baker. She also has a lot of bagage and insecurities, and she is the nicest bestest person you can have in your corner.

Their story is a classic romance, they meet, they like, they shouldn’t… but they still do, and in the process of these two wonderful people falling for eachother, they work through their insecurities and issues. Apart, and together and it is so well written and so realistically done. I mean, no empty epiphanies in mrs Withakers books. No they are two adult people adulting. And I mean that in the best way.

Their connection flies of the pages, the sparks almost make it too hot to read ;)
I am just so impressed with the way Janice wrote this book. It is capturing, it is sexy, it is funny, it is emotional. A truly deserved 5 stars!
Profile Image for niki_reads_romance.
883 reviews9 followers
June 17, 2023
funny, emotional, sweet, AND sexy

This story is FULL of feelings. Though the angst the reader feels is low (just how I prefer), I’m certain the characters would quantify it as high. The traumas each main character has to work through are so real world, but I absolutely love how natural and normalized therapy is within the story.
This story was very easy to read, with well thought out characters and flowing storyline. Definitely 5 stars :)
Profile Image for Julie Booklover.
2,116 reviews104 followers
June 18, 2023
This book is SO good, lots of feels. We meet Troy’s dad, Griffin. He has moved to Moss Creek to get to know his son. A lot of baggage to unpack with this character. Griffin meets Dianna, the baker, who is also new to Moss Creek but has her own insecurities. The attraction is a surprise to both; will they get a second chance at a Happy Ever After? It is a bumpy ride, but worth the read.

Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
Profile Image for Caroline Sawyer.
131 reviews30 followers
August 10, 2023
I have more of a connection with Diana alone that with griffin and her together. Griffin is really just know to be a one dimensional person. He is only around for a good time. There are parts in this book I saw myself in how Diana was feeling. Her body image problem as well as her struggles with PCOS. I did enjoy that Griffin figures out how to be more than just a good time and get to experience everything he missed in his younger years.
Profile Image for Zoë Braycotton.
743 reviews9 followers
July 30, 2023
No Going Back - a Cross Creek book

Oh this was a good one!

Griffin was a nice surprise addition to Troy’s story, finding his Dad changed so much for him, but now we find out how Griffin coped with the news of finding out he had a son!

Griffin uproots himself to move to cross creek to be closer to his new family, but there’s also another reason he’s there, Dianna!

He just can’t keep away, only problem is his past has left its mark on him, he believes he isn’t good enough….for anyone.

Dianna, her mantra, she’s a goddess! She’s been though so much, domestic abuse has left it’s toll, she’s trying to build her new life, she will no longer be anyone’s verbal, emotional or physical punchbag. She’s done! Then in walks Griffin and there’s an immediate attraction she can’t shake off.

This is a story of two people finding themselves, losing themselves and also battling with themselves, the struggle is real! Sometimes you have to accept you will never fully recover from past trauma, it will always find a way to eat at you.

However their journey isn’t always fighting demons, they venture on a fiery hot romance that neither were expecting.
Profile Image for Booklover Judy Lynn.
1,647 reviews30 followers
June 13, 2023
Book three in the Cross Creek series can be read as a standalone and ends with a HEA. This story follows Griffin, the father of Troy in book two. As a result, Troy is integral to this story and readers may find it beneficial to read book two first. This story is written in third person from an alternating dual POV.
Dianna has only been in town for six months when she first meets Griffin. Both are rocked by mutual attraction that neither one is looking for. I love the work Dianna has done to start over and deal with the traumas of her past. She is at a point where she is realizing how to combat the negative voices from her past and recognizing that it is a continual process. I love her perseverance, her strength, and her kindness.
Griffin has just completely changed his life to move to town and be the father he never thought he would get to be. He is a silver fox with his own past traumas and baggage he needs to address. I love that he can’t stay away from Dianna. They get together with a whole lot of heat. His mouth is filthy in the very best way, and Dianna is surprised by how much she loves it. There is personal growth for both characters throughout the story. They must figure out how to give each other what they need without sacrificing their own needs. They learn to communicate, which is sometimes harder than it would seem to be. At 37 and almost 50, these characters are mature in age and have had accomplishments on their own before they get together. In this story they learn how to depend on each other, but also how not to let each other down. There are a few surprises along the way that lead to a wonderful HEA for this couple who must work for it. I loved this book, and I am dying to go back and read the other books in the series I have missed.
Trigger Warnings:
This book contains topics some readers might find difficult to read or hear about. These include spousal abuse, PTSD, and pregnancy complications. Please consider skipping this story if you are sensitive to any of these subjects.
I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an advance reader copy of the book.
#AgeGap #CurvyGirl #SmallTown #HealingLove #ARC
Profile Image for Brayzen Bookwyrm.
379 reviews52 followers
June 13, 2023
Steamy and Sensual Story of Starting Over


