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3.66 AVERAGE
3.66 AVERAGE
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.
After recently finishing (and being completely disappointed) in The Wedding Date, I was thrilled to be able to dive into Lauren Layne's newest series! Hot Asset is exactly what I like in a romance. It was fun and flirty, with characters that have flaws but address these flaws by the end of the book.
I also really enjoy how Layne writes relationships of all kinds. The main romantic relationship is great, of course, but I personally enjoy how she writes friendships, especially between men. These relationships feel real and authentic, which can be difficult to write.
If you're looking for a fun, easy, romantic read Lauren Layne is your girl. I'm already counting the days until the release of the next book in the series, Hard Sell. Thank you NetGalley for an early copy of this book.
I also really enjoy how Layne writes relationships of all kinds. The main romantic relationship is great, of course, but I personally enjoy how she writes friendships, especially between men. These relationships feel real and authentic, which can be difficult to write.
If you're looking for a fun, easy, romantic read Lauren Layne is your girl. I'm already counting the days until the release of the next book in the series, Hard Sell. Thank you NetGalley for an early copy of this book.
Absolutely loved HOT ASSET!!!! Lara and Ian were perfect and their chemistry and banter were ahhh-mazing! Now I can’t wait for Ian’s besties to get their happy endings, too! ;)
Full review to come!
Full review to come!
Wavered between 2 (it was ok) and 3 (liked it) stars on this one - went with 3 basically b/c I generally like this author's books. Can't quite put my finger on why this one was a little blah for me. I didn't really like the H - he comes across as a real asshole in the first part of the book - a typical entitled dude who trades on his looks and bank account to snag a series of hookups - one night only, no repeats and also can't be anyone else's "leftovers". Describing women as "leftovers" is super-cringey to me. It's hard to come back from that and pull a 180 and become a nice guy who genuinely cares about a woman.
Lara I liked much better. She has goals and plans and seems smart. I just don't get why she fell for Ian other than the afore-mentioned looks and money. I also don't get why Ian fell for her - like what prompted him to go from regarding women as interchangeable one-night stands to wanting a relationship, other than things somehow felt "different" with Lara. Perhaps that's why I didn't "feel" the relationship between these two.
Lara I liked much better. She has goals and plans and seems smart. I just don't get why she fell for Ian other than the afore-mentioned looks and money. I also don't get why Ian fell for her - like what prompted him to go from regarding women as interchangeable one-night stands to wanting a relationship, other than things somehow felt "different" with Lara. Perhaps that's why I didn't "feel" the relationship between these two.
I loved this book so much! Every time I read a new book from Lauren Layne, I think - it can't get better than this, and then she surprises me. This new series was so refreshing and something so totally different than what I"m used to reading from LL. I loved both Ian and Lara and the plot was suspenseful until the very end. I love the way that Lauren Layne writes her steamy scenes, but I appreciated it even more in this book because they didn't happen immediately. I was drawn into the characters and the plot and honestly sometimes romance books get to the steamy parts so quick that you don't even realize what the plot is about. But LL had it all in this book, a great plot, suspense to keep you guessing and a great romance between the two leads. I can not wait to read the next book in the series.
**ARC provided by NetGalley. My opinions are my own**
**ARC provided by NetGalley. My opinions are my own**
I was provided an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Ian and Lara meet through unconventional ways. Turns out, Lara, an agent at the SEC, is investigating him for insider trading. Needless to say, the attraction between them is more than inconvenient. But they can’t seem to help it.
What made the strength of this romance novel was, as always with Lauren Layne’s books, the characters.
They were all really well written and had a lot of depth.
In this book, I particularly loved the secondary characters. I am really looking forward to their own books.
Other than that, the plot was really well done and I liked the whole investigator, investigated thing. It was pretty fun.
But I guess I didn’t fall in love with the main characters the way I usually do. I think I didn’t always feel the attraction between them.
All in all, though, I had a really great time reading this, it was such a fast read too.
Ian and Lara meet through unconventional ways. Turns out, Lara, an agent at the SEC, is investigating him for insider trading. Needless to say, the attraction between them is more than inconvenient. But they can’t seem to help it.
What made the strength of this romance novel was, as always with Lauren Layne’s books, the characters.
They were all really well written and had a lot of depth.
In this book, I particularly loved the secondary characters. I am really looking forward to their own books.
Other than that, the plot was really well done and I liked the whole investigator, investigated thing. It was pretty fun.
But I guess I didn’t fall in love with the main characters the way I usually do. I think I didn’t always feel the attraction between them.
All in all, though, I had a really great time reading this, it was such a fast read too.
And my love affair with Lauren Layne continues.
Once again, she assembled a fabulous group of characters, who I want to get to know better. The seeds for future romances were so well planted, and I can't wait to sow those seeds.
Ian and Lara were such a great couple to kick this series off with. I am always up for a good enemies-to-lovers, and these two were great together.
There was the chemistry and banter we have grown to expect, but there was also some really sweet moments, which made me let out a wistful sigh.
LOVED the ending a whole lot. I swear! I clapped my hands, because I was so happy for a certain character, and I liked that there was sacrifice, but not the kind that compromised their dreams.
Another great Layne series!
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Once again, she assembled a fabulous group of characters, who I want to get to know better. The seeds for future romances were so well planted, and I can't wait to sow those seeds.
Ian and Lara were such a great couple to kick this series off with. I am always up for a good enemies-to-lovers, and these two were great together.
There was the chemistry and banter we have grown to expect, but there was also some really sweet moments, which made me let out a wistful sigh.
LOVED the ending a whole lot. I swear! I clapped my hands, because I was so happy for a certain character, and I liked that there was sacrifice, but not the kind that compromised their dreams.
Another great Layne series!
BLOG | INSTAGRAM |TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS
4.5 stars
Love. Love. Love. Men in suits..! This first novel in the 21 Wall Street series more than satisfied my appetite for sharp dressing, sexy businessmen.
Ian Bradley is blasé about his reputation and oozes confidence and charisma...or is it arrogance! He excels at what he does and has worked hard to achieve his corner office, seven-figure salary and stellar reputation within the financial community. So, when he's investigated for insider trading, he's determined to clear his name. Only, the woman investigating his case is someone he wants to get to know more intimately…only her interest in him doesn't extend beyond convicting him of wrongdoing.
SEC investigator Lara McKenzie has ambitions beyond her current role. The daughter of FBI agents, she hopes to follow in their footsteps. But for now, she's responsible for the case against a Wall Street hotshot she'd like to get better acquainted with if current circumstances were less conflicting. Besides, her future career depends on achieving a conviction with this case, only this man isn't going to give up, until he has proved his innocence and captured her heart.
On the surface, Ian and Lara seem to be very unalike from one another. However, once we get to know them, it's clear they are both very self-assured people and neither are fazed by their dissimilar working environments. When their worlds collide, resulting in a conflict of interest, they somehow manage to work around it...eventually. There's no denying the sexual chemistry between these very driven people, yet, the romance is a slow burn with lots of pent-up physical attraction as they circle around each other within the confines of the challenging plight which surrounds them.
I've read and enjoyed many LL novels but I admit to loving her 'men in suits' novels just a little bit more. With a glamorous Manhattan backdrop, how can you not fall for a powerful, wealthy man in a designer suit like Ian? Equally, Lara is independent, strong and somewhat unconventional, a perfect provocative match. This novel had a glossy 'Stiletto' and 'Oxford' feel which I adore but with a Wall Street backdrop, the stakes are higher and the risks greater for the protagonists and their captivating friends. All designed to make you eagerly anticipate the next instalment...which I am.
To sum up, an entertaining beginning for what promises to a fabulous series. Fans of Lauren Layne will love Ian and Lara. If she's a new author for you, Hot Asset is a recommended novel and place to start.
***arc generously received courtesy of Montlake Romance via NetGalley***
Love. Love. Love. Men in suits..! This first novel in the 21 Wall Street series more than satisfied my appetite for sharp dressing, sexy businessmen.
Ian Bradley is blasé about his reputation and oozes confidence and charisma...or is it arrogance! He excels at what he does and has worked hard to achieve his corner office, seven-figure salary and stellar reputation within the financial community. So, when he's investigated for insider trading, he's determined to clear his name. Only, the woman investigating his case is someone he wants to get to know more intimately…only her interest in him doesn't extend beyond convicting him of wrongdoing.
SEC investigator Lara McKenzie has ambitions beyond her current role. The daughter of FBI agents, she hopes to follow in their footsteps. But for now, she's responsible for the case against a Wall Street hotshot she'd like to get better acquainted with if current circumstances were less conflicting. Besides, her future career depends on achieving a conviction with this case, only this man isn't going to give up, until he has proved his innocence and captured her heart.
On the surface, Ian and Lara seem to be very unalike from one another. However, once we get to know them, it's clear they are both very self-assured people and neither are fazed by their dissimilar working environments. When their worlds collide, resulting in a conflict of interest, they somehow manage to work around it...eventually. There's no denying the sexual chemistry between these very driven people, yet, the romance is a slow burn with lots of pent-up physical attraction as they circle around each other within the confines of the challenging plight which surrounds them.
I've read and enjoyed many LL novels but I admit to loving her 'men in suits' novels just a little bit more. With a glamorous Manhattan backdrop, how can you not fall for a powerful, wealthy man in a designer suit like Ian? Equally, Lara is independent, strong and somewhat unconventional, a perfect provocative match. This novel had a glossy 'Stiletto' and 'Oxford' feel which I adore but with a Wall Street backdrop, the stakes are higher and the risks greater for the protagonists and their captivating friends. All designed to make you eagerly anticipate the next instalment...which I am.
To sum up, an entertaining beginning for what promises to a fabulous series. Fans of Lauren Layne will love Ian and Lara. If she's a new author for you, Hot Asset is a recommended novel and place to start.
***arc generously received courtesy of Montlake Romance via NetGalley***