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Headstrong #3
Overcome
Elizabeth Bennet doesn't like to dwell on the past. It doesn't stop her past from coming after her with a vengeance.It’s been a stressful Christmas for Elizabeth. She’s working thousands of miles from home and is out of contact with everyone she loves. She’s trying to keep her mind on her work—lives depend upon her ability to concentrate—but she can’t stop thinking about Will Darcy.Back in the States, Will’s company, FORGE, has barely averted a cyber attack disaster. As he works to manage the recovery, he’s left to wonder when Elizabeth will return and whether she’ll still be his when she does. Worse yet, he is haunted by the possibility that she’s in harm’s way—and that it’s his fault.Elizabeth’s work has always been dangerous, but this time, coming home might pose the greater risk. Can she and Will work together to overcome all the obstacles they’re about to face?JOIN ELIZABETH AND WILL FOR THE EXCITING FINAL BOOK IN THE HEADSTRONG SERIES!
- GenresContemporaryRomance
380 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 12, 2019
47 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
December 26, 2019
Unputdownable
This third and final instalment of the Headstrong trilogy was nail-bitingly thrilling.
Elizabeth was on a mission when the second book ended and it soon becomes apparent that there was more than one perpetrator behind the incidents.
I tried to guess who it was but I was utterly surprised when the revelation came...
Beautifully written, engaging and unique modern trilogy with fabulous characters (but I must admit that Jane and Richard were my favourites, loved the portrayal of their characters.) It was sprinkled with witty banter and hilarious pranks.
Highly recommend this book!
Rated: Chaste
This third and final instalment of the Headstrong trilogy was nail-bitingly thrilling.
Elizabeth was on a mission when the second book ended and it soon becomes apparent that there was more than one perpetrator behind the incidents.
I tried to guess who it was but I was utterly surprised when the revelation came...
Beautifully written, engaging and unique modern trilogy with fabulous characters (but I must admit that Jane and Richard were my favourites, loved the portrayal of their characters.) It was sprinkled with witty banter and hilarious pranks.
Highly recommend this book!
Rated: Chaste
June 14, 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).
January 4, 2020
In this concluding book Elizabeth has saved FORGE against Darcy's directive that she stay out of it. However it comes at a price. Darcy, meanwhile, is not sure if she will 1.) survive and 2.) if she will still love him. Abby and her team, with Elizabeth, are attempting to save some hostages in the Middle East. Elizabeth has not been able to connect directly with anyone as she hastens to leave so there are only simple short letters as to what is going on. (One of her cyber-security team members gives her a small window in which to send a song to certain loved ones on Christmas day...they know she is alive.)
As that situation is handled Elizabeth flies to the other side of the country and begins a motorcycle ride cross country. Darcy intercepts her and together they encounter more trouble. Neither one realizes that "these incidents/these accidents" are not random acts of fate.
This last book has various threads: Elizabeth's PTSD is addressed, Fitzwilliam's and Elizabeth's pranks get out of hand, an past superior from the Marines stirs trouble, Ed Gardiner, despite his age, calls up his Marine training to play an important part, Jane's and Richard's relationship continues and the younger Bennet sisters find paths of their own. (You will appreciate Uncle Ed's handling of Lydia in this.)
Again there is much to keep your attention. The last chapter skips three years ahead so we do have a sort of epilogue. Again - I highly recommend this series of books.
As that situation is handled Elizabeth flies to the other side of the country and begins a motorcycle ride cross country. Darcy intercepts her and together they encounter more trouble. Neither one realizes that "these incidents/these accidents" are not random acts of fate.
This last book has various threads: Elizabeth's PTSD is addressed, Fitzwilliam's and Elizabeth's pranks get out of hand, an past superior from the Marines stirs trouble, Ed Gardiner, despite his age, calls up his Marine training to play an important part, Jane's and Richard's relationship continues and the younger Bennet sisters find paths of their own. (You will appreciate Uncle Ed's handling of Lydia in this.)
Again there is much to keep your attention. The last chapter skips three years ahead so we do have a sort of epilogue. Again - I highly recommend this series of books.
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 the villain is finally identified in this final book, 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 the villain is finally identified in this final book, 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 6, 2023
A great end to a good series. Though the story slow down a bit in the middle, the climax makes up for it. I loved all the characters (except the villains, of course) and the relationship between them. A very enjoyable, fast, thrilling series.
Read
August 18, 2025A truly excellent series, one of Melanie Rachel's best.
