| Title | : | Big Ben (See No Evil Trilogy, #1) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 287 |
| Publication | : | First published April 15, 2020 |
And ended in murder.
She was never supposed to cross my path.
She was never supposed to know about the Currency of Secrets or the Oaths of Blood.
But like a thief in the night, she stole my soul even if she wasn't mine to possess.
As a member of the Elite, I live by simple tenets. A gentleman above all. Private matters stay private. Secrets whispered are never revealed. Enemies and friends are of the same coin. And power is king.
My so-called brothers killed my friend. I intend to make them pay. And before it's over, I'll bend all the rules of morality, decency and legality. I will borrow and steal to set the scales right. But begging--begging, you can forget about.
My name is Ben Covington and I know my sins.
Big Ben (See No Evil Trilogy, #1) Reviews
-
"I was a rogue. A rebel. I didn't believe the rules applied to me, or rather, I was tired of playing by them."
Why aren't more people talking about these books?! I remember downloading
Big Ben right when it released, and somehow it has sat on my kindle since then, just quietly biding its time until the mood struck. Initially I was waiting until all 3 books were released, and then I think by that point it had just gotten buried under a digital TBR mountain on my kindle, but whatever the reason, I'm glad I picked this up by chance over the weekend!
This is my first book by the author, and I'm pretty positive some of the characters who make brief appearances here have their own books outside of the series, but let's go into this review pretending like we don't know any of that since it's how I experienced the story. 😂 Ben Covington is a member of the Elite, a secret society of upper echelon men who basically control all the important things going on in London. Olivia "Livy" Ashong is attending a gala with her boyfriend Dexter and happens upon Ben when they both need to use the same closet to hide in. Over the course of the evening, a batman pin is broken, a USB drive is handed off, and these two characters' lives become intwined in a way they never imagined possible.
"When you have the upper hand, act like you know it. Don't ever show weakness. Don't ever back down. Don't ever be surprised that someone is willing to do what you demanded. Act like you knew it was going to be that way all along."
The beauty of this story is how complex and multilayered the plot is. We have the big plot, which is revenge for the murder of Toby, Ben's friend, and this is being carried out by himself and his group of friends: East, Bridge, and Drew. East and Bridge are his closest friends, and we get to know them well throughout the story. (Also, the Hear No Evil trilogy features East and I'm assuming Speak No Evil is Bridge, but the lack of synopsis and my having yet to finish the trilogy can't confirm that.) Livy is an employee of Ben's who has her own problems involving her boyfriend and his boss, as well as being wrapped up in Ben's troubles. Aside from that, we have Olivia mourning the recent loss of her mother and fighting her mutual attraction to Ben, so there's a lot going on, but it was done in such a way that each aspect builds upon one another, and it didn't feel overwhelming, simply a way to get to know the characters deeper.
All of the plot surrounding the Elite, Ben and Livy's budding romance (🥵🥵🥵), and their platonic friendships outside of one another are SO well done. I love that we get insight into Olivia's Ghanian heritage and see some of the traditional dishes her family would cook! My only concern was that I felt the exchanges with Dexter and his role in the book felt a little forced and predictable, although I completely respect what the author was trying to do with his character. It feels odd to say, but this book was comforting in the most unexpected way. It's not a sappy, feel good, tender type of romance, but I was able to completely lose myself in this story, and anytime I can escape real life problems in exchange for exciting drama that isn't mine, I'm here for it. I think these books would translate so well to screen, as it does have a bit of a James Bond feel to it, so here's to hoping it can happen one day! -
SERIES: See No Evil Trilogy #1
GENRE: romantic suspense
TROPES: billionaire, office romance, secret society
CLIFFHANGER: yes
RATING: 5 ⭐
SONGS: Ed Sheenan & Stirmzy- Take me back to London
Jonas Brothers- Sucker
I enjoyed reading this book and was so grateful that all books are out because after that cliffhanger I had to continue reading...
Billionaire Bad Boy✅
Smart Sassy Heroine✅
Off The Charts Tension✅
Office Romance✅
Swoon-Worthy Sexy Times✅
Heists✅
Secret Societies✅
Action✅
Suspense✅
if you like any of these things pick this book up!!!
be ready to read all three books...
-
BIG BEN IS LIVE!!! I can't wait for you to meet Ben, Livy and the London Lords! I had so much fun writing this story!
What you get in this all new world:
✅Billionaire Bad Boy
✅Smart Sassy Heroine
✅Off The Charts Tension
✅Office Romance
✅Swoon Worthy Sexy Times
✅Heists
✅Secret Societies
✅Action
✅Suspense
BIG BEN is LIVE and available on ALL Vendors! Billionaire Office Romance meets Ocean's Eleven! Are you ready for your heist fix?
💜AMAZON:
https://amzn.to/3a3KLhJ
💜AUDIO:
https://geni.us/BigBenAudio
💜APPLE:
https://apple.co/2wG38LP
💜NOOK:
https://bit.ly/34Aq8bA
💜KOBO:
https://bit.ly/2VB6Rmj
💜GOOGLE PLAY:
https://bit.ly/2V9ZPWw
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Ben Covington was James Bond-ish
First of all, this book felt like watching a 007 movie which the opening scene being tantalizing.
Heroine and Hero somehow finding themselves hidden in a closet at a party, these strangers were trying not get caught snooping at someone’s house.
Meet
Olivia 'Livy' Ashong, daughter is a Ghanaian diplomat and Ben Covington, wealthy businessman who is part of a secret society, the London Lords.
Livy was trying to find her footing after the loss of her mother and Ben was trying to avenge the death of his friend Toby. This book is full of mystery, suspense, adventure, hit sex, billionaire hotties etc
The writing was entertaining and definitely a quick read. This does end on a cliff hanger...so book 2 is a must. -
Do you remember the mystery shows in the 80's like “Remington Steel” and “Scarecrow & Mrs. King”? The smart girl and the hot guy pair up to solve a mystery in less than an hour and the entire time you can feel the sexual tension, so you have to tune in next week to find out what happens with the couple. I had those same feelings listening to Nana Malone’s newest release “Big Ben: See No Evil Trilogy Book 1”.
Olivia is this smart, sexy woman who does not see the danger she is in after meeting Ben Covington, whose company she works for and just kissed in a dark closet at a party. And this is why I read romance books, because nothing like that ever happened to me. But what did happen was I fell down a rabbit hole of intrigue, who-is-that, nuggets of information and leading me down a path to figure out why people are after our Livy. What does Ben’s past acquaintances, his membership in a secret society and deals to put the bad guys out of power have to do with the threats on Livy’s life? Are they separate story line that happen to collide like the passion that Ben and Livy begin to share? I have no answers to any of this because as always Nana Malone leaves me hanging on the edge of my seat.
But thankfully, that edge was provided in the sultriest of all British voices, Shane East. I continued to highlight clips throughout listening the audiobook as line after line was delivered in perfection. From smug, to protective, to ultimate lust: a flawless narrative performance from his scrumptious voice! Adding to the audio is the luxurious voice of Mari, a new-to-me narrator that I am going to fangirl about for days. Her tone is so rich that I just gawked at the phone lost in her voice. Absolutely perfect pairing as I was enthralled by their story telling the entire time – in fact I may have listened to a few chapters multiple times because I just could not put it down. I am so ready for more of the “See No Evil” trilogy right now! -
4.75 stars!! Dynamite!!
This book was so delicious. I felt like I was in the middle of a James Bond movie. This is romantic suspense that I love! It was a very slow burn, but so deliciously done that it literally left me talking gibberish to my bestie on the phone when I finished. Nana has a gift!
“Her dark skin glowed under the golden light. Even in the photo, her eyes spoke to me. She was in a word, stunning. Her hair had been pulled back up her neck, with a few tendrils escaping. Skin the color of a fawn, high cheekbones, enormous almond-shaped eyes with lashes that fanned her cheeks. F*ck, she was beautiful.”
