Boy Released is the follow-up to J.D Spero’s Boy on Hold (and likely will not make sense if you didn’t read book 1). The story takes place 10 years later, when Tyler is released from psychiatric rehab. I had a hard time understanding the purpose of the book for the first half, then it all came together as to how it relates to the first book. Similar to the first book, I don’t feel like Hen acts his age- supposed to be 17 but is horrified by normal teen boy behavior. Perhaps what he went through as a child stunted his maturity… I’m not sure. But its not enough of an issue to withhold enjoyment in reading this story. While the book is told from the perspective of Marcella and Hen Trout, the story really is more of Tyler’s story. His actions and mental health are the reason for the story to be told. I loved the ending, and think it was perfect. If you enjoyed Boy on Hold, you should read Boy Released- it finishes the story and gives us, as the reader, resolution.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Elizabeth Sanchezhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngElizabeth Sanchez2021-08-04 21:33:122021-08-05 07:56:25BOY RELEASED (BOY SERIES BOOK 2) by JD Spero – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez
Boy Released is the second book in the Boy series by J.D Spero. After reading Boy On Hold last year, I was excited to find this book had released and so I grabbed a copy and put aside my other reads to dive right in. Even though this story takes place quite a few years after the events in book one- I really recommend reading Boy On Hold before starting on this book. This is a gripping story, with a bit of a thriller feel to it-there is mystery, drama, emotion, heartache, tension, family dynamics, friendship, and dealing with mental illness. Again, the story is told from several points of view- which gives a really well-rounded perspective of what’s happening and adds extra depth and interest to the overall story. J.D Spero doesn’t shy away from the difficult topic of mental illness- and shines a light on someone dealing with schizophrenia and how it affects not only them, but also their friends and family. Well worth the read!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2021-08-03 22:57:402021-08-05 07:13:51BOY RELEASED (BOY SERIES BOOK 2) by JD Spero – Review by Angela Hayes
This book was so good! The characters made me wish I knew them and could be there for them while they were struggling. The conflict was so relatable and really made me think. The author has this way of writing that just really draws you in and makes you want to keep going. I was reluctant to put it down and stayed up later than I should have more than once because I just didn’t want to stop!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jo Frizzellhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJo Frizzell2021-08-03 20:16:062021-08-05 07:06:14Boy on Hold by JD Spero – Review by Jo Frizzell
The synopsis for this novel is short, but it holds more than enough to draw a reader in. Before starting to read I was already caught up in what may come.
This novel is a definite page turner! Spero had me sitting on the edge of my seat; I was hooked and couldn’t put it down. Her writing style flows smoothly and does not falter between characters views or jumps into the past and present.
This was my first read by this author and it won’t be my last. I already have the next one, “Boy Released”, lined up!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00S. Bittleshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngS. Bittles2021-08-03 19:45:332021-08-05 07:04:42Boy on Hold by JD Spero – Review by S.Bittles
Great follow-up to the awesome Boy on Hold. Tyler is released and trying to reintegrate into the world and his family. We really get a close-up look on his paranoid schizophrenia and what that looks like for him. It was interesting to get into his head a little bit and understand how this illness can work. The family are stressed and drained again, and the bonds between characters in the story are tested. Where do Bernie’s allegiances lie? Where do Hen’s? Hen is mostly grown now, and the events of his childhood have dramatically shaped his personality and what’s important to him. Bernie and Marcella have been through a lot, but the events of this book really strain the bonds of their marriage, and what they can live with. Very interesting, highly recommend both books, very engrossing!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Erica Shoebridgehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngErica Shoebridge2021-08-03 17:00:192021-08-04 18:17:45Boy Released by JD Spero – Review by Erica Shoebridge
This book was just as intense as the first one. Ten years later, Ty has been released and everyone is living and working at a motel that Marcella and Bernie bought. They are dealing with the aftermath of the trial and other items. Hen is a couple of months of coming into his inheritance. He just wants to do what’s right. Ty just wants to feel normal. One night a fat punk comes in and attacks Marcella. The family is put into turmoil again dealing with this as the police are trying to investigate. The family, except Marcella, feels Ty did it. Marcella said it wasn’t him. Oh, you will feel as shocked as I did with that surprise. Again, the author fills the book with twists and turns that will make you feel like you are on a mountain road (but they all tie nicely together). She does a wonderful job again of relating facts of schizophrenia and the law and mental system. It truly is a great book. Wonderful characters and a really intense plot that keep you wanting to never put it down. I read it in a day because I couldn’t put it down. I highly recommend this book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shelly Kittellhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShelly Kittell2021-08-03 16:43:122021-08-05 07:03:34BOY RELEASED (BOY SERIES BOOK 2) by JD Spero – Review by Shelly Kittell
Boy Released was a phenomenal story! Given that this follows the previous book closely I would highly recommend reading Boy On Hold first in order to get the full backstory.
