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Basque #1
A Unique Request: Basque Trilogy One
Seven years have passed since Paul Alcott and Mick Henley separated, but hearing the familiar voice reinforces what Paul has known all along―he still loves Mick and wants him back.
Hope flares upon receiving a dinner invitation, but his dream evaporates when he learns that Mick is in a relationship with Basque jai alai player, Tono Garat.
To make matters worse, Paul’s services as a book editor are solicited to help Tono through the final revision of a love story he’s written.
Paul refuses until Mick reveals he’s been diagnosed with a fatal disease, and the novel is Tono’s only means of coping.
Paul and Tono resent each other, but they can’t deny the strong sexual attraction between them. Will they overcome their differences to provide the loving support necessary to sustain the man they love or will their animosity destroy Mick’s final days.
This novel was previously called Loving Edits and published in 2010.
Hope flares upon receiving a dinner invitation, but his dream evaporates when he learns that Mick is in a relationship with Basque jai alai player, Tono Garat.
To make matters worse, Paul’s services as a book editor are solicited to help Tono through the final revision of a love story he’s written.
Paul refuses until Mick reveals he’s been diagnosed with a fatal disease, and the novel is Tono’s only means of coping.
Paul and Tono resent each other, but they can’t deny the strong sexual attraction between them. Will they overcome their differences to provide the loving support necessary to sustain the man they love or will their animosity destroy Mick’s final days.
This novel was previously called Loving Edits and published in 2010.
249 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 14, 2010
7 people are currently reading
370 people want to read
About the author
Mickie B. Ashling
51 books346 followersMICKIE B. ASHLING is the pseudonym of a multi-published author who resides in a suburb outside Chicago. She is a product of her upbringing in various cultures, having lived in Japan, the Philippines, Spain, and the Middle East. Fluent in three languages, she’s a citizen of the world and an interesting mixture of East and West.
Since 2009, Mickie has written several dozen novels in the LGBTQ+ genre—which have been translated into French, Italian, Spanish, and German. A lot of her backlist is “Under Construction” as she slowly transitions from traditional publishing to representing herself. Her goal is to have most of her novels back in the universe by the end of 2023.
CONTACT INFO:
Email: mickie.ashling@gmail.com
Website: mickieashling.com
Blog: mickiebashling.blogspot.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/mickie.ashling
Twitter: @MickieAshling
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/micki...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mickieashling/
Since 2009, Mickie has written several dozen novels in the LGBTQ+ genre—which have been translated into French, Italian, Spanish, and German. A lot of her backlist is “Under Construction” as she slowly transitions from traditional publishing to representing herself. Her goal is to have most of her novels back in the universe by the end of 2023.
CONTACT INFO:
Email: mickie.ashling@gmail.com
Website: mickieashling.com
Blog: mickiebashling.blogspot.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/mickie.ashling
Twitter: @MickieAshling
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/micki...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mickieashling/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
August 5, 2024
I read this book as a proof before publishing and so I had to hold all my feelings in until it was released. For those who scan over reviews, catch this- this book is a must-read!
When I received this book as an assignment, I had not read anything by this author and dove into this with no clear judgment of the writing style. If possible, I try not to read blurbs about books except to get the bare minimum of info. In this case, I went in blind.
The first chapter seemed a little formulaic. A very wealthy man who has everything, is a dick about it, and is about to be changed by a second chance relationship. I had the entire book figured out. There was also a massive info dump in a stilted conversation between the butler/assistant and the main character which made me have less hope for this book.
The second or third chapter threw all my ideas of a formula to the wind. Where the first chapter seemed simplistic and awkward, it didn't take long for this creation to take flight in a different direction.
Although the subject matter of this book is heavy and could have made the read laborious, it didn't. The author focused on beauty and finding happiness in the moment. It becomes obvious in reading that Ms Ashling has to have some intimate knowledge of the disease she describes and yet for all the horror that even reading a description of this disease can cause, the book left me with a sense of love and happiness, not with loss. It is true artistic talent to be able to take such an intensely painful subject and present it in a way that offers hope. How can a book with this kind of subject have a HEA? Yeah, you just wait and see.
The characters were real and I loved the different personalities as they crashed into each other. :) Tono was my favorite. He reminds me of Ethan, my partner.
When I received this book as an assignment, I had not read anything by this author and dove into this with no clear judgment of the writing style. If possible, I try not to read blurbs about books except to get the bare minimum of info. In this case, I went in blind.
