Collateral Dreams, by Jeff Ingber

As the Financial Crisis approaches, Everett Webb appears to have it all—power, wealth, a soaring career as a CDO salesman, and a marriage to Hannah that feels unshakable. As he’s pulled deeper into the lucrative world of subprime securities, he tells himself the rewards are immense, the downside is contained, and whatever lines he’s crossing don’t really matter.

Across the city, others—his best friend Joel, colleagues, and rivals—all are making the same bet. Gina Blake navigates deals for hedge fund titan Quentin Crawford, who chases ever-greater returns. And then there’s Everett’s beautiful intern, Amber Cosgrove—poised, perceptive, and far more in control than she seems.

As the money pours in, the cracks begin to show. Those closest to Everett start to question the man he’s becoming. When the market finally collapses, careers, loyalties, and carefully constructed lives will be called in as collateral.

Collateral Dreams is a gripping novel of ambition, seduction, and self-deception, set against the frenzy of a financial system on the brink of catastrophe.