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Odd Jobs #3

Trade In

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AJ Alexander gives us a standalone second chance romance, where we discover no matter how painful the truth is, it will set you free.

Against all odds, can first love get a second chance at forever?

I’ve never been able to forget my first love, I have scars on my heart to prove it.

But as time passes, I try to convince myself I’m over Liam. I’m now a motorcycle mechanic in my father’s shop, and life is good.

Until he shows up again spouting excuses for why he left me and wanting a second chance.

I shouldn’t want him... but I do.

I may not have repaired the damage he left behind, but his presence reignites our old fire with a new flame.

He was my first love, but am I able to let him be my last?

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Published June 6, 2019

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About the author

A.J. Alexander

255 books1,353 followers
USA Today Bestselling Author AJ Alexander has been writing romance since 2018. She loves writing small town romances with found families and all the nosey nellies that help her characters find their happily ever afters! She lives in Arizona, otherwise known as the surface of the sun, with her husband, two daughters, two cats, and a lovable golden retriever.

When she isn't writing you can find AJ reading, binging the latest true crime documentary on Netflix, or binging the latest Korean Drama or Anime that's released. AJ is a cynical hopeless romantic that believes in love at first sight, that bigger is always better, and everything should be put off for a nap.

Come find her in the wild! There's nothing she loves more than connecting with my readers.


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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
Profile Image for Rochelle.
1,599 reviews
October 17, 2019
This was the first book in the series that I have I read and I loved it. It can be read as a standalone but if you want to get a whole feel for the group, you can read the other books to get an idea of who all the couples are. Liam and Rachel were such a great couple. I love second chance romances and this one was so good. They had so many obstacles that were in their past that they needed to overcome to be able to get their HEA. Were they able to overcome those obstacles or were they just too much that? You will have to read the book and find out.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kim  Brewing.
3,339 reviews35 followers
June 26, 2019
My absolute favorite of the series. I'm a sucker for second chances. Throw in circumstances that pull at your heart strings and I am there. Loved it.
1,857 reviews25 followers
June 5, 2019
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book. I loved Liam and Rachel. In love since high school, together forever that is until tragedy struck her family and the one person she needed bailed on her without so much of a word to her. Liam’s life changed when he found out who was responsible for Roo’s families loss and he just couldn’t handle the pain and not sure if she could forgive him. Fate has a funny way of telling you that you belong together, and when they see each other again after three years have passed, anger, questions, and the feelings are still there. Can Rachel handle having Liam back in her life or will he break her heart all over again? Liam has good reason for leaving her, but will she be able handle the truth when it hits her in the face? No spoilers here. Such a great addition to this series and I can’t wait for Tidy Up! Love their story, so much emotion, heartache and passion. I highly recommend this book!
Profile Image for Isha Coleman.
7,591 reviews154 followers
June 3, 2019
Alexander is the best kept secret in romance. Characters like Rachael are the reason why.
Trade In gives a nod to women's lib while serving up some steamy romance. Rachael and Liam are a match made in heartache. Can they step out of the pain of the past and into hope for a brighter future? From heart pounding to heartbreaking, AJ Alexander delivers a captivating feast for the senses. Whether savored or devoured the Odd Jobs series makes an impact.
44 reviews1 follower
June 5, 2019
This book is a story about loving someone so much that you put them first. But the main message I got out of this is that not only do you make sacrifices for your true love but that love hurts. Sometimes when we think we are doing the right thing it is the total opposite. This series has a mix of all things a series of books needs to keep us coming back for more and this book is no different. This author is growing better and better with each book written and it shows.
Profile Image for Marnie.
1,157 reviews23 followers
June 7, 2019
🌟 💙 🌟 Not a light-hearted book, yet still witty and fun. 🌟 💙 🌟

Rachel was a young woman after my own heart. With my motorbikes and my Engineering trade background, I admired her character and her stubborn tenaciousness. She loved life, but then love and life broke her. Three years later, she has another chance, yet she knows what it is going to cost her to in her decision to follow her heart, but decides to go for it anyway.

Liam was let down by people who should know better. Since the night that destroyed both of his future and his love, he cut himself from his past – completely. He learned to survive away from his family’s wealth and privilege, and got out from under his father’s influence.

The writing was witty, fun and it was emotional, but don’t think for a moment it is a light-hearted book. It’s not. Personal loss and the reactions of people involved are at the core of this story and it’s easy to see how some people build on their strength, while others become bitter. I honestly question my own likely reaction as a parent. Would I become like Rachel’s father?

I just found a post today questioning whether children should be strong enough to shoulder their parents’ burdens. It struck a chord with me while reading this book. What both Rachel’s and Liam’s fathers did, altered the course of their children’s lives, yet they were such beautiful young souls they still didn’t take what was in front of them for granted, and, kept their integrity intact.

AJ Alexander has created a literary group of friends that expands with each book as new friends and acquaintances are bought together, while still giving us a chance to see how all of our couples are doing. They are absolutely fantastic friends, and bring a light-hearted relief to the emotional heavy that is going on between Rachel and Liam. Each of the books in this Odd Jobs series only seems to be getting better, and I’m looking forward to another one! 4.5 Stars.

June 6, 2019
Broken hearts and second chances

TRADE IN
, book three of AJ Alexander's Odd Job series, is heartbreaking, humorous, sexy and hopeful. Picking up right where Served concludes, Liam Murphy and Rachel Beaufort's relationship is a complicated one. Former high school sweethearts, Liam and Rachel's world changed dramatically when Rachel experienced a heartbreaking tragedy, and Liam disappeared with no reason and no goodbye.

Fast forward three years and fate has thrown them back together. However, even though their love has never died, miscommunication has caused Rachel unwanted pain and the belief that Liam deserted her, just when she needed him most. Now she wants nothing to do with him, even though he desperately wants her to know the truth ... he still loves and wants her. Is Rachel able to give Liam a second chance, or will her heart be broken once again?

This was such a beautiful story. Both Liam and Rachel were in such a believable situation. The guilt, anger and passion were described perfectly. Time is meant to heal all hurts, but sometimes it exaggerates them ... AJ Alexander brings this across with such ease. As well as Liam and Rachel, AJ's secondary and returning characters are sublime, providing the humour and wise words that are often needed.

I thoroughly enjoyed Trade In. It touched both my heart and my soul. I can't wait for Tidy Up. Definitely a recommended read.

Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction

FIVE EMOTIONAL STARS
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.6k reviews165 followers
June 6, 2019
Rachael thought she & Liam would be together forever, but on the night that she celebrated her 21rst birthday, tragedy struck, and Liam would disappear. With no word from him, the more time that passes, the more she convinces herself that she's over him, but when she comes face to face with him again, that theory is blown out of the water. The moment Liam sets eyes on Rachael again, he realizes that leaving her wasn't the best thing for her, that he wasn't saving her from more hurt, and he realizes that he's been given a second chance. And this time, he's not going to waste it, but he's just got to convince Rachael to give him that chance. Trade In was a very emotional story that broke my heart for everyone involved, although I held some serious anger for Liam's choices as well. I can't go into those decisions he made without giving things away, but he pissed me off though I know those choices broke his heart as well. I know it was a situation that no one could really win at that moment in time, but still, there were more than one person pulling strings that caused a lot of hurt. And the revealing of some of those people made for some f-bomb worthy twists, let me tell you. I could go on & on all day about the emotional journey that I went on, but I won't tell you how it all panned out so why keep going, you may as well just one click this baby that I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Profile Image for Jennifer Copeland.
1,703 reviews38 followers
June 6, 2019
Trade-In by AJ Alexander is a fantastic read! I couldn’t put my kindle down until I finished reading this book! Trade-In is the 3rd book in the Odd Jobs Series by AJ Alexander. This makes the 4th book that I have read by AJ Alexander and the author didn’t disappoint me at all in this book!
Trade-In by AJ Alexander is what I like to call a second chance love story. The book starts off on the night of Rachael’s 21st birthday. Her boyfriend Liam is late picking her up to so to the party that is being held for her. Something tragic happens as to why Liam is late and Rachael gets the news that her brother was hit by a hit and run driver and that he didn’t make it. Liam leaves town suddenly and sends Rachael one text. Three years have gone by and Rachael sees Liam for the first time when she meets her friends at Noble. The chemistry is still there.
Will Liam get the chance to win Rachael’s heart again? Will the pair get their chance to get their happy ever after? You will have to read Trade-In by AJ Alexander to find out! You will get a chance to catch with the characters from the previous 2 books in the series. This book has plenty of romance and hot love scenes. Make sure to grab your copy of Trade-In by AJ Alexander! You won’t be disappointed! AJ Alexander is becoming one of my go-to authors to read!
1,430 reviews10 followers
June 7, 2019
Liam and Rachael tugged at my heart and didn't let go. They were in love and were going to celebrate her twenty-first birthday. He was always running late so when he called her and told her that he had a flat tire she wasn't upset. Shortly after their phone call, she receives another call. Her brother was in an accident and it didn't look good. Once she found out that he died, she tried calling Liam, but she couldn't get ahold of him.
Liam took his brother home, who was drunk, and found a bag packed for both of them. He was tasked with taking his brother to rehab. On the way, he finds out that his brother is the one who hit Rachael's brother. This piece of knowledge will separated them for years.
When they meet up again, he want her back because he has never stopped loving her. She is still in love with him, as well, but doesn't know if she can trust him with her heart again. He is persistent and they start spending time together. He still hasn't told her all of the details of why he left and eventually the time is taken away from him.
This is a wonderful second chance romance. There is a lot of happiness, but also a lot of tears. Hurt, lies, deceit, truth and acceptance all play a part in this wonderful book. My only issue was the way things were left with Rachael and her dad.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest, voluntary review.
Profile Image for Alicia Harrietha.
547 reviews6 followers
June 7, 2019
By far my favorite of the Odd Jobs series so far. A.J. Alexander really made these two characters and their second chance at love a story I won't soon forget. Although this book is considered a standalone it was nice to know some of the characters from before but it was definitely not needed.

Rachael and Liam, high school sweethearts, had a not so nice breakup and Liam left her without telling her the real reason. HE truly believed he did it all for the right reasons but when he sees her again he is blown away by how much he still loves her. Their chemistry and their heartache is intense and I wanted so badly for them to get past it all and have their HEA.

Rachael is the coolest chick, she is a motorcycle mechanic and was determined to not let her broken heart define her. when Liam walks back into her life though she is overwhelmed with the desire for him. What she has yet to learn is the truth about why they split and when she does, will she still want to be with him?

I was completely engrossed in this romance and was cheering them on all the way!! Love the twists and turns and all the friends that keep pushing them forward. Wonderful read!!! The whole series has been delightful.
Profile Image for Amy [Book Addict Reviews].
2,313 reviews167 followers
June 2, 2019
If you’ve read Served you probably remember how that one ended, well Trade In picks up right where it left off. If you haven’t read Served, you can still read Trade In. It is a standalone.

Rachael and Liam were high school sweethearts, until tragedy struck and changed both their lives. Will they get a second chance at love? Will their relationship survive when the truth comes out?

This is my FAVORITE book in the Odd Jobs series. I love second chance romances and this one was perfect. It had its sweet moments, it had its steamy moments and it had its heartbreaking moments. I was rooting for Rachael and Liam from the very beginning. Their chemistry was off the charts and even after years apart was stronger than ever.

Rachael and Liam’s relationship was full of twists and turns, but of course, their friends were right there with them to support them and push them along. I love that there was more Addison and Cole, plus Wyatt and Heather. Though, we were also introduced to Rachael’s best friend from Kansas, who also grew up with Liam, Morgan and learned some interesting things about her (which I hope we get more of her story next).

This series keeps getting better and better and I couldn’t put this book down. I loved EVERY SINGLE MINUTE of Rachael and Liam.
1,277 reviews45 followers
June 9, 2019
Rachael is ready to celebrate her twenty-first birthday, but she’s waiting for Liam, then she gets a call that changes everything, her brother didn’t survive the accident, and she never hears from Liam again.
Liam gets a call from Morgan which makes sense with everything his dad made them do, he tells her to let Rachael know he loves her, then takes the battery out of his phone, knowing he has to leave her.
Three years later, Liam didn’t expect the reaction from Rachael and asked by a friend if he could change anything, he says that he would have been fifteen minutes early that day. Liam knows the old Rachael he loves is still there and he just has to convince her to give him another chance, he’s going to get her back.
Rachael knows she needs answers why he left her without any reason, when she confronts him, he doesn’t defend himself deciding that kissing her is the better option, she knows he always gets what he wants, but she knows she still loves him even without knowing what happened, but what happens when she finds out the reason they were separated for three years.
Profile Image for Jodi Bird (Ruby Red Romance Review).
1,169 reviews96 followers
June 10, 2019
5 STAR Review by Jodi for Ruby Red Romance Review

To say this book really hit me hard would be an understatement. Rachel and Liam have a past, one that was torn apart by the decisions of others. Rachel is a girl who is special. She's light and love. She has the chance to right the wrong of the past but is it worth it? Liam felt the biggest hurt of all, being let down by those who are supposed to love you, nurture you. Also, it kept him from love so special and deep that he knew he had to get away.