The first chapter seemed a little formulaic. A very wealthy man who has everything, is a dick about it, and is about to be changed by a second chance relationship. I had the entire book figured out. There was also a massive info dump in a stilted conversation between the butler/assistant and the main character which made me have less hope for this book.
The second or third chapter threw all my ideas of a formula to the wind. Where the first chapter seemed simplistic and awkward, it didn't take long for this creation to take flight in a different direction.
Although the subject matter of this book is heavy and could have made the read laborious, it didn't. The author focused on beauty and finding happiness in the moment. It becomes obvious in reading that Ms Ashling has to have some intimate knowledge of the disease she describes and yet for all the horror that even reading a description of this disease can cause, the book left me with a sense of love and happiness, not with loss. It is true artistic talent to be able to take such an intensely painful subject and present it in a way that offers hope. How can a book with this kind of subject have a HEA? Yeah, you just wait and see.
The characters were real and I loved the different personalities as they crashed into each other. :) Tono was my favorite. He reminds me of Ethan, my partner.
July 20, 2010
Loving Edits broke my meh reading spell with its characters, specifically Paul, the wealthy publisher and Tono, the sexy, hot Spanish Jai Alai player. Those two were combustible together.
Mick is in love with Tono.
Mick's current partner, Tono, loves him with a till-death-do-we-part kind of love.
Mick's ex-partner, Paul, still loves him.
Paul is disdainful of Tono.
Tono detests Paul.
...I had a blast watching those two fall in love, kicking and screaming all the way.
As for Mick, he stays in the background in a sense, even though he's a main character and this book is a menage - so be warned, those of you who dislike them. But what a menage! I'd say this is my favorite menage evah because it isn't about sex. It's about a dying man wanting to help his partner cope with his impending loss and ends up giving him more than all three expected. Loving Edits is funny in parts with some hot breathless sex scenes, filled with love and a tinge of bittersweet at the end.
It was a wonderful story for me. I don't think the author participates on GR but thank you, Ms Ashling.
Mick is in love with Tono.
Mick's current partner, Tono, loves him with a till-death-do-we-part kind of love.
Mick's ex-partner, Paul, still loves him.
Paul is disdainful of Tono.
Tono detests Paul.
...I had a blast watching those two fall in love, kicking and screaming all the way.
As for Mick, he stays in the background in a sense, even though he's a main character and this book is a menage - so be warned, those of you who dislike them. But what a menage! I'd say this is my favorite menage evah because it isn't about sex. It's about a dying man wanting to help his partner cope with his impending loss and ends up giving him more than all three expected. Loving Edits is funny in parts with some hot breathless sex scenes, filled with love and a tinge of bittersweet at the end.
It was a wonderful story for me. I don't think the author participates on GR but thank you, Ms Ashling.
November 27, 2013
OMG OMG!!! Please pass the tissues! This story is sad, beautiful, moving, intense, and it wrapped around my heart from the start and never let go! Paul gets a call from his past lover Mick that he is in the area and wants to see him. Upon meeting Paul discovers Mick has a lover Tono and Mick has a devastating illness.
This is a story I could not put down, I finished this book in 2 days. And now that it is done I am heartsick. My poor sweet Mick!!! Onto book 2! Will I ever be the same?
This is a story I could not put down, I finished this book in 2 days. And now that it is done I am heartsick. My poor sweet Mick!!! Onto book 2! Will I ever be the same?
May 2, 2012
First Reads Win!
Paul is an editing genius. His touch on a manuscript can instantly catapult an author to bestsellerdom. His talent has brought him wealth and all the luxuries money can buy but it cost him, Mick, the love of his life. The two friends discovered their sexuality as young teens and became involved in an intense romance but things went sour when Mick’s book hit the bestseller list and he was offered a movie deal. Paul allowed jealousy and other uncomfortable emotions to rule him and broke it off in an ugly way. It’s a decision he’s always regretted.
Heart-broken Mick left town without looking back and found solace and healing in the arms of a handsome athlete named Tono. The two fell into a deeply committed relationship and have been together for the last seven years. Now Mick must call on Paul to ask him a huge favor. Tono has a written a novel about his love for Mick and Mick wants him to be successful and find peace. And if it sounds like I’m skirting around the real reason behind the importance of Tono’s book it’s because I am. It’s a huge devastating spoiler.