I love a good second chance romance, and No Going Back by Janice Whiteaker is a great example of a second chance romance, but not of the stereotypical type. It’s the story of two people learning their past doesn’t define their future. And that finding a new start, a second chance at love with the right person, is really the best way to move forward.

Whiteaker infuses the perfect levels of humor and heat into not only her story, but her characters themselves. Griffin is the quintessential silver fox, sexy and swoony in his swagger, but also troubled and unsettled, convinced he’s somehow lacking because of his past. Dianna is the ultimate apprehensive heroine, completely unaware of how beautiful and engaging she is, starting over and finding herself while still struggling to make peace with her past. They are both so engaging, and tug on every heartstring as they endeavor to learn from their mistakes while shedding the weight of baggage and expectations—both their own and other people’s.

There’s a wonderful sense of finding home in No Going Back. Of understanding it’s often “who” that makes a home, not “where.” And that learning what you don’t want is just as important as finding what you do. Plus, the added element of found family and acceptance for who you are, a staple in Whiteaker’s novels, hits home in a spectacular way in this book.

No Going Back is part of the Cowboys of Moss Creek Series, and while I believe it is best read in order (because they’re all full of swoony seggsy goodness), it can certainly be read and enjoyed as a standalone as well.
Profile Image for Jessica Lynne.
267 reviews10 followers
June 9, 2023
As seen on my blog (Jessie's Reading Corner):
DISCLAIMER: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed Griffin and Dianna’s love story! Once I started reading, I couldn’t stop! This was an emotional read! Griffin and Dianna’s pasts both have them weary of new relationships as it would require them to be vulnerable and possibly address issues that they didn’t want to address. But some relationships are worth it, such as Griffin and Dianna’s, and I loved watching them not only realize their own self-worth but also learn to be vulnerable with each other.

I love coming back to Moss Creek and I am so looking forward to what Janice has next up her sleeve with this series! I loved the addition of new characters and am looking forward to them reappearing and maybe even getting their own story! Snickerdoodles was also a fun addition, and I can’t wait to see if Janice adds any more interesting animal characters to her stories, like she does as Josie Watts in her Scandal in Sweet Side series!

I will say, if you haven’t read this series yet, you don’t HAVE to go back to the very beginning with the Cowboy Classifieds series, but you probably will get more out of this book if you read No Coming Back first as that is Troy (Griffin’s son) and Amelie’s story and they have a heavy presence in this book!

Thank you Janice and Julie for the advance copy!
Profile Image for LadyJane.
76 reviews2 followers
June 7, 2023
Fans of Janice Whiteaker rejoice, she’s done it again! If you’re new to her books, what are you waiting for? I was eager to read Dianna’s story because I connected with her through the snippets of her life in the previous books in this series. Her time for an HEA has finally come!

Dianna and Griffin shouldn’t work as a couple, and initially, they try not to. Neither one wants a relationship, but they can’t stay away from each other. Sexual attraction and loneliness resulted in a hot first encounter referred to as the “bakery incident”. That encounter was so good and I couldn’t wait to read the next one!

The main characters are real and we get to witness them navigate the pain of their vulnerabilities. Their perceived flaws are the same as what we often see in ourselves. These are not glamorous characters. They are older and have messy relationship issues. The age-gap doesn’t make one bit of difference between them because they have a raw honesty and attraction that connects. Hooking the readers in and getting them invested in the lives of these average characters is where this writer shines. A positive message of knowing your self-worth is woven within this story.