March 17, 2020
Fabulous
This whole 3 book series is fabulous. The stories are filled with action, interesting people, witty dialogue, romance, you name it. After having read so many JAFF books that are chock full of filler content, or so much text pulled directly from the original P&P, this series is refreshingly original, and satisfyingly poignant. You can't help but fall in love with all the main characters, including ODC, Richard Fitzwilliam and Jane, Ed and Maddy Gardiner, even the sisters and brothers and uncles.
This is not a stand alone book. You must read the previous 2 books in the series, but you'll be glad you did. Melanie Rachel is a wonderful storyteller and writer, and her support team is obviously superior, since there are very few editing errors. This is the story of people from widely differing backgrounds, with a host of personal challenges and personal flaws, coming together to help each other overcome their obstacles, and grow into better people as a result. The story tackles several issues, such as terrorism, PTSD, child abuse, and mental illness. But rather than being depressing, the book is uplifting and romantic.
I recommend it highly.
This whole 3 book series is fabulous. The stories are filled with action, interesting people, witty dialogue, romance, you name it. After having read so many JAFF books that are chock full of filler content, or so much text pulled directly from the original P&P, this series is refreshingly original, and satisfyingly poignant. You can't help but fall in love with all the main characters, including ODC, Richard Fitzwilliam and Jane, Ed and Maddy Gardiner, even the sisters and brothers and uncles.
This is not a stand alone book. You must read the previous 2 books in the series, but you'll be glad you did. Melanie Rachel is a wonderful storyteller and writer, and her support team is obviously superior, since there are very few editing errors. This is the story of people from widely differing backgrounds, with a host of personal challenges and personal flaws, coming together to help each other overcome their obstacles, and grow into better people as a result. The story tackles several issues, such as terrorism, PTSD, child abuse, and mental illness. But rather than being depressing, the book is uplifting and romantic.
I recommend it highly.
January 1, 2020
So many things to love about this modern P&P variation from Melanie Rachel. This version of D&E is great. They are both so wonderfully strong, and wonderfully flawed in all the right ways. D is so loving and protective that its his greatest strength and weakness. Same for E, she is so strong willed that it both helps her and gets in her way. It's one of the things I love about this author, is how her characters aren't black and white. This story also has such a wonderful expansion of the relationship with E and Richard. Highly recommended, can't wait to see what this author comes up with next!
December 15, 2019
Excellent series
I'm so impressed with this series and how wonderfully the writer transported the characters to modern day life. The angst and miscommunication between Darcy and Elizabeth is missing and instead we get psychological issues related to being a member of a dysfunctional family, being in the military and surviving a terrorist attack. The action is far too realistic and the aftermath painful.
It's very well written and all three books were enjoyed! Looking forward to reading more from this talented writer!
I'm so impressed with this series and how wonderfully the writer transported the characters to modern day life. The angst and miscommunication between Darcy and Elizabeth is missing and instead we get psychological issues related to being a member of a dysfunctional family, being in the military and surviving a terrorist attack. The action is far too realistic and the aftermath painful.
It's very well written and all three books were enjoyed! Looking forward to reading more from this talented writer!
July 1, 2020
This last installment of the Headstrong trilogy had a lot to pack in, and covered some seriously weighty topics, mainly PTSD, but also mental health issues and abusive relationships. Elizabeth struggles, but Darcy is there for her, sticking by her and helping her come out intact on the other side. In the end, readers' questions are answered and our couple are given the ending they deserve.
As a whole it's a great series, with lots of characters (and relationships) to love, putting a great spin on the original. I highly recommend this series!
As a whole it's a great series, with lots of characters (and relationships) to love, putting a great spin on the original. I highly recommend this series!
May 21, 2021
Captivates and enthrals (Books 1-3)
I usually stick to P&P variations set in the Regency period. But I found Melanie Rachel’s books so brilliant I tried Headstrong. She had me ar chapter 1. She manages to keep the characters true to the canon, but by placing them in a modern context she has the opportunity to explore so many what ifs. Or what would (name a character) do in a different time and place? Her translations are clever. The Earl of Matlock is a powerful senator, for example. But you just have to read it for yourself.
I usually stick to P&P variations set in the Regency period. But I found Melanie Rachel’s books so brilliant I tried Headstrong. She had me ar chapter 1. She manages to keep the characters true to the canon, but by placing them in a modern context she has the opportunity to explore so many what ifs. Or what would (name a character) do in a different time and place? Her translations are clever. The Earl of Matlock is a powerful senator, for example. But you just have to read it for yourself.