Paul is a very spoiled man, bordering on unlikable and of course, when he sees Mick again he decides he wants him to himself and refuses to help his lover complete his novel. He’s used to having everything go exactly his way and isn’t dealing well with the situation placed at his feet but he eventually agrees because of his love for Mick. Tono despises Paul, with good reason; while Paul resents Tono because of the deep love he and Mick share. Despite their intense feelings neither can deny the attraction that simmers between them. What follows is a complicated, sexy and heart-wrenching romance between the three men that will make you laugh and sob your heart out. I’m so glad I stuck it out, even though I admit I nearly gave up after reading the first few never-ending pages consisting of the “life and times of a selfish man named Paul”.
There is sex, and a lot of it between these three, but their relationship is about much more than the sex and the complications involved in a ménage. I refuse to spoil it by revealing too much and will only say the relationship is one of healing and desperation and soul deep undying love. And Paul finally learns that the world doesn’t revolve around his lovely self! This is one love story that won’t easily be forgotten by me.
Paul is an editing genius. His touch on a manuscript can instantly catapult an author to bestsellerdom. His talent has brought him wealth and all the luxuries money can buy but it cost him, Mick, the love of his life. The two friends discovered their sexuality as young teens and became involved in an intense romance but things went sour when Mick’s book hit the bestseller list and he was offered a movie deal. Paul allowed jealousy and other uncomfortable emotions to rule him and broke it off in an ugly way. It’s a decision he’s always regretted.
Heart-broken Mick left town without looking back and found solace and healing in the arms of a handsome athlete named Tono. The two fell into a deeply committed relationship and have been together for the last seven years. Now Mick must call on Paul to ask him a huge favor. Tono has a written a novel about his love for Mick and Mick wants him to be successful and find peace. And if it sounds like I’m skirting around the real reason behind the importance of Tono’s book it’s because I am. It’s a huge devastating spoiler.
Paul is a very spoiled man, bordering on unlikable and of course, when he sees Mick again he decides he wants him to himself and refuses to help his lover complete his novel. He’s used to having everything go exactly his way and isn’t dealing well with the situation placed at his feet but he eventually agrees because of his love for Mick. Tono despises Paul, with good reason; while Paul resents Tono because of the deep love he and Mick share. Despite their intense feelings neither can deny the attraction that simmers between them. What follows is a complicated, sexy and heart-wrenching romance between the three men that will make you laugh and sob your heart out. I’m so glad I stuck it out, even though I admit I nearly gave up after reading the first few never-ending pages consisting of the “life and times of a selfish man named Paul”.
There is sex, and a lot of it between these three, but their relationship is about much more than the sex and the complications involved in a ménage. I refuse to spoil it by revealing too much and will only say the relationship is one of healing and desperation and soul deep undying love. And Paul finally learns that the world doesn’t revolve around his lovely self! This is one love story that won’t easily be forgotten by me.
October 15, 2013
The 1st book in the Basque trilogy which came highly recommended by my lovely Tina, and has taken a helluva long time for me to finish as it got buried. 4.5 stars and
Shortie review as other really good ones have been done. Paul (runs a publishing firm)and Mick (best selling novelist) were a couple but split up when Paul threw his toys out of the pram and Mick left as a result. Mick moved to the Basque region of Spain (as you do) where he met Tono, a superstar in the world of Jai-alai (a ball bounced off a walled space...sounds a little like squash??) and they become lovers and partners. In the meantime, Paul sincerely regrets treating Mick as he did (and no, he didn't really have a valid reason for it...let's just say he has Daddy issues) and has failed to hold down a single lasting relationship in the time he and Mick have been apart, but when he gets a phone call from Mick asking to meet, he can't refuse...I'll leave this one here.
March 3, 2011
First of all I have to say "Dammit Jason you were right!!!!" He warned me that I was going to cry and okay like usual he's right again! I taunted him that I was tougher than he was. I had read the first chapter at the time and honestly I just wasn't drawn into the story. It seemed a little dry and clinical. I was pretty assured that Jason was just a big baby la la since normally if I'm not impressed with the first chapter it usually goes down hill from there.
I have to say this author took a hideous and ugly disease and wrapped it in love, dignity and hope. The characters were real, drawing the reader into their powerful love as well as allowing you to experience their pain. Tono was by far my favorite and I look forward to reading his book.
Highly recommended book with a tissue in hand.
I have to say this author took a hideous and ugly disease and wrapped it in love, dignity and hope. The characters were real, drawing the reader into their powerful love as well as allowing you to experience their pain. Tono was by far my favorite and I look forward to reading his book.
Highly recommended book with a tissue in hand.
July 26, 2010
I will never assume again. I didn't read this book until now because I thought it would be too sad and I wouldn't be able to handle it. I'm so glad that I did because the way Mickie B. Ashling wrote it. Instead of hitting you over the head with despair and sadness this story was focused on the love between, Paul, Mick and Tono. I teared up on some parts but the book never left me feeling so bad that I had to stop reading, it made me want to keep reading to see how their love would grow. It was just a beautiful story!!
August 4, 2010
Very good m/m romance about a rich and prestigious editor, the writer/lover he dumped years ago, and the writer's beloved and devoted boyfriend. The beginning might be tough to get through, because none of the three are shown in a particularly good light, but the payout is more than worth it (probably because of it)! I'm always hesitant to read menage, because so few authors have convinced me that it would work emotionally for everyone involved, but I can definitely add Mickie B. Ashling to my list of authors who can make it work.
July 16, 2010
OMG I can not say enough about this book. I cried all through the book. The relationship between the three characters is amazing. You can feel everyones emotions. I will tell all I can how good this book is. Please, Please read this.
September 1, 2010
Do not read this series out of order. This is book 1 of 3.
As others have said before in their reviews of Loving Edits, this book is not depressing to read, though it might sound like it upon reading the synopsis. It's about 3 men learning how to cope with one's debilitating disease.
I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised at how well the subject matter was treated, the surprise being that it goes into enough detail for emotional response and general understanding, but not to the depth of full-on detail. I had thought it might, as I'm guessing others have thought as well, and I was actually somewhat looking forward to that once I found out (from the dedication) that Mick's disease is ALS, commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease. I have no doubt that Mickie could have given a much more thorough (and likely heart-wrenching) visualization if that had been what she set out to do, though I suspect writing this story as it is was hard enough for her. (EDIT: Book 3, Momentos: Mick's Journey, became what I expected from this story - the heart-wrenching details. I loved it.)
I have an old friend whose wife is in the later stages of ALS. I hadn't seen them in years, but one year she was walking around, and the next he was pushing her in a wheelchair. It was another couple of years before I found out it was ALS in particular. Since then, I've read some of his online journal posts about some of the good and some of the bad that they've dealt with.
Based on that, I know that Mickie's descriptions of thoughts and acceptances of what is and will happen as a result of ALS are all spot-on accurate. (Not that I ever doubted once I read the dedication - that actually psyched me up to read this story because I'm already familiar with her writing.) It is a truly heart-breaking disease, but Mickie treats it with delicacy and tact.
As for the characters themselves, it's nice to see the breakdown of facades over the course of time. Living with {someone who has} ALS can't help but change a person, and they've all changed to some degree by the end of the story, whether it's discovering a new meaning for love, giving up control, or outright losing it.
And having been to San Sebastian and Guernica, I'm glad of their usage in the story. (I miss Spain too.)
Note: If you want to read how Paul and Mick or Mick and Tono met, those stories are told in Momentos: Mick's Journey, and then that story has a time jump to immediately following this book, which then leads up to the events of book 2, Tono (and contains a couple of minor spoilers for Tono). Momentos then has an epilogue which happens after the events of Tono, so it is not recommended to read the stories out of order, but I do recommend reading them all.
As others have said before in their reviews of Loving Edits, this book is not depressing to read, though it might sound like it upon reading the synopsis. It's about 3 men learning how to cope with one's debilitating disease.
I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised at how well the subject matter was treated, the surprise being that it goes into enough detail for emotional response and general understanding, but not to the depth of full-on detail. I had thought it might, as I'm guessing others have thought as well, and I was actually somewhat looking forward to that once I found out (from the dedication) that Mick's disease is ALS, commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease. I have no doubt that Mickie could have given a much more thorough (and likely heart-wrenching) visualization if that had been what she set out to do, though I suspect writing this story as it is was hard enough for her. (EDIT: Book 3, Momentos: Mick's Journey, became what I expected from this story - the heart-wrenching details. I loved it.)
