Release Day Review: Yours in Scandal by Lauren Layne

Yours in Scandal by Lauren Layne

Montlake Romance

When politics and romance are a perfect blend!

Citizen magazine's New York's "Man of the Year" regarded as a perfect springboard to launch Mayor Robert Davenport's candidacy for the gubernatorial election; at least his campaign manager thinks so. With the welcome publicity, it's also an ideal opportunity to upgrade his marital status from single to at least dating. Not surprisingly, the shrewd campaigner knows of the right woman for him. Due to her connection, she's also a useful way to gain dirt on his opponent. Robert isn't keen on the idea but agrees anyway, however, when he meets Adeline Blake, it ignites a long-dormant spark of attraction detrimental to his career!

NY Governor's daughter, party-girl Addie Brennan mysteriously disappeared some years ago. Now unbeknown to only a couple of friends, she's back and living as Adeline Blake right under her father's nose. She's forging a career as an event planner, rebuilding her life in the city she escaped. When get she gets a call from the mayor's office for an event consultation, she sceptical about why they would ask her company to organise an event. However, it's a business opportunity with a high profile client she can't pass up. On meeting the client hosting the leaving party she quickly realises professional and personal boundaries risk becoming blurred as she gets to know mayor Robert Davenport.

The author's signature New York backdrop is familiar but the protagonists feel more relatable in this first book of the Man Of The Year series. Robert is wealthy but grounded. Portrayed as a politician with a social conscience, he's someone who plays fair with honesty and integrity. Addie/Adeline is a woman trying to define herself in a world where she's been misunderstood. Her family background and upbringing connect her with Robert Davenport, as does their loss of a parent. The default status of their relationship starts as 'It's complicated' but thanks to their mutual trust and faith in each other to do the right thing, they eventually find their happy ending… together.

Ms Layne has ramped up the heat in this sexy romantic comedy. The background is the world of politics but thankfully, there's not a policy or political thought insight. Well paced, laced with humour and witty dialogue it's a perfect novel to distract you from real-life drama. Yours in Scandal sets the scene for a promising new series, a perfect read for fans like myself. For those who haven't picked up a novel by this author, Robert and Addie's story is a good place to start.

***arc generously received courtesy of Montlake Romance via NetGalley***

Release Day Review: Marriage on Madison Avenue by Lauren Layne

Marriage on Madison Avenue by Lauren Layne

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


The third and final novel in the Marriage Pact series and it's my favourite. Naomi and Claire's stories are hard acts to follow but somehow Audrey's journey to a happy ending manages to slightly eclipse them.

Audrey Tate and Clarke West's story is as slow-burn as you get. These childhood friends are close but they've at no time overstepped the platonic boundary. When Clarke needs Audrey to pretend (again) to be his fake fiancée, she happily plays along, as she usually does. Only this time, his matchmaker mother calls his bluff. The result? A situation neither of them expected to get into...together… ever!

When it comes to romantic comedy, Ms Layne is my go-to author. The humour she injects into every narrative is flirty, fun and littered with a great deal of intelligent witty dialogue. As a friends to lovers novel, this romance is as stunning as the glamorous Manhattan backdrop.

Finally, It's fitting the end of this trilogy comes full circle and finishes where it all starts in Central Park. Only this time, these three women who met under awkward circumstances have vastly contrasting lives to the ones they had when they first met… perfect!

***arc generously received courtesy of Gallery Books via NetGalley***

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https://laurenlayne.com/marriage-on-madison-avenue

What readers are saying about MARRIAGE ON MADISON AVENUE...

“Sparkling dialogue, hilarious wedding planning scenes, and deeply emotional moments see the series end on a high note." - Publishers Weekly

“The word charm is pretty much synonymous with Lauren Layne.” —Hypable

From New York Times bestselling author Lauren Layne, the “queen of witty dialogue” (Rachel Van Dyken, New York Times bestselling author), comes the final installment of the Central Park Pact series, a heartfelt and laugh-out-loud romantic comedy that’s perfect for fans of Sally Thorne and Christina Lauren.

Can guys and girls ever be just friends? According to Audrey Tate and Clarke West, absolutely. After all, they’ve been best friends since childhood without a single romantic entanglement. Clarke is the charming playboy Audrey can always count on, and he knows that the ever-loyal Audrey will never not play along with his strategy for dodging his matchmaking mother—announcing he’s already engaged…to Audrey.

But what starts out as a playful game between two best friends turns into something infinitely more complicated, as just-for-show kisses begin to stir up forbidden feelings. As the faux wedding date looms closer, Audrey and Clarke realize that they can never go back to the way things were, but deep down, do they really want to?

Release Day Review: Love On Lexington Avenue by Lauren Layne

From New York Times bestselling author Lauren Layne comes the second delightfully charming installment in the Central Park Pact series, following a young widow whose newfound cynicism about love is challenged by a sexy, rough-around-the-edges contractor.

There’s never a bad time to fall in love in the city, right? Wrong. According to the recently-widowed Claire Hayes, it’s very, very wrong. In fact, after finding out her late husband was a liar and a cheat, Claire’s convinced there’s never a good time for romantic notions. Determined to rid her home of anything that reminds her of her philandering husband, Claire sets out to redesign her entire Upper East Side brownstone and make it her own. But when she meets gruff and often-cantankerous contractor Scott Turner and realizes not all men are scumbags, Claire must decide if she’s ready to risk her heart again.

Scott needs a change of pace from the corporate offices and swanky hotels he’s been building lately, and bluntly makes it clear to Claire that he only took on her house for that reason, adding that he has no patience for a pampered, damaged princess on his job site. But when long work days soon turn into even longer nights, their mutual wariness morphs into something more complicated—a grudging respect, and maybe even attraction…? Scott knows he’s not one to settle down, but then why can’t he bring himself to put the finishing touches on Claire’s house and move on to the next job?

Filled with laugh-out-loud scenes that blend perfectly with the touching friendships Layne brings to life on the page, this “hugely entertaining” (USA TODAY) novel is perfect for fans of Lauren Weisberger.

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https://laurenlayne.com/love-on-lexington-avenue  

What's the perfect way to rid yourself of the memory of a cheating, dead husband? The answer is to remodel the house you shared with the philanderer, well, that's what Claire Hayes thinks. Only, the process is much tougher than she thought and the person she's employed to do the job isn't the easiest male to handle, or is he? 

Bored with building corporate properties, Scott Turner decides to follow up a lead given to him by his friend to remodel a house. However, the property is a dump and he knows he should walk away from the contract, only the sharp-tongued owner has piqued his interest more than the job. 

Geared up to focus on a romance, the narrative deviates to highlights Claire's struggles to rid herself of the memory of her late husband whilst getting her life back on track a year after his double life and lies surfaced. Scott is an unlikely candidate for a woman who seems to have a 'judge a book by its cover' attitude. So as opposites, I enjoyed the challenging interactions between the protagonists as they slowly meander from hostile to friendly territory and respect. 

I appreciated the change of pace with this novel, but for die-hard fans of Ms Layne, there's a great deal of quick-witted dialogue and laughable humour injected within the narrative. Equally, there's lots of glamour and gossip in ample supply from the secondary characters as well get titbits of news about them and clues about what lies in store for Manhattan-based Claire, Naomi and Audrey. 

It's standalone, but if you haven't read Passion on Park Avenue, you'll definitely appreciate getting to know Naomi and specifically, Oliver more. Now, I'm eagerly looking forward to Audrey and Clarke's story in the final book of this trilogy; Marriage on Madison Avenue.

***arc generously received courtesy of Gallery Books via NetGalley***

Release Day Spotlight & Review: Passion on Park Avenue by Lauren Layne

From the author of the New York Times bestselling Stiletto and Oxford series, the first in a sizzling new series following the unlikely friendship of three Upper East Side women as they struggle to achieve their dreams and find true love and happiness in the city that never sleeps. 

For as long as she can remember, Bronx-born Naomi Powell has had one goal: to prove her worth among the Upper East Side elite—the same people for which her mom worked as a housekeeper. Now, as the strongminded, sassy CEO of one of the biggest jewelry empires in the country, Naomi finally has exactly what she wants—but it’s going to take more than just the right address to make Manhattan’s upper class stop treating her like an outsider.

The worst offender is her new neighbor, Oliver Cunningham—the grown son of the very family Naomi’s mother used to work for. Oliver used to torment Naomi when they were children, and as a ridiculously attractive adult, he’s tormenting her in entirely different ways. Now they find themselves engaged in a battle-of-wills that will either consume or destroy them…

Filled with charm and heart and plenty of sex and snark, this entertaining series will hook you from the very first page.

As my number one go-to author, any novel by Lauren Layne is a must read for me and this, I'm happy to say is exceptional. 

Naomi Powell is a self-made businesswoman and CEO of one of the biggest jewellery businesses in the country. Yet despite her success and wealth, she's shunned amongst the affluent residents of the Upper East Side of Manhattan. When fate brings an invitation and a chance to live in a building where she spent time as a child, she grasps the chance to attend the interview. Surprisingly, she's accepted and it doesn't take long to come face to face with her childhood nemesis. Only he's now grown-up, handsome, charming and can't remember the girl he once tormented. 

Oliver Cunningham was born into an affluent family and as an adult is rich and successful in his own right. To the outside world, he's every woman's dream but little do they know the secret he holds and the sacrifice he's making. When a new, young neighbour moves into his building, he's instantly attracted to her. Only, she's not very friendly. Can he change her mind and more importantly, will she run a mile when his secret is exposed? 

I love the unique and imaginative way we are introduced to Naomi and the two women who become significant in her life. It's tragic but hilarious how these women became acquainted due to a link none of them knew about before their chance meeting in Central Park. The result captures the essence of friendship as they turn a bad situation into a positive one. As I've come to expect from this author, these women work and help each other find 'the one' as they bond over similar experiences against the glamorous Manhattan skyline. 

Whilst retaining all the elements I love about Ms Layne's writing, this novel has a more grown-up feel to it. Besides the slow burn romance brewing between the protagonists, there's a powerful message about the realities faced by many people with ageing parents who need extra care due to health issues. It's a tricky topic and the author manages to balance this and evolving romance perfectly. Even injecting humour into an otherwise challenging situation for the protagonists. It highlights how circumstances can alter a person's life, resulting in selfless sacrifices and the need for compromise to fulfil basic requirements. It's a sobering dilemma for two people with far too many differences between them and yet Naomi and Oliver find their way eventually. 

To sum up, I'm hooked on this Central Park Pact series and can't wait to find out the fate of Claire and Audrey and read about their journeys to a happily ever after. 

Lastly, I'm very much a reader who is more drawn to the blurb than a book cover when deciding what to read, however, this cover is perfect for Passion on Park Avenue makes my heart sing and the kind I love to see on my own bookshelf...love it! 

***arc generously received courtesy of Gallery Books via NetGalley***

 

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Spotlight and Review: Huge Deal by Lauren Layne

HUGE DEAL

21 Wall Street (Book 3)

Lauren Layne

Rel Feb 12th, 2019

Montlake Romance

Even for a top-gun banker, temptation this hot is quite a gamble, in a sexy Wall Street romp from New York Times bestselling author Lauren Layne.

An alpha among the wolves of Wall Street, Kennedy Dawson rose to the top of the pack by striking the right contracts at the right times. But there’s one deal that’s been giving him a run for his money—a pact to never again let his assistant, Kate, get under his skin. She may be smart, gorgeous, and sharp as a whip, but she’s definitely off-limits.

Kate Henley isn’t a banker, but she knows a thing or two about risk management—specifically, about managing her attraction to her smolderingly sexy boss. She already fell once, and Kennedy showed no sign of paying a return on her investment. So when Kennedy’s brother starts pursuing her, Kate figures she has the best of both worlds. Jack is charming, rich, very attentive, and the spitting image of his older brother.

It’s also making Kennedy think twice. But to win Kate’s heart, he’ll have to broker the deal of a lifetime…and prove he’s worth the risk.

Buy (Kindle, Print and Audio)

HUGE DEAL: https://laurenlayne.com/books/huge-deal 

HOT ASSET: https://laurenlayne.com/books/hot-asset

HARD SELL: https://laurenlayne.com/books/hard-sell

Within a series, there's often a stand-out character who intrigues you more than the others. Cue, Kennedy Dawson. After meeting him previously in Hard Sell and Hot Asset, I knew his story would be something special, and it is.

With Ian and Matt, his friends and fellow work colleagues firmly seated in the 'in a relationship' status, Kennedy is feeling a little envious even though he has a 'nice' girlfriend called Claudia. All is well until he begins to be suspicious of the time his assistant Kate is spending time with Claudia. However, it isn't until his brother Jack turns up expectedly and asks Kate on a date causing a jealous reaction...the catalyst for him to finally admit who he wants to share his life with. Only, he made a pact with his friends to make Kate off limits…

Kate has given up any thoughts of getting any attention from Kennedy apart from acting as his assistant. After a long time, she's fallen out of love with him but still hasn't found 'the one' to move forward with. When Jack Dawson asks her out, she says yes, after all, he's good company, successful and looks like his older brother, only he isn't Kennedy...

'It's complicated' is an apt way to describe Kennedy and Kate and their journey to a happy ending is far from smooth. Kennedy has been totally clueless to the fact Kate loved him once. Kate never understood why Kennedy appeared to be indifferent around her in stark contrast to the warm, friendly relationship she shared with her other bosses. Both she and Kennedy are highly successful, intelligent people but when it comes to communicating matters of the heart, they are a pair of amateurs.

For me, this is in my top three favourite novels written by Ms Layne. It's is classic, with her trademark humorous banter and well thought out and written narrative. My favourite heroes are imperfect, and Kennedy falls into this category. He has an old-school charm which ventures often to clueless, astonishing for someone as accomplished and successful on Wall Street as he is. Kate is pragmatic about life, after finally falling out of love with her 'too blind to see' boss. She's not afraid to take a chance on someone else, however, the same bravado disappears when the opportunity she's dreamed about is there for her to finally take.

What stands out within this novel is the close-knit friendships of which Kennedy and Kate are part of. These close bonds shared between them all add a positive 'je ne sais quoi'. Typically, everyone can see what the protagonists can't and the amusing verbal exchanges shared between them all are perfection. I've enjoyed the previous novels in this series, but this one is head and shoulders above the rest.

About LL: @laurenlayneauthor 

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 nine languages. Lauren's work has been featured in Publishers Weekly, Glamour, The Wall Street Journal, and Inside Edition. She’s based in New York City.  

Release Day Spotlight & Review: Hard Sell by Lauren Layne.

HARD SELL by Lauren Layne

Montlake Romance | On sale September 4, 2018

Paperback ISBN: 978-1503902848 | $9.99 US | 247 pages 

Ebook ASIN: B078XD3GXW | $4.99 US

The hours are long and the business is cutthroat, but brokers and best bros Ian Bradley, Matt Cannon, and Kennedy Dawson know how to blow off steam when they’re not at Wolfe Investments. They’re as successful with women as they are at the negotiating table…but are they secretly banking on more? New York Times bestselling author Lauren Layne delivers a sexy, funny, and arousing series about the biggest wolves on Wall Street—and the seductive women enlisted to tame them.

Praise for Hot Asset
“Layne populates her world of high-stakes finance with charismatic characters, and the fast-paced story works well with the simmering sexual tension between the leads and the conflict between personal desire and professional ambition. It’s easy to root for this couple." — Publishers Weekly

Twenty-eight and filthy rich, Matt Cannon is the youngest broker on Wall Street. He may be a
“boy wonder,” but he’s every inch a man. Ask any woman—any night. But when Matt’s latest fling
makes scandalous headlines, his clients get anxious, and his bosses at Wolfe Investments level an ultimatum: keep his assets zipped, get a “real” girlfriend, and clean up his act. Only one woman can help Matt with something this hard.
For PR genius Sabrina Cross, the best fixer in Manhattan, playing Matt’s steady is going to be a
challenge, even if it’s just for show. They already have an explosive history, she can’t stand the
cocky party boy, and worse—she can’t stop thinking about him. So who’ll dare to break her “no
touching” rule first? Because when that happens, Matt and Sabrina’s game of let’s pretend will
get so hot it could set both their reputations on fire.

After the highly polished and incredibility enjoyable beginning to the 21 Wall Street trilogy with Ian and Lara in Hot Asset. I've been looking forward to continuing the series featuring the second of the sexy trio of financial wolves.

Enemies to lovers, Nah! More like frenemies! Sabrina Cross and Matt Cannon have a history of hooking-up occasionally...they are part of the same social circle and Ian Bradley is Sabrina's best friend. So when The Sam's tell Matt to clean-up is reputation after his escapades in Vegas follow him home, Ian and Kennedy pursued Matt to ask Sabrina for help. After all, she is a fixer. Only neither of them, who detest each other realise a fine line exists between love and hate as the pair embarks on a fake relationship.

This was a fun novel to read. Matt and Sabrina may have thought they'd fooled everyone with their extreme dislike for one another, however, the only ones they are fooling are themselves. Their fake relationship works a charm and a complete PR success. Only everyone sees past their fake fascade even though neither are interested in anything more than a temporary arrangement until unexpected feelings creep in and change everything.

The path to true love is never easy, but for the protagonists to finally move forward with their relationship, misunderstands from the past need rectifying first. The Manhattan backdrop is gorgeous and exclusive, however, the deep routed negative feelings they both share are not. Despite the electrifying chemistry crackling between them, it isn't until they admit to themselves and each other that they want what their friends have, can they try to move on...together.

The narrative's glued together with witty and intelligent dialogue befitting the executive ensemble of characters. I've loved following both Ian and Matt on their journeys' to a 'happy ever after' but must admit I'm thrilled we'll get Kennedy's too. As a fan of LL's novels, I'm anticipating this one like I did for Lincoln Mathis in Oxford #3 and I can't wait.

***arc received courtesy of Montlake Romance via NetGalley***

Amazon US     Amazon UK    Amazon DE

Lauren Layne is the New York Times bestselling author of more than two dozen romantic
comedies, including Hot Asset , her first book in the 21 Wall Street series. A former e-commerce
and web marketing manager from Seattle, Lauren relocated to New York City to pursue a full-time
writing career, hitting the USA Today , New York Times , iBooks, and Amazon bestseller lists. Visit the author at www.laurenlayne.com.

Release Day Spotlight & Review: I Think I Love You by Lauren Layne

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I Think I Love You

Oxford Book 5

By: Lauren Layne

Releasing July 10, 2018
Loveswept

A game of seduction between two best friends goes deliciously wrong in an irresistible Oxford Novel that brims with wit and sexual tension. Library Journal hails Layne’s work as “exemplary contemporary romance.”

Brit Robbins knows that dating in New York City is hard—she just hoped to have it mastered by age thirty. But after yet another promising suitor says they have no sparks, Brit decides it’s time to torch her dating game and try a new plan. And who better to coach Brit through the art of seduction than the guy who first gave her the “let’s be friends” card?

Hunter Cross has always figured there’s nothing his best friend Brit can do to surprise him. But Brit’s request is a surprise he doesn’t see coming—and one he’s definitely not prepared for. Hunter and Brit have always been careful to keep things perfectly platonic, but the fake dates and faux flirting are starting to feel like the real deal. And soon Hunter realizes he has taught Brit too well. Not only has she become an expert at seduction, the man becoming thoroughly seduced is him.

 Reading the final book in the Oxford series is such a bitter-sweet feeling as Hunter and Brit come under the relationship spotlight in this friends to lovers romance.

Living and working in Manhattan's fast-paced environment is a long way from Hunter Cross' roots in Kansas. He enjoys his life in 'the city that never sleeps', but it isn't home. He has always viewed his time here as a temporary phase in his life. As a result, his only permanent relationship is his friendship with Brit; it simplifies his daily routine until the time is right to move back west. That's until she asks him for a favour resulting in emotional turmoil and the end of their relationship as they know it.

Brit Robbins has a problem. She wants what her friends have...whisked off her feet except she always ends up in the friends' zone. The men she dates only hang around for a short while until they may their excuse and leave. What is her problem? She decides to enlist her best friend and boss Hunter to resolve her dilemma and is grateful when he reluctantly agrees to help. Only, his assistance triggers feelings neither of them can ignore.

For me, this series is pure escapism. The employees at Oxford and Stiletto are polished and professional in their designer suits and shoes. They work hard and play equally hard but maintain friendships with their work colleagues. The banter is humorous and fun as they enjoy their glamorous lifestyles. I Think I Love You ticks all those boxes as Brit's plan takes an unexpected turn as she and Hunter get emotionally closer to each other. It's tricky uncharted water for them both as employee and boss. Yet, somehow, it works, until it doesn't and the consequences are life changing.

The end felt a little rushed as Hunter finally comes to his senses, and Brit meets him halfway by deciding to take matters into her own hands. It gets Hunter 'off the hook' but I would have liked him to grovel significantly more. However, I respect Lauren's decision for two people who otherwise know each other so well, both are sufficiently mature to realise there isn't any point making mountains out of molehills...even if I wanted slightly more drama. (wink)

I've loved every Oxford novel. Each couple featured compliment each other perfectly and it's been entertaining to keep track of them all throughout the series. The epilogue is a little sugary for my taste but I wholeheartedly appreciate the author's sincere sentiment as we say goodbye to characters we love.

***arc generously received courtesy of Loveswept via NetGalley***

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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 nine 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.

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Review: Hot Asset by Lauren Layne

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

Ian Bradley is the definition of a Wall Street hotshot: seven-figure salary, designer suits, and a corner office. His drive of 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.

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 

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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*** 

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.

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