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Holding On & Letting Go: Part 1
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.
413 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 16, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
September 19, 2026
Ahh, I am so SO proud of Alisha and this book. She poured her heart and soul into this book and it bleeds through the pages!
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.”
September 5, 2026
This book was devastating. The story absolutely broke my heart in so many ways. The writing flowed well, the character development was so vivid and well written but the subject matter was really hard. I just can’t imagine the strength it takes to carry on with all the pain and suffering that Coley went through. I felt so sad that she never had a childhood and grew up being a mother to her sister, rather than being free to be herself. And that ending!!! Please check trigger warnings before reading. The book was amazing but the subject matter might be hard for some people. Your mental health matters!
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
“𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙙𝙞𝙨𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚. 𝙁𝙤𝙧𝙜𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚. 𝙉𝙤𝙬, 𝙄’𝙢 𝙡𝙚𝙛𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙥𝙞𝙘𝙠 𝙪𝙥 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙞𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙮 𝙗𝙧𝙤𝙠𝙚𝙣 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙢𝙮 𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙚𝙘𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙 𝙖𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙚.”
🅰🆁🅲 🆁🅴🆅🅸🅴🆆
𝐻𝑜𝓁𝒹𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒪𝓃 & 𝐿𝑒𝓉𝓉𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒢𝑜: 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝟭
✍🏼: 𝓐𝓵𝓲𝓼𝓱𝓪 𝓝. 𝓒𝓸𝓸𝓴
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
𝗘𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹. 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴.
𝗠𝗬 𝗣𝗢𝗢𝗥 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗧.
Alisha’s debut took me on such a rollercoaster ride of emotions, and that ending? Yeah…still reeling from that one.
Silas is the BIGGEST green flag, and I absolutely adore him. There is nothing he wouldn’t do for Coley, even if it means going against his own parents to stand by her. AND THAT’S A MAN RIGHT THERE.
But Coley…my sweet, sweet Coley. Boy, did I resonate with her so freaking much. There were so many moments where I just wanted to crawl into these pages, wrap her up, and take on the entire world for her. She goes through A LOT in this story, so please take the triggers and warnings seriously going into this one.
Now I’m just over here hoping Part 2 heals my poor little heart because Part 1 absolutely wrecked it.
🐚 ꜰʀɪᴇɴᴅꜱ ᴛᴏ ʟᴏᴠᴇʀꜱ
🌊 ꜱᴍᴀʟʟ ᴛᴏᴡɴ ᴄᴏᴀꜱᴛᴀʟ ᴠɪʙᴇꜱ
🐚 ᴡʜᴏ ᴅɪᴅ ᴛʜɪꜱ
🌊 ꜰᴏᴜɴᴅ ꜰᴀᴍɪʟʏ
🐚 ᴀɴxɪᴇᴛʏ/ᴅᴇᴘʀᴇꜱꜱɪᴏɴ/ ᴘᴛꜱᴅ ʀᴇᴘ
🌊 ʜᴇ ꜰᴀʟʟꜱ ꜰɪʀꜱᴛ
🐚 ʙʟᴀᴄᴋ ᴄᴀᴛ ꜰᴍᴄ x ᴄɪɴɴᴀᴍᴏɴ ʀᴏʟʟ ᴍᴍᴄ
🌊 ꜱʟᴏᴡ ʙᴜʀɴ
🅰🆁🅲 🆁🅴🆅🅸🅴🆆
𝐻𝑜𝓁𝒹𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒪𝓃 & 𝐿𝑒𝓉𝓉𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒢𝑜: 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝟭
✍🏼: 𝓐𝓵𝓲𝓼𝓱𝓪 𝓝. 𝓒𝓸𝓸𝓴
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
𝗘𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹. 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴.
𝗠𝗬 𝗣𝗢𝗢𝗥 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗧.
Alisha’s debut took me on such a rollercoaster ride of emotions, and that ending? Yeah…still reeling from that one.
Silas is the BIGGEST green flag, and I absolutely adore him. There is nothing he wouldn’t do for Coley, even if it means going against his own parents to stand by her. AND THAT’S A MAN RIGHT THERE.
But Coley…my sweet, sweet Coley. Boy, did I resonate with her so freaking much. There were so many moments where I just wanted to crawl into these pages, wrap her up, and take on the entire world for her. She goes through A LOT in this story, so please take the triggers and warnings seriously going into this one.
