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Boy Released
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…
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…
220 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 3, 2021
1849 people want to read
About the author
J.D. Spero
8 books105 followersJohannah 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. Her small town mystery series has won similar acclaim. Boy on Hold won 2020 IPPY Gold for Best Mystery/Thriller ebook and Boy Released was a 2021 Indies Today Finalist. Check out her bestselling romantic suspense, The Secret Cure. Having lived in various cities from St. Petersburg (Russia) to Boston, she now lives with her family in the Lake George, NY region where she was born and raised.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
August 12, 2021
J.D. Spero brings the Trout family back with her newest novel in the series, “ Boy Released”, which takes place ten years after “Boy on Hold”.
Ten years after the tragedy that changed her life forever, Marcella and Bernie are now owners and proprietors of the Blue Palms Motel, a motel set in the Adirondack Mountains. Hen is now seventeen and preparing for his future, suffering through all the trials and tribulations that adolescence brings. Tyler, after serving his sentence in a psychiatric facility for the murder of his former neighbour Sally, has returned to live under his mother’s supervision. When Marcella is brutally attacked in the motel office one night, and Tyler admits responsibility, the Trout family is again under the legal spotlight, faced to confront Tyler’s psychiatric demons once more.
Spero’s recently published second novel in this series is just as gripping and emotionally unsettling as the first. In “Boy Released”, Tyler is now trying to cope with life outside of an institution, under the support and supervision of his family, who are trying to move on from the events of ten years ago. Spero is consistent in detailing Tyler’s struggles with schizophrenia, and the heartbreaking series of events that once again, change his young life.
Of course, Hen is back, although in this book he is a young man, making decisions about his future. Although he is a teenager, Hen is still as likable and charming as he was in the first novel, and his dedication to his family is honestly portrayed. Marcella and Bernie are now in a romantic relationship, after the events of the last book forced them to see each other in a new light, but their pairing only makes me like them more. When the final twist at the end is revealed, and a character from the past returns, it was unexpected and satisfying.
Most of the chapters in this novel, especially the ones being narrated from Tyler’s perspective, are told through broken and choppy sentences, which pulled at my inner “grammar nerd”, but I enjoyed how Spero told the story from the viewpoint of not only Tyler, but Marcella and Derek, too. These narrations by minor players helped to piece together the plot.
Spero brings a delightful end to her “Boy” series with “Boy Released”, while still highlighting the tragedy that mental illness (in this case, schizophrenia) can bring to a family. The Trout family are an adorably enjoyable group, and I loved watching them grow together throughout this series.
Ten years after the tragedy that changed her life forever, Marcella and Bernie are now owners and proprietors of the Blue Palms Motel, a motel set in the Adirondack Mountains. Hen is now seventeen and preparing for his future, suffering through all the trials and tribulations that adolescence brings. Tyler, after serving his sentence in a psychiatric facility for the murder of his former neighbour Sally, has returned to live under his mother’s supervision. When Marcella is brutally attacked in the motel office one night, and Tyler admits responsibility, the Trout family is again under the legal spotlight, faced to confront Tyler’s psychiatric demons once more.
Spero’s recently published second novel in this series is just as gripping and emotionally unsettling as the first. In “Boy Released”, Tyler is now trying to cope with life outside of an institution, under the support and supervision of his family, who are trying to move on from the events of ten years ago. Spero is consistent in detailing Tyler’s struggles with schizophrenia, and the heartbreaking series of events that once again, change his young life.
Of course, Hen is back, although in this book he is a young man, making decisions about his future. Although he is a teenager, Hen is still as likable and charming as he was in the first novel, and his dedication to his family is honestly portrayed. Marcella and Bernie are now in a romantic relationship, after the events of the last book forced them to see each other in a new light, but their pairing only makes me like them more. When the final twist at the end is revealed, and a character from the past returns, it was unexpected and satisfying.
Most of the chapters in this novel, especially the ones being narrated from Tyler’s perspective, are told through broken and choppy sentences, which pulled at my inner “grammar nerd”, but I enjoyed how Spero told the story from the viewpoint of not only Tyler, but Marcella and Derek, too. These narrations by minor players helped to piece together the plot.
Spero brings a delightful end to her “Boy” series with “Boy Released”, while still highlighting the tragedy that mental illness (in this case, schizophrenia) can bring to a family. The Trout family are an adorably enjoyable group, and I loved watching them grow together throughout this series.
August 5, 2021
This is a raw, emotional read, so buckle up! While it works stand-alone, it's better to read it after Boy on Hold since it picks up ten years after the previous book as Hen's brother is released to his family to once again deal with the outside world. Hen is faced with the conflicts between taking his own path and his devotion to family. Who do you trust and what do you do when nobody knows the whole story?
As an editor for this book, I read it early and often.
As an editor for this book, I read it early and often.
July 7, 2021
I was lucky enough to receive an early copy of this book and I’m so glad I did. This might be the best book I’ve read this year so far. And maybe it was the Upstate New York setting, but at times the writing reminded me of Richard Russo—one of all time my favorite authors.
In a word, this book is full of heart. Picking up ten years after Boy on Hold, Boy Released takes us back to Marcella, Bernie, Hen, and Tyler, a decade removed from their family trauma and struggling with a new business venture.
What I liked most about this book was the brutal honesty, the expertly crafted details. I won’t spoil the plot, but there’s a realness you can feel in the pages. From the rift between Bernie and Marcella to Bernie’s understandable anger towards Tyler, there's also Hen’s misplaced guilt with helping his family, hanging with friends, turning eighteen and inheriting a large trust fund awaiting him.
Marcella’s stop-at-nothing determination to fight for her boys, especially Tyler, was endearing. The financial strain, the assault, combined with the scattered puzzle pieces of the family’s everyday pain only adds to this convincing standalone tale.
I enjoyed Boy on Hold, but Boy Released struck me as a more tender and intimate book. The relationships are touching and genuine--Hen and Tyler, Marcella and her boys, Bernie and Marcella and all the unsaid things that lay between them. Turning the pages, I found myself wondering how the Trout’s would ever truly heal, and only when I finished (LOVED the ending), did I realize they wouldn't heal, not in the traditional sense, but they'd never stop trying to get better and go on.
And maybe that’s the point.
In a word, this book is full of heart. Picking up ten years after Boy on Hold, Boy Released takes us back to Marcella, Bernie, Hen, and Tyler, a decade removed from their family trauma and struggling with a new business venture.
What I liked most about this book was the brutal honesty, the expertly crafted details. I won’t spoil the plot, but there’s a realness you can feel in the pages. From the rift between Bernie and Marcella to Bernie’s understandable anger towards Tyler, there's also Hen’s misplaced guilt with helping his family, hanging with friends, turning eighteen and inheriting a large trust fund awaiting him.
Marcella’s stop-at-nothing determination to fight for her boys, especially Tyler, was endearing. The financial strain, the assault, combined with the scattered puzzle pieces of the family’s everyday pain only adds to this convincing standalone tale.
I enjoyed Boy on Hold, but Boy Released struck me as a more tender and intimate book. The relationships are touching and genuine--Hen and Tyler, Marcella and her boys, Bernie and Marcella and all the unsaid things that lay between them. Turning the pages, I found myself wondering how the Trout’s would ever truly heal, and only when I finished (LOVED the ending), did I realize they wouldn't heal, not in the traditional sense, but they'd never stop trying to get better and go on.
And maybe that’s the point.
July 6, 2021
The book starts off strong by introducing Hen. I was curious to learn more about him, and see what kind of character he was. This book has some wonderful writing. The descriptions flow well and transport the reader into the story. I was initially curious but I was unsure about whether or not I was hooked, and then after reading the last sentence of chapter one, I knew for sure I was hooked!
Once I met Ty I was really curious to learn more about him. He was intriguing to say the least.
The multiple perspectives of the story from Hen, to Ty, and their mother Marcella add so much depth to the book.
Marcella was the character who made me feel the most emotional while reading this. As I learned more about her struggle and the burden of guilt she felt, my heart broke for her. Her feelings of anxiety and the way her anxiety was written was very well done. She’s easy to empathize with and you can’t help but feel for her.
This story is so well crafted it really sucks readers in. I didn’t want to put it down. I kept turning page after page and if it was a print book I would have ended up with paper cuts.
I didn’t want it to end.
At the end there are discussion questions which is a nice touch to the book overall.
It was a great read. I definitely recommend readers to grab a copy.
Once I met Ty I was really curious to learn more about him. He was intriguing to say the least.
The multiple perspectives of the story from Hen, to Ty, and their mother Marcella add so much depth to the book.
Marcella was the character who made me feel the most emotional while reading this. As I learned more about her struggle and the burden of guilt she felt, my heart broke for her. Her feelings of anxiety and the way her anxiety was written was very well done. She’s easy to empathize with and you can’t help but feel for her.
This story is so well crafted it really sucks readers in. I didn’t want to put it down. I kept turning page after page and if it was a print book I would have ended up with paper cuts.
I didn’t want it to end.
At the end there are discussion questions which is a nice touch to the book overall.
It was a great read. I definitely recommend readers to grab a copy.
May 18, 2023
What a courageous book! After reading Boy on Hold earlier this year I was excited to find out more about the characters I grew to love. The story takes place ten years after the first one so much has changed for the Trout family in those years. The real triumph of this book is how the author shines a spotlight on mental illness and all the messiness involved with coming to terms with a family member caught deep in schizophrenia. The author somehow manages to climb inside the head of each character to paint a truly insightful picture of each characters journey. Gripping, well written and heartbreaking at times, Boy Released will not disappoint.
August 5, 2021
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.
August 5, 2021
I was so excited for this book. I LOVED the first book, and this one follows up 10 years later… definitely recommend to read Boy on Hold, better readies you for this one! Highly recommended. 10/10
July 26, 2021
This book follows on from Boy on Hold so it's a good idea to have read that first.
So, we catch up again with the Trout's ten years after Tyler's incarceration in a psychiatric institute for the murder of Sally Hubbard. He is newly released to his family and their new home and business - The Blue Palms Motel. Hen is ticking along nicely, working hard, waiting for his inheritance, weirdly from the women his brother killed. Tyler though is finding it hard to adjust to his freedom and, although there are plenty of people willing to help, and not just with a job, he is pretty much a recluse.
And then Marcella gets attacked and Tyler is a witness. But he says the wrong thing to the cops that come and finds himself on the wrong side of the law again...
Can the family once again come together to fight the adversity they find still haunting them?
I loved the first book in this series. And I hope it is a series, not just a follow up. I do believe that the characters have more to give and I am not ready to give up on them all quite yet. Nor are they about to give up on each other, despite life still throwing them curveballs and other things to trip them up on life's path. It's all the emotions wrapped up in a well crafted storyline which gets on with itself very well, the absence of waffle and padding noticeable and very welcome. As with the first book, it sucked me in and held me captive, spitting me out at the end, exhausted but satisfied.
It's brutal and raw and doesn't hold its punches. There are some quite heavy things discussed and acted out but all handled with care and all felt wholly realistic. The family bond is tested, bent but never broken.
But the end of the book came all too soon and I wasn't ready to say goodbye to the characters. They got under my skin again. I'm going to miss them. Hopefully we can reconnect again soon.
So, we catch up again with the Trout's ten years after Tyler's incarceration in a psychiatric institute for the murder of Sally Hubbard. He is newly released to his family and their new home and business - The Blue Palms Motel. Hen is ticking along nicely, working hard, waiting for his inheritance, weirdly from the women his brother killed. Tyler though is finding it hard to adjust to his freedom and, although there are plenty of people willing to help, and not just with a job, he is pretty much a recluse.
And then Marcella gets attacked and Tyler is a witness. But he says the wrong thing to the cops that come and finds himself on the wrong side of the law again...
Can the family once again come together to fight the adversity they find still haunting them?
I loved the first book in this series. And I hope it is a series, not just a follow up. I do believe that the characters have more to give and I am not ready to give up on them all quite yet. Nor are they about to give up on each other, despite life still throwing them curveballs and other things to trip them up on life's path. It's all the emotions wrapped up in a well crafted storyline which gets on with itself very well, the absence of waffle and padding noticeable and very welcome. As with the first book, it sucked me in and held me captive, spitting me out at the end, exhausted but satisfied.
It's brutal and raw and doesn't hold its punches. There are some quite heavy things discussed and acted out but all handled with care and all felt wholly realistic. The family bond is tested, bent but never broken.
But the end of the book came all too soon and I wasn't ready to say goodbye to the characters. They got under my skin again. I'm going to miss them. Hopefully we can reconnect again soon.
August 3, 2021
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.
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.
July 21, 2021
A vibrant page turner, Boy Released is a masterful sequel. I was so eager to read more about the Trout family from Boy on Hold, and JD Spero does not disappoint.
Ms. Spero again brings us a heart-wrenching story that is real and authentic. She doesn’t sugar coat the problems of forgiveness, which is often not easily given or accepted, or of living with someone who is struggling with mental illness.
As Hen, who is now 17, describes it in chapter one, he spends his time cleaning as “wiping away the dirt from their past” and “putting a shine on the ugliness that plagued their family.” Then his older brother Tyler is release from serving his sentence in a mental health facility, and the family tries to help Tyler reintegrate into normal life.
But Tyler is again accused of a violent attack and is on the verge of returning to incarceration, but as his case unfolds, the story takes the reader through intriguing twists that make it impossible to guess the outcome.
I received an advanced copy of Boy Released for an honest review.
Ms. Spero again brings us a heart-wrenching story that is real and authentic. She doesn’t sugar coat the problems of forgiveness, which is often not easily given or accepted, or of living with someone who is struggling with mental illness.
As Hen, who is now 17, describes it in chapter one, he spends his time cleaning as “wiping away the dirt from their past” and “putting a shine on the ugliness that plagued their family.” Then his older brother Tyler is release from serving his sentence in a mental health facility, and the family tries to help Tyler reintegrate into normal life.
But Tyler is again accused of a violent attack and is on the verge of returning to incarceration, but as his case unfolds, the story takes the reader through intriguing twists that make it impossible to guess the outcome.
I received an advanced copy of Boy Released for an honest review.
August 2, 2021
This is the second book in the series which finds J.D. Spero handling difficult subject matter in an approachable and respectful way. In this second installment, we are brought ten years forward in the storyline to when Tyler is released from the psychiatric institute. Both his home and work life is to be The Blue Palms Motel. How will Tyler adjust to this new world where life and work are one and how will his family adjust to having him home? Tyler isn't the same person he once was. There are layers of issues presented in the storyline and characters which make Spero's writing sought after. The plot quickly becomes complicated with more violence that Tyler witnesses, placing suspicion upon him. Tyler struggles to adjust to freedom and against common social perceptions of offenders. Again, Spero presents such topics in a mature manner and this book is recommended reading for a mature audience. Well done!
August 4, 2021
4 Stars
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!
Thank you, J.D Spero!
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!
Thank you, J.D Spero!
August 5, 2021
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.
July 12, 2021
I was lucky enough to get an advanced reader copy.
I liked the first book, Boy On Hold, but loved this one more. The writing is clearer and more mature (perhaps this is just a reflection on my preference for older YA and adult books over younger YA). The tension is gripping from the beginning. I found myself getting lost in the story - something that doesn’t happen very often to me as a writer.
The rawness of the emotions spilled out of this book (from Hen’s guilt to his mom’s love to all the emotions in between) and I loved the balance between honesty and closure at the end.
While I recommend reading Boy On Hold first, I could see readers also being able to treat this as a stand-alone, which is a testament to Spero’s ability as a writer.
If you’re looking for a touching page-turner about family, healing, and growing up in the midst of mental illness, read this book.
I liked the first book, Boy On Hold, but loved this one more. The writing is clearer and more mature (perhaps this is just a reflection on my preference for older YA and adult books over younger YA). The tension is gripping from the beginning. I found myself getting lost in the story - something that doesn’t happen very often to me as a writer.
The rawness of the emotions spilled out of this book (from Hen’s guilt to his mom’s love to all the emotions in between) and I loved the balance between honesty and closure at the end.
While I recommend reading Boy On Hold first, I could see readers also being able to treat this as a stand-alone, which is a testament to Spero’s ability as a writer.
If you’re looking for a touching page-turner about family, healing, and growing up in the midst of mental illness, read this book.
August 3, 2021
I was so lucky to receive an advanced copy of this book.
I read Boy on Hold a while back and as soon as I started reading Boy Released I was transported straight back to the wonderfullness (is that even a word lol ) of the Trout family.
I loved how the characters came to life once more and the author writes in such a way that the reader can be completely immersed in how each character is feeling.
Sensitive subject matter was handled beautifully and it was impossible to feel anything but compassion not only for Tyler but actually all the characters, even Derek.
This book, although, a follow on from Boy on Hold could quite easily be read as a stand alone.
I only finished the book about half an hour ago and i already miss Hen, Tyler and Marcella - I highly recommend giving this book a read
I read Boy on Hold a while back and as soon as I started reading Boy Released I was transported straight back to the wonderfullness (is that even a word lol ) of the Trout family.
I loved how the characters came to life once more and the author writes in such a way that the reader can be completely immersed in how each character is feeling.
Sensitive subject matter was handled beautifully and it was impossible to feel anything but compassion not only for Tyler but actually all the characters, even Derek.
This book, although, a follow on from Boy on Hold could quite easily be read as a stand alone.
I only finished the book about half an hour ago and i already miss Hen, Tyler and Marcella - I highly recommend giving this book a read
August 3, 2021
BOY RELEASED (BOY SERIES BOOK 2) by JD Spero
4 Stars
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.
4 Stars
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.
August 9, 2021
5 Stars
BOY RELEASED (BOY SERIES BOOK 2) by JD Spero
Boy Released is the second book in the Boy Series by JD Spero and I highly suggest reading the first book in the series if you haven’t already. As it will give you a better idea of what is going on and help with getting to know the characters. This is a wonderfully written Thriller with a bit of mystery that once you start you better be prepared to read in one day. I was pulled in from the beginning and couldn’t stop reading there was times I was literally on the edge of my seat. Jd Spero did a wonderful job with the mental illness aspect of this story. This story takes place ten years after the first book ends. I don’t want to give anything away with that being said. Find out what happens next in this must read. I look forward to reading more from this Author.
BOY RELEASED (BOY SERIES BOOK 2) by JD Spero
Boy Released is the second book in the Boy Series by JD Spero and I highly suggest reading the first book in the series if you haven’t already. As it will give you a better idea of what is going on and help with getting to know the characters. This is a wonderfully written Thriller with a bit of mystery that once you start you better be prepared to read in one day. I was pulled in from the beginning and couldn’t stop reading there was times I was literally on the edge of my seat. Jd Spero did a wonderful job with the mental illness aspect of this story. This story takes place ten years after the first book ends. I don’t want to give anything away with that being said. Find out what happens next in this must read. I look forward to reading more from this Author.
August 3, 2021
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.
August 3, 2021
Boy Released by J.D. Spero
4-stars
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.
4-stars
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.
August 3, 2021
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!
August 7, 2021
What an amazing follow-up to Boy on Hold! After finishing Boy on Hold, I was delighted to discover Boy Released, and instantly had to read it! I was not disappointed in the slightest, J. D. Spero once again perfectly painted how much mental health can impact people’s lives, Tyler being released from psychiatric care at the beginning of the book ten years after the murder of sally Hubbard. It also does a good job at showing the changes to Hen in the ten years that have passed since the previous novel, showing his struggles as a teenager about to inherit an entire estate and struggling to know what to do with it. It was also interesting to see the different dynamics between Marcella and Bernie after ten years had passed. Definitely happy I read it!
August 3, 2021
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.
August 6, 2021
Boy Released is the second book in the Boy Series by JD Spero. I highly recommend reading Boy on Hold (first book) before reading this book. I found the book engaging. JD Spero takes on the complexity of mental illness. The story is compelling and realistic. The characters are complex and complicated. This book left me wanting more. I finished this book in one sitting. Tyler was released from psychiatric rehab. He is a witness to an attack. With his mind, it will be difficult to see if he is a criminal or a hero. Then there is the little thing about the wealth he is about to inherit. I highly recommend this book.
August 6, 2021
Boy Released is the thrilling sequel to J.D Spero’s novel, Boy on Hold, which starts us on the journey of the Trout family in upstate New York. As Tyler comes back from rehab and has to learn to live with the murder and his mental illness, it puts a strain on the family. Boy Released is a book full of healing, love and hope, and I loved the ending. I hope she decides to write a third book, because I am in love with these books, and it’ll be hard to say goodbye to the Trout family.
August 7, 2021
Boy Released, the sequel to JD Spero’s Boy on Hold, pick up 10 years after Ty’s admission of guilt for the murder of Miss Sally. Bernie, Marcella and Hen have moved and started a new life owning a motel. When Marcella is attacked in the office, it throws Ty, who is staying in one of the cabins, into an episode like he had before. Ty’s incredible mind, even during psychosis, ends up proving his innocence, without him even knowing it.
Boy Released is a five star book that I highly recommend.
Boy Released is a five star book that I highly recommend.
August 10, 2021
JD Spero has hit it out of the park and beyond with this sequel to Boy on Hold. Ty is released after having had a psychotic break and murdering his neighbor Miss. Sally. After his mother Marcella is brutally attacked, Ty is arrested for the crime. Marcella insists that he is innocent but Ty seems to have confessed when the police arrived on the scene. JD does such a marvelous job bringing mental health to the forefront of this novel.
I loved it from beginning to end.
I loved it from beginning to end.
August 6, 2021
I just read Boy on Hold recently and had to read the second book immediately after. I always have the fear the the sequel won't follow up to the first book, mostly because there is so much expectation behind this. You don't have to worry about that with this book! Just as good as the first one! If anything I may have liked Boy Released a bit better.
August 2, 2021
Wow! Just wow
An exceptional read that hooked me from the first page
I loved the writing style and the characters
I enjoyed the way the book followed on from the previous book- neatly with a smooth not overly gushing recap
Excellent
An exceptional read that hooked me from the first page
I loved the writing style and the characters
I enjoyed the way the book followed on from the previous book- neatly with a smooth not overly gushing recap
Excellent
August 8, 2021
I liked getting to know grown up Hen. Ty is a fascinating character as well. The portrayal of Ty and his uncertainty about what is real is very well done. Family dynamics after a tragedy are always complex.
January 26, 2023
A heart wrenching, insightful and surprisingly uplifting story which delves into the effects of mental illness on family and friends. This is a "must read".
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