Where to Start in the Ferro Universe
If you are diving into H.M. Ward’s massive, interconnected Ferro Family universe for the first time, the sheer volume of books can feel overwhelming. With dozens of serials, standalones, and spin-offs, it is easy to get lost. The safest and most rewarding place to start is with the flagship series: The Arrangement. This 26-volume serial introduces you to Sean Ferro and Avery Stanz, establishing the core dynamics, tension, and family secrets that define the entire saga.
While you can read each subseries independently based on which couple or family member interests you most, starting with Sean and Avery’s whirlwind story provides the necessary foundation. Because the books were originally released as short, fast-paced serial novellas ending in dramatic cliffhangers, we highly recommend reading each subseries in its exact numerical order before jumping to another family branch.
The Main Ferro Family Subseries
The Ferro Family saga is broken down into several distinct branches, each focusing on a different brother, family member, or romantic pairing. Here is how they organize:
The Arrangement (Sean & Avery)
This is the heartbeat of the Ferro universe. It follows Avery Stanz, a college student facing financial desperation, who enters a high-stakes arrangement with the wealthy, brooding Sean Ferro. Spanning 26 volumes published between 2013 and 2019, this series is a serialized roller coaster of passion, secrets, and survival.
The Proposition (Bryan & Hallie)
Bryan Ferro’s story is a dark, suspenseful ride involving blackmail, deep secrets, and forbidden desire. This subseries consists of 5 volumes published between 2013 and 2014. It is best read after you have established a grounding in the family dynamics via The Arrangement.
Damaged & Life Before Damaged (Peter & Sidney)
Peter Ferro’s journey is one of the most emotional arcs in the series. It is divided into Life Before Damaged (a 3-volume prequel series published in 2014–2015 detailing Peter's backstory) and the main Damaged series, which follows his intense connection and path to redemption with Sidney.
Stripped (Jon & Cassie)
Jon Ferro’s relationship with Cassie battles heavy family expectations and raw, undeniable chemistry. This branch is a shorter, punchier read, consisting of 2 volumes published in 2013 and 2016.
Easy (Jocelyn Ferro)
Focusing on Jocelyn Ferro, the Easy subseries spans 5 volumes published between 2016 and 2017. It offers a fresh perspective on the family dynamics and fits perfectly into the mid-era reading order of the universe.
Secrets & Lies (Kerry's Story)
Spanning 7 volumes published between 2014 and 2016, Secrets & Lies acts as a crucial bridge in the family saga, unraveling deep-seated mysteries that impact the wider Ferro family tree.
Reading Paths: Subseries vs. Publication Order
When planning your reading journey, you have two primary options:
- The Subseries Path (Recommended): Read each couple's story straight through. For example, read all 26 volumes of The Arrangement, then move on to the 5 volumes of The Proposition, followed by Stripped, and then Damaged. This keeps the emotional arc of each couple intact without forcing you to jump between different plotlines.
- The Publication Order Path: Read the books in the exact order H.M. Ward published them. Since the author frequently alternated releases between series (e.g., publishing a volume of The Arrangement followed by a volume of The Proposition), this order is great if you want to experience the crossovers and cameos—such as appearances by Trystan Scott or Jack Gray—exactly as early fans did. However, it requires tracking dozens of short volumes and switching stories constantly.
Crossovers and Spin-offs
One of the elements that makes the Ferro Family saga so engrossing is how characters from H.M. Ward's wider literary catalog weave in and out of the central narratives. These crossovers create a living, breathing New York setting where characters feel connected by more than just bloodlines.
A prime example is Trystan Scott, the protagonist of The Secret Life of Trystan Scott. While his main series follows his dramatic rise to rock stardom, Trystan crosses paths with the Ferro family at multiple key junctures, offering fans a fun bridge between contemporary romance and musical drama. Similarly, Jack Gray, the charismatic lead from the standalone novel Scandalous (part of Ward's New York City Love Stories), pops up in crossovers. While you do not need to read these spin-offs to understand the core romance of the Ferro brothers, reading them in publication order lets you appreciate the clever nods and shared timelines that H.M. Ward has meticulously constructed.
Chronological Caveats and Timeline Discrepancies
Because the Ferro Family universe was written and published over a long period with multiple serials running in parallel, a strict chronological reading can sometimes be confusing. For instance, the events of the prequel series Life Before Damaged occur prior to the main events of The Arrangement, but reading it first is not recommended. The prequel assumes you already have a deep familiarity with Peter Ferro's character and the family dynamics, meaning the emotional payoff is much stronger if you read it after finishing The Arrangement or alongside Damaged.
Additionally, because of the fan-driven nature of the series—where H.M. Ward often adjusted the length and direction of stories based on direct reader feedback—some timelines overlap in ways that make a perfect chronological sequence difficult to follow. If you try to read chronologically, you will find yourself swapping books every few chapters. Thus, sticking to a couple-focused subseries order remains the most popular and satisfying way to enjoy the books without losing the narrative thread.
What to Know Before You Start
Before you dive in, there are a few important things to keep in mind:
First, H.M. Ward writes in a serialized format. Many of the books are short novellas rather than full-length novels. Because of this, they end on major cliffhangers. If you dislike waiting to find out what happens next, we recommend picking up a complete subseries box set or having the next few volumes ready to go.
Second, the universe features crossovers. Characters from Ward's other series, such as the rockstar Trystan Scott (from The Secret Life of Trystan Scott) and Jack Gray (from Scandalous), make cameo appearances. While you do not need to read these external series to understand the Ferro Family books, doing so adds extra flavor and depth to the world.
Finally, official reading lists are dynamic. Because H.M. Ward has written over 50 books in this universe, she occasionally updates her official reading guides on her website to help fans navigate the timeline. If you ever feel lost, checking her official resource is the best way to orient yourself.