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3.66 AVERAGE
3.66 AVERAGE
3.5 stars
I'm excited to read Matt and Sabrina's story though *side-eyes emoji*
I'm excited to read Matt and Sabrina's story though *side-eyes emoji*
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Matt Cannon needs to do some damage control. And that comes with an ultimatum. Sabrina Cross tells it like it is and doesn’t accept anything less in return. I found it interesting that the author gives us a time line that we follow with each chapter. It would almost be worth reading again by reading each chapter on its designated day. Will be interesting to see that timetable play out.
I got a really good chuckle moment and I had no trouble picturing the whole thing play out in my head. I think you will enjoy it too. To get the reader involved with the story, our author has her characters interact with us. Although at the ending I felt more like a voyeur.
Some might say that this story is about second chances but personally I don’t think it is. As Matt starts to slowly reveal things, I don’t think anything really fell into place for them. I think it’s more of a do-over with a twist. Matt has me thinking soap opera – probably partially because of the timeline. I can picture myself watching it to see if he’s resolved things or just getting in deeper. Will there be a weekly cliffhanger?
There’s a secondary character we meet named Ian. As I’m reading along I’m beginning to wonder what his story is. The reason for that would be because I haven’t read book one in the 21 Wall Street series. I don’t feel shortchanged because I haven’t but as I get to know Ian I just want to know more about his story. So Matt becomes my reason for wanting more. Another secondary character is Kate. She’s Matt’s assistant and I would love to meet her. She knows how to keep her boss focused. The author did such a good job developing her character that I thought she deserved a raise.
Ms. Layne must have known that I would get too comfortable with the relationship our main characters had going on. It seemed like she created a roadblock that just made me more interested in seeing what she was going to come up with next. As we continue to get closer to what we know is the ending, our characters still have that roadblock getting in the way – I loved watching Matt squirm. But he made me smile by giving me a very romantic moment which was followed by my last chuckle.
I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Matt Cannon needs to do some damage control. And that comes with an ultimatum. Sabrina Cross tells it like it is and doesn’t accept anything less in return. I found it interesting that the author gives us a time line that we follow with each chapter. It would almost be worth reading again by reading each chapter on its designated day. Will be interesting to see that timetable play out.
I got a really good chuckle moment and I had no trouble picturing the whole thing play out in my head. I think you will enjoy it too. To get the reader involved with the story, our author has her characters interact with us. Although at the ending I felt more like a voyeur.
Some might say that this story is about second chances but personally I don’t think it is. As Matt starts to slowly reveal things, I don’t think anything really fell into place for them. I think it’s more of a do-over with a twist. Matt has me thinking soap opera – probably partially because of the timeline. I can picture myself watching it to see if he’s resolved things or just getting in deeper. Will there be a weekly cliffhanger?
There’s a secondary character we meet named Ian. As I’m reading along I’m beginning to wonder what his story is. The reason for that would be because I haven’t read book one in the 21 Wall Street series. I don’t feel shortchanged because I haven’t but as I get to know Ian I just want to know more about his story. So Matt becomes my reason for wanting more. Another secondary character is Kate. She’s Matt’s assistant and I would love to meet her. She knows how to keep her boss focused. The author did such a good job developing her character that I thought she deserved a raise.
Ms. Layne must have known that I would get too comfortable with the relationship our main characters had going on. It seemed like she created a roadblock that just made me more interested in seeing what she was going to come up with next. As we continue to get closer to what we know is the ending, our characters still have that roadblock getting in the way – I loved watching Matt squirm. But he made me smile by giving me a very romantic moment which was followed by my last chuckle.
I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
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
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
The book was bleh but with some cute moments. A quick, mindless read.
3 out of 5 Stars
Hot Asset is book 1 in the 21 Wall Street Series. Hot Asset is the first book by Lauren Layne that I have read and it won't be last. I loved Lara and Ian.
Hot Asset is book 1 in the 21 Wall Street Series. Hot Asset is the first book by Lauren Layne that I have read and it won't be last. I loved Lara and Ian.
I really quite liked this one. The sexy manwhore and the SEC investigator looking into him for insider training. The Wall Street pieces were interesting to me (perhaps because I work for a financial firm in my day job?). The tension between them is fantastic and played well by the author. I love that both characters are strong and ambitious yet find a softness for one another. This is the first of a series and I can’t wait to see what’s to come with these characters. Really enjoyed this one and recommend it!
[Thank you to the publisher for providing a free copy of this book for an honest review.]
[Thank you to the publisher for providing a free copy of this book for an honest review.]
Ian Bradley has worked hard to get where he's at as a Wall Street hotshot and is in no way modest about is successes. When he finds out he's been accused of insider trading and is being investigated by the SEC, he's not going to let anyone take away his career on a set of lies. Now, he has to somehow convince the SEC investigator of his innocence, which might prove a bit more difficult than he planned as Ian is finding it hard to separate the attractive woman before him from the investigator who could send him to jail.
Lara McKenzie wants nothing more than a position in the FBI. Cracking a potentially high profile case such as Ian Bradley's will give her the experience to apply with a greater chance of being accepted. The only problem is: Lara cannot find a smidgen of evidence against Ian. But with her boss vouching for their source, Lara knows there's more going on behind the scenes of this investigation than she's been given access to. It doesn't help that she find Ian charming and attractive - like almost every other woman he meets - but she knows how to be professional and she knows how to get the job done.
Hot Asset is probably my favorite Lauren Layne book thus far. I absolutely loved it! The writing, the romance, the conflict, everything was spot on.
I loved the enemies to lovers trope that is utilized because it's so clear that Ian and Lara are on opposing sides. I loved that, just because she's attracted to Ian, Lara doesn't suddenly become incompetently lovesick. Even though readers can be pretty positive that Ian is innocent, I was never irritated that Lara was sticking to her guns and making sure she did her job to the best of her abilities. I liked her even more for it. The real kicker is figuring out what evidence is behind the accusation of Ian's supposed guilt.
For Ian, I loved the way he starts out the book as this untouchable hotshot. Loves to party. Loves women. Then he's potentially facing jail time, and it kind of puts things into perspective for him. Meeting Lara and acknowledging their chemistry makes him realize that maybe he doesn't have everything he's always wanted. Maybe he could want things he never really dreamed of before. And Lara represents that for him. You know, unless she finds him guilty.
Something I really loved about Ian and Lara's relationship was that they didn't have to give up their dreams in order to be together. They just had to figure out a way to make it work for them. I think this story wouldn't have had such an impact if it came at the cost of something that would make either one of them happy.
Lauren Layne has begun a wonderful series. She also blatantly sets up who the other couples will be in the next books. I won't spoil it for anyone, but once you read Hot Asset you'll see who has a connection. I loved that she chose to set things up from this first book. It makes the enticement of waiting for the next books that much stronger.
If you love contemporary romances, you'll find a lot to love in this new series. Lauren Layne has hit it out of the park with Hot Asset and I can't wait for the next book!
*Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Lara McKenzie wants nothing more than a position in the FBI. Cracking a potentially high profile case such as Ian Bradley's will give her the experience to apply with a greater chance of being accepted. The only problem is: Lara cannot find a smidgen of evidence against Ian. But with her boss vouching for their source, Lara knows there's more going on behind the scenes of this investigation than she's been given access to. It doesn't help that she find Ian charming and attractive - like almost every other woman he meets - but she knows how to be professional and she knows how to get the job done.
Hot Asset is probably my favorite Lauren Layne book thus far. I absolutely loved it! The writing, the romance, the conflict, everything was spot on.
I loved the enemies to lovers trope that is utilized because it's so clear that Ian and Lara are on opposing sides. I loved that, just because she's attracted to Ian, Lara doesn't suddenly become incompetently lovesick. Even though readers can be pretty positive that Ian is innocent, I was never irritated that Lara was sticking to her guns and making sure she did her job to the best of her abilities. I liked her even more for it. The real kicker is figuring out what evidence is behind the accusation of Ian's supposed guilt.
For Ian, I loved the way he starts out the book as this untouchable hotshot. Loves to party. Loves women. Then he's potentially facing jail time, and it kind of puts things into perspective for him. Meeting Lara and acknowledging their chemistry makes him realize that maybe he doesn't have everything he's always wanted. Maybe he could want things he never really dreamed of before. And Lara represents that for him. You know, unless she finds him guilty.
Something I really loved about Ian and Lara's relationship was that they didn't have to give up their dreams in order to be together. They just had to figure out a way to make it work for them. I think this story wouldn't have had such an impact if it came at the cost of something that would make either one of them happy.
Lauren Layne has begun a wonderful series. She also blatantly sets up who the other couples will be in the next books. I won't spoil it for anyone, but once you read Hot Asset you'll see who has a connection. I loved that she chose to set things up from this first book. It makes the enticement of waiting for the next books that much stronger.
If you love contemporary romances, you'll find a lot to love in this new series. Lauren Layne has hit it out of the park with Hot Asset and I can't wait for the next book!
*Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.