I LOVED THIS BOOK.

Everything from the brilliant storyline to the slow burning dynamic to the sharp, witty banter between this wholly captivating ensemble of characters was TOP NOTCH.

I love an office romance but this enemies to lovers twist on the trope was ADDICTIVE. Yes, I know what you're thinking. We've read SEVERAL enemies to lovers office romances before. But this one is so different. This isn't the cliche romance of two career driven rivals vying for the same position nor is this a "been there, done that" romance between an employee and her boss. This is a refreshing, intoxicating story of a Wall Street broker who's being investigated for insider trading by the SEC and the wickedly forbidden attraction between him and the investigator charged with his case. It's delicious and it's sexy and it's SO DAMN SMART. But most importantly in my book is that it's so well written, so well done.

I was just as consumed by Lara Mackenzie's investigation into Ian Bradley as I was by their intense romance. Typically we romance readers are so invested in the love story aspect of the book that we let the rest of the story take a back seat. But unearthing the truth behind the allegations against Ian are just as intriguing as the attraction itself on these pages. I was so IN this story. Lauren Layne seriously nailed it with Hot Asset, crafting a hypnotic romance woven seamlessly with a damn good storyline. I just loved it.

Hot Asset is unexpectedly funny, deliciously sexy and the push and pull between Lara and Ian oozes sexual tension and angsty emotion. I never wanted their story to end and I can not wait for more of this series. I can not wait to hopefully get more about Kennedy, Matt, Sabrina and Kate. I love this Wall Street world, these friendships, the potential for such absorbing romance and I especially love how obsessed I'm getting with Lauren Layne's writing. I loved this book and I'm loving this author and I can't wait for more.

Lara is an SEC investigator, wanting to get in to the FBI. Her next case is investigating inside trading - but when she meets Ian, the man she is investigating all he does is flirt with her. She can't deny the chemistry is there, but she needs to bring him down to help her get in to the FBI. But life is never straightforward!

Wow, honestly I wasn't expecting this book to be so good...I literally could not put it down. Damn!! Excellent!!

Lara is an investigator from the SEC who was assigned the task of investigating top Wall Street roller, Ian, for insider trading. That was only the beginning of something beautiful and cleverly crafted.

Lauren Layne's hands are truly gifted with the art of storytelling. The chemistry between Lara and Ian was intense without being overpowering. From the start, Lara proved to be a good judge of character and this was carried throughout the book. She is shy yet can hold her own in any conversation and in any setting. Ian is impossible not to love. He appears to be a pompous ass but really is so likeable. Lauren, thanks for a wonderful story and thanks for two characters who were truly brought to life.

Another great book by LL and another great series with sexy suit wearing men! This book is the first in her new series 21 Wall Street with Ian and Lara. Ian is an Investment Banker in Wall Street in one of the top firms in New York. Lara is an Investigator for the Securities and Exchange Commission. Which means Lara investingates Investment Bankers for Insider Trading and that is how Ian and Lara meet. .

Ian and Lara meet at Ian’s office Wolff Investments when Ian actually tries to hit on Lara and she shuts him down fast. Ian is works hard and plays hard. Ian is self made and he makes a lot of money and never sleeps with the same woman twice. So Ian of course can’t believe Lara, who is pretty but not Ian’s normal type isn’t interested in him. Then his assistant informs him that the SEC is at their office and Ian figures out they are there to investigate him and the agent is non other than Lara, who he just hit on. So as far as meeting goes it’s pretty epic.

Ian of course will not be deterred by the fact that Lara is an SEC investigator or the fact that she doesn’t like him. After their spectacular first meeting Ian chases Lars down on the sidewalk from him office and informs her it is game one. Lara has to admit Ian is a player, but wow is a handsome one. Ian also informs her he is innocent.

As the book develops Lara and Ian have run-ins as she is at his office for several weeks. Ian’s co-workers/best friends Matt and Kennedy, Kate his assistant/friend and Sabrina oldest platonic sister/friend are an awesome group who protect Ian at all cost. They also try and help him prove his innocence to Lara. Lara starts realize the instant dislike of Ian, might’ve been insta-like and she try’s to fight it. Ask much as Katr realizes she can’t date someone she investigates she also can’t help her feelings. Also Ian isn’t playing fair either because he hasn’t ever felt like he does about Kate before.

This is a great book and new series. This book is wrote in a dual POV, funny and sexiness. A great book to me also has great background characters and Mrs. Layne hit it out of the park with Ian’s friends. Read this book, you will not regret it or be able to put it down until you finish it.

I received a free advance copy for an honest review.

I would have loved to have reviewed this book. However the file never would open. Error came back missing or corrupted. Support could not help me. Latest in Digital Editions could not read it.

Hot Asset by Lauren Layne is a funny and enjoyable contemporary romance that will keep you glued to it until the very last page, just like with anything this author writes.

If I had to summarize this book in a few words I'd say it is Suits meets The Wolfe of Wall Street. As I read it I couldn't help picturing my favorite Suits' TV show characters transformed into badass Wall Street brokers, with their assistant being "the" Donna and Ian's lawyer being Jessica. If you're a fan of the show and you read this book, you'll see the similarities right away.

Back to the book, Ian is a badass Wall Street broker who's worked hard for his money. Nothing has been given to him on a silver platter. It's quite the opposite. He's had to fight for everything he has every step of the way. He seems tough on the outside, but he's a teddy bear.

Then, there's Lara who's a by-the-book kind of gal. Her dream job is becoming an FBI agent and she's one step closer to Ian's case. If he turns out to be guilty, she'll get a glowing recommendation that will secure her a place at the FBI for her dream job. Whether he's guilty of inside trading or not doesn't matter. She just wants to do her job, find the evidence she needs and moves on to the next chapter in her life.

Sparks fly the first time the two meet. Ian is as cynical as they come and she's as prim as one can be. Lara looks like she can't even kill a fly but she's no pushover and stands her ground. She's a sheep among wolves, or so they think until she shows them she's got fangs too.

I truly enjoyed the main and secondary characters in this book. They're relatable and there wasn't too much of anything that would take away from Ian and Lara's story. There are two more books in the series and I'm looking forward to reading them as soon as they're out.

The first half of this book was defintely 5 star material. The second half was not as engaging, more of a 3 star read. So all in all 4 stars seem fair.

I loved Ian because he was smart and witty and funny. That type of hero ALWAYS suck me in.

That being said, I'm already head over heels for Ian's friend/colleage, Matt. I absolutely can't wait for his book to come out.

In the althernating first-person POVs from the hero and heroine, you know what you’re getting when Ian starts off the first page by saying “On paper, I’m a d*bag.” Well, except for the fact that he’s a foster kid who has battled for everything that he’s ever accomplished. He’s portrayed as a stereotypical manwhore Master of the Universe who earns seven figures and hasn’t met a woman he can’t charm or an investment he can’t make money on. All that changes when he tries to pick up the woman with sexy legs in the company break room. The possessor of those hot legs, Lara is not at all interested in his lines. And then he finds out that she’s from the SEC to investigate a tip that he engaged in insider training. He battles his own attraction as he’s also battling to preserve his reputation and liberty. So just like that, his manwhore days are over.

In a lot of ways, Lauren Layne’s newest romance reminded me of Julie James’ novels featuring FBI agents and their involvement sometimes with subjects of their investigations. Of course, it would be wildly improper for there to be any romance between an SEC investigator and the suspect she’s investigating. They seem to ignore that all the time as Ian keeps coming on to her and they end up hanging out together. I just had to suspend disbelief that a woman as committed to her career as Lara is would allow herself to be involved in continual improper conversations and situations with Ian. Or that someone under threat as Ian is would keep flirting with her and meeting without his lawyer or go to the extent of giving her full access to all his emails. But if you can suspend disbelief, I enjoyed the push-pull sexual tension between them.

I would have liked a bit more about the investigation. We’re told that she’s such a great investigator and she is looking under every rock, but we don’t actually see her doing much investigating except trying to get Ian and his friends to tell her something. The mystery of who has it in for Ian and how they can clear his name gets cleared up pretty quickly as if it’s rather inconsequential behind all the sexual tension between Ian and Lara.

This is the first in a new series about Wall Street hot shots and we see the set up for the women who are attracted to Ian’s two best friends.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.

I always love Lauren Layne work and this new series is just great. I cry with Ian and Lara, I already love Matte, Kennedy, Kate and Sabrina and can't wait for their stories.
Ian and Lara find soulmates in the worse moment but the best time. They need to fight with history and their principles for their love. But Love always win.
And Matt book will be next......
I received a ARC from Netgalley for a honest review.

I started this last night as I was in the waiting room at the clinic, and I was actually upset when they finally called me back! I got home and instead of going to bed I continued reading right until the end. I absolutely devoured Hot Asset. Ian and Lara were so much fun to read. I loved that they were both confident and passionate about their jobs and that they made each other work for it. While it was easy to tell where the story was going that didn't at all detract from watching the insider trading mystery unfold, and it did have a little surprise at the end. It was so nice to read a book with a situation at the end where the couple didn't have the big misunderstanding, it was just a little misunderstanding with one of them, but they did the whole we are adults and can talk thing and got it all worked out without it turning into a big thing.

I also really enjoyed Ian's friends, Kennedy, Matt, Kate and Sabrina and I can't wait to read their stories.

Lauren Layne is back with a sexy new series that takes on the bad-ass, fast moving financial world of Wall Street.

Ian Bradley is an arrogant, smart, rich, and sex-on-a-stick Wall Street hotshot. Women drop at his feet and his motto in love is never sleep with ‘em twice. He makes his clients – and himself – oodles of cash because he’s intuitive and daring. Maybe too daring. When the SEC sets its sights on him as a potential inside stock traders, Ian’s perfect world shatters.

The SEC investigator assigned to Ian’s case, Lara McKenzie, wants nothing more that to use her job as a steeping stone to the FBI. When’s she’s given the task of proving Ian had inside knowledge a stock was about to tank she think this just may be her ticket out of NY and onto DC.

But Lara’s investigative skills, thorough though they are, can’t seem to make any connection to the allegations forged against Ian. What does make a connection is these two characters who want to reach the top of the success heap and never thought love would get in the way of those plans.

With her usual flare for witty dialogue, cute double entendres, and oh-so-hot sexy times, Layne has introduced us to a new series of alpha men, equally strong and smart women, and opened up the financial world to the romance-reader’s eyes.

You’ll want to read to the end to see if Ian ever gets out of hot water with the SEC – it’s touch and go throughout the book. I don’t like spoilers, so I won’t tell you how it resolves, but I will say Ian’s met his match – in every – with Lara.

I was given an arc of this book form Netgalley and Montlake for an honest opinion of the work. That opinion: YOU NEED TO BUY THIS BOOK!

5 ell deserved, sexy stars for Ms Layne and HOT ASSET, 21 Wall Street, Bk1

**4.5 Stars**

Hot Asset was my first read from this author and I found the book to be well written and engaging. I enjoyed the premise of the book and found the combination of mystery and a love story to be well done.

I enjoyed the secondary characters in the book, along with the themes of friendship and loyalty throughout the book. I liked both Ian and Lara as characters. I read this book in one sitting and would love to read more from this author.

In typical Lauren Layne fashion, she's crafted a story where you find yourself drawn in from page one. Ian's brashness immediately made me think "Whoa this is going to be a joyride to relish!", I was not disappointed; his attitude set the tone for you to be thoroughly entertained. Lara shattered his MO with her unwavering demeanor, sending him into a tailspin...and this is where the fun really begins.

Ms Layne is multitalented in creating characters who drive the story effortlessly, having such distinct personalities that are bigger than life, Ian being case in point. The chemistry between Ian and Lara began subtly, evolving throughout the story literally keeping you invested emotionally in their characters, throw in the secondary characters and you find yourself not wanting the story to end.

This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the Publisher and NetGalley. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.

Four and a half, hopelessly devoted to you, stars.

In this delightful romance Lauren Layne returns to her New York roots with all of her old style and panache.
Ian Bradley is the definition of a Wall Street hotshot: seven-figure salary, designer suits, and a corner office.

An ambitious, whip-smart daughter of FBI agents, Lara MacKenzie is a rising star in fighting white-collar crime. Her latest case—the investigation of Ian Bradley for insider trading—could make her career.
Sparks fly between Ian and Lara the very first time they meet and even though her investigation should make them mortal enemies, somehow the sparks keep flying.

This has everything, big money, ridonkulously over-priced drinks, suave sexy men and a set up which could very easily become as dear to me as the Oxford series. Can I also say how much I love that Ian drinks my own favourite cocktail, the Negroni? Shame on Lara for calling it an old lady drink!

I think what made me love this so much was not just the banter and the meet cute situations but also the tension of the SEC investigation looming over Ian. Who is the mysterious informant? what evidence have they got?

As always with romance there are a couple of moments when our two protagonists fall out over a misunderstanding, sometimes in novels this is where I feel let down, the situation feels soooo manufactured that I feel it has metaphorical flashing lights yelling "coo-ee plot device over here". Nothing like that for Miss Layne, her misunderstandings fall naturally into the plot and her characters soon discover the error of their assumptions. More importantly, they don't keep repeating them.

Overall, a fabulous return to her witty, secy sparkling form by Lauren Layne. Loved it. loved it. loved it.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Very enjoyable. I love it when a playboy gets tamed. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.

Wall Street playboy Ian Brady is a driven man, who works hard in the office, and plays just as hard outside of it... the ladies see him walking towards them decked out in his trademark suit and tie, and their knees weaken, and hearts falter. He is not ashamed to admit that he uses his high power status to lure in the ladies, nor is he ashamed to admit that he is the king of one-nighters, a man like him is far too busy for anything more than that. He's never met a woman who he couldn't charm with his sexy smile, and enticing pick-up lines... but then he meets Lara McKenzie and is completely thrown for a loop when she doesn't fall at his feet like every other woman does. Her aversion to him and his charm is baffling, and downright frustrating, and now she has just become his biggest challenge yet....a challenge he has no plans of losing!!

Lara McKenzie has just been handed the case of a lifetime, if she comes out on the winning side of it, there will be a promotion waiting on the other side for her, and she has wanted this promotion for a long time. But this case hits a brick wall the moment she meets the source of it, Ian Brady has been accused of insider trading, and she plans to prove he is guilty. Which maybe easier said then done, when she begins to realize their tip at the SEC office may have been false, she has been following Mr. Brady for weeks now, and not found a single piece of evidence to prove his guilt. She has however, discovered that her first instincts about him may have been all wrong, she first saw him as a egotistical ass, but every now and again she sees glimpses of a guy she could easily fall for... but crossing the lines between business and pleasure are a big "no-no" and she has work too hard to lose the opportunity she has be given.

Hot Assest is a sexy office romance tale that is certain to leave readers permanently weak in the knees and thoroughly satisfied! In this enthralling little tale you will meet brazen playboy Ian Brady, and his by the book counterpart Lara McKenzie, the lucky lady that finds herself on his path. Their story is a sultry little game of cat and mouse that will have you on the edge of your seat, with bated breath, waiting for the moment the stars finally align and they give into their attraction for one another....and when it happens be prepared to have your world rocked!!!! Ms. Layne definitely starts this new series off with a bang, and with the noticeable fireworks already swirling around some of the secondary characters I can only imagine that it is going to get even better from here! I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next!! Highly recommend you get your hands on this little gem, it is sure to leave you completely dazzled!!!

I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, via NetGalley, and voluntarily read and reviewed.

Loved it. It's that simple really. Lauren Layne has another winner with the first in a new series. There's whit, humor, romance, a light mystery, hot guy- and the supporting characters all added elements to the story line that make you waiting not so patiently for their stories to come next. I'l admit to staying up too late after starting this last night, and not accomplishing anything today until after I had finished it. Coffee was brewed and in my hand, but nothing else much happened until the last page was read.

Ian is a sexy, suit wearing, Wall Street playboy. He hasn't had the easiest life, but has worked super hard and is killing life on Wall Street. He works hard and plays hard. Ian never went back for seconds or even wanted to until he saw Lara. I adore him and love spending time in his mind. Ian has an amazing tribe of friends that I believe the series is going to be based around.

Lara's dream is to work for the FBI as a white collar agent. Working for the SEC was the stepping block she needed to get there. This was the big case that was suppose to get her into the FBI. I found Lara easy to relate to. She isn't a party girl. She is too busy working and trying to chase her dream.

Hot Asset started the 21 Wall Street series off with a bang. I did not love this book, but I enjoyed it.
I feel invested in the world it takes place and the characters that live in it. I am excited spend more time in this world.




ARC by the publisher via Netgalley

Ian is one of the top brokers of Wall Street and now he is being investigated by the SEC. He’s supposed to not like the SEC investigator but Lara McKenzie is making it challenging for him.
Another entertaining read from author Lauren Layne. The reader is given a glimpse of the character’s world but not losing them in the details. You will find yourself invested in the characters really quickly, and not just leads, but also the people around them. Fortunately, their stories will be coming soon as well.
Readers will enjoy the quirky banter between our leads and keep an eye out for the steamy love scenes that seem to always happen in the kitchen.
Looking forward to reading about Matt and Kennedy.
ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Sexy fun read! This was my forest book by this author and I really loved it! The characters were were fun and flirty. I laughed and smiled throughout the story & most definitely fanned myself. This book was hot! Can't wait to read more by this author.