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The Ferro Family

Life Before Damaged, Vol. 4 (The Ferro Family) (Life Before Damaged

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BY NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR HM WARD 

Money. Power. Sex. 


Just stay away from Pete Ferro. How hard can that be? But every time I turn around the man is there with that beautiful face and those wicked lips. He pins me in place with eyes that are fifty shades of blue. I become someone else, a woman who feels alive and defiant. I'm sick of being what everyone else wants. There's a woman inside of me screaming to break free, and I know just how to release her from her bondage. Every inch of me is excited, all I have to do is follow through.

Genre: New Adult Romance  
This story unfolds over multiple volumes  
Length: Approx. 130 pgs 

126 pages, Paperback

First published January 25, 2015

52 people are currently reading
555 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
599 (62%)
4 stars
259 (27%)
3 stars
88 (9%)
2 stars
8 (<1%)
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4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
Profile Image for Lynne White.
34 reviews
January 26, 2015
This is by far my favorite book of LBD series so far!!!!! Awesome read, awesome book!!
Profile Image for Gloria Herrera for As You Wish Reviews.
2,181 reviews63 followers
February 7, 2015
Peter Ferro! Peter Ferro! Peter Ferro! OK, I said it three times looking in a mirror... he was supposed to appear to me... no deal! He is so HOT!!!!!!!!!!!! I think I like him better than Sean!

Gina keeps running into him. Everywhere they run into each other they cannot help devouring each other with their eyes. Gina be smart... stay away from the Ferros and dump Anthony!

Something is up with Mrs. Ferro. She gives me the creeps. Someday I would love for HM Ward to write Mrs. Ferro's life story with every dirty little detail so we can psychoanalyze her and understand why she is such a monster. Now she is looking at Gina... that would scare the heck out of me.

Watch for the scene where Gina is setting up a HOT and SEXY night at Anthony's. Your jaw will drop!!

I am so concerned for Gina. I do not see a bright future ahead of her!
1,986 reviews20 followers
January 28, 2015
Awesome & amazing, heart-wrenching & humorous, and more of the hot and sexy Peter Ferro! I loved and enjoyed reading the Advanced Reading Copy of Life Before Damaged Vol. 4 by the phenomenally, talented H.M. Ward who has written another extraordinary sequel to the series.
During dinner, Gina watches the girl Peter is with put her tongue in his ear, squeeze his thigh, and grope his crotch. Gina decides to very carefully put her hand on Anthony's bulge and squeeze. Anthony "squawks, 'Regina!', ...slaps his hands down hard on the table. ..His palm hits his fork.." The green mushy stuff ends up on Gina and a mushroom slice on her forehead.
Don't miss out on this captivating and entertaining Ferro story!
Profile Image for Lietzel.
47 reviews23 followers
January 28, 2015
Love this one! Spoiler alert!
I think I say best one yet on every one of these....hmmm. Well I mean it...again! They just keep getting better. All the sexy Ferro flirting and teasing, the dancing...it's just amazingly sexy. And Mrs. Ferro comes into the picture more. I feel a twist coming up there, it seems those Ferro's are always up to something. I'm SO glad Gina is finally done with Anthony. It was so obvious that dude was screwing around. And the visual from that encounter...ah man I was dying laughing before Gina's sorrow kicked in. And there's no better way to get over a winner like that one than with Pete Ferro...on the dance floor. Whew! Can't wait for the next one!!!!
Profile Image for Bronwyn.
1,462 reviews37 followers
December 2, 2022
WARNING: Notes and Highlights contain spoilers

Finally! Maybe Gina will stop being stupid about her cheating boyfriend and leave him for good! It’s just as she thought, What man refuses a middle of the night blowjob from his girlfriend? Well, now you know, Gina. You’ve got the proof. Be smart!! But of course she won’t be. Daddy will be upset and make her go back to him. If I were her, I’d tell them to all go jump off a bridge.