September 18, 2020
“My nieces, one and all, have lived through some difficult times. But they, like my own beautiful bride, have persevered. They have each found their own way through disappointment and heartbreak and have come through their trials. Sometimes kicking and screaming,”—he smiled as a gentle wave of laughter crested over the table—“but always with strength and gratitude and purpose.”
He lifted his glass. “So, I ask you to raise your glasses.” Everyone stood and raised their plastic champagne flutes. “To obstinate, headstrong girls,” he proclaimed. “I can’t imagine loving any other kind.”
Rating: 1.5 stars
And so ends the weirdest, most confusing series I've read during the Great Austen Adventure that is 2020. I've decided Headstrong is a sandwich--the good stuff is in the middle and the beginning/end does the bare minimum of just holding it all together.
I still stand by my theory that this could've been an original work and Overcome only serves to strengthen my argument. There's enough of a story that the series can stand on its own without needing to drag Jane Austen into some kind of ill-advised marketing ploy. There are some promising elements that never really come together in this book. Maybe because it was unnecessarily stretched out into a trilogy, but the story has always been a bit of a weak point for Headstrong, something that's especially noticeable in the finale. The story is particularly choppy, and the book just feels like a string of makeshift plot points tied together with make-out scenes between love interests.
There have been a few threads loosely woven throughout the series--Lizzy's PTSD, the Bennet girls' backstory (deadbeat dad and dead mom), the ominous, mysterious puppet master behind attacks on our protagonists--that Rachel tries to tie together here, but it'd done rather sloppily. The pacing was the literary equivalent of Louie Zamperini's Olympic race without the triumphant finish. A lot of the "action" was mushed together at the end, and I felt like the various storylines could've been handled with more finesse. The big bad villain was a big letdown, and his motive wasn't particularly convincing.
The bursts of drama start and stop so quickly that any attempt to build any sort of tension fails miserably and the resolution ends up feeling anticlimatic. The editing errors are particularly noticeable in this book, and the finale just has an overall slapdash feel.
September 8, 2020
Very Good Trilogy
The final book of Headstrong, again truly a page turner, had some very emotional moments for me. Mary’s poem! This has been a great story to read. My late vet husband had things he could never share, so I had a touch of understanding in some of the issues Will and Jane faced with Elizabeth and Richard. I was glad Charles wasn’t left out in the end. I have enjoyed Melanie Rachel’s other books as well. Highly recommend!
The final book of Headstrong, again truly a page turner, had some very emotional moments for me. Mary’s poem! This has been a great story to read. My late vet husband had things he could never share, so I had a touch of understanding in some of the issues Will and Jane faced with Elizabeth and Richard. I was glad Charles wasn’t left out in the end. I have enjoyed Melanie Rachel’s other books as well. Highly recommend!
September 11, 2024
Entertaining Series
Although I gave the books one and two five stars, this isn't bad; it just didn't capture my attention like the previous two books.
- A bit of romance, suspense, and day-to-day life.
- Elizabeth is on an emotional roller-coaster, but Darcy is there every step of the way. However, she isn't the only one who needs to confront their issues.
- I love the close-knit family bond.
Although I gave the books one and two five stars, this isn't bad; it just didn't capture my attention like the previous two books.
- A bit of romance, suspense, and day-to-day life.
- Elizabeth is on an emotional roller-coaster, but Darcy is there every step of the way. However, she isn't the only one who needs to confront their issues.
- I love the close-knit family bond.
December 16, 2019
They are Headstrong!
Love the entire series! I really do like modern P&P stories. I greatly encourage others to read this series.
This one is really unique. Elizabeth is a Marine and knows Richard Fitzwilliam. Darcy is an entrepreneur. Their first meeting is awesome, and the story is enriching in so many ways.
Love the entire series! I really do like modern P&P stories. I greatly encourage others to read this series.
This one is really unique. Elizabeth is a Marine and knows Richard Fitzwilliam. Darcy is an entrepreneur. Their first meeting is awesome, and the story is enriching in so many ways.
January 24, 2020
Wonderful series
So, finished the third book in this fabulous series. I loved the way the author gave us insight into each character. There was plenty of action and the author dealt well with the issues soldiers face when returning to civilian life. Well written series! I would definitely recommend all three books.
So, finished the third book in this fabulous series. I loved the way the author gave us insight into each character. There was plenty of action and the author dealt well with the issues soldiers face when returning to civilian life. Well written series! I would definitely recommend all three books.
September 6, 2020
Very good story!!
This is book 3 of a 3 part series. Excellent modern variation! I love the sense of family within the Gardiner household. Love the military connection! Never would have thought of Lizzy as an ex-marine, but this book drew me in and made me content with that idea. Highly recommended!
This is book 3 of a 3 part series. Excellent modern variation! I love the sense of family within the Gardiner household. Love the military connection! Never would have thought of Lizzy as an ex-marine, but this book drew me in and made me content with that idea. Highly recommended!
April 13, 2022
great trilogy
I really enjoyed these three books. The story was believable and had enough angst to keep things interesting without an overdose of it. Elizabeth and Darcy were both likable, and I appreciated how Ms Rachel fit in the other supporting characters. It had some action adventure scenes, which I enjoyed.
I really enjoyed these three books. The story was believable and had enough angst to keep things interesting without an overdose of it. Elizabeth and Darcy were both likable, and I appreciated how Ms Rachel fit in the other supporting characters. It had some action adventure scenes, which I enjoyed.
February 7, 2020
Series just fizzed out. The villain was as expected but his reason for targeting her made little sense. Some cute interactions but also skipped sections just to finish series. HEAs all round was nice.
July 16, 2020
Wonderful conclusion of the trilogy.
Exciting, drama, character depth and growth. A fitting conclusion to the Headstrong trilogy. I recommend all three books. Great addition to the modern P and P stories.
Exciting, drama, character depth and growth. A fitting conclusion to the Headstrong trilogy. I recommend all three books. Great addition to the modern P and P stories.
January 26, 2022
Wonderful story!
A most worthy and entertaining tale, full of romance and entertaining dialogues. It has it all, intrigue, action, romance, family life and funny situations. A very recommended read!
A most worthy and entertaining tale, full of romance and entertaining dialogues. It has it all, intrigue, action, romance, family life and funny situations. A very recommended read!
March 13, 2025
This seemed to drag at times. I knew there were things that needed to be wrapped up, but it felt long. The books were good for what they were, but they weren’t endearing. I think that was my main problem with them.
February 19, 2020
Lots of editing errors in this installment. This one reads like an after school special, fine of you like that kind of thing, too sappy for my taste.
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 6, 2022
EXCELLENT TRILOGY COULDNT PUT IT DOWN THE CONTINUATIONS BETWRRN BOOKS WAS WELL DONE ....I REALLY RECOMMEND IT
April 14, 2023
Really liked this series and now I am on a Melanie Rachel book binge.
August 30, 2023
Loved it
Really enjoyed this book series. Loved Elizabeth’s & Jane’s characters best but Ll of them were fabulous except for Tom Bennet.
Really enjoyed this book series. Loved Elizabeth’s & Jane’s characters best but Ll of them were fabulous except for Tom Bennet.
February 3, 2024
Entertaining conclusion
Interesting storyline that keeps you turning the page. Sometimes she gets bogged down, as in all 3 books, but manages to recover well. Enjoy!
Interesting storyline that keeps you turning the page. Sometimes she gets bogged down, as in all 3 books, but manages to recover well. Enjoy!
January 24, 2025
Headstrong: Book Three: Overcome
Headstrong: Book Three: Overcome
A great wrap up of the Headstrong series.
Lots of action, physically mentally and lovingly. PTSD and politics.
Headstrong: Book Three: Overcome
A great wrap up of the Headstrong series.
Lots of action, physically mentally and lovingly. PTSD and politics.
July 21, 2024
A well-rounded end to an excellent series
This final part in the Headstrong trilogy answers the outstanding “whodunnit” question although this was never the central part of this story by any means.
In this book the characters confront their personal demons enabling them to move on with their lives.
The writing remains excellent and engaging. Austen’s characters are still clearly in evidence. The Lydia rebellion was really well handled.
…. And I LOVE the covers for the series (those shiny red shoes do play their part)
This final part in the Headstrong trilogy answers the outstanding “whodunnit” question although this was never the central part of this story by any means.
In this book the characters confront their personal demons enabling them to move on with their lives.
The writing remains excellent and engaging. Austen’s characters are still clearly in evidence. The Lydia rebellion was really well handled.
…. And I LOVE the covers for the series (those shiny red shoes do play their part)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews