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No Turning Back
Dear Reader,
No Turning Back is a romantic suspense novel I wrote early in my career. It was originally published in the 90s as If You Believe, under the pseudonym Nancy Kelly. I’m thrilled that it’s now available again in this repackaged edition.
They find the body deep in the woods, lying beneath a carpet of wet leaves, eyes still open in a sightless stare. Three dark stains across his chest, and another bullet hole in his forehead.
Child psychologist Liz Havers made a mistake sixteen years ago, and she’s ready to face it. That means confronting Detective Hawthorne “Hawk” Hart, who’s come back to Woodside, Washington, after a case in LA went tragically wrong. His teenage son, Jesse, is finding it difficult to adjust, and stumbling across a dead man doesn’t help.
Bad things never used to happen in the small town of Woodside. Now no one is safe. And the more Hawk tries to untangle a terrifying web of greed and murder, the more desperate his adversary becomes to hide the truth, even if that means killing again and again . . .
With its new title and new cover, No Turning Back feels like a whole new book to me—one I hope you will enjoy as much as I do.
Nancy Bush
No Turning Back is a romantic suspense novel I wrote early in my career. It was originally published in the 90s as If You Believe, under the pseudonym Nancy Kelly. I’m thrilled that it’s now available again in this repackaged edition.
They find the body deep in the woods, lying beneath a carpet of wet leaves, eyes still open in a sightless stare. Three dark stains across his chest, and another bullet hole in his forehead.
Child psychologist Liz Havers made a mistake sixteen years ago, and she’s ready to face it. That means confronting Detective Hawthorne “Hawk” Hart, who’s come back to Woodside, Washington, after a case in LA went tragically wrong. His teenage son, Jesse, is finding it difficult to adjust, and stumbling across a dead man doesn’t help.
Bad things never used to happen in the small town of Woodside. Now no one is safe. And the more Hawk tries to untangle a terrifying web of greed and murder, the more desperate his adversary becomes to hide the truth, even if that means killing again and again . . .
With its new title and new cover, No Turning Back feels like a whole new book to me—one I hope you will enjoy as much as I do.
Nancy Bush
305 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 1997
119 people are currently reading
213 people want to read
About the author
Nancy Bush
90 books1,108 followersNancy Bush is a New York Times bestselling author of over forty novels, including the River Glen Series, Nowhere Series, and numerous stand alone novels. She also is the co-author of Last Breath, Last Girl Standing, and the Wicked Series, written with her sister and bestselling author Lisa Jackson, as well as the collaborative novels Sinister and Ominous, written with Lisa Jackson and Rosalind Noonan.
Nancy has called Oregon her home all of her life. She grew up in a small logging community and after graduating from high school, attended Oregon State University where she met her husband, Ken and graduated with a degree in nutrition. They married a few years after graduation and together they have one daughter. After working in banking and the travel business, with her daughter still in diapers, Nancy read an article in Time Magazine about young mothers who, once the last diaper was changed and the final bottle was washed, pulled out their typewriters and wrote romance novels for the then expanding market. Nancy convinced her sister, Lisa Jackson, that they should try their hand at writing.
After writing several successful romance novels such as Lady Sundown, Miracle Jones, Jesse’s Renegade and Scandal’s Darling and a stint writing for one of ABC’s top-rated daytime shows: All My Children, she turned her attention to writing thrillers for Kensington Publishing. Today, her books appear on The New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly national bestseller lists.
In her free time Nancy enjoys walking, working on jigsaw and crossword puzzles and hanging out with family and friends. When she and Ken aren’t visiting their daughter and grandchildren in Southern California, Nancy is busy working on her next book!
Visit https://www.NancyBush.net where you can find a Media Kit with photos and more information.
