Sadly, this wasn't my favourite Lauren Layne title. I found Lara to be really interesting but I did not care at all for Ian. However, I am looking forward to the subsequent titles in the series.

<em>Hot Asset</em> is the first book in Lauren Layne's new <a href="http://bookbinge.com/reviews/series/21-wall-street/">21 Wall Street</a> series. It features a hotshot broker who is being investigated for insider trading and the SEC investigator who is digging into his entire life. Sparks fly whenever they're together so you know this was going to be a good one.

Ian Bradley grew up with nothing. No family, no money, no handouts so he worked really hard to make sure that he doesn't have to worry about money or need any handouts now. He knows that he's fortunate to have the life that he has now and he plays just as hard as he works. He lives the life of a bachelor and tries to live without regrets but when he comes into the office and is blindsided by an insider trading investigation on him, he needs to get his shit together and figure out a plan. And just as soon as he stops staring at Lara McKenzie's long legs and fine ass, he'll get right on that. Haha.

Lara McKenzie has a dream of joining the FBI, just like her parents. Her dream job is within reach but she has to get through her present job in order to get the recommendation that she needs for the FBI gig. She's hoping that this latest investigation will lead her to a big case that will lead her one step closer to the FBI. She's investigating a broker on Wall Street who thinks the world rises and sets with him. He thinks he's above everything and she's not surprised that he might be a little shady. Anything to get to the top, right? But the further she digs into this case, the more she realizes that Ian Bradley is not the guy that everyone seems to think he is.

Both Ian and Lara battle their attraction while she's investigating him. It's thrown them both off of their game because they don't know how to handle it. Nothing can come of the attraction, not now anyway but the more they get to know each other, the more they want each other.

Lauren Layne did a great job of meshing both the Wall Street and the SEC worlds in this story and I really enjoyed it all. The characters, the romance, the dialogue, it all worked and I am so here for the next book.

Lara was a fun heroine because she knew what she wanted and she worked hard to achieve all of her accomplishments. She acted on what she felt was right, no matter the cost and how can you not respect someone like that? She was confident in her work and she was also confident in herself as a person and I just really enjoyed getting to know her.

Ian was a great hero and I enjoyed getting to know him. The bits and pieces of him that made him the person that he grew up to be, seeing the family he created for himself and seeing him take care of the one man who was as close to a father figure as he could get just warmed my heart so much. He wasn't perfect, he wasn't polished but he was real and I dug him. I also really enjoyed seeing him fall for Lara and that was completely believable. It happened organically and seriously, Lauren Layne is really good at bringing couples together. She delivers the goods and I will definitely have ants in my pants until I can read the next book in this series.

<strong>Grade: 4.5 out of 5</strong>

Lauren Layne will always be one of my go to authors, no matter what she throws at me I know it is gonna knock me off my socks.
Hot Asset was a slow burn kinda book that Ian is totally a prick at first but some how Lauren managed to have me wrapped around his finger regardless of his past. He just is the kinda guy you cant help but wanna love all over. Then she gave Lara a total opposite of Ian and gosh did she give the guy a run fro his money.
The two are a perfect match and the steamy scenes make the slow burn worth while!
Great Summer Vacation read for any romance addict!

Lara is an overachiever. She has always been thorough and kept her eyes on the prize. She is a career woman who investigates insider trading and sends people to prison. She is the BEST at her job. Ian Bradley is the hot, sexy, wealthy, Wall Street Guru who came from hard times. He also keeps his eye on the prize and is the BEST at what he does. So what happens when Lara's SEC department gets a tip that Ian accused of insider trading? Things heat up as both characters are put outside their comfort zone to figure out what is going on.

What a great book to start the 21 Wall Street Series! This story could not have been better.
Ian is such a hound and when he spots a new woman in the break room at work he just can't help himself ( or his zipper) . Cheesiest come on lines ever and man is he shut down quickly when he finds out the woman he's been hitting on hard and heavy is Lara, the woman there from the SEC to start an investigation of ... well... him. Doesn't stop him from wanting Lara and despite he's been accused of insider trading, without any sort of proof thus far, he's still can't stop of thinking about her. He likes he and that alone freaks him out.
With his two other friends and co-workers Matt and Kennedy along with his assistant Kate, who was great btw- working as a PA for all 3 guys she's a really great add the the story. Matt has his own issues with a mutual friend of the guys and then there is Kennedy. The old man trapped in a 30 year old body and I'm dying to know his story. I liked him. Back to Ian and Lara. Lara has done all she can with what little information her boss has given her and she declares the case closed. Her boos has been elusive about this case since handing it to her with promises of a straight shot to the FBI if she brings this guy down. That's her dream job, working white collar for the Bureau. Her parents are both Feds and yet seem the stymy any effort she makes to get to Quantico.
Meanwhile she's fallen for Ian and her ethics keep her from him until she's turned in her final report and closed his file. Fireworks pale in light of these two. Their a perfect pair and as much as that scares Ian he's launched himself headlong into snagging Lara.
This a a great story from Lauren as usual and I can't wait to read Matt's story which is coming up next. Great read! Don't miss out on this one.