And there’s a squirrel named Snickerdoodle! Snickerdoodle adds a light, humorous twist to some interesting moments. Who doesn’t want to read about a squirrel that makes you laugh? I laughed, cried and loved every page.
112 reviews1 follower
June 18, 2023
Diana and Griffin what a pair they are…

This story delves into how each of our life’s history shapes who we become…the angst that we go though during the years…. These trials and tribulations shape us.
They both had pasts that were difficult and hard but somehow with strength, diligence and resilience made it
But as always self doubt is always simmering under the surface.
I loved how Janice explored Griffins past relationships, and how it really showed his vulnerability into how he saw himself.
He worked hard to improve and develop into a better version of himself to show Diana whom he really was and let her into his life but it was not smooth sailing…
Diana was gorgeous, she was understanding of Griffin and pushed hard for him to move forward and open up …she supported him to understand himself and to move on with accountability and acceptance!
It was nice to see Griffin show his true vulnerability. Diana never gave up she knew what she wanted and was pushing herself out of her comfort zone!

Secondary characters were so important to this story and it really wonderful to see how they added to the story….
I loved that it wasn’t smooth sailing, there were tears and angst and to see that the work is never quite complete but is a continuous journey.

Thank you once again Janice for your storytelling!
Profile Image for Alexandra Alston Reviews.
237 reviews9 followers
June 7, 2023
"No Going Back" by Janice Whiteaker

**Spoiler Alert**

Dianna just wanted to be treated with respect. All of her life, she's been ridiculed and belittled. Being a people pleaser was the only thing she knew. Her grandmother was the only person in her life who loved her unconditionally.... until now.

Griffin has secrets. Secrets he is ashamed of. Understanding women and what they want didn't come easy to him. Selfish is what they knew him to be, but they never really knew him.

Dianna ignites a spark in him that he can't get enough of, but will his secrets be the ending to their beginning? Will being Troy's father be enough for him, or will his heart crave more?

Her life was a mess. Her bakery was all she wanted, or so she thought. Having a man in her life was out of the question, so why is it when she sees Griffin, does it feel like her soul is complete? Can they be what each other needs? Will he open up to her the way she deserves? One thing is for sure, she won't settle.

What a story. There is so much to read. I love Janice's style of writing. She never disappoints. This
Story is filled with emotion, pain, wild passion, forgiveness, love, and so much more. A must-read!

5 ❤️ 's
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kelley Perrin.
19 reviews
June 8, 2023
I just love when Janice Whiteaker takes us back to Moss Creek. In this 7th installment of the Cowboys of Moss Creek series, we get to find out more about Troy’s dad, Griffin, that he just met in her last book, “No Coming Back”. When Griffin returns to Moss Creek, he can’t stop himself from once again seeing Dianna; she has a pull on him that no one before her has had and the feeling is completely mutual. However, they both have their baggage and Griffin is there to be the father that he was never given the opportunity to be, not to get romantically involved. And, Dianna, coming out of an abusive relationship (yes, there are triggers so please read the trigger warning at the beginning of the book just in case) wants to work on herself and to make her new business as successful as possible. But Griffin ends up buying the house next door (unknowingly) to Dianna and they can’t seem to stay away from each other. They think they are being sneaky, but they aren’t and everyone is rooting for them.
If you like, rough and gruff blue-collar heroes and independent sassy heroines, you definitely don’t want to miss this book. Griffin will not disappoint as the older leading man and Dianna is a Goddess, her mantra for keeping it together. Their spice quotient is off the charts!
730 reviews
December 21, 2023
I didn't enjoy this book as much as the rest of the series. The premise is great and the characters are interesting. They both had a lot of issues from their past that they needed to work out, which is not a problem in itself. The problem was that this was most of the book. At 87% they are still stuck in their problems and then there's a quick turnaround and HEA, which just wasn't plausible. It would have made much more sense to have a longer, slower transformation that started earlier in the book. If we're to believe they had these great challenges, then resolving them in a few pages just doesn't make sense.