I have an old friend whose wife is in the later stages of ALS. I hadn't seen them in years, but one year she was walking around, and the next he was pushing her in a wheelchair. It was another couple of years before I found out it was ALS in particular. Since then, I've read some of his online journal posts about some of the good and some of the bad that they've dealt with.
Based on that, I know that Mickie's descriptions of thoughts and acceptances of what is and will happen as a result of ALS are all spot-on accurate. (Not that I ever doubted once I read the dedication - that actually psyched me up to read this story because I'm already familiar with her writing.) It is a truly heart-breaking disease, but Mickie treats it with delicacy and tact.
As for the characters themselves, it's nice to see the breakdown of facades over the course of time. Living with {someone who has} ALS can't help but change a person, and they've all changed to some degree by the end of the story, whether it's discovering a new meaning for love, giving up control, or outright losing it.
And having been to San Sebastian and Guernica, I'm glad of their usage in the story. (I miss Spain too.)
Note: If you want to read how Paul and Mick or Mick and Tono met, those stories are told in Momentos: Mick's Journey, and then that story has a time jump to immediately following this book, which then leads up to the events of book 2, Tono (and contains a couple of minor spoilers for Tono). Momentos then has an epilogue which happens after the events of Tono, so it is not recommended to read the stories out of order, but I do recommend reading them all.
August 12, 2016
Loving Edits is the first story in Mickie B. Ashling's Basque series, a book series I still can't think about without tearing up. It's emotional, beautiful and bittersweet, simply brilliant done!
It took me quite long to start reading these books because I thought they would be too sad and I wasn't sure I could handle it. But once started I couldn't put the books down anymore.
Yes, Paul, Tono and Mick's story is sad but the series is more a celebration of the love between those guys and Mickie's story telling is focused on beauty and finding happiness in the moment. Oh boy, it wrecked me at some parts but Mickie's magical writing style made me want to keep reading to see how their love would grow and how they would break through all obstacles and live and celebrate their love.
Thank you, Mickie for a powerful and impressing series that shows us how love doesn't know any limits, it can blossom even beyond death. You may think a series with this kind of subject can't have a HEA? Yeah, you just wait and see,..
Paul, Tono, Baxter, and especially Mick will always have a very special place in my heart. <3 <3 <3
Note: Loving Edits it's the first book in the Basque series that includes three books.
September 22, 2011
This was a emotional and well written story. Paul is a genius at editing and has helped create many best sellers. An overbearing and manipulative father drove a wedge between Paul and his true love, Mick. Seven years later Mick calls Paul and asks Paul to edit his partner's love story. Mick met Tono in San Sebastian, Spain and even though Tono was closeted they fell in love. Mick wants more from Paul beside the editing as Mick is dying from ALS. Mick wants to live his life out in a menage with Tono and Paul. Tono and Paul naturally hate eachother as both are total control freaks. The interplay between Paul and Tono is smoothed out well by Mick who is in love with both men. The love/hate/love relationship between Tono and Paul was interesting to watch develop. The two men weren't terribly likable except in their deep abiding love of Mick. The ending, while a tear jerker, was on a high note.
Read
September 15, 2016A Joyfully Jay review.
3.25 stars
The setup for this book just called to me. I mean a past love, a current love, a new attraction, a terminal diagnosis, so many possibilities. While some of it most certainly did work for me, there were areas that equally didn’t work and they are all layered together in this one.
For starters we have Paul. He’s wealthy and educated and well read. He wanted to be a writer, but his skills weren’t even close to Mick’s and his father’s disapproval, as well as his own jealousy, were factors in ending his relationship with Mick. But for all of Paul’s worldliness, and while he knows who Lou Gehrig is, he’s never heard of Lou Gehrig’s disease, which is later referred to as ALS, and it didn’t fit in with his character. What it did allow for was the so called info dump of exactly what ALS is. So information has to be given somewhere, but there were three info dumps right in a row. First was one about the disease, next was on the rules of Jai alai, and then finally on the attributes of Tono’s home in Spain. It was way too much all in a row.
