The Arrangement 10 by H.M. Ward

The Arrangement 10 (Arrangement series) by H.M. Ward ☆☆☆☆

And it has arrived! I'd been waiting on this one. Sadly, my wait was in vain as this was pretty disappointing. Not disappointing in that I'd give it 3 stars though. In fact, I apparently had given in 5 stars on Goodreads until I started writing this review and then went back and changed it to 4 stars.

1. For an erotica series, nothing really happened in this segment. Sure, there was a lot of sexual tension, but that was it. Tension. She keeps denying what she wants and making excuses while he...is doing his own thing.

2. This is where the segment should have dropped to 3 stars or even maybe less... This series has been built entirely on the sexual tension and the drama. I've already said it was lacking in the first. These segments have always ended with major cliffhangers that leave you dying to read more. The reason is the amount of drama. Just when something starts to tie up, everything goes to hell and Avery is thrown into more shit than she knows what to do with. This has been a given. And plenty of things were on the table for this segment to start that I was looking forward to it. But it all wrapped up way too easily, tied in a pretty bow. Amber just gives in? The videos are just handled? Everything goes beautifully? And Black doesn't even appear...yet. The drama was gone.

3. The characters were already changing way too much in the last one, slipping from their originally set up characters. In this one, it's even more so. Not only is Avery still changing, but Sean seems like a completely different character, and not in the cathartic moment sense of the phrase. He just is someone else entirely. This of course leads to the inevitable cliff hanger ending, which wasn't really a cliffhanger. The book says tune in to see what Sean says next, but it's beyond obvious. I'm not as excited to read the next, but I will because I'm emotionally invested in figuring out where this is going to go.

Although these reasons seem like more than enough to drop it more than one star, I didn't because it did have several really good scenes. And where a lot of things pulled me away from the story, there were still a lot of things I highlighted because I loved. And in the end, when I was complaining to my best friend that nothing happened, she kept reminding me, "There's still tension. You've said that. And that's what you really read it for. Not the erotica and not the drama. You read it for the sexual tension." And I guess she knows me well enough that I had to agree :)

The Arrangement 9 by H.M. Ward

The Arrangement 9 (Arrangement series) by H.M. Ward ☆☆☆☆

As sexy as these covers have been, I've realized that none of them have anything to do with what is in each segment. Not a single one matches any scene. And honestly, the guy doesn't even resemble how Sean is described. Still nice to look at on my Kindle carousel though.

I've also come to the conclusion that if I wasn't borrowing these then I would have given up on them long ago. I've noticed from several Goodreads reviews that most people gave it up early because of the cost. These segments are only 121 pages each and cost as much as a full length ebook. Not worth the cost. Especially when each ends with a major cliffhanger! This one was no exception, but now I actually have to wait for the next one to come out before I can borrow it.

So one thing to notice is that this segment dropped a star compared to the rest. I'll admit that this series doesn't have the best writing, but it sucks me in. And usually it's that alone that attributes to my star count. I can look over writing problems when I can adequately lose myself in the story and the characters. This segment halted me though. I just couldn't get over what was happening in this one.

As much as I loved Mel in the jewelry store, their reason for being their irked me. I'm all for women's equality, but...it just seemed to forced to me. And regarding after that...Avery is effing stupid. I mean, she's always been, but I think she topped herself in levels of stupidity. I still love this story and will continue borrowing the segments as they come out, but my love of it is waning a little with these characters altering their norm too much. I guess I'll have to wait awhile for the next one to come out now. Sucks when you catch up in a series and have to play the waiting game.

The Arrangement 8 by H.M. Ward

The Arrangement 8 (Arrangement series) by H.M. Ward ☆☆☆☆☆

Immediately reading this, I found a discontinuity with the scene presented and the one presented in Damaged 2. That is, trying to figure out who said, "Do whatever you want." In Damaged 2 it seemed like Avery said it, but this segment begins with her ranting over Sean saying it. That was immediate confusion for me.

I'm wondering with this series how many times I can say "Oh, Sean." Men are so thick-headed. Aside from that, I don't know that I would have given into to that. I would have held my anger and walked away. Guess everyone is different. And sometimes I forget that it's what the character wants, not what we want. Even if we're the ones writing the character.

I love Gabe even more in this one. He's one BAMF when he needs to be and sticks up for his girl. Never imagined things would go that way though. Girl can't catch a break.

When did Peter get so cocky? I know he had some witty snark with Sidney in the Damaged series, but that boy definitely knows how to get what he wants. A true Ferro. And I'm surprised he'd even find her after Sean tried to buy off Sidney and lying to him. Hmmm...

Damn these cliffhangers! Where did he get the money?!

Glad 9 is already out, but going to dread its inevitable cliffhanger...

The Arrangement 7 by H.M. Ward

The Arrangement 7 (Arrangement series) by H.M. Ward ☆☆☆☆☆

Sometimes I think this series reminds me a lot of my past. No, I was never a hooker. It's just some of the things Avery says. She's really naive and I will say that repeatedly because sometimes it pisses me off, but at the same time I can't always blame her.

I get the position Avery was in at the beginning of the segment. I think I once even told an ex that I would stay even if he had killed someone. I regret that now. But for some reason I'm proud of Avery and agree with her. Maybe it's because they're fictional characters so there is no real investment. Maybe it's because I see Sean as a redeemable character, and that just doesn't happen in real life.

