Is THE ARRANGEMENT by HM Ward a Series? Tell me! I needz to know!

ARsize1*Recently updated – this post originally appeared in 2013. I updated it with current pics.*

To all the people out there who told me that you aren’t readers, I want to tell you that NOW YOU ARE! :) You’ve read over 2,600 pages in THE ARRANGEMENT series alone. If you read the other Ferro books, you passed that!

Whoop! Whoop! Reading is fun when you enjoy what you’re reading. I’m so glad so many people love the Ferro family! To date we’ve sold over 10 MILLION copies worldwide. That is a lotta readers. Keep on reading!

IS THE ARRANGEMENT A SERIES?

I’ve been getting emails from awesome fans who are curious about THE ARRANGEMENT series. It has a huge fan base – hundreds of thousands of people – and lots of new readers. Many of you already noticed, but some haven’t so I wanted to make it clear.

Yes, THE ARRANGEMENT is a series. 

There’s some confusion over what that means. My serials are not one book slashed into pieces. I know some writers do that, but I don’t. I’ve actually been asked to speak about the construction of my serials at several writer’s conferences next year, because the way they’re written is unique. Quite frankly, if I took CURSED and slashed it into pieces, it would suck. But, that’s another topic, so I won’t go into that right now.

IS THE ARRANGEMENT ONE BOOK BROKEN INTO PARTS?

NO. Pictures help make it more obvious that THE ARRANGEMENT is not one book broken into volumes. For one, it’s too big. eBooks are amazing, but the tactile sense of reading is lost. If a book holds my attention and I love the story, the time taken to read it flies by and I have no idea how many pages I read. That doesn’t happen with paper. It’s easy to see how much I read and where the end is, so I took a few pics for the ereader fans.

ARsize2The stack of books on the left is the Arrangement series 1-20. The series is over 2,600 PAGES LONG (as of Aug 2015).

Cursed is on the right, and is one of my full length novels. It’s the 2nd book in the Demon Kissed series and is about the same size as Damaged and Stripped (both are novels). Some of my novels are a bit longer, some are shorter, but it’s average novel length for me (and most romances.)

So, if THE ARRANGEMENT series were presented in novel format, they’d be onto their 9th novel at this point in time. Every 2-2.5 volumes is about novel length. The Arrangement is a series the same way DEMON KISSED is a series. Multiple books tell the story, but these come out way faster.

WHY WAS THIS STORY WRITTEN AS A SERIES OF NOVELLAS?

(Uh, *raises hand* What’s a novella?) A novella is a short novel. It’s longer than a short story (think magazine), and mine are usually 100-130 pages in length.

This story was told as a series of novellas because there are readers who like this format, a lot. Plus, this format has perks that novels don’t have.

ARsize3Here are the main serial novella perks:

  • They come out faster and the reader only has to wait 4-6 weeks instead of 8 months. Waiting 8 months for the next title from my favorite author sucks. Most of my fav authors put out 1 novel a year. I hate that. I want more. Now. Series like THE ARRANGEMENT offer that desire for new titles quickly.
  • Serials are less risky for the reader. If I like it, I keep reading and one book didn’t eat up a ton of time.
  • They give the reader the option to read something new between novel releases.
  • Serials are less daunting. If someone hands you a huge ass book, it can be intimidating. Novella length books don’t typically present that apprehension.
  • They’re fast and fun. This kind of book is supposed to be fun, and not take a lot of effort, which is why lots of people love them.

THE ARRANGEMENT series was originally written for fans to have something to read between novels. Then it became a fan-driven series where the fans’ comments are actually affecting the story line. It’s become an organic story, and is way cooler than anything I dreamed up when I started.

A note about it from a fan:

“It costs approximately the same price PER PAGE for an Arrangement serial (in e-format) as is does for a 50 shades novel (in e-format). Considering that you can fit about 4 Arrangement serials into one 50 Shades novel (page count and total $) and that 50 Shades was a trilogy, we can EASILY make it to 12 books and reach the same total price and page volume as 50 Shades!

If you think of books like the Crossfire series, which will probably go onto 5 books (and is more expensive per page), we could make it to 21 Arrangement serials and not go over the Crossfire budget!!! (At the time Crossfire was a trilogy, it has since been added to due to the popularity of the series).” -MelanieAnne

ARsize4WILL IT BE BUNDLED INTO ONE BOOK?

Right now there are no plans to bundle, but there are plans for the series to go on sale like the rest of my titles. At one point the entire series was in KU. The entire series was on sale for 99 cents each one Christmas.

All the titles go on sale at some point, so keep your eyes glued to the facebook page to make sure you don’t miss it. Massive sale alerts also go out via email, so make sure you’re on that list. (Text AWESOMEBOOKS – 1 word – to 22828 or click here to get on the list).

And, I know you’re all going to ask, so here it is: THE ARRANGEMENT Vol. 20 will be out on Monday! Yippie! No, it’s not the final book in the series. I’ll make a huge post when the final volume comes out.

DO I HAVE TO READ EVERY SINGLE FERRO SERIES TO KNOW WHAT’S GOING ON?

NO, you don’t. Each series is stand alone. That means you can read DAMAGED and skip STRIPPED and you won’t be lost if you pick up THE PROPOSITION (Bryan Ferro’s story) which is complete as of 2015.

It’s totally okay to know one brother better than the rest. ;)

If you hate cliffhangers, stay away from novella series in progress like THE ARRANGEMENT.

Series (novels & novellas) that are already completed include:

  1. DAMAGED
  2. THE PROPOSITION
  3. SECRETS
  4. THE SECRET LIFE OF TRYSTAN SCOTT
  5. DEMON KISSED
  6. THE WEDDING CONTRACT
  7. SCANDALOUS
  8. SECOND CHANCES
  9. SHADOWS OF THE PAST

Series about to conclude:

LIFE BEFORE DAMAGED (Peter Ferro’s back story)

DID YOU THINK THERE WOULD BE OVER 20 BOOKS IN THIS SERIES WHEN YOU STARTED IT?

No, not all. I’d planned a 4 book series originally. After book 3 came out, I offered the fans the opportunity to become involved in the flow of the storyline. Since there was still so much story to tell and you guys wanted more, I agreed.

One thing that I want to make clear is that at some point authors want to move onto other things. THE ARRANGEMENT was an experiment with messed up characters, an entire cast of them, and dealt with a topic that most people wouldn’t touch. Add in the fan driven element and it’s been a wild ride and completely amazing. But if I’m still writing this series in 4 years, I’ll poke my eyes out. True story. I’m not writing Sean and Avery into the ground where I can’t stand them anymore. Many authors are so sick of their characters by the time the end of a series comes around. I don’t want that to happen here.

As of ARRANGEMENT 20, it should be very clear we’re heading into the homestretch. :) There will be a vote coming up soon, so make sure you’re on the email list. You’ll want to be in it!

Disclaimer: Mr. Turkey and his likeness may not be reproduced cuz even if u try, u can’t pull off coolness like this! Fo’ shizzle!

Mr. Turkey’s Disclaimer: Just because you see me with my face in Sean’s book does not imply that I advocate the actions of said person in any shape or form. I was just really into the book. I may have swallowed a page, I’m not sure. In short, I still hate Sean Ferro. 

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NEW! THE ARRANGEMENT 19 by HM WARD IS OUT TODAY!

The Arrangement 19THE ARRANGEMENT 19 (The Ferro Family) was released today!

Description:

THE SERIES WITH OVER 10 MILLION COPIES SOLD
Volume 20 in the New York Times Bestselling Arrangement Serials

Some things come easy in life, but this is the hardest situation I could have imagined. The man I love, the broken billionaire Sean Ferro, has finally dropped his guard and opened his heart. He’s let me in. He’s shared his life and his love. Then the unimaginable happens. One event cascades into another until I’m standing at the shore with blood on my hands, betraying the man I swore to love forever.

Genre: New Adult Romance
This story unfolds over multiple volumes approx. 125 pages each.
~The Arrangement Vol 1-20 are on sale now.~

GRAB IT TODAY FROM THESE RETAILERS:

Buy The Arrangement 18 Now   kobo   Buy LIFE BEFORE DAMAGED Now!

What readers are saying about THE ARRANGEMENT series:

Devastatingly Beautiful! OMG! This is the most heart wrenching and painfully amazing installment yet! My head is spinning from every word!” –Portia

“More insight into Sean’s past, with funny, lovable moments between him and Avery that left me laughing and falling in love with these characters all over again.” –SMB

“Best series ever!!! A most read installment full of awesomeness.” –Ana

“I fell even more in love with Sean in this book and we can see who the real Sean is.” –Stacy

An emotional hurricane... This has to be one of the best installments in this series. A MASTERPIECE!” –Shannon

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SHADOWS OF THE PAST Teaser by HM Ward & Stacey Mosteller

shadowstwitterbanner

SHADOWS OF THE PAST – a stand alone novel 

Teaser Sample: Please note that this sample has not been through final edits. Copy not final. Pre-order on iBooks now.

CHAPTER 1

Coming to Europe should have changed things, but I was wrong. It didn’t ease the pain and the distance only made me feel alone. The fact is, the woman I was four years ago doesn’t exist anymore. In her place is an empty shell of who I was before, each day only going through the motions, terrified of opening myself up to more pain and loss. The shadows of the past drag me under, keeping me constantly gasping for relief.

This time of year and everything it represents is horrible. Today is the anniversary of the day my life changed forever—again. Instead of celebrating fourth birthdays and putting ribbons in their hair, blowing out candles, and listening to their laughter, I’m stuck in an endless loop of nothing.

The alarm clock buzzes again. I smack it with my pillow, and knock it on the floor. Damn. I pivot in the bed and reach down, extending my arm as far as possible. I manage to whack the button, which quickly turns it off. Once again, I’m shrouded in the silence.

After four years I want to forget, just for a second. For those first few minutes of each day, it’s as if waking from a bad dream. I close my eyes and see their sweet faces, smiling. Then reality sets in and my soul rips apart. The weight on the center of my chest crushes me, making me fight for air.

Images, memories pour into my mind in an unrelenting wave. One thought after another. I relive the nightmare, seeing it behind my eyes every time I blink. Tears streak my face until its cold and my pillow is soaked. I’m fully awake and…

I remember.

*****

“This is stupid,” I blurt out as I tug the hemline of my way too short dress down.

Emily swats at me. Her British accent is thick when she speaks, “No it’s not. You seem out of it lately, and there’s no bloody way I’m letting you sit at home and swallow a bottle of booze. You need to use a different vice or you’ll turn into a wine-o.”

Emily is a sweet little rich girl. Her daddy bought her a flat in London a few years back, and it’s in the perfect place—right by Kensington Park. When I first arrived in London, I’d wander the park for hours lost in thought.

Then I met Emily.

Now I’m wearing a slutty dress with fuck-me heels. Emily had to practically yank my sweatpants off to get me to go out. Now I’m all dolled up with a plan, but my stomach is twisting in knots.

I stop abruptly. “I can’t do this.”

Emily rounds on me, taking my hands. “Yes you can. One night will help you feel better, and get rid of that sourpuss.” She squeezes my cheeks together and smirks.

I bat her hand away. “I’m not like you. I can’t just walk up to a guy and say let’s do it.”

Emily laughs. “You’re so crass! And you don’t have to say anything, that dress does it for you.” She arches a dark brow at me. It stands in contrast to her fair skin and pale hair.

“Compared to you, I look like a tramp.”

“You are a tramp—tonight, anyway. Then tomorrow you can go back to be the mousy, sulky flatmate that is going to let me adopt a cat.” She waggles her eyebrows at me.

“Again with the cat thing?” I fold my arms over my chest.

Emily gazes down at my neckline and smirks. “Nice cleavage, but I’m already seeing someone.” I frown and put my arms down, ready to turn back and bury myself in a mountain of blankets. Crying for hours sounds like a great way to spend the night. Okay, maybe not. The truth is, I’m tired of crying. It feels like grief has consumed me and I don’t know who I am anymore.

Emily smiles quickly and takes my hand. She’s so touchy feely. I don’t jerk away from her because she’s just trying to help. “Listen, I know today means something to you—something bad. Let’s go in and see if there’s a dashing fellow that can help you, just for the night. And if not, I’ll help you get smashed, and then we can wobble home together.”

“Fine, but I don’t do girls.” I’m teasing. Emily changed teams a while back and has a girlfriend.

She nods. “Yes, I know. You’ve told me. A lot. I won’t hit on you, even though you look totally delicious in my dress. The last time I wore that…” she touches her fingers to her red lips and giggles. Glancing at me out of the corner of her eyes, she adds, “Well, let’s just say the dress will hit the floor fast.”

There’s a chill in the night air and the familiar sounds of London evenings fill my ears. Inhaling deeply, I fall into step with Emily again, heading for some new, swank pub she’s been gushing about for weeks. These heels are much higher than I’m used to so we walk slowly. At the same time, I’m well aware of male eyes sliding over my body in this tight red dress as we walk down the street. I’m treated to several smiles and a wink.

As we get to the place, Emily grabs my hand. “Listen, tonight you’re someone else—no names, no contact, no commitment. Just fun. Got it?”

My stomach dips, but my resolve solidifies. “Got it. I’m someone else.” I can do this. I can jump into bed with a guy and roll around, have fun, and then bolt. I don’t need a relationship, but something about this prospect makes me feel hollow inside.

I shrug the feeling off and look at Emily. She’s waiting for me to decide if I’m going to do it.

At that moment, a man walks up behind us, cutting the entire line. He looks like a model, with a toned body and dark hair. His gaze is on the sidewalk and his shoulders are hunched forward. For a split second, he glances at me. Our eyes lock and hold. I feel pinned in place, breathless. Emily is talking, but I can’t hear her and my feet won’t work. The world around me flips to slow motion as I remain eye-locked with this stranger.

The shadows under his eyes make me wonder what hell he’s been through. He doesn’t like the kind of man to get lost in liquor. Everything about him is very sleek, pulled together, and proper. I’m sure that’s who he is, or who he was before whatever made him upset. From the look in his eyes, the pain is raw—still fresh.

He breaks the gaze and disappears through the door. My heart is pounding in my chest, but I’m not sure why.

Emily glares at me with her huge eyes and rams my shoulder. “Hullo? Earth to Kayla. Are we going in or not?”

Nodding slowly, I step forward and reach for the door. “I’m in. Help me find a hook-up, wingman.”

CHAPTER 2

For a city that’s older than dirt, what the heck is the attraction to the super modern style? The inside of this place is made entirely of chrome and glass. Silver metal barstools at super sleek, skinny glass tables. There are no linens anywhere, no curtains, nothing soft or warm. The floor is white and pulses under a black light that surrounds the perimeter of the room.

The barstool is a little high for a dress this short and tight. Since the tables are see through, there’s no where to hide. I feel totally exposed.

Emily turns to me. She holds a cocktail in her hand, swirling the little contents that are left in her glass. “I need another. I’ll get you a refill too. Be right back.” Emily slips off the stool and walks like she’s not sloshed, over to the bar.

Music blares as more people pack into the place. This is one of London’s rare night spots. Everything closes after dinner. No joke. Coming from the city that never sleeps to London was strange at first. The long lonely nights sucked. When I first arrived I got stuck on the other side of town and had to ride back on the night bus. That was scarier than walking through Time Square in the middle of the night when the orange jumpsuits are cleaning up.

The memory comes back to me and I smirk. God, I was dumb. Speaking of stupid, I should probably call a car to take us home. I think one more drink and neither of us will be able to do it without sounding idioitic.

“Hullo.” A deep voice comes from behind me.

Based on the other greetings I’ve gotten tonight, this one is tame. I turn slowly in my seat, and look over my shoulder at him. It’s the guy from outside. His shoulders are straight, but he still has that kicked puppy look in his eyes.

“Hi,” I say coyly, looking up at him from under my lashes.

The guy looks over at the counter and points to my table. “Share a drink with me.”

I smirk. “Since you asked so nicely…”

“You don’t want nice, not tonight. You want a fling, a meaningless sweaty night with a stranger.” The way he says it makes me freeze. “What’s the matter, love? Cat got your tongue?”

I shake off my shock. A smile spreads across my lips at his audacity. “Great pick up line. Do you use it on all the girls? Or am I special?”

He smirks and pulls up Emily’s chair before sliding into the seat. Placing one hand on his knee he leans back and surveys me. Pushing his hand through his dark hair, he laughs. “Tell me American Girl, why else would you be wearing a dress that hugs that sinful body if you weren’t on the prowl this evening? Do you enjoy tormenting the opposite sex? Or are you just afraid of relinquishing control and having a good time?”

My jaw drops and I gasp. “You don’t even know me!”

He scans my body with a smug look. Leaning toward me, he whispers, “I know enough. Your thighs are pinned together as if no man will ever be able to pry them apart.”

“Well, you certainly won’t.” I laugh and push my long dark hair over my shoulder. Then I glance around for Emily, but I don’t see her.

“No, I won’t. I don’t dip my wick in crazy.” He smirks again, showing off that lopsided, lickable smile.

“Neither do it.”

He glances down at my lap and back up to my face. “Really? I wouldn’t have taken you for a man at all. Where do you hide it?”

My jaw drops and I gape. Before I realize what I’m doing, I shove his arm. “That’s not what I meant. You’re a jerk. Go bother someone else.” I stare straight ahead and when he doesn’t leave, I turn and look at him.

He’s grinning. “Am I really bothering you?” I let out an exasperated sigh. “Right, I thought not. Ah, here we are. Just in time.” He looks up at a woman carrying a tray. “Place those right here, love. Thank you so much.”

After she leaves I arch an eyebrow at him. “So, how’d you get her to bring shots over to the table?”

“Really? That’s your question? I thought you’d be more interested in what we’re drinking.” He gestures toward the golden liquid in the little glasses. The barkeep also brought limes and salt in clear, square bowls.

“I have eyes.”

“Yes, you do. They’re rather spectacular, if I might say so.”

I glance at him sideways and then reach forward to grab a lime slice and salt. “You may.” Keeping my eyes on him, I lick the skin between my thumb and pointer finger before sprinkling it with salt.

He watches me, but doesn’t take a glass. Actually, he doesn’t move.

“What?” I ask, frowning.

“You’re very expressive when you’re irritated.” Leaning in close, like he’s going to tell me a secret, “It’s very sexy.”

His warm breath against my skin makes me shiver. When he straightens, his eyes appear to be a darker shade of blue causing my breath to catch in my throat. Before I can get my equilibrium back, he licks the salt off my hand and downs the shot.

Shocked, I stare at him with my mouth open.

He grins. Reaching forward, he presses his finger under my jaw and lifts. My lips close. “Gaping isn’t as sexy. Well, I guess it depends on what we’re doing at the time. Do you find me shocking, love? Or do you behave like this around all British men? I can’t imagine what you’d do with an American man.”

Inexplicably, my cheeks burn. I press my eyes shut and gather my thoughts. I’m here for a reason. Pull it together, Kayla. This guy wants me, it’s clear that I’m attracted to him, so what’s stopping me? Besides my innate need to bicker?

“Dear Lord! You’re blushing!” He looks shocked. Before he says anything else, I act.

Feeling brave, I take his hand in mine, which silences him instantly. He watches as I lift his palm to my lips and lick his skin. His breath catches as his back goes rigid, as those deep blue eyes watch me shake salt across his moistened skin. Leaning in slowly, I slip my tongue over the salt, licking it up. He stops breathing at the first swipe of my tongue across his flesh, then watches me intently as I down the shot before biting into a slice of lime.

“Bloody hell.” His voice is raspy, deeper. He shifts in his chair and watches me. The rawness of his pain is still close to the surface. I can see it flicker when I move. It’s as if he’s trying to shove his past behind him—for just a night—and forget.

Just like me.

——–END OF EXCERPT——

RELEASE MARCH 16th, 2015

PREORDER on Apple:

iTunes

Add it to your Goodreads list here.

**Copy not final and may be revised before publication.**

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Ferro, Fan Fiction, and Kindle Worlds!

avery.jpgI discoveredfan fiction after I released my Demon Kissed series. There were people that loved the world so much that they wanted to contribute to it! Sometimes they’d bring their own characters to life in it, and sometimes they’d play with the characters that I created. That’s totally awesome. And, as a writer, really weird. Those are my characters!  And when other people play with them, it’s like they’ve rented a condo in some small part of my brain — and it can be crowded enough in here at times.  :o)

But, fan fiction has been around forever! The problem has always been, what do writers do with those stories after they write them? No matter how great their stories are, they can’t distribute them – after all, it isn’t entirely their story (remember, they’re borrowing space in my brain, so there are usually copyright issues.) So, some great stuff has ended up locked away on somebody’s hard drive, or tucked away in some dark corner of the internet.

Kindle Worlds is a great solution! I’m inviting the awesome Ferro fan fiction writers that are out there to share their stuff with the world. I’m cool with it! Will Ferro fans want to read it? I have no idea. Like anything creative, there’s going to be stuff that misses the mark. But, there will also be some incredible stuff that never would have seen the light of day without Kindle Worlds. And even I want to read that stuff!

I’m planning on writing for a long time to come. So, fans aren’t in trouble of running out of HM Ward books or Ferro hotness.  This move just brings out a lot of great stories that were being written anyway and lets everyone have a chance to decide if they’re worth reading.

If you caught my announcement earlier in the month, about HM Ward Press, you already know that I think some of my fans are amazing writers. Enough so that I’m writing some (stand-alone) novels with them and putting both our names on the cover. The talent is out there – and a lot of readers are always looking for great books. This is really exciting and a new step that hasn’t been taken before, and the cool part is that it allows new writers to explore parts of the Ferro story that I’ll never have time to write. For the love of all things Ferro, let’s see what we can do! Head over and check it out.

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STRIPPED Made the NEW YORK TIMES Bestseller List!

Wahoo! STRIPPED made the NEW YORK TIMES bestseller’s list at #8. Thank you so much to everyone who read the book! You guys are amazing! I can’t wait to share more of the Ferro family with you!

The next book out will be ARRANGEMENT 10. Then you guys will get an introduction to the guy that’s the black sheep of the entire Ferro clan – Bryan. You get a glimpse of him in STRIPPED. Get ready to see more in THE PROPOSITION coming this fall. Sqeeee!

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