I also cannot believe that in this day and age we have zero discussion of STI or birth control, including after What is that??? He had obviously been with multiple women in the past. Even if their ages - which are implied as older but never stated - meant they were not concerned about pregnancy (or her with PCOS), STI can happen at any age. I absolutely do not understand the total absence of discussion around this. 1 star deduction for the magical thinking that STI/pregnancy can be ignored. It is so easy to address and so glaringly obvious when it's missing.
70 reviews
June 17, 2023
Griffin & Dianna are #relationshipgoals! Even though Dianna had been through her devastating first marriage, she still put herself out there to start a new relationship. Griffin, trying his best to just be Troy's dad and doing anything possible to be there for Troy and Amelie, he doesn't realize he is allowed to have a life of his own. When he pursues Dianna, you can tell he still feels guilty about it, but eventually Dianna broke his walls down. Some of my favorite scenes involves Griffin and Dianna sitting on the swing enjoying each other's company. Of course, there has to be some kind of spanner thrown into the works...Dianna’s employee and friend was one of Griffin's exes and trying to get Dianna to not fall for Griffin. In a surprise turn of events, it was these two enemies that managed to get Dianna to give Griffin another chance. Let's not forget about Snickerdoodle, gosh I just LOVED the small parts he played in this book
Profile Image for Lisa Nizz.
270 reviews5 followers
April 26, 2024
loved it

Griffin found out he has a son he never knew about. He decides after years of being a failure in relationships he wants to change and forge a bond with his son Troy of Cross Creek Ranch. Troy is shocked but given his past of never thinking he was worth love wants this bond too. While in town he meets local baker Dianna. Dianna has been abused verbally by her mother & verbally and physically abused by her ex husband. She is trying hard to trust, get her self worth back. Griffin has always been closed off because of his upbringing and he has ruined every relationship by not opening up. Their attraction is intense and becomes physical, while it emboldens Dianna she needs more. Griffin seems to take one step forward then retreats into himself again. A woman from his past creates havoc threatening their HEA. Their path back to each other is not easy but beautiful.

Loved this couple who thought they would never find love that they trust. Excellent read.
Profile Image for Brandi Oakes.
147 reviews1 follower
June 13, 2023
Griffin and Dianna's story is heartbreaking to soul-healing!
Griffin is so broken, emotionally unavailable, insecure and feels like he has nothing to offer anyone. He wants Dianna more than his next breath but he knows she needs more than he can give so he tries to stay away. To keep his mind off of all his troubles he buys a fixer upper, but as luck would have it (or fate) it's right next door to the woman he's trying to stay away from.
Dianna owns the bakery, The Baking Rack, in town and has no intention of being in a relationship. She's been burned before which is what brought her to this small town. She wants a new beginning and a fresh start that's all her own. She wants to let Griffin in but she's afraid he'll hurt her more than she can handle this time.
These two play emotional tug-of-war until the rope finally breaks!
Profile Image for Christina Astorga.
1,058 reviews3 followers
June 13, 2023
I received an ARC and I'm freely reviewing.

4.6 stars! I loved this story. Both characters, Diana and Griffin are strong, vulnerable, sweet and just so perfectly written. This is an "older" couple and I love that. Griffin has never been married, just always told he's not enough. Diana was married and just broken down but she is determined to start over. If you read the story before them, you already met both but if you didn't no worries, don't let that stop you. You'll want to go back, so you're good, haha. Griffin moves to a new town to be closer to his adult son that he found out about late in life. Griffin is determined to be the best version of himself for his son and along the way, he and Diana realize the other makes them better and embraces them wholly. An amazing story told by a fantastic author.
Profile Image for Cora Paul.
23 reviews
June 8, 2023
Griffin and Diannas story starts out as two people who have given up on love based on bad past relationships. They start out as friends and neighbors and then it turns into something more. Their story unfolds in such a sweet manner as they both learn how to be in a relationship while also working on their own problems. The story is written very well and is told in a way that could happen in real life. There’s no “that wouldn’t actually happen” moments. I loved the humor as well as the relationships that formed between others other members of the town. Griffin original came to Moss Creek to connect with his adult son and he got so much more in the end!

5 star writing and 5 star story line! Can’t wait for the next one!
Profile Image for R.J. House.
302 reviews10 followers
June 19, 2023
I am a big fan of Janice Whiteaker’s Cowboys… and Griffin Fraley, Troy’s (No Coming Back) silver fox father, is no exception! Griffin is working hard to mend his past and falls fast for bakery owner Dianna who is working to slay her own demons. The pair come face to face with the fact change is hard, and not without tribulations and hard work, but the happily ever after is so worth it.