Nancy has called Oregon her home all of her life. She grew up in a small logging community and after graduating from high school, attended Oregon State University where she met her husband, Ken and graduated with a degree in nutrition. They married a few years after graduation and together they have one daughter. After working in banking and the travel business, with her daughter still in diapers, Nancy read an article in Time Magazine about young mothers who, once the last diaper was changed and the final bottle was washed, pulled out their typewriters and wrote romance novels for the then expanding market. Nancy convinced her sister, Lisa Jackson, that they should try their hand at writing.
After writing several successful romance novels such as Lady Sundown, Miracle Jones, Jesse’s Renegade and Scandal’s Darling and a stint writing for one of ABC’s top-rated daytime shows: All My Children, she turned her attention to writing thrillers for Kensington Publishing. Today, her books appear on The New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly national bestseller lists.
In her free time Nancy enjoys walking, working on jigsaw and crossword puzzles and hanging out with family and friends. When she and Ken aren’t visiting their daughter and grandchildren in Southern California, Nancy is busy working on her next book!
Visit https://www.NancyBush.net where you can find a Media Kit with photos and more information.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
December 14, 2017
No Turning Back by Nancy Bush is a mystery/thriller read that was first published twenty years ago but is being given a second life with a bit of revamping. Of course I wondered if there wouldn’t be glaring red flags that dated the story within when picking this one up but thankfully it has stood the test of time. The only thing really would possibly be updating with putting in more of the electronics of this era but a lot of books written today may leave that type of thing out.
Now the story in this book really feels like it falls into the romantic suspense category since the main characters have a shared history that is brought forth. Liz and Hawk has a brief fling years before resulting in a son that Hawk is now raising. Liz had returned to the town hoping to meet her son that she gave up being a teen at the time but little does she know she had already stumbled into meeting him. The past history leads to some steamy moments in the current but truth be told I was kind of iffy on this relationship, seemed that now as adults the pair might control themselves a tad better.
As far as the mystery within the book the teens in the story find a body that has been riddled with bullets and are scared to contact the authorities going to Liz for advice. Once the investigation into the murder begins it bordered on an outcome that seemed might be a bit far fetched but certainly different. There was a nice little last moment twist though that seemed fitting to the story. In the end I’d give this one 3.5 stars and felt it was an OK read overall.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
Now the story in this book really feels like it falls into the romantic suspense category since the main characters have a shared history that is brought forth. Liz and Hawk has a brief fling years before resulting in a son that Hawk is now raising. Liz had returned to the town hoping to meet her son that she gave up being a teen at the time but little does she know she had already stumbled into meeting him. The past history leads to some steamy moments in the current but truth be told I was kind of iffy on this relationship, seemed that now as adults the pair might control themselves a tad better.
As far as the mystery within the book the teens in the story find a body that has been riddled with bullets and are scared to contact the authorities going to Liz for advice. Once the investigation into the murder begins it bordered on an outcome that seemed might be a bit far fetched but certainly different. There was a nice little last moment twist though that seemed fitting to the story. In the end I’d give this one 3.5 stars and felt it was an OK read overall.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
March 2, 2018
Child psychologist Liz Havers is back in her hometown to acquaint herself with her son that she gave up when she was a seventeen year old ,who is being raised his dad Detective Hawk. Soon though her son and his friends come across a dead body in the woods and there is a race against time to catch the killer before somebody else gets hurt.
No Turning Back is romantic suspense story with some twists and an unexpected ending. A 3 ½ star rating for a fast decent mystery
I would like to thank Kensington Books/ Zebra & NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and fair review.
This and more reviews at https://chloesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
No Turning Back is romantic suspense story with some twists and an unexpected ending. A 3 ½ star rating for a fast decent mystery
I would like to thank Kensington Books/ Zebra & NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and fair review.
This and more reviews at https://chloesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
May 13, 2020
This Romantic Suspense was first published in the 90s under the pseudonym of Nancy Kelly as IF YOU BELIEVE.
Two teenage boys find the body of a man who was shot 3 times and left in the woods. The boys are scared they might be blamed, and one of them is the son of the local police detective. eventually they turn to Liz Havers, child psychologist, new to the area.
But Liz has an agenda. Sixteen years ago she had a relationship with Detective Hawthorne "Hawk" Hart, resulting in a son that she gave up to Hart. Jesse his one of the boys who found the body, and neither he nor Liz know that he is actually her son.
No one is safe. And the more Hawk tries to untangle a terrifying web of greed and murder, the more desperate his adversary becomes to hide the truth, even if that means killing again and again.
Nancy Bush is one of my favorite Romantic Suspense authors. Her plots are tightly woven with colorful characters and a nice balance between the romance and suspense. Twist and turns keep one's attention, as well as watching the suspects and trying to guess who's lying.
Many thanks to the author, Kensington Books, Netgalley for the digital copy of this Romantic Suspense. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
December 1, 2017
Thank you NetGalley for the copy of No Turning Back by Nancy Bush that I read and reviewed.
This book was a reprint for Nancy Bush from the 90's and it was sort of strange reading a book from that long ago. It talked about things that were popular then like they were current and it was a bit confusing at times. But, putting that aside this was a pretty good book that showed how Bush's style has evolved and frankly gotten a lot better over the years.
This story was pretty good and I enjoyed it. I am giving No Turning Back four out of five stars.
This book was a reprint for Nancy Bush from the 90's and it was sort of strange reading a book from that long ago. It talked about things that were popular then like they were current and it was a bit confusing at times. But, putting that aside this was a pretty good book that showed how Bush's style has evolved and frankly gotten a lot better over the years.
This story was pretty good and I enjoyed it. I am giving No Turning Back four out of five stars.
July 5, 2025
3.25/3.5 stars
Great premise with the main character being a therapist for teens. There are some suspenseful moments in the book, but you can tell this is an earlier work of the author.
Great premise with the main character being a therapist for teens. There are some suspenseful moments in the book, but you can tell this is an earlier work of the author.
November 29, 2017
Suspense, mystery, romance - Nancy Bush's books have it all. A fast paced page turner. Gripped me from the first page to the last sentence. The ending was a surprise to me. The characters and story are great and I hope we see more of them in the future. Thanks to NetGalley, Kensington and the Author for allowing me to read and review this book.
December 19, 2017
No Turning Back by author Nancy Bush starts with Barney Turgate in the woods at night waiting to meet with an unnamed person to discuss one of his real estate deals. 'Barn' never thought the whisper he had heard six months earlier that he expected to bring a windfall of fortune for him would now be the death of him!
Liz Havers is the newly hired resident psychologist at local Woodside High School. She has secrets in her past, she has regrets, and she has a plan to bring her life into focus and peace.
This story is so interesting you don't want to stop reading. There is a mystery, murder, friendships, and broken hearts. Can all these factors come together to resolve a mistake in Liz's past when she was 17 years old and bring a new beginning for her?
Young Jesse and Brad slip out to the woods after dark to smoke. They were bored and trying to decide on some type of fun mischief before they have to go home. While the boys are engaging in a bit of a wrestle under the damp tree branches Jesse sees a shoe, then a foot, then a body!
Liz Havers is the newly hired resident psychologist at local Woodside High School. She has secrets in her past, she has regrets, and she has a plan to bring her life into focus and peace.
This story is so interesting you don't want to stop reading. There is a mystery, murder, friendships, and broken hearts. Can all these factors come together to resolve a mistake in Liz's past when she was 17 years old and bring a new beginning for her?
Young Jesse and Brad slip out to the woods after dark to smoke. They were bored and trying to decide on some type of fun mischief before they have to go home. While the boys are engaging in a bit of a wrestle under the damp tree branches Jesse sees a shoe, then a foot, then a body!
January 1, 2018
Liz Havers, now a child psychologist of the school in which she graduated sixteen years previous has returned to Woodside, Washington to face Detective Hawthorne "Hawk" Hart with whom she had a brief affair when she was seventeen. At the time, he was struggling with the loss of his young wife. Their affair produced a boy that Hawk insisted on raising given Liz's parents would not allow her to keep the baby. Hawk, who's also returned home recently after a tragic accident in the LAPD is struggling with the now sixteen year old Jesse. Jesse and his buddy, Brad, have discovered a body in the woods nearby and opted to inform Liz, with whom Brad has been consulting for his own teen problems.
When Liz advises the boys to report the find to the police, Liz is not aware that Jesse is the child she gave up. The conflict between Liz and Hawk only seems to fuel the intensity of re-aquaintance. She wants to get to know her boy--he'd rather she didn't.
The sullen Hawk appears antagonistic towards Liz, Jesse appears angry and sullen, and Liz is an emotional mess--back and forth from vowing never to talk to him to groaning with pleasure upon his touch. Oh, wait--he did the groaning--she did the moaning.
Dialogue is typical for teens, but included the over-use of "bit off" to curtail a conversation too often. Liz, Hawk, and Jesse were well developed, though the second issue with Hawk (that of the LA shooting) was not really settled. Liz is not particularly sympathetic and I could not connect. The antagonist is obvious and at the end, sure enough, was the bad guy. There are some interesting twists and a VERY unexpected ending after the ending you thought you'd read. (Very clever Ms. Bush.)
I received this download from the publisher and NetGalley and greatly appreciated the opportunity to read and review. Recommended for soft mystery fans with more than a few hints of romance.
See my full review on http://rosepointpublishing.com
When Liz advises the boys to report the find to the police, Liz is not aware that Jesse is the child she gave up. The conflict between Liz and Hawk only seems to fuel the intensity of re-aquaintance. She wants to get to know her boy--he'd rather she didn't.
The sullen Hawk appears antagonistic towards Liz, Jesse appears angry and sullen, and Liz is an emotional mess--back and forth from vowing never to talk to him to groaning with pleasure upon his touch. Oh, wait--he did the groaning--she did the moaning.
Dialogue is typical for teens, but included the over-use of "bit off" to curtail a conversation too often. Liz, Hawk, and Jesse were well developed, though the second issue with Hawk (that of the LA shooting) was not really settled. Liz is not particularly sympathetic and I could not connect. The antagonist is obvious and at the end, sure enough, was the bad guy. There are some interesting twists and a VERY unexpected ending after the ending you thought you'd read. (Very clever Ms. Bush.)
I received this download from the publisher and NetGalley and greatly appreciated the opportunity to read and review. Recommended for soft mystery fans with more than a few hints of romance.
See my full review on http://rosepointpublishing.com
December 23, 2017
No Turning Back by Nancy Bush
You know that good friend that is so very talented and shines so brightly amidst others? What if you were given the opportunity to see what that talented person’s abilities were like a quarter of a century ago when perhaps they were just starting out? And, you found that their early efforts were just as entertaining as the ones more recent? Well, that is what I felt had happened as I read this wonderful book!
I am a person who usually reads the end of a book before I begin or shortly after I begin reading a book. This time I did not AND I have to say that the twist was a BIG surprise. I had seen a review referring to it but had not expected it at all! That is a big deal for me…to be so surprised and happily so :)
Okay…the story…
This is a second chance at love love story with Liz and Hawk meeting up again after sixteen years and finding the chemistry is still there. Hawk has had a couple difficult times in his life and has recently moved back Woodside, Washington to try and regroup and in so doing plucked his teenage son out of all he knew – his son is acting out. Liz made a choice or two sixteen years ago that impacted her greatly. She moved on with her life but has hit a time when she has decided to return to Woodside where she hopes to make things right and reconnect with what she lost in the past. Of course this is MORE than a romance so there is a murder to begin with and then a few more murders and THEN the mystery to figure out of why the murders are happening and who the perpetrators are. Additionally there is angst and drama that only teens can provide. Oh, and illness, poachers, drugs and a whole lot more that all tie together to make an entertaining, suspenseful and educational read.
