| Title | : | Hot Asset (21 Wall Street, #1) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 266 |
| Publication | : | First published May 22, 2018 |
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 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.
Hot Asset (21 Wall Street, #1) Reviews
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***LIVE***
Off the bat we meet, Ian Bradley, that kindly admits he is a Wall Street Dickhead, financial director, manwhore, sexy as heck man that no one can resist and all his women always want more than his two screw rule. Until he meets his match in the company lounge...
Lara McKenzie. Killer body, beautiful, strong, and she kindly declines Ian’s offer of drinks, tells him straight up she’s not interested. The challenge is accepted. Now more than ever, Ian is determined to get the first woman that has turned him down, even when that woman is an SEC investigator whom he just found out was investigating him for insider trading.
The task of proving whether Ian is guilty or not guilty, leaves Lara getting to know Ian on many levels. Each level increasing her attraction to this man. Can she successfully complete her investigation without falling for her subject? Can Ian charm his way into proving he’s not guilty, or will he just simply win the love of the lady that could potentially ruin his career?
I’m surprised at how much I fell in love with this story. The banter between Ian and Lara is comical, the attraction so undeniable hot, the story told so well. If you’re looking for a sweet story with a HEA, this is one that will leave you with a sappy happy smile 😁 Release date is May 22nd. Be sure to pick this one up =))
Great start to this series!! I am dying to get the rest of these characters stories!!
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4 Stars!
(ARC provided by Montlake Romance)
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’ve never felt the way he makes me feel before.
-I don’t give a damn about right and wrong, or black and white, or rules and protocols. I only give a damn about him, about the way he makes me feel.
-I want her more than I’ve ever wanted anything or anyone.
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!
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4 stars!
Review at Of Pens and Pages.
The couples of 21 Wall Street are ready to take the world by storm, starting with Ian Bradley and Lara McKenzie in Hot Asset. This book is a wonderful start to the series; there's great banter, an interesting premise that will keep you intrigued and invested from start to finish, and characters who are more than meets the eye. We have a hotshot investment broker and the SEC agent investigating him for alleged insider trading going head-to-head as one tries to prove his innocence and the other tries to find proof of his guilt.
Ian Bradley is every bit the Wall Street hotshot—rich, smart, irresistible to the opposite sex—and he's not ashamed to admit it. He's worked hard to be where he is, so he'll reap the fruits of his labor and enjoy every moment of it. When the SEC starts sniffing around him because of an alleged tip accusing him of insider trading, Ian's not going down without a fight. Not even if the SEC agent assigned to investigate him is a straight-laced, sexy librarian wet dream he can't stop thinking about.
Lara McKenzie is one step closer to her dream job at the FBI, and if she finds enough evidence to convict one of the biggest names in Wall Street, the job is hers. This isn't her first rodeo; she's been doing this for a while now and is great at it. But what's a first for her is getting hit on the by the man she's supposed to investigate. The cocky playboy she's investigating might be irresistible to New York City, but Lara's focus is on her goal. She can't let Ian Bradley distract her.
But as the days of the investigation pass, Lara realizes everything isn't all black and white. Now that she's seeing Ian Bradley's layers, it's getting harder and harder to believe that this man is guilty at all. She's feeling things she shouldn't be feeling—feelings that are mutual—but with both their jobs on the line, is it worth the risk?
It was a delight to get to know this couple, two strong, ambitious people. While Ian and Lara seem like complete opposites at first glance, it's not hard to see how similar they really are. They're both hard-working, passionate about their respective careers, and are the kind of people who won't stop until they get what they want. They're both loyal to the core,
There's a little bit of forbidden romance feel to this enemies-to-lovers story, and it makes it even more exciting. You can't exactly start an affair with the person you're investigating, right? It's a conflict of interest, and I'm no expert here but I think it violates a few policies in an agent's handbook. Throughout the story, as we see Ian and Lara fall in love, there's still the mystery of the anonymous source and what his or her's motives are.
The focus is on Ian and Lara, but there's already a sneak peak of the couples in the next books, who I believe feature Ian's best friends and co-workers, Matt and Kennedy. With what I've seen so far, I just know Matt and Sabrina, and Kennedy and Kate's stories are just as fun. I can't wait to read their books!
If you're looking for a fun, opposites attract book with hot and irresistible men in suits, and badass power women, you're going to love Hot Asset, and I'm betting the whole 21 Wall Street series, too.