I loved being able to continue reading about the original characters and following along with their journeys. It was a pleasure getting to know Hen on a deeper level, he was a character that I was easily able to connect with.
The author writes with just the right amount of detail to leave you guessing but also filling in the much-needed blanks. I found the author did a great job portraying mental illness in a real and honest way and I enjoyed that.
I look forward to reading more from this author in the future and would recommend these books to others.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kaitlynn Taylorhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKaitlynn Taylor2021-08-03 16:22:052021-08-05 07:01:13BOY RELEASED (BOY SERIES BOOK 2) by JD Spero – Review by Kaitlynn Taylor
Boy on Hold by JD Spero is the first installment in a psychological thriller series surrounding a young boy who sees something he was never supposed to see. Because he was a witness, is the only one to know the truth about this traumatic event. Now, his brother Tyler’s livelihood relies on him to speak out. This story will capture your attention and pull at your heartstrings; it is full of universal familial struggles, victories, and relatable, endearing characters. The story shifts through various time and perspectives but is easy to follow. If you are a fan of suspense and stories that drag you (willingly) on a rollercoaster of emotions, definitely pick this one up. Can’t wait to get my hands on the sequel!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Christine J. Spulakhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChristine J. Spulak2021-08-03 16:05:242021-08-05 07:00:34Boy on Hold by JD Spero – Review by Chrissy Spulak
Boy on Hold is the first book I’ve read by this author but it won’t be my last! I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish. This author had me captivated right from the start, with the multi person POV, dynamic characters, family trauma and mental illness I was fully intrigued the whole way through.
I love how this author created characters that were so easy to connect with and I loved the way everything was beautifully detailed while also providing some mystery. I enjoyed following these characters and trying to piece everything together. It made for a truly entertaining read!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kaitlynn Taylorhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKaitlynn Taylor2021-08-03 16:05:002021-08-05 07:00:11Boy on Hold by JD Spero – Review by Kaitlynn Taylor
Hen is a seven year old boy who loves hedgehogs and lives with his mother and his older brother Tyler who he looks up to and loves with all his heart, but he knows that there is something going on with Tyler when he starts to withdraw into himself. One night in October, Hen sneaks out of the house to find a hedgehog so that he can call it Louis and keep it as a pet, he is cold, but he is determined to sit in his tent and wait for his new friend to turn up, however, despite his best efforts not to, he falls asleep and is woken up by a terrible screeching sound. As he tries to work out where it came from, he looks to his neighbours house and sees shadows moving in the windows in front of the light from the television set, he continues to hear shouting and then sees one of the shadows attack the other and the sounds stop. Hen has no idea what he just witnessed but he is terrified and goes and curls back up in his tent until the next morning when his mother comes running out thinking he is missing, but he finds it really hard to find the words to tell her and in the end decides not to, it is only when the next door neighbours son calls and tells the family that his mother can’t look after Hen after school like she normally would, so Tyler is asked to step in, he agrees to, albeit grudgingly as he leaves the house t o go to school with his best friend.
As Tyler is heading to school, he is trying to make sense of what is going on in his head, he feels worse than normal, but can’t remember why, it worries him a little, however, not as much as it should, so he tries his best to ignore it and get on with his day and as usual it is music and cigarettes which are helping him to do this, at least until he heads home from school where he decides to spend some quality time with his brother, but this doesn’t go to plan either when he thinks he hears something and it sets off his other issues. Hen has an idea of what is happening, so he just leaves his big brother to himself until his best friend arrives, Hen doesn’t like him, but he doesn’t know how he can avoid him, until his neighbours son comes round to fix their window, he also tells them that their neighbour is in hospital after being attacked, this is when Hen realises what he has seen was real after all.
