I absolutely adore LL's books. This new series started off with a bang. I can't wait to read more of this group!

I love this author. Her dialogue is superb. While I did love the relationship between the hero and heroine, I equally loved the friend dynamic. I was not a fan of how the book started off with him listing how much of a douche he is. But I loved his development. I really admired how there was no grand misunderstanding and fight, just a "normal" couple dealing with their relationship

Most of you already know what a big fan of Lauren Layne I am. I'm always excited to dive into a story by her. I was even more hyped for 21 Wall Street because she goes back to write about her in-suit heroes in NYC. As a first book, Hot Asset delivered in many ways. Though not my favorite read from Lauren Layne, it was a solid addition to my LL library.

Ian Bradley is a hero who takes time to warm up to. As someone who grew up without many opportunities, he has forged a path to success for himself by working hard and pushing himself to the limits as a Wall Street broker. While on this journey, he has become somewhat of an ass with a reputation of a player. Over the course of Hot Asset, we learn this isn't somewhat true and that Ian possesses a deeper persona than just that of a notorious player. While I won't say that Ian was a favorite LL hero for me by any means, I grew to enjoy his character over the course of the story, when we got to know his past better. I was especially fond of him when he interacted with his coworkers and friends. A more fun side to him emerged that I found very likable. Now, Lara, I connected with more than I did with Ian. She was an ambitious SEC agent with dreams of working for the FBI. Her drive and resilience were the highlights of Hot Asset for me. She was whip-smart and didn't allow Ian to walk all over her despite how hard he tried. Lara also was an honest woman who strived to find the truth and was ready to put her job on the line for the truth. I very much admired that about her.

When Lara and Ian meet, the sparks fly between them, but when he finds out she is here to investigate him, his attitude isn't the nicest. Still, there was plenty of banter between the two and the mild hate-to-love dynamics were more than enjoyable. Lauren Layne always writes clever and delightful dialogue so her books are a pure joy to read even when I'm not 100% convinced by the characters. The romance developed satisfyingly and the two had some good chemistry together, something that LL is known for in the romance community. I have to say, more than I was invested in the romance between Ian and Lara though, I was dying at the interactions between the secondary characters. Ian's friends, who will also be getting books, were so intriguing and fun. We were given glimpses to the future couples and let's just say that I am ready to sell my soul for the third book. ;)

All in all, this was a decent romance read. I had fun reading it and am eagerly waiting for the next book. You can never truly go wrong with a Lauren Layne book!

I loved this book. Straight out of an episode of Suits, hotshot Wall Street investor, Ian, in in trouble with the SEC for potential insider trading. This book is smart, fast paced and extremely well written. Each character is intriguing, charming and, of course, smoking hot.

SEC investigator, Lara, is the perfect compliment to Ian. Their dynamic is a challenging, slow burn. Each with their own goals to prove Ian’s innocence or guilt, they can’t resist the temptation of being together.

With each twist and turn, I loved the friendships that supported one another, the humor, and the wit. Smart, sexy books are some of my favorites, making Hot Asset a top notch read in my books.

Ian Bradley has gotten everything he has ever wanted. He worked hard all his life and he is now enjoying the fruits of his hard work.

But there's something that he wants and he can't have, and she seems to be the person who can destroy everything he has.

Lana works hard too, she wants to build a career for herself and this is the case that could make her or break her, but things aren't as easy as she thought they would be.
There's no black and white with Ian and she is not sure how to handle that. On paper he seems guilty but once she gets to know him she realise there's no way he could have done what he is accused of.

The attraction between them is crazy and they are fighting with all they got to stop from just letting go, because that would mean destroying both of their careers and lives.

As days go by they realise these could be what they were both looking for but they must trust each other,even when it seems impossible.

Fun and entertaining love story where opposites more than just attract they collide and it couldn't be better.

I enjoyed this book although not quite as much as many of Layne's other books. It has the usual snappy dialogue and fast pace I've come to expect from Layne's books. It also has some pretty great characters. I was worried about whether I would like the Wall Street setting, but it worked well. Despite all this I didn't quite connect to the book as much as I would have liked. I'm looking forward to revisiting it since I was on the verge of a reading burnout when I read this which may have impacted my enjoyment of the book.

Ian Bradley is in trouble and unless he can prove his innocence, he's going to be arrested for a crime he didn't commit. However, he knows finding the information he needs is going to be difficult, especially with the SEC agent assigned to his insider trading investigation determined to do everything she can to find the evidence to prove he's guilty of what he's being accused of. Will Ian be able to charm the SEC agent enough to prove he's innocent or will he go down for a crime he didn't commit and lose his chance at happy ever after with the first woman that has tempted him into considering more than casual hook-ups?