**arc from NetGalley and publisher for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

I'm a big fan of some of Lauren Layne's early work, but this book wasn't really my cup of tea. It leans a little too heavily on the smarmy side for the hero, so it was difficult to sympathize with him.

**Disclaimer: I received an eARC of Hot Asset from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**

I wasn’t expecting much from this book. The summary was enough to get me interested and even the first few pages were entertaining enough. It was then I realized I had read the entire thing without even looking up. This book was smart, funny and the perfect amount of sexy.

I think these types of novels have come a long way, and the female characters are finally a bit more complex and more feminist. This is the same story you see all the time, the sassy girl hates the cocky boy and then falls in love with him. But… it’s done in a really smart way. The alternating first-person point of view was so helpful as a reader. It kept me engaged and really enhanced the story, being able to experience it from both Ian and Lara. I really did like both characters and I thought they were a great bit and I enjoyed their back and forth banter.
The specifics of the story, like the investigation and the careers of both main characters were a little flawed and unrealistic, but all in all, I think it was a wonderful slow-burn romance.

This was the first novel I’ve read by this author, but I hope to read more as I really did enjoy this book!

I've been a LL fan for a while now, but some of her last few books weren't my favorites of hers. I felt like this one was better for me, though! Not in my top faves of her books, but heading in the right direction. I'll be looking for the rest in the series!

For SEC agent Lara McKenzie this latest job is her make or break for her getting her lifelong dream – a position at the FBI. All she has to do is prove Wall Street’s golden boy is guilty of insider trading. She goes after Ian Bradley with a vengeance, but soon has doubts about the anonymous tip. With their back and forth banter, a huge attraction that she unsuccessfully tries to ignore, she finds herself proving he’s not guilty. With twists and surprises, this was a great story totally worth five stars (and more).
This is the first book I’ve read of Lauren Layne and can’t wait to read more!

**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title compliments of NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review**

What a fantastic start to Lauren Layne's new 21 Wall Street series! I literally did not want to put this book down. Between the characters, the story and the jump off the page chemistry, I was sucked in right from the very beginning.

We find Ian Bradley, a successful stock broker and notorious ladies man, is suddenly the centerpiece in an investigation led by SEC agent Lara McKenzie. While Ian has made a lot of money and is great at his job, one thing he has never been is one to take shortcuts in his personal or professional life. Which is why when he's accused of insider trading he is stunned and can't understand where any of this is coming from.

Lara is the daughter of two FBI agents and that is her end goal career wise to make it into the Bureau. She knows that in order to get her foot in the door, she needs a big win and this case with Ian would certainly provide that. The only problem is that not only is Ian as set on proving his innocence as she is proving his guilt, the chemistry and sparks flying between them is undeniable. Will they be able to deny what is happening between them while the investigation is going on?

I connected immediately with this whole story and both of the characters. Lauren Layne is a new author to me, but I'm so glad I took the chance on this book. It was a well crafted story, kept me engaged with the ups and downs throughout and in the end the payoff was worth it.

I can't wait for the next book in this series and I highly recommend picking this one up!

They always want what they can’t have. Especially considering their jobs depend on them not getting personal.

To help her land her dream job, Lana needs to prove that Ian uses illegal means to maintain his dream. For one of them to win, the other has to lose. Big time. Ironically in their pursuit to achieve success, they realize how much they didn’t even know they wanted each other.

This story is a good slow burn romance with the added benefit of a little mystery and vengeance. If I had to complain about something it’s that it was too short!

Hot Asset is a simple, quick read.

I liked the office aspect in that Ian and Lara didn't compromised themselves during the investigation, but I still hated how all the doubts and fallout was faced by Lara when Ian was the one that kept pursuing her and when she had to move, he couldn't leave everything and go after her.

That was my only gripe.

But in the end, it worked out. There are two more books in the series.

a sweet, unicorn love.

3 STARS

***ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.***

Hot Asset by Lauren Layne is the first book in the new 21 Wall Street series.
Ian Bradley is the super rich and hot Wall Street investment broker. He goes through women like most people drink water, but it's worked for him, making long term commitments isn't his thing. With the exception of his last foster father, his two best friends Matt and Kennedy and his longtime childhood friend Sabrina, Ian doesn't do relationships. But that's about to change when he sees a pair of legs and the women is beyond intriguing.
Lara McKenzie , investigator for the SEC, and definitely not one to fall for a sexy face and a pick-up line. She may have met her match in Ian. Sparks fly from the beginning, yet she is a professional determined to do her job and find the answers, regardless of the outcome. And ignoring the blatant chemistry becomes more difficult by the day. Can she find evidence against Ian or clear his name and figure if they can make things work?

I loved this book so much! Every time I read a new book from Lauren Layne, I think - it can't get better than this, and then she surprises me. This new series was so refreshing and something so totally different than what I"m used to reading from LL. I loved both Ian and Lara and the plot was suspenseful until the very end. I love the way that Lauren Layne writes her steamy scenes, but I appreciated it even more in this book because they didn't happen immediately. I was drawn into the characters and the plot and honestly sometimes romance books get to the steamy parts so quick that you don't even realize what the plot is about. But LL had it all in this book, a great plot, suspense to keep you guessing and a great romance between the two leads. I can not wait to read the next book in the series.

After a few weeks going by with books I liked but not too much, I finally found something that hooked me from the first page until the last. This new series seems promising. This is the first book I've read by Lauren Layne despite I've shelved some of her other works. The story is set in New York and as you may think from the hot guy on the cover, is about men in suits, in this case Wall Street billionaires.

The protagonist of the story is Ian Bradley, a talented investor who has arrived where he is only with his brain and hard work. He is proud of the path he did to get to the top, and won't let anyone threaten what he fought so much to achieve. Enter Lara McKenzie, a talented woman who works for the SEC, and that comes to Wolfe Investments for an informal investigation against Ian. Is he guilty of a financial crime or is he not? You have to read to find out.

Ever since the opening scene, you'll be hooked to the book. I liked how Ian and Lara seemed to "talk" to me as a reader, as if they were recounting their story as I turned the pages. This book never bored me and I loved the banter between the characters. You may think Ian is the usual rich playboy, but he's more than that, and Lara isn't the average female character with no integrity. They were realistic characters and all of their scenes with the secondary characters were funny and entertaining to read. The dialogue never seemed off and it kept my interest alive until the epilogue because I wanted to read each of the characters' thoughts and smart remarks.

This is a love story that makes baby steps, meaning that the characters may appreciate each other after the first meeting, but they don't sleep together nor kiss too soon. The author was good at creating a realistic story that moved at a slow pace, not rushing things but giving time to each moment of Ian and Lara's story a proper timing.

Needles to say, I will check out the following book that will be about Matt and Sabrina. Can't wait about Kennedy and Kate's book as well. Ian and Lara's story is nice, but it was nicer not only because of them, but also because of the world of characters and places like Wolfe that Lauren Layne has created.

Thanks to NetGalley and Montlake Romance for giving me the chance to read this book.

Even Prince Charming needs to move with the times…

Oh, how the times have changed. Gone are the days where Prince Charming rides in on his steed and saves the day. We don’t want our heroes to take over and make everything alright. We don’t need him to throw money at a problem to make it disappear. He doesn’t need to protect the damsel. He doesn’t have to rule the world to show us he’s in control. Now, Prince Charming needs help us fix our own problems. Now, we have our own money and spend it how we want. Now, he stands beside his fair maiden and shows support. Our hero needs to work with his heroine to make their world work together. Basically, Prince Charming just needs to be a good bloke.

Lauren Layne nails Prince Charming by giving us Ian, in Hot Asset. I really enjoyed this story and found myself falling for Ian from the very beginning. He’s far from perfect, even coming close to being an egotistical, arrogant manwhore. But, from the start, I knew he had some hidden depths. This guy has worked bloody hard to be where he’s at and, he doesn’t hesitate to share his good fortune with others who start out the same way as he did. He takes full advantage of the money he earns and maintains a certain reputation to keep the women coming back for more.

If only he didn’t have a pesky insider trading accusation hanging over his head.

I really like Lara, our heroine in the story. She’s strong, independent and determined to reach her dream position of working for the FBI. When she’s put in charge of investigating Ian, it’s another step closer to reaching her dream. Then, she meets him, her heart flutters, and if she’s not careful, he might distract her from her job.

I think I’m going to be a BIG fan of the 21 Wall Street (I sing it every time, like the 21 Jump St theme song) series. The characters are interesting and definitely not cookie-cutter representations of every other “suit” working in finance in New York. I liked that while Ian, Kennedy and Matt are fighting each other to be the best in the workplace, they are also besties. They share the highs and lows of working and living in New York. Kate, Ian, Kennedy and Matt’s secretary was one of my favourite characters. I really hope she gets her own story with a certain nerdy man of money. Sabrina, Ian’s best friend from childhood is a ball-buster that I admired. All of them together are funny, sweet and thoughtful which balanced out their crass, nosy and opinionated sides.

I was hooked from the first page of Hot Asset and thought the pacing was perfect. The process of investigating white-collar crime was interesting. The love story was something I enjoyed seeing unfold. Both Lara and Ian know that they shouldn’t but their connection and attraction never dimmed even with a concentrated effort to ignore their feelings. Lara took her job seriously and wasn’t willing to risk the repercussions of a fling. Ian’s life was in limbo and he respects Lara too much to risk her job and the fallout if their relationship were to be discovered. These two actually proved their intelligence by being smart about starting a relationship. Kind of refreshing in romance these days.

I loved the ending of Hot Asset. Yes, all of it comes together perfectly, but who doesn’t like finishing their story with a big goofy smile on their face? We get to see our modern day Prince Charming work together with his fair maiden to reach their very own happily ever after. Ain’t love grand… ❤❤❤

I cannot wait for the next instalment of 21 Wall Street to see whether Matt can clean up his act a little to keep the Sam’s happy.

Stacey is Sassy, received a complimentary copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes.

Ian is the stereotypical hot shot Wall Street broker. He is hot, a manwhore, but with a heart of gold. Lara works for the SEC and is hoping for her big case that would help her become an agent with the FBI. They meet in the break room of Ian’s company, and Ian proceeds to hit on Lara. Of course Lara is there to investigate Ian for potential insider trading. The plot isn’t real deep, but Lara and Ian are compelling characters. The secondary characters, whose books will follow, were enjoyable as well. This is a fun, steamy read.

I was given an ARC of this book by NetGalley for my honest review.

A brand new Lauren Layne series to fall in love with!!! Walking into the world of 21 Wall Street felt like coming home to new friends. Layne does an excellent job of building a new world without making it to heavy or cumbersome or stealing the spotlight from Lara and Ian...and boy do these opposites who aren’t all that opposite attract and need a spotlight. Slow burn, forbidden longing, whipsmart banter - it’s all there and yummy as you expect from Lauren Layne. Cannot wait for the next one.

Lauren Layne does it again!! First of all, I was in a reading slump and needed something to pull me out of it, Lauren Layne's books always successfully get me out of any slump I ever had, and this was no different! I absolutely loved this book! This is the first book in her new series, 21 Wall Street, and it reminded me of everything I loved about the Stiletto and Oxford series.

I was a little concerned about how this book would play out, usually enemies to lovers books don't have such serious hurtles to get over to getting the characters together. I wasn't sure how Lauren Layne would play this one out, but as usual she did it with grace and it worked out better than I imagined it ever could.

The main characters meet in the first chapter, and it was a perfect first meet, full of banter and chemistry off the charts. I love that Lara was so sassy to Ian in the beginning. It was so fun to watch. Lauren Layne always manages to make an assumed bad guy actually be a really great guy, and Ian was a perfect example of this. His character only got better throughout of the book, and I think I liked him best in the end. Lara was very sassy in the beginning, but got a little less confident throughout, and I didn't love that but it was necessary for the story to move the way it did. Also, the side characters had great interactions with the main characters, and I'm more intrigued to see them in the other books in the series.

I loved this book and absolutely recommend it!

I’m not a huge five star review kind of person but dang... this one hit every mark. I loved Lara and I loved Ian because he fell for Lara. I loved watching them find their way to each other. Men in suits as a starting point isn’t usually my thing but I got sucked into this book and finished it so quickly. It’s hard to find a really well written romance with strong characters who don’t compromise their identities and this one is just so perfect. Can’t wait for the rest of the series. This author has quickly become one of my favorites.