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Cocky Hero Club

Powerful Bastard

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A BASTARD YOU WILL LOVE TO HATE 

Melody

“Excuse me, sir, I know this sounds strange, but can I buy that bagel from you?”
I didn’t know at the time that one simple question would change my life irrevocably.
Not to mention the tall, dark, and handsome stranger that came with it.
As a struggling musician in New York, I’d take all the help I could get.
But I wondered at what price? Because, as handsome and powerful as Bentley Schilling was, he was still a bastard.

Bentley

I’d never forget the day Melody Dumas approached me in that bagel shop.
I sure as hell didn’t plan to offer her assistance. But when she flashed those deep brown eyes, she could get any man to do her bidding.
The streets of New York were not an easy road—one must earn their way. But this beauty was different. She needed to be on a stage, not singing on a street corner.
I had the power to help her make beautiful music.
Question was . . . what was in it for me?

Powerful Bastard is a witty, sexy love story about a free-spirited musician who just might bring a Manhattan powerhouse to his knees.

238 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 19, 2020

53 people are currently reading
1,046 people want to read

About the author

Z.N. Willett

14 books645 followers

Bestselling author ZN Willett's contemporary romance novel, The Trouble with Dating a Movie Star, achieved significant online popularity, with over two million reads and prompting the creation of the Limited Edition Red Carpet Series.

She delights in crafting unique heroines who embody strength, wisdom, and authenticity, alongside alpha male heroes who, despite their imperfections, inspire desire.

ZN's global escapades fuel her passion for sharing experiences and stories, both in and beyond the pages, motivating others to explore new horizons.


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Website -- > http://www.znwillett.com/

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
Profile Image for SimplyƝì₭.
601 reviews296 followers
July 21, 2020


A sexy installment in the Cocky Hero Club. When opposites attract fireworks start to happen.

Powerful Bastard by ZN Willett

A BASTARD YOU WILL LOVE TO HATE






GOODREADS LINK: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...


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This book was gifted for a honest review.

1,298 reviews
July 13, 2020
Although I enjoyed reading this story it was missing something to give it that extra wow factor. I can't say I absolutely loved it however it was ok and overall not a bad read.
Profile Image for Michele McMullen .
2,457 reviews78 followers
July 21, 2020
I am so enjoying this Cocky Hero Club. I am discovering so many new to me authors that are wowing me with their characters and their imagination. Powerful Bastard has a wonderfully funny met cute and such engaging characters. Melody and Ben are opposites on the verge of a collision as they met in the corner bagel shop. Neither one wants to admit that the encounter intrigues them but the pull is powerful . I devoured their story.
Melody is unique, sassy, driven and a talented street performer that has not been able to catch a break. Ben is a stoic, powerful business man that never takes no for an answer. Yes on paper they are opposites but that is all part of the attraction . Loved their story and the journey they led me on!
~~Michele McMullen ~~
Profile Image for Becky.
1,173 reviews112 followers
July 10, 2020

Melody- aspiring song writer and singer. A soul looking for its place. Sees the best in the world. Is a 100% herself all the time.

Bentley (Ben)- Weighed down in his life by family expectations. A caretaker and provider. Everyone he loves he in someway protects and cares for them.

Powerful Bastard had one of the best meet cutes I have read in a minute. It was so funny! It set the feels for this book for sure. Powerful Bastard takes place in the Stuck Suit Realm, but Graham has very few appearances. I liked Melody a lot. I liked her soul and her kindness. I liked how even in a situation where she was the fish out of water, she used her personality to be comfortable in the moment. Even when Ben would come off as distant and cold, she never just gave up. She stepped back cared for herself and reevaluated the situation. I also like that Melody wasn’t afraid to take a step back or that she didn’t stop what mattered to her to be with Ben. She continued to sing in the bar and on the corner. She was feisty and sassy.
Ben was a little hard of a nut to crack at first. You can tell Ben is hiding things about who he is and his family. As the story progresses you see the fierce and powerful Ben emerge. I wish we had seen that earlier in the book. It would have helped us get to know him better.

This was a 4/5 read for me. I really liked both characters. I liked the story. I did feel parts of the story line were a little rushed. I wanted more insight into Ben and Melody. This was a romantic read without being overtly steamy. Stuck Up Suit is my favorite from the original Cocky heroes so to have little snippets into that make for a great read!
Profile Image for Barbara.
2,505 reviews54 followers
July 13, 2020
I found this to be a well written, fun sexy read with characters that seemed to fit their parts. Melody is a sassy independent woman who is also a struggling singer/songwriter. Between singing in a coffee shop and playing on the street for tips, she is barely scraping by. But she is doing what she loves and she’s pretty darn good at it. She meets a sexy, arrogant stranger, Ben, at the Bagel shop and their interactions leave them both with lingering thoughts of the other.

Ben is a powerful cocky guy who is used to getting what he wants both personally and professionally. He comes from a very formidable family which also brings a lot of personal struggles. He’s the total opposite from Melody yet he finds himself wanting to help her as well as get to know her. But his shy little Songbird is no pushover even though their chemistry is off the charts.

The book is romantic, funny, intriguing and sexy all rolled up onto one. I absolutely enjoyed it and recommend grabbing it up. 2 Thumbs Up and 4 Stars.
Profile Image for Andi Isack.
408 reviews16 followers
July 12, 2020
The poor girl and the rich guy. Thats the highlight of this story. If you have read 50 shades, he has the same vibe ( except the kinky stuff). The plot is a little too predictable. I mean what happened when the rich guy is dawn on this gorgeous and talented but poor girl? He became her " prince charming".make real her dream, giving her a real fairytale. Ok maybe it's not a classic fairytale, but a modern one, where, Ben the "prince" is an alpha, arrogant bastard also billionaire.
Now, the romantic part of the story is nice, but could have been better.
Obviously there is some twists, unexpected news, and all and some villain . But as I said, they are destined to be together.
*ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
Profile Image for Siobhan.
4,879 reviews593 followers
July 10, 2020
Powerful Bastard is another case of ‘it’s me, not the book’. I’m finding with the Cocky Hero Club there are some books that I’m really enjoying, and others that do not work for me. Such is going to be the case with there being so much variety, but that does not mean everyone will feel the same way towards this one.

My biggest problem with this one was how difficult I found it to believe the actions of the characters. I know we’re supposed to suspend belief when reading, but I could not get behind the female lead handing over personal information to someone she does not know when her ex is stalking her. Someone in such a position should have a lot more sense, and it just set the tone for the rest of the book and left me judging the actions more harshly than I probably should have.

Although not for me, I’m sure plenty will enjoy this one.
Profile Image for Ann-Maree.
974 reviews9 followers
July 15, 2020
A great story by a new to me author that had me happy all afternoon. It was full of humour and I loved Melody and Ben they had their ups and downs throughout the book. I would have preferred the book to be a bit longer I felt at times we could have learnt more about these great characters with a bit more time.
Profile Image for Corrinne.
877 reviews2 followers
July 13, 2020
Powerful bastard was a good quick read it kept me entertained. I liked the beginning of how they met and interacted. I was expecting a bit more drama with the ex and was a bit disappointed and I would of loved a bigger epilogue - I love epilogues and would of liked a bit more info of them to read of what happens with them.
But a good read to read.

I voluntary reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
Profile Image for Tilya Eloff.
Author 15 books53 followers
July 14, 2020
Another great addition to the cocky hero world. I enjoyed the sweet fast read. Love me a good possessive alpha male and sweet but feisty women to tame him.
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
11.4k reviews92 followers
July 4, 2020
All Melody wants is to make a career in music, but she hasn’t had the success she would like so in the interim she has a part-time engagement at a bar as well as a street performer. Her life is further complicated by a past that refuses to stay where it belongs.

Ben is a powerful man with a lot of family secrets. From their first meeting he is intrigued by Melody even if they didn’t get off to a great start. He offers to introduce her to some important people in the music industry and that is when the family drama really begins.

There is so much more to Ben than first appears and Melody’s strong and sassy personality make them a perfect fit.
Profile Image for Tash.
1,278 reviews106 followers
July 19, 2020
This book will divide readers because the hero in this book Ben is truly cocky and does some things that readers hate or love.
Personally I loved him even though Melody at times had enough of him. He command the scene and knew how to handle things when things got rough. He was possessive of the woman who knew how to get under his skin and played him at his own game.

Melody is struggling to make ends met and she is force to do anything with her music for a dollar and it means crashing into Ben's world after a bagel.
It should ended there with the conversation that was witty and ended in a winner. But neither of them could forget each other and this story is their hot and steamy relationship played out in a matter of weeks.

This story is built around their lives and the sexual chemistry that never seems to diminish . Both of them sabotage their relationship by digging their past and it throws a spanner in their relationship a time or two. If it wasn't for the sabotaging this story would have seem too perfect which was need given their worlds were totally different and Ben need to play the role he has created.

I wanted to know more about Ben's background given there was so much hinted at scandals when the past was digged up. The glimpses we got weren't enough. I felt like there was Mafia lying around or some gang who caused part of the drama that unfolded in the book we were showed. The drama was nearly over the top but made sense once everything was unpacked. It was entertaining in my opinion and made the story stronger. It's not for everyone though and it will be interesting to see what others think.
Profile Image for Cheryl O'Harney.
1,252 reviews21 followers
July 19, 2020
Melody may be a struggling singer/songwriter, singing in a coffee shop and busking on street corners for tips whilst barely scraping by, but she’s a happy soul who loves what she doing and she does it good. She comes across an arrogant, sexy stranger whilst she’s in the bagel shop and their interactions over a certain bagel leave a lasting impression on them both.

Sexy stranger in question is Ben a man that’s used to getting what he wants in life, both personally and professionally. He’s the complete opposite of Melody but they do say opposites attract and that’s certainly the case for these two, the chemistry between them is off the charts. Ben finds himself wanting to get to know Melody all whilst trying to help her career wise along the way and that’s where the "family" drama really begins, turns out there’s so much more to Ben than what there first appears to be.

This was another fantastic addition to the Cocky Hero series, don’t miss out, get reading NOW!! I highly recommend PB.

𝓐𝓡𝓒 𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓭 𝓲𝓷 𝓻𝓮𝓽𝓾𝓻𝓷 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓪𝓷 𝓱𝓸𝓷𝓮𝓼𝓽 𝓻𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀
Profile Image for Isha Coleman.
8,234 reviews163 followers
July 19, 2020
The guy we love to have, could be the most misunderstood man I've come across. Love him or hate him, Bentley proves to be a showstopper. Willett makes a lasting impression with a not so nice heartbreaker.
Profile Image for Philomena Callan Cheekypee.
3,954 reviews418 followers
July 19, 2020
This is my first read by this author but it certainly won’t be my last as it’s a great read.

Bentley and Melody are complete opposites. They lead totally different lives. One question changes everything for both of them.

I found this to be a nice, easy, quick read which is exactly what I needed. Will definitely be reading more from this author in the future.
Profile Image for Angel Rodriquez.
16 reviews1 follower
July 7, 2020
Melody and Ben are such a fun couple. I really enjoyed this book it's a fun and easy read. It had me laughing from the first encounter at the bagel store when Ben aka "Bently" purchased the last bagel that Melody aka "songbird" wanted. This really was a refreshing read and I'm already looking forward to reading more from ZN Willett. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I recommend it!

I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Pimm Cullen.
197 reviews12 followers
July 19, 2020
This is a fun, quick read. Ben and Melody are a strange couple. Melody busks on street corners and believes the best of everyone. Ben is the archetypal cocky bastard, believing he can have anything he wants. I enjoyed their story through all the ups and downs. Ben does ultimately get what he wants but not at the expense of Melody and what she wants. He likes to be in charge, but Melody doesn't let him run rough shawd over her life. She's feisty and determined to make her dreams come true.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Chrystal M Delgado .
402 reviews11 followers
July 5, 2020
This book was a quick and enjoyable read. Although it did take me longer to read just because of life. It was engaging from the beginning and I loved getting to know Ben and Melody. I was left with some unanswered questions, but overall, I liked the story and look forward to reading more by the author.
Profile Image for Sandie Chraponski.
1,575 reviews17 followers
July 19, 2020
All Melody needed was a bagel, but from the moment Ben saw her he wanted that bagel and more.

Melody is a beautiful singer/songwriter trying to make it in New York, Ben is a billionaire with the connections to make that happen for her.

What starts out as a fun couple of dates, turns into a whirlwind romance for the two characters. With some drama, some love and more than a few steamy moments you will fall for these two people too.
Profile Image for Ri.
5,113 reviews13 followers
July 1, 2020
This book was definitely engaging from the start. I enjoyed getting to know Ben and his songbird. I wasn't sure where the story was going to go but I enjoyed the ride in getting there. I will admit, that it was more intriguing in the beginning than at the end. I didn't understand why Ben needed to be a part of the story. That being said, anyone that needs an easy summer read, will enjoy this story that has dynamic characters and a quest for finding the one that gives you purpose.

Looking forward to more from this author. This was a great addition to the Cocky Hero World.
Profile Image for Stacy Curiale.
144 reviews8 followers
July 1, 2020
This was a fun read, I love Melody and Ben. Their first meeting had me laughing. If you are looking for a sweet fun quick read this is the book for you!
Profile Image for Michelle.
552 reviews43 followers
June 23, 2020
First book I have read by this author and it will not be my last, Powerful Bastard is a great addition to the Cocky Hero Club Collection.

Bentley aka Ben is a powerful man who has been burned in the past, has hidden secrets and shares with only a few.

Melody aka Songbird - Is a down to earth sassy girl, who also has a past following her, will she fall for the charms of a powerful man ?

Lovers of romance with some twists & turns this is a must one click for you.
1,362 reviews
July 6, 2020
The book starts off really well. They meet at a bagel shop where Ben is with his friend picking up bagels. He decides to buy the last everything bagel, which is apparently the popular item at this bagel shop. Melody begs him to let her buy it and explains why she needs the bagel. He toys with her, making her think he's considering selling it to her only to take a bite out of it to be a jerk. I enjoyed the banter between Melody and Bentley aka Ben. Melody doesn't take any crap off of Ben and lets him know exactly what she thinks of him. Ben isn't used to this. He's a powerful guy with lots of money. After their encounter, Ben can't get the street singer (Melody) off of his mind so he goes back to look for her. She isn't receptive to his advancements even though she finds him very attractive. He isn't used to rejection and makes it his mission to get her to go on a date with him. Melody hasn't had luck with love so she isn't keen on going on a date with this guy who was a total jerk to her. Can Ben break down her walls and convince her to go on this one date? Will one date be enough considering he can't stop thinking about her.

This was a quick read with lots of steam and some swoony moments. There were moments in this book that I really liked but there were also moments where it didn't quite flow as well as I would have liked. Some of the things Ben said and did were contradictory as to how he was presented. It didn't fit with who he was. He was sweet at times but then was a total jerk and Melody forgave him too easily. I did like his alpha side and the chemistry was hot between Ben and Melody. I also felt that some parts were rushed and skated over. Especially his father's death. I don't feel that I got a good explanation as to what really happened and the ending felt rushed as well. I encourage you to read and form your own opinion.

****ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review.****
Profile Image for Alphas Do It Better Book Blog .
3,555 reviews106 followers
July 20, 2020
4 stars

Powerful Bastard is one of the latest additions to the Cocky Hero Club, this one is inspired by Stuck Up Suit.

Melody is an aspiring singer songwriter trying to find the right ears to advance her career while singing on random streets and bars of New York. She goes to some interesting lengths to procure the right street corners for her sets, including bribing street vendors for their spots but first she has to convince the hottest, cockiest guy on the planet to give up the goods.

Ben Schilling is one arrogant asshole but he's used to getting his way. The girl from the bagel shop didn't care about his money or prestige, she just wanted his bagel. He's utterly fascinated by the street performer and can't get her outta of his head. She's sassy and sexy and now she's all his, she just doesn't know it yet.

Despite not caring for Ben very much (I found him cold and aloof), I loved Melody. She is funny and sassy and smarter than people give her credit for and she's got a heart of gold! She didn't just give in to Ben but made him work for it and didn't give up her "relationships" just because of who Ben was, which I really enjoyed. Their meet cute was really adorable and definitely kept me longing for more of this laugh out loud moments as I read. Good book in the Cocky Hero Club

AnnMarie - Alphas Do It Better Book Blog
Profile Image for Dimple.
1,157 reviews33 followers
July 20, 2020
Powerful Bastard is one of the latest additions to the Cocky Hero Club, this one is inspired by Stuck Up Suit.

Melody is an aspiring singer songwriter trying to find the right ears to advance her career while singing on random streets and bars of New York. She goes to some interesting lengths to procure the right street corners for her sets, including bribing street vendors for their spots but first she has to convince the hottest, cockiest guy on the planet to give up the goods.

Ben Schilling is one arrogant asshole but he's used to getting his way. The girl from the bagel shop didn't care about his money or prestige, she just wanted his bagel. He's utterly fascinated by the street performer and can't get her outta of his head. She's sassy and sexy and now she's all his, she just doesn't know it yet.

Despite not caring for Ben very much (I found him cold and aloof), I loved Melody. She is funny and sassy and smarter than people give her credit for and she's got a heart of gold! She didn't just give in to Ben but made him work for it and didn't give up her "relationships" just because of who Ben was, which I really enjoyed. Their meet cute was really adorable and definitely kept me longing for more of this laugh out loud moments as I read. Good book in the Cocky Hero Club.
Profile Image for Linda ( Clary_Starfall ).
718 reviews5 followers
July 29, 2020
#justreleased #arcreview
@givemebookspr @cockyheroclub
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Powerful Bastard - Z.N. Willet @zn.willett
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It all starts because of one bagel 🥯...
Melody the singer songwriter that tries to get her name out..
Ben who is rich but working hard..
🦋
My notes 📝; smutty scenes, a lot of bantering / chemistry between main characters, straightforward storyline, good read, could have used an bit more excitement 🤗
But overall an lovely book to read 📖.
🦋
Blurb;

A BASTARD YOU WILL LOVE TO HATEMelody"Excuse me, sir, I know this sounds strange, but can I buy that bagel from you?"I didn't know at the time that one simple question would change my life irrevocably.Not to mention the tall, dark, and handsome stranger that came with it.As a struggling musician in New York, I'd take all the help I could get.But I wondered at what price? Because, as handsome and powerful as Bentley Schilling was, he was still a bastard.BentleyI'd never forget the day Melody Dumas approached me in that bagel shop. I sure as hell didn't plan to offer her assistance. But when she flashed those deep brown eyes, she could get any man to do her bidding.The streets of New York were not an easy road-one must earn their way. But this beauty was different. She needed to be on a stage, not singing on a street corner.I had the power to help her make beautiful music.Question was . . . what was in it for me?Powerful Bastard is a witty, sexy love story about a free-spirited musician who just might bring a Manhattan powerhouse to his knees.
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Genre adult romance
Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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#bookreview #reading #singing #songwriter #buisness #powerfulbastard #bagels #fun #tbr #bookstagram #creative #photography
Profile Image for United Indie Book Blog.
4,587 reviews85 followers
July 16, 2020
OMG! I've volunteered this book for United Indie Book Blog. This is my first time reading a book form ZN Willett. This story is about Bentley and Melody. This is another awesome book in the Cocky Hero Club series. Melody is an aspiring song writer and singer, who is looking to get her shot in the music industry. Bentley is a powerful man with a lot of family secrets. They first met when Bentley brought the last of the bagel and Melody wanted that one too. Bentley knew that he had and wanted more of Melody. After some drama, and love you will fall for these two people too. If you love reading about a good possessive alpha male and sweet but feisty women to tame him. Then this one for the one for you. I can't wait to read more from this author. Keep up the good work.

review by Chantelle
Profile Image for Jackie Wright.
5,840 reviews136 followers
July 18, 2020
4.5 Stars for Powerful Bastard (A Cocky Hero Club Novel)
This Cocky Hero Club is introducing so many talented new authors to me and ZN Willett is yet another author I need to track down their previous works because if Powerful Bastard is anything to go by I will love other books by this very talented author.
Melody is a struggling singer/song writer trying to find her break, she is a strong, sassy independent woman who sees the best in everyone and the world.
Bentley(Ben) is a powerful cocky guy who knows what he wants and he normally gets it in both his personal and professional life. He comes from a very successful family who are in the perfect position to help Melody but he knows that’s the last thing she would want so he becomes just a stranger she met in a bagel shop but what will happen when the truth comes out ......
I loved this couple but I was left wanting more, a romantic read that ticked all my boxes, great characters, great story that’s written well and captivating, I laughed and I sighed as I turned the pages and I guess all that’s left for me to say is you need to one click this gem.
Looking forward to reading more buy this author.

Profile Image for Carey S..
569 reviews7 followers
July 2, 2020
Ben Schilling is a wealthy jerk when we meet him initially. Melody is an indie singer/songwriter who busks on street corners for tips. She’s trying to meet the right people who can help her, but she’s not having a lot of luck. Ben likes what he sees, and figures she’s good for a few nights of entertainment. She turns him down flat. She reconsiders his offer after a bit, but he’s nowhere to be found.

Parts of this book were intriguing, but there were parts that added nothing. Why was the part about Susan added? It just makes Ben seem shallow, when throughout the rest of the book, he isn’t like that at all. Why was there an insinuation about the accident not being an accident, but nothing ever comes of it? That seems like something that should be investigated. Why was Ben doing so much to help his sister, even insinuating that he has a plan in place for her, then he ignores his plan and does something different when the time comes? These are the types of questions that left me wondering. Finally, the arc of Ben and Melody’s relationship isn’t very believable. Melody seems to have a fairly rapid ‘about face’ after very little interaction with Ben.

In spite of the unanswered questions, the book was still good. The reader wants to know what happens with each of these characters and whether or not they will make it. Ben’s vulnerability and compassion toward his sister make him a better character than he appears to be at the start. And Melody stays fairly consistent throughout, and is very likable as well. Her kind nature and her integrity add to the depth of her as a protagonist.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews

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