This book is as relevant today as it was when it was written and I want to thank NetGalley and Kensington Books-Zebra for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4.5 Stars
You know that good friend that is so very talented and shines so brightly amidst others? What if you were given the opportunity to see what that talented person’s abilities were like a quarter of a century ago when perhaps they were just starting out? And, you found that their early efforts were just as entertaining as the ones more recent? Well, that is what I felt had happened as I read this wonderful book!
I am a person who usually reads the end of a book before I begin or shortly after I begin reading a book. This time I did not AND I have to say that the twist was a BIG surprise. I had seen a review referring to it but had not expected it at all! That is a big deal for me…to be so surprised and happily so :)
Okay…the story…
This is a second chance at love love story with Liz and Hawk meeting up again after sixteen years and finding the chemistry is still there. Hawk has had a couple difficult times in his life and has recently moved back Woodside, Washington to try and regroup and in so doing plucked his teenage son out of all he knew – his son is acting out. Liz made a choice or two sixteen years ago that impacted her greatly. She moved on with her life but has hit a time when she has decided to return to Woodside where she hopes to make things right and reconnect with what she lost in the past. Of course this is MORE than a romance so there is a murder to begin with and then a few more murders and THEN the mystery to figure out of why the murders are happening and who the perpetrators are. Additionally there is angst and drama that only teens can provide. Oh, and illness, poachers, drugs and a whole lot more that all tie together to make an entertaining, suspenseful and educational read.
This book is as relevant today as it was when it was written and I want to thank NetGalley and Kensington Books-Zebra for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4.5 Stars
November 11, 2023
This is a book Nancy first published in the 90s and back then it had a different title. I never read that version, but this one was really great! It’s a mystery mixed with romantic suspense. It’s about a psychologist who gave up her son and moves to a small town hoping to find him. Two teenage boys find a body in the woods and everyone tries to solve the mystery of who did it and why. More happens but I won’t spoil it for those that haven’t read it yet. Like I said before, I thought was a really great book.
October 24, 2018
I realize this is an early book that has been republished under a different name. That being said I had a tough time with this one. It almost seemed to me that Liz Havers one of the main characters in the book was only thinking of herself. Granted it starts when she is only 17 but when the main bukl of the book is when she is in her 30's just totally turned me off. It seemed as if there were two different plots and stories being told.
December 1, 2017
This was a book written by Nancy Bush in the 90’s under the name Nancy Kelly. It is a good book with a fast paced plot. It has good characters and has plenty of twists and turn that will will hold your interest to the end of the story. There is a surprise at the end of the book. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.
December 24, 2017
No Turning Back is a re-release of an older book by Nancy Bush. It is a mystery/thriller that keeps your attention from the beginning. The plot is fast paced & has plenty of twists & turns. There are a couple of plots running simultaneously & they keep you on your toes. Another great story by a terrific author!
January 9, 2018
Oh my what a thrilling ...novel
Imagine flying a kite that lands in a tree and trying to untangle the string..Nancy Bush has the ability to weave and endless web that snares the reader and holds them in suspense until the very end of the story...this was a great read....
Imagine flying a kite that lands in a tree and trying to untangle the string..Nancy Bush has the ability to weave and endless web that snares the reader and holds them in suspense until the very end of the story...this was a great read....
February 1, 2018
I have to say a great Bush book. I had a hard time putting it down when my reading time didn't permit. The story line moved smoothly, and an ending I hadn't expected. The endings rarely surprise me, and it makes me step back and reflect on the story line again. Good job Nancy!!!
February 18, 2018
as always Nancy bush delivers an amazing read. this one was wrapped up more nicely than i'm used to but it was still amazing. her writing and storylines keep me from being able to put the book down. I'm always hooked. I loved reading from a teenagers point of view as well.
November 24, 2017
I read this book under the title of No Turning Back written by author Nancy Bush. Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the advance copy.
February 23, 2018
Oh my goodness an amazing book, has to be the best one yet! Nancy Bush has done it again!!
March 22, 2018
NO TURNING BACK
I always enjoy books by Nancy Bush, this one w not an exception-even a little dated it was e good. Nice romance, good suspense.
I always enjoy books by Nancy Bush, this one w not an exception-even a little dated it was e good. Nice romance, good suspense.
June 6, 2018
Good book
I enjoyed reading this book. I will certainly read more from this author. Recommend this book to others to enjoy.
I enjoyed reading this book. I will certainly read more from this author. Recommend this book to others to enjoy.
June 11, 2024
Good read. The byplay between Liz and Hawk was good.
June 30, 2025
Same
No Turning Back & If you believe
No Turning Back & If you believe
December 20, 2017
Good characters and interesting story. Mixed up twisted people but all comes good in the end .
Read
January 9, 2018This took forever to get through. I normally really enjoy this author,but this was painful. I didn't care about most of the characters. There was little development with them. There was not the usual suspense Nancy Bush excels in usually. I felt chained to this book,hence taking 8 days,when normally it would take two.
January 17, 2018
I completely devour anything this author writes, and this book was no different. Nancy Bush is a master of suspense, constantly leaving me on my seat, and this story was no different. Full of twists and turns, and a strong mystery in a place " nothing bad ever happens". This was definitely a page turner and a story I will be reading again and again.
February 11, 2018
Keeps you guessing from the beginning right through the last page. The small town has been invaded by decorative tree thieves and a murder mystery! Even the FBI is on the case, tromping on the toes of local law enforcement. Shots will be fired, names taken, and somebody's going to jail. All this while two people fall in love again.
Hawk has had his share of heartache and tragedy. He lost his wife before Liz was even out of high school. He lost himself in alcohol and a sweet young woman trying to ease the pain. Finding out that they had made a baby brought reality slamming back into him. As a cop, Hawk made a good life for his little family of two. When tragedy struck again he knew he needed to make a permanent change.
Liz struggled with both the decisions she made and the ones forced upon her. She coped by making something of herself and becoming a youth counselor. It has been sixteen years since she gave away her baby boy and now Liz wants to know him. As much as she want to run to her son and declare herself and her feelings, Liz will have to wade through the complex emotions and try to do what's right for them all.
I don't want to say I am unhappy with the ending but I didn't see it coming and will continue to think about it for several days. Big time book hangover.
Hawk has had his share of heartache and tragedy. He lost his wife before Liz was even out of high school. He lost himself in alcohol and a sweet young woman trying to ease the pain. Finding out that they had made a baby brought reality slamming back into him. As a cop, Hawk made a good life for his little family of two. When tragedy struck again he knew he needed to make a permanent change.
Liz struggled with both the decisions she made and the ones forced upon her. She coped by making something of herself and becoming a youth counselor. It has been sixteen years since she gave away her baby boy and now Liz wants to know him. As much as she want to run to her son and declare herself and her feelings, Liz will have to wade through the complex emotions and try to do what's right for them all.
I don't want to say I am unhappy with the ending but I didn't see it coming and will continue to think about it for several days. Big time book hangover.
Read
August 29, 2018Loved the premise but after 100 pages, nothing had really happened. I was quite bored by the mystery plot as it only very loosely connected to the hero and heroine. Not to mention that the hero and heroine weren't even on the page together until almost 100 pages in, and then it was 2 very brief interactions. Furthermore, if you're going to have a secret baby plot, don't leave it until the last 1/4 of the book for that grown up baby to realise who his parent is. So frustrating! What started out promising fell apart due to poor pacing, static characters, and lackluster relationship development. This was a DNF for me.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews