Awkward b. completely overturned objections at first (8)
I believe the answer is:
stubborn
But I can't explain it at all! Could you help me understand?
(Other definitions for stubborn that I've seen before include "Obstinate, unwilling to yield" , "small boat in Loire, good for going around river" , "Strong-willed" , "Obstinate, unyielding" , "Determined" .)