Newton DeSantis was on the ground when the towers collapsed on 9/11. Though he still carries the scars on his body and his heart, he’s determined to ease some of the world’s suffering. Now a social worker and father to two children with special needs, he’s doing his best. But when one of his cases needs a good lawyer, Newton turns to Chase for help.
Family law attorney Chase Matthews is a rising star, and he’s in high demand. Still, Newton is very persuasive, and Chase takes his case pro bono. Everything about the other man appeals to Chase, but he’s determined to keep the relationship professional—even though, after meeting Newton’s kids, he wants to be a part of their lives.
Chase’s job doesn’t always allow him to pick his clients, though, and a case that could make him partner will put him on the opposite side of the courtroom from Newton—along with everything he believes in and the future they could build together.
Holy crap, I don't know where to start. I guess I need to start with triggers. This deals with a hell of a lot, but it's worth it. There is sexual child abuse, although not described in detail, bigotry, homophobia, special needs children, 9/11 survivor and all the health and bueracracy that entails, family law cases, and social work dealing with children. There are flashbacks and nightmares and if any of this triggers you, please be careful. I do have to say this is one hell of a book. I am truly at a loss right now for words, though. Things that happen in this book happened every day in life, and it's upsetting that people can't get help they need because someone else holds night purse strings or someone's laziness or because the justice system can be crappy. It broke my heart reading this. And yes, there is an HEA. And it's worth every word. But the road to true happiness often come with prices that can be hard to pay. The fight is what makes it all worthwhile. Newton gave up hope of every finding someone to call his life partner. Between his health, his work, and his special needs kids, there just isn't time. But a special case has caused him to come in contact with Chase, a man Newton greatly admires. But Chase doesn't want to help and Newton isn't taking no for an answer. Eventually, Newton gets his way and Chase finds an interest himself in someone. He's been in dry dock a while himself, focusing solely on his career. But something about these two captivate each other. But both are scared. Their pasts leave them leery and Newton is careful because of his kids. But the kids love Chase and Chase is finally feeling like he has found a home in this little family. But a case Chase is working ends up being one Newton works on as well and it could cause a conflict of interest. It also brings up the past, which Chase hasn't discussed yet. But Chase is scared if he tells Newton, he won't look at him the same again and thinks maybe backing off will be better. But better for who? The pasts of these guys. Geez. Watching the 9/11 alone. I remember everything from that day and I can only imagine the people that actually went through it. Then you have Chase's past. My word, my heart. There were moments I had to put the book down. Not because it's bad, but because of the intensity of the situations. Andrew pulls no punches with this story. And even though it's not a severely graphic thing, you can't ignore details that are there. The things implied. And it's a harsh reality. But the title of the book says it all. They survive and Conquer. Even when life throws everything it can at them, the fight, they hope, they trust and they survive. And learn to love. It's an angsty book so be prepared for it. But if you don't read this, you're missing out on a hell of a book. The way it's written is absolutely amazing and I'm glad I got the chance to read it. http://lovebytesreviews.com/
Siiiiiigh, how I love this author and his way of writing the sweetest dads.
In this one, we meet Newton, who was on the ground when the towers were hit on 9/11, and he did his part to help in the way that he could and was injured from it, not only physically, but mentally as well. Having flashbacks is almost as bad as his scarred foot and constant pain, causing him to limp with a cane. He’s forty-two and has adopted two of the cutest, well-behaved kids, a boy and a girl that also has physical handicaps that made it harder for them to get adopted. Not with Newton, though, he loved them immediately and you can see it throughout the entire story. Love that.
Now, Newton is a social worker and he’s working a case with a woman who’s in-laws are trying to get her kids out of spite, and Newton knows just the person to help, although he’s very busy and turns him away at first… that’s how we meet Chase… a family attorney that has children’s best interest at heart not only because it’s morally right, but because of his own childhood that broke my heart for him. Thankfully he has an amazing mother, which is more than I can say for Newton… which sucks, because she plays a side part in this story that was more annoying than anything. She’s a basketcase that uses her religion and Newton’s sexuality to cause trouble… I wish we’d have gotten a better karmic smackdown in her face, but I’m petty and vindictive and mother or not, that woman was awful. Prepare to not like her.
Now, Newton needing Chase’s help, he bribes him a little bit with a homecooked meal to meet the mother and two kids that need his help and that’s how things with them start. At dinner, a medical emergency with Newton’s son has them spending time together outside of the professional setting and it was just easy to fall for Newton and his kids, especially seeing how loving of a father he is and how he’s willing to put himself on the back burner to make his kids happy. It’s sweet and admirable and Chase is smitten with them all.
Things get complicated when the guys find out they’re working on the same case, but they handle it like adults and though things are rocky for a minute, it gets resolved quickly. I like the low angst and the mature way things are handled in Andrew’s stories…. Little drama, little frustration…. I like that the couple is a bit older and don’t play games or let their pride get in the way of not communicating and unnecessary problems….
Overall, it’s a cute read with adorable kids and a sweet dad who finds love for them all…. Perfect!
Some relationships are more difficult than others, but they can also be the ones that turn out to be deeper and more lasting. In this emotional story Newton and Chase face a lot of obstacles, both internal ones rooted in their pasts and external ones due to the situation they find themselves in. But their attraction is strong, the way they slowly build trust is solid, and when the final catastrophe happens it still isn’t easy for them to get through the doubt that is suddenly part of how they relate, but at least they stand a chance.
When Andrew Grey writes, you know you are going to get a well planned, well executed romance with an HEA and this story provides it all.
Newton is in his 40's, has two adopted children, a bum foot and a social worker job he loves. When he needs an attorney for a client, his persistence pays off when Chase agrees to meet his client for dinner.
Chase, a family law attorney, has no time for dating. He's on the fast track to partner at his firm and he needs to get to where he can pick his own cases instead of having to represent the 'bad guys'.
With very little angst, this was purely about putting family first and finding the courage to trust after being burned in the past. Both MC's were sweet and took their time, but the longing was palpable.
This is the perfect story to warm your heart and give you all the feels!
*Galley copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted to http://gaybook.reviews/*
I swear with each and every book that I read of Andrew Grey’s, I am always amazed at how good the books are. Then I read this book, and I have to be honest I was completely blown away. This book is one of those books that will pull on every emotion you have for pretty much the each and everyone of of the main characters, not only the two main characters but also the two kiddos that are involved as well. This book was definitely adequately named for everyone involved that is for sure!!
Newton is a child service worker. He puts his all into his job to try and help the clients that truly need help. He hates when someone falls through the cracks but sadly thatbis still something that happens. Newton is very happy with his job and his family life. He has two children Rosie and Eric. Between the two kids and his job he has his hands full. But he also has his limitations as well because he has a bum leg and has to use a cane to help him get around. This limits Newton on some of the thing that he is capable of doing but he does what he can.
A part of Newton’s job that he does not care for is when he has to go to court and give testimony for some reason or another but it makes it a much better day when he can stay for a little while and see one of the attorneys in action, Chase. Chase is an incredible attorney and he draws Newton to watch him in action when he gets the chance to. One one day in particular after Newton is done in court, when he gets outside he receives a call from a client that he is working with and decides he has to try and help.
So he takes matters in his own hand and when he sees Chase leaving the courtroom he stops him and quickly explains what is going on with his client. Of course Chase is not interested at first. But Newton is persistent if nothing else. So much so that he invites Chase to supper in order to meet his client and her children and then make his mind up. Chase being intrigued by Newton’s persistence decides to come.
This is when things start to change forever for both men. This dinner is not only what makes Chase decide to help Newton’s client but also this dinner is what sets into motion something between Chase and Newton neither man den coming.
There is past hurts for both men. Trauma that has them each holding back but sometimes love sneaks up on you and before you realize it, you know this is the person that makes your life better in so many different ways. Though Newton is having to deal with his sons chronic illness and his daughters possibility of one day being completely blind, he could not love his children any less or want the best for their lives. And for Chase, they two kids have wormed their way into his heart very quickly and he cannot picture is life with them or Newton. Now Newton and Chad both have to deal with past issues and current ones as well in order to make something amazing for them.
This was such a great read. This description of this book is only a small portion of what happened in this read. There is so much more. Definitely an emotional read but so worth it in the end. Definitely a recommended read!!!
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
This is definitely one of my very favorite books by Andrew Grey, I absolutely loved it! Survive and Conquer hit every mark for me, it made me laugh, it made me cry, it broke my heart and then it made my heart absolutely soar!
Newton is a 9/11 survivor, a social worker and a father to two special needs kids, it’s not an easy life but he loves it. He puts everything he is into Rosie and Eric and his job, sure he lives in pain from injuries sustained on 9/11, but that’s not what is important in life. Chase is a lawyer, specializing in family law and he wants to make partner. He is driven and successful, but when he meets Newton and is talked into helping a client he starts to see a different side of life. One filled with Newton and his sweet kids and care and love, but just when he really starts to let Newton and his family in, a case is assigned to him that could just change everything.
Neither Newton or Chase have led easy lives and both men live with the scars of their past, some internal and some external. They do quickly find though, that when they are together their walls seem to come down, they open up to each other and reveal the things that they usually keep hidden. It is heartbreaking, and powerful, the journey these two men have been on and Andrew Grey delivers it beautifully. There is definitely a great chemistry between these two, but a lot of their story is caring for each other, those moments when you hold the person you love, when you are there to support them, that is what Newton and Chase really experience.
There is a lot to this story and I don’t want to spoil it by going into too much detail, but it is wonderful and touching and I loved every moment. Newton and Chase aren’t perfect and they face challenges, but they grow together, they build a family together and they love. Again, one of my favorites from Andrew Grey, I cannot recommend this book enough – you want to fall in love with Newton, Chase, Rosie and Eric!
Andrew Grey's Survive and Conquer is a compelling and riveting romance. Classic Andrew Grey, it's wonderfully written, with a great storyline and fantastic characters.
This is a story of priorities and goals. It's a story of two men on opposite sides of the fight for people's rights. Chase, a lawyer, who can't always fight for what he wants, and who can't always fight the way he wants. And Newton, a social worker for families, who's only interest is helping people.
Together they're a fantastic couple. I adore Chase. Definitely confused and frustrated with his career, he's loving and fully aware that he needs to include Newton's kids in his time with Newton. And Newton is as loveable as it gets. A man who's heart is as big as can be, he's raising two special needs kids with endless amounts of patience, love, and care.
Including flashbacks to 9/11, beware if this is a trigger for you. Having been injured during the 9/11 attacks, Newton still suffers from the effects of that day and it's truly molded who he is. Meeting Chase helps him to improve his way of life, and move forward.
There's so much to love about this story. Both men are fantastic, troubled characters and the children are both sweet and lovable. Both the men and the children are survivors. Theirs is a beautiful story of healing. It's an amazing tale of finding that there's more to life than survival. A tale of opening up one's heart to living.
Their story involves some tough triggers. In addition to 9/11, it includes homophobia, custody cases, and abuse.
With just the right amount of angst, Survive and Conquer delivers a wonderful message to everyone. I highly recommend this book. It's the perfect book when you're looking for a poignant tale of putting the past behind you and of moving forward and embracing happiness.
I adored this book and could not put it down. It's engaging, beautifully written, heartbreaking and wonderful. This book is not just a fluffy romance story, it's real and at times emotional but authentic throughout. 'The three of them had always been a family—Newton knew that and had worked very hard to build that sense between them— but now he was realizing that there had been something missing… or someone missing. Someone to walk the path with him.' This is the story of Newton and Chase. Although the romance is not the central feature and this story is definitely not pure erotica it is woven intricately in to the overall story. Newton is a social worker with two young special needs children that he has adopted. Chase is a high powered family lawyer whose main goal in life is to become partner of his law firm. The two cross paths in family court and after Newton begs him for a professional favour the two become close. 'Maybe he needed to give his heart a chance to soar.' These two MC's are beautifully written and we'll developed. They both have troubles from their past but instead of dwelling on these they work together to move forward and it was lovely to read of two MC's with a lot of emotional baggage not being exploited for unnecessary angst. Secondary characters add a lot to this story particularly Newton's two young children. Their world and secondary characters are very well written and lend an added layer of authenticity and realness to this story. A brilliant book by this author that I definitely recommend.
Let me say this right from the start: No other author but Andrew Grey I have read could possibly have taken this plot and its characters into reality and fleshed them and the story out so that everything felt so real, and also so full of emotion and love.
This one will grab your heart at the start and not let you off the hook anywhere along the way. We meet Newton (I think he's in the background on the cover) a family services social worker who was injured in a freak accident associated with 9/11. Now in Milwaukee he's working his way through his early 40's as the adoptive father of two special needs kinds--11 year-old Eric, and 6-year-old Rosie. These two will steal your heart as quickly and deeply as they stole Newton's.
They also steal the heart of family attorney Chase, a dozen or so years younger than Newton who finally bends under the pressure Newton brings to bear on him to take on a case and when he's invited to Newton's house to meet the potential client he becomes instantly enchanted with Eric and Rosie. He also thinks that Newton, who has a gimpy leg from that accident, is a pretty hot daddy as well.
There are several serious subplots here as well as a slow burn but lovingly handled romance which will nail you right to the wall with anticipation. (Conjure up Carly Simon).
In any case, this one is tough on the emotions, all the way, but in the skillful mind and hands of Andrew Grey, a triumph of will and soul and love.
Newton was there when 9/11 happened. He had a disability he got helping during that time. He's adopted two kids Eric and Rosie who also have disabilities that they were rejected by others over. Newton saw them and wanted them to be his. He's a social worker as well. He helps so many people. At times forgetting to slow down.
He meets Chase who's a family lawyer because he needs help with a case. Newton didn't take no for an answer. I really loved how things went with them. They are both fierce wanting to protect the innocent. Chase has been on the other side of things. His sperm donor abuses him. Trigger warnings for mention of child abuse and assault.
I loved Rosie and Eric to pieces. Even though they have things that try keep then from doing things they keep going. Newton's mom tries to cause problems but she finds out that she not going get her way.
Chase and Newton being a family with the kids by the end and Chase taking care of things when something happens with Newton made my heart melt. Andrew did an excellent job.
I know when I pick up a book by Andrew Grey I am going to caught to the last word. This was no different. There are triggers in this one. September 11th, hero/survivor. Chronic pain, PTSD. Child abuse/molestation, not relived by alluded to. Every feels is in this book. Accepting supporting mother, one mother not so much and further being egged on by an other. Got so mad at her for letting herself be lead on. But these men, one older and dealing with his issues and two children, one with issues and one slightly younger, dealing with his issues but desperately wanting what Newton represents, must find a way to pull together over coming their pasts to build a future.
All I can say is wow, how did this book book get lost in my kindle for so long. It is worth the read, and lost of sleep. 5 big stars!
My last review of an Andrew Grey book mentioned that his books are comfort food for the soul. One of the biggest reasons is because of the way he writes about fathers and their children. This wasn't something I could mention in the last book, simply because there were no children present. With Survive and Conquer, we are once again treated to ridiculously resilient and precocious children. They are almost always gifted with old souls, and have deep emotional or physical issues, that they bravely overcome. It can be a little saccharine at times, a little too hyperbolic in its plotting, but that's why I love them as much as I do.
Another great story by Andrew Grey. Newton and Chase are both dealing with demons from their past. Newton is struggling with PTSD, while dealing with the stress of working as a social worker and being a father to two special needs children. While Newton seems a bit meek he starts of the story almost bullying Chase, a well respected attorney into helping him with one of his cases. Chase is so understanding and sweet with the children. Like most of Andrew’s stories there is some drama stirred up by a family member but it’s not overtly angsty. You really can’t go wrong with an Andrew Grey book!!
Just when I thought that Andrew Grey got too predictable, he comes up with this book. It hit too close to home, I used to work a couple of blocks off WTC and was an eyewitness to collapse of both towers and the work of first responders. Most of them did not wear masks and got sick with all types of cancers and health issues. it's painful that bureaucracy tries to cut off on healthcare funding and victim programs.
Hooray to author who tackled all these issues, along with child abuse and molestation, foster case problems and acquitted himself very well.
Newton works in social services and has adopted two wonderful children. Chase works in family law. These men have tragic pasts that have shaped who they are today. They develop a connection that grows quickly, deeply, and lovingly. There are some ups and downs, angst, drama, and difficult decisions that need to be made before they accept true love and find their sweet HEA. This well written story has amazing, fully developed characters and a storyline that grabs your attention and engages your emotions. A definite recommendation for this book.
Not a whole lot of drama occurs in this book, at least not for me. Sure there is tension at the offices, one character is rushed to the hospital for emergency surgery, there is an age difference between the two lovers, stuff like that. But the book is written in a way that, no matter what happens, you know that it will be okay. I can usually fantasize a very close relationship with a gay character, but with this one, it just didn't happen. But, I enjoyed reading it.
As Usual Andrew Grey knocks another out of the ballpark. I loved everything about this story. I was drawn in since it was an age gap story and that is one of my favorite themes. Both Chase and Newton were so well developed. So unique and so easy to love that I was captivated. Then we had two special needs children and that made the story more adorable! All I can say is if you like MM Romance, May/December and children and a great romance you gotta read this!
Thank you Andrew Grey for a beautiful story, Newton a single dad to Eric and Rosie, both adopted, and a 911 survivor and responder. Chase, a family law practitioner, meets Newton and his children and steadily is drawn into the family and in the process lets go of his own dark past and grasps what has been missing in his life, balancing family and law practice partnership. Beautifully told, a heart warming read.
This was a wonderful read! This book took me through so many emotions, and I loved every minute. These characters were real and relatable, even the horrible mother and grandparents. Bravo Mr. Grey, bravo.
I really like Andrew Grey's writing style. This book had a lot going on in it but it was handled really well. both MC's were believable and engaging. I did enjoy this...an easy read!