My favorite books to read are ones that make me laugh and make me swoon, with a storyline and characters that command my complete attention from start to finish. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that my favorite genre to read is the romantic comedy and one of my favorite rom-com authors is Lauren Layne. Since I discovered her book, Walk of Shame, I became an instant fan, devouring every book of hers I could get my hand on, which leads me to her newest release, Hot Asset, the first book in her 21 Wall Street Series. Four words: hot guys in suits. What’s not to love about that?

From page one, Hot Asset is a tantalizing, exhilarating, tension-filled page-turner, following the story of investment broker, Ian Bradley, and SEC agent, Lara McKenzie, who find themselves on opposite sides of an insider trading investigation. Ian, a hotshot, womanizing Wall Street legend proclaims his innocence while Lara, a rigid, by-the-rules agent with her sights set on the FBI, is determined to prove his guilt. Despite their instant chemistry and the sparks that fly between them, Ian and Lara bicker and butt heads every step of the way. They have a teasing, flirtatious, if somewhat antagonistic banter that’s akin to foreplay ratcheting up the sexual tension between them, driving themselves (and the reader) crazy, making you wish their slow-burning romance would maybe…perhaps…hurry up…just a little bit.

Part high-stakes investigation, part smoking hot romance, Hot Asset is a humorous, seductive, whip-smart enemies-to-lovers romance that’ll keep you on your toes right up until the very end. With complex, thoroughly fleshed out protagonists, a fast-paced, drama-filled narrative, and a romance that’ll have you alternating between blushing a swooning, Hot Asset is a must-read. Add in a supportive cast of tightknit friends that are fiercely, unfailingly loyal as well as intriguing, and I’m even more impatient to see what’s next with the 21 Wall Street Series.

*complimentary copy provided by publisher for an honest review

3.5 Stars!

Hot Asset is the first installment in the 21 Wall Street series.

Ian Bradley is hotshot Wall Street investor. Unfortunately for him, he is being investigated for insider trading.
And who might be the person investigating his case? That’d be our heroine - Lara McKenzie.

Lara takes her job very seriously and doesn’t plan on letting the charming Ian, get in her way of said job.
Ian and Lara have an instant attraction but due to their current situation, they can not act on it. Which leads to page after page of witty banter, sizzling tension and some pretty funny situations.

Though this book wasn’t necessarily unique in some of the elements, it was very entertaining to read. The side characters we also a great addition to the story.

If you enjoy a light romantic read with a twist on a redeemable playboy and independent heroine, I’d give this one a try.

Hot Asset by Lauren Layne is the first book in the 21 Wall Street Series. This is the story of Ian Bradley and Lara McKenzie.
Ian is a very successfully Wall Street investor who has it all it would seem.
Lara is becoming one of the Top White Collar investigators and is looking into if Ian is doing insider trading. There is a instant attraction between the two. But Lara has to do her investigation on him but her growing emotions are something else. Ian thought he had it all but his feelings for Lara are starting to show him there is more to his life he doesn't have.
Enjoyed reading their story.

Once again Lauren Layne is off to a great start with Hot Asset, the first book from her brand new series 21 Wall Street. I love Ms. Layne's writing style because it is polished, evenly paced and fresh. Secondly, the chemistry between the main characters is simmering and their developing feelings are tangible. Lastly, the combination of humor, longing and the New York City landscape is nicely executed. This book may be enjoyed as standalone.

Lara McKenzie is a SEC investigator with the dream of becoming an FBI agent in the very near future. In order to do so, she has to pay her dues by exposing a really big wrongdoing. Along with a letter of recommendation from her boss, her latest assignment has the potential to get her into Quantico. Ian Brady, a womanizer and one of the many darlings of Wall Street, is Lara's newest potential victim. Ian is smart, rich and good-looking, and someone is looking to put him behind bars for a very long time. Although Lara and Ian get off to a shaky start and should be enemies, they cannot stop their attraction to each other.

