Omg!! Loved this book!!! 💝💝 Read it one sitting and this is no doubt one of the best work of Lauren Layen. This is a type of book in which you will fall in love with all the characters and can't wait to read the next books in the series .

Loved reading the slow burn and easy fun banter between Ian and Lara . It was sweet sexy and hilarious at the same time ❤❤

It’s safe to say I tried to like this one. Lauren Layne used to be an insta-buy author for me but tastes change and unfortunately this no longer fit my reading tastes. I will say it would work for many. The romance may not have blown me away but I could see why it should work. We had a female character I could like and who I wanted good things for and our male romantic interest was a rich guy but instead of being an over privileged rich guy who might be a little too perfect and good looking he also comes from a poor background and worked for where he was. I just didn’t care when reading even though I knew I was meant to. The writing style and the way I was meant to laugh and find it cute we begin with how the male mc is a douchebag just didn’t feel cute and endearing like it was intended.

As I say, I know plenty of people will enjoy this and I probably would have down just a few years earlier but tastes change and it wasn’t for me.

A slow-burning insta-love romance? Sounds like a contradiction that shouldn’t work, but here it does—for the most part.

The hero’s infatuation at first sight feels a little over the top at the beginning, but because of the slower pace of the relationship building, that levels out within a few chapters. The forbidden aspect to the main characters' relationship adds another dimension to the story as well.

Hot Asset has great banter between the main characters, entertaining supporting characters, and chemistry galore. It definitely has a ‘series starter’ feel, but I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

**I received this book from Montlake Romance via Netgalley for an honest review**

Lara is an investigator at the SEC and Ian is a big shot broker. Lara is sent to investigate Ian on a tip and things just flourish from there.

I honestly enjoyed every second of Ian and Lara. The banter between them started from the first chapter and never let up. I loved how Lara stayed steadfast and never backed down under any pressure. She was relentless and snarky, but always with a smile on her face. Ian was funny as he always had an easy retort for anything flung his way.

I loved how the friends were incorporated, it made me eager to see where their stories lead as well.

Overall, this is a story about two very likable people with drama that was stellar. A light read with great humor and a bit of sexy time sprinkled in. This could easily be finished in a day if you have some free time.

4 stars — I was worried about this one! In the first chapter, I was NOT getting a good feeling for Ian. Like, he seemed like a self-involved douchecanoe. I was contemplating DNFing…but I persisted, b/c it’s Lauren Layne. And while she’s not a guaranteed win for me, she gives me enough success to push further. And I’m so glad I did, b/c despite a few twigs here and there, I really ended up enjoying Ian and Lara’s story!

There was a lot more to Ian than met the eye. I mean, we’re told a bit of his backstory in that first chapter, but his actions didn’t always match up, you know? Or rather, someone can have depth and still have douchey moments…and that was Ian at times. He wasn’t a jerk per se, but he was wrapped up in playing the Wall Street game. And I can understand where some of it comes from, but still not like it you know? There were moments with Ian…things he said or thought about Lara that slightly rubbed me the wrong way. I think I’m trying to be super conscious of things, and be better about recognizing acceptable behavior, so I might have my sensitivity meter just up too high, you know? Because there were a lot of good things to like about Ian too — and it mostly came out around his friends, or when he finally started to figure out that Lara was different for him.

Lara was an intriguing heroine in herself! I loved seeing a woman who was passionate about her career, and had strong convictions (even if she needed to learn there are shades of gray). I felt like she grew throughout the story, but I always appreciated her level mind and her attempt to balance her feelings with her integrity. Which probably doesn’t make much sense without context, but whatever. Honestly, she’s what made me keep going in the book — I got to her POV, and I saw that she would make a good match for Ian and call him on his bullshit. I loved that. It’s like I would get sensitive about something, and Lara would read my mind and call it out. I loved that.

They were an interesting pair together. I loved how much they struggled with their feelings, and they definitely had chemistry. I will admit their feelings developed a bit fast for me, but sometimes you just have to suspend disbelief you know? I guess I wanted to understand the other ways they were connecting a bit better.

As with so many of Ms. Layne’s series, the “cast” of this book truly made it. I LOVED all these characters we got to meet, and I love knowing that I’m going to get their stories. And she writes friends like no one else, honestly. I love seeing all these wildly different personalities connect and work and push at each other, but inevitably care about one another. Also, they made me laugh so many times. It was my highlight for sure.

So yeah — a shaky start, but Ms. Layne brings it in like I’ve come to expect from her. Can’t wait to read the next 2.

Sparks ignite in Lauren Layne's latest, HOT ASSET. The first in the 21 Wall Street series, Layne's story of drama, intrigue, and red hot chemistry come alive when Wall Street meets the SEC. Sexy stockbroker Ian Bradley has everything his life could need....and the one thing he hoped he'd never see - an SEC agent investigating him for Insider Trading. Ian and Lara have laugh-out-loud banter, undeniable attraction, and a common goal of uncovering the truth...among other things. HOT ASSET is a MUST Read by Lauren Layne.

HOT ASSET is the first book in the new series, 21 WALL STREET, by Lauren Layne. It’s packed with lots of suits and financial dealings mixed in with hookups, romance, and love. The story is fast-paced, and each chapter alternates between Ian and Lana.

Ian’s one of the wonder boys of Wall Street. Lana is an investigator with the SEC, looking to find proof of Ian’s financial wrongdoing that’s been reported by an unknown source. The story is a little spicy at times with burn-up-the-sheets moments.

Ian and his friends, Kennedy and Matt, are front and center along with their assistant, Kate, and Ian’s friend from childhood, Sabrina. There’s a lot of friction, playfulness, business, soul-searching, and years of friendship between them. The three men have each other’s backs, and it doesn’t hurt to have Kate on their side either. There are rumors and speculations–and an investigation by the SEC is nothing to sneeze at. In the end, Ian can lose his reputation and his job if Lara digs up any proof of the allegation. Ian knows he’s innocent, but that won’t be enough to save him.

Ian and Lara have immediate chemistry. We learn of their dreams and aspirations, as well as their histories. They can’t act on their attraction due to her leading the informal investigation against him, but things do get dicey and spicy along the way.

I loved the interactions between the characters, and that they were emotionally invested. It was definitely a roller coaster ride for Ian and the others as their emotions were up one minute and down the next. There are a few unexpected twists and turns and a nice flow to the story. There’s a happily ever after that didn’t seem like it would come to pass. I also enjoyed the epilogue, as well as the excerpt of the second book in the series, HARD SELL.

I’ve read several of Layne’s other books and hope to be back for more!

ARC received for review

Ian and Lara had chemistry, and they were smokin' together. I loved the evolution of their relationship from adversaries to lovers. Then when the investigation was over, and hard decisions had to be made...I got chocked up. Loved all of Ian's friends, and I can't wait to read their HEAs.

This is my first book by this author. I didn’t even realize that I have 2 other books by her in my never ending tbr pile. I hang my bookworm head in shame. I can’t believe that I’ve been missing out, I really like her writing. Ian and Lara have this great witty banter and I love that in characters. I think it makes the story fun and I always want to keep reading to see what they will say and do next. I enjoyed the storyline and I can’t wait to read more about Ian’s sexy Wall Street besties.

Great start of new series from Lauren Layne.
It didn't take me long to finish the whole book.
Ian, hot shot wall street guy gets investigated by sexy librarian type SEC Lara.
They are both stubborn and driven and their attraction may get in the way of investigation.
Ian needs to find a way to clear his name and Lara needs to land this big case to pursue her ultimate goal to be come FBI agent just like her parents.
They are constantly arguing with each other yet they enjoys their company. Lara needs to find the evidence of insider trading and Ian needs to prove his innocence.
As Lara gets to know Ian and all his friends, not everything is not black and white.
Story moved quickly and I enjoyed reading it. I can't wait to read about all his buddies (Kennedy and Matt).

Thanks to Netgalley and Montlake romance for ARC in exchange for honest review.

A great sexy read that I throughly enjoyed and would recommend to all romance readers. Quick and fun a great summer read.

<i>ARC received from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review </i>

My biggest mistake in 2018 may well have been somehow letting this book fall off my radar only to discover this series a full year later. I have no idea how this happened since I am a big Lauren Layne fan.

Anyway, 2018's loss is 2019's gain as I DEVOURED this book and headed straight into Book 2 which, spoiler alert, I loved even more than this one.

This was an enjoyable storyline that had me hooked from start to finish with characters that I could not get enough off. I really enjoyed this story and I definitely recommend this story to others.

I am so feeling this series. Give me some hot businessmen to daydream about any day of the week.
Can’t wait to read more from this author. She has a great writing style and does an excellent job in describing her story.

“It feels like I’ve waited forever for someone to want me the way he does. And I’ve definitely waited forever for someone to make me feel the way he does.”

Oh, Lauren Layne you always know the direct route to my romance heart. And once again I’ve been happily wrapped up in your words. This new series of yours is bound to get noticed and if nothing else you’ve won me over once again. Readers, as you must know by now this author is a consistent favourite of mine, there’s no denying that this author has that special something that always has me racing back for more. These characters certainly had me sitting up and taking notice and if the aim was to have me gagging for more then it’s a job well done.

What’s it all about?
Readers meet Ian Bradley - a hot shot, Wall Street suited and booted hero and his would be, straight laced nemesis, Lara McKenzie. This duo have many obstacles to overcome in this clash of wills. But will love conquer? Lauren Layne provides her trademark banter and unrelenting romance in the first book of her brand new series - ‘21 Wall Street’.

What did I love?
New York is on my bucket list to visit, whenever I read or hear about this vibrant city I’m always feeling homesick for a place I’ve never visited and who better to sell it than Lauren Layne, an author who obviously loves this city and is happy to share her adoration through her words. This book was a fabulous reading escape - The plot, the characters, the romance, the setting, all of it combined together to provide the perfect easy read. I love that Layne provides the perfect opening to this series giving her readers plenty of background, build up and introduction to both the main protagonists and the secondary characters. The writing is on point and the romance is swoon worthy. As always with this author the connection between the characters is second to none and by the time I’d reached the end of chapter one I was hooked on seeing how this story would play out.

Why not five?
Lauren Layne very rarely makes a wrong move in her releases. Her books are packed full of my usual five star triggers and this book was certainly ticking big boxes. There’s nothing specific that I can put my finger on to explain my four star rating in greater depth, other than I just didn’t get that wow factor that I normally get with a five star read. With that being said make no mistake that I thoroughly enjoyed my time with these characters and I can’t wait to see whats in store for the continuation of this series.

Final thoughts ...
Ian Bradley was a winning hero, he is certain to get hearts pounding and kindle pages turning but more than that Lauren Layne has provided a heroine who made me smile and cheer her on from the sidelines. This book was almost perfect and I’m certainly looking forward to finding out more about other fabulous characters in this series. Make sure you do yourself a favour and grab your own copy of this book, I’m convinced you won’t be disappointed. Enjoy ... kisses.

I can’t stop smiling. I can’t stop loving every single thing about this book. Ian and Layne were hot! I loved their banter and loved even more watching them fall madly in love.

I am addicted to this series!!! The first book definitely wow’ed me with its sexy banter and irresistible charm. I love the powerhouse, headstrong characters that take center stage. Yet I found a soft, charming vulnerability among them, too. I definitely want more!

Ian Bradley is a Wall Street hotshot – wealthy, cocky, handsome and a bad boy. Lara is a daughter of two FBI agents. She is smart, ambitious, strong career woman. She is investigating your truly Ian for insider trading. Ian is sleek but if he thinks he can pull a wool over his Lara’s head – he is in for a big surprise 😊. I am all for sexy alpha hero and I love a strong head, intelligent heroine more. The chemistry is amazing. I like the forbidden romance bit. Charming and fantastic read.

I just realized I didn't read any LL last year........who am I.....

Anyway, this book was slow to start. NGL, I almost wanted to DNF because I was bored, but then it got better and I actually enjoyed it until the end. Having said that, I was actually more invested in whatever's going on between Matt and Sabrina than the main plotline between Ian and Lara. I liked Ian and Lara together and the whole "oh we shouldn't!" thing between them due to their work, but I wasn't loving it, you know?

Anyway, can I just say that I love that neither of them had to sacrifice their careers to be with the other? Like, it happens a lot in romance I feel, somebody has to give up something precious to them in order to be with their soulmate or whatever. The plane tickets were a nice change.

On to Matt and Sabrina's book!

Ian and Lara are the definition of opposites attract. Lara was trying to put away Ian from the beginning. Her job was all that stood between her sheets burning up. It was a fun steamy read.