It is while they are fixing the window that a police officer knocks on the door and takes Tyler and his best friend in for questioning, this isn’t something anyone expected to happen, least of all Hen, but the longer that they stay at the station, the more worried Tyler’s family becomes and none of them want to believe that he is involved, especially Hen and his mother, but as the case progresses, Hen is determined to tell someone what he saw and to convince them that Tyler is innocent, but as Tyler’s mental issues manifest in more serious ways, will they be able to work out who was the culprit and who is innocent in this tragedy? This is murder mystery which deals with mental health and its effects on people in a thrilling murder mystery you will not want to put down.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Roxsanne Lesieurhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRoxsanne Lesieur2021-08-03 16:03:372021-08-05 06:59:50Boy on Hold: a must-read psychological thriller by J.D. Spero – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.
Boy Released by J.D. Spero is the fantastic follow up to the first book Boy On Hold. Set 10 years after book one we are taken back into the lives of these complex and real characters. I really enjoyed the first book but I think this one is so much better. The whole book just had a raw vulnerability about it that really made me connect to what the author was trying to do. I think the author did an amazing job of portraying mental illness in all is forms. The different perspectives we got to see this story through added an even deeper layer to an already detailed book. This book is a brilliant and an absolute must read for everyone.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Bakerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Baker2021-08-03 14:40:522021-08-03 14:48:02BOY RELEASED (BOY SERIES BOOK 2) by JD Spero – Review by Kerry Baker
This is the second book that I have read by this author which I enjoyed just as much as the first one. If you haven’t read the first book, I highly suggest doing so. It will help enhance your enjoyment of this story. This is a great story about Tyler and what happens after he is released from rehab. This author’s use of details gave the story a realistic feel as well as kept it engaging. Tyler is a great character even though he is a troubled soul. What will happen when tragedy comes calling again? What will fate have in store for Tyler? This is a fast paced story where the characters give the story life. They had me wanting to know what would happen next which made it hard to put down. I really enjoyed this book. I highly recommend this book as well as this author.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Bobbi Wagnerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBobbi Wagner2021-08-03 14:21:222021-08-03 14:41:30BOY RELEASED (BOY SERIES BOOK 2) by JD Spero – Review by Bobbi Wagner
This book was my first by J. D. Spero and I look forward to more. It is a story about a 7 year old boy who just wants to catch a hedgehog to keep as a pet. Henry, or Hen as everyone calls him, sees a serious attack on his friend and neighbor Miss Sally, and then tries to figure out what is going on in his little world.
This begins a scary time for the whole family, Tyler, the big brother with some mental health issues, and his mom Marcella.
Marcella Trout doesn’t know what to do, her seventeen-year-old son has been arrested and she can’t help but worry that his recent mood swings are something more serious. I love Hen, and the relationship he has with his brother is very heartwarming. This story really moves along nicely and becomes more than you thought it would with every turn of a page.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Samantha Bassetthttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngSamantha Bassett2021-08-03 11:50:062021-08-03 12:04:27Boy On Hold by JD Spero – Review by Samantha Bassett
This book takes place many years after book 1. I enjoyed this one as much as the first one, but again got a bit confused in some places. This had everything you want in this genre. The mystery aspect was spot on, and I never knew what was going to happen next. I truly need to go back and reread book 1 and then read this one again. I love the storyline and I love the writing style. I felt like I had a good grasp on the characters and this author handled the mental illness aspect beautifully in my opinion.
I don’t recommend reading this one without reading the first, although this author did a great job bringing me back into the story, I still felt like reading the first was essential for me.
I will absolutely read more from this author and truly can’t wait to reread both of these books.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Debi Kircherhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDebi Kircher2021-08-03 10:47:282021-08-03 10:47:28BOY RELEASED (BOY SERIES BOOK 2) by JD Spero – Review by Debi Kircher
This is such an emotional read. It follows on from the book Boy on Hold and I really recommend reading that one first so you get the full impact of this story.
It’s 10 years since Ty was convicted of murder and sent to a psychiatric institution. Now he’s back with his family and even though things seem to be improving for the family there is a dark cloud ahead.