No Going Back is the seventh book in the Cowboys of Moss Creek series of shared world standalones. You can absolutely read it as a standalone if you must. But why? If you love authentic characters, both male and female, who are working their stuff out for themselves and with each other, you’ll want to read the entire series, anyway!
460 reviews5 followers
October 28, 2025
No Going Back by Janice Whiteaker is a beautifully balanced blend of sensuality, second chances, and emotional honesty. With magnetic chemistry between Dianna and Griffin, Whiteaker crafts a story that’s as much about healing and redemption as it is about passion and discovery.

Set against the small town charm of Moss Creek, the novel explores what happens when the heart dares to trust again after life’s disappointments. Dianna’s quiet resilience and Griffin’s rugged vulnerability make them irresistibly real, their connection both deeply intimate and refreshingly grounded. Whiteaker’s prose flows with warmth, humor, and insight, turning this story of love, forgiveness, and new beginnings into an unforgettable experience.
Profile Image for Julie's Romance Escape.
178 reviews8 followers
June 17, 2023
𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗵𝗼𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗸𝗶𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗻... 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝘁’𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗻.

After trying hard to stay away from the beautiful baker, Dianna, Griffin finally gave into temptation and found things hot and wet at the bakery and he has quite the surprising mouth when things get heated up.

I could relate to Dianna's pain she endured in her past. It was well written and realistic. Griffin has his own issues that stop him from emotionally connecting, but is determined to be what he needs to be for his son ... and Dianna.

Janice Whiteaker is always able to infuse her stories with real problems, emotions, and some serious heat. No Going Back is a fantastic read!
Profile Image for Sharon.
144 reviews
June 25, 2023
No Going Back by Janice Whiteaker is the latest entry in Cross Creek. It brings us back to revisit Griffin Fraley’s attempt to be there for the son he hadn’t known, Troy. The only problem is that Griffin’s eye has set its sights on the charming, troubled owner of The Baking Rack, Dianna. The pasts of both Griffin and Dianna keep them from finding their happily ever after with each other. Eventually, they learn the truth and work to figure out a way to move forward allowing Griffin to build a strong relationship with Troy while letting Dianna keep her independence. What a great entry into the series.
Profile Image for Sopha.
199 reviews14 followers
July 5, 2023
A beautiful read

This was my first Janice book and it was a wonderful discovery.

Griffin and Dianna’s story was just beautiful to read about. They tried to fight their intense attraction to concentrate on their goals, but we know how that goes.

They move to Moss Creek with their own luggage of past trauma and issues in order to start anew, but it is never easy to change. It doesn’t happen overnight out of sheer will alone, and meeting the right person does help immensely, but they are not a magic potion. Our protagonists are a great example.

I don’t like it much when pregnancy is used to solve problems, but it was fitting in this story for both Griffin and Dianna.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
1,043 reviews4 followers
January 6, 2026
Sizzling!

A silver fox business man and an insecure bakery owner make a spicy combination. Griffin is new to Moss Creek having moved there when he found out he had a grown son he has never met. Now he is determined to be the best father he can be. His history with relationships is not good so he has his work cut out for him. Diana is divorced and fighting to overcome the negative image of herself that others have put in her head. When Griffin and Diana meet, it is a challenge to stay away from each other. But when Griffin unknowingly buys the house next door to Diana staying as is no longer an option.
1,206 reviews
June 15, 2023
Dianna owns The Baking Rack Bakery.
Griffin owns a group of auto shops.
Troy is Griffin’s son.
Amelie is Troy’s wife.

Griffin and Dianna and slowly develop a friendship but both hesitate to move forward.
In this story we find Griffin dealing with the past ( finding out he had a son and
opening up communication in a relationship). Dianna has her own set of issues with her family and ex husband.

Can they overcome their past to have a Happily Ever After.

This book has romance, emotion, age gape romance and a second chance at love.

Great Job Janice Whittaker. !!!!!!
54 reviews4 followers
June 18, 2023
4.5 stars

This book gives second chance romance a whole new meaning. Even though Griffin and Dianna have never met, they are both overcoming their pasts and are drawn into each other's orbit. Neither are looking for a relationship, but they are both trying to learn from their past mistakes and be the best partner they can for the other while staying true to themselves.

Will a few unforeseen events be their undoing, or will they be able to push through and be better for each other and make things work?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.