This segment was scary and exciting, horrifying and hot. In the middle of the action I had a good idea what was going on before he revealed it. Bastard taking away trust in herself. I don't know I'd agree with him at the end. I'd probably say no and climb in the shower to sit there before he explained it himself. I wouldn't watch.

I effing hate Ms. Black. I couldn't blame her position previously, but now I totally can. I wish Avery would just tell Sean before it gets even worse. I get her wanting to make her own money, but her situation just got worse.

I was waiting until we caught back up with Damaged 2. It was great seeing a different perspective in how the scene started. Hate where it ended, but I get it. After quickly checking the first lines of segment 8, I knew I had to go back and read that entire scene in Damaged 2 first. So glad I did. Onward segment 8...

The Arrangement 6 by H.M. Ward

The Arrangement 6 (Arrangement series) by H.M. Ward ☆☆☆☆☆

So many feels with this segment! I cried, smiled, was shocked, and even yelled at characters. That's how I know when the characters have really won me over: When I think yelling at them will do any good. It's like yelling at the girl in a horror movie not to go upstairs.

-  I cried with Avery when she broke down. I totally would have done the same (and I think I have at some point).
-  Sean's staircase trick was awesome!
-  If Marty would stop ignoring the gay jokes maybe they'd all catch on. Even if the obviousness they're clueless. But if being thought of as gay gets you in a lingerie dressing room...
-  Oh, Avery, way to kill a mood. And oh, Sean, way to make it worse.

Onward with this addictive drug! Next...

The Arrangement 5 by H.M. Ward

The Arrangement 5 (Arrangement series) by H.M. Ward ☆☆☆☆☆

So before, I was reading them so fast I could only do the 2 at a time reviews because honestly, it's one big book broken down. But I'm reviewing this one now, and writing notes as I read them to make sure I know which is which.

1. What the hell, Sean?!
There is so much push and pull in this segment. He's hot and cold equally. He wants to be "besties," but apparently doesn't know there's a line to not cross. Oh, Sean, I love you and hate you equally.

2. Glad Black only things he's stalking Avery. But I'm also curious of her knowing that much.

3. I really love Gabe. He's one hell of a guy. Avery needs someone to look out for her, especially with her friends flipping out.

4. Henry is so darn cute with his shyness. I don't think I'd be able to resist his accent though.

5. Marty at the hospital, how did she not get that? He tensed at her moan. Seriously?!

After the way this segment ended I'm jumping into the next immediately too! These short books/segments are addictive!

The Arrangement [3-4] by H.M. Ward

The Arrangement [3-4] (Arrangement series) by H.M. Ward ☆☆☆☆☆

You know these books/segments are short when I read both of these in one day.

First and foremost, I hate Ms. Black. That's all I need to say about her. Hate. I get her position, I just don't like her. She has no time for being nice. At the same time, Avery can be so stupid. She didn't have to admit what she did with the money as long as she admitted where the money was, but she didn't do that.

So in these two parts, we're back to Sean not knowing what the hell is going through his head. And Avery going through an emotional whiplash between dealing with him and dealing with her own. She's rattled and rightfully so, but everyone warned her.
 

Sean pushes her away, but when he sees her again he can't help but draw her back. It's like he never realizes what he's missing until she walks off. Which completely explains their interactions in Damaged 2 when he met Peter and Sidney in the restaurant with Avery there. At least there Avery is a little more carefree though. In this segments she's still desperately trying to find that part of herself.

The only problem I have with these sections are problems with point-of-view. This series is in the point-of-view of Avery, yet it says things like "I didn't see the look in his eye." Well then how did she know it was there? She couldn't have. And then it's also set in present tense, so when a chapter ends with, "I didn't know how wrong I was," I get confused and forget it's in present tense suddenly. Not to mention, it's unnecessary, first because it sets up what's going to happen before you can even get there and be surprised, and second because I already suspect without that reminder. As big as New York is they're drawn to each other like freaking magnets. I think Mel was right when she said there are some days she wonders about fate.

And lastly, I'm just going to add that when my mom saw the covers of this series in the carousel of my Kindle she stole it away to ogle them and said she'd read them too if she had the time and a Kindle. Oh, my poor mom.

The Arrangement [1-2] by H.M. Ward

The Arrangement [1-2] (Arrangement series) by H.M. Ward ☆☆☆☆☆

So here's the thing you need to know if you read this series: Don't spend your money. These aren't necessarily books, but more like one big book split into mini books. Each "book" or segment flows straight into the next. While this is great while reading, the problem becomes the purchase. Each of these less than 20,000 word segments costs $2.99. So again, I got my copies for free. But it was well worth reading.

So in terms of these first two parts of the Sean Ferro story... 5 stars to both.

I really love reading about Avery. At first I was a little upset that I couldn't see inside Sean's head and see his point-of-view, but it is well worth not seeing it. It's nice seeing only that one side, feeling that one side. She can still see the changes in mood that flash through his eyes, cold or haunted or warm with joy. Sean has all sides to him.

He is a great guy from the first time she meets him thanks to her crappy car. And when life throws her a loop and puts her in a situation she never believed she do in her desperation, she thinks Sean will be the savior she needs. Not so much.

These two have too many issues going on with them. And it creates a push and pull of it's own between the two. Much different that the push and pull between Sidney and Peter in the first Ferro brothers series. Avery is trying to deal with the two sides of Sean that she knows, while Sean is trying to deal with the two sides of himself on his own and failing miserably. I see this toppling down for everyone.