Stripped 2: A Ferro Family Novel

Stripped #2

by H.M. Ward

NEW YORK TIMES & USA TODAY BESTSELLING SERIES

There are some relationships that destroy your faith in people. They make you jaded and hard, irrevocably changing you forever. I wish I could say that I hate her, I wish I could walk away and never look back, but I can't... I have to save her.

The woman who stole my heart and crushed it in her hand disappeared from my life 3 years ago. So when I see her at a bachelor party, half naked, rolling around on the floor with another stripper, I'm shocked. I have to know what cracked Cassie Hale's picture perfect world that landed her in this hellhole, and I hope that I'm not so bitter that I can't help her escape.

Type: Novel, part 2 of 2.
No cliffhanger.

THE FERRO FAMILY
The Arrangement (Sean & Avery)
Damaged (Peter & Sidney)
Stripped (Jon & Cassie)
The Proposition (Bryan & Hallie)
Easy (Joslyn Ferro)
Broken Promises (Trystan & Mari)
The Wedding Contract (Nick & Sky)
Secrets & Lies (Kerry)

H.M. WARD'S NEW YORK CITY LOVE STORIES
Secrets (Cole & Anna)
Scandalous (Jack & Abby)
A Little Christmas Romance (Chris & Brooke)
Christmas Kisses (Ryan & Holly)

Genres: Romance, New Adult, Second Chance, Erotica, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Second Chance Romance

250 pages, Paperback

First published April 4, 2016

About the author

H.M. Ward continues to reign as a NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author who surpassed more than 23 million books sold, placing her among the literary titans. Ward has been featured in articles in the NEW YORK TIMES, FORBES, and USA TODAY to name a few.

You can interact with this bestselling author at: www.facebook.com/AuthorHMWard.

Reviews

[Candace · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has been a long time coming. If you're like me, you read 'Stripped' years ago and were left hanging. Finally, the conclusion to Jon and Cassie's story has arrived!

When I read the first book, I remember loving it. Jon quickly became my favorite of the Ferro clan. As months passed, then years, I pushed Jon and Cassie to the back of my mind. Eventually, I swore off the Ferros completely after reading nineteen or so installments of 'The Arrangement' with no end in sight.

It had been quite a while since I'd dumped the Ferros, but when I saw that 'Stripped 2' had finally been released, I couldn't help myself. I just had to know what happened to Jon and Cassie.

Unfortunately, I found that this story just didn't hold the same appeal for me any longer. Maybe my tastes have changed. Maybe it's just been too long since I read the first book. Regardless, the story had lost it's charm.

That being said, it was still an okay read. If I hadn't read the first part years ago, reading them for the first time back-to-back recently, I might have liked it much more. Who knows?

The storyline was very predictable and interwoven with the other Ferro stories, as expected. Although the details from the first book were hazy at first, they came back easily enough. However, I just couldn't seem to make myself care like I did when I read the first book. Absence did not make my heart grow fonder.

Although they were separated for the past few years, Jon and Cassie never quit loving each other. In the interim, Cassie ended up in an incredibly abusive marriage and continues to live with the consequences of her horrific marriage. She's not the sweet, innocent girl that Jon fell in love with years ago.

Jon may be better at hiding it, but he has plenty of his own demons to overcome. Believing that Cassie betrayed him all those years ago, he made choices that changed the direction of both of their lives. As he realizes that she may not have been the true culprit, he has plenty of guilt and self-loathing to go around.

Overall, it was an "okay" read for me. There was plenty of drama and action. Cassie's story, in particular, was gut-wrenching. Some parts were emotional, other parts over-the-top.

If you're a big fan of the Ferros, this might be a good choice. If, like me, you've tired of their non-stop family drama, you might be better off taking a pass on this one. It wasn't bad, but I couldn't make myself love it either.

[Stephanie Thornlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jonathan is my favorite! I would love a longer story with him as the lead... ❤️ Or a longer series of books than just two!!
Tired of all of the 100 pages or less series and the series that are released 6months to a year later. I have to check to make sure the complete series is available before I can read most novels these days. By the time the next one comes out, I have already forgotten what happened in the previous book. Just expressing my opinion even though no one asked me

[Angie Shivley]

I need this YESTERDAY! Jon is my FAV Ferro Bro! That boy is HaWt!

[H.M. Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARCs go out tomorrow! Are you ready? Releases on 4/4 to the general public.
This is the final volume of Jonathan Ferro's story - book 2 of 2.
No cliffhanger.
Novel

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly understand it takes time to write all these books, but then we have to wait so long for next book to come out its hard we have to go back and reread that last book.. So plz tried to write as quick as possible.. Thanks your awesome writer..

[María Caamaño]

God damnit!! The one Ferro I love and I have to wait :(

[Stacy Hahn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was phenomenal! All I can say is wow! Just wow! I'm speechless. This book is hands down my favorite for Ferro book yet. Jon was so not who or what I thought he was. He makes me say Sean and Peter who? Jon is what every woman dreams of. There's so much to the story that you won't even believe. I cried more than a few tears, but I can honestly say that my heart is full! My hat is off to HM Ward for bringing to light everything she did in this book!! Jon and Cassie's story is one that will stay with you for a long time! Beautiful!!

[Kelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the sequel to Jon and Cassie's story.
This story starts right where Stripped ended. I just finished re-reading in to refresh my memory before I started on the conclusion to their story.
It's one hell of a journey. We find out what happened to Cassie after she and Jon went their separate ways, it's shocking and terribly sad. Something no person should have to go through. We find out the full in's and out of that happened with that interview that caused their split in the first place. We also find out about Jon's early interactions with one of his father's mistresses and the damage that was left behind.
Everyone is in this story, Sean & Avery, Peter & Sidney, Mr Turkey (not wearing his pink attire), Constance and Uncle Luke.
It's a great ending to Jon and Cassie's story.

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprised and awed! Cassie and Jon set off on an extraordinary journey of healing. Unfortunately, there are people lurking...waiting for Jon to fail. Who would want that? Will Cassie ever be free of her past? Can Jon protect her?

H.M. Ward's Stripped 2 showcases all her amazing tricks of the trade, like humor and laugh out loud moments, to discuss topics that can be emotional and sensitive. I would definitely recommend reading this lengthy book. Amazing characters revisit the pages and yes...I finally have a 'Holly' style HEN/HEA ending I love! A definite read!

[Traci · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hate to be the party pooper but I really don't agree with the consensus ... This book took way to long to come out, so long I completely forgot what i read in the first book. Fine, so I re-read book 1 ....and found I still liked, though not as much as my original read .... This one though .....It was just too dragged out and childish for me. Don't get me wrong, I love Jon Ferro, I love all the Ferro boys but i really really thought Cassie got dragged out and cried and whined just way to much for me.
I get shes been hurt but almost 70% in and she's still whining like a virgin. And there was just too much "confusion" on their roles .... I want to be friends, I want to be more, I love you, I'm your friend .... geees get a clue already and talk to each other. Also the Gretchen thing got to me .... Jon doesn't really clear that up right away by alluding to getting some bj time with her, yet then he say oh no I didn't touch her. For me, it is written a little confusing.
Honestly, I think this author writes well and I have read everything she writes, but i really think the fact that it takes 2 years between books is a huge problem for me because it changes my perspective on the whole story. I truly feel that as I grow, as a reader the story did not, in this case and its like we are back to the teens they once were. I also feel things get dragged out entirely too much and that takes away from the story for me. This one I struggled with and I can honestly say I probably wouldn't be reading a 3rd if there was one.
My feelings on this book is not my feelings on this author. I would absolutely read something else she puts out.

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jon is still my favourite Ferro by far. I have loved the stripped series from start to finish. Jon and Cassie are both so troubled and have so much to deal with that it seems there's no way there can be a happy ending. Jon is so loving and caring towards Cassie And it is clear he loves her from the first book. Cassie tries to be strong and act like she isn't broken. She tries to pretend she is ok if Jon is seeing other people when really she wants him as much as he wants her. I did find myself saying out Loud 'just tell each other how you feel!'
This book is an emotional rollercoaster and is a must read for all Ferro / HM Ward fans. There is love, loss and also awareness of real issues that affect people everyday in this story. I have given a five star review because I loved the story so much but there is something that's been nagging me; all the Ferro stories link up with one another which is one of the main things I love about Hollys work and in book one Bryan is in the club and although he isn't really in book 2 after the first few chapters I feel that Bryan's own story and tragedy would have happened in between and would have been mentioned later in the story like the wedding is. This is probably just me as I was so saddened by the proposition series it's stuck with me so I expected there to be a cross over with his storyline further along maybe towards the end but it's nothing an author can help when a book takes so much time to be well written and others come out in between. I love that Mr Turkey is the story too!! Well done HM Ward, you've smashed it once again.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW -

Jon & Cassie.

I love Jon & Cassie. They each worked so hard not to be obvious of their love & feelings toward each other & kept it from one another, in order to remain in the 'friend zone'. They both had heart breaking moments, talking about the past and letting one another in, to know all those gorey & horrific times. But, love wins all - they realised love was between them. Jon & Cassie worked so damn hard to be there & to be each others rock, and in the end - Love wins & cures all.
It was also really good to see that Sean was able to come back to Jon & point out the nastys of Uncle Luke & to advise Jon that he will back him 100% in anything, and help him to 'reveal' the true Uncle Luke, and to have him banished (Yay!!)

5☆s & I'm a forever fan of Jon & Cassie - and of course, still a forever fan of H. M. Ward.

I also thought it was an absolutely brilliant idea to put her own story of pelvic pain at the end of the book & to advise women that pain is not normal and that it should be checked out. I am though, very sorry to hear she went through that, but now, with women reading her books, they will know to go get check out by an OB/GYN.

[Ja Ma · Rating 1 out of 5]

1 Star

I remembered I read the first one of this duet and I remember I liked it. This one not so much.

Jon Ferro has been the heir of the Ferro family. After his brother's bachelor party he finds Cassie again, the sweet virgin girl he loved a long time ago, turned into a stripper. What could've gone wrong all this years? In order to find out he buys the strip club and becomes her boss. That does not sit well with his family and neither he gets close to Cassie. She has become a whole different person, skittish, afraid of touch she can't really open up to Jon. She has run away from her abusive husband so danger is just around the corner.

Too short and very few sex scenes (not even the MOST IMPOTANT one was described) this just became a forgettable book. Sorry.

[Jodie Archer]

When is the book available looked and cant find it? Just finished stripped so need 2nd book!!

[Sherry Galloway studdard]

Can't wait

[MzAnn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Confused...May Contain Spoilers

**I must apologize...I posted this review in the middle of the night and forgot to include my SPOILER warning.**

I like Jonathan Ferro. He can be a jerk... which seems to be a trait of the men in the Ferro family, but I think he may be my favorite Ferro.

The first Stripped book hinted at the fact that Jonathan was a victim of sexual abuse at the hands of his father's fiance when he was just 13 years old. That is dealt with a little more in depth in this book.

I'm not quite sure how I feel about Cassie Hale. She decided to "save herself" for marriage; she wouldn't even kiss. She and Jonathan still managed to fall in love... only to be broken apart after a story about Jonathan and his family showed up in the newspaper and Cassie was blamed. Sometime after Jonathan broke up with her, she met and married Mark, who abused her physically, sexually and emotionally.

Cassie kind of vascilated between being strong and being...I don't know... I can't find the right word for it... self-conscious? Maybe wimpy? I'm sure it's supposed to reflect her abusive past, so maybe I can't really fault her.

I expected Mark to play a much bigger role in this story. He is an abuser and his wife (Cassie) was on the run, hiding from him and basically in the arms of another man. There was one incident at the strip club, but nothing actively from Mark after that. We find out from Kam (the drug dealer that had the house across the street from Cassie and Beth) that "some guy" had been stalking Cassie. Kam "took care of it." But why? Because he didn't like men who abused women.

OK.

Don't get me wrong... I like Kam. There's just something about a thug with morals. But this was anticlimactic. And since Kam took care of this problem for Jonathan, Jonathan now owes him one. It would have been interesting to see Kam call in this favor...but, no.

We also find out that Cassie wasn't behind the story that came out about the Ferro family...Crazy Uncle Luke was. Luke threatens Jonathan and Sean tells his little brother that he and Peter have Jonathan's back and they're going help Jonathan deal with Luke. And then we hear nothing more from Luke.

I don't mind a HEA, and Jonathan and Cassie both deserve one, and watching them learn to love and trust again really was beautiful, but it just felt like a lot was left up in the air. If I recall correctly, the blurb for this said "no cliffhanger;" but it feels like the book was kinda left hanging. I didn't really need to know the true story behind the padlocks on the bridge in Paris. And, not to be a b!tch about it, but I didn't really need the in depth info about the pelvic pain issue. I'd rather have the story wrapped up better.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ferro family. Dark old little secrets and very dirty sadistic games.

« You’re not my favorite anything, anymore. You’re a putrid piece of shit too low to acknowledge, but since I’m here with my hands around your neck, I’ll elaborate. You screwed with the wrong man, you fuckfaced pisshole of a human being. »

« There’s nothing you could say to fix the damage you’ve done. There’s no fucking way to undo a goddamned drop of the misery you’ve caused. Stay the fuck away from me or you won’t like what happens. »

Two fucked-up parents. 3 brothers. A total insanity.

«  Play nice and when the time is right, Pete and I will help you take him down - together. In the meantime, keep Cassie close. »

Stripped 2 is book 2 and the conclusion in Jon Ferro and Cassie Hale’s story. I loved it.

« What are you thinking about? »
« I’m thinking I’m completely fucked up and so lucky to have you. » « Most guys would say that you chose the wrong word. I’m a walking oxymoron, a living breathing dichotomy. I strip by night and am a sexless prude by day. »
« No, you’re not, baby. You’re the most sensual, beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. Your scars are deep, and come all the way to the surface. Most people hide that, but you don’t. It makes you stronger and more gorgeous than you could possibly imagine. »

« I think I understand. »
« Understand what? »
« Why you’re willing to endure the pain to be with me. Why it’s worth it. »

« Save me, Jon. Figure things out with me. Be an awkward lover with me so we can get to whatever comes after that. »

An absolute must read.

« I have issues with men who treat women that way. My shrink says it’s a deep insecurity from watching some prick batter my sisters, but I think it was watching my mother get backhanded with a shovel that put me over the top. I killed that motherfucker without a second of doubt, and since then, when I see their kind - the ones who think they can get away with it - I make sure they don’t get away with shit. Call it justice for assholes. »

[Rosie AvidReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome back Jon Ferro! Stripped 2 starts where Stripped left off. The only heir left to the Ferro fortune purposely buys a strip club to make mommy dearest mad. Sean, Pete, Bryan, Trystan, Avery, Sidney and Mel are all there to try and stop him from this deal. But Jon is determined to go through with it. He can’t let them in on a secret he has kept from everyone.
The girl he thought betrayed him and the only girl he has ever loved walks back into his life. Bryan is not happy about that either. Cassie knows that Jon and the entire Ferro family hate her. She never met to hurt Jon. If only things could have turned out different, both of their lives would have turned out so much better.
Hidden behind a façade of being another Ferro manwhore, Jon has been doing some fantastic things with his life. Since nobody paid attention to anything he did, Jon ended up being a savvy businessman. He was making a ton of money on his own without any help from the ice queen, mama Ferro. Jon doesn’t need the Ferro fortune, he has his own.
This story touches on some very important issues going on. Physical, sexual & emotional abuse has played a part in this story. I was beyond shock at some of the things that came out. It is a very serious issue and the way that HM Ward tells the story brings light to things that can happen in the personal lives of people. The steps and scenes are so well written.
Can Jon and Cassie find their happily ever after? Will they overcome everything that happened in the past? Can your first love end up being the one after all this time? I loved this book. It was a more serious side of the Ferro clan. I think because of the topics involved that it was very fitting.

[Marci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stripped 2 is the sequel to Stripped and the conclusion to the Stripped series. In a sense, Stripped 2 is a second chance romance, but don't think for a minute that you know what will happen because it's not a typical second chance romance! From the first chapter, I was spellbound, and I just could not put it down!

The characters were complex, well developed, and likable. Jonathan Ferro appears at first glance to be a stereotypical rich playboy, but it turns out he is a savvy businessman. Who knew?!? Cassie is is his first love, now a stripper. It's clear that they are still very much in love with each other, despite their past history. Unfortunately, Cassie is married to an abusive man whose sadism shocked me beyond words, and Jonathan will most likely be disowned for buying the strip club where Cassie works. All of their coworkers, friends, and family seem to be against them. Is their love enough?

I loved, loved, loved the cameos by other favorite HM Ward characters and the way it intersects with other series by the author. It is a MUST READ. I highly recommend this book and series!

[Christine Frieseke-Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW, is all I can say after reading this book. I have waited what feels like forever for a happy ending for my favorite Ferro. There is so much emotion in this book and it's so powerful. From the beginning, you can see that both Jon and Cassie are so broken, yet they love each other even with so much time having passed. Jon's devotion and love for Cassie never wavers and he becomes the man I knew he was as he helps Cassie through a painful time in her life. You see so many sides of Jon in this book and each one makes me love him more. Cassie is a strong heroine, too. She has suffered a traumatic past and finds the strength to move past it so that she can have a life with Jon. I read this book in one day. It was very moving and well worth the wait to have Jon and Cassie's chapter closed.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three years since "Stripped 1". A reason I hate cliffhangers.

OK, so now that I settled down and re-read Stripped so that I could remember then I started this book fresh. It was seem less...l couldn't tell three years had gone by. But seriously I hate waiting.
Some minor spoilers****
Jon was by far a Ferro of great measure. I wasn't sure about Cassie and him, but with her issues and the discovery of Jon's secret it all came together. The way Jon slept on the floor and how he loved Cassie was beautiful. Jon apparently has made peace with Sean and maybe Sean can have some peace. Hard to say. But nice to have Jon in a good place.

[Debbie Ballard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved and enjoyed reading the awesome & amazing sequel to the Stripped series by the sensational author, H.M. Ward. "ARC Review"
Jon Ferro goes against his mother's wishes, buys the strip club, and is disinherited. The love of his life, Cassie, is hiding from her abusive husband. While Jon and Cassie are struggling with their internal demons, they are trying to find their way back to each other.
Read the highly recommended, must read, captivating & engaging, romantic love story of Jon and Cassie.

[Sandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This books starts where book one left off. I loved how this book wrapped up everything. We find out more about the breakup and what happened to Cassie during those years. We even find out what happened to Jon before he met Cassie. Jon is so sweet to Cassie and is patient and kind. He gives her the time to work out things from her past and just be there for her. Can they get past their past? Like all other HM Ward books I was hooked from start to finish. I am sad to see the end of Stripped but I was happy with the ending. I was gifted a copy for a fair and honest review.

[Andrea Sanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well what a surprise this novel was ?
You find Cassie and Jon Ferro, exactly where we left them in book one.
It soon becomes clear that they are damaged creatures, their pasts have defined their future, so far !
Can love conquer all ?
Are they strong enough to heal each other, even if it means exposing their own inner secrets ?
Loved the story, the laughs and the very tender emotions that deal with two topic's that we just don't cover enough !

[Zara Quintana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read the ARC and loved it as much as I had anticipated. Jon Ferro and Cassie have great chemistry and are not your typical couple. Jon is misunderstood and nothing what you would think. Cassie has demons she is fighting and thinks she is damaged goods and doesn't deserve the love from Jon, but she can't stop wanting him. There are many cameos from other Ferro's and their love interests and the hot rocker Trystan from other H.M. Ward novels. This is a must read for any Ferro lover!

[Carrie Boggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

**ARC REVIEW **

An awesome sequel to Stripped! You get to see a different side of Jon (the playboy) and see the hell Cassie has been through. This is an emotional roller coaster read with real life issues. Jon and Cassie are one of my favorite couples and hate to see the Sripped series come to an end.
Once again HM Ward has written a great book! A must read!

[Abby Wheeler · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was so excited for this book and after 3 long years of waiting I was so disappointed. It was just not good for me at all. I just had no interest in their story anymore and it had such promise for me but it was just not good and I really wanted it to be.

[Nhi · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first book was way better. Couldn't even finish this one :(

[Fallon Hansen]

2014?!?!? Ugh

[Marissa Tiroletto · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't mean to rate it yet, even though I know it will be awesome! But 2014?! Ugh :( I was hoping it was already released!