What do you think?
Rate this book
From the Ashes #3
All the Battles We Surrender
Time. That was what Sawyer Montgomery thought he had until he realized that it was running out. Now, all he wanted to do was right a wrong from three years ago. He made a vow to spend what little time he had left with Hawkins, the only man he ever loved. He would try everything to penetrate Hawkins’ armor before it was too late.
Time. That was what Jace Hawkins needed more of to forget his estranged husband. But after three long years, Sawyer showed up at the Alaskan home where they had promised to spend the rest of their lives together. The anger he thought he’d feel at seeing Sawyer again was nowhere to be found. Instead, it was replaced by an overwhelming fear of losing his lost love forever.
One man is battling to save his life, while the other fight to protect his still aching heart. To which battles are Sawyer and Hawkins willing to surrender?
All the Battles We Surrender is a story about second chances and valuing what everyone wishes for near the end. Time.
Time. That was what Jace Hawkins needed more of to forget his estranged husband. But after three long years, Sawyer showed up at the Alaskan home where they had promised to spend the rest of their lives together. The anger he thought he’d feel at seeing Sawyer again was nowhere to be found. Instead, it was replaced by an overwhelming fear of losing his lost love forever.
One man is battling to save his life, while the other fight to protect his still aching heart. To which battles are Sawyer and Hawkins willing to surrender?
All the Battles We Surrender is a story about second chances and valuing what everyone wishes for near the end. Time.
226 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 21, 2022
39 people are currently reading
796 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
May 18, 2024
re-read May 2024
Don’t know why I thought it was a good idea to get my heart ripped out by this one once more but damn, it hurt so good. 😭😭❤️
4.5***** stars
All my love for Sawyer and Jace and their fight for the beautiful forever-love they shared.
It’s so very rare that a book brings me to tears. But it happened today. I loved this second chance romance.
There is a reason why Sawyer is going back to the place in Alaska where he and his husband Jace promised to love each other forever. Now Sawyer is sick and time is running out for him. Jace doesn’t know any of it yet and is trying to keep his estranged husband at arms length when he suddenly appears on his doorstep after they’ve been separated for more than three years.
The plot was simple and focused and with only a few more than two hundred pages a pretty fast read. But even then Garry Micheal pulled at my heartstrings so hard until tears fell. My heart ached for Jace and Sawyer. But their love story was so beautiful I forgive them for almost breaking me.
♡♡♡
TW: fighting cancer, loosing loved ones to death
************
From the Ashes Series
Book 1 - All the Cuts and Scars We Hide
Book 2 - All The White Lies We Tell - 4.0 stars
Book 3 - All the Battles We Surrender - 4.5 stars
Don’t know why I thought it was a good idea to get my heart ripped out by this one once more but damn, it hurt so good. 😭😭❤️
4.5***** stars
All my love for Sawyer and Jace and their fight for the beautiful forever-love they shared.
It’s so very rare that a book brings me to tears. But it happened today. I loved this second chance romance.
“I want you to know I love you. I never stopped, and I’m sorry for hurting you.”
There is a reason why Sawyer is going back to the place in Alaska where he and his husband Jace promised to love each other forever. Now Sawyer is sick and time is running out for him. Jace doesn’t know any of it yet and is trying to keep his estranged husband at arms length when he suddenly appears on his doorstep after they’ve been separated for more than three years.
The plot was simple and focused and with only a few more than two hundred pages a pretty fast read. But even then Garry Micheal pulled at my heartstrings so hard until tears fell. My heart ached for Jace and Sawyer. But their love story was so beautiful I forgive them for almost breaking me.
♡♡♡
TW: fighting cancer, loosing loved ones to death
************
From the Ashes Series
Book 1 - All the Cuts and Scars We Hide
Book 2 - All The White Lies We Tell - 4.0 stars
Book 3 - All the Battles We Surrender - 4.5 stars
January 8, 2023
3.9 ⭐️
This was so giddy, cute and painful at the same time. I was soo curious the whole time that I couldn’t stop reading. It was fast-paced but the way the chapters intertwined with flashbacks, it was hell yes entertaining! The sad and happy feelings were all well delivered throughout the story.
Their love comes easy between the two, but this one focuses on the “after HEA” and it was super sweet to watch their story unfolds. Have I said I couldn’t put this one down??? Jace and Sawyer were meant to be, I love them 🥺
The reason I can’t even give this 4 stars is because the build up in the first half was wayyy better than afterwards. I was so hyped. It was super rushed towards the end when everything was going to fall into place 🥲 I was soo frustrated! I was actually angryy because the first half was AMAZING 😭😭😭 I wanted more of them :(( in the past, in the present, and more details of Sawyer’s medical condition. And I WISH SOME THINGS HAPPENED WERE DIFFERENT 😭😭😭 and I WANT more feelings.
There were things happened that were out of focus from the core of the plot, and I think if this was longer and given more time to actually feel it, it would have been SO good. BUT somehow, somehow this was still worth it to read 😍
I love me some second chance at love, I need more 😭
“One simply cannot love in restraint. It’s either zero or full speed,”
This was so giddy, cute and painful at the same time. I was soo curious the whole time that I couldn’t stop reading. It was fast-paced but the way the chapters intertwined with flashbacks, it was hell yes entertaining! The sad and happy feelings were all well delivered throughout the story.
Their love comes easy between the two, but this one focuses on the “after HEA” and it was super sweet to watch their story unfolds. Have I said I couldn’t put this one down??? Jace and Sawyer were meant to be, I love them 🥺
The reason I can’t even give this 4 stars is because the build up in the first half was wayyy better than afterwards. I was so hyped. It was super rushed towards the end when everything was going to fall into place 🥲 I was soo frustrated! I was actually angryy because the first half was AMAZING 😭😭😭 I wanted more of them :(( in the past, in the present, and more details of Sawyer’s medical condition. And I WISH SOME THINGS HAPPENED WERE DIFFERENT 😭😭😭 and I WANT more feelings.