Then there is Mick. He loved Paul with everything he had and never knew why Paul ended things so abruptly and cut him off. He never tried to find out and still when he sees Paul again he lets him tell him, maybe, in his own time. He loves Tono completely but didn’t expect the longing for Paul to still be there and it catches him off guard. Mick may have been my favorite of the three characters here as he’s coming to terms with a terminal diagnosis. He’s open with his feelings and he makes it clear exactly what he feels for both Paul and Tono and what he needs from each of them to live out his final days. During his relationship with Paul, they would bring a third into their bed on occasion, but it was just sex without either of them becoming emotionally involved. Mick then introduced this practice to Tono who was initially much more hesitant about the idea. This situation now is completely different as there are all the feelings involved from all three of the men.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
3.25 stars
The setup for this book just called to me. I mean a past love, a current love, a new attraction, a terminal diagnosis, so many possibilities. While some of it most certainly did work for me, there were areas that equally didn’t work and they are all layered together in this one.
For starters we have Paul. He’s wealthy and educated and well read. He wanted to be a writer, but his skills weren’t even close to Mick’s and his father’s disapproval, as well as his own jealousy, were factors in ending his relationship with Mick. But for all of Paul’s worldliness, and while he knows who Lou Gehrig is, he’s never heard of Lou Gehrig’s disease, which is later referred to as ALS, and it didn’t fit in with his character. What it did allow for was the so called info dump of exactly what ALS is. So information has to be given somewhere, but there were three info dumps right in a row. First was one about the disease, next was on the rules of Jai alai, and then finally on the attributes of Tono’s home in Spain. It was way too much all in a row.
Then there is Mick. He loved Paul with everything he had and never knew why Paul ended things so abruptly and cut him off. He never tried to find out and still when he sees Paul again he lets him tell him, maybe, in his own time. He loves Tono completely but didn’t expect the longing for Paul to still be there and it catches him off guard. Mick may have been my favorite of the three characters here as he’s coming to terms with a terminal diagnosis. He’s open with his feelings and he makes it clear exactly what he feels for both Paul and Tono and what he needs from each of them to live out his final days. During his relationship with Paul, they would bring a third into their bed on occasion, but it was just sex without either of them becoming emotionally involved. Mick then introduced this practice to Tono who was initially much more hesitant about the idea. This situation now is completely different as there are all the feelings involved from all three of the men.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
Want to read
February 28, 2016The MC is Basque and he is called Tono.
I know nobody called thus but apparently it's a diminutive name for Antonio. Another one in the loooooooong list:
Yes, we love making our lives complicated.
The most typical ones are Toño and Tony. I thought the author had forgotten the Ñ but she has not. I was going to release all my anger on her but decided to make a fast research first XD .
Whatever, maybe I will read this book. I'm not fond of polyamorous, but there is a Basque guy and he plays pelota vasca (cesta punta variety). I'm amazed a foreigner knows about this sport and decides to write about it. You know, with all that football, American football, basketball, baseball, hockey... we find in books, it's shocking to find this. It's a harsh sport and seems very brutish but it's also breathtaking, very popular in the Basque and Navarre areas.
So maybe I will give her a chance.
I know nobody called thus but apparently it's a diminutive name for Antonio. Another one in the loooooooong list:
Antón
Antoñito
Antoñín
Tano
Tanos
Tanus
Toni
Toto
Tonio
Tony
Toñín
Toño
Anto
Toñuco
Toñale
Toñis
Noni
Zoni
Nono
Toñeque
Tono <----------
Toñete
Toniño
Toñito
Tonete
Nino
Antoñiyo
Yes, we love making our lives complicated.
The most typical ones are Toño and Tony. I thought the author had forgotten the Ñ but she has not. I was going to release all my anger on her but decided to make a fast research first XD .
Whatever, maybe I will read this book. I'm not fond of polyamorous, but there is a Basque guy and he plays pelota vasca (cesta punta variety). I'm amazed a foreigner knows about this sport and decides to write about it. You know, with all that football, American football, basketball, baseball, hockey... we find in books, it's shocking to find this. It's a harsh sport and seems very brutish but it's also breathtaking, very popular in the Basque and Navarre areas.
So maybe I will give her a chance.
July 13, 2015
This was a dream to read! Paul reminds me of myself, as a perfectionist editorial and publishing whore! I love how you gave in detail in all your stories the history, details, and current events on the diseases you envelope your main storyline about. Tono's position was very vital to Mick's recovery, and his departure would've been worse than Mick's deteriorating body. The three man finding unconditional love and security during this untimely and tragic turn of events in there lives depicted stability and responsibility. I applaud you for not making this story about what is deemed and unconventional relationship rather gay or straight. You focused on what positivity and acceptance of love can cure in the deepest depths what others thought was an hopeless outcome. These three men gave so much more of themselves than average. I was glad that Mick's death wasn't pronounced in the conclusion, but his deterioration after three years was inevitable and yet astonishing. I cried too much and didn't need more heartache. This was a beautiful just a delight! Bravo!
October 1, 2013
I won this book and I am very grateful to the author for donating to the M/M big event.
This book was thoughtful and loving. It was the story of a man who was diagnosed with ALS and how he chose to bring his past and present loves together to spend his remaining time. There is a lot of detail about living with ALS and how it effects those around him.
The story had a few issues that bugged me...the endearments used did not feel authentic ..... There was some repetition.... But the overall feeling I got from the book was love, passion, caring.
This book was thoughtful and loving. It was the story of a man who was diagnosed with ALS and how he chose to bring his past and present loves together to spend his remaining time. There is a lot of detail about living with ALS and how it effects those around him.
The story had a few issues that bugged me...the endearments used did not feel authentic ..... There was some repetition.... But the overall feeling I got from the book was love, passion, caring.
September 17, 2013
The tactful way the illness was dealt with in this book was nice, and the Spanish portion was well done. The menage was not only sexual, it was emotional as well, but I didn't believe it was completely a three way because it was clear that Mick loved both Paul and Tono, and they loved Mick in return, but I missed the part where Tono and Paul fell in love. I perceived lust more than anything else, but then, I failed to engage emotionally with the characters. Maybe the sequel will show more growth on their relationship.
abandoned
August 24, 2015This just wasn't working for me. I might have pushed on to finish, but then I remembered I was still within my window to return it for a refund so I decided to do that instead. I was at around 30-ish percent. The character of Paul was unlikable, and a lot of the dialogue was just... weird. It didn't flow.
September 25, 2010
I honestly don't know how to rate this. I absolutely HATED the beginning but after suspending logic the underlying story of struggle and love are breathtaking. Maybe after I stop crying I'll pen a more fitting review.
Read
August 11, 2016I'm not sure why - the writing is good, the idea of this story is fascinating, the execution is well done, there were some very touching scenes - but this book just left me with a mostly bored feeling.
March 27, 2011
Beautifully written with love, laughter, joy, sadness, heartbreak and loss. Brilliant!
November 7, 2014
I already started tearing up at chapter 3. Very sweet and touching story.
November 4, 2016
Bring tissues....
March 3, 2024
ALS is a cruel disease. My mum is 83 and had great difficulty speaking and swallowing much of anything. Food was getting trapped in her throat and blocking her air way was happening more often. she battled for each breath. The riluzole did very little to help her. The medical team did even less. Her decline was rapid and devastating. The psychological support from the medical centre was non-existent and if it were not for the sensitive care and attention of our primary physician, there she would have died. There has been little if any progress in finding a cure or reliable treatment. Acupuncture eased her anxiety a bit. this year our primary physician started her on Natural Herbs Centre ALS/MND Ayurvedic treatment, 6 months into treatment she improved dramatically. It has been a complete turnaround with her speech, she no longer needs the feeding tube to feed, the treatment is a miracle. She recovered significantly! Visit Natural herbs centre. com
September 5, 2017
Definitely a No-No book.
Story might be intriguing - even though the reasons behind the decision of the dying man of re-contacting after 7 years his ex-lover from whom he hasn't heard a peep since, is sort of incoherent. But, admitting it has sense (and to me it doesn't), the whole story is too much sex-oriented between the three, and although I am not excessively fond of threesomes, if it's well written and justifiable, I can accept. Here, sorry, but is too much pushing the sex side and not as much the emotional and spiritual side of the story. When it is not about sex, it's about disease and worry and sorrow, but too boring in the description and without any involvment or soul. So,for me, this book is absolutely a NO. Big one.
Story might be intriguing - even though the reasons behind the decision of the dying man of re-contacting after 7 years his ex-lover from whom he hasn't heard a peep since, is sort of incoherent. But, admitting it has sense (and to me it doesn't), the whole story is too much sex-oriented between the three, and although I am not excessively fond of threesomes, if it's well written and justifiable, I can accept. Here, sorry, but is too much pushing the sex side and not as much the emotional and spiritual side of the story. When it is not about sex, it's about disease and worry and sorrow, but too boring in the description and without any involvment or soul. So,for me, this book is absolutely a NO. Big one.
August 8, 2023
Muy, muy, muy flojito. Menos mal que tenía algo bueno a la vez y lo iba compensando, pero me salté párrafos enteros y escenas de sexo casi todas y a los protagonistas ni los nombro, ninguno se salva ...
Nota para la autora,: El término "Majo " en castellano,de acuerdo a la RAE ( y los que usamos ese idioma a diario) es un adjetivo no un nombre y usado como nombre por muy coloquial que sea, tiene connotaciones sarcásticas nada positivas, por ello cada vez que sustituye "amor" o "cariño" por majo, que son mogollón pues se ve que le gustó la palabra, además de chirriarme las neuronas conseguia que el momento romántico se fuese a la mierda (y el aludido me cayese mal automáticamente) "Majo, te quiero" realmente rompe cualquier momento intimo ¿Verdadí?
Nota para la autora,: El término "Majo " en castellano,de acuerdo a la RAE ( y los que usamos ese idioma a diario) es un adjetivo no un nombre y usado como nombre por muy coloquial que sea, tiene connotaciones sarcásticas nada positivas, por ello cada vez que sustituye "amor" o "cariño" por majo, que son mogollón pues se ve que le gustó la palabra, además de chirriarme las neuronas conseguia que el momento romántico se fuese a la mierda (y el aludido me cayese mal automáticamente) "Majo, te quiero" realmente rompe cualquier momento intimo ¿Verdadí?
September 10, 2017
I had a hard time with the connection between Paul and Tono. They despised each other. I know there is a fine line between love and hate and they certainly had the physical attraction but that doesn't make love happen. So when they finally were in love, I felt like I missed it.
August 11, 2015
After breaking up 7 years before, Paul gets a call from Mick, his first love and partner of 12 years. He is back in town and he is dying. He has ALS.
Mick contacts Paul to work on his new lovers book, the love story of the 2 of them, written by his Spanish Lover Tono.
Paul realizes that he is still in love with Mick and has strong feelings for Tono.
After a while, Mick expresses a wish to have both men as lovers. Although initially resistant, they eventually agree.
Although we all know Mick is dying, I am glad that he did not actually die in the book, it leaves him accepting an award for his screenplay.
The only thing that struck me a strange with the book was
I will definitely be reading the last 2 books in the series.
Mick contacts Paul to work on his new lovers book, the love story of the 2 of them, written by his Spanish Lover Tono.
Paul realizes that he is still in love with Mick and has strong feelings for Tono.
After a while, Mick expresses a wish to have both men as lovers. Although initially resistant, they eventually agree.
Although we all know Mick is dying, I am glad that he did not actually die in the book, it leaves him accepting an award for his screenplay.
The only thing that struck me a strange with the book was
I will definitely be reading the last 2 books in the series.
November 24, 2014
I did not enjoy this one at all! The moment in the very beginning when Paul, who is a 36 yea old publisher, had no idea what is Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS). That annoyed me. I do realize the author had to add in a description of the disease at some point, but be a little subtler don't make your characters seem like an idiot especially after he knew exactly who Lou Gegrig was and did. Then at the end of the same chapter (3) Paul drunkenly states that he wants both Mike and Tono? I almost put the book down right there.
On top of that I found the writing and dialogue super strange! Who uses peoples names that often? It felt like an essay rather than a story and the POV's were flipping all over the place. There needed to be some sort of cohesiveness in the writing.
Sure the book was a sweet little story about two guys who fall for each other kicking and screaming and the plot dealt with ALS extremely well. It's the rest of it that just didn't work for me.
I'm sorry, but I just wouldn't recommend this one.
On top of that I found the writing and dialogue super strange! Who uses peoples names that often? It felt like an essay rather than a story and the POV's were flipping all over the place. There needed to be some sort of cohesiveness in the writing.
Sure the book was a sweet little story about two guys who fall for each other kicking and screaming and the plot dealt with ALS extremely well. It's the rest of it that just didn't work for me.
I'm sorry, but I just wouldn't recommend this one.
March 1, 2011
Ok, this book was surprising. It was a very fast read, but at the same time it covered a lot of ground. It was hard to read and yet I couldn't stop. I read the whole book filled with anticipation and dread. I cried. I smiled. I enjoyed the book, the characters and journey. I only wish that I hadn't left the last four books this month to be: Broken, Dark Horse, Out of the Darkness and this one. It was a lot of emotion packed into this last week.
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