James knows his relationship is falling apart but he's not sure what to do about that fact. He's tried fixing it, but nothing works. He is reaching the point where he isn't sure if he wants to repair the damage if he's the only one putting in any effort. But he's not a cheater, and although he finds himself fascinated with a stripper named Logan he meets at a friend's bachelor party, it's just a passing crush...probably. James continues to spend time with Logan while battling between his head and his heart. As he grapples with the monumental decision of potentially leaving his boyfriend, he finds answers to questions he never dared to ask before, as well as his place in his life regardless of whom he shares it with.
M.E. Aster lives in the country with their parents, their youngest sister, and their their cats, Ghost, Boo, and Snickers. They also maintain a full-time job in customer service. Aster has an educational background in music performance, web design, and computer programming, but they have decided to pursue writing as their favored career path. If you wish to contact them, M.E. Aster can be reached at m.e.asterbooks@gmail.com.
I really enjoyed TAKE HIS PLACE, a MM romance with off the charts chemistry between the two main characters. James has been in a long-term relationship that hasn’t been in a good place for years, and wants to have that conversation with his partner Kaleb about whether they should end things, but hasn’t found a good way to do it—which is only made harder by the fact that Kaleb is never there anymore. He meets Logan at a party for a friend at a strip club and they have an instant connection. I liked both James and Logan, and their nuanced portrayal, but especially Logan, and the way the novel explored stereotypes about people who work in entertainment industries (just because he takes his clothes off for money doesn’t mean he doesn’t want a long-term boyfriend) and the pressures of both main characters struggling financially. This had sharp, serious moments, and soft sweet ones. Flirty moments in the cereal aisle at a grocery store. Great best friend scenes and slow moments making breakfast together. And puppy dog Elvis was completely adorable! As a steamy, slow-burn romance, it was clear there was no other conclusion but James and Logan and I devoured this in one sitting.
Please excuse typos/name misspellings. Entered on screen reader.
When is the right time to end a relationship that is no longer working? That is the question James must answer in this compelling romance. Then an attraction to a stripper named Logan complicates the issue. "Take His Place" is a thoughtful and heart-warming gay romance with engaging characters that grabbed my interest from the opening pages!
Exceptional. Outstanding. Aster will warm your heart and restore your faith in humanity through this striking love story.
TAKE HIS PLACE is a new adult gay romance between two young men. James is at the tail end of a dying relationship, miserable but afraid to leave stability. Logan is a stripper, a dancer, grieving over a recent death in the family and struggling with finances. During a bachelor party at the strip club where Logan works, they first meet. Though both are instantly and mutually smitten, they stay distant, unsure of the other’s emotions. However, initial infatuation builds into a magnetic attraction that pulls them both from comfort as they pine for each other’s hearts.
This book is impressive on so many levels, but perhaps the most is its ability to transcend genre. Though categorized as romance, it’s also about the shared human experience of heartbreak and true love, of endings and beginnings, of taking risks and reaching for joy, of finding happiness through hardship. By overcoming fear, James and Logan aim for better prospects, then learn they deserve to change their lives, to redefine themselves. They harness the strength and bravery to take a leap of faith into something better, something new.
And this is the greatness of TAKE HIS PLACE. It’s about the power—and courage—of change. While these city-crawling twenty-somethings roam London in search of soulmates, you will find yourself smiling and rooting for James and Logan as they embark on their slow-burn, fast-track romance. If you want something to lose yourself in, a break from *gestures at everything*, then this is a resonant, escapist read. 5 stars.
* I received a free ARC of this book, and this is my honest, voluntary review.
Take His Place is a character-driven, slow-burn romance filled with emotion, temptation, and the importance of self-control! James already feels his relationship falling apart when he meets Logan, a stripper, at a friend's bachelor party. But that doesn't mean the sparks don't fly!! I was here for it!
