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Headstrong #1
Improvise
Elizabeth Bennet never wanted to be a hero. She'll just have to deal with it.A few months after teaming up with Major Richard Fitzwilliam to thwart a terrorist attack in Europe, USMC Staff Sergeant Elizabeth Bennet is back in the States as a civilian. Her training in cyber-security makes finding work easy, and she’s learning to fit into her new life. But there is lingering fallout both from the attack and her life before it that she's not yet prepared to face.Complicating matters is the major’s handsome cousin.Co-owner of Darcy Acquisitions, CEO of FORGE, and guardian to his younger sister, Will Darcy is stretched to his limits. His worries about his sister, his cousin, and his company are wearing him down. When Richard sets up an interview at FORGE for his friend Elizabeth Bennet, Will insults her instead of hiring her. In making amends, Will falls for the witty, troubled Marine with the long legs and fine eyes.Falling in love is easy, but with the baggage they each carry, can they make that love last?[This is a non-canon P&P modern and a full novel at just over 86,000 words.]
290 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 10, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
December 19, 2019
Unputdownable!
I loved this brilliantly adapted modern variation of Pride and Prejudice. A thrilling, entertaining and compelling read with laugh out loud, hilarious moments.
US marine Elizabeth Bennet certainly has a ring to it. I have a penchant for a strong Elizabeth and this book delivers on that account although she was not portrayed as flawless.
Enters with a dramatic event while Elizabeth was in active duty. She and major Fitzwilliam had a run-in with a few bad guys and I absolutely love their sister/brother relationship. Their banter continues after she leaves the marine corps and he is doing her "favour" professionally that sends her to Will Darcy's office. That did not go down particularly well and the insult was fabulous...
Darcy had his work cut out for him to turn the first impression of the feisty, green-eyed marine in his favour. Loved how their relationship developed.
The innovative and intriguing background story of the Bennet's, created a plausible contemporary setting for the rest of this story.
This is the first instalment in a trilogy, I cannot wait to read the next two.
Heartily recommend this book!
Rated: Chaste
I loved this brilliantly adapted modern variation of Pride and Prejudice. A thrilling, entertaining and compelling read with laugh out loud, hilarious moments.
US marine Elizabeth Bennet certainly has a ring to it. I have a penchant for a strong Elizabeth and this book delivers on that account although she was not portrayed as flawless.
Enters with a dramatic event while Elizabeth was in active duty. She and major Fitzwilliam had a run-in with a few bad guys and I absolutely love their sister/brother relationship. Their banter continues after she leaves the marine corps and he is doing her "favour" professionally that sends her to Will Darcy's office. That did not go down particularly well and the insult was fabulous...
Darcy had his work cut out for him to turn the first impression of the feisty, green-eyed marine in his favour. Loved how their relationship developed.
The innovative and intriguing background story of the Bennet's, created a plausible contemporary setting for the rest of this story.
This is the first instalment in a trilogy, I cannot wait to read the next two.
Heartily recommend this book!
Rated: Chaste
January 3, 2020
These books are such page turners that I had to read all three without stopping to write a review. They are modern day versions of P&P and include many of the characters we know so well.
This first book begins with an explosive event as Marine Staff Sgt. Elizabeth Bennet and her good friend, Major Richard Fitzwilliam, meet for a drink in a bar in Brussels, Belgium. The bar is soon beset by terrorists and, although technically unarmed, both use whatever they can grab and their training to thwart a bombing. Neither escapes totally unharmed physically and mentally. PTSD follows them both through all three books.
After serving in the USMC for six years Elizabeth has gained not only a high level of education and training but also some financial balance. We slowly learn about her upbringing.
It has been Aunt and Uncle Gardiner who finally came to the Bennet sisters' rescue but not until Elizabeth had to step to the forefront in many areas as her father divorces their bi-polar mother and abandons the family, totally. Then her mother commits suicide. Jane has most of her nursing education under her belt and is not part of the home scene. The Gardiners have their own children and now the three youngest Bennet sisters to rear. They run a tight ship. Elizabeth does go through some of her own rebellious behaviors they move in with the Gardiners. But as reality hits Elizabeth finds at seventeen that she has the choice of thousands of dollars in debt or join the Marines in order to get her education. She chooses the latter. (Uncle Ed is an ex-marine.)
Major Fitzwilliam has sent Elizabeth to his cousin for an interview stating that she would be an asset to their company. She overhears Darcy's insult calling her one of his cousin's cast-offs and she does not shrink for telling him off. (This scene is so funny.) Richard is irate when he learns what Will has done. Soon we read of Will Darcy tracking Elizabeth down and humbly apologizing. Elizabeth, meanwhile has many contacts and jobs as a computer expert on security systems.
Elizabeth still has connections with the USMC and with other government forces. "Abby" has sent business her way but also keeps an eye on what is happening in Elizabeth's new world. That turns out to be a "life-saver".
I highly recommend this series. None of the books is a stand-alone so be prepared to want to read all three. The Elizabeth in these books is very stubborn and has a hot temper but she also has quick reflexes and great instincts and is very intuitive. While they fall quickly into love there are a lot of issues to work through. (Charles Bingley works for Darcy, also, and begins to date Jane.)
This first book begins with an explosive event as Marine Staff Sgt. Elizabeth Bennet and her good friend, Major Richard Fitzwilliam, meet for a drink in a bar in Brussels, Belgium. The bar is soon beset by terrorists and, although technically unarmed, both use whatever they can grab and their training to thwart a bombing. Neither escapes totally unharmed physically and mentally. PTSD follows them both through all three books.
After serving in the USMC for six years Elizabeth has gained not only a high level of education and training but also some financial balance. We slowly learn about her upbringing.
It has been Aunt and Uncle Gardiner who finally came to the Bennet sisters' rescue but not until Elizabeth had to step to the forefront in many areas as her father divorces their bi-polar mother and abandons the family, totally. Then her mother commits suicide. Jane has most of her nursing education under her belt and is not part of the home scene. The Gardiners have their own children and now the three youngest Bennet sisters to rear. They run a tight ship. Elizabeth does go through some of her own rebellious behaviors they move in with the Gardiners. But as reality hits Elizabeth finds at seventeen that she has the choice of thousands of dollars in debt or join the Marines in order to get her education. She chooses the latter. (Uncle Ed is an ex-marine.)
Major Fitzwilliam has sent Elizabeth to his cousin for an interview stating that she would be an asset to their company. She overhears Darcy's insult calling her one of his cousin's cast-offs and she does not shrink for telling him off. (This scene is so funny.) Richard is irate when he learns what Will has done. Soon we read of Will Darcy tracking Elizabeth down and humbly apologizing. Elizabeth, meanwhile has many contacts and jobs as a computer expert on security systems.
Elizabeth still has connections with the USMC and with other government forces. "Abby" has sent business her way but also keeps an eye on what is happening in Elizabeth's new world. That turns out to be a "life-saver".
I highly recommend this series. None of the books is a stand-alone so be prepared to want to read all three. The Elizabeth in these books is very stubborn and has a hot temper but she also has quick reflexes and great instincts and is very intuitive. While they fall quickly into love there are a lot of issues to work through. (Charles Bingley works for Darcy, also, and begins to date Jane.)
January 3, 2020
This is a very entertaining trilogy - lots of edge-of-your-seat action mixed in with the romance. Extremely well written. Each volume contains a specific story arc that resolves at the end, though the second volume (Headstrong: Book Two: Adapt) does leave several storylines hanging. This one could conceivably be a stand-alone, though you won't want to stop reading.
There are some subplots (mostly in Books Two and Three) that don't contribute anything to the primary story and could be pulled without affecting anything else. They’re interesting and don’t detract from the main plot, but it’s an element I always notice when I read a book. I doubt most readers will either notice or care!
I do have to note that when a villain is finally identified in Book Three, the motive is unconvincing. I really couldn't understand the desire for revenge when the target actually had more justifiable reason to be PO'd but never retaliated. After such an excellent build-up, the climactic moment felt unsatisfying.
There are some subplots (mostly in Books Two and Three) that don't contribute anything to the primary story and could be pulled without affecting anything else. They’re interesting and don’t detract from the main plot, but it’s an element I always notice when I read a book. I doubt most readers will either notice or care!
