Holding on to Day

By: Lilly K. Cee

Narrated by: Troy Duran, Angelina Rocca

She’s his light breaking through the darkness.

A second chance? Why would Cassidy want one? She’s already had everything she could possibly want: a husband, a baby on the way, the perfect life…until it all crumbled away.

Now, two years after her husband’s death, Cassidy is barely holding on. Her interests don’t go beyond her quiet existence on the lake or her German shepherd, Fred... That is, until an arrogant jerk buys the place next door and steals her dog.

A second chance? Mac doesn’t need one. Or anyway, he doesn’t deserve one.

Mac bought a dilapidated cabin because it mirrors his state of mind: broken, isolated, useless to humanity. Plus, the place is close enough to town that he can drink himself into oblivion. He has no interest in connections except for one-night stands and commandeered time with his neighbor’s dog. That is, unless you count Cassidy.

It’s a second chance: the one they both need.

At first, Cassidy and Mac merely exist next to each other, but the attraction between them—the bond of their broken existence—pulls them together again and again. They aren’t always the best people, but the jagged edges of their lives begin to heal each other, even as they strike out against it.

Holding on to Day is the rerelease of Alive Day, Lilly K. Cee’s debut novel. It is a book about redemption, pain, and healing after everything falls apart. The book contains steamy scenes, and as with real life, includes some trigger warnings: PTSD, depression, loss of loved ones, violence, and a miscarriage. It also includes a happily ever after for two people who may be broken but are working hard to pick up the pieces.

©2022 Turbulent Press LLC (P)2023 Turbulent Press LLC

oh, my heart!

Oh 👏 my 👏entire 👏heart👏. I went into this book blind, as one does...because even though I urge everyone to check triggers, I simply do not. I often see them as spoilers, so I just take book recs from friends and dive in head first.

I asked some friends to recommend one book (that altered their brain chemistry) & my Pister recommended this with her entire chest... and when Simone heard I was reading, she messaged me immediately.

Let me tell you, I was BIG MAD. I may not be able to "see" books in my head, but when written well, I feel them all throughout my body, and this book is written so well.

I felt ALL the feelings... frustration & indignation primarily... and I LOATHED the MMC... until I didn't. (I also felt the heat, the gutwrenching grief & regret, the empty feeling of loss, the desperation & yeah....also the butterflies)

Cassidy is grieving the loss of the love of her life, and barely doing much more than simply existing. She is content to be in solitude with her dog... and then an arrogant guy buys the cabin next door, sleeping his way through town & drinking himself into oblivion... and evidently feels entitled to her dog as well.

I dont want to say more because I dont want to spoil it for you, but know there is explicit spice, so very many triggers, trauma, one cocky mthrfkr of an MMC (that you will come to love), and you may go from wanting to throw your book to hugging it tight in one sitting.

My favorite quotes:
🖤 "You dont get to tell me what I think."
🖤 "Eres mia...Caminaria a través del fuego por ti."
🖤 "I wouldnt walk through leaves for my neighbor."
🖤 "Whatever I did, I hate me too."
🖤 "They had today and gave each other tomorrow."

I listened to this on Audible & highly recommend it. The dual narrators are FANTASTIC.

Destiny Finds a Way

I’m really glad I chose to listen to this book rather than read it. Although I enjoy being able to hear what I believe the characters are portraying in written word, this book in audio is fire. I really felt the characters emotions, all of them and there were many. If you think you know what’s happening you don’t, but you root for love. Will they find each other or will they destroy each other? You’ll have to read or listen to find out.

Loved the Slow Burn and Passion

I usually come to romantic stories with a classic "Pollyanna" type lens. After this book, I realize how off my expectations usually are and what I'm missing out on. This is real! Some moments were tough to read and so is real life. Two pained people figuring it out. I loved it.

As for the amazingly hot scenes...wow! 🔥 I enjoyed the slow burn as they moved towards the big moment. Once they did...whew!!

Loved the characters. Loved the story. Amazing narration.

Happy Heart 💜

I absolutely loved this book. The beginning was sad but so filled with hope. It has the amazing happy ending I hoped was coming. 💗💜💗
The narration was perfect.

If you enjoy disfuncional. This is it

Only redeeming bit is the narration. Big fan of Mr Duran’s voice (main reason I selected this book). Ms Rocca also has a beautiful voice. To bad this very long tale of broken people was so … broken.