When Ty’s mum is attacked in the hotel that they own Ty is the only witness to the attack. However, the wrong choice of words at the wrong time sees Ty go from witness to suspect and with his past conviction he is the most likely suspect. His mother however knows this isn’t the case and now the family needs to fight yet again to stop Ty getting convicted for another crime. This one he didn’t commit. However you can sense and feel the doubt of his innocence from his brother Hen and the boyfriend of his mum. After all if Ty could commit murder why couldn’t he be responsible for this attack?
It is an amazing read and the author does a great job of handling the sensitive subject of mental illness and how having a mental illness cause automatically label you. The rollercoaster Ty goes on with his mental health is really interesting to go through but also to see and feel the effect it has on his family shows you that mental healthy doesn’t just affect the person with the illness.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Carrhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Carr2021-08-03 10:44:092021-08-03 12:03:17BOY RELEASED (BOY SERIES BOOK 2) by JD Spero – Review by Kerry Carr
Boy on Hold by JD Spero is a captivating book that reels you in from the first chapter. A seven year old Hen sets out to find himself a pet hedgehog in the middle of the night, but not just any night as it was cabbage night. A night of tradition pranks. One prank gone drastically wrong next door to the Trout family while Hen is outside making him the only witness. The story revolves around this crime that has taken place. Hen’s older brother Tyler is arrested and his mother Marcella shocked. As a single mother working hard to raise her boys this is a blindside. It couldn’t be her son. Told in different points of view you gain a true connection to each character from little innocent Hen to hard-working loving mother Marcella and to the mental illness plaguing Tyler. As the tale unfolds will the truth come out on who done the crime so foul?
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ayla Eddyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAyla Eddy2021-08-03 09:59:512021-08-03 12:01:59Boy on Hold by JD Spero – Review by Ayla Eddy
This book was amazing and held so much depth. JD Spero touched upon multiple subjects that many can relate to( ie: mental illness, trauma, teenage angst, family dysfunction, etc. ) . This is a first for me by this author and I am eagerly awaiting the next novel. 7 year old Hen witness’s a brutal attack on his neighbor/babysitter Sally, and soon after his brother is arrested as the accused. As the events begin to truly spiral we view a family torn apart, innocence destroyed, and hidden secrets unearthed. Multiple POV were used and each character gave you piece to the puzzle. So many emotions were brought out in this wonderfully told story, and it became a friendly reminder about how little one can know about what goes on behind closed doors.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Laurenhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLauren2021-08-03 00:34:342021-08-03 11:59:40Boy on Hold by JD Spero- Review by Lauren West
In a popular resort town in the Adirondacks, the busy summer season has just begun when an unwelcome visitor arrives at Marcella Trout’s new venture—Blue Palms Motel.
Tyler alone witnesses her brutal attack. Soon, he becomes the only suspect. As the investigation tries to unlock the secrets tangled in Tyler’s troubled mind, the Trouts must confront the disturbing reality of his mental illness. Is Tyler once again a criminal, or will he become a hero?
In this thrilling follow up to award-winning Boy on Hold, ten years have passed since the horrific murder of Sally Hubbard. Tyler is released from psychiatric rehab and Hen, now seventeen, will soon inherit the wealthy Hubbard estate. But just as the Trouts look toward a brighter future, tragedy knocks on their door…
Johannah Davies (JD) Spero’s writing career took off when her first release, Catcher’s Keeper, was a finalist in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award in 2013. Since then, she’s found similar success with her young adult fantasy Forte series, winning recognition from National Indie Excellence Award (2014, 2016), Adirondack Literary Award (2015). Her newest release, Boy on Hold, was a winner in the 2020 Book Excellence Award and a 2020 IPPY Gold winner for Best Mystery/Thriller ebook. With a Masters in Education, Spero leverages her years as a high school English teacher in author presentations across the country, most notably at DFW Writers Conference in 2014. Having lived in various cities from St. Petersburg (Russia) to Boston, she’s settled with her husband and three sons in the Adirondack Mountains, where she was born and raised.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/BR1-1-scaled.jpg1200811itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2021-08-03 00:01:492021-10-30 08:16:12BOY RELEASED (BOY SERIES BOOK 2) by JD Spero
Henry Atticus Trout, called Hen by everyone, is the younger brother of Tyler Trout. Tyler’s and Hen’s mom works as a waitress and does the best a single mother can do to provide a loving home for her boys. After school, Hen spends his days with Miss Sally, their neighbor, until his mom gets off of work.
