Reviews

Big Ben by Nana Malone

readers_together's review

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5.0

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.

cassire's review

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3.0

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.

kidisitor's review

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4.0

Let me start by saying this ends in a cliffhanger, so if you are like me, you may want to wait til the trilogy is complete to start reading. There are many things going on in this book. There is of course, the romantic element, but in addition to that there is some suspense/thriller/spy type of things happening. As far as the romance goes, it is a slow burn, barely there (considering she already has a boyfriend.) Their meet cute is something else though! :D There is mystery and secrets (mostly on his end.) The characters are sexy, strong, smart and often funny. Some of the characters you may recognize from other books in one of the few royal series' from this author. This isn't a dark read per se, but it's not exactly a light-hearted read either. There are some heavier moments, but then there is some humor to keep things leveled. There are things that are hinted at, but we end this book with lots more questions, in regards to some of the secrets and mysteries involved. It reads smoothly and easily. Alternates between POVs. Minimal sexual content, though there is lots of sexual tension.

*I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley.

hannas_heas47's review

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3.0

Thanks to the publisher for an ARC to read and give my honest opinion. My first by this author and although the blurb sucked me in, the book was awkward. Toby is the reason for pretty much everything that happens in this book but the author doesn’t really give us Toby. So it’s hard to latch on to an idea with really no idea why everyone should love Toby and want justice.

What did I like? Olivia was hard to explain as well... her issues. Breaking the statue, being stuck in the closet, horrible boyfriend, issues with her boyfriends employer....to dealing with her mother’s ashes and her lack of feeling. I seem to be at a disadvantage since I’m the minority reviewing this book. It just didn’t work for me I guess.

Would I recommend or buy? Personally, no. I seem to be the only person not able to get into this book and this is a first by this author. I’m not a fan of James Bond type stuff.

Thoughts for the author? Congratulations on your new release! I’m glad so many of your readers loved it.

melanievg's review

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4.0

I have read a lot by Nana Malone already, so I loved that I could read an Arc of Big ben.

Wrtingstyle

I always love reading Nana’s books. This is not the first time I have read anything from her. I practically devoured the Royals world of hers.
Her books are always an easy read. In just one sitting you can read the first book of het Royals world.
You can read atleast eight of hers in a whole day!

“And you were going to, what? Interrogate him about what he was doing with you in the closet? Get real.”

My thoughts about Big Ben

Well, I don’t know were to begin. Let me say that I love the guy on the cover and I absolutely liked the nickname they gave him in the book.

It took me a while to get into this story. Sometimes it was a bit confusing. But after a while I started to like it.

The first meeting between Ben and Olivia was so funny. It was awkward, erotic and their connection was instant.
The whole story is Bens fault. He was the one who made Olivia a target. The guy was playing a dangerous game.
It was great to see how Olivia was so persistent of nothing falling for Ben. Not all woman are the same and don’t fall for stupid tricks. She wanted something from him and he from her. They played a game and they played it very well until feelings got in the way

I am not sure what the Elite means in this book and that part confuses me a lot. Nana probably hold back any information on this to make you want to read the second book more.
This also meant for a couple of the characters. I didn’t find them interesting because they were flat

I did love how she combined the world of the royals with this world! Only names were mentioned but still, I liked it a lot.

“Ah, like the princess. I’m Ben. You can call me Big Ben, though. I don’t falsely advertise. Bram here, well, he’s known for having a little prick. And, you know, generally being a prick. Just his Mummy’s errand boy.”

Conclusion about Big Ben

A lovely book, sometimes a bit confusing but hey that happens sometimes. If you don’t know the other books by Nana, I would definitely recommend them.
The best part about this new trilogy, we don’t have to wait long for the two other books!

kindleandcrochet's review

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3.0

I enjoyed this, minus the cliff hanger ending

I'm not too fond of Olivia she is super annoying and blaming Ben for everything when she more than likely brought all the trouble to her own door. Refusing to admit that she was wrong and Ben was right, about pretty much everything. Tarring Ben with the same brush she does Dex just because she was manipluated and used by him.
I really hate Fenton and Dex

joskypay's review against another edition

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5.0

OMG can this author make any hero more yummy?!?! I absolutely fell in love with Ben. I am so reluctant to give any details because this is such a twisty read, who is the bad guy? About the only one I trust throughout is Ben which is ironic since our introduction to him is while he is carrying out a theft clandestine operation. I was sold on Liv from the start too. She's got a lot of spunk, but there is something highly suspect about all her bad luck. I can't wait to read more!

fsmeurinne's review against another edition

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5.0

This new trilogy started in a great way, Olivia and Ben's story is fantastic, love the mystery, how the story is developing and I am definitely intrigued, and can't wait for more. Nana Malone just keeps getting better and better and having me on edge and waiting for her next book. A must-read!

jennifermarie119's review

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5.0

You can always count on Nana Malone to give you page turning suspense. I love the beginning of Ben and Livy story. These two had instant attraction and tons of chemistry. Ben and his friends are looking to avenge their friends death and Livy gets thrown into the mix after meeting Ben. Shane East and Mari narrate this book and do a wonderful job voicing Ben and Livy. Shane brings out Ben’s charm and Mari does a great job portraying Livy’s strength. If you love heart pounding action with spice thrown in definitely pick up the start of the See No Evil trilogy.

catxbooks's review

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4.0

omg, why did it have to end like that?? Cliffhangers make me crazy but I know Nana will make an amazing job with the next books.

I’m really excited I got to read this book. All of Nana’s male characters are yum and Ben is definitely one of my favorites. I loved his arrogance and his big... smile