Possible Spoilers ahead: Now, I'm not a fan of cheating in fiction, so while I was rooting for Logan and James from the beginning, I also didn't want anything to happen until Kaleb was kicked to the curb. Ugh, Kaleb. He's a complete jerk and honestly, I spent the whole book eagerly waiting for James to dump him. I do want to mention that as I said, this is a slow-burn. The fact that James is already in a relationship prevents him and Logan from taking their friendship to the next level, despite both of them falling for the other. I thought Aster handled this delicate situation splendidly and by the end, I had SO much respect for both James and Logan. I wanted them together so badly, but I wanted them to do it right. I'm so so glad they did!!
I greatly enjoyed Take His Place! Definitely recommend!! 5 Stars!!
It’s difficult to find your one true love when you already belong to someone else but true love finds a way. Logan finds the man of his dreams only to realize he’s out of reach as he already has a boyfriend. When their friendship blossoms into attraction, James knows what he has to do. Change is difficult even when you are unhappy. Taking a leap of faith that love is worth the risk sets this couple on the path of happily ever after!
Logan and James are too sweet together. I felt every bit of the longing. And the way they felt worse about everything when they were apart.
I have a minor issue with James’ “we haven’t had sex so it’s not cheating.” But no spoilers. Revelations later in the book made me much more okay with it.
Logan was the standout character for me. Very well rounded. And written to be completely adorable. Enjoyed the time spent at the club with his coworkers as well nice background cast and banter.
Bonus points for not only normalizing sex work but making a hero/role model out of a character with an often chastised profession.
Loved everything about this. Dancing, doggo, big beautiful wedding... and a character growing into someone who starts to defend themself and take agency.
I’d give an extra star if I could. Received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!
I think other reviewers have done well to capture the heart of the book. The genre isn't one I normally read, but I found myself wanting to see the resolution once I was halfway through and tore through the rest. I'll touch on the writing a bit. 3rd person present tense took a minute to get used to, but the consistency was there, and that's a big key for me as a reader. One thing that will be hit or miss is the extremely liberal use of italics. It's used in both dialogue and in prose, at least a few times per page I felt like. I didn't mind it and grew used to it, letting it aid my internal reading, but I could definitely see how it would bother others.
Others have shared how they really enjoyed Logan, and I did as well. His profession didn't define him as he felt like a whole person. I almost wish he would have been a little less patient with James, or at least expressed more frustration/worry about being used. He was maybe a little too perfect, but you can't help but love the guy. James, like every other main character in a romance story is someone you want to shake until he realizes what's right in front of him, but then we wouldn't even have a story!
There are some things that I think could have been elaborated on, some scenes that were explained, but not shown, but I only see it as a compliment to the setting and characters since I was hoping for more.
I'm writing this review in reference to an ARC I received, and I couldn't be happier to submit this review on the first day of Pride Month, 2021. Happy Pride, everyone!
I adored this story. M.E. Aster has the ability to weave a tale so stunning and real, you believe you are part of it.
James' story begins with a long-term relationship in limbo and he's stressed and unsure of it's fate. When he meets Logan, a dancer at a club, he's immediately drawn to him, to his openness and fearlessness. Though James is very up front about being in a relationship, Logan can't help but want more.
The internal struggle that James went through to decide what to do about his relationship just felt so real. It was such an important, weighty decision and it spoke a lot about his character that he put such careful thought into everyone's feelings. By the end, I felt like I'd come to know Logan and James so well and their story was so sweet. A very touching read!
(4.5/5 stars) A romantic drama that slowly unfolds, Aster's story is realistic and sometimes heart-wrenching. How does one know when a relationship has run its course? How can one tell if it's time to pivot in life? Main character James must confront his fears and feelings as he works toward discovering what is truly right for him. Although I did get a bit frustrated with him at times, James is a sweet soul who deserves an HEA. A must-read for those who enjoy character-driven romance.