I do have to note that when a villain is finally identified in Book Three, the motive is unconvincing. I really couldn't understand the desire for revenge when the target actually had more justifiable reason to be PO'd but never retaliated. After such an excellent build-up, the climactic moment felt unsatisfying.
January 13, 2020
This is a military minded story and starts with an actual bang. Elizabeth and Richard Fitzwilliam are Marines in a bar being attached by terrorists. Luckily, they survive the scene and a friendship forged in shared experience. As a result, a now civilian Elizabeth is recommended for a job at Fitzwilliam Darcy's company. Insert foot in mouth (think Meryton Assembly) and our dear couple has a rocky start. Through in quite a bit of family trauma from their parents, and the Bennet girls have a lot going on while living in NJ with their Aunt & Uncle Gardiner.
This story has a lot going on! Family dynamics on both sides, PTSD, espionage, secrets, etc.
I really enjoyed it and loved the characters.
This story has a lot going on! Family dynamics on both sides, PTSD, espionage, secrets, etc.
I really enjoyed it and loved the characters.
October 30, 2024
Book 1 of 3
It isn’t often that I read a modern Austenesque variation. There are certain authors I trust that can tempt me away from the ‘Regency’ era and Ms. Melanie Rachel is one of them.
I was intrigued with the premise and was not the least bit disappointed. This is one bold, intelligent, and headstrong Elizabeth Bennet! I could so picture her in my mind as a Marine! Loved the action, the friendships and Darcy!
Looking forward to Book Two: Adapt
It isn’t often that I read a modern Austenesque variation. There are certain authors I trust that can tempt me away from the ‘Regency’ era and Ms. Melanie Rachel is one of them.
I was intrigued with the premise and was not the least bit disappointed. This is one bold, intelligent, and headstrong Elizabeth Bennet! I could so picture her in my mind as a Marine! Loved the action, the friendships and Darcy!
Looking forward to Book Two: Adapt
December 11, 2019
This book starts out with a bang, and it's fantastic the whole way through! I love this strong, independent Elizabeth Bennet and how she has to learn to balance independence and dependence in her relationship with Will. The way the insult was translated into the modern world in this story was absolutely perfect (and rather hilarious).
The Gardiners are really great. I love how the author adapted their character qualities for this story. You can see the echoes of their Regency selves, but their different experiences have had an effect on their characters as well.
Wonderful book, definitely worth the read!
The Gardiners are really great. I love how the author adapted their character qualities for this story. You can see the echoes of their Regency selves, but their different experiences have had an effect on their characters as well.
Wonderful book, definitely worth the read!
June 7, 2024
Reviewing all 3 books in the series at once.
I love this series. There is a lot to unpack in this trilogy and every time I've read this I find another nuance that I've missed before. This is a modern, non-canon story. At the beginning, Elizabeth is an active Staff Sgt in the Marine Corp who becomes a hero in a terrorist bombing in Brussels. Over the course of the 3 books, she meets & falls in love with Darcy, deals with the struggles of her not-so-great childhood, the PTSD of the bombing, and so much more.
All the major characters are here. Tricky Wicky is up to no good. Puppy Bingley & his snobby sister Caroline. Collins is only mentioned - no Charlotte/Collins marriage. Lady Cat is written in a new way (love).
I love this series. There is a lot to unpack in this trilogy and every time I've read this I find another nuance that I've missed before. This is a modern, non-canon story. At the beginning, Elizabeth is an active Staff Sgt in the Marine Corp who becomes a hero in a terrorist bombing in Brussels. Over the course of the 3 books, she meets & falls in love with Darcy, deals with the struggles of her not-so-great childhood, the PTSD of the bombing, and so much more.
All the major characters are here. Tricky Wicky is up to no good. Puppy Bingley & his snobby sister Caroline. Collins is only mentioned - no Charlotte/Collins marriage. Lady Cat is written in a new way (love).