I enjoyed this slightly predictable office romance. The story is nicely presented, and the camaraderie between Ian and his best friends at the investment firm is complete with quick-witted ribbing and fun. Lara's principles and honesty are truly inspiring, especially since "fake news" is so common. Overall, this is a hot romance with an engaging plot and interesting characters. I am truly looking to the next book in the series.

Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.

What a spectacular start to a new series! Hot Asset, book #1 in the 21 Wall Street series, has a little bit of everything for your reading enjoyment!

Ian, who came from foster care, has made a name and a fabulous life for himself. Handsome, smart and rich, with an excellent job and amazing friends, Ian has all he needs in life. Or at least he thought he was until a woman he’s trying to make a play for does the unthinkable...she passes on his advances!

Lara is damn good at her job and is working her way up thru the ranks in hopes to make it to the FBI like her parents when she is sent to Wolfe Industry to investigate Ian. This case could make or break her career but what Lara never expects is for her heart to possibly get in the way.

I truly enjoyed every moment of Hot Asset! I loved that Lara didn’t cave to Ian and yet their attraction to each other is insanely hot but they both know a relationship is not something in the cards for either one of them. I enjoyed the banter between Lara and Ian and when you throw in the secondary characters...outstanding! Hot Asset truly had everything I was looking for!

I absolutely LOVED this first book in a new series from Lauren Layne. It was the perfect mixture of sweet and swoon. I cannot wait to read Matt and Sabrina's story and I'm reallllllly hoping for more Kennedy and Kate!!! Love, love, love! :)

I’ve been anticipating the release of the 21 Wall Street series ever since Miss Layne announced it. This author never fails to write swoon-worthy professional heroes as well as take charge heroines- a combination that’s often lacking in contemporary romances, particularly when the hero is a high-powered businessman. In many ways, Hot Asset is just what I expected- strong characters with a good amount of depth, a clever story, a sweet romance, low angst, and plenty of interesting secondary characters that ensure I’ll be make for more.

I liked Lara and Ian quite a bit and really enjoyed the premise of the story. The dialogue was bright and propelled the storyline, including a good amount of banter showcasing the characters’ wit and personalities. Lara and Ian fit together naturally too, despite initially seeming so different, making their romance almost too easy in some ways. And I loved all the secondary characters introduced. Obviously, there is plenty of good things to say about Hot Asset. What was missing from this book was the palpable connection. While there certainly was chemistry between Ian and Lara, it wasn’t quite as compelling as other couples this author has written. They fit, but I didn’t feel the magnetic pull, and it kept me from getting swept away by the romance. I kept wanting that little bit more from the individuals and couple. That said, this author remains an auto-read for me because I love her smooth, polished writing style and consistent delivery of interesting characters, without a lot of undue angst. Hot Asset was a good start to Miss Layne’s newest series, and one I’ll recommend and look forward to reading more from in the future.

4.5 Wall Street Stars

This is my first Lauren Layne book, but it will not be my last! I am so excited about this series and the characters. They have such charm and they are so much fun!

This is the story of Ian Bradley and Lara McKenzie. Can I tell you a little something about Ian Bradley? Yes? Good. That man, oh that man, has my number. He's all suited up and he's all charm and charisma and power and confidence. He's alpha. He's in control.

Until something happens and he isn't in control. But even when he's playing someone else's game, he's still impressive, formidable, and intimidating. He's not a man you want to cross.

Ian has the coolest group of friends I've ever met. They're hilarious. They're supportive. They're everything to him. And watching him with Matt, Kennedy, Sabrina, and Kate? And then Lara? It's what I want my friendships to look like.

Lauren Layne has found herself a new reader. A loyal reader if the rest of her writing is like this. She writes chemistry and tension and lust with just the right amount of flirty fun. I'm ready for Matt and Kennedy!!