I truly enjoy Aster's smooth and flowing style of writing. It's a pleasure to read, and I found myself finishing this simple, lovely story in just over a day. While there aren't a lot of twists and turns and "oh snap" moments, the gradual development of James's and Logan's relationship still manages to hold up the story and kept me invested until the end. The occasional heat helped, too. 😉
A gorgeous and hopeful romantic drama, Take His Place is M.E. Aster’s best work yet.
Lovelorn James is hurting in a failing relationship with a selfish and inattentive partner. When he meets Logan, an intriguing man who quickly shows an interest in him, James renews his passion for life. His adventures with Logan are set against a colorful backdrop of London nightlife. Vivid descriptions and natural dialogue enhance an already strong plot which itself provides enough twists and turns to keep you as giddy as James and Logan in their budding friendship.
Aster sets up a high risk/high reward situation for James in which temptation creates a big obstacle to his happiness. Temptation to leave his current lover, to find himself, to find someone who makes him happy. While this could have become a typical trope of the unfaithful lover, Aster beautifully maneuvers through the complexities of James and Logan’s friendship, allowing the characters to become real people with real problems and for us, the readers, to grow with them.
The story features some great comic timing as well. James and Logan have a very sweet meet-cute with lots of lighthearted moments that follow, and Logan’s adorable dog, Elvis, steals the show in all of his scenes (as he rightfully should). Elvis is one of my favorite characters who Aster paints very lovingly with a gentle kindness.
Aster will tug at your heartstrings and, at times, may even leave you all hot and bothered. Fans of romance will surely be satisfied with an offering from a writer with such versatility and an eye for detail which only comes from a keen awareness for human relationships, old and new. It’s an intense and passionate work that will transport you to a sensual liminal space where fear and insecurities fade away and dreams of love become reality.
** I received an ARC of this book from the author. Everything expressed herein is my own honest opinion. **
Aster has easily become one of my favorite authors. Their latest work, Take His Place, is absolutely stellar! Aster's writing flows smoothly as every word melds seamlessly into the next with each sentence, paragraph, page and chapter. The characters are so well-developed and real that I felt I must have known them in life somewhere. This story can easily fall into the category of a slow burn romance, and in all honesty, it is the sloooooooowest burn I have read in my life, and well worth the wait! I found myself pulling for James and Logan on every page as it's nice to read about likable characters who have old fashioned relationship standards and integrity, not to mention knowing the meaning of true love. James and Logan are a couple you will fall in love with, and I would be overjoyed to see their story continue. I absolutely devoured this book and didn't want it to end!
Some of my favorite lines from the book:
"...his fleeting interactions with the dancer had become small pinpricks of light in his typically dismal state of existence..."
"He's teetering on the edge of a knife, waiting for the slightest rush of air to push him one way or the other."
"He draws from the small tendrils of anger that are unfurling in his chest..."
I have followed M.E Aster’s writing journey for a long time, and yet they never fail to amaze me. This book does an incredible job of making you feel a great many things; warmth, betrayal, sadness, sympathy, joy. It also manages to capture how real these people are, the turmoil that they share, the lives they lead, the things that make them happy.
It’s been a long time since a book like this has made me feel truly soft and fuzzy, and I couldn’t be happier with this story.
*DISCLAIMER: it’s late at night, I’m bad at reviews, and I received an arc copy in exchange for an honest review.*
I was drawn into this MM romance from Page 1 and never looked back! The writing made me feel as if I was inside James and Logan's head which meant I felt all the swirling emotions. The angst was so palpable, as was James' reluctance to leave his partner even though he wasn't fulfilled. I don't want to spoil it but as a lover of romance, the ending was fulfilling. Oh, and Elvis is the best!
I have such overflowing love for this story and these characters that it's difficult to know where to begin...
This is no ordinary book; this is many slices of reality disguised as pages, carefully bound into a spellbinding story.
In Take His Place, Aster yet again has crafted a love story so believable, so beautifully entwined with reality that drinking in this story was less like that of reading a book, and more like walking alongside familiar friends. This is the result of Aster's incredible ability to gently loop the reader into their universe as the story unfolds. It's a living, breathing, immersive experience–love blossoming in a grocery store, warming a heart left out in the cold, brightening the dark neon of a club, glittering on your skin three days later. I left these pages with the conviction that I'd been on a well-needed trip to lively little neighborhood in London and made several new friends, two of my favorites of course being James and Logan.
These two were the multifaceted gems that really brought sparkle to this book. From the moment each is introduced, there's already a sense that you've known each of them for your entire life. They are so whole, so complete that what you see seems only to be an exquisitely developed snapshot in their time. They have lived, and will continue to live beyond the pages. James and Logan are relatable in their comforting ordinariness–a little frightened, a little worn down, a little flawed but nowhere near broken, just trying their best to do what's right–but also heroic in their willingness to break out of complacent patterns and find a new rhythm together. They are not characters nor caricatures, and their love isn't cosmic or larger than life; it's as life-sized as the obstacles that stand in its way, and as such, the story of James and Logan finding their way to it together is all the more absorbing, all the more understandable, all the more real.
I know this is a book I will return to over the years to visit my friends and revisit their sweet but sensible love story.
I usually don't read this genre, but I'm glad I picked this book up. While there are many things to like, I'll start by saying, I really like the writing style of this author. It's nuanced and reads so smoothly it's like you're gliding through the story.
The story itself is about the budding romance between Logan and James, two mismatched people, who are destined to be together. As I said in the title, it's a slow burn, tingly relationship, which is well crafted by the author. I'll avoid spoilers and just say that the world is fun and gritty and the characters full of depth, and I'll be looking forward to reading other books by this author.
Oh, goodness, where to start? This book had me feeling all the feels, and it's the first book in a long while I was able to binge read in two days. The book features two POVs, Alex, a guy who has been unhappy in his relationship for a while due to his boyfriend hardly ever being around, and Logan, a male stripper doing his best to make ends meet and lives alone with his adorable dog. The two cross paths and its near-instant fireworks of attraction on both sides. The book does an excellent job navigating the difficulties of leaving a several-year relationship, even when that relationship has soured and become unhealthy. It's sweet, it's heartfelt, and it will have you feeling for these boys as they dance around their feelings for each other.
So many feels with this one. For anyone who's ever been cheated on, or felt trapped in a relationship, or wondered, Why is this relationship so hard? This is for you. James and Logan are the most adorable couple--even when they're trying to not be a couple, but just two completely platonic friends who fall in love. Accidentally on purpose. James broke my heart over and over again as the man who can't see his own self-worth as he's been emotionally downtrodden by his long-time partner, who's gaslighting him and downplaying his very real, all-too-relatable concerns. And who wouldn't fall for the adorable Logan? (Don't mind me, dreamcasting this lithe, sexy dancer.) Logan, who shows concern and tenderness and compassion and all these things that James deserves, and hasn't gotten in so long.
***SPOILER WARNING***
But one thing I loved best is there was no infidelity. Well not by our main men, who, even when treated bad by others, are always respectful, and when it becomes clear that the boyfriend isn't who will ever make him happy, doesn't just run off with the man he has fallen in love with, but ends things first, even when it's clear that the ex never did him any such courtesies.
Highly recommend!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Although romance is not one of my usual genres, I really enjoyed getting to know James and Logan. The two main characters were very different from one another yet we slowly got to see how they complimented one another's personalities so well. I was rooting for them from the get go. Also, I may want to be besties with Logan. Bonus points were also awarded for an adorable dog named Elvis.
I must also mention that the narrator for this audio edition was EXCELLENT. I kept forgetting that one person was voicing all the characters! I felt he especially captured Logan's fun persona while still showing us how sentimental he could be. Well done!