After their wild night running from Houston's criminal underworld, Ben and Aston have been inseparable. Refusing to choose between the only family he's ever known--the Albanian mafia--or building a life with sweet, innocent Aston, Ben walks a careful line. He's not giving her up without a fight. But the loose ends left unclipped from that first fateful night together are threatening to strangle the future Ben and Aston so desperately want.
Calvin, her sadistic stepbrother is gone, but even in death, he's found ways to torment her. He left behind a tangled web of schemes and lies that threaten to set Houston's underworld on fire. When Aston discovers an unexpected consequence from her torrid night with Ben, she refuses to let Calvin and his terrible secrets hurt the people she loves. Whatever it takes, whatever the risk, she'll keep them safe.
Even if that means betraying Ben's criminal family....
When I’m not chasing after my wild preschooler, I like to write super sexy romances and scorching hot erotica. I live in Texas with a husband who could easily snag a job as an extra on History Channel’s new Viking series, a sweet but rowdy three-year-old with Tetralogy of Fallot, and Bosley, our Great Dane with major mommy issues.
I also have another dirty-book writing alter ego, Lolita Lopez, who writes deliciously steamy tales for Ellora’s Cave, Forever Yours/Grand Central, Mischief/Harper Collins UK, Siren Publishing and Cleis Press.
This is the sequel to Collateral about Ben Beciraj, an Enforcer for the Albanian mafia in Houston.
In the first book Ben meets Aston McNeil, a rich socialite who pays him a visit to get back her deceased father’s beloved Aston Martin. Her stepbrother Calvin used the car as collateral even though it wasn’t his to use.
Ben and Aston are in the “honeymoon” phase of their relationship and still getting to really know each other. Aston has accepted Ben’s role in the mafia and all that entails.
I like Ben and Aston but I REALLY WANT Besian and Marley’s book !!
Ben and Aston seem to be settling into life together at the start of this one. I think Aston takes Ben's "work" very good. She sort of asks things, but not really. Trouble seems to find them and this time it's not really Ben's fault, but more fall out from Aston's stepbrother. Things get more than a little crazy, but by the end Ben and Aston are solid and you can tell that there are nothing but happy days ahead of them.
I haven’t read this author in about 5 years. It was like a home coming to immerse myself in the world of Albanian, Russian and Chinese mobsters.
I loved Ben and Aston even though I wasn’t so sold on the deal they made early in the book. I was able to move past it when I saw how perfectly suited they were. This was definitely a love story of opposites attracting. Ben the rough mobbed up and Aston the heiress was an unlikely couple but they practically sizzled in every interaction. The sizzle and the danger created a story that was hard to resist and I was barely able to put it down. This book 2 so you will need to read book 1 to give the story some context. Both books are must reads.
I waited so long for this book and it was as good as I had hoped I love Ben and Aston they are so good together they love and respect each other so much I love the chemistry between them you can feel there love and that’s one of my favourite things about reading romance novels I feel so connected when I can feel the characters emotions you just know it’s going to be a good book when you connect straight away from the start It was a quick book but interesting and kept you reading to find out what happens next from the moment you start it. I felt so sad for Aston when she thinks her dad was lonely before he died and she blames herself for not knowing but it wasn’t her fault he loved her so much he just didn’t want to burden her as he was the parent he didn’t think it ok to tel her they’s things.
I laughed when Ben got dinning lessons so he could impress Aston and wouldn’t embarrass her in front of her friends at the wedding it was so thoughtful of him even tho you know Aston wouldn’t have been embarrassed of him she doesn’t care about things like that she loves him no matter what but it’s the thought that counts
And how about the step-brother even after he’s death and he’s still causing a shit storm my O my
I did not like Gary even when everything was explained and he said why he did what he did I still didn’t Pity him he had a wife that loved him and a new baby she never judged him are looked down on him she loved him and was happy with there life but no he just couldn’t take it that she made more money then him and had to get jealous and cause a shit show because he’s a little bitch.
I love besian and Marley my god I hope we get there book soon I want them to get together so much Please please I hope 🤞🏼 it happens and soon
I am giving this book a four star rating because there were a lot of mistakes throughout the book that made it kind of hard for me to understand what the author was trying to say. This book continues with Ben and Aston's life as a couple after they first met and started dating. New drama caused by Calvin Aston's stepbrother keeps bringing danger to Aston's, Ben's and the people around them as well. I'm glad that everything Aston and Marley were okay after the ordeal that they suffered. I wish that Aston's and Ben's story was longer than it was. I really love to read the dynamic between Aston and Ben, as they grow closer as a couple.
Aston and Marley are not your typical women. Best friends from different sides of the train tracks. I like how they fought to stay alive. They wouldn't lay down and just do as they're told. Ben realized Aston was different from any other women he'd ever met. He knew that she was his one. Lucky for him, Aston thought he was it for her too. Their personalities are a good blend. Marley and Ben were born in the underworld but Aston chose it by choosing to be with Ben.
4.6 stars!! Ok, so I'm writing this at 2:12am because I bought this book after finishing book 1 and I stupidly thought I could read a couple chapters and then go to sleep. This book hooked me so fast!! I loved it. We get Ben and Aston as they're adjusting, enjoying their new relationship. There are some snags that come their way but it doesn't slow them down in any way. I laughed with them. The only reason I didn't give this 5 stars was because there were a couple of errors with names in a few parts.
Loved reading the rest of Ben and Aston’s story. I was sucked into their story from book 1 and got sucked into this book as well. I just love how strong and independent Aston is and how Ben does not try to change her but loves her for her and all her bossiness. We finally get some answers regarding her step brother and the problem Aston faced in Collateral 1. I would definitely recommend reading it but make sure you read book 1 first.
A six year wait takes nothing away from the continuation of Aston & Ben’s story.
This one takes off where book one left off and we get the same steamy connection we got with their original novella. There is lots of action and our old pals Besian and Marley are back as well as everyone’s favorite cleaner Kostya.
So glad that this author is writing again. This group of characters despite the fact that they are criminals (or maybe that's the appeal..) are ones that stay with you. Ben and Aston were a good match despite the disparity in their economic status but I'm sure the couple that everyone is waiting on is Marley and Besian. Hopefully we won't be waiting too long for the next book.
I like Roxie Rivera’s writing. Her books read well and draw me into the story. This particular book was no different. It’s the second in a series. I recommend reading Collateral first, just to get all the whos’s who. This story is a mafia type and a millionaire romance, only she’s the millionaire...or billionaire! Nasty things happen.... Such a good one! I always recommend Roxie Rivera. ❤️
Aston and Ben solidify their relationship. The story continues with the ongoing fallout for what her loser stepbrother was involved in and the impact it has caused for those people. The police are searching for him, meaning Aston and Ben must protect themselves. Mary Jane Meloy does a great job with the narration.
I've love Roxie's books they are absolutely, like an adrenaline rush to my system and it just keeps going and going. Ben and Aston's story was absolutely amazing and intriguing!!!💗
As always, I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Ms. Rivera’s writing style is smooth and fast paced; just the way I like it. So glad she is writing again!!! Keep ‘em coming :)
Action packed and emotional . Glad Aston and Ben are back I hope we get Marleys story at some point , poor girl never gets a break but can kick was with best of them . Was glued till the last word . Hopefully more soon .
Even though it has been a few years since book one this second part was very welcome & didn’t disappoint. It carried on the story of Ben & Aston bringing in other characters from previous books. It’s like the return of an old friend. I’m so glad Roxie is writing again.
okay but the spice in this really did hit different....
lmao i read this like a day or two ago and i can't actually remember what happened. I know I enjoyed it more than the first book in this series. Definitely worth the read.
Aah, Ben and Ashton are just sweet. I love their story. It's pure love. And the baby is such a nice surprise. I'm diving into book nr 3 now. Totally recommend this author and her books
I loved the narration of Mary Jane Meloy, who brings out the characters and angst.
We meet Ben and Aston again, now as a couple. Calvin Aston's stepbrother bringing danger to Aston and Ben. This book is full of action and has emotion .
Nice follow up to part one. Good steady drama. Hot sex scenes. Besian and Marley were just as much apart of this story as the her and heroine. Everything was done in true Rocks Rivera style.
I love the interwoven characters of Roxie Rivera's world. I am still breathlessly waiting for the rest of the Russian stories, but also excited for Marly's too.
Astin and Ben are amazing. The we she negotiated and him sticking up for her. This installment was the perfect fit for them and a good conclusion to their story.
This is part 2 of the Debt Collection series, set in the same world as the Russian Protector and Fighting Connolly series. The series shoukd be read in order.