What an highly-entertaining, fast-paced, enchanting read Ms. Layne has delivered in this first book of her 21 Wall Street series where the main characters were incredible due to their back stories and everything they go through on their journey to happy ever after including this pair going from enemies to lovers and what happens during the investigation that makes the heroine question things when it comes to her job. With the way this story started, it had me hooked as Ian is charming, confident and charismatic and I loved the moment Lara and Ian come face-to-face because there's plenty of chemistry between them, and yet, she knows who he is but he has no clue that she's about to turn his life upside down. What will he think of her when he discovers her identity?

As for the dialogue, it was intense due to the main characters back stories, especially that of the hero. He's been through a lot in his life, but he didn't let his life hold him back. Instead, he's done well for himself, which is proven by everything he's achieved. While the heroine, she's ambitious; hard-working; determined to find the truth and get justice, if Ian or someone else is guilty; and I liked every decision she made throughout this story, as it shows she has integrity and won't let someone get away with committing a crime.

Overall, Ms. Layne has delivered another incredibly captivating read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was off-the-charts; the romance was hot and had me loving this couple together; and the ending had me cheering for this couple's happy ever after because they face tough obstacles to be together, especially with what happens. Will Lara find the evidence to help Ian? Will Ian be cleared or will he go down for the crime he's being accused of? However, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story up perfectly because Ian is more than ready to take his and Lara's relationship to the next level and show her that she's the one. I would recommend Hot Asset by Lauren Layne, if you enjoy the enemy to lovers trope or books by authors Jessica Lemmon, Kira Archer, Jennifer Probst and Lucy Parker.

Lauren Layne and her Wall Street series is one that kicks off with tons of foreplay that will make you say right now. We have two people who from the outside seem opposite but together they have something in common. Ian knows he's hot and can have any woman yet Lara is one tough cookie. Throughout the book we see them arguing with each other and boy this cat and mouse game is HOT. Lauren Layne new series just made Wall Street sexy.

"I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own."

Wow I have to say that Lauren Layne has done it again. I absolutely loved this book. It was amazing. Not only did we get to read a romance book but we were once again brought into a family and this one is on Wall Street. I can't tell you how much this book made me laugh. I honestly could not put it down. Ian was such a hot, sexy man. He pushed all of my buttons and then some. Lara was so sweet and so lonely. Both of them were not looking for anything at all they just fell into each other. This book takes so many twists and turns. There is so much friendship and family. I honestly cannot wait until the next book and the one after that. Lauren Layne did an amazing job of taking two different people and placing them in each others path. In that path many things are going on. I cannot wait to read about Wall Street again. Thanks NetGalley. I voluntarily reviewed this book in exchange for an honest review.

What a fun read!

He’s a Wall Street trader and she works for the SEC and has to find proof that Ian is guilty of insider trading. I loved Ian and Lara, and oh boy were they in a pickle or what, lol.

I loved how focused and passionate Lara is, she wants to get to the FBI and this seems like the best way. She’s very professional when investigating Ian, and even when things start to get hot with him, she keeps that attitude.

Ian has the money to have fun and fun he has, lol. But this frustrating woman just can’t get out of his head. I loved their interactions and banter and they were great wwith Ian’s friends. I loved Lara’s newfound friends. She’s awesome and needed some girls in her life.

I loved the ending of this, how they make things work and that was a great epi.

Sooo looking forward to reading about Matt and Kennedy!

*Thank you Netgalley for providing a copy for which I’m giving my honest opinion*

I feel a little guilty about not enjoying this book. I generally really like Lauren Layne's books and I'm surprised about how boring I found this book.

The book itself is well written and the characters are basically likable. It's just really boring. Ian and Lara are both characters that I felt like I have read a bunch of times and there were zero surprises in the book.

Ian is the Wall Street bad boy who grew up rough and clawed his way to the top. He is an unapologetic alpha male/player cutting a swath through the single ladies of Manhattan.

Lara is the nerdy (but effortlessly gorgeous) nice girl who just wants to be taken seriously as she focuses intensely on doing her job so she can springboard her success to an even better career.

I could have forgiven the cliche characters but I really hated all the insider trading parts.

I did like the secondary characters so I expect to enjoy the next books in the series more, as they should not have the secondary insider trading snooze fest elements.

This is an amazing start to this series!!!!!

Ian has overcome a lot of adversity to become the powerhouse broker that he is now so when Lara shows up from the SEC and accuses him of insider trading, he's going to do everything to clear his name and prove his innocence. Lara is a by-the-book SEC investigator trying to make her way to the FBI. All she needs is one big case to prove that she has what it takes.

The chemistry between these two is off. the. charts!! The slow burn made it that much more intense. I loved absolutely everything about these characters and all of their friends. I laughed so much and I couldn't put this down. I found myself trying to solve Lara's case right along with her. I really can't wait until the next book in this series!!!

*This is my voluntary review of an advanced reader copy*

Lauren Layne just never disappoints. She just nails it every single time. Some books more than others, but they are all nailed LOL Her style is so easy to just get lost in the story and she makes sure her stories have just the right amount of humor to make your heart giddy with excitement. I dunno, she just makes me feel good while I’m reading her books. I don’t know any other way of putting it.

Okay, so let’s review. So Ian is a big shot on Wall Street. Self made big shot. He climbed out of the system and made a name for himself. He’s a playboy thru and thru. Doesn’t get attached and plays by the book on Wall Street. Lara is an SEC agent investigating Ian. But what seems to be is not always what is …. Lost of backdoor shenanigans going on in this book that will kinda, maybe keep you guessing but the real attraction is our opposite leads, Ian and Lara. On paper, they should hate each other … but the heart wants what the heart wants. :)

I was genuinely entertained by this story. The only part I would have liked to have been a bigger deal was the talk/question Ian had with Dave … it turned out underwhelming and anticlimactic and there’s a build-up in the story for it so I thought that was a missed opportunity in the storyline. But a very very very tiny point LOL

Copy provided via NetGalley for review

Hot Asset kicks off Lauren Layne's new series, 21 Wall Street. While the writing was phenomenal as always, I felt the characters or rather the hero was a little lacking.

Ian is just so arrogant and unlike-able that no matter how much of his backstory is thrown into the mix, it doesn't make up for it. There is also the insta-love that it is thrown in that is just unbelievable. Lara is going after her dreams and deserves so much in the world that it seems like she just settled with Ian to be honest. He spends part of the book railroading her and making sure everything falls back on her that it doesn't seem like a HEA for Lara. The supporting characters were good as well and I look forward to reading their stories but I just can't deal with Ian.

Love or your job? What do you do when the two come crashing together in a sexy romance story where the hero can be both a douche but also a good guy,and also the man you need to overcome to get the job you desire so much. A new series from Lauren Layne that gives plenty of sexy banter which i love and two characters that make you swoon and laugh and want to read more of. Looking forward to see where this series goes with the other characters.

This is the first installment in the 21 Wall Street series and if they keep going like this story did then we’re in for a treat. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story and beyond excited to see where the series takes us. Ian and Lara are such a cute couple and I loved their group of friends. There was great chemistry and banter too. More please!

This was my first time reading a Lauren Layne book and I am definitely a fan! I have had Lauren's books on my TBR for awhile and I even own one or two but I just havent had a chance to read them yet. So luckily I was asked to review Hot Asset because I will be reading the rest of the books in this series as well as Lauren's entire back list!

Hot Asset is Ian and Lara's story. Ian is a hot shot on wall street who has come from nothing and worked his way through school and work to get to the position he is in today. He also works hard and play even harder, a partier who has no shortage of women interested in him. Lara on the other hand is a play by the books worker, and she works just as hard as Ian for the SEC, a department that investigates insider trading... and she is investigating Ian. I really enjoyed this part of the story and how this leads these two to meet and fall in love.

I really enjoyed the tension between Lara and Ian and was rooting from them to be able to come together as a couple. It was a mystery as well in regards to if Ian had done what he was accused of (I never thought so ahah!) and who had put the tip in against him. I also loved how Ian realized he didn't need any other ladies but Lara and how she was the one for him. I really loved both of these characters but especially Lara, she as so determined and knew what she wanted for her career and was going to make it happen.

I also loved the side characters in this one. Matt, Kennedy, Sabrina, and Kate where also so awesome. I loved the friendships Ian had with them and how Lara seemed to ingrate into their lives and became friends with them as well. I can't wait for Matt's book which will be the next book in the series. And the epilogue was soo cute!!
*from my goodreads review*

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Mary – ☆☆☆☆
Ian is the man of Wall Street, he gets all the best accounts, makes all the money, and gets any woman he wants. That is, until he meets Lara. When he learns who she is and why she is at his office, he can't believe what he is hearing. Ian has never cheated at anything in his life, so who would say he cheated at his job to make money?

Lara works for the SEC and she tracks down those that cheat and steal to make money on Wall Street. She knows that Ian must have done wrong. He is too cocky and too arrogant not to have. But as she gets to know him, when he cooperates, she sees the real Ian and she is beginning to like him.

Ian felt something towards Lara the first time he met her, and he doesn't know how to handle it. He is, after all, a one date kind of man. But he wants so much more with Lara. Lara wants to finish this investigation and move on, she knows this is not going anywhere. It looks like someone might be trying to set Ian up, but who would do such a thing?

Can Lara move on without falling into Ian's arms? Will Ian wait until she finishes her final letter to her boss, saying there is nothing here before he makes his move?

I liked this story from the beginning and didn't want to put it down because I didn't want to miss anything because I had to sleep. I loved the chemistry between Ian and Lara. If you are looking for a good story then this one is for you and I can't wait for Matt's story, Hard Sell, coming in the fall of 2018.


Mary Jo – ☆☆☆☆
A cute book in which Ian and Lara start off in very adversarial positions and have to dance their way around their mutual attraction to each other.

Lara is with the SEC and can't be seen as having any sort of partisan relationship with anyone she is investigating. And she is investigating Mr. Ian Bradley. Ian isn't sure why he's being singled out. He's done nothing wrong but it feels personal, and the longer he's around Ms. McKenzie the more the wants to get personal with her.

I enjoyed the book but I feel as though the relationship between Lara and her boss needed to be explored a little more to set up the ending just a bit better.


Jordan – ☆☆☆☆☆
I just adore Lauren Layne and I have yet to read a book by her that didn’t impress me. I’m pretty sure at this point, Layne couldn’t write a book that I didn’t find myself intrigued after the first page. Surprisingly, I didn’t just like Hot Asset, I LOVED it. I am completely, one hundred percent smitten with not only Ian, one of the main characters, but all the Wolfes on Wall Street. Hot Asset (the 21 Wall Street series) by Lauren Layne may be my new favorite series by Layne. Honestly, I didn’t think the day would come because I’m rather partial to the Wedding Belles series, but here I am gushing over these Wall Street guys! I just could not put Hot Asset down and I was completely invested from start to finish. Also, who doesn’t appreciate Layne’s slow burning build-up with her characters? This book was the perfect blend of romance and steam! Plus, I really appreciated that Lara, one of the main characters, was a strong independent career woman! Now, after reading Hot Asset, I am beyond ready to read Matt’s story in book #2 and I am looking forward to reading the rest of these amazing Wall Street guys’ stories! 5 STARS for Lauren Layne’s Hot Asset (21 Wall Street series).


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
4.5 stars of sexy suitedness!

This is another really enjoyable read from Ms. Layne – an author on my absolute must read list, with very good reason.

I enjoy some intrigue and mystery with my romance, and this delivers it in spades. I loved finding out just what the issue was, and the resolution was super cool. Given this was delivered alongside a wonderfully sexy and chemistry driven romance, how could the book not be anything but wonderful?

There is always so much detail in Ms. Layne's writing, but none of it is superfluous, ever. It always furthers my understanding of the people, the place, or the plot – and this time I got to learn how to mix a Negroni too! Thanks to a writing style which is a smooth as any cocktail and as enjoyable as the very best canapé, I could not stop reading until the very end... which was everything I could have wanted and more.

If you have not read a Lauren Layne book before, you are in for a treat, and have the joy of an extensive back list to devour. If you have, well rest assured this is as good as them all, if not, for me, slightly better – and wow, there will be a lot more fun to come, because Matt, Kennedy, Kate, and Sabrina all have some catching up to do with Ian and Lara!

Hot Asset hits the ground running with a perfect balance of humor, wit, and intrigue. Ian and Lara have immediate chemistry and tension, but given that Lara's investigating Ian for insider trading, it's a bit of a slow burn. Ian proclaims his innocence from the beginning, and the mystery behind the investigation adds an interesting element to the story, but is more or less relegated to side plot level and quickly resolved. Instead, Lauren Layne focuses on building a wonderful world of supporting characters, and I can't wait for some of their stories!

Hot Asset is a quick and semi-steamy read and a wonderful first book in this new series.

I liked Ian and Lara - this author did a great job of fleshing these characters out and showing the reader how a person can want to change for the better with the right person by their side. The story had MCs had great chemistry, a handful of engaging supporting characters and off the charts sexual tension that kept me glued to every page. It was well paced and the romance was a slow burn.

Memorable Moments:
Being a huge Grease fan I LOVED the scene where Ian is being grilled by his friends and they respond with lines from Grease. It was funny and adorable! And the follow up with Lara was icing on the cake :)

What kept me for loving this was the constant reminders of Ian's past with OW. From beginning to end it was mentioned several times and it was a reminder I didn't really need popping up all the time. For the most part I was able to ignore it until we get to the big finale and the truth behind this elaborate plan to frame Ian is revealed. That one fact didn't completely overshadow the good in this, I still enjoyed the slow build up to their relationship, the humor and the tenderness between the MCs really was sweet. It was a solid "like" for me but could have easily been a "love" with just a teeny bit less repetition of the H's past.