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I have a million reasons to keep running—and one to stay.
I’m a dead woman walking; there’s a target on my back and a million-dollar price tag on my head. I shouldn’t have fallen in love, not if I wanted to stay alive. I’m a liar, a con, I’ve changed my name so many times I can barely remember who I am.
They’ve found me and I have to leave. I keep telling myself it’s better this way. He’s too good for me. The detective and the mafia princess, can you imagine?

She ran like a thief in the night taking my heart with her. The city I’ve sworn to protect is in chaos; buildings are burning and there are riots in the streets. Innocent people are being killed and all I can think about is her.
I’ve uncovered her secrets. Now all I have to do is find her and convince her I can keep her safe.
Easier said than done—the woman has trust issues.

Are you ready to find out what all the buzz is about?

We’ve set the stage, created the characters, and fashioned a world full of twists and turns. Now it’s your turn to sit back and immerse yourself in this incredible series. Each episode weaves the characters and storylines of our standalone novels together to give you an epic crossover series.

No one is safe as corrupt politicians and dirty cops rule the street. A child’s death puts targets on the backs of those in law enforcement and sets two cities ablaze with riots. When the police chief’s daughter is kidnapped amid the chaos, will the Collective solve the case and rescue her in time?

Featured authors in order of appearance-
Absolution—B.R. Bradley
Ensnared—Leona Windwalker
Gravity—J.L. Leslie
Swayed—Erin Trejo
Flawed—Jade Royal
Trust—Riley Edwards
Angst—Samantha A. Cole
Redemption—Ellie Masters.

308 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 18, 2018

409 people are currently reading
179 people want to read

About the author

Riley Edwards

86 books2,703 followers

Riley Edwards is a Wall Street Journal and USA Today Bestselling author, wife, and military mom. Riley was born and raised in Los Angeles but now resides on the east coast with her fantastic husband and children.

Riley writes heart-stopping romance with sexy alpha heroes and even stronger heroines. Riley's favorite genres to write are romantic suspense and military romance.

Don't forget to sign up for our newsletter and never miss another release, sale, or exclusive bonus material. https://www.subscribepage.com/RRsignup

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www.rileyedwardsromance.com

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5 stars
644 (68%)
4 stars
216 (22%)
3 stars
66 (6%)
2 stars
15 (1%)
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2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
Profile Image for LaTonja .
308 reviews25 followers
July 9, 2020
Everyone around her knew her as Laura. Was she Laura? Harper Russo was her name...her real name. Who she really was. She had been hiding her identity from all of the people in her life. Especially Mac, the man she loved. The past had caught up with her and all the lies are now out in the open. Would the people in her new life undersrand? Would Mac understand? Or would Harper lose everything, including her life? This book was so well written. So much action. I highly recommend it. If you love mystery mixed with mafia ties with a hint of BDSM, this book is for you. Enjoy.
Profile Image for Rhonda.
3,775 reviews63 followers
October 27, 2018
This is the first book by Riley Edwards I've read and now I"m going to have to go look her up. Mac and Laura are awesome but Laura is on the run from someone very dangerous. Twists, turns, mystery, danger, intrigue... this story has it all. The characters just draw you into their lives and happily take you on that wild ride! Loved this story!!
19 reviews
May 2, 2021
What happened to damion (spoilers)

I didn’t mind this book but I didn’t love it. We essentially jumped 3-6 mo the ahead of the ending of book 1.
It seemed like Mac didn’t really ‘get his shit together’ and really work on his unnecessary guilt and neither did Laura/Harper.
It kind just wrapped up in a happy ending without the details.
It also mentions in the boom that Harper had only been in the run for 2 years, 17 different identities, had only been in Ava’s and Macs life for a short period of time (assuming 6 mi this to a year) but that she remembers when Ava’s husband had died and Mac coming into her cafe and then suddenly being Reid around her Reid had been going there for almost 5 years biding his time. So time lines are a bit skewed.

But my main point of contention was that they just glossed over Damion. I’m not sure if I’m missing something or a there’s a bother book it to have a 3 line sentence stating he was dead and Blaze took over was so not cool. Especially since he had such a major secondary part in book 1. I was excited to get a story for Damion.
And where did Blaze come from. Honestly it kinda confused me a little when blaze was mentioned as the Iron Claw prez throughout the book and even from the beginning and Damions death wasnt mentioned till mid way. I ended up focusing more on that than the relationship.
I also was a little let down that there was no real conclusion to the riots, the arrests, Tuscloni etc and again, the book just ended.

Have to say not my favourite Riley book
Profile Image for Kay Daniels (Kay Daniels Romance).
2,172 reviews75 followers
October 21, 2018
Riley Edwards is a master at writing a suspenseful novel. Trust is filled with action, twists and turns.

The city is under siege and things are going downhill fast. Each book has been building upon the other, layer upon layer, have you picked up on all the clues? If you read last seasons series you know sometimes the clues can be deceptive. Trust delves in deep with characters from last season. We met Logan Reid and Ava Kelley in book 1 last season along with their family and friends. Trust focuses on their best friends Aiden "Mac" Mackenzie and "Laura" Harper Russo. Mac and Laura have been playing with a D/s relationship for several months although it's clear that Mac wants more and Laura isn't willing to give more. We learn she is on the run and doesn't have a real life to give anyone. When reality comes knocking and it's finally time to say goodbye to the best thing she's ever known, she finds out the hard way just how stubborn Mac can be and he isn't going to let her go without one hell of a fight. Thankfully Laura wants Mac to win this one.

There are a lot of clues to be picked up along the way. This story really brings a lot of the clues into focus, but are you keeping track to figure everything out?
Profile Image for Meghan.
3,417 reviews8 followers
June 30, 2025
Trust and love in all forms

Laura/Harper and Aiden Mac. Their relationship was mentioned at the end of the previous book and now we see the focus on them. All the other characters are still there with some new additions and a few surprises. Reid and Mac are as close as ever and support him when Harper is in trouble. The police corruption is coming to a head and it is much bigger than thought. The mob has a hand in this as does the MC mentioned in book one, except the President (Reid’s brother) has died. *side note~ still confused by the role of other books/authors of the collective. Are these changes and characters covered in those books?* JJ, Melly, Ava, Suzie are all present and help Harper out with some crucial emotional moments. Mac makes a major action/risk that shows all his love and protectiveness several times throughout the story. Lots of action and danger with steamy romance and love. A good story with a colorful and detailed world. I would love to know more about the MC and enforcers, the other members of Reid’s company, and other characters who had a brief appearance!
Profile Image for Lyndsay Durbin.
758 reviews1 follower
May 26, 2022
I always enjoy Riley Edwards writing. I love Mac and enjoyed him and Laura’s love story.

One complaint, I read Unbroken immediately before this one so the timings were fresh in my mind but the original timeline of plot points in Unbroken don’t match up with the timeline brought up in Trust. A few things like when Suzuki took over the cafe, when a side character died. I think that is just also due to the fact that there is so much going on by other writers at the same time

This plot point has nothing to do with the book but the Collective series (season 1 and 2) are very confusing in the order they’re written in. At least from the point of view on Amazon (where I read). Unbroken is kept completely separate from the other Collective season 1 books, and even then the season 1 list seems to be incomplete. A similar situation for Trust. so I never read any of the other books, just Riley Edwards’
Profile Image for Melanie.
4,232 reviews34 followers
December 30, 2019
Aiden "'Mac" McKenzie lives hard, works hard, plays hard and lives even harder. He's a cop who is not above bending the rules and playing hardball. Laura Barnett's whole life is a lie and now that she's found a bit of happiness, even if for the briefest time, she wants to hang on. Her happiness? Mac. Trusting him to protect her against all odds seems like a monumental task. All around them San Feancisco is in chaos. Corruption among the city's highest officials is rampant and it's fallen to Mac to root it out. Even with a scorecard it's hard to distinguish the bad guys from the bad ones.

I really was intrigued by Mac when I first met him in Unbroken from season one of the collective. Reading his and Harper's story was absolutely captivating.
Profile Image for PepperP0t .
5,108 reviews86 followers
February 14, 2025
Detective Aiden ‘Mac’ MacKenzie wasn’t happy Laura, a woman he was falling in love with wasn’t returning his calls. He was shocked to see her in a background scene during an ongoing riot; and; later more shocked a man he’d never seen interrupts their talk and calling her by a different name she answers to. Mac’s irate when she claims the interrupter is her boyfriend as they leave. Mac’s work on a new case is interrupted by Laura’s friend who tells Mac a brief recap of Laura’s life including shes on the run with a huge bounty on her head and has run from him. Mac drops everything and makes a deal with a local devil to find her. Unfortunately, neither the outing wasn’t a good choice to hold this reader’s interest.
Rating: 2.5stars
Profile Image for Teri.
3,918 reviews38 followers
October 14, 2018
I have only read a couple of the episodes and Riley Edwards contribution does not disappoint. Laura is on the run for her life, finding herself in a bdsm club burning for the chance to explore and let herself go. Mac has watched her at the diner and watched her search the room. This was his chance. When her past confronts her present she's gonna have to let her guard down and trust Mac but trust doesn't come easy. I love this story and have completely enjoyed all the fun connecting with characters from other books that I recognize here. The excitement and intrigue, action and yup high danger. The Collective Season Two most definitely does not disappoint.
Profile Image for Chrissi.
1,582 reviews11 followers
October 18, 2018
It feels like forever that I have waited impatiently, I might add, for Mac's story! It was so worth the wait! We first met Mac in The Collective season one Unbroken, and he quickly became my favourite. There is just something about a protective alpha with cracks in his heart that make me sigh....
Mac protects those he loves and considers his. Laura knew getting anyway involved with Mac was going to be a problem. When Laura's secret is exposed, Mac jumps into overdrive, wanting to protect her no matter what, no matter what boundaries he must cross, deals he has to make, Laura will be safe! As the city around them implodes - Laura and Mac learn the value of trust.
Profile Image for Trish R. Ali.
710 reviews18 followers
October 30, 2018
Riley Edwards is a master at spinning stories that will suck you in and you, as the reader, will be so happy to be suck into her world that you wouldn't want to leave. The Collective on the whole is an intriguing collection of interwoven stories written by a "collective group" of authors, however, my favourite in this group will always be Riley Edwards. Her stories never disappoints me and again, Trust is about Mac (whose story I've been waiting) and Laura who's trying her hardest to hide her mafia princess identity. I highly recommend reading this and all of Riley Edwards other works.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Meleaha Howard.
379 reviews6 followers
November 1, 2018
Harper grew up in a mob family. She knew the rules. When she saw things, she couldn't keep them secret. She told, and her brother was arrested and sent to prison. Now, she is on the run from everything and everyone. Her brother put a million dollar hit on her head.
Mac is a detective in San Francisco. He is heading the investigation into the police chief's daughter. Only problem is he is being stonewalled at every turn. The only "good" thing in his life is Laura, a waitress at the diner, and his submissive. Only she isn't who he thinks she is.
When the truth comes out, can they survive the blowback?
161 reviews
November 1, 2018
Trust!!

Perfection!!

This is book 6 in season 2 of the Collective. Riley absolutely nailed it with this story. If you read season 1 of the Collective this book is like coming home and revisiting old friends, all while learning about the other characters you were just dying to know more about. But don’t worry if you didn’t read the first season this book can be read and enjoyed on it’s own. This book is action packed, heart stopping and an emotional roller coaster that I couldn’t put down. I can’t recommend this book strongly enough, so get your one click finger ready and as always happy reading. 📖
48 reviews1 follower
November 8, 2018
One of the great things about multi-author series like The Collective is that you get to read not only amazing books, but meet new authors. Riley Edwards is new to me and I can say I am hooked. You gotta love a hot detective that won't let his girl run away from him.

Laura is on the run from her past and Mac will do everything in his power to protect her. There is a lot of twists and turns and excitement. There are characters I had never met before entwined into this story and I didn't feel as if I was missing stuff, I simply wanted to read their books and get to know them more. The characters are enticing and complex.

**Definitely read the series in order it is the way to go**
Profile Image for Carolyn Spence.
1,927 reviews16 followers
October 13, 2018
Aiden and Laura meet at an exclusive club but they don't share their relationship publicly. Then one day Laura makes a blindsiding comment and it unravels from there. Aiden is now chasing Laura even though he can't trust her. As they work through this complicated journey they learn things about each other but it may not be enough. There are loads of twists and turns and this book will definitely keep you on your toes quite a few characters for you to love. I do recommend this book. I received this advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.
799 reviews4 followers
October 21, 2018
Mac and Laura’s story has you hooked from the first line, and it just gets better. Like many others, Laura finds release and safety in her D/s relationship with Mac, but her past is never far from her mind and she’s running for her life. The lengths to which she’s been forced and is still forced to go to stay alive are heartrending – and I’m not including spoilers, so let me leave it at – this is one of my favorites in the second season of the Collective, and I have no hesitation in recommending it.
813 reviews2 followers
April 2, 2019
Seemed like forever...

after reading Reid and Ava's story, but FINALLY. Completely, steller, over the top, goodness, simply, ... WOW!
Per usual, Riley, you kicked me back! Not just one incredible complex story, but one kick ass AMAZING story!
As always, anything I have been fortunate enough of yours to read, I have been riveted from start to finish!

Waited deliberately to read after buying, didn't wish for silly migraines to interrupt what I know was going to be a wild ride, and again, you delivered!
Kudos, and keep 'em coming...
"Tuesday" .....?😁


Karen
Profile Image for Sue.
4,374 reviews5 followers
April 19, 2019
I loved that Mac got his story. His best friend and partner Jacob was killed in the first book. He was looking after Jacob's wife and son and thought he was in love with her. But it wasn't meant to be. Mac is a detective and a dom. The girl he met was not who he thought she was. There is a lot of danger, secrets, regrets, but through it all Mac never gave up on Harper. Another fantastic mystery with a lot of ups and downs.
561 reviews2 followers
December 15, 2019
Harper & Mac

Harper has a past that catches back up with her. Mac pulls her back home with love and acceptance. This book comes after Unbroken, but seems to carry over storylines from other books as well. I have only read Unbroken and this one in the collective series and was able to keep up without issue. Characters are well develop. While there is discussion of BDSM there was no indepth D/s situations. HEA had by all.
Profile Image for Iris Hehe.
701 reviews9 followers
December 29, 2019
Good read

Harper met Mac while she was working in Ave's restaurant. She was on the run from her brother who had put a million dollar price tag on her head. Mac was trying to take care of her, but when she heard two guys with a New York accent, she went out the window. Mac and his friend Reed tracked her down and brought her back to Mac's house. Now all she wants is to be normal.
Profile Image for karen.
1,627 reviews
August 14, 2022
Actually I liked the 2 Collective Books just as much or more than some of her other books. The story of Harper and Mac was amazing. So much intrigue, suspense, corruption, crooked politicians, a Biker gang and the Mob. Mac tried so hard to operate by the book. Even good cops sometimes have to step over the line. I was disappointed in some of Riley’s books where you are left hanging at the end wondering what happens in the future. There was so much more story that could have been told.
Profile Image for Dawn Cruikshank.
1,133 reviews8 followers
March 28, 2024
Trust

Wow! Another story that will have you in tears throughout the book. This story is about Mac and Harper (Laura). Harper's life was a total mess because of her brother. Mac met Harper at a BDSM club and the rest of the story is having us get to know this couple better. The ending was very traumatic and it will give you tears. Glad the bad guys were taken care of. Also happy that these two can work on their happy ending. FANTASTIC job Riley! I would recommend this book!
Profile Image for Nicki - The Overflowing Bookcase .
4,839 reviews179 followers
October 19, 2018
Trying to keep her head low and her identity a secret Laura finds herself exposed and needing the love of a good man Mac to help her save herself from the one million dollar price tag on her head and a mafia boss brother behind bars. This action packed story had me hoping for the best and needing a HEA. Another great addition to the collection.
16.7k reviews158 followers
October 20, 2018
She has changed her name so many times that she can hardly remember her real name. She has a bounty on her head and she should run but he makes her want to stay. Staying could mean death. Can he make her stay? Can he protect her? See what will happen

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Carolyn.
1,798 reviews7 followers
October 27, 2018
Great Book!

Aiden Mackenzie is a Detective in San Francisco. Laura works at Del Mar, a local diner owned by a good friend of his. They are in a D/s relationship but Mac wants more. Laura is running from her mobster brother, who has put a million dollar bounty on her head. This was an exciting read. It had exciting dominant sexy scenes, corrupt politicians and cops and mobsters.
149 reviews2 followers
September 21, 2020
Trust (The Collective Book 2

Like book one this had my emotions on a roller coaster! I love Ava, JJ, MAC and Melody. I must have missed a book because I didn’t know Reid’s brother had been killed...he played a big role in book one. I love Riley Edwards especially when she is writing her own series like this! Great series and hoping for more books in this series!
Profile Image for Jenni.
6,540 reviews81 followers
March 16, 2022
Oh my word! I was on the hunt for something different and that is what I found with Riley's books.
To say I am in love with this series and all her other works is an understatement.

I have binged on each and everyone of her books and love each and everyone.

Hot, steamy, sexy, sizzling with hot alpha males. I am in heaven.

2,617 reviews25 followers
October 13, 2018
wow talk about intense! she is on the run for her life because of something she saw someone do. he will protect her with his life! she runs off and he is determined to find her . there is real danger after them both. read this amazing book!
Profile Image for Christie Marsh.
551 reviews5 followers
October 19, 2018
This author has taken apart of an amazing adventure in Season Two of The Collective and you haven't read the first season you are missing out. This story does not disappoint. I loved Mac and Laura and all the characters that fulfill the pages of suspense, romance and thrills.
Profile Image for NanaX8.
2,501 reviews66 followers
May 2, 2019
Trust Love

OMG...heart thumping, roller coaster ride of a book. Mac and Harper sure keep you turning the pages trying to figure out what the heck is going on. Bad cops, good cops, love and hate, fear and trust, what will they do to keep each other safe. LOVED IT!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews

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