Featured on Inside Edition.A sexy agent hounds Wall Street’s hottest new wolf in an exhilarating novel from New York Times bestselling author Lauren Layne.Ian Bradley is the definition of a Wall Street hotshot: seven-figure salary, designer suits, and a corner office. His drive off the floor is just as potent. Every woman who knows him has felt the rush. But now he’s met his match in Lara … the rush. But now he’s met his match in Lara McKenzie—a woman with the power to bring Ian to his knees.
An ambitious, whip-smart daughter of FBI agents, Lara is a rising star in fighting white-collar crime. Her latest case—the investigation of Ian Bradley for insider trading—could make her career. She knows a scoundrel when she sees one. Ian fits the bill: a cocky, ridiculously handsome bad boy with a slick swagger.
She’ll do anything to prove he’s guilty. He’ll do anything to prove he’s not. But it’s only a matter of time before their fierce battle of wits gets oh so hot and personal. Now, taking down Ian has become more than business for Lara. It’s become a pleasure—and there’s more at risk than she ever dreamed.
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Lauren Layne is back with a sexy new series that takes on the bad-ass, fast moving financial world of Wall Street.
Ian Bradley is an arrogant, smart, rich, and sex-on-a-stick Wall Street hotshot. Women drop at his feet and his motto in love is never sleep with ‘em twice. He makes his clients – and himself – oodles of cash because he’s intuitive and daring. Maybe too daring. When the SEC sets its sights on him as a potential inside stock traders, Ian’s perfect world shatters.
The SEC investigator assigned to Ian’s case, Lara McKenzie, wants nothing more that to use her job as a steeping stone to the FBI. When’s she’s given the task of proving Ian had inside knowledge a stock was about to tank she think this just may be her ticket out of NY and onto DC.
But Lara’s investigative skills, thorough though they are, can’t seem to make any connection to the allegations forged against Ian. What does make a connection is these two characters who want to reach the top of the success heap and never thought love would get in the way of those plans.
With her usual flare for witty dialogue, cute double entendres, and oh-so-hot sexy times, Layne has introduced us to a new series of alpha men, equally strong and smart women, and opened up the financial world to the romance-reader’s eyes.
You’ll want to read to the end to see if Ian ever gets out of hot water with the SEC – it’s touch and go throughout the book. I don’t like spoilers, so I won’t tell you how it resolves, but I will say Ian’s met his match – in every – with Lara.
5 well deserved, sexy stars for Ms Layne and HOT ASSET, 21 Wall Street, Bk1
Hot Asset was a little edgier than I’m used to with Lauren Layne books, but after reading 15 other books by her over the years, it was a good departure from her normal writing. Told in a dual first person perspective, Hot Asset follows Wall Street hotshot Ian Bradley and Lara McKenzie the brilliant and inexplicably alluring SEC agent that’s investigating him for insider trading.
The sharp banter and push and pull between Lara and Ian was highly entertaining and probably my favorite part of the novel. On the surface, it was a bit of an “opposites attract” kind of situation- he’s the total playboy, she seems a bit high strung, and they definitely clash over their vast differences. But I really enjoyed that more their relationship was explored, the more you realized they had all the right things in common. They were both ambitious and hard working and cared fiercely for the people closest to them. It helped make a couple that seemed incompatible make a lot of sense together.
I also really enjoyed that the story wasn’t just about the temptation of their forbidden romance, there was also a lot of intrigue around the mystery Lara is trying to unravel regarding who’s making Ian look so guilty of a crime he didn’t commit. The culmination of her investigation was pretty interesting and while a bit dramatic, ended up being somewhat believable and was well established throughout the story, so it didn’t feel like it was coming entirely out of left field.
And because this is a Lauren Layne book, adding to the story were really well used and developed secondary characters. Layne did a great job of laying the groundwork for their stories in future novels that I’m really looking forward to reading.
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!
This is enemies to lovers, forbidden romance, opposites attract. It’s written in the first person in dual POV. Also it’s a standalone and a wonderful start for a new series by an amazing writer and author Lauren Layne. There’s a great banter with an interesting premise which made the book more fun and a little angsty and a characters that are more than the eye meets. I loved the plot, the characters: irresistible and charming men in suits and powerful, badass women who keep them on their toes; and the writing. Lauren is amazing story teller and a great dynamic/character developer. I loved the friendship between the guys: Ian, Matt and Kennedy and I can’t wait for their stories.
Ian Bradley is Wall Street guy – rich, smart, charming and irresistible. But I think he is also down to earth guy who worked hard to be where he is now. He is also self-made billionaire. Underneath all that charming and irresistible personality lies heart of gold and vulnerability.
Lara McKenzie is an SEC investigator assigned to find incriminating evidence to prove that he’s guilty of insider trading. Her dream job is to join the FBI. She’s really great heroine, even though she’s stubborn at times.
The two spend at odds with each other most of the book. They are inexplicably drawn to each other and have an incredible chemistry and connection. They are both strong and ambitious people who just happen to fall for each other under very unexpected and difficult circumstances. Their pull is just incredible. Ian and Lara doesn’t want to admit they are attracted to each other because their work comes first and they don’t know if they can trust each other. I loved their chemistry, undeniable connection and banter. The more time they spend together the more feelings grow. Lines get blurred, things get complicated while they get to know each other, priorities change and unexpected love is born. Both of their reputations are on the line. Actually the more you read the more you noticed how similar they are even though it doesn’t seem like that at first glance. They are loyal, passionate, ambitious, down to earth, want to find a truth, honest and won’t stop until they get what they want. The banter between Ian and Lara was amazing. Ian finally met his match. The ending was just perfect and loved the sneak peek into Matt’s story.
Hot Asset is such a sexy, fun and light read full of chemistry, UST, forbidden romance, enemies to lovers and opposites attract and unexpected love. It was written in dual POV and first person. It’s a standalone. I thoroughly enjoyed Ian and Lara’s journey to HEA and was hooked from the first page. Seriously, if you haven’t picked up this book yet, do so, you won’t regret it 5 stars
A fun read, especially if you love the enemies-to-lovers trope as much as I do. I can’t wait for the second book in the series!
Such a great read. I loved every word
Who’d have thought pairing up a Wall Street investor and the SEC agent investigating him for fraud and insider trading would result in such magic? Lauren, apparently. I freaking loved Ian and Lara and their story. The forbidden nature of their relationship, combined with their wicked hot chemistry, made Hot Asset an absolutely delightful read. One that I devoured in a few short hours.
Without giving too much of the story away, I have to say I love watching the cocky playboy guy fall hard for a heroine. There’s something that’s so fun when that guy is the who is one absolutely smitten. As was the case with Ian in this book. I loved the banter between him and Lara. Plus, I loved that I was kept guessing about whether or not he really was guilty… (And no, I’m not going to tell you.) There were some interesting twists, enough feels to make it interesting and sexy times so hot I thought might iPad might catch fire. The perfect combination!
I’m convinced Lauren Layne could rewrite the dictionary and I’d totally love it. There’s a reason she’s one of my go-to, auto-buy/auto-request authors. Everything she writes is pure freaking gold. Hot Asset is no exception. I’m super excited about this new 21 Wall Street series and I can’t wait for more! The good news is I have a review copy of the next book, Hard Sell. I just need to make time to read it — something I’m aiming to do quite soon.
FAVORITE QUOTES
I’ve kissed my fair share of women—more than my fair share. But I’ve never needed to kiss one like I do this woman, never felt like I’ll regret it the rest of my life if I don’t take my chance.
But Ian’s real. He’s real, and he makes me feel both feminine and powerful, and it’s a delicious feeling.
“So, fair warning… the next time we see my friends, there’s a good chance there will be a sing-along. You’re to tell them that I was sweet. Just turned eighteen.”
love all her books. I look forward to each new one
I voluntarily offered to review this book with no obligations and my opinions are honest
The characters + storytelling were very captivating
Ian has been accused of inside trading.
Lara is assigned to find out the truth.
Howeve, both were not prepared for the hot chemistry between them.
Now what ?
Business, pleasure, or both ?
The storytelling + the character’s build were awesome!
It has all the ingredients that you need for a great book!
Ian Bradley is a 32 yr. old Wall Street hotshot who is one of the biggest names in New York. He’s an investment broker for one of the top firms, Wolfe Investments. He’s a gorgeous, driven, successful, wealthy playboy. As a notorious womanizer he’s used to getting what he wants. Then he meets a beautiful woman who intrigues him and inspires hot librarian fantasies. He soon learns this stunning stranger is actually his worst nightmare.
Lara McKenzie is a 28 yr. old SEC agent. She’s the daughter of two FBI agents, and she prides herself on being fair and seeking justice. She deals with white collar crimes, and is good at her job. She’s an ambitious, intelligent, workaholic who has little time for a personal life. Her latest case is the investigation of Ian Bradley for possible insider trading. This case could make or break her career, and could be her ticket to her dream of joining the FBI.
Lara must immerse herself into Ian’s world to find the truth. She believes this superficial, charming, arrogant suit is guilty, and will do whatever it takes to prove it. She’s ready to show him he’s not above the law, and is prepared to take him down. She won’t be dazzled by his good looks and slick pick up lines.
Ian has met his match in Lara, and she has the power to bring him to his knees. He’s worked too hard to now lose it all. He knows the accusations are false, and he’ll do anything to prove he’s innocent and clear his name.
Both of their reputations are on the line as Ian & Lara each work to prove their case. Lara works hard in a profession she believes in, and is determined to keep things professional with Ian. The problem is things don’t always go as planned. Ian knows she’s completely off limits, but still can’t help the way he’s drawn to her. As they spend so much time together things get complicated as they really get to know one another. Feelings become more personal than business, and even though the situation might be inappropriate, they can’t stop the connection between them from igniting. Lines get blurred, and priorities change as Ian & Lara explore what’s happening between them.
I really enjoyed this story. It was a sexy, fun read full of chemistry. It’s a forbidden romance packed with sexual tension and unexpected love. I can’t wait for Sabrina and Matt’s story next!
his is my first book by this author. I didn’t even realize that I have 2 other books by her in my never ending tbr pile. I hang my bookworm head in shame. I can’t believe that I’ve been missing out, I really like her writing. Ian and Lara have this great witty banter and I love that in characters. I think it makes the story fun and I always want to keep reading to see what they will say and do next. I enjoyed the storyline and I can’t wait to read more about Ian’s sexy Wall Street besties.
If you have not read a Lauren Layne book, you are totally missing out!!
Hot Asset is the first book in a new series that she just releases. I absolutely devoured this book! It was the perfect mix of a rom com as well as just a good old plain love story. You totally could see how it was going to end, but the journey was worth the ride.
In Hot Asset we meet Ian Bradley, a young Wall Street broker who has an interesting past. Because of his past, he plays by the rules when it comes to his job. But when it comes to his personal life, he is as wild as they come.
Enter in Lara McKenzie, the total opposite of what Ian normally goes for. Not only is she his total opposite, but she has also been brought in to investigate Ian for insider trading.
The banter between these two had me rolling! I loved reading what was going on in Ian’s brain!! His POV was my favorite. That being said, it wasn’t a total rom com. It was just a perfect mix of humor and storyline for me.
I also thought that Lauren Layne did an amazing job of setting up all of the side characters, which we will read about in the next few books. I just started the second book in the series, Hard Sell (21 Wall Street #2) which releases September 4, 2018. Hard Sell is Matt & Sabrina’s story. It is so good!! I am telling you, this series is a fun read!
Lauren, what a fantastic start to this series. I can’t wait to read more! I don’t know who’s story I am looking forward to the most. All three of your Wall Street guys are so different that they are perfect as friends.
Thank you for allowing me to read and review Hot Asset. It was the perfect read at the perfect time for me!
Great Read. Can’t wait for the one coming on in September
5 ‘Guilty of loving Ian’ Stars!
ARC provided via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I always know where to go when I need a good dose of light romance. Lauren Layne is one of my favorite authors ever so you can imagine my excitement when she announced a new series full of hot suits was coming our way. And the woman surely knows how to start a series with a bang because Hot Asset was a swoonfest. Get ready for Ian and Lara because they will blow your mind!
So, Hot Asset is the first in the 21 Wall Street series and it introduces three hot suits who work in Wall Street and the women who will change their lives forever. First, it’s Ian Bradley’s turn, a hotshot investment broker who is suspected of insider trading. Enter Lara McKenzie, a smart SEC investigator who is decided to make her career in the FBI thanks to this case. But not everything is as easy as it seems, especially with the unexpected chemistry between these two. Will love with or will business win?
I’ve never been anything but 100 percent professional on a case, but I’m dangerously close to letting personal motivations creep in on this one. Not just because it could be my ticket into the FBI, but because I honestly can’t say that my opinions on Ian Bradley are solely work-related.
I love a romance that grips me from the very beginning. I fell in love with Ian Bradley instantly: I love his story and how he has become the man he is nowadays. Yes, he also is a bit of a womanizer but Lara is not having it and she will be the one to change his game forever. And talking about Lara, whan an amazing, smart and strong heroine! A woman who wants more of her career and fights for it. And a woman who is incapable of not falling in love with swoony Ian. Of course, it’s impossible not to love this wonderful couple!
It feels like I’ve waited forever for someone to want me the way he does. And I’ve definitely waited forever for someone to make me feel the way he does.
Why do I love them, you say? The banter, the intelligent conversations, the sexual tension, the emotions and the chemistry. That’s why. Hot Asset has everything I love in a Lauren Layne story, especially when it comes to a great new group of characters. The connection between Lara and Ian made me melt all over the place and I am dying to know more about Matt, Sabrina, Kennedy and Kate. Gah, I love a book with this type of characters and a story that leaves me this happy at the end!
I only know what I want her to be—mine.
Therefore, my rating for Hot Asset is 5 STARS because it was the perfect start to the 21 Wall Street series. I already love this group of characters and I swooned so hard with Ian and Lana’s beautiful love story. I loved how the book is developed and I can’t wait to read the other two novels in the series. Highly recommend reading this one, especially if you are a LL fan or you love light contemporary romances!
I really like Lauren Layne but Hot Asset is also a book that non fans will probably like as well. The romantic protagonists are on opposite sides, one is a Wall Street financier, the other an SEC investigator. Basically, enemies highly attracted to each other but the great divide seems to be their jobs and their ethics. It’s also quite informative, learned a lot about trading! It’s also classic Lauren Layne, sexy, witty, smart dialogue and very likable characters. Rom Com fans will definitely like this one.
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!!
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 trading, 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 21 Wall Street series.
Recommendation appeared @ USA Today’s Happy Ever After on May 24, 2018
ARC provided, but this review was voluntarily and honestly written.
Hot Asset was a love at first sight kind of book wrapped in a slow burn romance. But for me, the insta-love didn’t work here.
Was it well written? Sure!
Was it romantic? Yes.
Were the characters likable? Yup. They were fun to read. I LOVED Ian’s friends—the author definitely knows how to write friendships. And I was here just for that!
But even with all the great characters and the funny banter, the story was just good for me. I understand it was a kind of introduction to the series, but I think that Ian and Lara’s journey deserved more!
Overall, Hot Asset was steamy, funny, and all around entertaining read. I enjoyed the writing style and I’m looking forward to the rest of the series.
Ian Bradley is a hot shot wall street broker and he has made millions by buying and selling at just the right time but he is also a first rate womanizer. Now the SEC is after him. The only problem is, he is innocent, or is he. Lara McKenzie is a buttoned up, eyeglass-wearing, and play-by-the book investigator for the SEC and her task is to find the goods on Ian. This is the case that could set her on the track she really wants which is a career in the FBI. Sparks are evident as soon as they meet and the chemistry continues to ramp up until it explodes but not until Lara finally concedes there is nothing to find. Who is framing Ian and why? Will Ian and Lara get together. What about the secondary characters who are just a hoot? This is a well written and character driven story and I am definitely excited to read more in this series!
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!