I loved everything about this story. I love the connection between Rachel and Liam. I loved the truth in this story. I loved the pain so raw that at times I felt it right along with them. It takes an amazing author to put words to paper and create a story that kept me wanting more even through the hurt. A.J. Alexander did just that. I loved this book. I loved getting to see old friends. I loved watching these two find the path that was meant for them. This book was special and unlike anything I've had the pleasure of reading. Please check it out.
Profile Image for Sassy Southern Book Blog.
4,598 reviews244 followers
June 9, 2019
Trade In is book 3 in the odd jobs series. This series follows the same group of friends and some of the information from the stories build on each other so you definitely want to read the other two books first just to get the most bang for your buck.

Out of the other books in this series this one was the one I definitely enjoyed the most. In previous books I struggled to connect with the characters, but I didn't have that problem this time. While this story is heartbreaking, it is also filled with hilarious moments between the characters. I was hooked from start to finish wondering what exactly happened 3 years ago when Liam and Rachel had their lives turned upside down.

I love that the story is told from both Liam and Rachel's point of view as well. This really helps me feel like I am getting the big picture of what is going on. This is one book you will want to grab for sure! By Alisa
Profile Image for Becky Wise.
2,530 reviews48 followers
June 4, 2019
Trade In is a fabulous second chance romance. This one may just make you a little teary eyed while reading. I love Rachael and Liam together. Rachael is so wonderful. I love her relationship with her father in the beginning. She has such a wonderful group of people in her corner that if you've read any of the Odd Job books then you know the lovely characters I'm talking about. Then there is Liam. Man do you feel for him and the possition he was put in years ago. He is still healing from everything and trying to make amends and win his only love back. You feel the love that has never left just oozing off the pages. It's amazing to watch as Rachael and Liam heal together. This has to be my favorite Odd Jobs book yet. I am so looking forward to Morgans story next. This series just keeps getting better and better.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
192 reviews2 followers
June 5, 2019
His name was Chris. I was 20 years old. We worked in the same restaurant. We dated for 2 years. He was my first true love. Then, he broke up with me over the phone. I was devastated. My heart was shattered. I can totally relate to the hurt and anger and betrayal that Rachel felt. It's difficult to start over. You bury those feelings and just move on day by day. However, one chance meeting is all it took to get Rachel all mixed up. I understand why Liam did what he did. I kinda love him more for being so selfless but I also hate him too. Does Rachel take a chance? Would you take a chance? I have to tell you the sexual sparks between Liam and Rachel will make you fan yourself to cool down! A very touching love story to read!
651 reviews5 followers
June 6, 2019
Let me start with this series over all I'm loving. Charters that are more real life than most book is something I have come to love with Odd Jobs.
Now on to Trade In. How a series of events all from one simple flat tire had me wanting to know how in the world these two could ever find their way back to each other. Rachel is one badass that's for sure. She one of my favorite female characters in a while. I'm not sure what it is about her but I think she could be my spirit animal. Then with such a strong female I was worried I couldn't love Liam as much as he deserved. Turns out I was wrong. It took me a few more chapters to love him but we got there in the end
Profile Image for Nicole Ortiz.
1,540 reviews54 followers
June 6, 2019
A beautiful heartwarming and emotional second chance romance. High school sweetheart separated from a tragedy, meet together three years after Liam left Rachel after her brother's death. In a new town they run into each other at a mutual friends party. The anger and hurt still there but so is the love. Both Rachel and Liam haven't moved on. Liam doesn't want to lose Rachel again and tries to prove that he still and will always love her, but he must also explain why he left when she need him. Rachel must decide if she is willing to risk her heart again and give Liam a chance. This is the third book in the series but can be read as a standalone.
I received an ARC and volunteered to leave a review.
Profile Image for Pauline.
773 reviews
June 5, 2019
Rachael and Liam are high school sweethearts. When Rachael's life is upended and the one person she needs to lean on, bolts leaving her all alone. When they run into each other three years later, the hurt and betrayal is still there and Liam knows that the only way to get back the woman he has never stopped loving is to tell her the truth. And that, could ultimately separate them for ever. This book was captivating and the chemistry between the two main characters is off the charts. Great story.
Profile Image for Pamela Lunder.
1,546 reviews1 follower
June 6, 2019
I am enjoying this series. Rachel losses her brother and the love of her life in one night. These years later she runs into Liam again. Liam never expected to see Rachel again. All he wants us for them to get back together. He has never stopped loving her. I loved Liam. I thought he was a good guy even if he went about everything that night a little wrong. Rachel was a little tougher to like. I know she has the right to be mad at Liam but at times I felt she was a little to hard on him. But I got to like her a little better towards the end. This is a really good read!
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
10.2k reviews87 followers
June 6, 2019
Liam and Rachel were high school sweethearts until the night that tragedy struck, and Liam disappeared when she needed him the most.