There were things happened that were out of focus from the core of the plot, and I think if this was longer and given more time to actually feel it, it would have been SO good. BUT somehow, somehow this was still worth it to read 😍
I love me some second chance at love, I need more 😭
"Take it all in, baby. This is your moment."
August 29, 2022
Really worth reading!
August 11, 2022
If I hadn't been forced to sleep I would have read this book in one sitting. Couldn't put this book down. Well ok apart to do an instagram story to announce to the world that I loved this book more than anything at 38% of my reading and for the 5 star rating when I was only at 44%. Ah yes also to write to the author that I hated him at 96% and to rewrite to him at 97% that finally I loved him. Otherwise, not much took me out of the book. Even when the needles in my throat kept me from swallowing. I don't have much more intelligent to say. 5 stars minimum for All The Battles We Surrender By Garry Michael.
A wonderful story brilliantly told, which forces you to face your emotions without breaking you completely.
1 star for all the tears I shed.
1 star for Jace the Butt Eater. Jace we would get along well ;)
1 star for spices in bedroom or shower.
1 star for Sawyer who is second to none when it comes to breaking bad news.
1 star for the book cover.
and 1 more star for Gary who is really nice <3
I warned you that nothing intelligent would come out of my head tonight.
Don't leave this book in your TBR read it now.
A wonderful story brilliantly told, which forces you to face your emotions without breaking you completely.
1 star for all the tears I shed.
1 star for Jace the Butt Eater. Jace we would get along well ;)
1 star for spices in bedroom or shower.
1 star for Sawyer who is second to none when it comes to breaking bad news.
1 star for the book cover.
and 1 more star for Gary who is really nice <3
I warned you that nothing intelligent would come out of my head tonight.
Don't leave this book in your TBR read it now.
July 21, 2022
It’s finally here!!! Thank you for taking the time to read and review ‘All the Battles We Surrender’. I appreciate you.
August 11, 2022
I've seen Garry around for a while now so when this book popped up I was excited to give it a try! PLUS, after being a little wrecked by @emmaloureads' heartfelt review, I couldn't stop thinking about it and I'm so glad I picked it up!
From the first paragraph I knew I was going to be useless until I got it out of the way and I consumed this book in one sitting! I didn't even realize how invested I was until it ended and I was left reeling. For such a relatively short read, this book sure packed a punch😩 I mean, one of the few books with a character that appreciates the sexiness of oblique muscles...and it had to be this damn one!
I expected some kind of tragedy but the beautiful writing, the use of flashbacks to highlight the enormity of what Hawk and Sawyer had to eventually endure and the pacing still left me practically holding my breath!!! But that ending, taking that journey with the characters and their pain was like a huge, satisfying sigh of relief!
I absolutely adored Hawk and Sawyer and the sweet moments that have built and defined their forever love along the way. Hawk has been through so much shit and there's something about characters like him that go through a lot but can still manage to smile and carry on and I am damn proud of him! Sawyer was such a sweetheart and so pure. He was exactly what Hawk needed despite the years that they spent apart. I really want to believe that nothing can tear a love like this apart, but it just shows that the fight between love, ambition, personal growth and insecurity, circumstances of life can get to the best of us and some battles just need to be surrendered to win better wars👀 (ugh so cheesy)
ATBWS really puts shoulda, coulda, woulda but you (almost) didn't into a new and frightening light which has quite possibly catapulted me into a panic-filled, FOMO-induced epiphany that has me thinking long and hard about my awful habit to procrastinate. BUT I'm so darn hopeful and way more appreciative of the little things and every single second that passes by. (Wow did I just describe my feelings about my tbr😬)
From the first paragraph I knew I was going to be useless until I got it out of the way and I consumed this book in one sitting! I didn't even realize how invested I was until it ended and I was left reeling. For such a relatively short read, this book sure packed a punch😩 I mean, one of the few books with a character that appreciates the sexiness of oblique muscles...and it had to be this damn one!
I expected some kind of tragedy but the beautiful writing, the use of flashbacks to highlight the enormity of what Hawk and Sawyer had to eventually endure and the pacing still left me practically holding my breath!!! But that ending, taking that journey with the characters and their pain was like a huge, satisfying sigh of relief!
I absolutely adored Hawk and Sawyer and the sweet moments that have built and defined their forever love along the way. Hawk has been through so much shit and there's something about characters like him that go through a lot but can still manage to smile and carry on and I am damn proud of him! Sawyer was such a sweetheart and so pure. He was exactly what Hawk needed despite the years that they spent apart. I really want to believe that nothing can tear a love like this apart, but it just shows that the fight between love, ambition, personal growth and insecurity, circumstances of life can get to the best of us and some battles just need to be surrendered to win better wars👀 (ugh so cheesy)
ATBWS really puts shoulda, coulda, woulda but you (almost) didn't into a new and frightening light which has quite possibly catapulted me into a panic-filled, FOMO-induced epiphany that has me thinking long and hard about my awful habit to procrastinate. BUT I'm so darn hopeful and way more appreciative of the little things and every single second that passes by. (Wow did I just describe my feelings about my tbr😬)
July 30, 2022
Must read...definitely a winner!!
Wow author Garry Michael really bumped up the intensity with this one...the drama, angst, heartbreak, sex, soul deep love ... it was all bumped up several notches. This author is just killing it with each new release!!
“One simply cannot love in restraint. It’s either zero or full speed,”
I love when an author goes back and forth in time with flashbacks to tell the story. To me, not only do you get a better understanding of the characters but you fall in love with them that much harder and that's exactly what happens here. Your heart breaks for Jace due to the things he goes through as a child. Next it melts while watching the two mc's, Jace "Hawkins" and Sawyer, fall in love. Then you're back to the current time with the multitude of emotions wreaking havoc not only on our beloved mc's but us readers as well.
While reading I was getting a little peeved with Jace for not wanting to hear Sawyer out and listen to what he had to say. "He hurt you." "It doesn't matter." Then I read a review that was putting blame on Sawyer and I was like hold up🤔...wait a minute🤔 ...oh ok wow ..that didn’t even occur to me because my "feelings" were in the current scenario. My point being this book is such a reminder that there's always more than one side to each story (special reflection on Jace's Dad here), that life's too short to hold grudges, be angry, or worry about things that doesn't matter, and most importantly that we should definitely "Love Like There’s No Tomorrow".
The author tried to throw us for a little loop there at the end and I "almost" skipped over a few pages to relieve my anxiousness but I held strong knowing he would pull through. And what a wonderful hea he gives us or rather Jace and Sawyer. Not gonna go there you'll have to read it for that!! But I will say there's some surprises and some extra steamy scenes!! “I think you just got a life sentence.”
Congrats Garry Michael on another winner!!
Wow author Garry Michael really bumped up the intensity with this one...the drama, angst, heartbreak, sex, soul deep love ... it was all bumped up several notches. This author is just killing it with each new release!!
“One simply cannot love in restraint. It’s either zero or full speed,”
I love when an author goes back and forth in time with flashbacks to tell the story. To me, not only do you get a better understanding of the characters but you fall in love with them that much harder and that's exactly what happens here. Your heart breaks for Jace due to the things he goes through as a child. Next it melts while watching the two mc's, Jace "Hawkins" and Sawyer, fall in love. Then you're back to the current time with the multitude of emotions wreaking havoc not only on our beloved mc's but us readers as well.
While reading I was getting a little peeved with Jace for not wanting to hear Sawyer out and listen to what he had to say. "He hurt you." "It doesn't matter." Then I read a review that was putting blame on Sawyer and I was like hold up🤔...wait a minute🤔 ...oh ok wow ..that didn’t even occur to me because my "feelings" were in the current scenario. My point being this book is such a reminder that there's always more than one side to each story (special reflection on Jace's Dad here), that life's too short to hold grudges, be angry, or worry about things that doesn't matter, and most importantly that we should definitely "Love Like There’s No Tomorrow".
The author tried to throw us for a little loop there at the end and I "almost" skipped over a few pages to relieve my anxiousness but I held strong knowing he would pull through. And what a wonderful hea he gives us or rather Jace and Sawyer. Not gonna go there you'll have to read it for that!! But I will say there's some surprises and some extra steamy scenes!! “I think you just got a life sentence.”
Congrats Garry Michael on another winner!!
July 29, 2022
This was my first book from Garry, and lets just say I want to call out of work and read all of his in one day ! I couldn't put this book down. It was an incredibly touching story. I loved the angst and hurt comfort feel. I loved the medical side of things and the battle they went through. I just loved this book !! I cannot wait to read more from Garry.
July 18, 2022
Oh Garry, you tore me completely down with this one 😭. Grab your tissues before you even begin because tears are flowing heavily with every turn of the page. Garry’s character development is realistic with this one, normal for his writing style, but throwing in relatable was absolutely perfect! Their battles were everyday issues, making the reader feel the characters pain and anxiety deep in their souls.
I honestly don’t know who I want to hug more since both these men suffered drastically. The pain and agony Sawyer experienced was real, but Hawkins was right there every step of the way, dealing with his own internal demons.
𝐈𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐟 𝐰𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐰
Sawyer was such a kind, strong, and lovable character, determined to fix everyone regardless of how much he was hurting himself. His guilt was eating away at him, making me want to kick Hawkins ass for how he treated him.
Regardless of Hawkins lashing out, once getting to know and understand his past, I felt for him. His history was tragic, surprising me he ever trusted Sawyer enough to love him and become vulnerable.
Their love for one another was absolutely beautiful. The pain felt throughout was definitely worth every tear, melting my heart and piecing itself back together. As always, Garry delivers with those smut scenes too, allowing me time to heal in between the angst.
I honestly don’t know who I want to hug more since both these men suffered drastically. The pain and agony Sawyer experienced was real, but Hawkins was right there every step of the way, dealing with his own internal demons.
𝐈𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐟 𝐰𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐰
Sawyer was such a kind, strong, and lovable character, determined to fix everyone regardless of how much he was hurting himself. His guilt was eating away at him, making me want to kick Hawkins ass for how he treated him.
Regardless of Hawkins lashing out, once getting to know and understand his past, I felt for him. His history was tragic, surprising me he ever trusted Sawyer enough to love him and become vulnerable.
Their love for one another was absolutely beautiful. The pain felt throughout was definitely worth every tear, melting my heart and piecing itself back together. As always, Garry delivers with those smut scenes too, allowing me time to heal in between the angst.
October 30, 2023
I really liked the concept of this, and it has such high ratings that I stuck out the entire thing instead of DNFing. There is plenty of good, like the characters in the town, the overall story, etc. However, the writing could really use some work. It's stiff and awkward at times ("I wanted so much to rub one out.") and kind of unintentionally humorous elsewhere ("I wanted to milk his load and join him in the ultimate ending."). There are also multiple times where something 'needed' to happen for the sake of the plot, but it's written in such a way that it totally takes you out of the story because of how unrealistic it is. Altogether there is plenty of good here and I look forward to seeing the author's writing develop, but this book was not quite it for me.
August 19, 2022
I’ve loved all of Garry’s books, but I think Sawyer and Hawkins are my favorite couple.
This is not a light read - it is full of heartbreak and struggles, but it is all worth it for the journey these characters take through the course of their love story.
I will not give any spoilers. Just know that you absolutely need to read this beautiful book.
This is not a light read - it is full of heartbreak and struggles, but it is all worth it for the journey these characters take through the course of their love story.
I will not give any spoilers. Just know that you absolutely need to read this beautiful book.
September 1, 2022
Dios.
¡Esto fue como una sacudida emocional!
Ni siquiera sé que decir más allá que me encantó y me dolió por partes iguales. Me gusta la facilidad de Garry de crear escenarios cencillos pero muy emocionales.
Estoy feliz por todos en este libro. Hasta del papá de Hawkins que también ha sufrido mucho.
Muy bello. 😭🥰
¡Esto fue como una sacudida emocional!
Ni siquiera sé que decir más allá que me encantó y me dolió por partes iguales. Me gusta la facilidad de Garry de crear escenarios cencillos pero muy emocionales.
