REVIEW: A Unique Request – Basque Trilogy #1 – Mickie B. Ashling

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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.

Seven years ago, Paul Alcott from one of the richest families in America betrayed his longtime lover, Mick Henley, letting him walk away without a word. Now a phone call has brought everything back, Mick is calling him giving Paul hope that there will be a reconciliation until he meets his partner, Tono.

Antonio Garat (Tono) is considered one of the best jai Alai players in the world, but he has taken a leave of absence to be with Mick. Mick wants Paul to edit the book Tono is writing about his and Mick’s love affair, not something Paul is happy about. It wasn’t until Mick disclosed to Paul that he was dying, he has ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) which is a death sentence that Paul rethinks the request.

Paul has never stopped loving Mick and Mick loves both Paul and Tono and wants them to be together which doesn’t sit right with Tono. Paul is determined to do whatever he can to help Mick, unable to accept the fact that he will die, and soon.

Tono and Paul have an attraction to each other while at the same time they hate each other, each man jealous of the other. The story follows the three men as they try to deal with a man, they love with a death sentence. The story follows the progress of ALS a mind that stays clear, eyes clear and sex is possible only being aware as the body begins to deteriorate.

It was sad as Mick could walk one day and wake up the next morning paralyzed; he is always hyper aware of every change in his body and can do nothing about it except wait till the next change. Tears are a constant and the wish for death seems to be a typical occurrence with the disease.

So many illnesses, i.e. cancer, there is always treatment and hope not with ALS and no medicine that will keep the nightmare at bay. Mick’s desire is for Paul and Tono be with him as a threesome, he loves both and wants to ensure Tono will have someone when he dies.

Unfortunately, Tono can’t seem to agree with Mick’s desire he feels it will be a betrayal to the man he loves with all his heart. Paul can understand loving two people, but it is alien to Tono.

This was a very emotional story and although I am quite aware of ALS watching as Mick lives with it daily was very heartbreaking. This is a book I highly recommend because it is more than just a story about dying, it is a story about love.