This is how you describe what a character looks like PERFECTLY without ever having to mention their ethnicity. Olivia was perfection. Smart, sexy and gorgeous. Ben reminded me of Chris Hemsworth so I had no problem picturing him the whole time. These two were fire and more fire. The chemistry and tension was so perfect throughout this book, and increased to a beautiful crescendo of Dynamite between the characters. Holy HOTNESS!
“This.” He pointed his finger between us. “It feels like you’re mine.”
Olivia was Ben’s from the get go..she just didn’t realize it, and neither did he realize that she owned him as well. Of course it ends with a cliffhanger so thank goodness book two is out. Lol! -
I want to write all of the things, but I am forcing myself to wait so as not to spoil anyone!
But it is hard; oh so hard.
Anyone who is a Nana Malone fan NEEDS this book. You NEED to meet Ben and Livy.
This book ends with a major cliffhanger, so if that's not your jam, wait until The Benefactor releases before reading. Although, personally speaking, I wouldn't wait because this book is EVERY.THING. Poignant. Sweet. Mysterious. Full of Alpha goodness (though, Ben can be an alphahole at times), and a heroine that doesn't take ish from anyone.
She may be the Queen Supreme of cliffhangers, but I don't care. Bring them on, girlfriend!
This may be my first Nana Malone book, but I can guarantee you it won't be my last. -
This was a very captivating read! It was full of twists and surprises. First half of the book dragged on for me, but then it totally picked up in the second half and ended with a huge bang. The characters were really great, even Ben that really got on my nerve at first but then I really started to like him :)
Four stars! -
4 Secrets and More Oh, My Stars
* * * * Spoiler Free
First, can we take a moment for this cover...I Mean, Really...Oh, How I Wish I had Met Someone Like Him in My Life. Ok, now that I have gotten that off my chest, I can move on.
This is the type of read that will take you on a journey and lead you to places you want to know about, be involved, worry about, guess the answers that don't come, and love it while you are tied up in the moment. It feels like it is moving in front of your eyes and you want it all.
We have the very charismatic Ben, the lovely Liv, and their first meeting in a closet. Yes, a closet. From the start, Ben is drawn to Liv, let's her know it and in an instant and with reckless abandon their lips connect. Ben, though, being part of a very secretive powerful society of men, leaves Liv with more than a kiss.
There next meeting becomes even more complicated when Ben turns out to own the company where Liv's works. Liv is a smart, quick-minded woman and she is at the turning point of a relationship that stinks. She cuts the man loose and is now moving forward.
But as she moves forward, Ben appears and brings with him more mystery.
These two connect on a very strong level. There is more than just the romance and in the tradition of past romances...It is a cliffy. The good news is the next part is coming very soon.
Big Ben (See No Evil Trilogy #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Benefactor (See No Evil Trilogy #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
For Her Benefit (See No Evil Trilogy #3)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
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Liv and Ben have a seriously crazy first meeting, one that involves them in a closet in the dark, having to make out so as to not get caught by some unknown person(s). But as hot as the encounter is, Liv has no idea she'll ever see the gorgeous man again, or that he'll end up becoming her boss.
She also has no idea the secrets Ben keeps, the company he keeps, or the revenge and information he seeks and what these things will do to her life.
Ben is supposed to be focusing on finding the people who killed his friend. He's part of the Elite, and it's the Elite who killed his friend, so he's got to root them out. So when he comes across a gorgeous woman in the closet where he's hiding from the man about whom he's trying to access info, the last thing he wants is for his focus to shift to her. He can't help but want her, even though he knows bringing her into his world is dangerous. And so their slow burn , but really hot, journey begins, and I loved it!! I loved the secrets and the secret society, but most of all I loved Liv and Ben together, even though they're not a proper couple really. I am dying now with the suspense of the cliffhanger.
The Benefactor cannot land on my Kindle soon enough for this reader!
ARC via author for an honest review.
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Big Ben by Nana Malone is the First book in the See No Evil Trilogy. This starts the story of Olivia 'Livy' Ashong and Ben Covington.
Ben is a part of the Elite group of wealthy businessmen who are dangerous. Several years ago Ben's friend was killed which he and his other friends think the Elite group has something to do with it. Ben and his friends "The London Lords" are out to get revenge towards those that had a part in his death. Ben is at a fundraiser when he getting information toward their goals. Olivia is at the fundraiser too when she ducks into a closet to avoid something only to find Ben there too. This is their first introduction to each other. Ben ends up slipping something important into her purse. Later he finds that she is working for his company. Ben's strong attraction and feelings are quick toward Olivia. Olivia has not had it easy the past months due to her mother's death then her live in boyfriend hasn't been good to her. So when she meets Ben he brings feelings out of her that she has never felt toward her boyfriend. Of course they break up but at the same time Ben steps forward to protect her when it looks like someone is out to get her. This book only starts their story so it does end setting us up for the next installment. This was a page turning read for me...can't wait for more. -
Thank you Nana Malone for a complimentary copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Big Ben
See No Evil Trilogy #1
By: Nana Malone
REVIEW ☆☆☆☆
Meet Ben and Livie, who, themselves, met in a closet. Both happened to find their way into this closet at a fundraiser, and they share a hot kiss. In the light of day, Ben realizes that Livie works for his company. Serendipity is a tricky thing. Ben is a rich businessman, super hot and bent on retribution for the death of a friend. This death is somehow connected to the Elite of London(rich connected businessmen)of which Ben is a part, but he has been betrayed. Ben and a few close friends are intent on exacting justice to the ones who killed their friend. This secret society is cloaked in secrecy, lies and danger. Livie is in mourning for the death of her mother, and she has a terrible boyfriend who is so unworthy of her. As the story progresses, it becomes evident that Livie is in danger, but this lucky lady has Ben to protect her. The chemistry between these two heats up, and jumps off the page. I love the character of Ben because he is a man's man, and that is so hot! As the song says, this is a man's world. I'm cool with that if it's this guy! -
Livy is trying to find her place in life, living with grief and a wanker boyfriend. If you have read previous Royals stories by Nana Malone, you would have already met Ben. Now, Ben and his secret society friends, are on a mission of retribution. Their meeting was unconventional but for whatever reason, fate put them both in that closet, because their future depends on them needing each other.
The attraction between Ben and Olivia jump off the pages throughout this story. The banter is fun and flirty, the heat level is high. The characters are complex and the story is woven with intrigue and a mystery to be solved. I am always happy to get glimpses into Team Winston Isles and am in love with these stories and characters.
Since this is part of a trilogy, I am of course drooling for "The Benefactor" to come out to see how the rest of the story unfolds. -
Am I flawed in my thinking? Am I flawed in my desires? Am I flawed with my moving forward? Oh my . . . I love Ben. I want Ben. I need Ben. This one had me all in from just a few chapters. I started it and just could not put it down. I was on with it from page-to-page, chapter-to-chapter. I had it so bad that I read it a second time the next day.
The words on the pages revealed to me a man that was to the depths of his soul a man. A man that had self-respect, self-understanding, self-awareness, and most of all a man that knew too much of what the world he was in was like. Ben Covington had me from the start. What man could come in a take his place. The next installment of See No Evil, will give me the answer to that question. Patiently waiting. -
I’m so glad I got to read this book early! Big Ben is book one of the See No Evil trilogy. I loved how the story hooked me right from the start. The chemistry and sexual attraction between Livy and Ben was 🔥. I loved the secret society element and danger. Ben also helps Livy grieve the death of her mom which her shitty boyfriend never did. 😒There’s also the mystery of why bad things keep happing to Livy. Big Ben is super hot and I can’t wait to read The Benefactor, the second book in the See No Evil trilogy because there’s a huge cliffhanger! I recommend this book if you like romantic suspense, danger, angst and off the charts chemistry!
-
I needed this for a long drive and missed East's narration (something that had me paying attention but if I zoned out for a few looking at directions or scenery, that's ok too)
Mari's narration is gorgeous, but I don't know about those accents, exactly. They aren't varied, and probably not great, and I don't know that she distinguishes her voices enough. But her voice is gorgeous.
All in all though, it was a fun listen, really OTT and just road-trip-vacation-perfect.
I will continue the rest of the story on the way home, probably (and frankly, if I don't, that's fine too) -
What can I say about Ben?! I adored him and his cocky, sexy mouth. The tension between Ben and Livy was off the charts. Not going to lie, I just needed them to bang already. The flirting, the banter, the heat. I could feel the chemistry burn me from the pages and just knew when they finally gave in to their desires it was going to be hot and explosive! YES. PLEASE.
Also...can we just talk about these London Lords for a sexond. Oh my freaking God, I am so excited to learn more about all of them! The bromance and banter had me laughing and smiling huge. I already have my next fave Lord picked out. #Mine.
Big Ben had me turning the pages and not just for the love story! I needed to know what was going to happen next. The story line kept me guessing from chapter to chapter, I couldn't get enough. Nana is an amazing story teller, delivering plenty of suspense, and original, witty dialogue. Oh and action! And not just between the sheets...I need more of this world now! -
I forgot how much I love Nana Malone books until I read this one. I love Ben and Livy and can’t wait to read more. What a cliffhanger. I love the mystery and suspense, this is definitely a page turner.
-
I loved, loved, loved Big Ben.
This is my first Nana Malone book and wow, what a book to start with. I am loving it. I was laughing out loud in the first chapter. There are many laugh of loud moments, but equally as much suspense. The sexual tension is off the charts, and I love that it built throughout the story. I couldn’t listen fast enough, I kept sneaking off to find time alone just so I could keep listening. I have so many questions, I’m intrigued by some of the other characters and what is going to happen next. Mama’s writing is captivating, and she has created a world that I cannot wait to spend more time in.
For me, the Britishness was done really well, I’m really picky but it didn’t feel over done with the exception of one word, but I think that is more a personal taste thing than anything else.
It’s performed by Shane East and Mari. Shane East was his delectable self. Everything you’ve come to know and love about his performances are showcased in this production. There is a reason he’s dubbed as the aural king of all things British. He is Ben Covington, he plays the rich, flirty, cocky gent so well. Mari is new to me, and I'm liking what I'm hearing so far. She has a nice tone and delivered the emotions of the character wonderfully. I think having to not only use an accent but voice the opposite sex at the same time can be difficult (I know I couldn’t do it) so there were some instances were I thought a duet narration might have worked better but overall it was well done. Generally, their voices complemented each other and it was a solid performance.
This is the start of a trilogy, so I'm kicking myself a little as I didn’t realise that when I pressed play, even though it’s listed as sure on the product page...parent brain strikes again. Once I found out, I was too hooked to stop and wait for the others to release. Anything that can hook me this much is worth the wait for the ending.
A must listen. If you haven't used a credit on this baby yet, do it! Or, if you already own the eBook, it has whispersynced. -
(audiobook+ebook) It’s going to be the hardest review to write, because I don’t want to give anything of the plot. There are multiple mysteries in the story, and they should all come as surprises. Yet I want to convey how much I enjoyed it.
I had listened to Mari once before, and I still love her style. She’s a great narrator, and is perfect for the black heroine–sassys and classy. On the other side, it was my first long listen to Shane East, and I discovered a talented narrator, with several different voices to give life to all the characters. Together, they make for a really good audiobook.
As for the story, let’s just say that you have your usual playboy billionaire reformed by love, and your sexy heroine who lacks self confidence and can’t believe the attention she gets from the hot guy. Throw in a secret society and mysterious threats for the heroine, and you get your share of action and suspense, with a side of steamy hot.
Be warned though that it ends on a cliffhanger, and you’ll want to know what happens next by reading book 2.
Quickie
- Series: See no evil trilogy #1 (ends on a cliffhanger)
- Hashtags: #romantic suspense #multicultural romance #office romance #secret society
- Triggers: sexual harassment, violence, mention of past death
- Main couple: Olivia Ashong & Ben Covington
- Hotness: 5/5
- Romance: 3/5
- + I looooove Mari as a narrator
- – a bit too instalove for me -
Miss Malone has done it again with her fantastic storytelling! Her writing has only gotten better and her characters are even more amazing as she continues to create these crazy scenarios in her book series.
Big Ben is going to give you everything you want in a hot romance book that is also filled with mystery, action, suspense, and of course hot steamy sexual tension. I couldn't put this book down because each chapter was better than the last.
Ben and Olivia are amazing characters, they are really well written and there is still so much to unfold as this trilogy continues. Nana made these character strong, their journey into how their relationship comes together had a beautiful tempo and I seriously can't wait to dive in to the next installment of this trilogy.
~Glori💜 -
I love a story that instantly starts off grabbing your attention.
I was sucked into this one right away. I got to start connecting with the main characters right away and I just wanted to settle in and get lost in the words.
Ben and Livy had an instant spark and connection. Their witty banter made things interesting and was a nice balance to the seriousness of Ben's mission. Nana Malone is great at making you fall in love with the characters as they fall in love. I was not only enjoying Ben and Livy but also so intrigued by East and Bridge, Ben's best friends, as the story built up.
Nana Malone is also great at getting you excited about what's to come even when you dread a cliffhanger or continuation. This book was a great mix of suspense, mystery, office romance, secret society and just all kinds of goodness. As usual I loved this story.
I need more of Ben and Livy asap.
~ Shy G. -
I loved this book! from beginning to end! I had to read it in one sitting because it was that amazing!
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I loved this first book in the See No Trilogy!
The characters in Big Ben were great and the storyline is wonderful! I loved the blend of romance and suspense and am looking forward the next book in the trilogy! Author Nana Malone writes great heat, I mean…really great heat (wink, wink) and this book you just won’t want to put down. 4.5 stars! -
3.75
This book was part of a fun adventure. Love that it is set in London and the hero is James Bond-y. The heroine is relatable with an amazing best friend. It was a nice start to a series with a little adventure.
I voluntarily read an early copy. -
The upside is the writing is smooth and easy to read. The hero is great and the basic story is promising. The downside is it was really slow moving for me. I was so bored I almost quit multiple times. I think it would have been more engaging if I had known exactly why Ben and his friends were working so hard to bring the enemy down. This nebulous something is the entire focus of the book, yet all we have to go on is an extremely vague mention concerning the death of their friend. Without any understanding behind it, however, it’s impossible to really connect and engage in the plot.
And, to top it off, the very second it got interesting, it ended. Yep, SUPER big full-stop (worse than a cliffhanger) ending. Readers beware, you will be required to read the next book before you understand one single thing. Maybe not even then, as there is a third book in this series. -
Intrigue meets a gentleman (kinda. Alpha arrogant smoking hot).
I seriously enjoyed this. Great plot. Well written
Big Ben!!! Soooo swoony!
Olivia. Spunky. Cool. Funny. Takes no shit.
Douchebag of a boyfriend.
Boyfriend’s smarmy boss.
Secret society.
Perfect dates.
Loved loved loved
Highly recommend! -
There's cheating.
Well… this was on track to be a 4-star (at least) read for me, until the cheating began. It starts off emotional then moves into physical, and that’s where I draw the line. Which is unfortunate, because I was enjoying the book quite a bit up until that point.
Not wasting any time, the books starts right in on the action, with Ben and Livy having a rather memorable and suspenseful meet cute. Ben is immediately taken by Livy but his life is pretty complicated… and Livy has a boyfriend. Livy continues to have a boyfriend (one who is so obviously a loser) thoughout the book, so her growing attraction to Ben - her new boss - becomes an issue. Add in secrets, suspense, and mysteries, and this has an intriguing storyline.
This is the first book in a trilogy and, cheating aside, it’s a solid start. I was confused about the storyline for the first 20% or so because it jumps right in, but I got over that pretty quickly. Had it not been for the cheating, I wouldn’t have hesitated to rate this higher - and it’s a testament to how much I was enjoying it that I actually skimmed through to the end post-cheating. However, I won’t be continuing with the series (and, yes, it DOES end in a major cliffhanger). This loses a full star because of the cheating, and it's only one because I liked the book so much before it happened. I really didn’t appreciate how it was handled either, but don't get me started. If it’s not a dealbreaker for you, then the series is certainly worth a try but this one’s not for me. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review of this suspenseful read.