Three years later she has picked up the pieces and moved forward with her life when she sees him again. The chemistry and connection between them is stronger than ever, and he wants a second chance. Rachel is not about to let him back in her life until she knows why but will the truth bring them together or tear them apart?

Full of emotion you feel for what both characters went through and the only way they can truly heal is by dealing with their past.

2,917 reviews
June 10, 2019
A wonderful addition to the series!

A wonderful addition to the series. Two characters in love that had it all but in a blink it’s gone. I loved watching Rachel and Liam getting a second chance at love, they got the wrong side of the stick. With such a strong secondary characters around them, their journey was emotional and intense. My favorite read of the series so far, their journey was not easy but it was so worth the wait. Definitely recommend from an author that does not disappoint.
145 reviews4 followers
June 5, 2019
Great series.

I loved Rachel in Served and couldn't wait for her and Liam's story and I was not disappointed. I love how all the characters interact and their stories continue in each book. This is a really fun series with sexy guys and women that I would love to hang out with (Paul and Michael fit in that category). I look forward to the next one.

I received this ARC for an honest review.
Profile Image for Fran Zoch, LSoR.
2,093 reviews13 followers
June 6, 2019
Wow Liam and Rachel were high school sweethearts and then he broke her heart , she has used that hurt to make herself a career as a motorcycle mechanic and is darn good at it.
Now three years later he sees her again and realizes he didn't save her at all but made them both miserable, now he has to see if she still loves him and if after she knows the truth she can be with him.
I love this story and the characters are so easy to relate to
Profile Image for Lauren.
2,499 reviews13 followers
June 6, 2019
Another fabulous read by AJ... I vould not edit for Liam snd Rachael's story. They were high school sweethearts and there end was beyond ugly and heartbreaking. 3 years later Liam reappears and all hell breaks loose because Rachael is beyond pissed. You can tell these two love each other very deeply but there is so much hurt. When the truth comes out thats the true test for these two and I gotta say I was surprised with how they handled it. Really enjoyed this story.
Profile Image for Cindy Hughes.
1,433 reviews8 followers
June 6, 2019
This is my favorite book in the Odd Jobs series! Second Chance romance are my favorite and this one was wonderful!
Rachael and Liam were high school sweethearts but a tragedy tears them apart. They meet up years later and find their way back together. Will secrets that are being held pull them apart again?
This story has its sweet moments but has very hot steamy ones too! There are twists and turns that keep you turning pages to see what happens next! I loved this book! The Odd Jobs series keep getting better and better! I can’t wait for the next book!
Profile Image for Jackie Ziegler.
1,482 reviews6 followers
June 2, 2019
Rachael and Liam were high school lovers.. Then one fateful night both their lives get completely upended.. Liam thinks he is doing the right thing by leaving her but he never tells her why.. Three years later they run into each other, they both still have very strong feelings but Rachael doesn't want to be hurt again.. Liam knows he needs to tell her the reason he left he just can bring himself to do it.. While they are working on rebuilding what will happen when the truth finally comes out?
Profile Image for Megan Klose.
520 reviews3 followers
June 14, 2019
I enjoyed Rachel and Liam. They have a past that Liam walked away from Rachel when she most needed him. When they see each other again it is unexpected and Rachel doesn't know how to feel anymore about him. There was a time she wanted to see him again but now isn't sure. So quick get together scene in the beginning but overall I enjoyed this and their happy ever after
Profile Image for Messy Bun Book Blog.
2,316 reviews
July 22, 2019
I love this series! It was so great watching Rachel & Liam get their second chance. Trying to figure out if they could move on from their past and have a future pulled at my heartstrings, but overall this book was so heartwarming! It was a great showing of trying to put the one you love & their feelings first. So. Many. Feels.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews

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