Interview with Lauren Layne

May 22, 2018
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Author Interview with RJ, Giveaway, Spotlight

An interview with Lauren Layne, author of HOT ASSET.

In HOT ASSET, 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.

Q & A

I am so glad you could join us here at Romance Junkies. To start, will you please tell us a little bit about your current project?

Thanks so much for having me! My current book is HOT ASSET, the start of my 21 Wall Street series, featuring three high-powered investment brokers working in New York City, who have their playboy lifestyles turned upside down by smart, sassy women. Book one is about Ian Bradley, a dedicated bachelor who finds himself wrongly accused of insider trading, only to fall … for the woman doing the accusing.

When was the moment that you knew you had to be a writer?

Oh gosh. Always, I think. I learned to read early, and looking back at my childhood, I think it’s all I did! I always just assumed I’d be a writer. As a kid, I don’t know it occurred to me that there was even another option for my future!

Who gave you the one piece of writing advice that sticks with you to this day?

Kristan Higgins was the first to tell me that the best stories have two journeys; the external (the plot, what’s actually happening), as well as the inner journey (the character’s development). It was a definite lightbulb moment.

Describe the “perfect” hero. What about the “perfect” hero for you?

It’s not original, but I’m an absolute sucker for Mr. Darcy and heroes like him. Something about that icy reserve just melts me (I feel like there’s a pun in there somewhere?) As far as the perfect hero for me, a witty sense of humor is an absolute must. I’m pretty sarcastic, and I recognize a kindred spirit when someone catches onto my dry humor.

What are some of your favorite pastimes? Do you have any hobbies or collections?

I live in a tiny Manhattan apartment, so collections are definitely a no-no space-wise, though I’ll confess to having more Stilettos than I need. As far as hobbies, I love adult coloring books and brush lettering (modern calligraphy).

What has been your biggest adventure to date?

In 2011, my husband got a job offer in New York City. We’d never even been to NYC, and had only a couple hours to make our decision. We decided to go for it, and I’ll never forget the exhilarating feeling of driving out of Lincoln Tunnel into the craziness of Manhattan and realizing I was home.

How do you describe yourself? How would your family and friends describe you?

I’d describe myself as sarcastic, ambitious, and extremely introverted. I suspect family and friends would say the same. Getting me to commit to a social endeavor is no easy task! I really like being by myself.

What project are you working on next?

I’m hoping Kennedy and Kate’s story (the third book in 21 Wall Street series), though I’m still working out the publishing logistics of that one!

Title: Hot Asset

Author: Lauren Layne

Release Date: May 22, 2018

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Series: 21 Wall Street

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.

About the Author

Lauren Layne, a former e-commerce and web marketing manager, moved from Seattle to New York City in 2011 to pursue a full-time writing career. Her first book was published in the summer of 2013, and since then, she’s written more than two dozen romantic comedies, hitting the New York Times, USA Today, iBooks, and Amazon bestseller lists. She currently lives in New York City with her husband.

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