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.

NO SPOILERS!

Hot Asset was a unique, sexy, fun, and entertaining standalone contemporary romance, and I absolutely loved it! The storyline and characters were amazing, and I loved Lauren Layne's writing style. This was actually my first book from this author, and it definitely won't be the last. I loved everything about Hot Asset from beginning to end, and I can't wait to read the rest of the 21 Wall Street series!

Ian Bradley and Lara McKenzie were amazing, and I loved them and their story so much. I loved their personalities and red-hot chemistry together, and how their relationship progressed throughout. I loved reading the book from both Ian and Lara's POV, and all of their banter and interactions with each other. Going into this book, I honestly didn't know what to expect. I've never read a story that directly involved Wall Street and the SEC investigating an investment broker for insider trading before, but I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. I'm not completely up to date with the ins and outs of the financial world, but I thought Lauren Layne did an excellent job with every aspect of Hot Asset. She had me hooked from start to finish, and I truly loved every moment of Ian and Lara's journey. The ending was perfect and even better than I hoped it would be.

The secondary characters, namely Ian's close friends and coworkers, were amazing as well, and I absolutely loved their addition to the story. They added plenty of humor and entertainment, and I'm definitely looking forward to reading more about them in the rest of the 21 Wall Street series!

Hot Asset was a unique, sexy, and intriguing standalone contemporary romance, and I would highly recommend it! Lauren Layne did a phenomenal job with this book, and I was very happy with the outcome to Ian and Lara's story. Lauren Layne is a new author to me, but I can already tell that she is going to be a favorite. Hot Asset was a phenomenal start to the 21 Wall Street series, and I can't wait to read more!

ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

4.25-4.5 STARS

Wall Street go-getter, Ian Bradley is successful, charming, and drop-dead gorgeous. He’s also as much a man-whore as he is an arrogant prick. But despite his cocky attitude, Ian is a hard-worker, who didn’t take short cuts on his rise to the top. So, when Ian suddenly finds himself on the SEC’s radar, he vows to do everything in his power to prove his innocence. Even if that means going toe-to-toe with the sexy and sassy investigator who delights in knocking Ian down at every little turn. And while their verbal sparring proves to be amusing and more than just a little tantalizing, Ian is well aware that his fate ultimately rests in the hands of this beautiful and beguiling woman.

Lara McKenzie is a professional through and through. She’s smart and ambitious with the FBI her ultimate goal. And nailing Ian Bradley for insider trading, just might be her gateway into the Bureau. Acting on an anonymous tip, Lara sets out to uncover the truth. But she never expected to fall for the seductive charms of Ian Bradley—a man who proclaims his innocence while slowly chipping away at every protective walls she’s determined to erect.

Without a debt, author Lauren Layne is an artful master when it comes to creating fun, flirty, sexy stories with plenty of heart. With each book she writes, she delivers a fresh new take on a tried and true formula. And as the first book in her brand new series, “Hot Asset” is no exception. In fact, I’d say she’s off to a winning start. I, for one, can’t wait to see what she serves up next.

The first book in a new series by Lauren Layne had all the attributes I look for in a book. There is great dialogue between our 2 characters, Ian and Lara. He is a big deal on Wall Street and she is an SEC agent investigating him which could have come across as a total cliche, but I knew Ms. Layne could make a good story from these characters. The depth of the nature of this relationship that progressed is what made this story work for me. The other part of this book that I really liked were the secondary characters and their relationship to both Ian and Lara. And you just know future books will involve these chapters. This was a fun read, light and enjoyable.

Oh man, Lauren Layne has done it again. I have a feeling the 21 Wall Street books are going to be some of my favorites. Hot Asset is one of my favorite books of Layne's to date and I can't help but wanting to go back and read it again already.
Right off the bat, we meet manwhore Ian. He's a Wall Street egotistic, who isn't afraid to brag about how good his life is. The only problem? There is more to Ian than you think there is. There's a side to him you aren't prepared for. But it made him even better. Okay, back to his manwhore ways...most women can't resist him and one look at him and they fall... until the woman he meets in the company coffee lounge.
Lara Mckenzie, oh how I loved her! This power house of woman was just what I needed. She's gorgeous, she's strong, she resists all of Ian's comments and kindly tells him, she isn't interested. Lara has a job to do... she's a SEC investigator, investigating Ian. Oh, did the story get good at that point.
Everything about Ian and Lara was perfect. I couldn't help but love watching navigate their attraction, their complicated situation and how they achieved their happy ending. I can't wait for book 2 in this series of standalones.

