Boy Released by J.D. Spero is the follow on from Boy on Hold and is a YA cozy mystery thriller. The story takes place ten years after the first book Boy on Hold and is also told in multiple POV’s which enriches the reading experience as you get a much more in depth look into the characters. It is raw, it is honest, and is more grown up than the first book. The tension and emotions throughout are palpable and is heart-felt. It deals with mental illness and is a great story.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jenni Bishophttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJenni Bishop2021-08-05 01:38:292021-08-05 08:00:37BOY RELEASED (BOY SERIES BOOK 2) by JD Spero – Review by Jenni Bishop
New York Police Department’s Sixteenth Precinct in Manhattan is under siege by the flu, and Detective Nick Larson and his partner, Detective Victor Sacco, are up to their armpits with work overload. The captain’s cigar is seriously chewed, and everyone is working around the clock. To complicate matters, on a personal level, things aren’t going smoothly, either. Laura Howard, the woman Nick loves, is also having issues with a psycho twin sister who is doing everything to ruin Laura’s business and her life.
Then Nick’s captain assigns a new case, a suicide. From the moment Nick steps on scene, however, something doesn’t feel quite right, especially when, upon investigating the case further, the supposed suicide looks more and more like an actual homicide. Immediately, Nick’s instincts kick into gear, but rev into overdrive when similar, questionable suicides pop up around the area. And with the way things have been going lately, it would just be Nick’s luck to have a serial killer on the loose.
Set in New York City, Hanging Softly in the Night is a story of murder, mental illness, dedication, perseverance, and, ultimately, justice.
Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra is an award-winning romantic suspense author with a unique point of view. Her suspense novels take place in locales across Europe and the United States, reflecting her international upbringing and extensive time as a global traveler. In her duology, The Coin and The Book of Hours, her characters, Gabriela and Richard, walk the same paths as their creator, though her life was never in so much danger.
Her novels have received several awards, including the Bronze medal for The Coin at the Readers’ Favorite 2018 International Book Awards; and her short story collection, The Fish Tank: And Other Short Stories, was a twice Silver Medal winner–at the Readers’ Favorite 2018 International Book Awards and at the 2018 Feathered Quill Book Awards. This short story collection takes the reader on a ride across all genres, including tragic tales of survival of ordinary Cuban citizens in the 1960s (based on the author’s own experience of exile). NY Literary Magazine describes The Fish Tank: And Other Short Stories as “a gracefully-written, varied collection of entertaining, touching, suspenseful and thought-provoking short stories.”
The author’s creepy short story, “Retribution Served”, is featured in the anthology Book Dreams: Volume 1, and is available through all retailers.
Ms. Alonso-Sierra’s writing career began circa age thirteen with a very juvenile science fiction short story, but the writing bug hit, and she has been writing, in one capacity or another, ever since. She has worked as a professional dancer, singer, journalist, and literature teacher in both the university and middle school levels (and not necessarily in that order) and holds a Masters in English literature. She loves to hear from readers and, when not writing, roams around to discover new places to set her novels.
Her detective novel, Hanging Softly in the Night: A Detective Nick Larson Novel, and its prequel short story, “Mirror, Mirror,” are currently available worldwide.
Ms. Alonso-Sierra, as always, is working on the next project. She lives in South Florida with her husband and her dog, Amber.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Hanging-SoftlyInTheNight300.jpg1200800itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2021-08-05 00:03:572021-10-30 04:55:53Hanging Softly in the Night: A Detective Nick Larson Novel by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra
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
I throughly enjoyed this book it was a great read. I was hooked from the frist chapter. Levi character is very well writer and received you can see how many people could turn like this in life. A name her rather forget has now wonder back into his life. This is so an intense and interesting stroy you won’t want to put down until you are finished.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Piperhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngPiper2021-08-04 11:30:532021-08-05 07:20:03Azrael by Matthew Huntley – Review by Piper Foster
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
Levi is a washed-out cop, broken by his experiences with an old serial killer, and with a few secrets he’d like left in the dark. Allowing new cop Parker to drag him back to town to consult on a potential copycat killer brings up a lot of dark memories. Being immersed in the world of the killer again makes him increasingly distrustful of everyone around him, and increasingly paranoid. As a reader, it makes it even more confusing to figure out the mysteries. Can we trust Levi’s opinions, or is he unnecessarily paranoid? This is a well-structured book, with a detailed plot, and the mistrustful detective adds to the layers of mystery. I felt myself going in circles trying to figure it out. This is a lot psychologically darker than the books I usually read. I wish the characters had been more compelling, sometimes they fell a bit flat for me. Lots of twists and turns though, plenty of time to send you crazy guessing what’s to come.
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 16:15:172021-08-04 18:15:49Azrael by Matthew Huntley – Review by Erica Shoebridge
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
The Third Nanny by Michele Pariza Wacek introduces us to Janey, college student, future psychologist with no family left. Her parents are gone, and her only sibling, Kelly, disappeared 8 years ago. But one day, Janey receives a cryptic letter from Kelly-claiming she is in danger…and then, Kelly disappears again. Determined to not lose her again, Janey tracks down her previous employer and takes her job–as a nanny for Max and Julia. But things aren’t always what the seem. The family has secrets–ones that might just make Janey disappear too!
Oh my gosh! This novel is a 5/5 stars. I wish I could rate it higher. The character building is great, Janey is a likeable protagonist, and the story flows really well. The ending was mind blowing–completely unexpected twists and turns! Just when you think everything has been revealed, there’s more! A+ writing. I am so excited to read the other books in the Secrets of Redemption series! This book is a must read for any psychological thriller fans!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kayla Bullockhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKayla Bullock2021-08-02 20:19:422021-08-03 11:58:08The Third Nanny (Secrets of Redemption) by Michele PW (Pariza Wacek) – Review by Kayla Bullock
Remember His Name is book 2 in the series by Laurencia Hoffman. Her Characters and story are extremely well written. Yes this book ties into her first book Remember My Name, but I don’t feel you have to read that book as well though you SHOULD, to enjoy this one. This story does contain potential trigger warnings early on, but it’s not a theme throughout the entire book.
The book specifically focuses on Wren as an 8 year old boy to the present day, who lives the life of an empath. (Side note: For anyone who doesn’t know what an empath is, it’s someone that feeds off of other people’s energy. Which is something that could be absolutely rewarding but also weigh very heavily on them.) We follow Wren through his emotional turmoil after his husband is murdered.
When he stumbles upon Adam his life changes, and he starts to live life again, despite knowing his fate. Adam helps him in his quest to find out who murdered his husband, before the murderer gets to them.
Does Wren find the guy who murdered his husband? Does he get the opportunity to clear his name and prove he’s a good person? All those answers and more will be found throughout your book journey with Wren. Again it’s another well written book by author Laurencia Hoffman and I encourage each and everyone of you to give it a chance. You will not be disappointed!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Beverly Place-Finniehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBeverly Place-Finnie2021-08-02 16:22:112021-08-03 11:56:30Remember His Name (Remember My Name Series Book 2) by Laurencia Hoffman – Review by Beverly Finnie
Chatroom with a View is quick read that draws you in from the beginning and keeps you on the edge of your seat till the end. This is a psychological suspense thriller with the central character, Troy, who comes from an abusive home but has his own dark side that you have to wonder – was it as a result of the abuse or something more.
Every character has a dark side that they have not dealt with – the chat rooms allow us to see inside these individuals and to understand how disturbed they all are…which leads to what happens when Troy deals with his past and present situation.
If you love twists, turns and unpredictable story lines – this is a must read. You will not be disappointed! #thriller #horror #itsybitsybookbits
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Gretchen Dildinehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngGretchen Dildine2021-08-02 15:35:512021-08-03 11:55:59Chatroom with a View by Glenn Maynard – Review by Gretchen Dildine
Wow. This book starts off with a bang and just grabbed hold of me and wouldn’t let go. This author is new to me and I just loved this page turner. I was on the edge of my seat as I navigated the pages waiting to find out what would happen next. Just a really well written book. If you like a good thrill ride, this book is a must read.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Heather Lovelacehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngHeather Lovelace2021-08-02 14:11:562021-08-02 14:11:56Chatroom With A View by Glenn Maynard – Review by Heather Lovelace
I can not put into words to express what I had just read. This book had everything I could have wanted, it gipped me, held me tight, even if I wanted to put it down. I couldn’t have been able to with a strong need and desire to keep reading to find out what happens next. This book was such a page turner, it kept me on my toes the whole untired time while I was reading. I want expecting the way the book was going to end up the way it did. I’m a big crime junkie and this book just feed into this, with the way the story line was developing I was totally lost into this book and just couldn’t put it down. This heart pounding, suspense, page turner was just the best and quickest read I could ask for to fill my day. With a boy that makes a ghastly discovery of his past and not wanting to go in that direction, trying to make everything right, but with a crazy girl friend everything isn’t what it seems. This story had me guessing if it was a true story or not, but then again, what if it was…… Reviewed by Jennifer334
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Reimerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Reimer2021-08-02 12:22:552021-08-03 11:53:03Chatroom With A View by Glenn Maynard – Review by jennifer reimer
This is a story that will surprise you each step of the way. This creepy and intriguing thriller kept me guessing each step of the way with every twist and turn being thrown. The characters and story itself was original and with each scene more thought provoking then the last. With each character we experience their dark side and find the many hidden agendas proving that each individual may not be all that they seem to be. Troy is a lonely soul who cannot escape his dysfunctional family. He uses chat rooms to attempt to find love but in his daily life has few friends with his only constant being his job at the diner. He has been abused all his life by his father, and only continues to live at home to make sure his mother is safe and protected. As the story progresses we start to see Troy unraveling as he continues to deal with his father, he is forced to deal with an ex-girlfriend Veronica who claims to be pregnant and appears unstable, and lastly issues at work that he cannot ignore. A family history shows the possibility if a “killer gene” and you begin to wonder if he may be a product of his DNA.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Laurenhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLauren2021-08-01 22:38:392021-08-03 11:45:47Chatroom with a View by Glenn Maynard- Review by Lauren West
Janey is a young woman with a bright future, she is studying psychology and lives with her best friend in a shared apartment, all is going well in her life until one day when she receives a letter in the post, well, it used to be a letter, now it is just some fragments in a plastic bag from the post office with a note attached to it, it has been sent from a town called Redemption in Wisconsin. As she talks to her friend about it, she realises that she doesn’t know anyone in Redemption, however, she did spend summers there as a kid and she has no idea who it is from until she sees the signature at the bottom of a piece of the letter, it says “Kelly”.
This throws Janey into a state of panic as memories surface of a time eight years before when her sister went missing and abandoned her, as her friend gets her some water, Janey debates about what to tell her, eventually she settles on the truth and opens up about what happened and why is has affected her so much. As she talks, she realises that she wants nothing more than to find out why her sister left and why she has only reached out now, but she is also dealing with too many emotions to deal with it, so she avoids opening the letter for a couple of days. After she has had a couple of glasses of wine, together they put the letter together and read what has been saved and realising the urgency in the words, they decide on a plan and even though Janey wants nothing more than to set off to Redemption straight away, she also knows that they need to do some research before she does. It is at this point that they check out the address and the people who live there, this is where Janey finds a picture she swears is her sister, who is named as being their nanny and this convinces her that she needs to find her and that she is wasting time, so she sets off the next day to start putting the plan into action.
Janey starts by learning the routine of the household and determines how she can befriend the lady of the house so that she can find out more about her sister’s situation, over the following days she does just that and ends up managing to step into her sisters shoes as the third nanny. As she takes on the responsibilities associated with her new job while trying to juggle it with finding clues regarding her sisters whereabouts, she realises that things are not as they seem. Will Janey be able to figure out where her sister is, or will the household secrets take precedence and lead her investigations astray? This is a twisted and tangled web of secrets and lies which multiply leaving more questions than answers as this psychological thriller races along at breakneck speed while you hang on until the end.
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 Lesieur2021-08-01 16:45:182021-08-03 11:35:27The Third Nanny: A twisted psychological thriller with a jaw-dropping ending (Secrets of Redemption) by Michele PW (Pariza Wacek) – Reviewed by Roxsanne Lesieur.
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