It began with a stolen almost-kiss.And ended in revenge.She was never supposed to cross my path.She was never supposed to know about the oaths I swore or the secrets I keep.But like a thief in the night, she took my heart and ran… even if she wasn’t mine to possess.As a member of the billionaire Elite, I live by simple tenets. A gentleman above all. Loyalty is everything.. Secrets … gentleman above all. Loyalty is everything.. Secrets whispered are never revealed. 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.
Unless she asks nicely.
My name is Ben Covington, and I know my sins.
(Big Ben is only the start of the story. Ben and Liv’s story continues in the Benefactor)
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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 fro 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!
Can I just call Nana Malone the Queen of Cliffhangers because she sends us over without warning?! I think we first met our flirtatious Hero, Ben, back in Jessa and Roone’s series, Royals United as a billionaire playboy. We find out there’s more than meets the eye to Ben and the London Lords he founded with his best mates, and it’s not all jetting fun! We meet our heroine, Olivia, as she’s hiding in a closet with a broken piece of anatomy. From the start, sparks fly between these two strangers, James Bond-style intrigue abounds and mysterious forces lurk in the shadows, but which one are they after, Ben or Olivia? Of course we don’t find out in this book, but the build-up to the story, the introduction of the rest of the London Lords and their mission, and the tug-of-war chemistry between Ben and Livy has me salivating for the next book. Which way will Ms. Malone take us this time?
Big Ben is part one of a trilogy. I did not know that going in, so that is on me. The story started off very intriguing with the main characters, Ben and Livy, finding themselves in a closet together for two totally different reasons, and then they find themselves together a lot more when she goes to work with him in a bribery/ semi-blackmail twist.
There were some parts of the story at times that were confusing (things related to the Elite) and maybe could have been developed further or explained better. I really really disliked Dexter (which was purposeful and part of the story) but he was just downright horrible. Livy and Ben had awesome chemistry and I absolutely loved how he was so protective of Livy.
Overall I found the story to be really interesting and engaging and I am looking forward to part two!
We start on a new series with a familiar face. I couldn’t think of a better person to the honors than Big Ben. Readers were introduced to during his cousin Roone and Jessa story. This time around we get to know more about him and London Lords. Then, of course, we are introduced to Olivia “Livy” Ashong. During their first meeting, I could already tell that wasn’t just a happy coincidence. I am trying to keep this spoiler-free, but I will say there are so many layers to this story. I love to see how Olivia and Ben moved based on their mutual “denial” and developed their relationship. Of course, there was page-turning action that completed perfectly with the steamy romance and wittiness. As expected, the author keeps on the edge of our seats with a cliffhanger that keeps enthusiastically waiting for the next book. I am only imagining what could possibly happen in Book 2.
To be upfront, this is book 1 of a trilogy. There is no HEA, no ‘ending’ in this book. Just the beginning of the story of Ben & Liv. I loved these characters. They’re fun, exciting & quirky. The storyline has good guys & bad guys & just when you think you know what’s going on, everything changes. I loved it & am eagerly waiting for book 2. So why aren’t I giving it 5*? I’m still not overly fond of not presenting the reader with a complete story, making them commit to 2 or more books before the ending.
Oh no she didn’t! Oh yes, she did ladies. Nana Malone delivers another action-packed romantic suspense with all of the great things you come to expect. Big Ben is the first book in the See No Evil Trilogy. This is the love story of Olivia ‘Livy’ Ashong and Ben Covington. Their initial meeting is far from conventional but they will soon find themselves unexpectedly entangled in each other’s lives. This marks the beginning of a wild journey filled with surprises, twists, turns, lies, danger, and lots of steamy goodness. Their attraction is undeniable and burns hot but things are complicated. Will either of them be able to resist? Ben is so much more than I expected. Livy is smart, strong, and resourceful. What a pair!
Nana Malone hooks us from the start and leaves us with a jaw-dropping cliffhanger in the end. I am dying to know what happens next! I am purposely keeping my review brief so as not to spoil it for you. Just know that you will want to go on this roller coaster ride of action, suspense, and sizzling romance. I am anxiously awaiting the conclusion, “The Benefactor”! I need answers!
****ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review.****
I loved this book! from beginning to end! I had to read it in one sitting because it was that amazing!
It sounds cliché, but she’s done it again! I don’t know how this author keeps writing such entertaining stories but she does! And even though it’s a trilogy, I know that the next installment is well worth the wait!
Ben and Olivia meet in a somewhat unconventional way and so begins their relationship! It is part funny, part intrigue, lots of steam, and a very engaging story. This is a story you are going to want to read more than once because you are sure to miss a few clues along the way – you are a bit distracted by some hotness!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie’s Book Reports.
It began with betrayal. And ended in murder. She was never supposed to cross my path. She was never supposed to know the the Currency of Secrets or the Oath of Blood. But like a theif in the night, she stole my soul even if she wasn’t mine to possess. As memeber 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 he same coin. And power is king. M 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 and set the scales right. But begging-begging, you can forget about. My name is Ben Covington and I know my sins.
Big Ben is the first book in the See No Evil Trilogy. This is the story of Olivia ‘Livy’ Ashong and Ben Covington. To say that Ben is a dangerous man is a understatement. He is part of an Elite group of businessmen and they are all dangerous. In the past Ben’s friend was killed which he and his other friends thing the Elite had something to do with it. He and “The London Lords” are out for revenge. These two meet when they both end up in a closest together at an event in which Ben was gathering information about his friend. He takes this closest opportunity to slip something in her purse and later discovers that she works for his company. I do not want to give anything away about this book. It is really good. I loved it and it will keep you guessing and on the edge of your seat.
Big Ben is the first book in this trilogy and it leaves me wanting more more more! This book has it all and was filled with romance and suspense. The back and forth between Ben and Livy and all that they encounter keeps you turning pages. This was a quick read for me as I couldn’t put it down!
I think this is probably the best so far from Ms Malone. This is am packed with intrigue, action, twists and turns…. Back stabbing galore. Excellent character building and a hint of the Winston Isles to come. I was literally compulsively turning the pages on this one, and have zero finger nails left!
Big Ben is just the beginning of this fantastic trilogy! This book is filled with interesting characters, the perfect amount of steamy moments mixed with suspense and intrigue and a plot that will keep you engaged and coming back for more!
Livy gets caught up in the danger with a chance encounter with Ben and her life is now turned upside down as she decides who she can trust and who wants to harm her.
Ben carries a wealth of secrets and with his friends they are trying to get revenge for a lost friend and turn the tables on the Elite secret society. The one thing he didn’t count on was Livy and the impact she seems to be having in his life.
There are so many secrets and moving parts going on in this book and I am excited to see where this story goes in the next books in the See No Evil trilogy!
I loved it! Great characters, lots of action, mystery. I can’t wait for the next one.
Let me start out by saying that romantic suspense is really not a genre I like. However, if Nana Malone writes it you can bet I’m going to read it! I enjoyed Ben and Olivia- they were well written characters and the story line held my interest. I am very much looking forward to seeing the character development on the other 3 protagonists. Not to mention finding out who it turns out to be in the final scene!
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.
I knew this would end on a cliffhanger. I anticipated the cliffhanger. Yet, when it finally arrived, it wasn’t what I expected and still managed to leave me with my mouth hanging open.
Ben and Olivia together are so light hearted, fun, witty, and sexy. It is hard to reconcile that with this dark, dangerous path they are traveling down. It is an interesting concept. They continue to encounter unpleasant, seedy, creepy, unstable, dangerous people.
This book is full of mystery, intrigue, and suspense. I don’t know if it is just me, but this book also seems a bit darker and edgier than some of the previous books. A good start to the trilogy.
I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
I’m always floored by Nana Malone’s books, thinking that I could not like the next one as much as the past novels, but she still proves me wrong! Big Ben starts with a big bang and only amplifies from there. Ben’s character has always drawn me in. He has charisma, a flirty attitude, has a confident air, and is there for his friends and relatives. However, in Big Ben, you are exposed to a raw Ben. He demonstrates that he is way more than a pretty face with an alpha-male personality. He’s met his match when he meets Olivia. I absolutely love Livy’s feisty attitude. Malone’s women can always handle themselves, but Livy brings more spice to the already confident women’s characteristics. I love and hate that this is a three-book series. I love Ben so much I want to keep reading about him. However, the part I hate includes cliffhangers that leave you breathless and an impatient attitude waiting for the rest of the books to release. I catch myself saying this over and over again, but Nana Malone has outdone herself again!
I received a free copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
I gave this book five stars because it was awesome. Ben and Olivia were the perfect couple. I love how they met. I never liked Dexter and glad she finally picked herself. I wonder who startled Olivia but I have some guesses. I can’t wait for the next book. Good job as always Nana!!
Been excited to dive into this as this is a new to me author that I’ve heard many great things about by more than a few friends, and although her previous books appeared to be a bit too light for this dark soul, the blurb caught my attention and wouldn’t let go.
Luckily the suspense drags you in from the very beginning with some added humour mixed in. Although I’m not one for humour in books normally, I am enjoying it in this so far. The pace of the book is fast from the get go and pretty soon you’ll find yourself dragged into the mysterious secret society.
Soon you’ll been chased down dark alleys, and looking over your shoulder constantly while rich playboys with secret pasts have scores to settle. You won’t be able to look away. The British terms were a nice break from normal terminology in books, but also again lightened the book a tad too much for this black heart. Luckily the book is so riddled with suspense that it almost balances it out.
The style of writing is so well done no matter my tastes, that it’s very easy to see why this was a raved about author.
Nana Malone is one of my all-time favorite authors! I was so excited about Big Ben and I was not disappointed! Ben and Olivia’s story was amazing! I need more right now! After reading so many Nana Malone stories I know that the first book will end on a cliff-hanger, and I know it’s always worth the wait – but I still wasn’t expecting it! I NEED MORE RIGHT NOW! Five Stars!