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Holding On & Letting Go: Part 1
Not yet published
Expected 16 Sep 26
When all you’ve ever known is pain, love is only a fairy tale. And Coley Whittman has never believed in those.
Coley Whittman has spent her whole life protecting her little sister and trying to become as invisible as possible in the war zone she calls home; life has been anything but easy. When the adults in her life are intent on destroying everything around them, including Coley, it's clear that the only way to survive is freedom.
Like the lighthouse she loves, Coley’s been broken by life’s storms. Somehow, she’s still standing. If she can just hold on and keep pushing forward, she knows she can make it out. When the storm she never saw coming hits, will Coley make it out alive?
Silas Davies has always lived for the summers in Pebble Shore. But when his parents decide to take those away, he’s at risk of losing the one person he can’t live without. Waiting for the day he can finally live his life the way he wants, Silas is determined to set everything right.
Unbothered by his parents' demands and plans for his future, he’s setting his own path, unwilling to let go of the dreams he has for himself. Those dreams include Coley. She’s the light in his darkness, calling him home.
Coley and Silas have been best friends for years, despite being from different worlds. With everything broken, has holding on to that friendship kept them from realizing there’s freedom in letting go?
Perfect for fans of Penelope Douglas, L.J. Shen, and Bree L. Mina, Holding On & Letting Go by Alisha N. Cook is a two-part contemporary romance about navigating life's treacherous storms and finding a way through even amid chaos. The book contains dark and mature content and is not recommended for young readers. Please be sure to read all trigger warnings before reading. A full list can be found on the author's website and in the book.
Coley Whittman has spent her whole life protecting her little sister and trying to become as invisible as possible in the war zone she calls home; life has been anything but easy. When the adults in her life are intent on destroying everything around them, including Coley, it's clear that the only way to survive is freedom.
Like the lighthouse she loves, Coley’s been broken by life’s storms. Somehow, she’s still standing. If she can just hold on and keep pushing forward, she knows she can make it out. When the storm she never saw coming hits, will Coley make it out alive?
Silas Davies has always lived for the summers in Pebble Shore. But when his parents decide to take those away, he’s at risk of losing the one person he can’t live without. Waiting for the day he can finally live his life the way he wants, Silas is determined to set everything right.
Unbothered by his parents' demands and plans for his future, he’s setting his own path, unwilling to let go of the dreams he has for himself. Those dreams include Coley. She’s the light in his darkness, calling him home.
Coley and Silas have been best friends for years, despite being from different worlds. With everything broken, has holding on to that friendship kept them from realizing there’s freedom in letting go?
Perfect for fans of Penelope Douglas, L.J. Shen, and Bree L. Mina, Holding On & Letting Go by Alisha N. Cook is a two-part contemporary romance about navigating life's treacherous storms and finding a way through even amid chaos. The book contains dark and mature content and is not recommended for young readers. Please be sure to read all trigger warnings before reading. A full list can be found on the author's website and in the book.
367 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication September 16, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
August 31, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
5/5🌟
You know those books that put you through it emotionally? That leave you staring at the wall? That make you think about it for days after you read it? Yeah. Those are 5⭐️ books. And this is one of them. Is it an easy, feel-good story? Absolutely not. This is a heavy hitter and has dark themes that can be hard to read but the story is so good. I believe that the author is truly setting up a beautiful redemption story and I cannot wait to read it! I highly recommend checking your trigger warnings before diving in because it certainly contains some tough themes. But wow, the character development and the way the author absolutely sucked me in and made me not want to put this book down! The way she handled the emotion and trauma with such tender care, oh man. And sweet Silas…the MMC that we all need. If you are able to read darker themes and heavy reads then I certainly recommend this debut book! Again, please check your TW and know that there is open door explicit scenes. Thank you to the author for the eARC. This voluntary review is my honest thoughts and opinions about the book. This story is told in dual POV and switches back and forth between the MMC and the FMC.