❤️❤️❤️❤️ out of 5
Who else likes men in suits?? I definitely do and this book delivered 3 HOT men in suits. I not only enjoyed the MCs in this book but also so keen for the next 2 books in this series as the pairings were set up here and I NEED to know their stories too 😂.
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This story revolves around our heroine, who works for the SEC, and is investigating our hero for insider trading. Our hero is HOT, charming, womanising and a financial guru. The hero has never been interested in more than one night with a woman before yet the more time he spends with the heroine, the more he wants to get to know her. Of course nothing can happen while she is investigating him, but that doesn’t stop either of them from lusting.
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For a more corporate style romance this was different for me- I’ve read romances with the hero on Wall Street but never with the heroine actively investigating them before so I really enjoyed this read for something different. I kinda have this secret love for heroes that come off as arrogant but below the surface have depth of character and this book definitely provided that. The heroine is completely by the book (which I totally relate to) so when the two MCs clash its amazing!

4 Ease and Love Stars
* * * * Spoiler Free - It's Live!!!
There is nothing more fun then a sexy confident man bantering with a woman who oozes strength, a bit of skepticism of said banter from the sexy man and then have the man have the rug pulled out from under him with a twist regarding the woman he is bantering with...

Layne Layne is a master of those types of set ups and in her new book, Hot Asset (21 Wall Street, #1), she has hit the ground running. This is a story centered on finance, insider trading , SEC investigators and what is the truth. We are given very strong main characters and from the start I was all in.

Layne takes us through a "forbidden and complex" romance between Ian Bradley, the Wall Street hotshot and Lara McKenzie, an ambitious white-collar crime SEC investigator. Each are the best in their field. Each must cooperate in order to prove their case... Ian to show he did nothing wrong and Lara to find the evidence of insider trading a tipster has said happen.

But what happens in the process of this investigation is these two people start to see each for who they really are... not the per-conceived assumptions they believed...

Ian is hot, confident and a bit arrogant- hey, he has been dealing with all the Wolfs of Wall Street from a surprisingly young age. He realized he needed to work harder and smarter than the rest...and the women were willing to play with the one and done way of the times. Yes, he could be considered a player... but he was always respectful and kind.

What others have no clue about is the deep feelings he has of doing the right thing for his clients and others. He never came from an easy background... he wasn't one of the Elite Brotherhood.... nope, more rebel....But always ethical and believing in doing the legal actions.

Lisa is known as the most truthful and determined SEC investigator. No matter whatever her reports say, they are clear and backed by evidence impossible to refute. Time and time again, she has found the goods on illegal activities or she has said clearly, nothing has happen. Her word is respected by all parties.

This is woman who has been wanting all her life to be an FBI agent like her parents and this one case has been presented as her step up by her boss. Lara is just as ethical as Ian and wants all of the necessary information from the informer... but her boss told her to just "get the guy".

I was hooked from the start with these people. Each had back stories which gave us understanding of who they were before they met... and we were able to see their growth.

The chemistry worked and the chances they took were integral to the story. Each saw through their own assumptions of who they thought the other was...it allowed them to grow together and be stronger.

One of the highlights of this new series was the introduction to Ian's Bros... the 2 other rebels in the firm. Both have shown their own personalities and possible love interests... so Bring It On Layne... I will be ready.

If you enjoy romances like Julie James’ FBI series (beginning with Something About You) I think you will really enjoy Hot Asset by Lauren Layne. This is a fast-paced romance with two commanding leads.



Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) agent Lara McKenzie has been handed the case of a lifetime–or at least, the case that may finally get her a job at the FBI working with white collar crimes. It’s her dream job after being raised by two FBI agent parents herself and she will do whatever she can to finally make it come true. In this case, it means proving that Ian Bradley, confident Wall Street trader, is guilty of insider trading.

It should be an open and shut case but there are some elements of the case that are niggling at Lara’s mind. She is a methodical and practiced agent, used to closing cases and proving the wrongdoing but with Ian, well that’s easier said than done. Her attraction to him is a big no-no first of all. Second of all, well, things just aren’t adding up. Why won’t her boss share the person who made the claim about insider trading against Ian? The more Lara investigates, the more she realizes she has to put her stereotypes of Ian aside and look at the case, and him, with the facts she has in front of her. And something isn’t adding up.

Ian knows he is innocent. At first, he doesn’t think the case will go anywhere, but the more Lara investigates, the more Ian is starting to realize he has an even bigger problem: he really, really likes Lara. Ian is definitely a stereotypical love ’em and leave ’em Wall Street guy but when it comes to Lara, he cannot get her out of his mind. But do these two have any chance at making their feelings come to life?

Hot Asset jumps with chemistry from the opening pages. Lara wants to write Ian off. Ian wants to jump Lara’s bones and be done with it. They both soon realize that the connection between them will not be that easy to sever. What really drew me into this story was when Lara and Ian started to put their misconceptions aside and get to know each other. Their romance is incredibly engaging and visceral. You feel that “will they won’t they” tug from the very beginning but it turns into something more special as the investigation looms heavier in their minds. Lara, who is used to putting all the clues together to get her right answer, can’t fit these pieces together and she definitely can’t figure out how to deal with her feelings. Lara is ambitious and wants to be part of the FBI. She doesn’t have much time for dating and well, Ian is a bit too intense for her.

Ian didn’t think he would ever be drawn to a woman like Lara: intelligent, hard-working, a bit reticent and starchy, but somehow can handle all his foibles like a pro. He knows he is innocent and he just wants to see the conclusion of this investigation because maybe, they can try dating and see where things go. I liked Ian’s brash personality but he definitely has a softer more vulnerable side which sneaks out in some of his conversations with Lara, and his foster parent, Dave. Makes for a fully fleshed character.

Hot Asset is available now. This is an exciting and satisfying romance. Lauren Layne continues to push all my buttons in the right way!

Wall Street is getting its day on the romance market in Layne’s first book to a new series.

This book was a bit shorter in length then what I typically expect from a Layne romance, but that may be due to the tropes and the challenge of pulling off this story without the hero being unlikeable.

We have rich, attractive, Wall Street investment broker Ian Bradley facing off with an SEC investigator Lara McKenzie. Ian’s the guy who always gets the woman and doesn’t do relationships. Then there’s Lara who’s been so focused on her career she doesn’t do anything but eat, sleep, and work her butt off towards that dream goal of getting into the FBI. It’s a match made for conflict, tension, and so it appears… dual first person POV. Not my favorite point of view, but I’ve enjoyed it before.

What works, Layne’s natural talent for telling about life in the big city. The crisp details, every setting easily transports me. The entire cast is set up seamlessly, including the couples for the remaining two books. The characters and their troubled, yet fabulous lives. We’ve all got skeletons and monsters lurking in corners, but in the meantime, they’re rich and able to spend money out the wazoo. I tend to enjoy escaping into that reality knowing full well I’ll never live it. The conflict, tension built from an informal SEC investigation and an all-consuming attraction, on Ian’s side of things, to the one woman he can’t lay a finger on.

Which leads me to my concerns…

Bradley’s main conflict through the entire story is his attraction to Lara. It’s not only the highlight, but the entire thing. While there is a little subplot of finding out who’s trying to frame him for insider trading, it plays backseat fiddle to him fighting lust and desire for a woman he can’t have. A woman he realizes is dedicated to the fundamentals of truth and justice. Plus, Lara’s no one-night stand woman. She’s they type who wants something real, which is exactly what Ian doesn’t want. The cat and mouse is all right, but carrying most of the story becomes a bit of an issue.

My other problem is that every time Ian says he’s not going to force her to act on her feelings, doesn’t want her to act without knowing he’s innocent, but then dangles his want over her head it reads a bit toxic to me. Additionally, he attempts to break the ground rules she puts in place to keep them both safe in the professional capacity. Not exactly heroic, and something I find myself turned off by more and more. Thankfully, Layne resolves this issue as best she can with the characters and the subject matter, I can’t go into more detail without the dreaded spoilers. In the end, I didn’t love this book as much as I wish I did.

The resolution and some of the turns and twists were things I didn’t expect and others were. The final grand gesture turned out to be nice, sweet, and fitting for the modern, chic world Layne is creating. I can only hope the next book in the series puts Layne back in that sweet, auto-read spot for me.

~ Landra

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."