I received a copy of this story from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I've read two other books in a different series by Lauren Layne so I was pretty confident I was going to enjoy this read. I was not prepared to enjoy it as much as I did. While the story had all the sexual tension and witty banter Lauren is so good at, it had an added element of mystery. It was that extra bit that heightened it and made me want to keep reading. This was more than just a palate-cleanser between other books; I was genuinely interested in the story and how everything would play out. As always, the characters were lovely and distinct. I would adore having Kate as a friend!

I would absolutely recommend this book to everyone! And I'm curious to see how the rest of the series plays out (especially Kennedy's story; that's one I'm dying to read.)

Brava, Lauren!

Ian Bradley, insanely hot, rich, playboy, usually gets what he wants. Lara McKenzie, strong, by the book, beautiful, and gives Ian Bradley a run for his money. She was sent to Wolfe Investments to investigate if Ian had illegally made some insider tradings. Their chemistry and sexual tension was through the roof. I liked them together. Ian is a rags to riches story. He was bounced around through foster care all young life. I love the supporting characters(Ian's friends) I can't wait for Matt/Sabrina story and Kennedy/Kate story. Loved this story. It had mystery, love, friendship, fun banter. Definitely recommend.

Ahhhmazing! 4.5 Stars, easily.

You got two grown MATURE adults here with tension and passion of teenagers, I love it!
Ian, the main male character is kind of stereotypical (nowadays, the main male comes up from a hard childhood and made something of his self) Ian had a tough childhood and made something of his self, working his ass off and never forgot where he came from (as I said, kind of stereotypical)
Lara, the main female character isn't so stereotypical, I feel like she is very average which makes her approachable/relatable.
Anyways, Lara meets Ian because she is put in charge of investigating him and the whole process is awesome. We see the animosity at first, the remorse for having to do the investigating, and the determination for doing what was right. It was pretty awesome because not everything fell in place like a normal HEA, the main characters had to work together to make things right and they had some downfalls (which they worked through together!)
In the end it was a HEA but not so cheesy, I throughly enjoyed it. I cannot wait for the next book in the series which will follow my two favorite supporting characters.

I received an advance copy through Netgalley. This review is my honest opinion!

I love this start to the new 21 Wall Street series by Ms Layne. Ian is the hotshot guy you want handling your money... He's not just lucky. He's good. Lara is the investigator sent in to see if Ian's great "luck" really hides criminal activity. The hard part isn't the search for evidence. It's trying to keep the relationship strictly professional. The thing between them may be bigger than they both can handle. To get to the bottom of what's happening, they're going to have to find a way to work together that doesn't just involve the chemistry that's brewing.

4.25⭐
Hot Asset was an enjoyable read and a great start to this new series. As not only did it pull me in from the start, but it had enough about it to hold my interest throughout. Including great main characters, humour, a little intrigue and a sprinkling of angst. And I liked the fact it was written from a dual point of view. Plus, it was easy to read; and I'm really excited to read more from this series in the future. And I would happily recommend Hot Asset to others.

Ian Bradley is a 32 yr. old Wall Street hotshot who is one of the biggest names in New York. He’s an investment broker for one of the top firms, Wolfe Investments. He’s a gorgeous, driven, successful, wealthy playboy. As a notorious womanizer he’s used to getting what he wants. Then he meets a beautiful woman who intrigues him and inspires hot librarian fantasies. He soon learns this stunning stranger is actually his worst nightmare.

Lara McKenzie is a 28 yr. old SEC agent. She’s the daughter of two FBI agents, and she prides herself on being fair and seeking justice. She deals with white collar crimes, and is good at her job. She’s an ambitious, intelligent, workaholic who has little time for a personal life. Her latest case is the investigation of Ian Bradley for possible insider trading. This case could make or break her career, and could be her ticket to her dream of joining the FBI.

Lara must immerse herself into Ian’s world to find the truth. She believes this superficial, charming, arrogant suit is guilty, and will do whatever it takes to prove it. She’s ready to show him he’s not above the law, and is prepared to take him down. She won’t be dazzled by his good looks and slick pick up lines.

Ian has met his match in Lara, and she has the power to bring him to his knees. He’s worked too hard to now lose it all. He knows the accusations are false, and he’ll do anything to prove he’s innocent and clear his name.

Both of their reputations are on the line as Ian & Lara each work to prove their case. Lara works hard in a profession she believes in, and is determined to keep things professional with Ian. The problem is things don’t always go as planned. Ian knows she’s completely off limits, but still can’t help the way he’s drawn to her. As they spend so much time together things get complicated as they really get to know one another. Feelings become more personal than business, and even though the situation might be inappropriate, they can’t stop the connection between them from igniting. Lines get blurred, and priorities change as Ian & Lara explore what’s happening between them.

I really enjoyed this story. It was a sexy, fun read full of chemistry. It’s a forbidden romance packed with sexual tension and unexpected love. I can’t wait for Sabrina and Matt’s story next!

4 <b> Have you seen grease?? </b> Stars
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This is one of my few consistent one click authors that give me the squeesssss if I ever get ARCs. She has another success enemies to lovers without it feeling like a rinse and repeat from her other books. Knowing the author you know she is going to have series so its fun to imagine our side characters and their own stories. This story lacks on the normal level of angst and doesn’t really get great till the 2nd half( a bit slow) .

This story is about Ian who is a rags to riches story living his dream he crawled through hell for.
Lara believes if she takes Ian down and exposes him as a dirty wall street man who doers insider trading she will become an FBI agent.
What develops is a cat and mouse relationship which I would have loved to have been more ugly instead of pristine and clean.
The story takes place over a period of I believe 2 total years but it does have the instalove jerk feel to it. I don’t know anything about wall street so I felt I did learn a bit of things that were the big cookies to learn about wall street and SEC. The plot twist was kind of interesting and I loved how EVERYONE we meet in this book comes together in the end for it. I think the ending was simply delicious and perfect.
In possible unrelated character news: Ian’s “dad” sucks and his “daddy issues” never get resolved.
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I love Lauren Layne's books. I love how they surprise you with the different ways they make you feel. And I always love her Hot Heroes.

Ian, though, might have rocked to number one on the Lauren Layne Hot Hero List. (YES, there IS a Lauren Layne Hot Hero List. It may exist solely in my head, but it IS REAL.)

I liked how Ian comes into this story knowing, however obliquely, that there are things about him that can use some improvement. For instance, there is his manwhoring. Ian tends to go through women like a hot knife through butter, and he recognizes that this is not a lifestyle he can sustain. So, in a way, he is ready when he meets Lara, even though she poses a threat to him.

Lara is every bit as complex as Ian. She has goals and aspirations, yet she senses that she is missing something. Just as Ian does not anticipate the changes Lara will prompt in his life, she never sees what he will bring to her.

I loved how these two worked together, even when they didn't realize they were doing so. I love Ian's friends, who will have their own books in Lauren Layne's new series. I loved how Lauren Layne made me laugh and cry, and she also made me super quivery because the sexy times in this book are SCORCHING hot.

You will end this book looking forward to Matt's and Kennedy's stories, which is the surest sign that Lauren Layne writes books you cannot resist.

Hot Asset (21 Wall Street -Book One) by Lauren Layne
Solid FIVE Star Read
Best Read of 2018

Ian Bradley WOW! Just wow. I LOVED him. I pretty much highlighted the WHOLE first chapter because of him. He's funny, smart, arrogant, and a bit of a manwhore, BUT such a nice guy too - well to those close to him.
The story kicks off with him describing his "douchebag" ways - he's a 32-year-old investment broker for Wolfe Investments. Growing up he was bounced around the foster system, he is very driven and has worked hard to get where he is within the company. Life is good for Ian, he's a total badass at the job he loves, cushy corner office, seven-figure salary, swanky Manhattan apartment, great friends, never without female companionship - like I said, life is good for Ian.
Until her.
Lara McKenzie The girl who will bring him to his knees.

I laugh, more intrigued than ever by her sharp tongue. "Who are you?"
"Someone you're going to regret asking to drinks," she says with a small I've got a secret smile. - Ian

This story was a solid five star read for me and has been added to my shelf of Best Reads of 2018. This story has so much to offer a reader:
The humour - I laughed A LOT, the dialogue between all characters was great.
The interactions between main and supporting characters - I'm very excited to see how Matt and Kennedy's stories play out.
The story flowed nicely - it didn't have any real "stalling" points where you might get bored.
Character development - I liked noticing the way the hero and heroine matured and sorted out their priorities by the end. It's nice to actually see how their way of thinking has changed from the first page to the last.
At last, we can't forget the hot steamy sex scenes that will make you swoon.
I honestly loved it and highly recommend it to anyone. This was a new-to-me author and after I was done this book, I went and downloaded a sample of EVERY book this author has ever written - I am a new fan of Lauren Layne.
I cannot wait until the next installment of the 21 Wall Street series, Matt & Sabrina's story - Hard Sell - I've already pre-ordered it for September 4, 2018 release!

Lauren Layne manages to do it again. Hot Asset is one of my favorite books of the year by far! The book is about a hot shot investment banker and a rising star at the SEC who is trying to make the leap into the FBI. I don't want to give too many details away but this is a romance between an investigator and the subject of the investigation. The book is wonderfully written and all the characters are lovable. I absolutely adored both Lara and Ian. Lara is a great female character who was dedicated to doing the right thing while also being incredibly ambitious. Ian was also a great character as well. Lauren Layne managed to write a great story without sacrificing the buildup of her characters. I definitely recommend this book to anyone and everyone.

I love Lauren Layne. She writes great first person books. I was super excited about this Wall Street series because her last book Runaway Groom was just so good. I enjoyed the characters Lara and Ian. They had a true slow burn romance which was great. I think the real star of this book was the drama that led Lara to Ian. I was in suspense the whole time and was truly shocked on what actually happened. I look forward to reading about the side characters in their next book.

From the start of this, I knew that I would be in for one hell of a ride with these two, strong, independent and stubborn characters. Ian Bradley, the Ivy League educated, investment bank at a large firm, Wolfe Investment in Manhattan New York. Lara McKenzie works for the Securties and Exchange Commision comes from a family of FBI Agents, and just want to follow in their footsteps. She could possibly be Ian’s downfall. Or will she?

Lara is one touch cookie, and I loved her so much! She was feisty and spoke her mind always. She would be on friend I would definitely want in my corner. Ian is the top dogs at the investment firm, bringing in new clients, and sucessfully making start investments. But he is quite the “ladies man” too. They both take their job very seriously, and now Lara has been sent to investigate him, for insider trading of all things. Boy, he was ticked off at that accusation too. Ian might be cocky and comes of strong, but cheating at his job is not in him.

Our story centers around one characters trying to clear their name and the other chasing the “big case” that could make their career. The dual POV’s worked s well in seeing everything from both sides too. The banter between these two has me cracking up, and the chemistry between them was off the charts. I did really enjoy the fact that the blossoming relationship between them was the jumper right in bed kind too. There are of course other characters that I enjoyed, even the so called “villain” of the story was pretty great.

Now, even though I did figure out what was going on with the whole inside trading tip fiasco, it did not take anything away from my enjoyment. It was so easy to get swept up in all the drama of the investigation and these two and their push and pull. This was my CWW pick a while back, so when I got the chance to read it, of course I jumped On it. And after finishing it, it was so worth the wait!

Great characters with some pretty amazing chemistry and a little bit of drama too, what more could I have asked for?! I just adored these two. Fans of contemporary romances with a little bit of a mystery to it too, will devour this one and I can’t wait for the next installment, Hard Sell to come out now too. It’s Matt and Sabrina’s story. Yes please!

This was quite an entertaining office romance. One that was funny and amusing too. I loved the arrogant Ian. It was a quick read that really was engaging. I recomend this story

A fabulous beginning to the new series Wolves of Wall Street .
We begin with Ian . He is a self made man, coming from a foster care upbringing he is hard and abrasive . Making his way as only he knows how with determination , skill, and intelligence. He is cut throat and arrogant but always honest when it comes to money and women. He is surrounded by loyal friends that always have his back ! They are a fabulous cast of characters .
Lara is making her way up in SEC , she investigates white collar criminals and shaddy business practices . When an anonymous tip comes in to the department she is sent to the offices of Wolf industry and on the doorstep of Ian.
Shall we say that these two individuals get off to a rough start and it doesn't get any easier from there.
They soon discover that their is so much more to the real person than either one was expecting . I loved their sexually charged banter , wit, sass and chemistry !! So Good !
It is wrong , Illegal , and down right irresistible. They cannot submit when neither knows what the end will bring!
~~Michele McMullen~

This is not my first Lauren Layne novel and most certainly won't be my last. I immediately fell in love with the 2 main characters (and literally all the side characters). Lara is an SEC agent assigned to investigate Ian, a wall street hot shot. Nailing Ian for insider trading would all but guarantee Lara a position with her dream job in the FBI. Although soon Lara is dreaming of nailing Ian in other manors.
I thoroughly enjoyed the dynamic between quick witted Lara and charming Ian. I was captivated all the way through this novel and cannot wait to read more about Ian's hilarious friends.

What an amazing read! I loved it!

I have a hard time finding really good contemporary romance books that appeal to me. It just seems like a lot of them are pretty aggressive on getting the characters into bed, and very little interest in developing their stories. In this book that is not the case. There is chemistry between Lara and Ian. Very good chemistry! But what really had me entertained was their banter. Their quick comebacks. So smart, witty and so many laugh out loud moments.

The supporting characters were just as entertaining, and I cannot wait to for Matt and Sabrina's story!
If you are looking for a smart, sexy, highly engaging romance book, certainly give Hot Asset a try. I am glad that I was able to discover Lauren Layne and can't wait to download more of her books.

Lauren Layne writes an engaging story about hot, sexy guys who work on Wall Street. This fun story immediately drew me in. It has interesting characters, snappy dialogue and there is a lot of banter. This is the first book in the 21 Wall Street series and I can't wait to read more.

Ian has fought hard for everything he has achieved. He is a Wall Street investor and enjoys his luxurious life. He has a great job, good friends and more woman than he can handle. Everything is going well until he learns the SEC is investigating him.

Lara has been assigned to investigate Ian for insider trader. Lara is a workaholic. She doesn’t have time to date, have fun or spend time with friends. When Lara meets Ian, she isn’t impressed with his success or his slick and cocky attitude. Ian is the exact opposite of Lara and not the type of man she is attracted to. After spending time with Ian, Lara starts to question the choices she has made in her in life. Ian makes Lara uncomfortable and makes her feel things she has never felt before.

This is a charming story with great dialogue and complex characters. I liked all of the characters and I especially enjoyed all the banter between Ian and his friends. The secondary characters are fun and entertaining.

The Wall Street hottest man with a seven-figure salary and hot suits Ian Bradley accused of insider trading and he is under investigation of SEC. He isn’t accustomed being in that situation, but the only thing that bothers him is a sexy SEC investigator Lara McKenzie with her sweet and hot eyeglasses.
She is determinate to do her job, and she is extra encouraged because the result of this case will bring her entrance in FBI, her dream job. But something happens, and the things are not going as they planned.
The purpose of writing this story was to write about hot Wall Street suited sexy man, and Lauren did it. She totally did it. I like the whole story which makes me swoon and melted like ice-cream. It’s sexy, hot and very romantic narrative. I take my e-reader everywhere I go and read till I read it whole. The plot is very intriguing and playful all those a chasing, cold-hot game between main characters are push up things to read till the end.
Lara is sweet but strict and dedicated to her work. I like how she manages the entire circumstances and how she works her job, she is the daughter of two FBI agents, but she wants to do it herself.
There is no woman in the world that will not fall for Ian, the hot womaniser in Wall Street in his suit and sexy look he is number one main and male character.
The other characters sound promising Matt and Sabrina, Kennedy and Ian’s assistant (I forgot her name; I know I’m bad with names… Actually I’m terrible). I can hardly wait to read the rest of this series.
The publisher provided the copy. Thank you very much. I appreciate your collaboration.

Hot Asset is the first book in Lauren Layne’s new series set among Wall Street’s elite, and what a promising start it is.

Ian is a successful investment broker who worked hard and now has it all: money, good looks, power, and his pick of women. Lara is an investigator for the Securities and Exchange Commission. Her job is to determine if Ian is guilty of insider training.

Lara is far beyond the stereotypical dogged investigator out to get the hero. She may be ambitious, but she’s not bitter, prudish, or rude, or unfair. Lara’s no shrinking violet, either. She doesn’t melt in a puddle of goo when Ian turns his baby blues on her and hits her with his charm. She’s unimpressed with his looks and his money, and it’s clear that she’s a woman of integrity.

Ian and his two best friends/co-workers are distinctly different from each other and yet equally appealing. They have a wonderful camaraderie between them, and I really enjoyed their ribbing and loyalty. However, to me, it’s the women who are the highlights of this book and a major selling point of the series. All the women are highly intelligent, capable, and formidable—certainly time enough for the cocky millionaires. This bodes well for their upcoming love stories. I’ve already added the next book in the series to my TBR.

Hot Asset is pure entertainment with plenty of sass, wit, and romance.

Lauren Layne is a must read author for me so when offered the chance to review the first book in this series I jumped at the chance. It wasn't quite the 5 star read I found her past books and I can't quite put my finger on why. Though I enjoyed both Lara and Ian's character I didn't fall IN LOVE with either.

The story line was interesting and I did love the supporting characters. I can't wait to read Ian's friends stories. They seem like great guys and I did fall a little in love with both. Ian's assistant is also great and I can't wait to see her get her happily ever after.

Though not an out of the ball park this still looks like a promising new series from an author I absolutely love.