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The Proposition #4

The Proposition 4: The Ferro Family

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Blackmail. Sex. Ferro

There are some mistakes that are too big to fix. I’ll never recover from this one. Damn it, I called Bryan an addict and treated him worse. Maybe it was wrong for him to approach me the way he did. Maybe it wasn’t right for Bryan to just take what he wanted, consequences be damned. I can’t blame him, though–not now that I know the truth.


Genre: New Adult Romance

This story unfolds over 5 volumes approx. 125 pages each.

63 pages, Unknown Binding

First published April 28, 2014

101 people are currently reading
1541 people want to read

About the author

H.M. Ward

140 books6,543 followers
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.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 187 reviews
Profile Image for Joanna.
51 reviews
April 28, 2014

This installment of The Proposition literally takes your breath away!
Bryan is the blackmailing, sexy, commanding hunk of man that you want to hate but just can't. Hallie is the love struck, in denial, willing to be blackmailed, beauty.

Hallie is determined to find out what Bryan is keeping from her as well as what happened to their past relationship no matter the cost. She's been in love with Bryan Ferro for years, and now that he's back in her life, for better or worse, she's not about to let him go without explanation.
During a very super hot and sexy game of, let's call it truth, they both discover how their past crumbled, reveal huge secrets, and discover just how much they still love each other.
When Bryan finally reveals the secret, let's face it..that we've all been waiting to discover, Hallies world comes crashing down.
In one moment, you'll come crashing to your knees, begging for it to be a lie!

This book is nothing short of amazing, beautiful, lust, and love all rolled into one! Frankly, one of HM Wards best written works to date! The sex will have you in knots, the love will soften your heart, and revelations will scare you as well as leave you breathless. If you are a reader who gets emotionally attached to characters, you'll cry...not to be missed!
Profile Image for April.
69 reviews
April 27, 2014
I received an ARC an exchange for my honest review

OMG I seriously don't even know what to say! OMG doesn't even begin to describe how I feel right now!

This was one of the most erotic books I've read from Ward! So be prepared. Hallie and Bryan steam up this book A LOT and in MANY WAYS!! HOLY FREAKING FERRO HOTNESS!!!
Neil is still a douche bag! We have other Ferro's come into this book, we get some answered questions, and of corse an ending that will blow your mind! But what do you expect from HM Ward! This book was an emotional roller coaster ride for me!

I can't wait for the final book in this series! EXCELLENT JOB Ward!!!
Profile Image for Teri.
1,501 reviews2 followers
April 27, 2014
I received an advanced reader copy from the author for a honest review.

Book was well written and only reason for three stars. Based on the books in this series so far, Bryan's did not need to be a five book series. 20 of the 80 pages in this book was a sex scene. A fourth of the book!!! I have a big problem with that. A new twist was added late in book four that was only a couple sentences. Then the issue with Bryan was summarized in barely a page and a half. And it's never a good feeling when I'm not on pins and needles just waiting for the next book. Based on the series so far, I'm not impressed with the plot or characters. These books need more substance!!
Profile Image for Sarymil.
42 reviews4 followers
April 27, 2014
The Proposition is broken up in installments and this is book 4 of a 5 part series.
To say that I was brokenhearted after reading this installment, it would be an understatement.
I've read many books by H.M. Ward and I think this one definitely tops them all. Between the steamy scenes between Bryan and Hallie, and a heart stopping shocker at the end, I don't think I could take it any longer. I literally cried my eyes out for over 5 mins straight, stopped and then started again. It's just too gut wrenching to even write about.
The emotions in this book are off the charts. A couple of questions are answered but the most important ones are still not. We do learn a bit about their past and how a twist from the past keeps us wondering "what the heck is going on?" and hope to finally learn on #5. And I know that it's been said that Neil is a complete tool, well, he definitely doesn't disappoint here either. What is going on with him is beyond me.
As mentioned, this book is steamy as heck and doesn't disappoint. We get to take a look at how erotic Bryan's and Hallie's relationship was then and is now. We had a taste on book 3 but this one just burns!!! This is the most risque of all of H.M. Ward's books by far.
I can't hardly wait for book 5 to come out. I do hope it comes out soon because I don't think I can wait too much longer to know what the future may bring for Bryan and Hallie.
Profile Image for Kristi.
140 reviews11 followers
April 27, 2014
The turmoil, the sexual tension, the release and the love is slowly destroying me. Dramatic? Yes, but this is a Ferro story and it is what it is. As soon as I opened the book, WHAM, tears damnit! Not again Ward, not again *sniffles*.. However there is more to the story and it is some very naughty pleasure. I got so caught up in Hallie & Bryan and their unfolding eroticism I had to get myself readjusted on the couch several times lol.. Very serious! In this book we delve a little deeper into Hallie & Bryans past (Yay) and better yet we rarely deal with asshat Neil.. Oh and there are a few Ferro family members I wouldn't mind slapping around. The ending of course is a little rough ( no spoilers ) I cried again, got snot everywhere; it got ugly. I'm in that frame of mind of I can't wait for the last book of this story and I will be so so sad to see this story end.

As always: Thank you so much HM Ward. You Rock Chica!
Profile Image for Melissa Portillo.
159 reviews7 followers
April 27, 2014
This installment picks up after Bryan takes his meds in the hotel room. Hallie watches over him while he sleeps, left with her own thoughts and feelings of the past.
She realizes the love she has for him has never gone away, and with everything else in her life failing her she vows to hold on to Bryan.

As always the sex is something else, erotic and intense it seems Bryan and Hallie do their best talking while physically connected. We have many questions answered this time around, and of course in great Ferro fashion there is so much meddling and manipulation going on.

We see a vulnerable side to each character and exactly why they are better together then apart. They are so damaged, so in need of love its terribly heart breaking.

The mother of all secrets gets dropped and I think I died a little inside! I cried, and shouted at the pages of my book its so frustrating and only MRS WARD can fix this... PLEASE FIX THIS!

I hate Constance Ferro she is a BITCH I don't understand why so many Ferro men walk around on egg shells to make her happy, I truly hope Hallie brings her and her secrets down.

I hate Neill just as much and her stupid editor I mean REALLY I have no words... Hallie and Bryan need to do a clean sweep of the useless in there life!

I am waiting with bated breathe as always, on tender hooks.. sigh I'm a total Ferro Addict waiting on a Miracle.
Profile Image for Michelle.
2,082 reviews895 followers
March 1, 2015
Bryan’s secret is partially out. Hallie isn’t giving up easily... even when the outcome is already decided and out of their control.

This one had a lot of feels. There is more fuckedupness from mamma Ferro and more questions as to just what the fuck is going on in this family. I get that this spin off ultimately will push forward the Arrangement Series, but I feel fucking badly for Bryan and Hallie for having to take one for the team.

For those that read the Arrangement and skipped this series then figured reading it was a waste cause of the spoiler... give it a chance – ultimately this is much deeper than what Avery & Sean reveal.
Profile Image for Janell Wheeler.
954 reviews11 followers
October 28, 2018
This just keeps getting better and better. Well we finally get to find out oh so many secrets. But there is still one more book to go but wow there is going to have to be a lot of content in the book to really complete this story. The drama in this book is ramped up so high just no words. Ok on another note I enjoy a nice sexy scene but these books are so small why did we have to have so many chapters on a sex scene. Yes I know these are romance books but I want the story the meat of the drama. This one just seemed so long. Sorry, I know they are exciting but these are novellas we don't get very many pages to begin with. I can't wait to see book 5. This is it, lets dive in. See you in the next book.
Profile Image for Michelle ♥♥♥♥.
217 reviews8 followers
April 28, 2014
I was given this volume in return for my honest review.

As you know from the previous reviews that I love Bryan. This latest edition made me feel no different. I think I may love him that much more! My heart aches...

It was hard for me to read this latest volume because I lost my Mom 3 weeks ago. So concentrating on reading was really hard but I made it through.

This volume was by far better in comparison to all of the other volumes and that's saying a lot! I wondered how Holly was going to make this story only 5 volumes but I never imagined it would be like this.

I'm absolutely in love with Bryan and Hallie. There love is one that is meant to be and to stay forever. But that's not how life is.

So what I can guarantee you will feel from this latest volume is pretty well the same - you will feel shock, happiness, excited, turned on, you just may enjoy the 'naughty parts'... You will feel anger beyond belief again for that slimeball, Neil. You will cry, and cry. I'm still crying writing this review.

It is by far my favourite series out of all of Holly's works so far. Don't get me wrong, I love all of her work! But, you see growth in her writing, she reaches deep into her soul for this. I'm sure she feels an unbelievable amount of pain writing this too.

But, your feelings may be different from mine. The only way to find out is to read this series and this latest volume to see if your emotions compare to mine. I'd love to hear about it!!!

As I've said before this is a series broken up into 5 volumes this being the second last. It is released every month or so. If you're looking for a stand alone novel Holly has plenty of those too. Check out her website or on FB for all the greatness she spreads!

Happy Reading! 5 stars and some...
Profile Image for Jamie *Gypsy Smut-a-teer*.
484 reviews265 followers
October 7, 2016
I want to finish this series, because basically I care about what happens to Bryan. But really that's the only reason. Neil is a douche. Hallie, wants to be a good person, but really I find her unlikable and weak. Magpie I haven't really figured out yet. Bryan is the only character that makes me want to know more. And I love me some sexy times in my books, but with this short story series it feels to me like 40 of the 65 pages are sex that goes on and on, which can be good, but I found myself thinking yeah yeah yeah and skimming then bam, 5 pages give the little bit of info I had wanted from the previous book. But my biggest pet peeve is the damn price. $2.99 for 65 pages. Sorry, but I find it completely ridiculous. You end up paying $15 for what could've been a whole book that I normally wouldn't have paid $8 for. So I want to know what happens to Bryan, but I'm just not certain I actually will.
Profile Image for Sarah.
59 reviews
April 29, 2014
I have a very passionate love/hate relationship with Holly. This is another series of the Ferro men I wish I had never started. I became a fan after Damaged, and quickly read this and the sequel - so far so good. I now feel sucked in to this (which I am pleased to say is a 5 book series), and the proposition series which is never ending. I feel duped and wish I had never discovered her, but will continue to read books. For this reason I will not start a new series by Holly.

As for this book, what felt like the majority of the book was all about sex. There were a few things revealed, but the most important felt rushed. I look forward to the next one, only because I know it will be over and there will only be one series of Hollys I am left reading and getting frustrated with.
Profile Image for Alicia Thomas.
19 reviews2 followers
April 27, 2014
I absolutely enjoyed this book. The way that Hallie and Bryan are together is crazy you can just tell that something is there between them, they just wont admit to it. Now when it comes to Neil he is just not thinking about how Hallie will feel about things he does. In my opinion Neil is selfish in a way, like he doesn't think before he does and then he has to deal with consequences that he doesn't like. When reading the end of this book I cried soo much. This book leaves you wanting more even though I have an Idea as to where this story is leading. And in That case I will be needing a whole box of tissues for the proposition 5 !!!! ABSOLUTELY GREAT BOOK :-)
Profile Image for Tobia James.
196 reviews56 followers
June 17, 2014
This was heartbreaking...........really hoping for the best & hoping Hallie & Bryan both get together.........if only for a short time.


AND.................why the hell does Bryan have to die??!!!!! He better NOT!
Profile Image for Ydni.
253 reviews13 followers
May 22, 2014
Ok, really... Where's book 5?????? I need it , NOW!!!!!!!!
Profile Image for Lily.
167 reviews6 followers
April 29, 2014

" Some relationships are like falling stars. They grow bright and hot, but fade too quickly."

H.M. Ward you definitely out did yourself with this one, can we all say SPEECHLESS!!! The Proposition 4 was so good I had to read it twice, I'm seriously I read this installment back to back because it was that good. I must say it is one of H.M. Ward's best books yet. I loved it. This book had it all it was emotional and it was INTENSE,possibly one of most erotic installments of the Proposition series or any other book H.M. Ward has written. Trust me when I say you will definitely NEED a cold shower after reading this installment because it will surely leave you all HOT and Bothered.

The Proposition 4 takes place right were we left off. Hallie and Bryan are in the hotel room and Hallie is waiting for Bryan to wake up after his episode. In this installment Hallie finally realizes that she still has strong feelings toward Bryan that she can't deny any longer especially when she finally learns that Bryan is sick. We finally get the story behind why these two characters broke up so long ago and why Bryan left without explanation. We learn more about the Ferro family in general and the length they go to to cover and protect their own, basically nothing stands in the way of the Ferro's not even a helpless girl like Hallie. We get revelations in this book and questions and secrets are finally answered. We also get a whole lot of amazing and scorching hot sex scenes, all the sex we were missing in books one and two were finally redeemed in book 4, we finally get a full description of the dynamic of Bryan and Hallie's relationship, these two characters bring the words erotic and bdsm to a whole different level. This book was HOT and Bryan Ferro was even HOTTER!!!! move over Sean theirs a HOT new Ferro in town and he's not taking any prisoners, Can we say SWOONWORTHY!!!!! yes Bryan Ferro is swoonworthy, hot and extremely sexy and like every male in his family he has secrets and he's sometimes an A**hole ,but behind all that facade is a man thats amazing and has a heart of gold and Hallie finally realizes it in this installment.

I give The Proposition 4 5 heartwarming, intense, and erotic Bryan stars. This installment is a heart breaking and hot addition to this amazing series. This book was hot and intense, but it was laced with sadness and lots of worries. We witness the pain and loss in this installment which is amazing because it's something we don't quite always see in H.M. Wards writing especially when the book turns towards sickness. This installment was definitely a work of art, how H.M.Ward delivered us this scorching hot installment ,but revealing the secrets of both characters and the longing and sadness was beyond brilliant. I can't wait to get my hands on The Proposition 5 especially after reading the last sentence in this book I'm definitely rooting for these two characters that love each other ,but were torn apart by horrible people. They lost so many years it was very unfortunate especially now after Hallie learns the truth at the end, we wouldn't want them to lose each other forever. I said it once and I'm saying it again this is a must read series especially after reading this installment, if you haven't read this series yet do so now H.M. Ward will not disappoint trust me.

Profile Image for Christon.
211 reviews6 followers
April 28, 2014
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of The Proposition 4.

Just when you think things couldn't get any more intense or mind boggling, Holly does it to us again! To say the book is hot is an understatement. I mean hellooooo, it's Bryan Ferro. We all know that the Ferro men do the highest level of hotness. They are in a class all to themselves. You have to read this book. You don't want to miss out on what's going on with Bryan and Hallie. This installment of the series was so breathtaking, I read it twice. The emotions Hallie goes through as she reflects on her past and current feelings for Bryan, mesmerizing. We finally learn what caused the breakup between Hallie and Bryan years before. Those familiar with the Ferro family know how deceitful some of the members can be. Even knowing so, I was still shocked to learn the lengths they would go to to destroy Bryan's happiness. With family like that, who needs enemies? While Bryan has his own family secretly destroying his happiness, Hallie has the douche of all douches Neil. Am I the only one who wanted to jump into the book and kick this guy's ass? I am beyond livid with that jerk. Although some questions were answered, Holly left us with even more. I'm on pins and needles wondering how this story will end. Bryan has become my second favorite Ferro man (second to Sean). I want so much for he and Hallie to get a HEA. They're both fighters and have been through so much. If the rating scale had more stars available, I would definitely rate this book higher than a 5. It's that good!
Profile Image for Eboné.
92 reviews
April 29, 2014
**ARC/Complementary copy received in exchange for an honest review.**

First, may I just say that H.M. Ward has done it again. Her writing style is such that it draws you in, and keeps you wanting more, and more, AND MORE!

With that said Bryan and Hallie have history, as those who are following this series would know. That history is muddled like everything else Ferro related. If you think the Ferro's are sketchy characters I have news for you, Hallie's current boyfriend Neil and her agent Cecily are sketchy...really sketchy. Hallie is a fighter, a survivor, and a bit overwhelmed so she may be missing out on some other important things occurring in her life. Bryan drops a bomb...a HUGE bomb on Hallie, the truth. A truth none of the others in the Ferro clan knows or care to know or see.

Mysteries still remain with the Neil, Cecily, and Hallie triangle...yes I'm considering that a triangle. Bryan's and Hallie's Proposition, Hallie and what she did, what she may know, what she does know, where exactly is her best-friend, and how the other Ferro's may react to her resurfacing.

What I do know is that Hallie and Bryan have chemistry! Like I probably would have passed chemistry the first time if it was about the Proposition series...LOL. This volume made me hot and bothered, made me angry, and it also made me want to cry.

You can never go wrong with H.M. Ward and the Ferro.
Profile Image for SecondBite.
164 reviews26 followers
August 4, 2014
I can’t believe there is only going to be one more book. I desperately don’t want it to end! I think this is my favorite series yet from H.M. Ward – and she has some seriously good stuff.

And now that I’m thoroughly in love with Bryan, she is going to end it? NO! Bryan is my favorite Ferro, and I’m so not ready to say goodbye… Oh, no - I'm not crying, I think I just have something in my eye.

And the sex scenes Holly writes are so freaking yumtastic. Let me tell you – this series puts 50SoG to shame. If you don’t like erotica though, this isn’t for you since half this book is basically sex. Really, really hot sex. With spanking, nipple clamps and clit rings. Not to mention a very bossy Ferro.

These books are also chock-full of drama in the form of a disapproving Ferro family, an idiot boyfriend who basically blesses Hallie to go shack up with her ex (this boyfriend is also a complete prude, btw. Doggy style and blow-jobs? Who would do such a degrading thing?), a best friend who has Hallie’s back at all times but is in trouble herself, as well as Bryan’s well-kept secrets.

Did I mention this is my favorite series?
Profile Image for Fabie Gutierrez.
69 reviews3 followers
April 29, 2014
Just finished with the ARC!!! Once again Holly has rendered me speechless!! This series is turning out to be a tearjerker for me!! I love what she does.

The Proposition 4 is everything we were hoping for, and yet everything we weren't expecting!! Probably the hottest scene in this series, and yet also the most heartbreaking. All of H.M. Ward's books seem to bring all her characters to life with their very unique personalities, qualities, and traits, but the Proposition added a little something more that just added to that intensity that has us loving her stories more and more. The thought of losing that special someone who is the most important part of your life. The thought of living the rest of your life with only the memories of true Love!!! I love what she has done with this book and the whole story! I really do want my H.E.A, but I know whatever she has planned for her ending will always have us wanting so MUCH MORE!! <3 <3
Profile Image for Kelly Fletcher.
103 reviews6 followers
April 28, 2014
If it's steamy sex scenes you're after then you're in luck......if it's hoping to find out what is going on with Bryan and Hallie - well that's about as clear as mud.

I desperately wanted to love this book as it hasn't strictly followed the same format as the other Ferro books but my love/hate relationship with Holly is sadly tipping in the wrong direction.

As with other series it left me wanting - far more questions than answers and looking like there is no conclusion in sight and a feeling that too much will be crammed into the last book. Also sad this book was almost 30 pages shorter than others in the series. It pains me to admit if I didn't know the next book was the last in the series this would of been a 2 star review.

In saying all that I am very interested in where it will all go and do love, love, love my Ferro men. I will naturally continue my love/hate relationship with Holly - including withdrawal until my next Ferro fix is available
Profile Image for Michele Adams.
336 reviews1 follower
April 28, 2014
Bryan isn't the only one who needs a doctor...I need one after reading this book.

Holy sexiness followed by sheer frustration and ending with heartfelt emotion and sadness.

The author delves into the past of this tormented couple only to find out the Ferro family struck again. A family consumed of secrets and worries of those who may be out to steal their money leaves a wake of bleeding hearts in the mist. And finally Hallie sees what Neil is doing..is it too late or is her future still salvageable. And just as we reach the end of this book we finally find out what has been plaguing Bryan.

The next book is the conclusion and a new secret just spiraled into the mix so I'm curious how HM can sum it all up in just a few pages.
Profile Image for Suzanne Keller.
119 reviews1 follower
October 27, 2014
I received an ARC for an honest review

What can I say about this installment that I haven't said about all Ferro books. Bryan finally explains himself to Hallie, however there are so many twists, turns and upside down loops I can't even guess where this book is going! Neil needs to seriously go visit Victor C. In hell!! Not sure how what he does in this book is legal, but I know one thing is for sure if Bryan finds out in book 5 heads could roll. I have been left on the roller coaster upside down waiting on book 5 wishing someone could knock me out to make the wait less painfull. H.M. Ward has down it again with a captivating full of drama nail bitting book. Must read!
Profile Image for Yolanda.
1,343 reviews5 followers
April 30, 2014
I cant with anymore of H.M Ward series. I really need to stick to my guns and not read anymore of these books because it is never ending and the storylines will never stop. I cant believe anybody will do a tv series on this mess, I don't know when there isn't an actual storyline for any of these books. I think im finally done. Lets say I will not read another book in any of these series until the series are actually done. So with that I believe I will never read again because this author will never finish a story.
Profile Image for Hanna.
282 reviews
April 29, 2014
I must say that I am very disappointed. The whole thing felt like one long sex scene. And not in a good way. Nothing, nothing, nothing and then BOOM a small piece of information in the last phrases of the last chapter! Really, are you serious? The story didn't get anywhere far from where it started I can tell you..

You may notice I am mad and I so am! It's because I had huge expectations for the whole story. Proposition was so far maybe the best H.M.Ward I have read. Well it was until now.
Profile Image for Anna Marie.
135 reviews3 followers
September 3, 2016
OMG!!!! My heart hurts so bad and my heart hurts! Bryan Ferro is so different from his other cousins and he is just enthralling. Hallie is great and she absolutely loves Bryan, she needs to get away from Neil. So maybe I don't like Neil but I'm not so sure Hallie does either. If you only read one series by H.M. Ward, this should be the one!
Profile Image for Darvina.
241 reviews
April 28, 2014
Hmmm this was all kind of secrets that I wasn't expecting! I am sad for Hallie and Bryan! Her fiancé can go and take a flying leap off a cliff! Can't wait for 5 Holly you are amazing thank you for the ride!
Profile Image for Crystal Smith.
11 reviews1 follower
April 29, 2014
Oh my god! This series just keeps you wanting more. I love love love the Ferro brothers and the storylines H.M. Ward weaves for them. So glad I started reading her books!
Profile Image for Sue.
351 reviews18 followers
May 27, 2017
This will be a short review because the ending was just too sad and intense.
I loved the hot sex scenes between Hallie and Bryan. We get to see some of what she wrote about in her book. They sizzle and realize that they never stopped loving each other. Hallie spends as much time with him as she can whether it is in the hotel or Bryan's bedroom.

Neil is a lying cheating douche and so is her agent. Evil still lurks for Maggie and Hallie and for Hallie in the Ferro mansion. The cousins all seem to take turns verbally abusing her and the aunts are vicious.

I cried for the last part of the book and my husband tried to take the book away as I am not supposed to read stories that make me cry. My dear hubby was only trying to protect me, but he threw up his hands and walked away. I immediately started book 5.
I HAD TO KNOW.

The love and sexual expression between Bryan and Hallie made book 4 bearable. Extraordinary writing!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 187 reviews

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