Estoy feliz por todos en este libro. Hasta del papá de Hawkins que también ha sufrido mucho.
Muy bello. 😭🥰
April 17, 2024
4 stars
This book made me cry ugly tears but I loved it.
Jace and Sawyer married very young, when they were still in college: Jace wanted to become a cop, while Sawyer studied to be a doctor.
After a few years and with a lot of sacrifices, they both have what they wanted, but Sawyer asked Jace for other 3 years to do a fellowship before moving to Alaska (where they bought some land); Jace didnn't want to wait anymore, though, and they broke up.
A sudden and terrible news will bring them back together 3 years later.
There was a lot of angst, anger and sadness in this story, the "worst" part was undeniably the one when they realised that they wasted a lot of precious time, that they could have been together during those 3 years, if only they'd talked.
I loved how the author described Jace's emotions: all his life, no one made him their priority, not his father (who was drowing in pain and alcohol after his wife died), not all the foster families that took him over the years.
Jace felt that Sawyer chose his job over him: they loved each other so much but while Jace hadn't still dealt with all the losses he suffered, Sawyer didn't communicate very well with him and he failed to make him understand how important was for him to work with disabled children.
When Jace knows the real reason Sawyer came back to his life, he's devastated and full of regret, but I really really loved how he didn't hesitate not even for a second and welcomed Sawyer back in his arms.
What prevented me from giving a higher rate:
I love the chapters about the past, but they weren't put in chronological order so it was a little hard to understand when all the various events happened.
I would have liked to know something about Sawyer's teenage years too, who he was, what happened to him before metting Jace, or just somehing about his family.
I'm a little disappointed that there were no mention of the characters from the previous books, and overall I'm sad that this was just a trilogy. I loved those guys and I wish the author would have given us more, I'm not ready to let them go.
This book made me cry ugly tears but I loved it.
Jace and Sawyer married very young, when they were still in college: Jace wanted to become a cop, while Sawyer studied to be a doctor.
After a few years and with a lot of sacrifices, they both have what they wanted, but Sawyer asked Jace for other 3 years to do a fellowship before moving to Alaska (where they bought some land); Jace didnn't want to wait anymore, though, and they broke up.
A sudden and terrible news will bring them back together 3 years later.
There was a lot of angst, anger and sadness in this story, the "worst" part was undeniably the one when they realised that they wasted a lot of precious time, that they could have been together during those 3 years, if only they'd talked.
I loved how the author described Jace's emotions: all his life, no one made him their priority, not his father (who was drowing in pain and alcohol after his wife died), not all the foster families that took him over the years.
Jace felt that Sawyer chose his job over him: they loved each other so much but while Jace hadn't still dealt with all the losses he suffered, Sawyer didn't communicate very well with him and he failed to make him understand how important was for him to work with disabled children.
When Jace knows the real reason Sawyer came back to his life, he's devastated and full of regret, but I really really loved how he didn't hesitate not even for a second and welcomed Sawyer back in his arms.
What prevented me from giving a higher rate:
I love the chapters about the past, but they weren't put in chronological order so it was a little hard to understand when all the various events happened.
I would have liked to know something about Sawyer's teenage years too, who he was, what happened to him before metting Jace, or just somehing about his family.
I'm a little disappointed that there were no mention of the characters from the previous books, and overall I'm sad that this was just a trilogy. I loved those guys and I wish the author would have given us more, I'm not ready to let them go.
July 29, 2022
Oh Garry, you did it agin with Sawyer’s and Jace’s story. My heart was ripped into pieces and slowly put back together and then repeated all over again.
These two only had love for each other no matter how much time they lost when they were separated.
I was heartbroken for both of them all the way till they got their HEA.
Garry, you are incredible author and your stories always have been full of passion and emotion with great amount of steamy scenes. I can’t wait for your next story!
These two only had love for each other no matter how much time they lost when they were separated.
I was heartbroken for both of them all the way till they got their HEA.
Garry, you are incredible author and your stories always have been full of passion and emotion with great amount of steamy scenes. I can’t wait for your next story!
August 16, 2022
This book seriously made me bawl my eyes out. I was sobbing all throughout chapter 16 and onwards. Garry Michael is *chef’s kiss*. 5 stars for real, I might reread this again when I want to feel hurt lol
August 22, 2022
I pretty sure I spent 60% of this book sobbing. An achingly beautiful read. I’ve already reassessed at least half of my life regrets. Just. Whew.
July 21, 2022
Get the tissues ready... All the Battles We Surrender is my favorite of Garry's books so far ♥️
This book will bring out every emotion know to (wo)man in you.
Pain, despair, regret, sorrow, fear but also hope, happiness and endless love.
Garry has a way of building characters that is one of a kind. Sawyer and Hawkins are realistic characters, with flaws, regrets and insecurities.
I get Hawkins' anger with Sawyer, considering the way he had to grow up after that devastating loss. I get that he felt abandoned and as though he wasn't a priority in Sawyer's life. I get that he is reluctant to let Sawyer back into his life and yet still lets him. I love how those two fight for each other and against Sawyer's diagnosis.
Garry places a lot of flashbacks throughout the book which fit into the storyline seemlessly.
There were two hospital scences that wrecked me (especially the ride to the hospital during the second scene).
This book is powerful, raw and painful but it is also filled with hope, forgiveness and love (and of course very, very hot scenes - that epilogue 🔥)
Garry's unique way of writing pain and devastation so gut-wrenchingly beautiful is by far my favorite. He has the ability to make you feel hopeful while you cry your eyes out ♥️
This is one of those books I won't get out of my mind.
This book will bring out every emotion know to (wo)man in you.
Pain, despair, regret, sorrow, fear but also hope, happiness and endless love.
Garry has a way of building characters that is one of a kind. Sawyer and Hawkins are realistic characters, with flaws, regrets and insecurities.
I get Hawkins' anger with Sawyer, considering the way he had to grow up after that devastating loss. I get that he felt abandoned and as though he wasn't a priority in Sawyer's life. I get that he is reluctant to let Sawyer back into his life and yet still lets him. I love how those two fight for each other and against Sawyer's diagnosis.
Garry places a lot of flashbacks throughout the book which fit into the storyline seemlessly.
There were two hospital scences that wrecked me (especially the ride to the hospital during the second scene).
This book is powerful, raw and painful but it is also filled with hope, forgiveness and love (and of course very, very hot scenes - that epilogue 🔥)
Garry's unique way of writing pain and devastation so gut-wrenchingly beautiful is by far my favorite. He has the ability to make you feel hopeful while you cry your eyes out ♥️
This is one of those books I won't get out of my mind.
July 28, 2022
Oh my goodness. Where should I even begin? This book is heartbreakingly good. It shattered my heart and put it back together in the end. The love story between Hawkins and Sawyer is EPIC and the way past was intertwined with the present is well-crafted. This is going down to be one of my favorite books of all time.
January 20, 2023
“I promise to love you for the rest of my life, and to bug the shit out of you.”
Damn! This man can write!
Beautiful books full of feeling. Raw pain-filled tales that will make you cry. Love stories full of hope and all that's good in the world.
And this is one of them!
All the Battles We Surrender is a second chance romance that will not only pull on all your heartstrings but quite possibly also break you just a little inside.
Heartbreaking. That's the perfect description. And yet, totally worth it!
This emotionally-wrenching story of two estranged husbands is one that will stay with you long after turning the last page. Not only because of the real feeling characters you'll fall in love with, or the rollercoaster of emotion you are hurled head-long into. But because it will make you stop and reconsider the way you view your own life. It will remind you to not take anything for granted and cherish every moment of this fleeting life.
There were two scenes that literally had me in tears. And that is something very few books have managed to achieve. But this author seems to be a master at making his readers cry, then have them smiling through their tears.
And if you don't believe me, I dare you to give this a try.
You can thank me later.
This one's a touching and absolutely fantastic story of love, life, and all the battles we surrender in between.
A book that will break you in the best of ways!
"Take it all in, baby. This is your moment."
Damn! This man can write!
Beautiful books full of feeling. Raw pain-filled tales that will make you cry. Love stories full of hope and all that's good in the world.
And this is one of them!
All the Battles We Surrender is a second chance romance that will not only pull on all your heartstrings but quite possibly also break you just a little inside.
Heartbreaking. That's the perfect description. And yet, totally worth it!
This emotionally-wrenching story of two estranged husbands is one that will stay with you long after turning the last page. Not only because of the real feeling characters you'll fall in love with, or the rollercoaster of emotion you are hurled head-long into. But because it will make you stop and reconsider the way you view your own life. It will remind you to not take anything for granted and cherish every moment of this fleeting life.
There were two scenes that literally had me in tears. And that is something very few books have managed to achieve. But this author seems to be a master at making his readers cry, then have them smiling through their tears.
And if you don't believe me, I dare you to give this a try.
You can thank me later.
This one's a touching and absolutely fantastic story of love, life, and all the battles we surrender in between.
A book that will break you in the best of ways!
"Take it all in, baby. This is your moment."
March 6, 2023
🖤Review🖤
“You are the love of my life, my family, my yesterday, today, and tomorrow.”
This book slayed me. I cried, smiled, laughed, wanted to yell….definitely an emotional rollercoaster. All the Battles We Surrender, by Garry Michael, was beautiful. There is something special about a book that leaves a lingering feeling of longing. I am experiencing that right now, as I am longing for more of Sawyer and Jace. 🥹🥹
Highlights:
💙estranged husbands
💙spans over years
💙second chance
💙hurt/comfort
💙angst
💙love, so much love
💙steamy
I’m at a loss of words on how to describe my feelings on this beautiful story. Jace and Sawyer were perfection. These two stole my heart and I can’t stop thinking about them. I really do not want to give any spoilers, because that would ruin the experience of this book. I recommend going in blind, but that’s my opinion. ❤️
Favorite quote:
“The world would be so much better if life moved in reverse, starting from our failures back to where it began. Imagine the battles we would have surrendered if we had known they led to nothing but heartache and sorrow.” 🥹🥹
CW: don’t want to spoil anything, but an acute illness is a major theme in this book.
Cannot recommend this book more. I loved the first two books in this series, but this book was on another level for me. Also, the song “Lost” by Charlie Simpson was on repeat while I read this. Set the mood perfectly. 🥹🥹 Ending this review with just saying “wow.” 🙌🏻🙌🏻
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat: 🔥🔥🔥
“You are the love of my life, my family, my yesterday, today, and tomorrow.”
This book slayed me. I cried, smiled, laughed, wanted to yell….definitely an emotional rollercoaster. All the Battles We Surrender, by Garry Michael, was beautiful. There is something special about a book that leaves a lingering feeling of longing. I am experiencing that right now, as I am longing for more of Sawyer and Jace. 🥹🥹
Highlights:
💙estranged husbands
💙spans over years
💙second chance
💙hurt/comfort
💙angst
💙love, so much love
💙steamy
I’m at a loss of words on how to describe my feelings on this beautiful story. Jace and Sawyer were perfection. These two stole my heart and I can’t stop thinking about them. I really do not want to give any spoilers, because that would ruin the experience of this book. I recommend going in blind, but that’s my opinion. ❤️
Favorite quote:
“The world would be so much better if life moved in reverse, starting from our failures back to where it began. Imagine the battles we would have surrendered if we had known they led to nothing but heartache and sorrow.” 🥹🥹
CW: don’t want to spoil anything, but an acute illness is a major theme in this book.
Cannot recommend this book more. I loved the first two books in this series, but this book was on another level for me. Also, the song “Lost” by Charlie Simpson was on repeat while I read this. Set the mood perfectly. 🥹🥹 Ending this review with just saying “wow.” 🙌🏻🙌🏻
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat: 🔥🔥🔥
July 22, 2022
A Rollercoaster of Emotions❤️
Get the tissues ready because this book wrecked me, the author Garry Michael’s holds nothing back and I was an emotional wreck from the very first chapter!
