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Debt Collection #1
Collateral
Named for her late father's most prized possession, Aston McNeil shares a deep connection with the classic car she inherited upon his recent death. When she learns her reckless stepbrother lost the car as collateral to Houston's most feared loan shark, she fights the urge to throttle him and vows to do whatever it takes to get the car back.
Mechanic and mob enforcer Ben Beciraj can't believe his eyes when Houston socialite Aston McNeil storms into his chop shop and demands the return of the car he's just repossessed. He counters with a deal he never expects the fiery blonde heiress to accept—one week at his beck and call for the keys to her late father's favorite toy.
But Ben's plans to have a little fun with a girl way out of his league are shot to hell after one taste of sweet, beguiling Aston. When her stepbrother's shady dealings are revealed, Ben will do anything to protect her from the seedy underworld he inhabits—even if it means crossing the only family he's ever known.
Mechanic and mob enforcer Ben Beciraj can't believe his eyes when Houston socialite Aston McNeil storms into his chop shop and demands the return of the car he's just repossessed. He counters with a deal he never expects the fiery blonde heiress to accept—one week at his beck and call for the keys to her late father's favorite toy.
But Ben's plans to have a little fun with a girl way out of his league are shot to hell after one taste of sweet, beguiling Aston. When her stepbrother's shady dealings are revealed, Ben will do anything to protect her from the seedy underworld he inhabits—even if it means crossing the only family he's ever known.
140 pages, Paperback
First published May 31, 2014
164 people are currently reading
681 people want to read
About the author
Roxie Rivera
71 books2,804 followersWhen 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
March 21, 2020
Reread: Still a favorite by Roxie Rivera!
Ben, the Albanian enforcer whose boss was Besian was placed in a awkward position by heiress Aston whose demented stepbrother had secretly defaulted on her late father's 1963 Aston Martin vehicle which Aston named Baby. Ben was willing to give her back her classic ride if she gave herself to him for a week. Because the car had sentimental value she said yes but know this she was very attracted to the enforcer/booster and mechanic and vice-versa!
Oh, I just loved how Roxie Rivera connects her series! You have Nikolai from Russian Protectors and even the mentioning of Sergei's woman buying his debt as well as a Connolly's family member acknowledged with Abby from that series.
What I really like about the H/h in "Collateral" was that although one was loaded legally and the other a thief- illegally, Rivera showed how much alike they were... their pasts were flawed due to strange circumstance. etc.
Ben, the Albanian enforcer whose boss was Besian was placed in a awkward position by heiress Aston whose demented stepbrother had secretly defaulted on her late father's 1963 Aston Martin vehicle which Aston named Baby. Ben was willing to give her back her classic ride if she gave herself to him for a week. Because the car had sentimental value she said yes but know this she was very attracted to the enforcer/booster and mechanic and vice-versa!
Oh, I just loved how Roxie Rivera connects her series! You have Nikolai from Russian Protectors and even the mentioning of Sergei's woman buying his debt as well as a Connolly's family member acknowledged with Abby from that series.
What I really like about the H/h in "Collateral" was that although one was loaded legally and the other a thief- illegally, Rivera showed how much alike they were... their pasts were flawed due to strange circumstance. etc.
February 11, 2016
3.5 stars
Quick read and fast paced I enjoyed it when I started reading this I didn't know it was a spinoff of the series (her Russian protector) and (fighting Connolly's). I love it since in this series is about the Albanian crew and of course we hear from the Guzman cartel and mention of the hot Russians. As with any novella I found myself wanting more but I know with the continuance of this series it won't be the last of Ben and Aston's story the MC of this novella. I'm looking forward to besian and marley's story and of course devil and zec's.
Quick read and fast paced I enjoyed it when I started reading this I didn't know it was a spinoff of the series (her Russian protector) and (fighting Connolly's). I love it since in this series is about the Albanian crew and of course we hear from the Guzman cartel and mention of the hot Russians. As with any novella I found myself wanting more but I know with the continuance of this series it won't be the last of Ben and Aston's story the MC of this novella. I'm looking forward to besian and marley's story and of course devil and zec's.
March 17, 2015
The perfect quickie - short..........but gratifying
~4.5 stars~
This read was fast paced, exciting, sexy and fun. I was impressed how the writer managed to provide so much story and character depth in such a short read. It was only 140 pages but managed to feel like so much more, in a good way. I will definitely check out more of this writers work in the future!
~4.5 stars~
This read was fast paced, exciting, sexy and fun. I was impressed how the writer managed to provide so much story and character depth in such a short read. It was only 140 pages but managed to feel like so much more, in a good way. I will definitely check out more of this writers work in the future!
October 8, 2017
Debt Collection is a new series that is a spin-off of R.R.'s Fighting Connolly's and Her Russian Protector series'. This novella features Ben Beciraj--nephew to the Albanian mob boss, Besian Beciraj. Ben was first introduced in The Fighting Connolly's book, In Jack's Arms. At least I THINK that's when Ben first showed up, if he was mentioned in earlier books, I have forgotten. Anyway, Collateral is Ben and Aston's story. Aston is living a polar opposite lifestyle than Ben. She's an heiress and set to eventually be CEO of her late-father's company. But when the one possession that she holds so dear is stolen, Aston heads to dangerous, scary territory to get it back. Enter Ben: Car booster, mob enforcer, mechanic and the son of a mob boss and a prostitute. Obviously sparks fly and those sparks are hot--This is Roxie Rivera, here, it's smokin'! Since it's Roxie Rivera, not only is it smokin', it's also full of suspense and cartel/mafia intrigue. If you've already read R.R.'s other stuff, this will be a quick, steamy and fun read; if you haven't, there's the possibility that you could become confused or annoyed a little bit about the name dropping--Sergei, Nikolai Kalasnikov, Lalo Contreras, Guzman, etc. It's all one big on-going drama in Houston. And it's awesome.
There were a few typos that I noticed, but I was so darn happy to be reading this that I didn't care. I'm ready for Marley and Besian's story, too. Bring it on, Roxie Rivera!
There were a few typos that I noticed, but I was so darn happy to be reading this that I didn't care. I'm ready for Marley and Besian's story, too. Bring it on, Roxie Rivera!
February 13, 2022
I loved this new spinoff series off of the "Her Russian Protecter" series.
it's all about the Albanian crew in this series, and it was wild and thrilling!!
Can't wait for the next chapter in Ben and Aston's story.
and Besian and Marley's story too, I've been waiting for that one since their brief interaction in Jack's Arms!
it's all about the Albanian crew in this series, and it was wild and thrilling!!
Can't wait for the next chapter in Ben and Aston's story.
and Besian and Marley's story too, I've been waiting for that one since their brief interaction in Jack's Arms!
June 7, 2014
Ben, you sexy son of a bitch! We didn't have enough time, not nearly enough time together for me to love you the way I wanna love you. Sexy son of a bitch!
January 15, 2015
Ben Beciraj and Aston McNeil, two people different lives are about to embark down a road that neither will never forget.
Just a regular day in the chop shop for Albanian mob enforcer Ben when out of a no where a whirl wind of a woman comes to his place of business demanding that he return the car that he now has. Who would have thought that would ever happen but it did and what transpired next Ben could have never imagined. Aston, wealthy heiress comes to a part of town and into the lair of the Albanian mob with her best friend Marley accompanying her, she demands for Ben to return her car which her step brother Calvin had lost due to a loan he defaulted on.
Ben takes one look at Aston and thinks she has guts coming into his place but decides to scare her what he didn't bank on was although she was afraid, Aston was determined to get the car back that was given to her from her dad, who had died months earlier. So she wasn't leaving without it. Ben thought she was wired up, not trusting anyone who isn't apart of his family demands to see if she is wired, to his surprise she takes off her clothes showing him that she is not undercover. Ben interrogates her farther and realizes she doesn't know a thing about what her step brother has been up to, she is in the dark about his dealings. So Ben decides to help her and she offers to pay off her step brother's loan to get her car back. As the go to the secret spot where cars are taken and later to be sold, they come upon all of the cars have been taken and now a rival gang has pulled up determined to take them both out.
Ben finds out that Aston isn't your sheltered heiress, she is a get into the trenches woman. Ben's protective nature kicks in for her and for once he cares about someone else other than the family. Once Ben finds out they have been set up and someone within the family has betrayed them, the race is on not only to protect Aston but to exact the type of punishment that comes to those who dare to cross the Albanians. During all of this Ben realizes for once how his lifestyle will prevent him from being in a meaningful and forever relationship, time spent with Aston makes his heart yearn and long for her but once your in the family it is forever and how can he be with Aston when this is his fate.
Two people from different backgrounds fight to be together, Ben and Aston race to save each other but will it be enough for these two to be together and the next question is can they ever be together?
A great, great story written by author Roxie Rivera and there will be a part 2 for Ben and Aston which I am super excited about. I am definitely rooting for these two Woot! Woot!
Well Until My Next Review Ciao Bellas!
Just a regular day in the chop shop for Albanian mob enforcer Ben when out of a no where a whirl wind of a woman comes to his place of business demanding that he return the car that he now has. Who would have thought that would ever happen but it did and what transpired next Ben could have never imagined. Aston, wealthy heiress comes to a part of town and into the lair of the Albanian mob with her best friend Marley accompanying her, she demands for Ben to return her car which her step brother Calvin had lost due to a loan he defaulted on.
Ben takes one look at Aston and thinks she has guts coming into his place but decides to scare her what he didn't bank on was although she was afraid, Aston was determined to get the car back that was given to her from her dad, who had died months earlier. So she wasn't leaving without it. Ben thought she was wired up, not trusting anyone who isn't apart of his family demands to see if she is wired, to his surprise she takes off her clothes showing him that she is not undercover. Ben interrogates her farther and realizes she doesn't know a thing about what her step brother has been up to, she is in the dark about his dealings. So Ben decides to help her and she offers to pay off her step brother's loan to get her car back. As the go to the secret spot where cars are taken and later to be sold, they come upon all of the cars have been taken and now a rival gang has pulled up determined to take them both out.
Ben finds out that Aston isn't your sheltered heiress, she is a get into the trenches woman. Ben's protective nature kicks in for her and for once he cares about someone else other than the family. Once Ben finds out they have been set up and someone within the family has betrayed them, the race is on not only to protect Aston but to exact the type of punishment that comes to those who dare to cross the Albanians. During all of this Ben realizes for once how his lifestyle will prevent him from being in a meaningful and forever relationship, time spent with Aston makes his heart yearn and long for her but once your in the family it is forever and how can he be with Aston when this is his fate.
Two people from different backgrounds fight to be together, Ben and Aston race to save each other but will it be enough for these two to be together and the next question is can they ever be together?
A great, great story written by author Roxie Rivera and there will be a part 2 for Ben and Aston which I am super excited about. I am definitely rooting for these two Woot! Woot!
Well Until My Next Review Ciao Bellas!
August 4, 2016
I really enjoyed this book I just wish it was longer because it felt a bit rushed and I would love to read a book about Marley and Besian. Aston McNeil loved her father and was devastated when he died from cancer. She was named after his beloved car that he called baby. She finds out baby is in a chop shop owned and operated by the Albanian mob. Aston goes there with her best friend determined to get her car back. She meets Ben Beciraj who tells her that her stepbrother borrowed a lot of money from the Albanian mob and used baby as collateral. Her stepbrother never made any payments so they repo'd the car. She is furious because she hates her stepbrother and it's not his car to make deals with. Ben makes her a deal if she'll give him 7 days and 7 nights then he will give her the car back.
April 29, 2014
So I have this addiction and its Roxie Rivera's bad boys, I just can't get enough of them. In this her new spin off series to her sexy Russians we get the Albanian bad boys lead by Besian (I will admit that I did do a happy dance at the end of Ben and Astons story that his book is coming this summer). Collateral is the story of Ben Beciraj mob enforcer and mechanic at a chop shop where Aston a very wealthy woman comes looking for her stolen car. I loved the story and as with all of Roxie's books the sex was hot and I'm looking forward to more.
May 27, 2015
""I still owe you six days and six nights as collateral."
Grinning, he slid his hand down the curve of my spine to settle on my backside. He gave me a playful swat. "Yes, you do."
"After that, we'll have to renegotiate our contract."
He let loose an exaggerated groan. "I don't know about that. Besian tells me you're tough."
"I think you're man enough to handle a tough woman."
He laughed and dipped his head to kiss me. "Yes, I am.""
Grinning, he slid his hand down the curve of my spine to settle on my backside. He gave me a playful swat. "Yes, you do."
"After that, we'll have to renegotiate our contract."
He let loose an exaggerated groan. "I don't know about that. Besian tells me you're tough."
"I think you're man enough to handle a tough woman."
He laughed and dipped his head to kiss me. "Yes, I am.""
April 23, 2014
I so loooove this series!!!
and all the spin off of the spin offs ;)
such hot men these BAD BAD BOYS!!!!
image:
and all the spin off of the spin offs ;)
such hot men these BAD BAD BOYS!!!!
image:
November 1, 2025
Glad I waited to read this, since the sequel didn't come out for 6 years. Looking forward to starting that next.
September 16, 2021
Really short and fast-paced. I like the world the author has built around the Mafia and MCs. I found the book well written but there was no chemistry. I get that this is insta lust to the nth degree but still, there should be a little romantic tension and some will they/won't they. Instead, the heroine is like sure I'll sleep with you to get my fancy classic car back. And they do and apart from a third act separation, that's it.
I'll still check out her other books.
⭐⭐💫/5
🔥🔥/5
I'll still check out her other books.
⭐⭐💫/5
🔥🔥/5
September 6, 2016
Super short novella that really didn't bother to develop the characters but instead gave us large swathes of quick backstory and weird out of nowhere bullet points of past abuse. So not worth the read and not very believable.
Also, the fact that they didn't bother to find out whether the car someone put up as collateral was theirs to put up and didn't ever contact her when the money was due seems like a big lapse.
Also, the fact that they didn't bother to find out whether the car someone put up as collateral was theirs to put up and didn't ever contact her when the money was due seems like a big lapse.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 21, 2014
4.0 Stars!!!
Okay, this is the start of a couple...the author's style is to start the story and thread it through the rest of the series. I loved it. I love Aston....what a bold, sassy woman. This series is based on the Albanian crime family in Houston.
Okay, this is the start of a couple...the author's style is to start the story and thread it through the rest of the series. I loved it. I love Aston....what a bold, sassy woman. This series is based on the Albanian crime family in Houston.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 10, 2014
Short, sweet and hot. Look forward to continuing Ben and Aston's story
May 11, 2021
What do you do when the classic Aston Martin you inherited has a defaulted loan on it with the Albanian mob? Aston, named for her father's prized possession finds out exactly the consequences of such an act. Ben Beciraj, enforcer for the Albanian mob is there to take the car, but finds the feisty Aston there not willing to give it up so easily. Now placing herself as collateral for the week, we get to see exactly the payments required! Talk about action packed suspense and exciting characters! Roxie Rivera weaves her Russian Protector series in flawlessly, giving us looks at Nikolai and q quick mention of Sergei! I love when we hear about characters we are already familiar with, it gives an intimacy to the story. And this one is full of suspense and steamy scenes that will leave you breathless. A quick listen, but packed with a punch, so get your ears ready to be happy!
Mary Jane Meloy gives a wonderful performance. Accents, male and female voices and building of suspense, all key to this story and she pulls it all off with ease. An enjoyable listen!
Mary Jane Meloy gives a wonderful performance. Accents, male and female voices and building of suspense, all key to this story and she pulls it all off with ease. An enjoyable listen!
October 29, 2021
A great read for others to read, but the book has a lot of mistakes throughout it.
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. On a mission to get her precious car "Baby" back from Ben and his family of the Albanian mob. Soon turns into Aston and Ben coming together when her unstable stepbrother was willing to start a war in the underworld to get what he felt was rightfully his that her father took away from his father. I can't wait to see what happens next in Aston and Ben's story.
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. On a mission to get her precious car "Baby" back from Ben and his family of the Albanian mob. Soon turns into Aston and Ben coming together when her unstable stepbrother was willing to start a war in the underworld to get what he felt was rightfully his that her father took away from his father. I can't wait to see what happens next in Aston and Ben's story.
December 9, 2020
Love has no limits
Ben is a tough enforcer for the Albanian mob. Aston is a rich socialist who is best friend with a girl from a trailer park. Aston had a few struggles in her life, including her mom's death and eventually her dad's death too. Her crazy brother got involved with the underworld and Aston tried to make it right. Meeting Ben was I expected and intriguing. After escaping a gang shooting spending more time with each other was inevitable. They give each other hope in all things.
Ben is a tough enforcer for the Albanian mob. Aston is a rich socialist who is best friend with a girl from a trailer park. Aston had a few struggles in her life, including her mom's death and eventually her dad's death too. Her crazy brother got involved with the underworld and Aston tried to make it right. Meeting Ben was I expected and intriguing. After escaping a gang shooting spending more time with each other was inevitable. They give each other hope in all things.
June 17, 2020
3.5 stars
As much has i wanted to read this book when it 1st came out, i am glad i waited until the 2nd book came out to read this book because it took more than 6 years to finally get the 2nd book. Lol
I look forward to read more about this couple😉 This book was more like a novelle and the introduction of a new couple. Hopefully the next book, will have more scenes to expand more on their new found relationship.🤗
As much has i wanted to read this book when it 1st came out, i am glad i waited until the 2nd book came out to read this book because it took more than 6 years to finally get the 2nd book. Lol
I look forward to read more about this couple😉 This book was more like a novelle and the introduction of a new couple. Hopefully the next book, will have more scenes to expand more on their new found relationship.🤗
September 23, 2021
So, I've had this book in my TBR pile for a minute. I love this author. I was so excited when she started writing again and I think that's when I realized I had some of her books that I hadn't read yet. I love that her characters are strong, sweet and good and bad people. Ben is great and Aston is stunning (those driving skills, lol) I loved every minute. Now, I need to buy book 2 and 3.
July 6, 2023
Loved Ben and Aston, I really liked how Ben wouldn't let his uncle dictate his relationship and to allow Aston to be her own person and not sensor her thoughts or feelings. It was fun watching Ben fall. I've been on a big Roxie Rivera kick lately and have re-read a lot of her books, they are set your sheets on fire hot!
October 8, 2023
Aston McNeil is an heiress who finds herself squaring off against the Albania gang searching for her missing vintage car that belonged to her late dad. Her initial encounter with Ben leaves him amused and interested in her. This story is fast paced, action-packed with twists and turns.
Mary Jane Meloy does a good job with the narration.
Mary Jane Meloy does a good job with the narration.
April 3, 2020
I love a good Roxie Rivera book & after seeing Collateral 2 has been released I decided to go back & reread the first one. It was as good as I had remembered & I’m on to read the new one next.
If you’ve read all of her Russian books this is a must!
If you’ve read all of her Russian books this is a must!
June 3, 2020
For some reason this seemed to be a short/fast read. I am not sure why...maybe I couldn’t put it down? Anyway, I loved this book. I love books that show love across socio-economic status. Such a strong protective hero protecting his wealthy girl.... LOVED IT.
August 6, 2023
BEN AND ASHTON
Albanian mob. Yes I like. I love hearing about the other book characters. I've fell in love with the Russian mob and now we'll continue with the Albanians. Who knew mob guys have hearts. You go Roxie Rivera
Albanian mob. Yes I like. I love hearing about the other book characters. I've fell in love with the Russian mob and now we'll continue with the Albanians. Who knew mob guys have hearts. You go Roxie Rivera
August 7, 2025
Wow, these two had some mad chemistry right from the start! And, they connected on a level that seemed unlikely, but worked so perfectly for them. While it seems hopeless, they are willing to give it a try <3
own-under-diff-title-or-anthology
March 20, 2018Own in box set: Alphas After Dark
May 8, 2018
A medium-length thriller that was solid and intense. Not long enough to develop enough depth, but it was a good ride.
I'll consider the next ones.
I'll consider the next ones.
August 13, 2018
1.5 stars. This wasn't really interesting to me. I also couldn't relate to Aston. She wasn't annoying, but she wasn't great either. The characters weren't hardcore criminals in my mind either.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews