Lauren Layne has become one of my favorite Romance authors and I enjoyed Hot Asset just as much as I expected to.

I thought the insider trading plotline was interesting. I don’t think I’ve read a Romance with that particular angle before so it was something a little fresh, even though the rest of the plot played out very standard Romance. I would’ve liked just a little more information on how Wall Street works and the ins and outs of the SEC, but I did appreciate that there wasn’t information overload with it either.

I liked Lara and Ian as characters and also as a couple. They have a mutual respect for each other and their work ethics. I do wish that it would’ve taken just a little longer for them to fall for each other, though. While Lara didn’t let her feelings get in the way of her investigation, she did willingly put herself in some compromising positions multiple times and it felt a little more silly-schoolgirl than professional investigator. I also really enjoyed Ian’s group of friends. I’m looking forward to their books, especially Kennedy and Kate’s.

Overall, I enjoyed Hot Asset. I liked the setting and the characters and the romance. I thought about giving this 3 or 3.5 stars, just because, while enjoyable, it was a pretty standard, straight-forward romance. However, other than the couple of sex scenes, I don’t really have any other complaints about the book, so I’m bumping it up to 4 stars. I would recommend this to Romance fans, especially fans of Lauren Layne.

Overall Rating (out of 5): 4 Stars

Well, LL did it again. She created another kick-butt group of characters that I just can't get enough off. One of my favorite things about LL is her ability to create a series featuring such different, lovable characters that you can't wait to read. Plus, with the 21 Wall Street, these swoony men wear sexy suits. Right from the start, I loved the banter between Ian and Lara. There was just a little bit of mystery that kept us all on our toes. Just when you think they are going to get their HEA, you remember that someone is still lurking in the shadows of plot twists and intrigue. I just can't get enough of LL and Hot Asset was just another book that went on my favorite list.

The allure of Lauren Layne is that she can tempt a heart while teasing the mind. Hot Asset is assuredly a temptation but Ian and Lara are more than just sensual eye candy. Behind the sharp pressed suits and icy attitude, Lara has a quick mind. She's more than just a pretty face, she's a determined woman with her sights set on her prey. Ian is a distraction she can't afford. He knows how to push her buttons. He's frustrating, sexy and has a few aces of his own. Her aim is to bring him down, but her heart may prove collateral damage in the fall. Hot Asset is a smartly written cat and mouse game of seduction that will keep the surprises coming until the very end.

Hot Asset is what happens if you were to cross the movie “Wolf of Wall Street” with “How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days”. A rom-com set in the cutthroat world of Wall Street, the book features straight-arrow, rule following, by-the-book SEC investigator Lara Mackenzie whose newest target is Ian Bradley, the hot shot Wall Street big wig, a charming, gorgeous man-about-town with deep pockets and a hidden heart of gold.

I didn’t expect to like this book as much as I did. I disliked the title intensely. I’m not a super big fan of rich, cocky heroes in suits who “talk” to the reader through the book - that particular style of writing tends to annoy me. But LL does her magic when it comes to her series romance, and builds a fun, full world of supporting characters who will all get their star turn in a book of their own (she’s already set up the two couples for the next 2 books). The main characters, who spend the bulk of the book at cross purposes are likable and engaging and sympathetic: you feel for Ian who is a lot of things but not a cheat and is clearly being set up to take the fall for something he didn’t do, and you feel for Lara who is simply trying to do her job and hopefully land her dream job of becoming a FBI agent. If I had one complaint, it would be how LL wrote Lara’s bestie/roomie, a character so unforgettable that I cannot even recall her name right now. Besides forcing Lara to go to a club and wear the outfit she picked out for her, I’m not certain what her purpose was. She seemed like a pointless character and at one point, when Lara was slowly becoming part of Ian’s social circle, it felt like even Lara questioned why said friend existed. Aside from that one little issue, I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait for Matt and Kennedy’s books.

What is better than a new Lauren Layne novel? A new Lauren Layne series of course!!!!! So you can only imagine my joy at discovering that one of my favourite romance writers was starting a new series starring a group of hot wall street legends in suits ;) Yes, Lauren Layne is the queen of Wallstreet! There is no one who can write heroes in suits that are this HOT and this addictive!!!

Lara McKenzie’s dream is to one day follow in her parent’s’ footsteps and be a FBI agent. In order to get her name on their radar and get a recommendation from her boss she needs a high profile case. As a SEC agent, she is every Wallstreet brokers nightmare and she is very good at what she does. Now all she has to do is find evidence against Ian Bradley, one of Wallstreet’s hottest and best brokers. But can Lara really avoid the allure and charm of one of New York City’s must eligible bachelors while trying to bring him down?

Ian Bradley worked tooth and nail to get where he is. His job is his everything and he has no intention of walking away from it without a fight, especially when he knows that he is innocent. But in a world where even rumour and speculation is enough to ruin someone, will he be able to make Lara believe that he is innocent and prove it?To make matters worse, after a life of living life to the fullest with everything that money and success has to offer, he finds himself longing for the only woman who he has ever truly wanted. The only woman, it seems, who is immune to his charms.

I am truly ecstatic about this new series! After having met both Max and Kennedy in this book, I can’t wait to read their stories!!! As always, Lauren Layne mesmerises with “Hot Asset”. Not to be missed!!!

Ian’s worked hard to get to where he is, partner in a Wall Street finance firm. Especially hard given his start in life. Even though there’s much more to him as a person, he keeps it well hidden, behind fine suits and a playboy attitude. Until he meets Lara. Lara’s always wanted to be in the FBI but for now she’s had to take a job with the SEC. She’s investigating charges against Ian.

If you like a fine suit and characters who have real personality this is the book for you. Ian is more than just a fine suit, but lets just say that you’ll get quality time with his linens. Lara’s no-bullshit all the way. She laughs at his lame lines, and cuts to the chase. She doesn’t want the person he’s pretending to be, it turns out she wants the person he actually is.

So we get a love story full of anticipation and sharp wit as the characters struggle with the obvious no-go situation for their romance while being put into situations where they demand honesty from each other. I’m a fan of Lauren Layne and this book is no exception, another great start in a series that I already want to read more of. (We’re introduced to other characters who are going to get their own books, yippee, because I can already tell that Matt and Sabrina are going to be explosively good).

I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

The beginning of this book did it for me. Why do all guys have to be manwhores and brag about it. So over this already.

I haven't met a Layne character yet that I didn't like, Lara is another favorite. Every one of them has unforgettable personalities and strong friendships. Ian and Lara met under stressful circumstances. They "get" each other and develop feelings quickly but it's not allowed, with great maturity they wait. I found myself enjoying the banter among the couple and Ian's friends. The world of finance and, possible, insider trading is complicated. Yet, Layne made it enjoyable and even added a suspenseful twist. Looking forward to more from Ian's friends Matt and Kennedy, plenty of hints given. I received my copy from Netgalley and wrote this review voluntarily.

I enjoyed the premise of the book, a hard-working SEC agent has to investigate a Wall Street suit, but their chemistry complicates matters. I also liked the secondary characters, they were well-defined and added to the story instead of just falling into the background. I wish Ian had been a bit more developed, his personality seemed to be mostly defined by the people around him: insecure boy with his foster dad, womanizer before Lara, but then the opposite after Lara. The characters' interactions and dialogues felt realistic and were fun to read. The reveal fell short for me because it was predictable and the villain's motivations seemed cartoonish. Overall, however, I enjoyed the book and was intrigued by the surrounding characters. I am especially looking forward to Kate and Kennedy's story.

Hot Asset’s first chapter is a bit off putting, but stick with it because the book is so much better once you get past Ian’s self description and his appraisal of Lara’s ‘qualities.’ I really did not like Ian at first, but there is not a Lauren Layne book I do not like; so I stuck with it just knowing from her previous books that it will get better. Once the story really begins, it captures your attention as you follow the chapters back and forth between Ian and Lara. Each leading with their perspective as the story unfolds. I enjoyed the way their conversations bounces around.

Lara and Ian’s first meeting is laughable and on target with the kind of guys Layne loves to write about. Ian preens and Lara plucks. She is not going to let him get away with anything. He pretty much makes a fool of himself.

Lara has strength, loyalty and a true belief in ethics. She believed she would find evidence of Ian’s guilt of insider trading. Even when she found him irresistible, she still towed the ethical line. Ian may have been a ‘dick-head,’ his own description, but you get to see where he came from and the effect it has on him now. Those same three qualities are a part of his life, too. He may sleep with a woman only one time, but he makes sure he does not sleep with a married woman.

Ian may have challenged Lara, but she challenged him even more so. But, once she truly believed he was clean, she was woman enough to say so. They had great communication and seemed to trust each other on instinct which helped a lot when trouble started.

Layne develops her secondary characters right in there as the best friends. The secondary characters are as much a part of Lara and Ian’s romance as you see the leads for future books. The chemistry is hot and quick. At times, the pages scorch more between the secondary as with our main characters. This series has the potential of being as successful as the Stiletto and Oxford series. Looking forward to Hot Sell.

Awesome!

I love Ian and Lara! This story is a perfect combination of funny, sweet and emotional.

I voluntarily read an advanced copy.

It's been awhile since we have read a book from Lauren Layne, but we have loved all the books of hers we have read!
Hot Asset was a quick, fun, steamy, book that we really enjoyed. There is some great banter and connection between Ian and Lara. However we didn't really care of Ian as a lead male character. He just didn't have that many likeable qualities and we found him to be a bit of a jerk.
And overall we didn't find that Hot Asset had the same quick wit, steamy, fun appeal that her other books have had.

Lauren Layne has a new series about wall street men and the women who bring them to their knees? Count me in.

Hot Asset has all of the Lauren Layne swoon that you need plus some light mystery and a whole lot of expensive suits. You're going to want to download this one.

I loved this book! Lauren Layne remains my go-to author for a quick and fun read. Her characters are complex and I love the foreshadowing to other stories that I am now anxiously awaiting! I can't wait for the next two books in this series!!

Another book by Layne that I had a hard time putting down. The story of womanizing Ian and the Lara the SEC agent investigating him for insider trading. To say they start off on the wrong foot would be an understatement. As I reader I felt the same way, while I liked Lara instantly, I did not like Ian at all . He is everything I am tired of in a hero- an entitled, smarmy player. Layne managed to turn my opinion of him around largely due to his interactions with his friends and colleagues. The stuff about his work with foster children and tragic past, to me, was largely unnecessary and bordered on treacly. Lara is smart and capable and has aspirations of being in the FBI which I loved. This book had all of the hallmarks of Layne's writing that I love, especially foreplay in the form of banter. The next couple of the books in the series are set up seamlessly. I was interested in the characters they will undoubtedly feature without feeling hit over the head with them.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review and now need coffee because I stayed up too late finishing it.

This might be my favorite Lauren Layne book to date!!
This was a smart read for every women who has strived to be the top of her game, and takes no nonsense!
LOVED this one!!

HOT ASSET – Lauren Layne
21 Wall Street, Book 1
Montlake Romance
ISBN: 9781503901063
May 2018
Contemporary Romance

New York City – Present Day

Ian Bradley is a hotshot financial guru but now he’s officially under SEC (Security and Exchanges Commission) investigation. The SEC agent, Lara McKenzie, has set up shop in his office and he can’t get his mind off her. Oh, of course Ian’s worried about the investigation even though he knows he is innocent, but the beautiful agent is turning his head in ways that no other woman has done before. However, it’s business only between them. But what about after-hours?

Lara needs this assignment to prove fruitful as it will have her on the fast track to the job she really wants: entrance into the FBI academy. She can’t let herself be distracted by hot and handsome Ian as she doesn’t want to taint the investigation. Of course, there are sparks flying between them, but Lara can’t let Ian tempt her. As her days are spent perusing Ian’s information and coming into contact with him, Lara finds herself even more hot and bothered by him. Will her lustful feelings about Ian torpedo her investigation?

In HOT ASSET, there is plenty of sexual chemistry between Ian and Lara right from the moment they meet, but once he realizes she’s investigating him, he should’ve disliked her. However, Ian’s frustration at the investigation is tempered by his developing feelings for Lara. They didn’t invite the attraction, but it has built a huge wall between them. Getting involved could hurt both of them in the investigation. And since Lara wants to be in the FBI and has been ordered by her boss to find the dirt on Ian, she’s between a rock and a hard wall. Will she ultimately have to choose between her career and Ian?

Ian might be a playboy but he’s not loose with his company. That is why he’s shocked at the investigation. Someone has it out for him and he can’t think why. He tries to charm the information out of Lara, but it only ends up being fruitless…and him fighting a growing attraction to her. As readers soon learn in HOT ASSET, there is a suspicion that Ian is in fact being set up. Will we learn why? Will Ian and Lara finally get between the sheets without compromising the investigation?

HOT ASSET is the first story in the 21 Wall Street series and readers get to meet Ian’s friends and co-workers, including Kennedy, Matt, Sabrina, and Kate. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for them in their respective tales.

I highly recommend HOT ASSET, as it’s an enjoyable tale of two people battling each other to save their careers, only to find love.

Patti Fischer

Will be posted at Romance Reviews Today soon. http://romrevtoday.com/index.htm

Cute story and great set up for the rest of the series. I always love a good enemies to lovers/opposites attract romp and this didn't disappoint. There's good buildup and sexual tension along with a little bit of mystery. Looking forward to Matt's story!

Hot Asset really sums up this story! Being investigated by the SEC is hard enough, but when Ian meets Lara the SEC agent assigned to his case something inside of him shifts. Although he is highly unaware of why he would be investigated Lara must dig to find the truth. An anonymous tip could lead to the end of their spark.

When I read that Hot Asset was going to be about a stockbroker and the SEC officer investigating him, my antenna pricked up. Interesting, I thought. What are those dynamics going to be? Is this going to be another case of a professional lady who is perfect in her professional lice and a total mess in her personal one, saved from the tragic fate of singleness by a handsome fella in a suit with a silver tongue and questionable ethics? I’d probably still read that book, let’s be honest, but I’d eyeroll my way through it. What Ms. Layne has produced instead, is much more interesting and I’d recommend Hot Asset to any contemporary fans looking for a good read.

When we first meet Ian Bradley - in his own PoV - he tells us that he’s an asshole. He’s one of those Wall Street dudes who has sex indiscriminately, is really good at his job and therefore hella wealthy, and is drop dead gorgeous. He then quickly informs us that the manwhore reputation is a carefully crafted one, and not to take it seriously.

Interesting.

When we first meet Lara McKenzie, she’s trying to do her job. As an investigator for the Securities and Exchange Commission, that job at the present is to investigate anonymous accusations that Ian Bradley has been engaging in insider trading. She tells us that the SEC isn’t exactly where she wants to be, but is instead a stepping stone to her ultimate dream of becoming an FBI agent. To make the leap to the other agency, she needs a big case and Ian’s is just that. As far as she’s concerned, it doesn’t matter how jaw-droppingly sexy the man is, he’s guilty until proven innocent.

But that jaw-dropping sexiness is super distracting.

The will-they-won’t-they dance is fun to read, especially since each chapter comes with more exposed layers of each of their histories and personalities. With Ms. Layne’s signature wit and sparkle, the story moves from a conventional contemporary romance to something more - an exploration of calling, ethics, sacrifice, and exactly what to do when the future you carefully crafted suddenly becomes impossible.

I enjoyed every page of this thing and I have a feeling many of you will, too.

Buy it at: Amazon/Barnes and Noble/Kobo