December 9, 2019
What a great contribution from Melanie Rachel!! These are such great versions of D&E. E is strong and independent and learning how to rely on others in a healthy way, D is proud, but for all the right reasons and gets over himself quickly. Love how the author maintains some of the favorite parts of the cannon (E over hearing D cut her down), but moves through it to get us to a place where we can enjoy D&E communicating, growing together, and moving into a unique story. Also such a great role for Richard and Jane! Really takes the best of them as supporters of D&E and helps them contribute to the growth of the story in a meaningful way. A must read for sure in the modern JAFFs.
January 25, 2022
Fabulous, so far
I'm really enjoying this modern variation that allows for the change in the passage of time. It doesn't follow canon, but spins a very imaginative tale. Can't wait to read the next book!
I'm really enjoying this modern variation that allows for the change in the passage of time. It doesn't follow canon, but spins a very imaginative tale. Can't wait to read the next book!
January 3, 2023
A great start! I have always loved this author's stories and now I have one (rather 3) more to the list. Looking forward to the next.
February 21, 2022
I would highly recommend this whole series. Three books, modern setting.
July 19, 2024
Grabs the reader from the very first page
This is an excellent modern interpretation of Pride and Prejudice. The characters and plot-lines have been skilfully transformed into the 21st century; believable in their modern context but also readily identifiable as from Austen’s beloved novel.
This book has it all, excitement, angst and romance.
Although this is the first part in a 3 book series it stands firmly on its own two feet with a charming ending.
I heartily recommend this book.
This is an excellent modern interpretation of Pride and Prejudice. The characters and plot-lines have been skilfully transformed into the 21st century; believable in their modern context but also readily identifiable as from Austen’s beloved novel.
This book has it all, excitement, angst and romance.
Although this is the first part in a 3 book series it stands firmly on its own two feet with a charming ending.
I heartily recommend this book.
September 10, 2020
The few, the proud, the prejudiced.
(In case you were wondering, this book contains pop culture references, language, references to mental health issues and PTSD, suggestive material)
All things considered, this wasn’t as bad as I thought it’d be. This is certainly a...unique re-imaging of P&P. Netherfield Park may not be let at last (or ever,) but Headstrong: Improvise has an exciting start all the same because Melanie Rachel looked at Pride and Prejudice decided what the book needed was guns and ships.
The story opens with a literal bang when Staff Sergeant Elizabeth Bennet and Major Richard Fitzwilliam thwart a terrorist attack. Unfortunately, the momentum dies off as quickly as it begins. Elizabeth and Darcy’s first encounter is just as much of a spectacular failure as in the original--maybe even more so--but their relationship quickly degrades into something from a stereotypical loathe at first sight romance: the (unsuspectingly) pretty, strong heroine—who’s not like other girls—meets a hot, rich man and things go horribly wrong for about 10 pages. Then he apologizes, and they fall in love. It’s pretty much insta-love with an insult thrown in.
Which brings me to my first big complaint: so many creative liberties are taken with the source material this might as well have been a different story altogether. Apart from the names, the disastrous first impressions, and a few Easter egg lines, this doesn’t share much with Austen’s work. I’m not complaining so much about the changes; I think the premise is strong and the story has potential. I just don’t understand the need to relate something to Pride and Prejudice when it’s not actually related to Pride and Prejudice. Just change the names and make it an original work! Even if your story has (tenuous) links to the classic, slap a disclaimer in an author’s note somewhere and call it a day. I mean, just because public domain’s a thing doesn’t mean you need to use it in every book.
My second major complaint is the lack of a real story. I don't even know if this qualifies as slice of life, but there's not really a plot. (Is it possible for the opening book in a series to suffer from Second Book Syndrome?) Even the romance feels pretty unremarkable since their relationship develops so quickly. Some groundwork is laid for an unseen enemy with a sinister plot at work, but nothing really happens. Instead, I have to read paragraph-long descriptions of interior design and pages recounting soccer games and obstacle course races. Where's my character development? Where's my in-depth look at Lizzy's backstory? Where's my exploration to PTSD? Rachel teased us with some of these things but never fully committed to them in the book because she was too busy doing things like telling me how tall each character was. There's an attempt to throw in some "conflict" towards the end, but it feels halfhearted and lacks any real substance.
That's not the say this book isn't without its merits; vets supporting vets, the crazy but functional Bennet-Gardiner family, a flawed heroine are all good things. I just wanted more. I'm especially hoping some of the supporting cast gets more love and character development in the coming books. Jane is much more nuanced (and relatable) than her namesake, Richard Fitzwilliam is the sarcastic older brother figure every girl wants in her life, and Wanda is the competent no-nonsense secretary I didn't know I needed. I also loved the Bennet-Gardiner dynamics--can Uncle Ed adopt me too?
(In case you were wondering, this book contains pop culture references, language, references to mental health issues and PTSD, suggestive material)
All things considered, this wasn’t as bad as I thought it’d be. This is certainly a...unique re-imaging of P&P. Netherfield Park may not be let at last (or ever,) but Headstrong: Improvise has an exciting start all the same because Melanie Rachel looked at Pride and Prejudice decided what the book needed was guns and ships.
The story opens with a literal bang when Staff Sergeant Elizabeth Bennet and Major Richard Fitzwilliam thwart a terrorist attack. Unfortunately, the momentum dies off as quickly as it begins. Elizabeth and Darcy’s first encounter is just as much of a spectacular failure as in the original--maybe even more so--but their relationship quickly degrades into something from a stereotypical loathe at first sight romance: the (unsuspectingly) pretty, strong heroine—who’s not like other girls—meets a hot, rich man and things go horribly wrong for about 10 pages. Then he apologizes, and they fall in love. It’s pretty much insta-love with an insult thrown in.
Which brings me to my first big complaint: so many creative liberties are taken with the source material this might as well have been a different story altogether. Apart from the names, the disastrous first impressions, and a few Easter egg lines, this doesn’t share much with Austen’s work. I’m not complaining so much about the changes; I think the premise is strong and the story has potential. I just don’t understand the need to relate something to Pride and Prejudice when it’s not actually related to Pride and Prejudice. Just change the names and make it an original work! Even if your story has (tenuous) links to the classic, slap a disclaimer in an author’s note somewhere and call it a day. I mean, just because public domain’s a thing doesn’t mean you need to use it in every book.
My second major complaint is the lack of a real story. I don't even know if this qualifies as slice of life, but there's not really a plot. (Is it possible for the opening book in a series to suffer from Second Book Syndrome?) Even the romance feels pretty unremarkable since their relationship develops so quickly. Some groundwork is laid for an unseen enemy with a sinister plot at work, but nothing really happens. Instead, I have to read paragraph-long descriptions of interior design and pages recounting soccer games and obstacle course races. Where's my character development? Where's my in-depth look at Lizzy's backstory? Where's my exploration to PTSD? Rachel teased us with some of these things but never fully committed to them in the book because she was too busy doing things like telling me how tall each character was. There's an attempt to throw in some "conflict" towards the end, but it feels halfhearted and lacks any real substance.
That's not the say this book isn't without its merits; vets supporting vets, the crazy but functional Bennet-Gardiner family, a flawed heroine are all good things. I just wanted more. I'm especially hoping some of the supporting cast gets more love and character development in the coming books. Jane is much more nuanced (and relatable) than her namesake, Richard Fitzwilliam is the sarcastic older brother figure every girl wants in her life, and Wanda is the competent no-nonsense secretary I didn't know I needed. I also loved the Bennet-Gardiner dynamics--can Uncle Ed adopt me too?
July 1, 2020
I loved everything about this book, even though I had reservations before I jumped in. I thought, "Oh, a military-themed book. Not my cup of tea." I'm so glad I was wrong!
The military references are there; our heroine is a Marine, after all. But the details are woven seamlessly into the story without overwhelming it, and we get a better understanding of Elizabeth and how her military life has influenced her character and personality. I love this Darcy, a no-nonsense businessman who is always in the public eye (almost like a JFK Jr, though not quite at that level), who falls hard for Elizabeth. Underneath the suit is a charming, romantic man who is truly swoon-worthy. And Elizabeth, while tough and no-nonsense herself, isn't afraid to show that she has insecurities and vulnerabilities.
One of my very favorite things about Headstrong is the banter/dialogue. Whether its between Darcy and Elizabeth or Elizabeth and Major Fitzwilliam (another character to love) or anyone else, its written so well and reads effortlessly. It doesn't matter if they're teasing each other or venturing into more serious conversation; I feel like I'm right there, in the room with them while they're talking. The dialogue is spot on - and has several laugh-out-loud moments.
I highly recommend this book - I finished volume 1 and dove right into volume 2, and I can't wait to see where it takes our favorite couple!
The military references are there; our heroine is a Marine, after all. But the details are woven seamlessly into the story without overwhelming it, and we get a better understanding of Elizabeth and how her military life has influenced her character and personality. I love this Darcy, a no-nonsense businessman who is always in the public eye (almost like a JFK Jr, though not quite at that level), who falls hard for Elizabeth. Underneath the suit is a charming, romantic man who is truly swoon-worthy. And Elizabeth, while tough and no-nonsense herself, isn't afraid to show that she has insecurities and vulnerabilities.
One of my very favorite things about Headstrong is the banter/dialogue. Whether its between Darcy and Elizabeth or Elizabeth and Major Fitzwilliam (another character to love) or anyone else, its written so well and reads effortlessly. It doesn't matter if they're teasing each other or venturing into more serious conversation; I feel like I'm right there, in the room with them while they're talking. The dialogue is spot on - and has several laugh-out-loud moments.
I highly recommend this book - I finished volume 1 and dove right into volume 2, and I can't wait to see where it takes our favorite couple!
March 12, 2020
Wonderful
Elizabeth and Richard Fitzwilliam are Marines. Elizabeth retires from service, and meets Darcy when she tries to interview at his company on the advice of Major Fitzwilliam, Darcy's cousin. Darcy insults her, and the gauntlet is thrown.
I love this version, where Elizabeth is a hard nosed, tough as nails chick, but under her steely facade there is a woman with a stormy past and a big heart. The meeting between Elizabeth and Darcy is priceless, and then Fitzwilliam's reaction just makes it even more enjoyable. The family members on Elizabeth 's side that we meet are people that we can care about, and Major Fitzwilliam is wonderful.
I had a bit of a hard time with the backstory about Elizabeth's parents, but it gave the story some poignancy. The author balanced the scales by improving the characters of Elizabeth's younger sisters. I'm looking forward to the next installment to get the whole perspective on Charles Bingley, who is a bit of a mystery in this first book of the series.
The book is well written and well edited. The author has a wry sense of humor, which is always appreciated. I recommend it highly.
Elizabeth and Richard Fitzwilliam are Marines. Elizabeth retires from service, and meets Darcy when she tries to interview at his company on the advice of Major Fitzwilliam, Darcy's cousin. Darcy insults her, and the gauntlet is thrown.
I love this version, where Elizabeth is a hard nosed, tough as nails chick, but under her steely facade there is a woman with a stormy past and a big heart. The meeting between Elizabeth and Darcy is priceless, and then Fitzwilliam's reaction just makes it even more enjoyable. The family members on Elizabeth 's side that we meet are people that we can care about, and Major Fitzwilliam is wonderful.
I had a bit of a hard time with the backstory about Elizabeth's parents, but it gave the story some poignancy. The author balanced the scales by improving the characters of Elizabeth's younger sisters. I'm looking forward to the next installment to get the whole perspective on Charles Bingley, who is a bit of a mystery in this first book of the series.
The book is well written and well edited. The author has a wry sense of humor, which is always appreciated. I recommend it highly.
March 16, 2020
Very American take on a favourite book.
Headstrong is an excellent modern adaptation of P&P. Even though Lizzy Bennet is a marine and one very tough cookie, she is still soft and vulnerable when it comes to her feelings for Will Darcy. He is portrayed very much like his canon counterpart.
Lizzy's background story is very different from canon, and though there are still five Bennet sisters, the story begins with four of them living with there aunt and uncle Gardiner while Lizzy is deployed overseas. The Bennet parents let the team down badly and Lizzy had the job of looking after the younger sisters while Jane studied like mad to obtain a nursing degree. Then their Aunt Gardiner came to the rescue and the Bennet sisters' lives changed very much for the better, receiving the love and attention they never got from their parents.
A great story made even more enjoyable because of being impeccably written. This is the first of three volumes...very Pride and Prejudice. 5 stars. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Headstrong is an excellent modern adaptation of P&P. Even though Lizzy Bennet is a marine and one very tough cookie, she is still soft and vulnerable when it comes to her feelings for Will Darcy. He is portrayed very much like his canon counterpart.
Lizzy's background story is very different from canon, and though there are still five Bennet sisters, the story begins with four of them living with there aunt and uncle Gardiner while Lizzy is deployed overseas. The Bennet parents let the team down badly and Lizzy had the job of looking after the younger sisters while Jane studied like mad to obtain a nursing degree. Then their Aunt Gardiner came to the rescue and the Bennet sisters' lives changed very much for the better, receiving the love and attention they never got from their parents.
A great story made even more enjoyable because of being impeccably written. This is the first of three volumes...very Pride and Prejudice. 5 stars. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
September 8, 2020
Great Start!
Oh, I am loving this long anticipated three-book series so far with book one. A page-turning, can’t-put-this-down, modern Pride and Prejudice variation. It draws you in from the first page with Marines, Richard and Elizabeth’s military connection and friendship. The character portrayals are wonderful. I love the strong, but still emotionally flawed Elizabeth, and the proud and rich, but loving and loyal Will. So far, I love the way their relationship has developed. Charles is a slight surprise; can’t wait to see how that develops. I can’t wait to start book two. This is a very well-written, modern storyline. Love it. Highly recommend.
Oh, I am loving this long anticipated three-book series so far with book one. A page-turning, can’t-put-this-down, modern Pride and Prejudice variation. It draws you in from the first page with Marines, Richard and Elizabeth’s military connection and friendship. The character portrayals are wonderful. I love the strong, but still emotionally flawed Elizabeth, and the proud and rich, but loving and loyal Will. So far, I love the way their relationship has developed. Charles is a slight surprise; can’t wait to see how that develops. I can’t wait to start book two. This is a very well-written, modern storyline. Love it. Highly recommend.
September 7, 2024
Just what I needed
I never thought I would read a modern P&P novel, but here I am. Since it's becoming difficult for me to find an original Regency storyline, I decided to roll the dice with modern variation. I've read a couple of contemporary stories in the past that are part of a collection; however, I would more than likely skip past those writings.
Since this book is one of three, I can say 1) I'm enjoying the ride so far. 2) I love Darcy and Elizabeth's relationship. 3) Richard is a favorite. 4) Hmm, what's up with Bingley?
Melanie Rachel has opened my eyes with Interwoven and now Headstrong. On to book two.
I never thought I would read a modern P&P novel, but here I am. Since it's becoming difficult for me to find an original Regency storyline, I decided to roll the dice with modern variation. I've read a couple of contemporary stories in the past that are part of a collection; however, I would more than likely skip past those writings.
Since this book is one of three, I can say 1) I'm enjoying the ride so far. 2) I love Darcy and Elizabeth's relationship. 3) Richard is a favorite. 4) Hmm, what's up with Bingley?
Melanie Rachel has opened my eyes with Interwoven and now Headstrong. On to book two.
February 7, 2020
I liked the idea and the characters, but there are loads of hints at plots that are never addressed and unresolved issues, plus the book finishes mid-story. It does not stand alone. The author has chopped what should be one book into 3 instalments, and this has lowered the quality of the books due to padding. The dramas/baddies are completely guessable and not good enough to drag out in this way. This could achieve a much higher rating if it was tightened up, or made into a more logically divided series, as the characters are enjoyable.
February 17, 2020
3.5 stars. I would have written this with my own character names as I am confused to why it is jaff. Besides borrowing the names of Austen characters she has basically written her own story. I see very few parallels to P&P. I don't need a novel to be on cannon. I would have rated it higher had she used other character names. The book starts out strong with a heavy action sequence. And then the novel just seems to meander. I am not really sure what is going to happen over the next two installments but in some ways it is kind of a let down just to fizzle. Better written than most books on KU.
March 10, 2025
Probably because this is set in contemporary times, it doesn’t have the same feel as her other books. So that part is a letdown. It felt like an abrupt ending for book one. I’m interested enough to keep reading, but I do enjoy her other Darcy and Elizabeth books better. That Lizzy ran away instead of telling Darcy seems out of character for canon Lizzy. I know, this isn’t canon. I’m glad they talked the next day, but how was Darcy to know if she hadn’t told him anything about how the pictures were affecting her. You’re an adult. You have words. Use them.
October 24, 2025
New author to me, new backlist to look over, yay!
I know I should be familiar with story of Pride & Prejudice, but I can honestly say that I am not. I know that needs to be remedied.
I am enjoying this retelling though, set in a very modern version. I like Lizzy and Will here.
So, I knew there were 3 books in this series but I should have looked closer because they were continuations of each other. I thought it was three separate couples but it's the same couple. I guess I definitely need to read the other two for closure, lol.
I know I should be familiar with story of Pride & Prejudice, but I can honestly say that I am not. I know that needs to be remedied.
I am enjoying this retelling though, set in a very modern version. I like Lizzy and Will here.
So, I knew there were 3 books in this series but I should have looked closer because they were continuations of each other. I thought it was three separate couples but it's the same couple. I guess I definitely need to read the other two for closure, lol.
April 30, 2022
great modern adaptation of your favorite characters
These characters aren’t 100% the ones you know because they have modern societal tribulations to deal with, but at their core, they remain true to the source material. I really love the way Melanie Rachel handles the core conflicts and sets up the characters in this first arc of her modern trilogy.
I definitely this this is one of my favorite p&p adaptations, and I don’t normally enjoy the modern ones.
These characters aren’t 100% the ones you know because they have modern societal tribulations to deal with, but at their core, they remain true to the source material. I really love the way Melanie Rachel handles the core conflicts and sets up the characters in this first arc of her modern trilogy.
I definitely this this is one of my favorite p&p adaptations, and I don’t normally enjoy the modern ones.
September 5, 2020
So so good!
This is the first part in a series of 3. Elizabeth Bennet is a Marine, Richard Fitzwilliam is a superior officer. Elizabeth gets out of the Marines and starts to establish herself in the IT field as a contractor. Richard sends Lizzy with her resume to see Darcy. Darcy insults her and thus the story begins...
This is the first part in a series of 3. Elizabeth Bennet is a Marine, Richard Fitzwilliam is a superior officer. Elizabeth gets out of the Marines and starts to establish herself in the IT field as a contractor. Richard sends Lizzy with her resume to see Darcy. Darcy insults her and thus the story begins...
December 29, 2019
Enjoyed reading it! Hard to stop reading it was so good!
Different and unique storyline. Compelling characters! Great read and ready to read the rest of the series. Defy enjoyed the author's writing.
Different and unique storyline. Compelling characters! Great read and ready to read the rest of the series. Defy enjoyed the author's writing.
January 31, 2024
Entertaining
Enjoyable modern variation. Intense, emotional, funny. Elizabeth has her own baggage with the usual weird family and a chip on her shoulder, and Darcy is the misunderstood billionaire who is more grounded than expected.
Enjoyable modern variation. Intense, emotional, funny. Elizabeth has her own baggage with the usual weird family and a chip on her shoulder, and Darcy is the misunderstood billionaire who is more grounded than expected.
January 6, 2020
A “must read”
I’m not a writer so I don’t really know what to say but it is simply soooo interesting, clever, amazing characters....I love it
I’m not a writer so I don’t really know what to say but it is simply soooo interesting, clever, amazing characters....I love it
January 22, 2020
Modern day Pride and Prejudice
I bought this book because of the favorable reviews. I’m glad I did. It was well written and I really enjoyed it. On to the next book in the series.
I bought this book because of the favorable reviews. I’m glad I did. It was well written and I really enjoyed it. On to the next book in the series.
February 25, 2020
Damn good
Every page she writes just keeps getting better. Her characters are so real you laugh, sigh and grieve with them.
Every page she writes just keeps getting better. Her characters are so real you laugh, sigh and grieve with them.
July 14, 2020
Great variation on the story.
Engaging plot. Wonderful job weaving in modern concerns to the classic story. Looking forward to part two. Well done. Highly recommended.
Engaging plot. Wonderful job weaving in modern concerns to the classic story. Looking forward to part two. Well done. Highly recommended.
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