One night, Hen goes outside alone to try and catch a hedgehog. While he is out there, he sees shadows in Miss Sally’s window. He hears screaming and knows something very bad is happening. The next day he learns from Bernie, Miss Sally’s son, that something very bad has happened to Miss Sally. While Bernie is fixing a window, the police come and pick up Tyler and his best friend, Derek, for questioning.
As a young boy of seven and in the first grade, Hen tries very hard to understand what is going on with Tyler since the incident with Miss Sally. Hen struggles to discover the truth. Can Hen and his mom stay strong when the truth of Miss Sally’s accident is revealed?
Boy on Hold is a great psychological thriller. By speaking to the heart of a serious mental illness, you will love this novel.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ashley Doverhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAshley Dover2021-08-02 20:41:362021-08-03 11:58:43Boy on Hold by JD Spero – Review by Ashley Dover
Multi-POV books have become a favorite of mine. That being said, they need to be done very well in order for everything to come together. Boy on Hold goes above and beyond. It’s uncomplicated but elegant writing style and fascinating plot made it a very quick read. I always ended up staying up later than I intended when I picked up this book. I’m going straight on to the second one!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kristy Nelsonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKristy Nelson2021-08-01 16:04:582021-08-03 11:35:07Boy on Hold by JD Spero – Review by Kristy Nelson
Drugs, murder, mental illness…In the Adirondacks, Hen witnesses the assault of his neighbor Miss Sally. The problem is that he recognizes the voice of one of the attackers and a homemade bracelet left at the scene…Tyler, his 17 yr old brother. This starts the drama that will leave you on the the edge of your seat. It’s that exciting and thrilling that you have to know what’s going on and what’s happening. Every character plays an important part in the story. There are twists and surprising turns. Loved every minute of it. Highly recommend this book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shelly Kittellhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShelly Kittell2021-08-01 09:49:232021-08-03 11:28:47Boy on Hold by JD Spero – Review by Shelly Kittell
This was an absolutely fun read. I was laughing throughout the book just imagining what was happening and how someone could get themselves involved in trouble at every turn. No matter how hard she tried Sophie could not keep her nose out of this crime and it seemed that she was proving that curiosity is not always a good thing. Sophie’s character, and all of the others as well, was so fun and easy to associate with as normal everyday person and someone that I would love to hang out with, can’t wait for the next book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Samantha Bassetthttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngSamantha Bassett2021-07-31 07:06:422021-08-03 10:46:05Death of a Coupon Queen by Jenna Harte – Review by Samantha Bassett
From the very first chapter, J.D. Spero’s Boy on Hold pulls you in! A fantastically written mystery written from several characters point of view, the author does a fantastic job at completely painting the picture. Spero dives deep into the brutal realities of mental illness, addiction and murder, showing how much each character is affected by it. I really enjoyed how well she was able to show how complex mental health can be. Boy on Hold was my first book by J.D. Spero, but it won’t be my last!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kayla Kearneyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKayla Kearney2021-07-30 21:56:532021-08-03 10:18:07Boy on Hold by JD Spero – Review by Kayla Kearney
Henry “Hen” Trout has a good life for a seven year old. Hen has an awesome big brother, Tyler, a best friend, Murphy, and is studying how to set a hedgehog trap. When Hen sees a horrifying attack on his neighbor and babysitter, Ms. Sally, his world gets turned upside down. Hen doesn’t want to believe what his memory and the evidence is telling him, that Tyler was involved, but there are just somethings that can’t be wrong.
Tyler Trout has a great mom and a fantastic little brother that he adores. Tyler also has dark feelings that he hasn’t been able to fight lately. Tyler has found two things that help with the feelings, his mom and something he shouldn’t want. Tyler’s mom isn’t an option these days as she works too many hours.