The first book in a new series. I have read many of Lauren Layne books and I really enjoyed the start to the new series.
Ian a mega hotshot on Wall street is exactly how you would expect him to be. He is so sure of himself and enjoys the life he has created. Including the women.
Lara fights white collar crime with SEC and she is tasked with investigating Ian for insider trading. The first time they meet Ian is unaware of who she is. So he does his usual I'm hot, you want me, lets get together. She just laughs at him. When he finds out who she is he is floored. All he has is his integrity, so he is spitting mad!
When things don't add up for Lara and the attraction between her and Ian grows, there is much to consider. This case could get her dream job at the FBI. But she is having a hard time believing Ian is guilty and the facts aren't adding up.
Just enough mystery to keep things interesting and the heat between this couple is hot.

Ian and Lara meet through unconventional ways. Turns out, Lara, an agent at the SEC, is investigating him for insider trading. Needless to say, the attraction between them is more than inconvenient. But they can’t seem to help it.

What made the strength of this romance novel was, as always with Lauren Layne’s books, the characters.
They were all really well written and had a lot of depth.
In this book, I particularly loved the secondary characters. I am really looking forward to their own books.
Other than that, the plot was really well done and I liked the whole investigator, investigated thing. It was pretty fun.
But I guess I didn’t fall in love with the main characters the way I usually do. I think I didn’t always feel the attraction between them.
All in all, though, I had a really great time reading this, it was such a fast read too.

4.5 Stars – Rounded

Sexy, Sassy and utterly adorable - Lauren Layne has brought another suited and sexy man to readers: one who has managed to parlay his drop-dead gorgeous looks, smarts and hard work into an 'almost penthouse apartment', a corner office and a list of clients who have made money in most of his deals. Ian is constantly working to something, even if he's not always sure of the 'what', but each step in his climb up the ladder of success is one step further away from his childhood: growing up in foster care - unwanted and penniless.

Lara is an investigator for the SEC - a stopgap job that she knows can help her attain her dream of becoming an FBI agent in the white collar division. Both her parents are agents in different departments, and aren't exactly thrilled with her dream, or her determination to do it her way, without a word from one or both of them to get her in the door.

But an opportunity for a big, splashy, headline grabbing investigation and trial is handed to her by her boss - an anonymous tip claiming Ian had insider information allowing him to step out early, avoiding the massive losses other brokers took on their investments. Thing is – Lara is thrilled to be given the chance at a case that could mean her dream job is in reach – if only it were easier. It’s not the investigation: she’s thorough and competent – even Ian’s lawyer (that he scored after plenty of hysterically achieved help from friends) tells him that Lara is the best option because she is thorough – and fair. But Lara’s reaction to Ian (no matter how hard she tries to ignore it) is electric and confusing… but not nearly as confusing as Ian is by her – totally NOT his type or style, but he’s wanting her – and how much he wants her, along with her humor and smart-ass comments, along with his assistant / friend Kate’s liking her have him unbalanced. A new feeling for the man who’s collected women, money and accolades like dust bunnies.

These two have a connection that is electric – spinning them both off in directions and dreams they’d put aside, and leaving them completely befuddled and confused, but drawn together like peanut butter and jelly. The chemistry is off the charts – and the steam is enough to freshen a crease on Ian’s beautifully tailored suit pants. The best part of a book from LL is the connections: strip away all of the fancy stuff – and these are two people who are meant to be together- and you feel it almost from the get-go. When you add in the group of friends that Ian has collected, from his ‘fixer’ Sabrina (think Ray Donovan without the bloodshed- yet) that he’s known since childhood, Matt the boy wonder trader and Kennedy the ‘silver spoon’ trader, and their assistant Kate – a cross between a mother, pit-bull, uber-competent secretary and the one friend who will always tell you you’re being an ass, Ian’s circle is loyal, protective and patient with his shenanigans – but they know most (if not all ) of his story and reasons, and love him for who he is and what he could be. It’s Lara that brings out his ow desire to ‘be more’ than just another Wolfe of Wall Street, and her belief in him that gives the story, and their relationship, the emotional punch that will have you desperate for Matt’s story.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at <a href=” https://wp.me/p3OmRo-9Nj/” ><a> I am, Indeed </a>

Hot Asset is a fiery romance between two people from competing sides of the industry and their clashing in attraction upon crossing. Told in the cutthroat world of Wall Street, Layne brings a story to the forefront that not only featured an all-consuming love, but issues of equality in a predominantly male profession. And by employing a heroine strong in her convictions but also able to make concessions, their issues stayed centered where they should have been rather than a tale just to fit the current times.

Layne—most known for her signature wit and banter—deployed a different tactic in this story by using a lust-filled ambivalence born from pride and position that filled the air between Ian and Lara in their ever interaction. That feistiness fueled their hate-lust and it grew as the pages turned. Most enjoyable was the compassion they fostered for one another that grew outside of their careers and became this tight-knit thing of their own to covet. And though I missed that signature staple of a Layne romance and because of that it felt like something was simply missing, I couldn’t help but become ensnared in their back-and-forth and fall for what was beautiful about their love story.

Both characters were strong and career driven, and I loved that they never had to concede on how important that piece was to each of them. Showing that they didn’t need to, that love can build and grow around those dreams, was a powerful element in any story but especially in a romance. I loved that element maybe more than anything. Hot Asset has set up a great world to build a series on and created little pieces to a much bigger picture of what’s to come with each new book, and I cannot wait.

*covers face* This rating hurts my heart because Lauren Layne is one of my favorite authors. But I wasn't able to connect to any of the characters, so I was never once pulled into the book. Looking back, I'm sure there has to be something wrong on my end. Especially since a few months ago I read and fell madly in love with her previous release, Runaway Groom. If you haven't read that one yet, definitely give it a try! It was hilarious, sigh worthy, crazy at times and so much fun!

I’m torn between regret and relief, because she’s SEC, I’m Wall Street— we’re about as compatible as a wolf and a lamb.
Though, for the life of me, I’m not sure who’s who in this scenario. - Ian


So when I put Hot Asset down, I realized that I am going to give this book another try. It definitely deserves it! I mean, this story is one I would normally fall in love with. So right before the next book in this series releases, in September, I'm going to pick this back up. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that hopefully I will make that connection and fall head over heels in love with Hot Asset.

I don’t want to play nice.
I want to fucking fight it. - Ian


Before I step away, let me tell you a little bit about what was in the pages. I think a lot of people will love it. First we met Ian Bradley. He was confident, charming, seductive and underneath it all he had a heart of gold. He found himself being investigated by the SEC. And the woman heading the investigation, Lara McKenzie, completely intrigued him.

So is Ian Bradley hot? Yes. Very. But I don’t need hot. I’d settle for someone a little plain, even a little boring, just so long as he’s loyal. - Lara


Lara was fabulous at her job. And Ian's case was going to help her move onto the next stage of her career, into the FBI. Going into the FBI had been one of her lifelong goals, and her parents worked for them too. It seemed like Ian's case would be a solid win for Lara, but the case and Ian are not at all what she expected.

I want her to see me as something other than the fucking case. - Ian


This book is definitely for those who are into a little bit of love to hate with some forbidden angst. And who also like to alternate between the two main characters. There are some wonderful friends that you will meet, plus there was a little bit of a mystery which was fun. Normally that all would amount to me gushing a ton and trying to get a lot of my friends to add this to their tbr. But that lack of connection completely ruined my reading experience. Sigh. So here's hoping you end up loving this book a lot more than I did and hopefully when I pick this one back up in the fall I will love it too!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by Montlake Romance. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

As this was my first book by Lauren Layne, I went into Hot Asset with an open mind and came out absolutely adored this book. Lara McKenzie was assigned to investigate Ian Bradley for insider trading. Both weren’t expecting this investigation to take the turns that it did. Opposites attract even for hot Wall Street Playboys and sassy SEC Investigators.

Ian and Lara had so much sexually chemistry, when they FINALLY gave into it, perfection. The whole start to their relationship will have you laughing. Even the other characters will have you laughing and loving them as much as Ian and Lara.

Lauren Layne, you have made a new reader out of me; looking forward to the rest of this series!