This book deals with death, loss, grief, anger, regret and second chances so yes it will take you through all the emotions, hence the tissue warning but the writing was beautiful the characters have depth and are relatable and the plot line is captivating. This book drew me in, I couldn’t put it down and read it in one sitting, not unusual with a book by this author.
From the first chapter I fell in love with Sawyer, I felt his pain and despair and in that despair he knew that before he did anything else he had to go and see his estranged husband and lay his cards on the table. They had unfinished business which Sawyer needed to resolve.
Sawyer was a kind and selfless person, a paediatrician whose aim was to help disabled children but it was this passion that ended his marriage to the only man he had ever loved and he lived with the guilt of deeply hurting Hawkins.
Sawyer makes the trip to Alaska to see Hawkins, a deputy sheriff, living in the house that was supposed to be their forever home. Hawkins is not pleased to see him, puts up all his walls and refuses to discuss their situation. At times I wanted to shake him but we see that he is protecting himself, he cannot go through the heartbreak again. Hawkins has had a lot of heartbreak in his life and under his tough exterior he is very fragile.
It wasn’t until Sawyer lost his temper and confronted Hawkins that the truths finally come out.
These two men are soul mates. The love just poured off the pages and I wanted to fight their battles with them, wrap them up, protect them from the heartache to come.
Garry Michael you just keep getting better and thank you for trusting me with an ARC of your work.
Get the tissues ready because this book wrecked me, the author Garry Michael’s holds nothing back and I was an emotional wreck from the very first chapter!
This book deals with death, loss, grief, anger, regret and second chances so yes it will take you through all the emotions, hence the tissue warning but the writing was beautiful the characters have depth and are relatable and the plot line is captivating. This book drew me in, I couldn’t put it down and read it in one sitting, not unusual with a book by this author.
From the first chapter I fell in love with Sawyer, I felt his pain and despair and in that despair he knew that before he did anything else he had to go and see his estranged husband and lay his cards on the table. They had unfinished business which Sawyer needed to resolve.
Sawyer was a kind and selfless person, a paediatrician whose aim was to help disabled children but it was this passion that ended his marriage to the only man he had ever loved and he lived with the guilt of deeply hurting Hawkins.
Sawyer makes the trip to Alaska to see Hawkins, a deputy sheriff, living in the house that was supposed to be their forever home. Hawkins is not pleased to see him, puts up all his walls and refuses to discuss their situation. At times I wanted to shake him but we see that he is protecting himself, he cannot go through the heartbreak again. Hawkins has had a lot of heartbreak in his life and under his tough exterior he is very fragile.
It wasn’t until Sawyer lost his temper and confronted Hawkins that the truths finally come out.
These two men are soul mates. The love just poured off the pages and I wanted to fight their battles with them, wrap them up, protect them from the heartache to come.
Garry Michael you just keep getting better and thank you for trusting me with an ARC of your work.
September 30, 2022
utterly amazing!!
I was very optimistic about reading this book I kept seeing the reviews and they all said the same thing .. heartbreaking 💔 So I message … for the inside scoop I couldn’t go in to this book blind I was to nervous 😂.. 4 weeks later I faced my fears… WHY THE HELL DID I WAIT??? I was hooked straight away, I cried from 30% on and off till the end it pulled at all my heart strings and broke me a little inside but my god it was worth the pain!
Sawyer & Hawkins share an unconditional love that’s beautiful to read about - they both fell in love at such a young age, they encouraged each other to achieve there dreams, they supported each other but sometimes it pulls you into a different direction… 3 years they lost being together but when it really matters, when in sickness and health is what you swore to each other the only person who can get you through your darkest days is the one guy who you left behind - your husband.
I was very optimistic about reading this book I kept seeing the reviews and they all said the same thing .. heartbreaking 💔 So I message … for the inside scoop I couldn’t go in to this book blind I was to nervous 😂.. 4 weeks later I faced my fears… WHY THE HELL DID I WAIT??? I was hooked straight away, I cried from 30% on and off till the end it pulled at all my heart strings and broke me a little inside but my god it was worth the pain!
Sawyer & Hawkins share an unconditional love that’s beautiful to read about - they both fell in love at such a young age, they encouraged each other to achieve there dreams, they supported each other but sometimes it pulls you into a different direction… 3 years they lost being together but when it really matters, when in sickness and health is what you swore to each other the only person who can get you through your darkest days is the one guy who you left behind - your husband.
July 23, 2022
Poignant.
Passionate.
Profoundly moving.
Garry Michael’s All the Battles We Surrender will live in my head for some time, but has been etched on my heart forever. Once again, the author has created two parallel, but equally vivid and tangible worlds of his main characters and brings them together so perfectly and poetically that one cannot possibly imagine them separate.
Thus is the emotionally-wrenching story of Sawyer and Hawkins, estranged husbands whose deep love binds them. We do not understand why these two seemingly ideal mates are apart, but all is gradually revealed through a sequence of artfully-told flashbacks, a love story intertwined within a love story that takes readers to the present day.
This is a beautiful, deeply affecting story of unconditional love, heart wrenching loss, and fateful second chances. To say I was moved is an understatement, and fair warning, this is a book that stays with you. In his inimitable way, Garry Michael leaves readers with the gentle reminder that love never ends, even when our loved ones are no longer near. All we must do is listen to our hearts. And look to the sky.
Passionate.
Profoundly moving.
Garry Michael’s All the Battles We Surrender will live in my head for some time, but has been etched on my heart forever. Once again, the author has created two parallel, but equally vivid and tangible worlds of his main characters and brings them together so perfectly and poetically that one cannot possibly imagine them separate.
Thus is the emotionally-wrenching story of Sawyer and Hawkins, estranged husbands whose deep love binds them. We do not understand why these two seemingly ideal mates are apart, but all is gradually revealed through a sequence of artfully-told flashbacks, a love story intertwined within a love story that takes readers to the present day.
This is a beautiful, deeply affecting story of unconditional love, heart wrenching loss, and fateful second chances. To say I was moved is an understatement, and fair warning, this is a book that stays with you. In his inimitable way, Garry Michael leaves readers with the gentle reminder that love never ends, even when our loved ones are no longer near. All we must do is listen to our hearts. And look to the sky.
July 21, 2022
oh my goodness this book broke me in the best way possible! I don't think I have words to describe just how much I adored this book but I'll give it a go
Sawyer and Jace had a fairytale relationship, until one day they didn't. They met in college and just knew they were each other's soulmates so decided to make forever official and get married. However, when the book begins, the couple has been estranged for 3 years and over the course of the book we find out what drove them apart. But when Sawyer is diagnosed with leukaemia and may only have months to live, he is overcome with emotion and regret. He had always assumed him and Jace would have the time to repair their relationship.
This book was heartbreaking (I'm still crying writing this). It explores how we shouldn't take life for granted and that you shouldn't keep waiting for your life to start for a certain goal or achievement, because your life is passing you by right now. In the end, little moments with our loved ones will be the thing we always wished we would have appreciated more. Sawyer and Jace's relationship felt so real and flawed and beautiful. Seriously Garry, this book is phenomenal!!!
Sawyer and Jace had a fairytale relationship, until one day they didn't. They met in college and just knew they were each other's soulmates so decided to make forever official and get married. However, when the book begins, the couple has been estranged for 3 years and over the course of the book we find out what drove them apart. But when Sawyer is diagnosed with leukaemia and may only have months to live, he is overcome with emotion and regret. He had always assumed him and Jace would have the time to repair their relationship.
This book was heartbreaking (I'm still crying writing this). It explores how we shouldn't take life for granted and that you shouldn't keep waiting for your life to start for a certain goal or achievement, because your life is passing you by right now. In the end, little moments with our loved ones will be the thing we always wished we would have appreciated more. Sawyer and Jace's relationship felt so real and flawed and beautiful. Seriously Garry, this book is phenomenal!!!
July 22, 2022
Sawyer is finally here!!!
Sawyer!!! I was waiting for him I don’t know since when. My heart broke in many pieces through the whole book! *Tissues Warning Needed* Crying is inevitable too. I cried I don’t know how many times. I cried for Sawyer, I cried for Hawkins, I even cried for Kyle. I laughed so much too, they are amazing together, the chemistry is strong. They both are swoon worthy too. Hawkins, I identified myself with him so much, the emotions, the thoughts... So I love him more. The Battles we surrenders, sometimes they are worth it, other times they don’t. The love in this book is so pure and beautiful. Sawyer is dedicated to his career and always wants to help his patients… until everything changes. They had so many bumps in their lives, together is definitely the best way to win the worst battle. If you ask me one word to described this book, it’ll be EPIC! Garry Thank You so much for this one, is going to be close to my heart always.
PS: *DON’T forget to read the Bonus Chapter at the end*
Sawyer!!! I was waiting for him I don’t know since when. My heart broke in many pieces through the whole book! *Tissues Warning Needed* Crying is inevitable too. I cried I don’t know how many times. I cried for Sawyer, I cried for Hawkins, I even cried for Kyle. I laughed so much too, they are amazing together, the chemistry is strong. They both are swoon worthy too. Hawkins, I identified myself with him so much, the emotions, the thoughts... So I love him more. The Battles we surrenders, sometimes they are worth it, other times they don’t. The love in this book is so pure and beautiful. Sawyer is dedicated to his career and always wants to help his patients… until everything changes. They had so many bumps in their lives, together is definitely the best way to win the worst battle. If you ask me one word to described this book, it’ll be EPIC! Garry Thank You so much for this one, is going to be close to my heart always.
PS: *DON’T forget to read the Bonus Chapter at the end*
July 23, 2022
Emotional and beautiful
Wow. The last book in this series was a slam dunk. This was an incredible, emotional journey which moves between the past and the present, giving us a fully developed storyline of Sawyer's and Hawkins' first meeting, their friendship as it grows into a beautiful lovestory, and finally, their fight for their future. As always, Garry Michael delivers with a beautifully written, tear-jerking rollercoaster ride of a novel. And I don't have to say it, but I will: Garry's hawtttt love scenes will destroy you!
Stunning book, highly recommended!
Wow. The last book in this series was a slam dunk. This was an incredible, emotional journey which moves between the past and the present, giving us a fully developed storyline of Sawyer's and Hawkins' first meeting, their friendship as it grows into a beautiful lovestory, and finally, their fight for their future. As always, Garry Michael delivers with a beautifully written, tear-jerking rollercoaster ride of a novel. And I don't have to say it, but I will: Garry's hawtttt love scenes will destroy you!
Stunning book, highly recommended!
July 26, 2022
emotions….
So beautiful. I won’t spoil it but I would have tissues at the ready. This one hit me in the feels hard. Felt the emotions and experienced them alongside
So beautiful. I won’t spoil it but I would have tissues at the ready. This one hit me in the feels hard. Felt the emotions and experienced them alongside
July 22, 2022
Garry took it to another level. He does not believe in ceilings does he. Just when you thought he was doing the most... he did just a bit more.
Can we just talk about how this man keeps getting better and better?
Anyway. Let's dive in to the book.
I am totally and completely ruined. Wrecked. Wrecked I tell you.. yes. Like HOW do I even describe this?
This book tells the story of two estranged husbands trying to find each other again basically. Sawyer and Hawkins made the mistake to break up for reasons I'm not sure I understand.. so when life decides to test them in the most difficult way, they do not have each other to find comfort and strength. At least in the beginning. Because we see them try to reconnect and heal from the past.
When I tell you I hate drama that keeps people from thinking strait.. I mean it. Like Hawkins just shut the fuck up and listen to him for fucks sake! Yes you're hurt.. but pleeeeeease give him a little bit of your time to explain 🥺
I was so sad when i read them not being able to make a simple conversation just because there was all this anger 😭
I felt like a mom looking at my kids giving each other the cold shoulder and not being able to do anything because they simply can't listen to me! Don't laugh guys. I was so anxious. 👀
And do you know what made me more anxious? What I thought Garry was going to do there. Thank fuck he didn't. GARRY DON'T SCARE ME LIKE THAT EVER AGAIN.
This is a heavy book. Heavier than anything Garry has written before. I'm not usually a fan of that much depth and intensity but fuck if I wasn't captivated by this. I am one of those people who would remain emotionless while heartbreaking events occurred, but this story got to me. A couple scenes had my eyes watering.
Hawkins and Sawyer's journey is not an easy one. Far from it. But I think I wouldn't have it any different. They say difficulties make us see what's important right? This book will help you see that.
Ending my review I'll say that I'm a simple girl. I see a book from Garry and I instantly know I'm gonna like it. This was no different. He is cementing himself as my favourite author one book at a time.
July 24, 2022
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟💫 10 stars. 💙
Love, happiness, angst, hurt, sorrow and much more. I’m a mess of emotions, not to mention the tears that refuse to stop, and a few times my poor heart suffered a little death.
All the Battles We Surrender closed the trilogy with a Golden Key! I can’t say it’s my favorite, because it’s impossible to pick one in this trilogy. They are all beautifully written and relatable stories, about strong people who are not afraid to conquer love, and with so much romance in them, you fall head over heels in love with the characters.
Jace and Sawyer are a force of nature, and damn if you’re not swept off your feet by them. Jace has a sad past, and a lot happened to him, so he builds a wall around himself, and when his marriage to Sawyer falls apart, he puts a few more bricks up and cements even more that wall. Sawyer reappears after 3 years away and sees that the understanding man who would do anything for him no longer exists.
We never know where life will lead us, and most of the time, what we think we know we don’t. What is true for us may not be for others. Their interaction in the beginning is tough. Jace is hurt and angry, while Sawyer only wants a chance to make things right, and when your life is hanging by a thread, and you don’t know about your tomorrow, you live each day as your last. You also understand that what was once so important is not anymore, and you start cherishing the little things life brings you, like a rustic hand picked bouquet of garden flowers, or a majestic sunset with the love of your life.
Love is trust. Love is sharing the good and the critical moments life throws at you. Loving someone is understanding that inside that person has a distinct world full of colors but also flaws. It’s learning every day what makes that person beautiful to your eyes and working together when trouble comes. Love is commitment and partnership, and it’s exactly what Jace and Sawyer teach us throughout their battles. They learn that the only battle worth surrendering to is their love for one another because it's all they need to reach their dreams together.
Love, happiness, angst, hurt, sorrow and much more. I’m a mess of emotions, not to mention the tears that refuse to stop, and a few times my poor heart suffered a little death.
All the Battles We Surrender closed the trilogy with a Golden Key! I can’t say it’s my favorite, because it’s impossible to pick one in this trilogy. They are all beautifully written and relatable stories, about strong people who are not afraid to conquer love, and with so much romance in them, you fall head over heels in love with the characters.
Jace and Sawyer are a force of nature, and damn if you’re not swept off your feet by them. Jace has a sad past, and a lot happened to him, so he builds a wall around himself, and when his marriage to Sawyer falls apart, he puts a few more bricks up and cements even more that wall. Sawyer reappears after 3 years away and sees that the understanding man who would do anything for him no longer exists.
We never know where life will lead us, and most of the time, what we think we know we don’t. What is true for us may not be for others. Their interaction in the beginning is tough. Jace is hurt and angry, while Sawyer only wants a chance to make things right, and when your life is hanging by a thread, and you don’t know about your tomorrow, you live each day as your last. You also understand that what was once so important is not anymore, and you start cherishing the little things life brings you, like a rustic hand picked bouquet of garden flowers, or a majestic sunset with the love of your life.
Love is trust. Love is sharing the good and the critical moments life throws at you. Loving someone is understanding that inside that person has a distinct world full of colors but also flaws. It’s learning every day what makes that person beautiful to your eyes and working together when trouble comes. Love is commitment and partnership, and it’s exactly what Jace and Sawyer teach us throughout their battles. They learn that the only battle worth surrendering to is their love for one another because it's all they need to reach their dreams together.
January 12, 2023
I can't beginning to explain the feelings of their story.
I was on the edge of tears for the whole book, literally.
But never once I blamed Jace or Sawyer for what happened to them. I didn't feel like either of them actually did anything wrong to the other, other than not communicating well. The thing that was there at all times, past and present, was the love they had for each other that was bigger than anything else.
Their only problem I think was they got married too young, they were inexperienced and didn't know how to communicate and how to deal with both their relationship and the other life priorities such as their dreams. Had they been older and more mature, given they loved each other so much, they would have talked and found a compromise.
Once they have something to deal with that is bigger than any other problem, nothing is more important than their love anymore, and the switch in their priorities was very relatable. No pride, no hurt, no other fight was more important.
They refer to the title many times. How many battles you would surrender knowing that they only bring pain, and you're fighting over things that are very little compared to real priorities.
There were so many heartbreaking moments.
and many more, as well as some really beautiful and romantic moments like their first kiss, all the past scenes of their relationship and marriage, how Jace trusted Sawyer and opened himself to him from the beginning, their chemistry and the bonus chapter.
I was on the edge of tears for the whole book, literally.
But never once I blamed Jace or Sawyer for what happened to them. I didn't feel like either of them actually did anything wrong to the other, other than not communicating well. The thing that was there at all times, past and present, was the love they had for each other that was bigger than anything else.
Their only problem I think was they got married too young, they were inexperienced and didn't know how to communicate and how to deal with both their relationship and the other life priorities such as their dreams. Had they been older and more mature, given they loved each other so much, they would have talked and found a compromise.
Once they have something to deal with that is bigger than any other problem, nothing is more important than their love anymore, and the switch in their priorities was very relatable. No pride, no hurt, no other fight was more important.
They refer to the title many times. How many battles you would surrender knowing that they only bring pain, and you're fighting over things that are very little compared to real priorities.
There were so many heartbreaking moments.
and many more, as well as some really beautiful and romantic moments like their first kiss, all the past scenes of their relationship and marriage, how Jace trusted Sawyer and opened himself to him from the beginning, their chemistry and the bonus chapter.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews