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

“Hot Asset”’ launches Lauren Layne’s new series, “21 Wall Street,” set in the high stakes world of the fictional Wolfe Investments. (Get it?) So right away we know the hero will be alpha to the max, rich, hot and arrogant, and Ian does not disappoint. I don’t mind arrogance in a character so long as it’s backed up by the backstory and plot.

Ian’s world is perfect until he finds out he’s being investigated for insider trading by up-and-coming SEC agent Lara. Lara is the daughter of legendary FBI agents and she knows if she nails Ian (professionally) she can finally transfer to the FBI, an ambition that consumes her professionally and personally.

This is where the story goes off the rails for me. Authors don’t have any control over current events that might impact their plots or render them less believable. (And I am usually the first to complain when politics is brought into my romance.) But with these agencies in the news every day for chaos and discontent, I feel for Layne. Because to me Lara’s drive to work for the FBI just doesn’t make sense in current context. She does have another motivation, the “my parents were the best and they’re disappointed I can’t get into the FBI and I feel inadequate” theme. To believe that we must believe she’s got some little-girl-lost issues and at her age, 28, that’s not a good look.

However Layne’s gift for snappy banter and sexual tension on full display, and for all my complaints, “Hot Asset” is still a 4-star novel for me. Layne fans will be happy to know that all signs point to a great follow-on to the series coming this fall.

ARC supplied for an honest review.

I received and ARC of this novel from Netgalley in exchange for my review. I am a big fan of Lauren Layne. Her stories are always filled with sexy characters and witty dialog-often predictable but in a "who cares?" kind of way. Hot Asset did not disappoint!

Ian Bradley grew up in the foster care system, but through hard work and determination he has made his way to Wall Street and is enjoying the money and perks that come with it. Although he is living out his fantasy life, he would never take shortcuts to get ahead. No one could be more surprised that Ian was, when the SEC launches an investigation into his trading practices. The investigation is led by Lara McKenzie, who is hoping that a big win on this case may lead to a job with the FBI. As the investigation continues, Lara ends up uncovering more than illegal trading practices! This belongs in your beach bag this summer. I loved it!

Despite being a prolific writer, the quality of Lauren Layne's work hardly wavers. While I am late to the Layne bandwagon, having read only eight of her novels in the past two years, I am definitely a fan of her characters, who frequently ring true-to-love with appealing qualities, even the prickly ones.

I've never been keen for the Wall Street suit-world, but Layne has written Ian as a man who has risen from nothing, yet has not become a ruthless shark. He gives back, and he cares, a definitely nice combination in someone who makes a 7-digit salary. 

Layne also isn't afraid of writing female characters who are strong and driven. She knows how to gentle the edges so that they are likable, as is the case for Lara, a nerdy SEC agent who's tasked with bringing down the perceived unscrupulous Ian Bradley.

Ian and Lara try to fight their mutual attraction because to do otherwise would jeopardize Lara's job and her aspirations to become an FBI agent.

Like other Layne novels, Hot Asset is humorous, classy, and sexy with a hint of mystery as to who is framing Ian Bradley. A good read for the upcoming summer, and definitely an excellent introduction for her new series.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

All I can say is yikes. I'm starting to notice a trend where I either love or seriously dislike my Layne reads. Once again we have a hate-to-love that was.. not compelling and was trying to sell the reader on an 'instantly overwhelmed by chemical reactions and cannot do my job/suddenly isn't a manwhore and wants to be in a serious relationship' vibe. And it didn't work (for me).

<s>I already forgot his name</s> Ian is totally unlikeable despite the fact that the author throws around the foster kid/hard knock life backstory, and all the good things he does with all his oodles of money from being a hardworking/hardplaying Wall Street dude. But he's a self-involved man-player who uses his abandonment issues as a reason for being how he is. He's whiny, snaps at <s>ohshit I forgot her name too</s> Lara when she tries to have reasonable conversation with him, and I just couldn't. That is not my kind of hate-to-love. That's called being an asshole.

Lara on the otherhand is a woman who has put her personal life on the backburner in favour of job advancement, wanting so desperately to follow in her FBI-parents footsteps, and is committed to her job as a Securities and Exchange Commission investigator. When a tip suggests Ian has committed insider trading, she is committed to proving Ian's guilt (but is equally open to proving his innocence if the evidence leads her to that conclusion) and refuses to let his good looks or charm distract her or make it personal. Which it kinda does become anyway as he continually railroads her and routinely acts less than professional but somehow manages to turn it around on Lara almost every time.

This is a quick romance, though somewhat of a slowburn, and the investigation portion of things kinda felt rushed and wrapped up in a way that didn't feel likely. As in, how was it likely a certain someone thought they would actually get away with it all. Lame villains are lame.

Along the way we're introduced to Ian's besties, two men who will obviously get their own books and the two women who will respectively bring them to heel (or make their lives hell along the way), and for the most part I liked them but ultimately one of them felt like an Ian clone, snappy and childish, whereas the other (Kennedy) has potential. I'll probably read them, too, but I have hopes for a more convincing storyline or at least chemistry to carry it.. something HOT ASSET did not have.

I have Layne's next <i>Oxford</i> novel in my ARC docket and I'm excited to return to her world of journalists because that setting is both more interesting and exciting and (for the most part) the characters are the same. This read was just a little too lacking in, well, laughs, steam, complexity.. pretty much everything.

Sexy and smart Wall Street hotshot in a forbidden romance with the SEC agent investigating him for insider trading? Completely irresistible premise, and there was no question I wanted my grabby hands on this book! What I found within was a solid start to this fun new series. Oh, and some delicious literary suit porn, of course.

Smartly written and full of the sort of snappy banter I've come to love about this author, it was so easy to fall into Ian and Lara's story. I might have liked to have a little more of that at times because in the end I felt like their love story moved very quickly and my heart didn't always keep up for the ride. I felt like perhaps I didn't connect with Lara the way Ian did, like I was missing something about her that caused him to fall so hard and so quickly. I might have liked to see more vulnerability there - though in the end my heart caught up and I was beyond happy with their happily ever after.

The secondary characters in this one book were so much fun to read, and their interactions and interference with Ian and Lara's story were perhaps one of my favorite parts of this book. I adored Ian's friends and the way they interacted with each other. They are funny, fiercely protective, fun - and I am so excited to dig deeper into their stories.

In the end, this was a great start of a new series for me. I'm definitely invested, and definitely want more where this came from. ~ Shelly, 3.5 Stars