HOT ASSET
by Lauren Layne
Montlake Romance
On sale May 22, 2018
Paperback ISBN: 978-1503901063 | $9.99 US | 270 pages | Ebook ASIN: B075WTFNCM | $4.99 US
A sexy agent hounds Wall Street’s hottest new wolf in an exhilarating novel from New York Times bestselling author Lauren Layne
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.
Praise for Lauren Layne ''Layne can always be counted on to create an engaging, steamy and thoroughly rewarding reading experience.'' —RT Book Reviews on Cuff Me
“This bold contemporary serves up quick-witted banter, [and] a hint of suspense…” —Publishers Weekly on Steal Me
“[I Knew You Were Trouble] has the office drama, the incredibly real and vibrant characters, and enough snark and fun to keep you up late into the night finishing the story.” —Hypable
Excerpt Link: http://laurenlaynelibrary.com/hot-asset
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 a place to start.
***arc generously received courtesy of Montlake Romance via NetGalley***
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 a place to start.
***arc generously received courtesy of Montlake Romance via NetGalley***
Lauren Layne is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of more than two dozen romantic comedies. Her books have sold over a million copies, in eight languages. Lauren's work has been featured in Publishers Weekly, Glamour, The Wall Street Journal, and Inside Edition. She is based in New York City.