Hot Asset starts a new series by Lauren Layne and its focus is around powerful stock brokers. All I can say is after reading Hot Asset, Lauren Layne has made stockbrokers come off as super sexy and doable. I don’t know why there aren’t more books where they are the main characters but now thanks to Lauren Layne, I want to read more about them. we meet Ian Bradley who is a self-admitted manwhore and he is also a Wall Street director. He is sexy and hot but also again is a total manwhore. He doesn’t go out with a woman more than two times and all the women adore him… Until he meets his match in Lara McKenzie. She is sassy, smart, and beautiful. These two butt heads after Lara turns down Ian after drinks. Now Ian is determined to get Lara into bed. He doesn’t care that she is an SEC investigator whom he just found out was investigating him for insider trading. He plans to prove she is interested in him and then some. The chemistry is really great between them and the story if Ian was guilty or not was added bonus. This was an office romance plus enemies to lovers rolled into one. I liked how Lara and Ian’s story was told, how hot the chemistry was between them and the angst played out. There was tension, drama, intrigue and romance. I really did enjoy this read and look forward to book 2 in Ms. Layne’s new series.

My Rating: 4.5 stars *****
“I received an advanced copy of this book from the author at no cost to me."

Lauren Layne’s enemies-to-lovers romantic comedy, Hot Asset, makes Wall Street sexy, smart and fun. Lara is a driven, no nonsense SEC agent, who is investigating Ian for insider trader, and she’s not impressed by his cocky charm or smooth moves, at least she doesn’t want to admit she is. Ian has never met anyone quite like Lara, and he’s dumbfounded by her cold shoulder, but he’s also determined and used to getting what he wants. They’re electric together as they verbally spar, trading snappy comebacks and flirty one-liners, while attempting to deny their attraction and fighting for their own agendas. The results of Lara’s investigation could make or break both of their careers, so all bets are off between these two dynamic competitors. Hot Asset is an irresistible battle of the sexes that stands out due to its clever humor, witty banter, sophisticated setting and passionate, sigh-worthy romance, and I can’t wait for more of Lauren Layne’s Wall Street.

Enemies to Lovers romance

Hot Asset, the first book in Lauren Layne's new series
21 Wall Street was an interesting fun read. I wasn't sure if I was going to like Ian, but once we saw beneath his surface that man was a winner. Lara was the kind of heroine I look for, a likable confident smart woman.
Lara and Ian's banter was smart and funny. There is amazing chemistry, though as adversaries they both are fighting the attraction. The secondary characters are well developed and a plus to the storyline. I can't wait for their stories.
I received an advance reader copy from Netgalley.

Lauren Layne is at the top of my auto-buy list, and Hot Asset is the perfect example why, from the very first page. This is Intoxicating and Sexy, bringing this enemies to lovers romance to life. Full of sharp, smart, witty, banter, sizzling chemistry and a Sexy, game, of cat and mouse with a delicious, slow, build, and stomach-flip romantic moments, that I just couldn’t put down. A Fantastic start to a new series!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Hot Asset kicks off a new series by Lauren Layne and its centered around powerful stock brokers! I have never had any interest in stocks or the stock market, but leave it to Lauren Layne to make it seem sexy!

Ian is a douche. He pretty much tells us that on the first page. He is rich, powerful, sexy, and he knows it. But he isn't the guy who cheats to get ahead, so he knows when the SEC comes sniffing around, something is up. Lara is trying to get into white collar crimes for the FBI and is cutting her teeth in the SEC. She is sure Ian is guilty of insider trading, but he has a way of making her doubt herself. In classic Layne fashion, the banter is on point. Both Ian and Lara are well educated and whip smart so their verbal repartee is just as witty as they are. Both are passionate about their jobs and I enjoyed that aspect of the story. While I know little about the world of wall street, these two are both deeply engaged in the good and the bad about it! I liked that both Lara and Ian found it important to be ethical. Their relationship felt more real because you can tell they are both good humans. With each chapter I fell more in love with them both.

Hot Asset gives us a blistering enemies to lovers in a world filled with adversarial relationships. I really enjoyed Ian and Lara even though I didn't expect to. They are driven and mature, which I really appreciated; sometimes I get so tired of the unsure, woe is me, angsty romance. I also loved that they are genuinely good, honest people. There was something sexy about that for some reason. Finally, I found the resolution of the story (before the epilogue) to be incredibly satisfying. I would explain, but... spoilers. Just know that once again, Layne gives me characters I loved with a plot I appreciated for its realism.

Side note: I haven't listened to the audio, but its narrated by Zachary Webber so I want to listen to the audio!!!!

Favorite Quotes:

The weekday lunch hour on Wall Street is everything you’d expect—plenty of suits and martinis and pretension. Nobody bothers to look twice at a woman in a boring blouse and four-year-old stilettos bought at Nordstrom Rack.

Yes, men just love my combination of forthright and awkward.

“What the heck is day cleavage?” She holds up her thumb and forefinger to her cleavage as though she’s measuring something. “No more than a half inch or so, see?” “What’s night cleavage?” She widens the gap between her fingers. “An inch, at least.” I shake my head in wonderment. “It’s like you’re from a different planet.”

My Review:

I always enjoy Lauren Layne’s enticing stories, they beckon me. I adore her amusing and sharp wit but not as much as I love her endearing flawed yet vulnerable characters. In Hot Asset, the two main protagonists initially appeared to be complete opposites in every arena.

Ian was a wealthy playboy and self-made success story as through his relentless efforts and keen intelligence, this survivor of multiple negligent foster homes became a Yale graduate and had worked hard to earn his spot near the top of the food chain in his Wall Street firm. He was also a dirty talking sex machine who appeared to have a hard edge but was layers deep with a marshmallow center, although no one knew of his charitable efforts as he played nearly as hard as he worked and never bedded the same woman twice, “because I don’t have to.”

Lara was a tightly wound, honest, and hardworking government employee who followed the rules, yearned for career advancement and acceptance into the FBI, and had no social life. As the SEC agent that arrived at Ian’s office to personally investigate him, she was unimpressed with his slick approach. They were at odds yet seemed to enjoy bantering and antagonizing each other yet each also fought a building respect and attraction. Yet there was something just not right with the case and allegations against Ian.

I am excited with Ms. Layne’s new 21 Wall Street series, as this installment has started it off with the propulsion of a space rocket that was locked and loaded with a cast of quirky yet alluring characters. I doubt I could tire of them and am already greedy for the next volume.

Love. Love. Love. Men in suits..! This first novel in the 21 Wall Street series more than satisfied my appetite for sharp dressing, sexy businessmen.

Ian Bradley is blasé about his reputation and oozes confidence and charisma...or is it arrogance! He excels at what he does and has worked hard to achieve his corner office, seven-figure salary and stellar reputation within the financial community. So, when he's investigated for insider trading, he's determined to clear his name. Only, the woman investigating his case is someone he wants to get to know more intimately…only her interest in him doesn't extend beyond convicting him of wrongdoing.

SEC investigator Lara McKenzie has ambitions beyond her current role. The daughter of FBI agents, she hopes to follow in their footsteps. But for now, she's responsible for the case against a Wall Street hotshot she'd like to get better acquainted with if current circumstances were less conflicting. Besides, her future career depends on achieving a conviction with this case, only this man isn't going to give up, until he has proved his innocence and captured her heart.

On the surface, Ian and Lara seem to be very unalike from one another. However, once we get to know them, it's clear they are both very self-assured people and neither are fazed by their dissimilar working environments. When their worlds collide, resulting in a conflict of interest, they somehow manage to work around it...eventually. There's no denying the sexual chemistry between these very driven people, yet, the romance is a slow burn with lots of pent-up physical attraction as they circle around each other within the confines of the challenging plight which surrounds them.

I've read and enjoyed many LL novels but I admit to loving her 'men in suits' novels just a little bit more. With a glamorous Manhattan backdrop, how can you not fall for a powerful, wealthy man in a designer suit like Ian? Equally, Lara is independent, strong and somewhat unconventional, a perfect provocative match. This novel had a glossy 'Stiletto' and 'Oxford' feel which I adore but with a Wall Street backdrop, the stakes are higher and the risks greater for the protagonists and their captivating friends. All designed to make you eagerly anticipate the next instalment...which I am.

To sum up, an entertaining beginning for what promises to a fabulous series. Fans of Lauren Layne will love Ian and Lara. If she's a new author for you, Hot Asset is a recommended novel and a place to start.

4.5 stars

***arc generously received courtesy of Montlake Romance via NetGalley***