Now I’m just over here hoping Part 2 heals my poor little heart because Part 1 absolutely wrecked it.
🐚 ꜰʀɪᴇɴᴅꜱ ᴛᴏ ʟᴏᴠᴇʀꜱ
🌊 ꜱᴍᴀʟʟ ᴛᴏᴡɴ ᴄᴏᴀꜱᴛᴀʟ ᴠɪʙᴇꜱ
🐚 ᴡʜᴏ ᴅɪᴅ ᴛʜɪꜱ
🌊 ꜰᴏᴜɴᴅ ꜰᴀᴍɪʟʏ
🐚 ᴀɴxɪᴇᴛʏ/ᴅᴇᴘʀᴇꜱꜱɪᴏɴ/ ᴘᴛꜱᴅ ʀᴇᴘ
🌊 ʜᴇ ꜰᴀʟʟꜱ ꜰɪʀꜱᴛ
🐚 ʙʟᴀᴄᴋ ᴄᴀᴛ ꜰᴍᴄ x ᴄɪɴɴᴀᴍᴏɴ ʀᴏʟʟ ᴍᴍᴄ
🌊 ꜱʟᴏᴡ ʙᴜʀɴ
August 27, 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
This story is unique in the aspect you actually start when the characters are you and see some of what happens to Coley. With this i do recommend checking trigger warnings.
Poor Coley has it rough and her story isn't over yet. Her childhood is relatable and falls in line with common reactions to trauma and such. I definitely was not expecting the reveal that was given but curious to how they will tell her. The ending was heartbreaking and I am needing a part 2 as soon as its available.
This is a story that is raw and emotional from the start and isn't meant to just be pretty. But it's the start of it all. It shows the length, the way her emotions progressed, her reactions over the time, and how she gets to where she is at the end of the book. It shows the love, the loss, the lack of things she was provided. This is a story that can speak to hearts who have experienced something similar and it can also be triggering for some so please keep that in mind as it is mentioned at the start.
If you want a book that's raw and emotional, doesn't shy away from the experiences and circumstances, shows the depth of friendship and the heartbreak that happens as well as the emotional lifeline in a sense that covers from a young age to the current age and time then I'd recommend this one. Read the warnings at the start, dive in if it's your thing. I found that the story was worth it and honestly is one that is likely to stick with me since it was RAW, it was EMOTIONAL, and it didn't SHY AWAY from what happened but it also didn't glorify it, and it didn't just have the character shrugging off the feelings it elicited.
Poor Coley has it rough and her story isn't over yet. Her childhood is relatable and falls in line with common reactions to trauma and such. I definitely was not expecting the reveal that was given but curious to how they will tell her. The ending was heartbreaking and I am needing a part 2 as soon as its available.
This is a story that is raw and emotional from the start and isn't meant to just be pretty. But it's the start of it all. It shows the length, the way her emotions progressed, her reactions over the time, and how she gets to where she is at the end of the book. It shows the love, the loss, the lack of things she was provided. This is a story that can speak to hearts who have experienced something similar and it can also be triggering for some so please keep that in mind as it is mentioned at the start.
If you want a book that's raw and emotional, doesn't shy away from the experiences and circumstances, shows the depth of friendship and the heartbreak that happens as well as the emotional lifeline in a sense that covers from a young age to the current age and time then I'd recommend this one. Read the warnings at the start, dive in if it's your thing. I found that the story was worth it and honestly is one that is likely to stick with me since it was RAW, it was EMOTIONAL, and it didn't SHY AWAY from what happened but it also didn't glorify it, and it didn't just have the character shrugging off the feelings it elicited.
September 19, 2026
Stole a Piece of my Heart
This book completely stole a piece of my heart. Coley and Silas’s story is messy and painful, yet beautiful and real.
I found myself feeling so much for these characters—their struggles, their choices, their fears, and especially the love and friendship that continued to pull them back to each other.
A story about finding your way through the hardest seasons of life, learning who you are, and realizing that some connections are impossible to let go of.
Emotional, heartbreaking, beautiful, and full of heart. This is definitely one of those books that makes you feel—and those are always my favorite kind. ❤️📖
This book completely stole a piece of my heart. Coley and Silas’s story is messy and painful, yet beautiful and real.
I found myself feeling so much for these characters—their struggles, their choices, their fears, and especially the love and friendship that continued to pull them back to each other.
A story about finding your way through the hardest seasons of life, learning who you are, and realizing that some connections are impossible to let go of.
Emotional, heartbreaking, beautiful, and full of heart. This is definitely one of those books that makes you feel—and those are always my favorite kind. ❤️📖
September 17, 2026
I am officially filing a formal complaint against the author for emotional distress!
First came the tears. Then came the sweet, quiet moments of hope that made me think everything would be okay… and then it completely broke my heart. I’m devastated, but I’d read it all over again in a heartbeat.
Read if you need a book that will make you feel, Just bring tissues!
First came the tears. Then came the sweet, quiet moments of hope that made me think everything would be okay… and then it completely broke my heart. I’m devastated, but I’d read it all over again in a heartbeat.
Read if you need a book that will make you feel, Just bring tissues!
September 18, 2026
Alisha N. Cook, you have wrung all of my tears out of me with this story. You did an excellent job writing, and I’m completely lost for words after reading Coley and Silas’ story. Warning: have plenty of tissues handy.
September 21, 2026
ARC review:
Stars: 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🫑
Emotional damage: 💯🖤
I cannot believe “Holding On & Letting Go, Part 1” by Alisha N Cook is Alisha’s first published book. It is so well written and gives the characters the story they deserve. It was so easy to picture their lives and follow along with Coley and Silas. So easy that it wrecks you when the hard parts start to punch.
There are no punches pulled, no fade-to-black SA; you read and live the horror with Coley. You feel the anger of Silas when he goes “who did this to you?!”. And you have your heart broken time and time again. The first 18 chapters are HARD to emotionally process. I had to take a few days to get through them, but after that, the storyline changes and I flew through the rest of the book.
There are silver linings though, you hug Coley as she learns to heal, your morally grey heart can find vengeance, and you swoon with the love that Silas has for Coley, even when they’ve been ‘friend-zoned’ to each other for years:
“I loved Coley Whittman with every fiber of my soul, every cell of my body. Just thinking of how much I craved her left my chest tight. Before I even knew what love was, what it meant to be so consumed with love for someone, I loved her.” - Silas
I loved this book so much and I’m so ready for book 2. Book 1 does end on a moderate cliffhanger, hence the Part 1 of the title. I’ll be so excited to see how Coley and Silas’s journey continues when I get my hands on it!
Thanks Alisha for this fantastic opportunity to be able to read your first book! Forever grateful! 🖤
Stars: 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🫑
Emotional damage: 💯🖤
I cannot believe “Holding On & Letting Go, Part 1” by Alisha N Cook is Alisha’s first published book. It is so well written and gives the characters the story they deserve. It was so easy to picture their lives and follow along with Coley and Silas. So easy that it wrecks you when the hard parts start to punch.
There are no punches pulled, no fade-to-black SA; you read and live the horror with Coley. You feel the anger of Silas when he goes “who did this to you?!”. And you have your heart broken time and time again. The first 18 chapters are HARD to emotionally process. I had to take a few days to get through them, but after that, the storyline changes and I flew through the rest of the book.
There are silver linings though, you hug Coley as she learns to heal, your morally grey heart can find vengeance, and you swoon with the love that Silas has for Coley, even when they’ve been ‘friend-zoned’ to each other for years:
“I loved Coley Whittman with every fiber of my soul, every cell of my body. Just thinking of how much I craved her left my chest tight. Before I even knew what love was, what it meant to be so consumed with love for someone, I loved her.” - Silas
I loved this book so much and I’m so ready for book 2. Book 1 does end on a moderate cliffhanger, hence the Part 1 of the title. I’ll be so excited to see how Coley and Silas’s journey continues when I get my hands on it!
Thanks Alisha for this fantastic opportunity to be able to read your first book! Forever grateful! 🖤
Review of advance copy received from Author
Five stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Keeps you reading because you NEED to know more ✔️
And the ending that I didn’t see coming 🫣
Keeps you reading because you NEED to know more ✔️
And the ending that I didn’t see coming 🫣
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh my freaking word, what a gut wrenching, heart breaking story. I can't tell you the last time I cried so much reading a book. Everyone talks about The Last Letter, that book has nothing on this. Nothing.
Please, please for the love of God, read the trigger warnings. I tend to go in blind but boy, I was not prepared for this one.
Alisha, what a fabulous debut novel, I am truly blown away....
Please, please for the love of God, read the trigger warnings. I tend to go in blind but boy, I was not prepared for this one.
Alisha, what a fabulous debut novel, I am truly blown away....
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is one of those stories that has to sit with you for a moment as you give the characters space to be. You can't rush them and the processing of what happened to them.
The subject matter is heavy at times and emotions run high. I just want to wrap my arms around the FMC and take her home. I am grateful for the people in her life that took action and sat with her and helped her see she isn't alone. Her best friend is quite literally the BEST and I adore him. She just has to keep letting her found family in because they all are so amazing.
That being said....This is only part one, so we are very much dropped off a cliff at the end, but I am invested now and need to see these characters through their story. I WILL be back for the next part and hope that they are able to find the outcome they need and deserve. Until then, I'll be quietly thinking about of them. 💛
The subject matter is heavy at times and emotions run high. I just want to wrap my arms around the FMC and take her home. I am grateful for the people in her life that took action and sat with her and helped her see she isn't alone. Her best friend is quite literally the BEST and I adore him. She just has to keep letting her found family in because they all are so amazing.
That being said....This is only part one, so we are very much dropped off a cliff at the end, but I am invested now and need to see these characters through their story. I WILL be back for the next part and hope that they are able to find the outcome they need and deserve. Until then, I'll be quietly thinking about of them. 💛
Review of advance copy received from Author
FIVE STARS...An Epic debut novel that left me REELING in my emotions!! I had no expectations going into this book other than it was a darkish small town contemporary romance and it would hurt. Boy did this one hurt and I don't think I was prepared for the level of trauma the FMC would go through. You know when you get a book and it takes time to tell that backstory about the characters? Those are the books that really want you to know who they are, because when things happen in their lives that you were not prepared for it takes you through it emotionally. You feel what they feel and your heart shatters next to them. Coley's journey was never easy and never kind, with the exception of her times with Silas who was her childhood best friend. They had a bond that was unshakeable and Coley needed someone like that there for her. Coley also had her baby sister, that she always needed to protect and take care of. There were a few certain people within the community who were more family to Coley than her own mother and they never knew what happened to their father. This story shows you what life is like when you have a mother who doesn't care about her children and only cares where her next fix comes from. All the while jumping into relationship after relationship, none of them ever good for the kids and then marrying a man who's just like her or worse. Silas is the main MMC and Coley's constant (as much as he can be as a kid), and he is one of those guys we all wish we could have in our life. He is kind, loving, dedicated and fierce. When Silas grew up and the realizations he has about his feelings for Coley, something in him changes and grows into the person she needs to support and love her through anything. Silas's character ARC was also one of my favorite parts of this story. I wish I could tell you the depths of his love for Coley, but that would ruin the story for you. Trust that Silas is someone I would want in my life.
Coley's story takes you through her young childhood up to her nearing high school graduation in book 1. I think in this story Coley is the standout character for me. After al that she endures, she holds on with all she can...simply to protect the ones she loves. Even if it's at her own detriment. I cried, gasped, grieved and I laughed along with Coley throughout her journey. It felt like she was sitting next me telling me all her deepest secrets and pain. I wanted to reach out and hug her so many times. This is what a book should do, it should make you THINK about these characters and their lives. I don't know about you but if a book makes me feel genuine emotions for a character it's well written. I am so proud of Alisha for the book that she has written. I can hardly believe it's her debut book!! The thought and care she put into her character development, and the backstory that she wanted to tell was so well done. There are twists and turns you don't expect. That ENDING, my gods that ending...I'm not sure if I will recover from it. Coley and Silas's story is a duet, so I am desperately in need of Book 2.
TW Note: This book deals with some very dark and painful topics and scenes. Please read the author's trigger warnings before you read.
Thank you, Alisha for the gifted e-ARC of this book. I am so very glad to have read it and this review is of my own honest thoughts.
Coley's story takes you through her young childhood up to her nearing high school graduation in book 1. I think in this story Coley is the standout character for me. After al that she endures, she holds on with all she can...simply to protect the ones she loves. Even if it's at her own detriment. I cried, gasped, grieved and I laughed along with Coley throughout her journey. It felt like she was sitting next me telling me all her deepest secrets and pain. I wanted to reach out and hug her so many times. This is what a book should do, it should make you THINK about these characters and their lives. I don't know about you but if a book makes me feel genuine emotions for a character it's well written. I am so proud of Alisha for the book that she has written. I can hardly believe it's her debut book!! The thought and care she put into her character development, and the backstory that she wanted to tell was so well done. There are twists and turns you don't expect. That ENDING, my gods that ending...I'm not sure if I will recover from it. Coley and Silas's story is a duet, so I am desperately in need of Book 2.
TW Note: This book deals with some very dark and painful topics and scenes. Please read the author's trigger warnings before you read.
Thank you, Alisha for the gifted e-ARC of this book. I am so very glad to have read it and this review is of my own honest thoughts.
October 15, 2026
What do I love more than trauma bonding and age gaps?
Glad you asked, because I recently discovered small-town romance and first loves, and obstacles they fight to be together.
OMG, THE ANGST, THE SLOW BURN, THE CHEMISTRY!
The kind of chemistry that has you hearing Sebastian the crab singing, "Kiss the Girl!!"
This was a hard and heavy read, FOR SURE. Heed the warnings, y'all. She did her part by mentioning them, so take them to heart. Me? Apparently, I don't learn. This was a story I did NOT see coming. And knowing there was going to be a Part 2 probably would've made me slow down and save some reading for closer to the release. But nope! I read every second I could get, and I was NOT prepared!!
Coley(18). DAMN. If I ever had a friend or big sister like her, I would conquer the world just to make her proud. She deserved some peace, and this story was NOT going to give it to her easily.
Thankfully, that seven-year-old boy who never forgot about her and yearned for her nonstop stuck around.
INSERT MY MAN SILAS( Now 20),
He lives three hours away but comes to town to spend his birthday with his best friend, only to finally be let in on her secret. And from there, you get to watch what love and a TRUE family will do for someone they love.
I can't spoil it for you, but I WILL tell you this: I'm actually going to be holding my breath while waiting for Part 2 because YOUR GIRL HAS GOT TO KNOW!!!!
Glad you asked, because I recently discovered small-town romance and first loves, and obstacles they fight to be together.
OMG, THE ANGST, THE SLOW BURN, THE CHEMISTRY!
The kind of chemistry that has you hearing Sebastian the crab singing, "Kiss the Girl!!"
This was a hard and heavy read, FOR SURE. Heed the warnings, y'all. She did her part by mentioning them, so take them to heart. Me? Apparently, I don't learn. This was a story I did NOT see coming. And knowing there was going to be a Part 2 probably would've made me slow down and save some reading for closer to the release. But nope! I read every second I could get, and I was NOT prepared!!
Coley(18). DAMN. If I ever had a friend or big sister like her, I would conquer the world just to make her proud. She deserved some peace, and this story was NOT going to give it to her easily.
Thankfully, that seven-year-old boy who never forgot about her and yearned for her nonstop stuck around.
INSERT MY MAN SILAS( Now 20),
He lives three hours away but comes to town to spend his birthday with his best friend, only to finally be let in on her secret. And from there, you get to watch what love and a TRUE family will do for someone they love.
I can't spoil it for you, but I WILL tell you this: I'm actually going to be holding my breath while waiting for Part 2 because YOUR GIRL HAS GOT TO KNOW!!!!
October 6, 2026
Wow excuse me while I stare at a wall for the next 7-10 business days. PLEASE CHECK YOUR TRIGGERS this book is heavy.
This book was truly EVERYTHING. I still truly don’t even have the words to describe how much I love this book. I felt EVERYTHING while reading this book. Very few books truly make me SOB and this one tops the list.
This book is truly one of the most beautiful, heartbreaking books I’ve read. The trauma representation was absolutely incredible. This book provoked such strong emotions and it’s the most heartbreaking but beautifully told story of resilience, strength, love, and surviving.
Coley has my freaking HEART her story is the story of so many girls and I truly broke me in the best way. Silas is the best friend a girl could ask for and the way he just knows what she needs, wants to protect her and is there for her is truly beautiful.
This book is truly everything. The trauma, the pain, the despair, the heartbreak and feeling so alone is written so beautifully I felt all those feelings while reading. I just wanted to hug the FMC. I just can’t stop saying how much I truly loved this story and I cannot wait for part too. PLEASE read this book but do check triggers it’s very heavy!!!
This book was truly EVERYTHING. I still truly don’t even have the words to describe how much I love this book. I felt EVERYTHING while reading this book. Very few books truly make me SOB and this one tops the list.
This book is truly one of the most beautiful, heartbreaking books I’ve read. The trauma representation was absolutely incredible. This book provoked such strong emotions and it’s the most heartbreaking but beautifully told story of resilience, strength, love, and surviving.
Coley has my freaking HEART her story is the story of so many girls and I truly broke me in the best way. Silas is the best friend a girl could ask for and the way he just knows what she needs, wants to protect her and is there for her is truly beautiful.
This book is truly everything. The trauma, the pain, the despair, the heartbreak and feeling so alone is written so beautifully I felt all those feelings while reading. I just wanted to hug the FMC. I just can’t stop saying how much I truly loved this story and I cannot wait for part too. PLEASE read this book but do check triggers it’s very heavy!!!
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!
September 18, 2026
Beautiful Debut
It’s rare to find an author that can automatically pull you in straight from the start but this one does. I had to force myself to stop along the way so that I didn’t finish the book all at once. Alisha does a magnificent job of weaving this story around you and making you feel every emotion under the sun in the space of a few words.
Take the TW’s at the start very seriously as she is not exaggerating but she does lay them out for you extremely well and is upfront about the harder topics she explores. As long as you are honest with yourself about the TW’s that you can handle you should be good to continue reading.
Coley I think holds a part of every teenage girl within her. Even with all the trauma and pain, I think all of us women can see a piece of ourselves in her when we were her age. She is a perfect mix of a strong, determined young woman while also still being just the right amount of soft sprinkled in.
Silas is a walking talking green flag with his red flag tendencies aimed in the correct directions. His desires to protect and shelter his Tink reaches right out of the pages and grabs you.
These characters are so well written and explored that it’s hard to believe this is the author’s first novel. Grab this book and give it a try.
It’s rare to find an author that can automatically pull you in straight from the start but this one does. I had to force myself to stop along the way so that I didn’t finish the book all at once. Alisha does a magnificent job of weaving this story around you and making you feel every emotion under the sun in the space of a few words.
Take the TW’s at the start very seriously as she is not exaggerating but she does lay them out for you extremely well and is upfront about the harder topics she explores. As long as you are honest with yourself about the TW’s that you can handle you should be good to continue reading.
Coley I think holds a part of every teenage girl within her. Even with all the trauma and pain, I think all of us women can see a piece of ourselves in her when we were her age. She is a perfect mix of a strong, determined young woman while also still being just the right amount of soft sprinkled in.
Silas is a walking talking green flag with his red flag tendencies aimed in the correct directions. His desires to protect and shelter his Tink reaches right out of the pages and grabs you.
These characters are so well written and explored that it’s hard to believe this is the author’s first novel. Grab this book and give it a try.
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
Hold on on & Letting go By Alisha N. Cook. This is one of the unique books I’ve ever read. Starts from childhood to adult. Slow burn 🔥 romance. The good thing about slow burn romance is that you understand the character better. It starts with Coley & then Silas. Two dual pov. They are neighbors at Pebble Shore. When they get the chance , they always hung around with each other. Whether from far or close apart. Strong characterization. You see how they progress & doing their best to overcome whatever it is in life. ( no spoilers! Read it to find out.) Alisha did a great job on her book. I felt all kinds of emotions. Sad, happy, & hopeful etc. Highly recommend A++++
October 16, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Holding On & Letting Go: Part One by Alisha N. Cook had me completely hooked! Coley Whittman and Silas Davies have such a complicated, emotional connection, and I loved getting to see their relationship unfold. The story has so much angst, tension, and emotion that makes you want to keep turning the pages. Coley’s struggles really pulled at my heartstrings, and I found myself wanting the best for her and Silas. This book left me wanting more, and I’m so invested in these characters already. I can’t wait to continue the story in book two and see what happens next! Definitely a five-star read for me! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Holding On & Letting Go: Part One by Alisha N. Cook had me completely hooked! Coley Whittman and Silas Davies have such a complicated, emotional connection, and I loved getting to see their relationship unfold. The story has so much angst, tension, and emotion that makes you want to keep turning the pages. Coley’s struggles really pulled at my heartstrings, and I found myself wanting the best for her and Silas. This book left me wanting more, and I’m so invested in these characters already. I can’t wait to continue the story in book two and see what happens next! Definitely a five-star read for me! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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 received from Author
For a debut novel, Alisha makes you feel all the feelings!! Beautifully written and highly recommend to anyone!!
October 17, 2026
Its hard to find a writer that elicits emotion and makes you want to come back. Hurry up part 2.
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!! 🌊☀️
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