There’s more interaction with Pete in this novella, so that made me happy. But they’re still not together and they haven’t even shared as much as a kiss yet. It’s been a month since the events in the first book.
Profile Image for Alicia Thomas.
19 reviews2 followers
January 26, 2015
Totally Awesomazing Book !!! I totally feel for Gina she seriously has problems not only with her struggle with her father but also with her so called "boyfriend", Pete ferro,and Constance (mrs.Ferro). To say that Constance has put Gina in a position is an understatement in this book I couldnt believe what happened. Anthony well he just doesn't seem to love Gina as much as she loves him which I got that feeling in LBD3. Pete Ferro still pops out of nowhere and takes Gina by surprise like always. Ginas father continues to push Gina aside even though she has every right to be recognized for the work that she does. Gina seriously has a decision to make her thoughts run wild her bad girl side is trying to come out. Should she let the bad girl side come out or should she stay the quiet little picture perfect daughter that her parents believe she is?. This book had me going right up to the end and I still cant believe the events that happend I am in shock!!
Profile Image for Leslie Atkinson.
36 reviews12 followers
January 26, 2015
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I'm sure the author knows by now that I don't sugar coat my reviews. I loved LBD 1, didn't care for LBD 2, thought LBD 3 was ok but I am so excited about LBD 4. I'm a reader who likes the characters to have substance. Gina finally showed that again in this book. She was headstrong. She didn't let her dad push her around. She stood up for herself and she's getting noticed for it. Pete Ferro was yummy, as always, and I'm DYING to know his motivation. There's still something we don't know as it relates to him. Anthony was revealed for the rat he truly is. I hope that we continue to see more of the strong Gina and she doesn't let that little weasel back into her life.

Truly, this is the kind of book I like and expect from H.M. Ward. It's such a guilty little pleasure for me. I can't wait to read what happens next. Keep up the good work, Holly!
Profile Image for Wendy white.
269 reviews6 followers
October 2, 2015
Finally Gina see's with her on eyes that Anthony is a douchbag. Wow that was a blow for gina to see. Now let pete help her feel wanted or whatever she wants to feel with him. I wouldn't waste one minute with him go ahead gina jump his bones. No boyfriend to stop you now.
Profile Image for Janell Wheeler.
954 reviews11 followers
November 6, 2018
I hate to say this but we are what 40% of the way through the series and I'm still bored. I'm sorry author, I mean no disrespect, I love your writing and all the other books have been really good. I'm not sure if my expectations were too high, which is always a possibility but I'm just not grabbed. Gina's life is still heading down the tubes and we finally get some relief with one of her many male relationships, and as horrible as it was for her I was so very happy. It's about time she opened her dang eyes. Now at this point of the series I'm hoping things are going to really get going. I'm hoping we get more Peter. This book has been the best of the 4 but I'm ready for some action. Book 5 here I come.
456 reviews2 followers
October 5, 2019
I Find Myself Skimming

Notice the star count is going down. This book took me about 15 minutes to read. All you need to do is read the first sentence of every paragraph and the dialogue and voila you know the story. I feel bad for people who actually purchased these books. I wouldn’t. This author just strings you along, moving the plot at a snail’s pace and who uses the word snigger any more? She has used this word several times in every book I’ve read.
Profile Image for Ani Ani.
199 reviews
May 20, 2017
maldita seAAAA! xq se queda justo ahiiii.... este libro mejoroooo.... muchooo... me ha enganchado oficialmente... ojala y gina no salga con q regresan con el tonto del ex xq su papi lo ordena..
Profile Image for Rosaux.
124 reviews7 followers
July 2, 2018
he cheated on her it was obvious he just used her for his project she is lucky to found out
the story become more interesting
Profile Image for Kati.
1,178 reviews1 follower
April 10, 2019
Short books but like where this series is going
Profile Image for Caryn.
2,393 reviews3 followers
January 13, 2020
TROUBLE

Pete Ferro is the epitome of trouble but Gina doesn't care right now. Love these characters. Anthony...well, no surprise there.
Profile Image for SL.
844 reviews
July 30, 2021
I knew Anthony was off…
Profile Image for M.M. Clem.
Author 8 books135 followers
May 27, 2016
Taken from my book blog at http://booknerd0116.blogspot.com/2015...

First, before diving too far into this one, I just want to rant a second about the end of this book. Can you say worst-cliffhanger-ever? I mean, c'mon Holly! That was just evil...evil genius but still! I swiped to the next page -because I read on my iPad- and literally cursed. I was like, "WTH?!?!" I couldn't believe that she left me hanging like that, left all of us hanging like that.

This fourth volume of learning more about Pete Ferro and Gina Granz was yet another quick read, but again very good. We find out even more about Gina's perfect, well managed, very controlled life. Her parents control her, her almost-fiance controls her, but she doesn't feel very in control of her life at all. She wants to be a little less than perfect. She wants to be able to make mistakes and not do everything exactly like her mother tells her. Gina wants desperately to break free and find her inner bad ass. Cue hot Ferro man, Pete. Pete has ladies hanging all over him every night of the week and can have any of them, yet he continues to play this mind game with Gina. His eyes show her lustful thoughts, she feels passion coming from him, and even sees a man who cares...but then in an instant he's back to his selfish, a$$hat self. What is a girl to do?

Once again, Ward creates another magnificent dance scene in the club between the two characters and the heat between them is insane. I'm surprised my iPad didn't go up in flames! It's so sultry and erotic, without it being blatant sex. It's hot and I am hoping the next volume has more of these two characters dancing like that.

This series is quickly becoming one of my favorites of Ward's. As much as I want to dislike Pete for the total mind-f&^$%#@ he's doing to Gina, I don't. I keep seeing what's underneath all of that Ferro facade (think Peter Granz in Damaged) and can't help but root for him and Gina.
Profile Image for Rosie AvidReader.
136 reviews23 followers
January 28, 2015
***I received this ARC for an honest review***

What a story!! Gina and Pete's chemistry is so hot!! They have a passion that is so amazing. Gina is finally sick of pretending to be the perfect princess. All her thoughts and dreams are about Pete and what he can do her body.

Gina is sick of being pushed aside by her father in the family business. The business she is supposed to take over. She is also getting tired of her own boyfriend not showing her the passion she is begging for. She figures she will drop in and surprise Anthony. Show him the passion she wants and not the perfect gentleman he always is with her. Only to her surprise, she finds him in a kinky sex position with someone else.

Gina is devastated. Going to the only place she can to feel alive, she heads to the dance club. She needs to escape. She wants to feel wanted. All she feels is worthless and not one person wants her. She gets drunk and flirts with a frat boy. Only the man of her erotic sexy dreams takes her away from her frat boy. They proceed to dance and their dancing is like watching a sex scene. The two of them can't stop pushing the envelope and continue the flirting game.

This was my favorite book of the series so far. Gina is finally starting to live her life how she wants. She now has more of a backbone and coming into her own. Pete is showing her a side that others don't see. It is so frustrating waiting for Pete and Gina to finally end up in bed together. The tension is so thick. If they are anything like Gina's dreams, it will definitely be an OMG and cold shower needed after. Can't wait for the next book in the series to come out.
Profile Image for DeAnna.
270 reviews6 followers
January 27, 2015
4.5 stars rounded up to 5

This book was received from the author in exchange for an honest review.

I had a hard time figuring out my feelings for Life Before Damaged Vol. 4 at first. One one hand, I had to put it down for about an hour because I had a bad feeling about something. But then I couldn't put it down.

It was definitely the most frustrating installment so far, both in good ways and bad. For one thing, I had had it with certain characters and was ready to see them get what's coming to them. However, things started to happen and come together, so I was not ready for it to end when it did!

I also found both Regina and Peter to also be extremely frustrating. Peter seems to be playing games, and Regina has a severe lack of self-esteem. For the most part, this is fun to read, but it can also get kind of old, especially Regina. I have a feeling she's going to come into her own soon, but seeing her be so timid and almost a doormat, was slightly annoying.

Overall, I am still really enjoying Life Before Damaged, and more specifically, learning more about how Peter was prior to meeting Sidney. But I am also to the point where I wish I was binge-reading the completed serial because the worst part is definitely the wait between installments!
Profile Image for Crystal.
903 reviews15 followers
January 26, 2015
Finally, finally, FINALLY!
What I knew all along. Anthony’s true self is exposed and seriously, WTF?! We are getting a little more into the story here but not much has changed. Reginald, Gina’s dad, is still treating her like a trophy daughter. There for decoration and nothing more. But Regina is bright and knows what is what but her father is making her seem like an idiot in front of his peers. Good thing Mrs. Ferro notices her potential and offers her a job in the Ferro Corp. Sadly Gina declines the offer, which might turn out to be a good thing because Mrs. Ferro is not known for being nice. She must want something from Gina really bad. Or just wants her under her thumb so to speak.
Pete, why oh why does he have to be a man whore?! That sexy beast. He makes googly eyes with Gina throughout dinner but at the same time has some bimbo ear F*ing him. I think he’s doing it on purpose to keep Gina from falling for him.
I’m seriously hoping for some Ferro action, well action with Regina! Ha-ha
Can’t wait for more of this series. It’s sexy, funny, and keeps me reading. I swear my heart was pounding when Regina went to her boyfriend’s apartment for a surprise visit. Seriously pounding!
Profile Image for Sharrice.
1,211 reviews64 followers
January 27, 2015
Holy gravy that was the most intense installment in this series so far and I may pass out from excitement.

First off Peter apparently loves ears. There was a lot of ear licking in this installment that had me giggling. Lady wet dreams with Peter fantasies and cheating all wrapped up in one book. It was fantastic.

Erin’s character is so amazing. I love her character and am so sad I don’t get to see her in later installments. She gives Gina some award winning advice and I hope in the upcoming installments that Gina will be taking it.

H.M. Ward creates such a fantastic Ferro family dynamic. We get a glimpse at Mrs. Ferro who is definitely up to no good. I want to know her plans!!!! Gina is definitely in trouble now.

Gina’s character is growing so much throughout her diary stories. I liked her quirky character in the beginning but I have definitely fallen in love with how much she’s grown as a character throughout the four installments.

Loving on this series all the more and can’t wait to read the next one. Mrs. Ward creates brilliant and witty characters who are quirky enough to remind readers of themselves. Loving it!
Profile Image for B at Spare Time Book Blog.
331 reviews
February 1, 2015
Can I just say THANK GOD! I knew Anthony was a creep! Volume 4 just proved me right. Gina is having a hard time after trying to make Pete jealous at dinner. Her attempt to make Anthony "happy" at the table was kind of funny. I do feel bad for Gina though. She wants so desperate to be taken seriously by her father and by Anthony. Then something she never expected to happen, happens. This is something that could seriously change her life. It would also change her relationship with her family forever. Will she take this giant leap and do something for herself for once?

I know that Gina will end up with Pete but, I want it to be like now. Anthony is an idiot and made it way to obvious that he was in the relationship for his career and nothing else. Pete at least has some good qualities. Gina and Pete need to get it on already. It will do them both some good.

I am curious to see where this goes from here. I have a pretty good idea but, will have to read Volume 5 ASAP. This has been my favorite volume in this series so far. I think it's because there is finally some moving forward for Gina.
Profile Image for Lisa Miller.
217 reviews1 follower
January 26, 2015
I received an Advanced Readers Copy for my honest review, so here it is. Gina wants to just be herself but nobody will let her, they all just keep telling her what to do, and who to be. Gina' s boyfriend Anthony acts like he would rather spend his time with father, instead of her. Gina is trying so hard to be with Anthony but it seems like he's not interested, so Gina is going to spice things up. Peter keeps showing up and giving her mixed signals, Gina says she hates him but I don't believe it. Holly, you keep leaving us on the edge , waiting impatiently for the next installment. I love it because I have something to look forward to, will they out won't they get together in the next installment? As always, you never disappoint, you give us exactly what we want. If you haven't read any of H.M. Ward's books, you should check her out.
Profile Image for Bookworms Devouring Words.
190 reviews14 followers
August 24, 2018
Absolutely Jaw Dropping!!

This was an amazing book! yet again I'm sitting here with a what-the-hell look on my face,
cause one that ending scene was awesome I have a feeling Peter is going to keep
denying her and she'll get even more sick of it till the last couple of books lol but I have a feeling
it will be better then what's going thru my head. For another reason why I'm still stuck with this
thought of WTF?!?!! Anothony is in to some serious kinky kitty s*** cause that was desturbing by far lol
I personally thought he was gay pretending to be straight. But deep down and I'm sure I mention this in our group chat that he was making those excuses was because he was so going behind her back to
cheat. No man tells a women no when she takes her time wanting to do the dirty hahaha

anyway you are awesome and I can't wait to read more if your books, your doing an amazing job!
Profile Image for Jody.
256 reviews8 followers
January 28, 2015
I received an ARC for Life Before Damaged Vol 4 by H.M.Ward for my honest review.
As soon as I read the first damage book by Holly I was blown away and couldn’t stop reading her other books! Every time Holly writes another book I’m amazed to how much detail and effort has been put in to make the story feel real. Life Before Damage is an amazing series so far and Life Before Damage Vol 4 continues to keep you on the edge of your seat wanting more! I did have a feeling Anthony wasn’t right for Gina and something was up with him but I was completely shocked and didn’t expect what happened in this book. I’m glad Holly can come up with different story lines and keep the readers interested. I can’t wait to find out more and what will happen between Pete and Gina and also what Gina Father will think of Anthony.
Make sure you read!
Profile Image for Andrea Sanders.
108 reviews6 followers
January 26, 2015
*********ARC review*************


#TeamGina !!

Really rooting for the girl. She is being manipulated on so many levels, by most of the people in her life.
I laughed and screamed with her, and at her in this instalment. Love being in Gina's head, she is funny, vulnerable and explicit.
Listen to Erin, I shouted at her!


Christ knows what the back story is?
What the hell is going on between the Ferro family and the Granz's?
Could revenge be the order of the day? Hey Mrs Ferro ?

Looking forward to number 5.......after reading the last sentence, Free.
I do hope so, as personally I need the story between the two main characters to move on now.

Bring on part 5, I await it like all of Hollys work, with baited breath.
Profile Image for Tina Sharkey.
134 reviews
January 27, 2015
OH COME ON!!!! These cliffhangers are KILLING me!!! I feel like I'm in a chocolate factory and only allowed to smell the chocolate.

I am so glad Anthony is revealed as the douche canoe he is and I am anxiously awaiting for Gina to grow a pair and shed the wilting flower routine. I've had enough of the poor me, damsel in distress act....time for her to light a fire, take her life in her own hands and stop letting everyone else control her destiny. Waiting to see if Mrs. Ferro takes her under her ice cold wing and grooms her in her controlling and manipulative ways. Peter will be the least of her problems.

Anxiously awaiting the next installment....until then I'll settle for hot chocolate and a good book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for ENA.
49 reviews
July 13, 2015
Best book so far..... You won't be able to put it down until the very last word on the last page and then you will still WANT MORE. I love the Gina, Pete and Anthony story and how it has many twists and turns as it is unfolding. CAUTION: you will laugh, cry, gasp and increase your heart rate during reading this book and love EVERY minute. Gina Grantz has amazing determination and drive with everything she does, from the pink outfit and trench coat for her relationship to exerting her female ways in her male dominated job, and swing dancing with her friends. H. m. ward is truly a talented writer who seems to create a. Aster piece EACH AND EVERYTIME she writes a book. Bravo. Bravo. And please keep then coming! I can't wait for the next volume
Profile Image for Angie Picardi-Hagerdorn.
412 reviews1 follower
February 2, 2015
Plain & Simple, I need 5 NOW!!! This story keeps sucking me in. There have been moments in the LBD books where I think "come on already, make it happen" or "do something" or "stop dragging it out", lol, I won't like about that, but the BAM, she brings it & you are left with your mouth on the ground & your eyes wide open!! I am so loving Gina, and this sexy as hell Peter. He just might be my favorite Ferro after this. He just knows how to show up at the perfect moment and make Gina second guess every single thing she thought before. Love that the passion & angst is so strong I feel it in my toes as I read the words!!! Love, Love, Love!!!!
Profile Image for Tracy Grieve.
414 reviews1 follower
January 26, 2015
ARC copy for honest review, have to say Holly has outdone herself again, good few laugh out loud moments I almost chocked on my breakfast, book picks up where 3 left off and the tension between Gina and Peter is deffo heating up to boiling point.
This book will have you looking at cats in a new way, Holly finding new ways to shock us and this is one of them.
Love how Gina is becoming more ballsy and speaking up for herself I pity anyone who gets on her bad side when she blows and I can see who will be first in the firing line.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews

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