“Regardless of what those choices were, I always followed my heart. Always. What I found is that it led me down the wrong path. Every. Single. Time.”
“I was beginning to understand that people would buy any story if it meant they could look the other way. And I hated it.”
“It was a difficult task, to walk away from oblivion and reenter the land of the living.”
“When I was younger, I didn’t know that the abuse would leave scars on more than just my body. The bruises were just temporary reminders of the pain, though. My memories were where the real damage was stored.”
5/5🌟
You know those books that put you through it emotionally? That leave you staring at the wall? That make you think about it for days after you read it? Yeah. Those are 5⭐️ books. And this is one of them. Is it an easy, feel-good story? Absolutely not. This is a heavy hitter and has dark themes that can be hard to read but the story is so good. I believe that the author is truly setting up a beautiful redemption story and I cannot wait to read it! I highly recommend checking your trigger warnings before diving in because it certainly contains some tough themes. But wow, the character development and the way the author absolutely sucked me in and made me not want to put this book down! The way she handled the emotion and trauma with such tender care, oh man. And sweet Silas…the MMC that we all need. If you are able to read darker themes and heavy reads then I certainly recommend this debut book! Again, please check your TW and know that there is open door explicit scenes. Thank you to the author for the eARC. This voluntary review is my honest thoughts and opinions about the book. This story is told in dual POV and switches back and forth between the MMC and the FMC.
“Regardless of what those choices were, I always followed my heart. Always. What I found is that it led me down the wrong path. Every. Single. Time.”
“I was beginning to understand that people would buy any story if it meant they could look the other way. And I hated it.”
“It was a difficult task, to walk away from oblivion and reenter the land of the living.”
“When I was younger, I didn’t know that the abuse would leave scars on more than just my body. The bruises were just temporary reminders of the pain, though. My memories were where the real damage was stored.”
August 29, 2026
Alisha did a fantastic job with her debut novel. This was definitely an emotional rollercoaster for me. My heart was melting over the sweet childhood friendship that grew over the years. The darker aspects tore my heart open. I wanted to cry, rage and scream all at the same time. I feel like a feral beast when anyone hurts someone I love and I had that same feeling for Coley.
I adore Silas, he can do no wrong in my eyes from this point on. Actions mean more than words and what he did for Coley was everything.
The ending! It’s going to be on my mind for a long time. I’ll definitely be reading part 2, I need to know how the story continues!
If you can read darker aspects and sensitive topics I recommend you check this out.
Check the trigger warnings.
I adore Silas, he can do no wrong in my eyes from this point on. Actions mean more than words and what he did for Coley was everything.
The ending! It’s going to be on my mind for a long time. I’ll definitely be reading part 2, I need to know how the story continues!
If you can read darker aspects and sensitive topics I recommend you check this out.
Check the trigger warnings.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Holding on & Letting Go is a slow-burn friends to more situationship set in the small coastal town of Pebble Shore. The story follows the troubled Coley Whittman, her sister Laila, and best friend Silas on their tumultuous journey from age 10 to early adulthood. The writer does an impeccable job of telling the hard truths too many go through while delivering a plot that will leave you refusing to stop reading, and possibly some whiplash.
This book has some scenes which the author points out in the beginning that you can skip if they’re too difficult. While difficult to read, they address real struggles too many people face. The writing is done in a way that not only delivers the story, but makes you feel real emotions. This book will take you through all the emotions. The ending left me staring at the wall with tears in my eyes and full of true pain for the characters. I couldn’t put it down and then read it more than once. It is an amazing book that will surely have you begging for more. The second book cannot be finished quick enough!
This book has some scenes which the author points out in the beginning that you can skip if they’re too difficult. While difficult to read, they address real struggles too many people face. The writing is done in a way that not only delivers the story, but makes you feel real emotions. This book will take you through all the emotions. The ending left me staring at the wall with tears in my eyes and full of true pain for the characters. I couldn’t put it down and then read it more than once. It is an amazing book that will surely have you begging for more. The second book cannot be finished quick enough!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow! This book. A debut novel & one that was done so well. This is a heavy book & covers some dark topics, so please check your triggers!
This story is heartbreaking. Watching Coley’s journey & everything she has endured from an early age, just broke my heart & made me feel so many emotions.
Unfortunately this book hit close to home for me & made me feel it so deeply. While it is a heavy book, it also has the most beautiful aspects of friendship & hope. I absolutely loved the friendship & relationship between Silas & Coley. Everyone needs a friend like Si!!
This book took me for such an emotional ride & the twists thrown in kept me wanting more!! I cannot wait to see what book 2 has in store. Emotions, friendship, and a story about overcoming dark times. This wasn’t an easy read, but it’s one I’d definitely recommend!
Thank you Alisha for the early arc opportunity!!
This story is heartbreaking. Watching Coley’s journey & everything she has endured from an early age, just broke my heart & made me feel so many emotions.
Unfortunately this book hit close to home for me & made me feel it so deeply. While it is a heavy book, it also has the most beautiful aspects of friendship & hope. I absolutely loved the friendship & relationship between Silas & Coley. Everyone needs a friend like Si!!
This book took me for such an emotional ride & the twists thrown in kept me wanting more!! I cannot wait to see what book 2 has in store. Emotions, friendship, and a story about overcoming dark times. This wasn’t an easy read, but it’s one I’d definitely recommend!
Thank you Alisha for the early arc opportunity!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was honored to be able to ARC read this debut novel, by Alisha N. Cook! You are definitely going to need some tissues for this one, because this book tore my heart out in all of the best of ways! I was immediately invested in the book from page one! Alisha’s writing is not only well crafted, but at times almost poetic!
Cook created such depth to every single one of these characters. Everything that these characters go through is described with such detail and care, that it makes you feel like you are almost experiencing it right alongside them. Coley is such an incredibly strong character, and I loved her so much. My heart broke for her, as she struggles to not only be a parent and safe place for her sister, but still keep going after everything horrible that she went through.
And Silas?! Don’t even get me started! I was definitely swooning all over the place for this man!! The things that this man does for Coley is TOP TIER book boyfriend material worthy. Both main characters have such a beautiful connection and friendship. I love the way he just knows when Coley needs him, even being miles away. I cannot wait to see what book 2 has in store for them!!! 🫶🏻
Though I shed A LOT of tears, I also giggled a few times from Coley’s sass or the characters inner dialogue.
There are also several very heartfelt moments that will tug at those heart strings of yours! It is a story of resilience, and holding on to hope even when the world seems to be being consumed by darkness.
Alisha, thank you for letting me be apart of your debut journey! I am so proud of you, and this amazing book that you have written! 💗 I will read anything you write!
Cook created such depth to every single one of these characters. Everything that these characters go through is described with such detail and care, that it makes you feel like you are almost experiencing it right alongside them. Coley is such an incredibly strong character, and I loved her so much. My heart broke for her, as she struggles to not only be a parent and safe place for her sister, but still keep going after everything horrible that she went through.
And Silas?! Don’t even get me started! I was definitely swooning all over the place for this man!! The things that this man does for Coley is TOP TIER book boyfriend material worthy. Both main characters have such a beautiful connection and friendship. I love the way he just knows when Coley needs him, even being miles away. I cannot wait to see what book 2 has in store for them!!! 🫶🏻
Though I shed A LOT of tears, I also giggled a few times from Coley’s sass or the characters inner dialogue.
There are also several very heartfelt moments that will tug at those heart strings of yours! It is a story of resilience, and holding on to hope even when the world seems to be being consumed by darkness.
Alisha, thank you for letting me be apart of your debut journey! I am so proud of you, and this amazing book that you have written! 💗 I will read anything you write!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Was this an emotionally easy book to read? No, but that’s also why I thought it was so good. These topics aren't easy to touch on, but I feel the author handled them with enough respect to keep it real. I strongly recommend reading your trigger warnings before diving in.
At the core, this book is about a friendship and blossoming love that, in Coley & Silas's young lives so far, have withstood some very difficult challenges. It’s about struggling through some of the darkest moments and keeping moving forward. Book two promises a healing journey, but in this one, you experience all the pain.
This is a debut author, and she did such a great job that if you can handle the dark, I highly recommend giving it a try!
At the core, this book is about a friendship and blossoming love that, in Coley & Silas's young lives so far, have withstood some very difficult challenges. It’s about struggling through some of the darkest moments and keeping moving forward. Book two promises a healing journey, but in this one, you experience all the pain.
This is a debut author, and she did such a great job that if you can handle the dark, I highly recommend giving it a try!
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5⭐️ rounded up
Oh my heart. This was a tough one for sure. Coley has not had an easy life, and her best friend Silas is the one person she can count on. Silas is everything you could want in a best friend or partner. These two have an incredible relationship. My heart broke for everything that Coley had gone through. I was in tears by the last few chapters. This was so beautifully written and Alisha handled all these tough topics so well and with so much care.
I am so lucky to have been chosen as an early reader for this story. Thank you so much to Alisha for this opportunity!!!
Oh my heart. This was a tough one for sure. Coley has not had an easy life, and her best friend Silas is the one person she can count on. Silas is everything you could want in a best friend or partner. These two have an incredible relationship. My heart broke for everything that Coley had gone through. I was in tears by the last few chapters. This was so beautifully written and Alisha handled all these tough topics so well and with so much care.
I am so lucky to have been chosen as an early reader for this story. Thank you so much to Alisha for this opportunity!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I'm not even sure where to start. I have been in a reading slump for well over a year due to a tramatic accident and this book right here pulled me from it faster than anything else Ive ever read.
From the start this book grabs you and has you in a choke hold tighter than any animal or human can produce. It was incredible, well written, fast paced and Silias, my god Silias. Ha, Silias is nice.
The ending comes fast and the reader better be ready! This book is easily one of the best Ive read in awhile and I can not wait to add it to my little library!
From the start this book grabs you and has you in a choke hold tighter than any animal or human can produce. It was incredible, well written, fast paced and Silias, my god Silias. Ha, Silias is nice.
The ending comes fast and the reader better be ready! This book is easily one of the best Ive read in awhile and I can not wait to add it to my little library!
Review of advance copy
This debut novel from Alisha Cook is one you're definitely going to need to bring some tissues for. Follow along in Coley’s journey through childhood to young adulthood, where she endures some things that would break even the hardest person. Her green flag friend Silas is just the right mix of book boyfriend every girl needs..caring and fiercely protective. And the plot twist is just chef's kiss *
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC READ - RTC
Review of advance copy received from Author
If you’re looking for a book that will emotionally put you through the wringer, this is it! (Check your triggers)
This debut novel is emotionally hard to read at times, but tells a heart wrenching love story between our FMC Coley and MMC Silas. ♥️
Growing up spending summers together, they form a bond that nothing could break. Silas is the biggest golden retriever / teddy bear and a true rock for Coley who has been neglected and forced to grow up before way before her time. There were tears, laughs, and plot twists that I didn’t see coming. If you love when he falls first or when he will literally burn the whole world down for her; this is a book you don’t want to miss!
Thank you to Alisha for letting me have a sneak peek into Pebble Shores!! 🌊☀️
This debut novel is emotionally hard to read at times, but tells a heart wrenching love story between our FMC Coley and MMC Silas. ♥️
Growing up spending summers together, they form a bond that nothing could break. Silas is the biggest golden retriever / teddy bear and a true rock for Coley who has been neglected and forced to grow up before way before her time. There were tears, laughs, and plot twists that I didn’t see coming. If you love when he falls first or when he will literally burn the whole world down for her; this is a book you don’t want to miss!
Thank you to Alisha for letting me have a sneak peek into Pebble Shores!! 🌊☀️
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews