The Arrangement 9: The Ferro Family

The Arrangement #9

by H.M. Ward

When Avery finds out that the cowboy who requested her services for the night is Marty, things take an unexpected turn. If Avery declines her friend, she’ll be in trouble with Miss Black, but if she accepts–this could mean a new, normal relationship and saying farewell to Sean forever.

Genres: Romance, Erotica, New Adult, Contemporary, BDSM, Contemporary Romance, Adult

122 pages, Paperback

First published July 31, 2013

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

[H.M. Ward]

COMES OUT ON MONDAY! :)

[Jenna · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really enjoy this series however how many books really need to be in a book series? Don't you think 10 is getting to be too many. I really don't like the twist that happened in this book!! Don't you think that Avery has been through enough? Can't you give her a break for once? This series is starting to make me angry! Book ten better be the last one.

I've been thinking about this book since I read it yesterday and I am still really angry about it. I am so disappointed in HM Ward. Don't you think that after everything Avery has been through that she would have figured out that something wasn't right in the situation that she was faced with in this book? I am so angry that you made her seem so stupid in this installment. I have thought of her throughout the series as a pretty smart girl who is faced with some tough situations and decisions but who is a survivor. If you want us to think that she is stupid and weak then I think that you are going in the right direction!!

[FragmentsofInk · Rating 1 out of 5]

Review not based on content...

I'm so behind on reviews, and have only given a one star rating on one other occasion...but am so annoyed/disgusted with this series that I just had to post something.


I admit to enjoying The Arrangement series when it first started. Now, after 9 installments and a 10th (maybe more) on the way, I refuse to read anything else written by this author. Not even an entire novel, and I've shelled out a little over $28.50 with no end in sight. I can't stand the heroine, the "hero" is a total twa*, and I feel like I've been robbed. Or violated. Or both. Who knows.


Each novel in the Game of Thrones series (just throwing this out as an example), sells for 9.99 as an ebook. Each of the five books in that series is still longer than the 9 combined installments in this series...which, as I've already stated, is now totaling over $28. The GoT novels took the author roughly three years to write (each), whereas Ward pushes these installments out like candy. I don't think I even need to touch upon the contrast in quality of content. Unbelievable.


No doubt...she's a genius. Figured out how to work the system for the biggest payday. Kudos. BUT...where's the customer loyalty? This is how she thanks her readers/supporters? By claiming to give fans what the want...more Sean and Avery...rather than wrapping up what has become a totally stale series and providing closure to those who have stuck through this shenanigans?

Ugh.


*Final Note: I obviously noted the number of 4/5 star reviews posted...just as I noticed that a great deal of these are posted by readers that received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I have no doubt these reviews are an honest reflection of each reader, and I also fully support the use of ARCs as a great marketing tool. However, this is based on the assumption that the book is fairly priced...and this is the first instance I've come across where that is clearly not the case. This is a unique situation, where I can't agree that a review by someone having received free copies can serve its intended purpose for the readers that who are ultimately providing the author with a paycheck*

[L.A. Miller · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ms Ward, once again I was suckered into buying your next installment. You need to pay attention more to your reviews and less to your ego. This book by far was the worst because there was nothing there. I had believed at one time you were gifted, now I see you pay homage to those who have a small attention span. I agree with other readers, this book should have only been two maybe three at the most. Stop stringing your readers along, pay attention to the reviews. If you go back to the first book or your first series you will see people liked your writing, now they are just upset and you are losing a customer base for the future. Please just find an end to this book and stop telling us your fans are driving the series. Your series is beginning to look more and more like something we would see on tv. The first year was great but with each year the writers have less and less to say so the amount of episodes become less. Then we fill in dead space with commercials which is what this story felt like. Please just end the story and put it out of its misery.

[Teri · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was given an ARC from the author for a fair and honest review.

I just finished and I'm upset. I accept the author's concept to write several short stories to advance this series but, this book failed to give the readers enough.

Spoilers Ahead

The continuation of the cliffhanger from book 8...at first I really thought Marty would be the better man for Avery. He really is turning out to be a great guy. However once her feelings for Sean emerge it's obvious who she belongs with.

The author then adds more filler to the story until a surprise text from Sean. I'll admit that I believed it was from him too!

However, I thought it was obvious that it was Sean that she was sextexting with. There had to have been a better way to get the same result. Avery was so naive!! Now I don't know if it's Black or Henry.. That we will have to wait and see.

Then more filler...

Finally Sean returns after an early departure in book 8. But this occurs at the end of this book??? Seriously??? Not pleased!! And I don't get why she didn't propose!!!! The cliffhanger wasn't shocking as I called that earlier in the book.

I love this series but the author does need to start giving us, the loyal fans, more!!!!

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series is sadly starting to drag. It just needs.... Well its simple really, it just needs MORE!!! Those of you reading the series know what I'm talking about. I'm ready for this series to wrap up, but wrapped up nicely with a pretty little bow on top!! Definitely not rushed, I want to feel full and satisfied with the HEA ending and yes I expect a HEA for these two. And is everyone else confused on how Avery is hooker for months and has only slept with ONE guy. She thinks she's up for this life style because she hasn't done the deed with someone other than Sean. Avery needs a reality check everyone been telling her since she started this occupation and get out of the hooker business.

Prediction on who Avery was sexting
1. My hopeful choice: Gabe who is trying to protect her
2. The obvious choice: Henry extracting revenge by showing Ms. Black the pictures/video. Would he know Avery favorite wine??
3. The confusing choice: The roommate. She has to have an inside informant because I don't know how she found out about Avery's controversy occupation.

What are your predictions for what's going to happen next. I'm just happy she has Sean to protect her. Well hopefully she accepts his protection, but knowing Avery, she is going to tell him to fuck off, that she can handle it herself, where she will no doubt need his help in the end.

[Kimberly Mushinski · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm so frustrated with this series. I really enjoy the story and like the characters, but I feel like the author is taking advantage of everyone who reads her. I have purchased all 9 books in this series (for 2.99 each!!!) when I feel there should have only been two or three books total. I feel like she has literally writing an amazing story and then chopped it up into tiny pieces to make more money. I want to know how the story ends for these characters, but I don't know if I'll continue to support an author that sells her readers a 77 page short story as a book. Ugh. I'm so pissed how short this book was and the abrupt ending it had.

[Linzi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't flipping wait you are killing me lady literally driving me crazy ;) in a good way of course ! I love this series ... I love your novels ... You're taking all my $ :)

[Anna · Rating 2 out of 5]

“Someone hired me last night, and pretended to be you.”

Yeah, and with that I don't know how long are we also going to solve that dilemma.

I'm not gonna lie, I loved the earlier stories of The Arrangement series. Those bloody cliffhangers always kept me on edge and just want to claw my way to read the next volume. But now I don't know how much longer is this going to keep up. How much stories, different directions this series is going. There are tons of inconsequential scenes that would only make Avery dumber by the minute than how she normally was. A lot of situations are added to make the story long-er than what is necessary. Just cut the slack and hint us whether they'll live happily-ever-after. Or not.

Again, I loved the series, and I don't want to say bad about it, but gradually it became too much. Avery and Sean's characters were then driven to be lust-filled and somehow less substantial (a big no!), so I was wondering, would it still be worth it to invest into this? Yes, I guess. I mean, I already started it, might as well get it over with.

Sigh. Okay The Arrangement 10. I'm waiting.

[Bianca · Rating 1 out of 5]

The Arrangement series is like a first love gone wrong for me. Being so simple but relatable, it was one of the books I absolutely adored and sang praises to when I first got into reading. I loved Sean and I understood his sorrow and self-torture, but I loved Avery too to know that Sean needed a lot more proving to deserve her.

I read The Arrangement 1-6 in one go. While waiting for the next volumes I was exposed to more books and better authors but this is the series that I'd get excited for. But I got TA 7..and I thought, "Maybe I'm just not used to novellas; let's wait for the next ones." So I waited for TA 8, then I said, "was that worth the wait?" But when TA 9 came out, all my pent-up frustration exploded into one ugly rant emailed to HM Ward (who knows if she actually reads fan letters?). I needed weeks to finally admit to myself that my first love isn't going anywhere (hence the late review and rating).

The thing is, it's not about the length of the novella or the long wait for each volume. It's about the original story being dragged on and on to milk the fan response, and what we get is all fluff with no nutrition. I don't care if The Arrangement goes on until Volume 20 IF there was anything happening that makes sense. But with each new volume, what we have are pointless monologues, unreasonable decisions from characters who used to think better, and more minor conflicts without resolution to the original ones - all amounting to a reading experience that is called PLAIN TORTURE.

I want so badly to fall in love with this series again. But if the characters are stuck in the same dilemma from around 4 volumes earlier, I could only be stuck with the same feelings that I have now - DISAPPOINTMENT and a love that is lost..

[Cinthia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel cheated on, manhandled and thoroughly abused by this series.



I'm seriously thinking the author might never finish this thing and I'm ONE book away from giving up entirely and flashing Sean and Avery my middle finger for good. I refuse to keep this up any longer than 10 books. It's WAY more than I signed up for to begin with.

And even if you have no pity on your readers, Mrs. Ward, at least show some mercy for those who work for you. I mean, come on... HOW MANY MORE STEAMY POSES CAN THESE TWO MODELS IN THE COVER THINK OF??????? I feel like they might have to draw inspiration from the kama sutra at the pace we are going...

[Patty ~ Wrapped Up In Reading Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

H.M. Please give Avery & Sean the HEA they deserve!!
Oh my god I can't take much more of the angst.
9 books down and still they're not together and now Avery could be in deep shit for sexting and sending naughty videos to someone thru her cell phone!!!!
That was a STUPID move on Avery's part!

Book 10 is supposed to come out this week and supposedly there are more but no clue as to how much more.

I think the mystery guy is Henry and he's going to make that sex video go viral!!!

[LIA Kh. · Rating 2 out of 5]

the same plot, the same storyline. up and down. lalalala

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

4-4.5 stars. Another cliffhanger! Keep it coming, I'll keep reading. : )

[SM READS · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Black”mail?
Well, well, HELL! What a long, strange trip indeed. This installment begins where A8 ended. Marty had purchased a night with Avery. Of course, Avery didn’t know until she opened the door. To say that she was pissed, would be an understatement. I must say that while I don’t want Marty and Avery together, I appreciate the way they both handled this situation. I love that Avery is honest, to a fault, at times and deep down Marty knew the score.
Moving on, Avery receives a mysterious text while out shopping for gift for Sean. She doesn’t recognize the number but when she asks who it is the person indicates that it is someone that misses her. She asks if it’s Sean and the caller says yes. They text innocently and agree that they will see each other soon. When Avery goes to her next job, she walks into the room and sees flowers, her favorite wine, and a text from someone claiming to be Sean. Being Avery, she trusts the caller. MISTAKE!! Avery, trusting Sean implicitly, does everything he tells her to. I do mean EVERYTHING including pics and video. OMG, this can not end well. Avery tells Sean about Marty and Henry. He is NOT happy!! **squeals**
She explains why she chose the gift she did: it was beautiful by the way HR Ward!! She makes a reference to their call last night. He lets her know that he did not call her. So now we are left wondering who dunnit!! OMG! The roomie was acting weird but she doesn’t have the money to pay for Avery. Even if naked guy and a dozen of their closest friends got together they couldn’t afford her. I can’t help but think that this is Black’s trump card with Sean and with Avery and maybe even Mel. Mel did allude to having a strange job herself. Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned!! It could be Henry which would also be a good twist! One surprise I noted was Sean’s admittance at the end. Yay!!!
Great read Ms. Ward! Thanks for the advanced copy. I do love receiving them!! Can’t wait to see what awaits Sean and Avery. I have a feeling he’s going to come out swinging! First will be Henry and then Black. Let it roll!! I’m ready to rumble!!

[Michelle ♥♥♥♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG, I was thinking that but what a rotten way to end it u stinker!!!!

Before I go further I should say that I was provided and ARC from the writer in exchange for my honest review.

It opens where we left off with Marty... There are strong emotions in the first couple of chapters... Pretty intense and funny too. Once again Mel his her hilarious self and Amber is more of a bitch. At one point Amber says things to Avery that make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up.

At one point Avery did stuff that was very erotic and sensual during one of her, "calls".... Although I was having a not so good feeling and even Avery said and thought the same...

There's a road trip that lands u smack dab into "Damaged 2"...

Will there be a HEA with these two EVER??? By the looks of it, probably or not... Only more volumes will give that away.

I dug everything about this latest volume and I think I should move to Texas and crash with Holly and read as she writes, heck, I'd even go so far as to let her read to me... ; ;

I highly recommend continuing to stick with "The Arrangement" (Ferro family) series. I soak these up and don't dare to wring them out. I keep every juicy bit of it in me and stubbornly I keep it for good (just like the dessert you shouldn't eat but can't live without)...

Bring on 10, I'm ready and waiting... Have u bought this yet? Well it is available for sale as of the 29th of July.

Follow Holly on Facebook (h.m ward) and on twitter or here on Goodreads for links to this and all of her BESTSELLING series.

Thanks again Holly! :0)

[Karen Pierce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yep another cliffhanger ending - not going to tell what it is because I dont do spoilers in my reveiws.

What I will say is that I love this series but I am starting to get upset that they each cost 2.99 for less than an hours worth of reading. Either the books need to be longer for $2.99 or the price needs to be dropped.

I love Marty after this book, he is a tride and true friend. As for Sean - We get to see him at the end of the book for like 5 minutes - that was a little dissapointing as well. I was ready for some Sean Ferro action and we only got a tease of him in this book. Mel is probably my favorite in this book - her I don't take any prisoner attitude comes through - you always know where Mel stands.

Avery - I love my girl Avery - she is taking a leap of faith with Sean in this book only to be surprised by him - yep thats the cliffhanger you will have to read it for yourself.

I can only hope that this series ends soon because I really dont want to go bankrupt reading all of these books. I have all of HM Wards books and have liked them all but I think that this series needs to come to a conclusion....

[Beth Chavis · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ok I love HM Ward and all her books but for the love of all books this series has got to come to a freaking end!!! No surprises in this one I knew what was happening from.the first text sent.
Avery was made to look like a dumb ass in this book...We are getting nowhere with the plot of this series...To each his/her own but I don't know for the life of me how people could be happy with where this story is going or more where its not!!! I will keep buying and reading this series but I am seriously not happy and hope to goodness 10 is the last and final installment in this series and it ends happily for everyone!!!!

[Bronwyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

OMG! Avery can be so stupid! She just assumes things and acts on them, oftentimes to her own detriment. I have to admit that this series is addicting, but sometimes it’s like watching a car wreck. It’s a mess but I can’t look away!

For all the money that Ms. Ward has made off this series, the proofreading is horrible in every book. You’d think she could afford a brilliant proofreader.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok I have to be very honest here. The books are far too short for what we are paying. I am now finding it hard to want to keep reading as there is just not enough "book" in the books. I like what I am reading but simply not enough.

[Teri · Rating 3 out of 5]

UGH! I need the story to move a little faster, I'm starting to get bored, but i need to know what happens to Sean and Avery!

[Euridice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cada vez mas emocionante

[MaryReadsRomance · Rating 2 out of 5]

The irony that this over priced and drawn out single "book" disguised as a series is about a high cost but lower class inexperienced call girl who is drawing out her relationship with the wealthy but needy young man and is therefore raking in the money with each encounter with the one man to whom she could and should be having a relationship and encounters with for FREE is not at all lost on me.

Maybe the author is trying to tell us something?


For $70 for the soft copy edition ($7 x 10) of this "single book in a series", one would expect this to be a well crafted story book.

But instead of a well crafted $70 bottle of wine,





one gets a partially filled bottle of home brewed ale!




IF I had paid the full price for this book and the 7 proceeding books at $7.19 per paper back "edition" or the e-book $.99 (1st "teaser") through $2.99 for series 2 -8, I would have been outraged by now.




Because I got to read these books for free, however, I am not outraged - just merely disappointed. (I am also mildly offended for my friend however who paid $22 for the kindle series 1 - 8. Assuming she buys 9 and 10 at $2.99, she will be paying $28.00 for the equivalent of a single digital Kindle book!)





As someone who has been reading amateur fan fiction for years, I must say that this story is not much better than much of the former FREE fan fict. That said, it is also not up to the best of the fan fict. that I have read over the years - much of which has now been pulled to publish in the last several years.

Given what one could get for FREE in amateur works or for $7.99 in the standard quality books by established authors, I am simply amazed what people are paying for this doled out artificially created "series".




I think it is inexcusable to not write a story and go back and edit and revise it to make it one comprehensive and cohesive story and book and then publish it and be done!

In fan. fict., where there is live development, stories take time and are "published" piece meal as they are works in progress. The Arrangement is not being published live and so there is absolutely no reason or justification, other than to milk the reader, to make this a series.

For established and mainstream authored books, a series is usually comprised of individual fully developed length books that have a complete story with resolution OR a trilogy would be a VERY long and complex story that requires due to length a division in publication. Each book may explore different people or build upon one another but again each book can largely stand alone.

There is absolutely no justification for this to be a series when each "book" is very short and there is no resolution to an individual story and the characters have basically stayed the same through out - except again to milk the readers.






It is a generally poorer quality book (and almost any product as a matter of fact) that results from a linear seat of the pants, piecemeal development plan. Quality requires a master plan, continuous review and editing, and testing BEFORE release to the consumer. Even books with a stream of consciousness style are not actually developed from a stream of consciousness!

I am offended for all readers who have come to the this table month after month, having paid full price and patiently waiting with expectation, only to be served one course of warmed over left overs. Leftovers, which in this case at least promise some flavor, but often blandly fulfill the caloric requirement but are never fully satisfying.




I am mildly offended for my friend who has not only been strung along but also has been pinched for a total of $22 so far for the kindle editions 1 - 8 with no end in sight.




I don't give 1 star reviews because either I do my research and just simply avoid anything that bad, or I just stop reading the book and don't bother even remembering it no less bothering with a review unless it is a new book and I feel compelled to warn my friends or more it is so bad that I am wildly mad about being ripped off.

I am not giving this "book" or the other "books" in this inflated "series" a one star review because I got to read the books in a few sittings (VS going hungry for months), and for free (VS paying over inflated prices for a "piece" of a book), and because it was mildly entertaining.




I am however not giving it a higher rating than 2 stars, even at the free rate, because I am not at all satisfied with the quality of work and the lack of an ending YET AGAIN as this series continues with no end in sight ...

[Ivy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Avery verliert wieder komplett die Nerven weil sie mit einer Situation nicht umgehen kann: Marty hat sie gebucht. Dann ist es doch anders, was mir schon klar war. Der ist gar nicht schlecht muss ich sagen.
Dann wird ihr von Seans Bruder zugeredet, dass sie sich Sean holen soll und Mel geht sogar noch einen Schritt weiter. Was erst seltsam ist weil sie doch immer gegen ihn war. Aber sie beweist sich als wahre beste Freundin.
Und nachdem Gabe sie vor Henry retten musste, weil der offensichtlich eine Vorgeschichte mit Sean hat ist da jetzt der neue Kunde Mr Charleston, der dann doch jemand anders ist...

Insgesamt gibt es hier weiter viel Hin-und-Her, viel aber-ja-aber-nein und mehr Avery und ihre Freunde, dafür weniger Sean. Also doch ein wenig anders, was mir gefällt. Und obwohl ich genau das vermutet hatte, schlägt der Cliffhanger wieder zu...

Aber je mehr ich lese, desto genervter bin ich von diesen Episoden...

[Candy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Avery is livid when she discovers it is Marty who hired her for the night. She has to decide whether she is going to stay with Marty or walk out & face the retaliation from Miss Black. Marty desperately tries to explain to Avery that he didn't hire her for her services. It takes a while for Marty to calm Avery down but eventually gets her to understand that he wanted to offer her a night off.

[Janell Wheeler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well I didn't expect what happened next. I really like Marty and his character and all the issues surrounding him and Avery make me sad. I hope in future books it all gets worked out but it will be interesting to watch their relationship evolve. As for the sexy time in this book, I have to say I had a pretty good feeling I was going to know the punch line. I'm intrigued to see where this is heading in the next book. At least the author always keeps us on our toes.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can find this review at My Favorite Things

The Arrangement Vol 9 by H.M. Ward is book 9 in The Arrangement series of serial novels. What is a serial novel? Well, Holly AKA H.M. Ward has an excellent explanation on her blog page.

So, I have been lucky enough to be able to review an ARC copy of The Arrangement 9 and I liked it. I did not like it as much as the past few books though. I'm really starting to get anxious for what is going to happen to Avery.

***Possible SPOILERS below***

I'm trying to be cryptic so that those who HAVE read it understand without spoiling the story for those that haven't.

The cowboy cliffhanger at the end of The Arrangement 8 was intense, but my guess was right. I'm so happy about that too, I don't think I could have handled it going any other way at this point. The new dilemma with the cell phone? Phew! I'm so nervous for what is going to happen there. Poor Avery. Is Henry back in the picture? What is up with Amber? And Sean, we didn't hear nearly enough from his stubborn behind.

I believe that this book takes place during the latter part of the time frame of Damaged 2. So if you haven't read these yet I believe the order should be... start with Damaged, then The Arrangement 1-7, then Damaged 2 (say hi to the turkey), then The Arrangement 8 and The Arrangement Vol 9.

"Your car sucks monkeys, like literally. It must have plowed down an entire gaggle of the hairy little suckers at some point. I mean, the smell alone..." - Marty on Avery's car

[Khanique McDaniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

And the bad luck of Avery Stanz continue, as well as, joining the line of irritated fans waiting for the next book in this unnecessarily long story of Avery and Sean.

Whenever this girl gets apprehensive I start to get anxious. She has the worse luck and instincts in the world. It's a wonder she survived this long.

Once again, Marty tries to not be gay and barely ends up crossing the friend line and Mel continues to be Mel. She is obviously cut out for this life!

Things are progressing, but due to the very abrupt endings and extension of this series, I try not to be excited as I have no idea as to when this will be complete. As a 1/2 hour TV series, perfect! As a book series ... irritating!!

There is no introduction of new characters and so I can't even really consider who might be messing with her this time. Part of me wants to just give up on this series.

While Henry is in the lead, I don't put it pass Amber and naked guy. I love suspense and have no problem with a little mystery, but this story as it relates to Avery and Sean's relationship, needs to move!!

How many times are we gonna go back and forth before it gets old?
I am starting to believe that if not for the abrupt endings, people would give up on this series. Nine books later, and we are no closer to a stead enough relationship between these two. I am not even saying end your cash cow for good, but give us another element relationship wise.

We are stuck in this never ending limbo and I am getting tired of it all.

Avery is not a call girl and Sean loves her regardless. Now let's build a story on that and stop trying to get her to become one and him to suppress everything. It's getting old!!!!

Overall, this story was good off the bat and held so much promise and potential. We were being thrown in an interesting story with emotionally challenged characters, but somewhere between all the volumes and indecisiveness, I am now at a point where I just want a conclusion already. Give me something other than Avery's naivety, Sean's cowardice, Marty's confusion and Mel's outlandish demeanor and attitude. Get it together already, because this series is long over due for a conclusion. Fresh material is reaching and the old ones are just that ... old!

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love that moment when I see a post from H.M. Ward on Facebook with a link and a nice unexpected surprise. But then I do what I promise myself I won't do. I go one-click crazy and then an hour later I am slowly regretting my need to own this - devour it and then spend the next month cursing myself for having zero restraint.

So we start off on part 9 of my obsession, otherwise known as The Arrangement Series with Avery coming face to face with Marty who has bought her for the night. And Avery lost it. Completely and utterly over the top style. But Marty finally gets her to listen. This isn't about sex. This is about a friend that has less than friendly intentions wanting to give her a break before her choices completely break her. There is just one thing wrong with this... Marty can never be more to Avery because she loves Sean. She loves the broken man who left her with only a promise of being able to buy her full time. To make their relationship nothing more than a permanent transaction.

But that might just change when she gets an unexpected message from an unknown number. Avery breaks the rules....


But when she finally decides if she can take the risk and go to Sean and do what Peter suggests, fight for him. She might just get more of a wake up call than she bargained.

And this is when it ends. A bomb is dropped. And the pages stop turning. There is nothing more. I hate that it's a feeling I have grown accustomed to. But it is a bitter-sweet feeling. I am one more step closer to the truth and the end. Hopefully a path that leads to a HEA, but for now I get to spend the next thirty days wondering what will happen next.

[Anita Powers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to get an ARC of this book and I couldn’t have been more pleased with what I read. I loved this one, it was fun, some of the moments with Avery and Marty were comfortable, and funny like their relationship used to be. Then the time spent with Avery and Mel in her car was hilarious, especially the time Mel spent with Steve, then the botched job of stalking people had me laughing so hard, especially when Avery tackles Mel into the plants, I was so glad to see what Holly did during this scene because I got nervous thinking this was going to drag on and Avery was going to leave without any answers. The whole phone thing is crazy because I loved when she got the text while at Friendly’s but my heart ached to find out the truth about the text and the special night. My mind right away thought of the crazy guy???? (Don’t want to say more) I am afraid of what is going to happen now and what this person is going to try and make Avery do since this person will probably try and blackmail her. I do not know what is up with her roommate but I swear I would find another place to live yuck. It was great when right away Sean thought Avery was searching him out to agree to the old arrangement he offered her before but she had a different type of arrangement in mind. I was happy that Avery admitted to Sean what she was doing and what she thought and felt when she bought him a certain something. I love what Sean tells Avery that he has not done since he left her, my heart was singing and I started to cry because I want them together so badly. I just want them both to say screw it, let’s try, and see what happens, I think they have both been through so much and would help each other heal and would love each other fully. I will be anxiously waiting for the next book but also watching as the day approaches fast for Stripped. Great job Holly!!!!!