This is a slow burn. I wasn’t getting it at first. Finally, when it clicked, I couldn’t put it down. I loved the relationship between Hen and Tyler. Tyler is as protective of Hen as Hen is of Tyler. There are so many scenes throughout the book that made me glad I was alone when reading. I yelled at characters not to do what they were about to do, like when Marcella broke Derek’s heart unknowingly. I needed her to take that back so badly. Be prepared to be hooked. JD Spero creates full characters to be loved and hated in this small town. I have to know if Louis finally came home!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00M Policicchiohttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngM Policicchio2021-07-30 20:01:172021-08-03 08:53:28Boy on Hold by JD Spero – Review by M Policicchio
Slow to start, Boy on Hold by JD Spero, has twist & turns that made it impossible to put down. I am amazing how JD put into prospective mental illness and how it affects not only the person suffering, but everyone that knows that person.
Boy on Hold, starts off as more JV, and then turns into a complex novel of forgiveness & how hard it is.
Hen’s thoughts of how love could be like Play Dough, as described in this passage, blew my mind: “Hen imagined love was like Play Dough. He could keep it warm in his hand and mush it around, change its shape. It would get under his fingernails and into the grooves of his thumbprint. Once, Hen ate some. It tasted okay. Sometimes, tiny specs fell onto the kitchen floor and dried into hard pebbles. Mom would sweep them up and throw them away. Was love like that? Could it change like that?” ***Page 3189 of 4103 78% finished.
The one passage that broke me down and made me connect with Marcella in a way no author has ever done; is this: “He knew who she really was—a broken woman who lived in denial. She loved the wrong people, suffering valiantly, hurting those who loved her most.” *** Page 3359 of 4103 82% finished.
This is a five star book, showing a mother’s love, a brothers ultimate passion of belief in his older brother and how mental illness is passed from family member to family member with no one ever noticing.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jenn Bethhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJenn Beth2021-07-30 12:12:002021-07-30 13:36:15Boy on Hold by JD Spero – Review by Jenn Beth
Wow, this was my first book by R. Weir and the first book I have read from the Jarvis Mann Detective series and now I want to get all of them. I did not realize this was book number 8 in the series but it really didn’t matter, there was enough backstory when it was needed that I was not missing anything I needed to know.
Jarvis is a PI he keeps unfolding this mystery right before your eyes. Every twist and turn in this book has another lead to follow, along with a bunch of really unsavory people.
Mann in the Crossfire is a page turner that kept me reading until the very end.
I love when you can find a book by an author you haven’t read before and then want to read more because of their writing. R. Weir will be an author I watch from now on to make sure I don’t miss a new book.
I loved this book and am so excited to have found this author. This cozy mystery hits all of the right notes. And to find out it’s part of a series – even better!! Such a fun story and I loved trying to figure out how it would resolve. So good.
This was an absolutely fun read. I was laughing throughout the book just imagining what was happening and how someone could get themselves involved in trouble at every turn. No matter how hard she tried Sophie could not keep her nose out of this crime and it seemed that she was proving that curiosity is not always a good thing. Sophie’s character, and all of the others as well, was so fun and easy to associate with as normal everyday person and someone that I would love to hang out with, can’t wait for the next book.
Jenna Harte is going to be on my list from now on! This book was such a fun and cozy mystery! Its a first for me to read of hers, and I loved it loved it!! We begin in a small town with everyone knowing everyone, and more than just a friendly neighbor. Sophie a newly committed coupon lover stumble upon the murder of her coupon queen mentor Marla. Feeling somewhat caught between helping to solve this who done , and going about her everyday life…she takes the latter. This book is so fun and funny and very unpredictable We watch as it a mad dash to find out who has done this and why, and enjoy a delightful cast of characters.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Laurenhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLauren2021-07-29 00:46:422021-07-29 07:46:51Death of a Coupon Queen (Sophie Parker Mystery Series) by Jenna Harte- Review by Lauren West
Loved this book!! Such a great mystery that kept me reading into the night (long after I should have been asleep lol)! Kept me guessing and theorising about whodunnit!!
It’s the 2nd in the series but the 1st I have read so I will definitely need to go back and read #1!!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Gillianhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngGillian2021-07-28 22:20:142021-07-29 07:45:25Death of a Coupon Queen (Sophie Parker Mystery Series) by Jenna Harte – Review by Gillian Fawell
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