Excerpt & Giveaway: Headstrong (Book Three: Overcome) by Melanie Rachel

Melanie Rachel is back today to celebrate the release of the third book in the Headstrong trilogy, Overcome, a modern romance inspired by Pride and Prejudice. I love modern takes on P&P, so these books are definitely on my wish list. Melanie is here to introduce the book and share an excerpt. Please give her a warm welcome!

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I know that modern P&P variations can sometimes be a tough sell. So I’ll begin with a few reviews from readers.

On Austen Authors, Trudy Osborn wrote:

“I have to say that I am not a big fan of modern, but I had seen these (the Headstrong books) really praised here Austen Readers. The first one of the series sat on my Kindle for a few weeks while I read other books that I thought would be more to my taste. Once I started, I couldn’t put it down and read through the next two the same day.”

 

On Amazon, Sandra Fillmer wrote:

“I am a historical reader and don’t usually like moderns. Melanie Rachel has convinced me that there are great modern P&P’s out there. The Headstrong trilogy was fantastic.”

 

Also from Amazon (plucked from a longer review) Elin wrote:

“A thrilling, entertaining and compelling read with laugh out loud, hilarious moments.”

 

The following is an excerpt from Headstrong: Overcome (Book Three). In it, Will and Richard are waiting for word of Elizabeth’s return from an overseas job—one that they suspect is related to ending a hostage situation in Syria. As a Marine, she has written letters for her loved ones to be opened in case she does not return from a mission, and she’s done the same for Will Darcy.

I hope you enjoy!

–MR

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Eight hours. It had been eight hours since Oscar had called with the news that Elizabeth was missing and presumed . . . his sources said that the handlers hadn’t been able to confirm the location of any of the team members. It was possible they were all in transit, ready to convene at another site, but Elizabeth would have wanted to come home. He was sure of it. She should have been on the plane to Seattle.

“I want the letter, Richard,” he said flatly. “I know she must have left one. You may not think I can handle it, but I know you wrote one, too. I’ve known for a long time.”

Richard wouldn’t meet his eyes. “It’s a little early for that, Will,” he said softly.

“Do you have it?” Will asked.

Will could see that Richard was considering lying to him, but in the end, he just said, “Yes.”

I still have hope,” Will said quietly. “But I need something, something, to feel close to her.” He swallowed. “Please.”

A few minutes later, Richard handed him the letter and a whiskey.

“She’s coming back,” Will said aloud. Richard nodded silently. He held the letter for a moment, then tossed it on his desk.

They waited in silence for another hour, Will slowly turning the whiskey glass and staring at the envelope. “Mr. Will Darcy” was written in cursive across the front.

Richard’s phone buzzed. He stared at the screen, his lips pursed.

“What is it?” Will asked.

Richard hesitated, glanced up. He shook his head. “Nothing.”

Will stood. “Richard,” he said unsteadily, “give me the phone.”

“Just let me verify these first. It’s not anything you need to see unless we know for sure.” Richard bent his head over the phone and was typing out a message when Will grabbed it right out of his hand. Richard reached to take it back, but Will just turned his back and walked to the desk. Richard didn’t try to follow him.

On the screen were several photos of a bombed-out apartment building . . . somewhere. The building had collapsed into the earth, into what was probably a basement. Had been a basement. He swiped to the next photo. There was a punctured soccer ball in the foreground, deflated and peeling.

It meant nothing. Millions of people across the globe had soccer balls like that. Just because Elizabeth liked to juggle one when she worked . . . He swiped again and nearly dropped the phone. A few feet from the remains of the soccer ball was part of a whiteboard, with a few letters still visible. It looked like . . . He enlarged the photo. There was just a fragment, really. A line straight up and a word, or part of one: drey. He checked his name on the envelope, small, even letters, a tight loop on the ‘y’. Then he looked again at the photo.

The word was Audrey, he realized in a flash. They’d been playing hangman. It was Elizabeth’s writing. He was sure of it. He looked up.

“It’s her,” he told Richard. His cousin leaned forward in his seat and lowered his head to his hands.

Will set the phone down on his desk and picked up the letter. He ran his hand over the envelope, then slid a sharp opener along the top and plucked out a single sheet of paper.

Dear Will, it began.

If you’re reading this, I didn’t make it home. I can’t begin to tell you how sorry I am about that. Will fumbled a bit and took a drink of the whiskey. He couldn’t feel his fingers holding the glass and nearly dropped it.

I worry that you’ll shut yourself off from everyone and try to find some way to blame yourself for this. But I chose this with my eyes wide open. You didn’t choose it—I did. So get over yourself.

He smiled, but it hurt.

I am not afraid to die for what’s right, Will. I came to terms with that a long time ago. It’s just hard to think about all the people who will grieve when I go—you most of all. Please know I tried my best to make it back to you, and that when you’ve had some time to recover, I expect you to find someone else you can love.

He shook his head. Impossible.

Have a good life, Will. That’s an order.

A strangled sound escaped his throat.

I’m sorry this is so short—I don’t have a lot of time. Please know that I love you wildly, with all of my heart, with everything I have. I love your integrity, your intelligence, your strength, and your heart. You have been the best part of my life.

God bless you, Will Darcy.

Elizabeth

“Will?” Richard asked quietly.

Will was holding his letter in one hand, just staring at it. “I shouldn’t have read it,” Will said, his eyes stinging. “If she finds out when she gets home, she’ll be angry at me.” He lightly traced one of the lines on the paper with a fingertip.

Richard nodded. “It’s been less than a day. Elizabeth could still pop up on our radar, Will.”

She could, Will thought. He’d feel better if they could confirm that the other members of the team were stateside, but even Oscar evidently didn’t have that kind of information. And the sad fact was that the longer they went without hearing anything, the higher the odds that they wouldn’t ever hear anything at all.

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About Headstrong: Overcome

Elizabeth Bennet has never been one to dwell on the past, but now her past is 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 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, going 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!

Buy on Amazon

All three books are now available on Amazon for purchase and in Kindle Unlimited.

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Giveaway

Melanie is generously offering one lucky reader a choice of one of the books in the trilogy — Improvise (Book One), Adapt (Book Two), or Overcome (Book Three). The reader will have their choice of an ebook (international) or paperback (U.S. only). To enter, please leave a comment with your email address. This giveaway will be open through Tuesday, January 14, 2020. The winner will be chosen randomly and announced in the comments section of this post. Good luck!

Thank you, Melanie, for being my guest today and congratulations on your new release!