Tropes: Enemies to Lovers, Forbidden Romance, Opposites Attract
POV: First Person, Dual POV
Standalone: Yes
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
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*****FOUR STARS*****
{ARC Generously Provided by Author}
”HOT ASSET” is the first installment of Lauren Layne’s ”21 Wall Street” series and it’s looking like this is going to be another huge hit for this talented author. Each book focuses on a different ”Wolfe of Wall Street”. They are three of the hottest and devilishly handsome investment bankers in New York City. They are notorious players but from what I can tell they each have a woman in their lives that pushes their buttons and we are in for some yummy ”enemies to lovers” romances.
Ian Bradley is a self-made millionaire. He owes his success to hard work and determination. Nothing came easily to him in life. To the outside world, he may seem like an overindulgent douche but the few people who really know him can honestly say that he’s one of the good ones. He is, however, notorious for his reputation as being a “player”. Ian has never slept with any woman more than once and that’s because he’s never felt a connection to anyone before. The moment he meets Lara McKenzie, Ian knows he’s in big trouble. He’s inexplicably drawn to her and unfortunately for Ian, Lara is an SEC investigator assigned to find incriminating evidence to prove that he's guilty of insider trading.
The two spend most of the story at odds with each other since Lara’s mission is to convict Ian of a crime he didn’t commit. It would seem virtually impossible for these two to become romantically involved but this wouldn’t be a good romance if they didn’t end up falling in love. The problem is, Lara is determined to get a conviction because it’s guaranteed to get her promoted to an FBI agent. Love can’t come first for Lara since her career is her main focus.
Can Lara follow through on her investigation when the future of the man she’s in love with is in jeopardy? Will she really be able to choose her career over her happiness?
Here are my overall ratings
Hero: 4
Heroine: 4
Plot: 4
Angst:4
Steam: 4
Chemistry Between Hero & Heroine: 5
HOT ASSET release on May 22nd.
Amazon:
https://amzn.to/2IXjjIG
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***IT'S ALIVE!!!***
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 all right. 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 to 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 started out the same way 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 liked 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 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 an advanced copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes.
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3,5- 4 stars
It was a long time I read a book from Lauren Layne and when I read the synopsis for this one I start it immediately!I loved Hot Asset especially the beginning!If you like slow burn in your books then this is definitely what you need!!
I like the banter between Ian and Lara!There were moments they frustrate me in a good way!Ian and Lara are total opposites and at the beginning I couldn't imagine them together!As the story continues I find them perfect for each other!Each one has something to give to the other one!There were some funny and swoon moments that I have a smile on my face!
If you are looking for a quick,fun and steamy read this is perfect!I loved the writing and the story was great!
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There are certain things readers expect when reading a Lauren Layne book: a sweet romance between two beautiful, buff hero and heroine set in a New York that's entirely too clean and too white.
I used to devour Lauren Layne's books. I think she writes smart heroines and dashing heroes, and her stories makes you feel good. But these past few releases have been ho-hum to say the least. It's set in the same world as before with the same characters just with different names, almost identical jobs. I usually don't mind it but then the story started to sound the same. Heck, I can't even remember the names of the hero and heroine in this book without checking the book description. Ian and Lara, by the way but they could have been Jane and Joe from two books prior but I really can't remember anymore. It's all a blur.
And that's the crux of my problem with this book. It's all a blur. It's cute and nice but ehhh, I've read this before.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by the publisher -
4 Ease and Love Stars
* * * * Spoiler Free-Special Sale, $1.99!!!
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 has 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 setups 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 is 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 happened.
But what happens in the process of this investigation is these two people start to see each for who they really are... not the pre-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 are 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 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 happened. Her word is respected by all parties.
This is a 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 backstories which gave us an 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.
Hot Asset (21 Wall Street, #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Hard Sell (21 Wall Street, #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Huge Deal (21 Wall Street, #3)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
Ah, We have a Perfect Storm, of sorts....
One of the most influential Wall Street Players/Hottest Man About Town...
Finds Himself being "Looked At" by the SEC...
And the Woman Looking into Everything is...
The Only Woman He Wants
Because She is a...
Hot Asset - May 2018
A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.
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This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
3.5 Fun and Flirty Stars
I love it when a contemporary romance author can take a guy that at first meet you would need at least two drinks to buy into his pickup lines and turn him into a man you are really rooting for. Sure, the girl has to carry the book for a little bit but the thing Lauren Layne excels at is adding enough characters and funny that you are just waiting for that AH-HA moment when the hero finally gets it and is ready to change up his partying ways for the girl who doesn’t fall at his feet and really makes him work for it.
Sure, Ian is a playboy and he comes off as a pompous ass in the beginning, I mean he actually used the term ‘let me mansplain this for you’ when he first meets Lara, but he grows on you. Lara, on the other hand, is a woman who is confident in her life and who she is. The last thing she cares about is this playboy trying to pick her up at the vending machine especially since he is the man she is there to investigate for insider trading. Once the Lady SEC meets the Wolfe of Wall Street it was inevitable sparks would fly."You could be better with something else,” I say, lowering my voice.
She surprises me by laughing, and not a flirty, breathless laugh but an at me laugh. “Seriously? Do these lines usually work for you?”
“Honestly?” I give a small smile. “Yeah.”
“Well ”— she sips her coffee—“ let me know when I’m supposed to fake the swoon.”
The growing tension between Ian and Lara was delicious. I couldn’t wait for the man who hasn’t had to work for a woman in years to finally put some real effort into getting to know a woman before she jumps in his bed.
One of the best things in Lauren Layne books are the side characters and there are some great ones in Hot Asset. I grew to adore a few of the other women in the book. Kate is the fantastically talented personal assistant to not one but three Wolves of Wall Street and she handles them all seamlessly even if she might be harboring feelings for one of them.
Then there is Sabrina who is all kinds of snark and sexy rolled into one. She has a history with one of Ian’s friends and I can’t wait to find out what that is all about.“By all means,” she purrs in a dangerous voice that generally means die. “What’s mine is yours.”
“Really?” he asks, turning toward her, his gaze dropping to her cleavage.
“Go ahead. Try it,” she says. “I’ve been in a castration sort of mood lately.”
Plus Ian’s foster dad, Dave, is a total hoot. I really adored the guy who couldn’t seem to keep a t.v. unbroken for more than a week. He really added to Ian’s likability and gave some good, if not simplified, advice along the way.“You take my suggestion to seduce the lady agent?”
I smile. Lady agent. I wonder how Lara would feel about the moniker. “I tried. Didn’t take. Trying to clear my name the old-fashioned way, though,” I respond.
“Hiring someone to take out the witness?”
Hot Asset falls into my cotton-candy-pms-chocolate day reads. Very much looking forward to what happens in Matt and Sabrina’s book which is next.
Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. -
Thank you Montlake Romance for providing an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Hot Asset is an enemies to lovers romance story and the first book in the 21 Wall Street trilogy. It's about Ian Bradley, a financial director/investment broker at Wolf Investments and Lara McKenzie, a SEC investigator.
Ian Bradley is an intelligent, driven, passionate and hardworking guy. Growing up in a poor household and being a foster kid, he's motivated to have a better life. He started from the bottom of the chain and at early thirties, he earned his status as a self-made billionaire. You've got to respect the guy for that. As for relationships, he's a well-known playboy and he never takes relationship seriously. That's about to change when he's accused of insider tipping and he meets the SEC investigator assigned on his case.
Lara McKenzie is a gorgeous, smart and sassy woman who aspires to become an FBI agent like her parents.Working as a SEC investigator is her gateway to have her dream job without nepotism. Her assignment on Ian's case is a huge deal and she's determined to gather evidence against him. She's different from all the woman he's dated. She's immune to his cockiness, arrogance and charm.
Our protagonists hated each other in the beginning and they exchanged quick-witted banters which brought a lot of tension. I love Ian and Lara challenged each other in every aspect. Both characters are strong-willed, independent and dedicated with their respective jobs. I love the chemistry and sexual tension between them. It's sizzling and you can't help devouring it. It's that romantic.
Lauren Layne's writing style is remarkably engaging. The supporting characters stood out as well and I'm thrilled they'll have their respective books. I can't wait to read Hard Sell;Matt and Sabrina's story. I'm sure it'll ooze with sexual tension and Huge Deal; Kennedy and Kate's story. Omg these two just need to be a couple! <3 <3 <3 I'm giving Ian and Lara's story 4 solid stars because I had fun reading it. If you love enemies to lovers trope, I recommend this book.
2nd entry for #Smutathon: Enemies to Lovers -
Schmooze, you lose. ‘Hot Asset’ has all of the trademark Lauren Layne hallmarks in it: the sharp banter (though there’s an edge here as it starts out hostile), the reformed manwhore by the end of the story and a brewing conflict that one can see coming miles away. Layne’s character voices are distinct, along with a solid introduction to secondary characters who will get their own books, as Ian/Lara’s own tale moves along at a brisk but steady pace, making ‘Hot Asset’ an easy afternoon read.
Written in the alternating first person POV, ‘Hot Asset’ starts off ominously nonetheless—not in the horror story sort—but with a cocky and smarmy male voice who lauds his work achievements (as well as the women he always manages to snag and never for a second-time around because he casually attributes it to ‘faulty wiring’). Whatever Lauren Layne means to achieve with these few starting paragraphs, I wasn’t sure if Ian Bradley tanking to the depths in my esteem is it because he starts off as a protagonist I love to hate.
And ‘Hot Asset’ fails in this particular bit for me, because Ian is the furthest from what I can actually imagine as a romantic hero worthy of a HEA with a woman who frankly, deserves a lot better. Maybe Layne has characterised Brady all too well such that he fits the manwhore financial guru to a ’T’, to the extent where everything he says and does not only becomes predictable, but also eye-rollingly repulsive.
Lara’s steely-eyed determination and perception in contrast, unfazed as she is when faced with these men who think the world of their own invincibility, is no small pleasure I take as she and Ian clash. Still, it’s hard to recover from the respect Ian’s lost in my eyes as he talks about women as commodities or as a sum of her body parts. ‘Leftovers’ for instance, is a word I detest, because it shows the dismissive regards he has for his hookups. That he eyes every woman in terms of her looks (hot or not) and the potential of a hookup made him distasteful, or that he also uses Lara’s attraction to him as a weapon or rather, as an attack on her lack of personal life, undercuts every preconception of what a romantic hero should be when I first started ‘Hot Asset’.
I hated that Ian doesn’t stay the professional path in getting his name cleared, but uses his womanising/flirting skills to get her to prove his innocence and is hurt when it doesn’t really work. Re-thinking his meaningless work-hard, play-hard life because he’s terrified that jail will take it all away from him…surely there’s more depths to plumb in the shallows of Ian Bradley? I never quite got the idea that Lara stands out for Ian other than being someone who is off-limits to him, and that’s the only difference it makes among the sea of good-looking women he’s slept with.
I think the risk of writing such egomaniac womanisers—Layne’s constant emphasis on this truly doesn’t help the case—who finally fall for one woman, is that believability thereafter becomes the issue, where the uphill task thus falls on the author to get a reader to believe that a man like Ian can finally commit and hasn’t till now only because he hasn’t wanted to try enough. Trying to get a reader to see that there are other qualities to this man despite this glaring fault somehow didn’t work with me at all, not when I couldn’t overlook the lascivious ways he eyes women as challenges to overcome and yes, Lara as well, who has become part of his tried-and-true tricks.
I’m painfully aware this puts me in the minority, but Layne’s portrayal of sleazy Ian has been nothing but an immense disappointment. I usually expect more of male protagonists in romantic fiction, at least for integrity and respect they can show women and I struggled hard to find this in Ian, especially in the end when it was one of his (adulterous) flings that caused him to land in hot soup. The only consolation I took was in Lara’s own strength and determination (though she obviously caves to his charm) in seeing the case through, though that didn’t seem enough to redeem this couple that Layne tries hard to build.
The rant is probably enough to say that ‘Hot Asset’ isn’t a read that sat well with me, which is an understatement as it comes. It has sort of diminished my enthusiasm for the rest of the books in the series, to be honest, because I’d always thought Layne could do much, much better than this.
*ARC by the publisher via Netgalley -
Review available at
Under the Pages.
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Buddy Reading with Robin b/c we both got approved and it’s her B I R T H D A Y, so we do what she wants. 👯♀️📚🖤
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All I can say is yikes. I'm starting to notice a trend where I either love or seriously dislike my Layne reads. Once again we have a hate-to-love that was.. not compelling and was trying to sell the reader on an 'instantly overwhelmed by chemical reactions and cannot do my job/suddenly isn't a manwhore and wants to be in a serious relationship' vibe. And it didn't work (for me).
I already forgot his nameIan is totally unlikeable despite the fact that the author throws around the foster kid/hard knock life backstory, and all the good things he does with all his oodles of money from being a hardworking/hardplaying Wall Street dude. But he's a self-involved man-player who uses his abandonment issues as a reason for being how he is. He's whiny, snaps atohshit I forgot her name tooLara when she tries to have reasonable conversation with him, and I just couldn't. That is not my kind of hate-to-love. That's called being an asshole.
Lara on the otherhand is a woman who has put her personal life on the backburner in favour of job advancement, wanting so desperately to follow in her FBI-parents footsteps, and is committed to her job as a Securities and Exchange Commission investigator. When a tip suggests Ian has committed insider trading, she is committed to proving Ian's guilt (but is equally open to proving his innocence if the evidence leads her to that conclusion) and refuses to let his good looks or charm distract her or make it personal. Which it kinda does become anyway as he continually railroads her and routinely acts less than professional but somehow manages to turn it around on Lara almost every time.
This is a quick romance, though somewhat of a slowburn, and the investigation portion of things kinda felt rushed and wrapped up in a way that didn't feel likely. As in, how was it likely a certain someone thought they would actually get away with it all. Lame villains are lame.
Along the way we're introduced to Ian's besties, two men who will obviously get their own books and the two women who will respectively bring them to heel (or make their lives hell along the way), and for the most part I liked them but ultimately one of them felt like an Ian clone, snappy and childish, whereas the other (Kennedy) has potential. I'll probably read them, too, but I have hopes for a more convincing storyline or at least chemistry to carry it.. something HOT ASSET did not have.
I have Layne's next Oxford novel in my ARC docket and I'm excited to return to her world of journalists because that setting is both more interesting and exciting and (for the most part) the characters are the same. This read was just a little too lacking in, well, laughs, steam, complexity.. pretty much everything.
** I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. ** -
Eh, wasn't for me.
I was bored the entire time reading this.
Yet another 'self-sure-over-smart-guy' who doesn't sleep with the same girl again. But falls for the heroine immediately after seeing her. She of course doesn't fall for his charm right away. Blah blah.
Overall, I would say if you are looking for a light read, this would be ok. But I'm sure this is not something you haven't read.
Thank you to the publisher for sending me an ARC. -
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!
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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. -
3.75 stars!
After loooving Hard Sell, the second book in this series I just had to check out Hot Asset, the first of the series. And while I definitely enjoyed it, it fell a little short in comparison. Though it was still a good read.
This is the story of Ian, an extremely successful, extremely sexy wall street hot shot, and Lara, an investigator with the SEC who just happens to be investigating him for insider trading. Of course Ian insists he is innocent, but the ever thorough Lara won’t take his word for it, and refuses to leave even a single stone unturned in her investigation. This of course, leads to some great angst and ultimately, a pretty great love story.
I will start with the things I liked: I really liked Ian. He was sexy, charming, and confident with just the right amount of vulnerability. I also eventually loved Ian and Lara together. It took a little while for their chemistry to develop, but once it did, I was all-in rooting for them.
As for what didn’t work for me: firstly I was a little put off by how Lara was always being described as basically the uptight, boring, frumpy woman. It just wasn't very sexy. I mean... no judgement here, I have been known to be uptight, boring, and frumpy from time to time myself. But I don’t find it sexy when I’m reading about it in a romance novel. Even Ian, when he first meets Lara, is surprised he’s attracted to her because she basically wears grandma clothes. I can get behind an opposites attract story, but I felt this just went a little beyond.
Another thing I found a little annoying was Ian’s reaction to being investigated for insider trading. Despite being faced with the very real risk of GOING TO JAIL, he was still only ever thinking about how sexy Lara was. I mean, doesn't this seem unrealistic? Like, I don’t care how sexy you are, if you are trying to put me in JAIL, it’s gonna put a serious damper on my libido. I found this resulted in a few eye rolls, pulling me out of the story a bit, but it didn't last the whole book, so that was good.
Other than those few complaints, this was a cute, fun, light, sexy read that I would recommend! -
I LOVED THIS BOOK.
Everything from the brilliant storyline to the slow burning dynamic to the sharp, witty banter between this wholly captivating ensemble of characters was TOP NOTCH.
I love an office romance but this enemies to lovers twist on the trope was ADDICTIVE. Yes, I know what you're thinking. We've read SEVERAL enemies to lovers office romances before. But this one is so different. This isn't the cliche romance of two career driven rivals vying for the same position nor is this a "been there, done that" romance between an employee and her boss. This is a refreshing, intoxicating story of a Wall Street broker who's being investigated for insider trading by the SEC and the wickedly forbidden attraction between him and the investigator charged with his case. It's delicious and it's sexy and it's SO DAMN SMART. But most importantly in my book is that it's so well written, so well done.
I was just as consumed by Lara Mackenzie's investigation into Ian Bradley as I was by their intense romance. Typically we romance readers are so invested in the love story aspect of the book that we let the rest of the story take a back seat. But unearthing the truth behind the allegations against Ian are just as intriguing as the attraction itself on these pages. I was so IN this story. Lauren Layne seriously nailed it with Hot Asset, crafting a hypnotic romance woven seamlessly with a damn good storyline. I just loved it.
Hot Asset is unexpectedly funny, deliciously sexy and the push and pull between Lara and Ian oozes sexual tension and angsty emotion. I never wanted their story to end and I can not wait for more of this series. I can not wait to hopefully get more about Kennedy, Matt, Sabrina and Kate. I love this Wall Street world, these friendships, the potential for such absorbing romance and I especially love how obsessed I'm getting with Lauren Layne's writing. I loved this book and I'm loving this author and I can't wait for more. -
4 stars.
There is just something about the Lauren Layne brand of lighthearted romance that I fall for every time, she can even make Ian our aspiring hero and previous manwhore appear adorable.
I love this woman's writing. You can sign me up anytime for a book written by her.
This was also such a great start to her new series featuring the "Wolfes of Wall Street". As well as Ian and Lara's story we are introduced to Matt and Kennedy who will each be getting a book of their own.
Such a quick, interesting and entertaining read. Read it in one sitting.
Fabulous book, great characters and storyline.
This is the 13th book that I have read by Lauren Layne and she doesn't disappoint.
ARC gratefully received in exchange for an honest review. -
Hot Asset is the first book in Lauren Layne’s new series set in Wall Street and this first one started with a bang. A fun, sexy, fast pace story that is full of great banter.
Ian Bradley is a Wall Street Golden Boy. Everything he touches seems to turn to gold. But the SEC is never far. Lara McKenzie is one of the best SEC investigators out there and if there is any insider trading going on, she will find it. And when she is sent to investigate Ian, their adversarial nature creates for an exciting enemies to lovers story. Ian and Lara are both strong, loyal, workaholics and believe in hard work. While they are on opposite sides, they are each attracted to one another and there in lies the problem......no improprieties can happen while on the job!! But the lust and attraction is strong and barriers begin to crumble. You can’t help but to root hard for Ian and Lara.
Ian’s hot shot Wall Street buddies add humor and fun banter as well. Knowing that each of them will get their own story adds an excitement for the series. This book was fun, slightly angsty and a great start.....
Looking forward to more with these Wall Street Hot Shots!!
*advanced copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review* -
It was ok!
Nothing special but I finished without getting mad much.
But honestly, I lowered my standards and expectations regarding Contemporary Romance lately. 😬 -
*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.*
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Another wonderful enemies-to-lovers by an author I’ve just discovered and love ❤️
This story was witty, romantic, and with a few steamy scenes that were unobtrusive enough not to be overwhelming. Ian was the perfect alfa, arrogant suit with a secret big heart and Lara the adorable dorky, nerd with the demure librarian sex appeal. I loved reading their story, and the whole set of characters... can’t wait for the new others in the series... -
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.
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Happy Book Birthday
Lauren Layne launches the 21 Wall Street series with the story of attractive and successful investment broker Ian Brady, and the determined SEC agent tasked to investigate him.
Ian isn’t deterred when he learns the true identity of the only woman who doesn’t instantly swoon over his good looks and natural magnetism and he’s certain of two things. One, he’s never taken a shortcut to reach his goals and achieve success. Two, he always gets what he wants and he wants Lara.
Ian is unapologetic about the way the leads his life. He didn’t grow up privileged but has worked hard all his life to reach his goals, including having the funds to support his ailing father and the means to enjoy life.
Lara is equally hard working and effective at what she does and is resolute in fulfilling her dream of becoming an FBI agent and Ian’s case just might get her there. But at what cost?
Lara and Ian are appealing characters, they have strong and determined personalities that go along with their careers and make them an attractive central couple whose banter, inner monologues and chemistry had me smiling, laughing and fanning myself.
Layne also creates an interesting cast of secondary characters whose loyalty was admirable, complement Ian and Lara’s story nicely, and set intriguing foundations for future books.
Set in the fast paced Wall Street backdrop, Lauren Layne upholds her lighthearted, fun, witty and sexy standard creating this entertaining tale of two people who weren’t looking for love but found it in unorthodox circumstances and despite the odds worked to overcome them.
Hot Asset is book #1 of the 21 Wall Street series by Lauren Layne. It is a standalone, contemporary romance. Told from both points of view with a happily ending, no cliffhanger.
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* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title. *
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Please see all of my reviews on my blog at
www.robinlovesreading.com.
Ian Bradley is a very successful investment banker for Wolfe Investments. His best friends are Matt Cannon and Kennedy Dawson and they are also his coworkers. This job, his seven-figure salary and an office to die for didn’t come easy. He had a very bleak past. He has worked incredibly hard, including growing up in the foster system, to get where he is today. Everything could come toppling down, however. He has been accused of insider trading and is under investigation.
Ian is a self-described manwhore. He never sleeps with the same words woman twice. When Ian sees a woman in the break room at the office, he lays down the charm really thick. From the outset, she challenges him. Lara McKenzie does not bite. Worse yet, Ian discovers she is the very SEC agent hired to investigate him.
Lara is completely shaken by Ian. Simply put. Well, he was just . . . too much. Too tall. Too charming. Too masculine. Wait. He could end up behind bars and it is her job to do just that. She never loses. Lara’s long-term career goals depend on finding Ian guilty. She wants a white-collar job with the FBI. This just may be her ticket. As Lara spends time looking for evidence or proof against Ian, both are fighting a sizzling attraction. Ian’s career is at stake. Lara’s future is at stake.
Hot Asset is written in dual first person points of view, each alternating chapter written in either Ian's or Lara’s perspective. This is done in an effective, lighthearted manner and is peppered with humor. This is the first book in the 21 Wall Street series. What a great couple to start with!
This sizzling story is fast-paced with a wonderful ending. Quite naturally, we are introduced to a bevy of characters, who no doubt will have roles in successive stories. I am certain that their stories will be just as delicious. Lauren Layne is new to me, but not for long, as my very next read is Hard Sell, book two, available now. Book three, Huge Deal, is slated for February, 2019. -
Hot Asset is the first book in Lauren Layne’s new series set among Wall Street’s elite, and what a promising start it is.
Ian is a successful investment broker who worked hard and now has it all: money, good looks, power, and his pick of women. Lara is an investigator for the Securities and Exchange Commission. Her job is to determine if Ian is guilty of insider training.
Lara is far beyond the stereotypical dogged investigator out to get the hero. She may be ambitious, but she’s not bitter, prudish, or rude, or unfair. Lara’s no shrinking violet, either. She doesn’t melt in a puddle of goo when Ian turns his baby blues on her and hits her with his charm. She’s unimpressed with his looks and his money, and it’s clear that she’s a woman of integrity.
Ian and his two best friends/co-workers are distinctly different from each other and yet equally appealing. They have a wonderful camaraderie between them, and I really enjoyed their ribbing and loyalty. However, to me, it’s the women who are the highlights of this book and a major selling point of the series. All the women are highly intelligent, capable, and formidable—certainly time enough for the cocky millionaires. This bodes well for their upcoming love stories. I’ve already added the next book in the series to my TBR.
Hot Asset is pure entertainment with plenty of sass, wit, and romance.
Recommended for fans of:
Wall Street
Tough female characters
Starbucks
Negroni*I received an early copy of this book. This does not affect the content of this review.*
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2.5 stars - Contemporary Romance
I usually enjoy Lauren Layne's style, but this was a disappointment for me. I really disliked the hero and heroine, and they both acted annoying and immature for much of the book. The story dragged for me and the romance was a bit dull. I am intrigued, however, by the secondary characters, so I'll still read the next book,
Hard Sell, and hope for the best.
