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Trading Yesterday #3

Embracing Today

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Some might call Bennett Brady a hero, but he was only doing his job. Fighting fires and rescuing people was dangerous, but that's what he did. He never failed to save the day, until the day he failed Marin Landry. Her boyfriend died in a fire Ben was called to, and he was unable to save him. Marin was lucky to be alive, but the loss left her broken, and something deep inside Ben yearned to save her. He wanted to take her pain away, to know her, to get closer; but she was too damaged. From the moment he laid eyes on the injured young woman in the back of that ambulance, his fate was sealed. Her soul called out to his; her tear-filled eyes and the ache in her voice said she needed him, and he was moved to the core. This would not be a casual fling and that was the last thing Ben wanted it to be. As he peeled back the layers and discovered the ugly truth, he wondered why Marin couldn't seem to leave her past behind and embrace the new and better life he so desperately wanted to give her. A terrible tragedy may have thrown them together, but Ben is unable to walk away from Marin. Whatever it takes, he won't rest until convinces her she belongs in his arms. Forever. Contains mature themes.

ebook

Published May 11, 2021

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About the author

Kahlen Aymes

29 books2,080 followers
Kahlen is an award-winning author of sizzling hot, deeply moving contemporary romance. Her stories are filled with intense love, passion, angst and emotion that breathes life into her characters and leaves her readers captivated. She lives near Omaha, Nebraska with her daughter, Olivia and their three dogs. Creative by nature, she enjoys the arts, music and theater... But the love of her life is writing!

She has three finished series, and two stand-alone angst-filled, super hot novels; One Step Closer, a Stepbrother romance, and Trading Yesterday, the story of a soccer player who leaves behind the love of his life to follow his dream of playing professionally, only to realize, maybe too late, what really matters.

Representation: Hershman Rights Management

All books available on Amazon, iBooks, Barnes &n Noble, Kobo, Smashwords and BAM!

After Dark also on iTunes and Audible.
The Remembrance Trilogy and Prequel & The Famous Novels available soon on audio.

Follow Kahlen on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kahlen.aymes...
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5 stars
61 (53%)
4 stars
39 (33%)
3 stars
9 (7%)
2 stars
4 (3%)
1 star
2 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for Erin Lewis.
4,869 reviews180 followers
May 4, 2021
4 Star review of Embracing Today (Trading Yesterday #3) by Kahlen Aymes
Kahlen Aymes is a new author to me and I am not sure why I have not come across her books before. Although this can be read as a standalone I do feel I may have gotten more enjoyment if I was to have read the other books in this series.
Embracing Today is well written with characters whose story you cannot help but become invested in. This is firefighter Bennett Brady and Marin Landry’s story and it was an emotional read at times. Setting eyes on the woman he rescued Ben feels a deep connection to Mari. Ben knows with certainty that they are mean to be together but can he convince Marin to break free of the past and embrace a future with him.
I loved how protective Ben feels towards Marin, he recognizes in her the soul of someone who has been abused and he is determined to befriend her after the devastating fire that almost cost her life. I loved the friendship and support between Ben and Marin although there were moments where I was brought to tears.
Profile Image for Bertie Welck.
752 reviews21 followers
June 5, 2021
This is book three in the Trading Yesterday Series. I loved all three books. But this one was my favorite by far.

It is Marin and Ben’s story. Marin was in an abusive relationship, and when she went to tell her boyfriend it was over, he was at the garage working and went to grab her when he knocked over a lantern which cause some gas and oil to ignite. He was killed in the fire.
Ben happened to be one of the firefighters on the scene and knew that Marin was going to be his.
Marin needed help with her farm, so Ben volunteers to help. They had a long uphill battle before they finally got their HEA.

I can not Wait for Remi and Dylan’s story.
279 reviews
May 8, 2021
Embracing Today by Kahlen Aymes is the 3rd book in the Trading Yesterday Novel and can be read as a stand-alone.

It tells the story of Marin and Ben. Marin has witnessed a terrible fire where her abusive boyfriend was killed. Ben, a firefighter on the scene is enamored with Marin and offers to help her, as she is alone after losing her only living relative; her uncle.

Ben is the protector in this story and when her ex’s family threatens Marin, he drops everything to be with her, even though they haven’t known each other very long.
This book is an instant love story and even though it is a stand-alone, we do get to experience the characters from previous books. There is some angst, danger and plenty of swoon worthy moments.

Next in the series is Dylan and Remi’s story. I for one cannot wait!
Profile Image for Fel Tirado.
1 review
November 5, 2021
off track

The book was good. The story of Ben and Marin is sweet, but ended too abruptly compared to the other two books.
Also, for those of us who have read the previous books, some details don’t add up.
I didn’t like that the author went off track. In the previous book (Jensen & Missy’s story) it ends with her announcing she was pregnant during their wedding. However this book, two years have gone by and there’s no pregnancy, they’re only trying and she ends up announcing her pregnancy, again, in this book. That kind of threw me off. That was the only thing that messed up the series for me, just because it takes away from any consistency.
Profile Image for Polly Barreto.
650 reviews7 followers
May 12, 2021
I adored this book!

Embracing Today is book three in the Trading Yesterday series and can be read as a stand-a-lone. However, I highly recommend that you read the books in order so you get the full back-story on all the characters!

I was once again pulled into a story by Ms. Aymes and didn’t leave my couch until I saw “the end”. I have loved this series from the start and Embracing Today just continued that love.

Bennett Brady is one of the local firefighters, doing what he does best - fighting fires and saving people. If you didn’t read Finding Tomorrow – Ben is Missy’s brother. After Missy moves to Atlanta to start her life with Jensen, Ben is left wanting to find his own piece of happiness.

Marin Landry owns an auto shop and is in an abusive relationship. She is wanting out and goes to confront him. Things didn’t turn out so well for Carter, as the shop ends up being engulfed in flames and him being left inside to die. This memory will haunt Marin for some time.

This is where Ben & Marin meet. After the fire when she is struggling with the reality of what just happened between the loss of the business and the death of Carter. The paramedics want her to stay the night but she has horses that need tending and a puppy that needs let out. Insert the help of the prince on the white horse, Ben. Because every damsel needs a prince!

Ben knows that Marin has been abused, as he helped Missy through her own abusive situation. For some reason the minute he set eye on her, he knew that she was meant to be his. Winning her heart and trust is going to be a bigger battle than fighting fires!

I loved how Ben took it nice a slow with Marin. The whole friendship first, then it moved towards attraction and then finally love! There is some angst, a bit of danger from Carter’s family and of course the whole gang of Teagan, Chase, Remi, Jensen, Missy, Dylan and all the other firefighters are there to lend a hand to make sure these two have a HEA! I cannot wait until book four comes out!

Order of reading:
1. Trading Yesterday - Chase & Teagan's story
2. Finding Tomorrow - Jensen & Missy's story
3. Embracing Today - Ben & Marin's story
4. Forever & Always (Coming late 2021) Remi & Dylan's story
Profile Image for Amelia Foster.
Author 10 books83 followers
May 14, 2021
Before we dive in, I do want to throw up a small disclaimer. At the very onset of Embracing Today we are faced with domestic violence and a graphic depiction of a fire, death, and trauma. Please be aware of the contents if you have any sensitivities or triggers to any or all of these subjects.

Embracing Today is book three in the Trading Yesterdays series, however for me it was book one because I hadn’t had the privilege of reading this amazing series prior to Embracing Today. Despite that, I didn’t feel cheated or like I was missing any pieces. It functioned beautifully as a standalone, although I’ll admit I have every and all intentions of backtracking to read the earlier books in the series.

This story gripped me from the very first paragraph and did not let go. I was incredibly impressed with the rich description the author used in the opening scene to pull me right in. Although the opening was violent and graphic it was so well written I couldn’t help but enjoy the ride, even if it started as a bumpy one.

Marin has been through one tragedy and heartbreak after another which has ended in her building up walls the size of the Empire State Building around her heart to shield herself from any more pain. However, our girl has not counted on Ben walking into her burning business and life to chip away at every barricade she throws up.

We stan a gentle hero, amirite?

Ben is a classic and swoon worthy book boyfriend. He is patient and understanding as Marin struggles to rebuild her life and heal mentally and emotionally. He steps in to stop her from landing herself in bad situations that could end badly. And, most of all, he cherishes every step he takes with her on the journey to peace and happiness.

While Embracing Today begins with an immense amount of pain and turmoil, the ending gives the happy sigh you are looking for when you crack open a romance. And it has my favorite thing in the world, a sassy and sweet puppy as a sidekick. You’ll love Embracing Today and should grab your own copy.
238 reviews2 followers
May 3, 2021
Embracing Today by Kahlen Aymes is the third installment in the Trading Yesterday Series. It was a long time coming but it was well worth the wait. I loved both of the previous books but I think this one is probably my favorite. The characters and the story are fantastic. I was hooked on the story immediately and could not put it down.

I love that the characters are are real people we can relate to. They are not millionaires or Billionaires that we regular folks can never expect to meet. Marin recently graduated from college, her beloved uncle that raised her passed away just a few months ago, she is lost, alone and struggling. Most of her friends from school are still in college or have moved away. She is also being taken advantage of by an abusive "boyfriend" who recognizes all this.

Ben is a local firefighter following in the footsteps of his best friend by recently relocating to a new state and town. Ben's sister Missy, and nephew Dylan, who you will remember from the previous books, moved from Montana to Atlanta for a new and better life, leaving him wanting one too. He is loving the small town and is still working on making new friends.

Ben and Marin meet during a terrible fire in which her abusive boyfriend dies. Ben recognizes, immediately upon meeting her that she was most like abused, seeing old bruises on her not caused by the fire. He is familiar with the signs because his sister Missy was abused by her first husband prior to moving away. He instantly feels protective of her and wants to become her friend.

Ben and Marin's story is full of good and bad times, lots of angst and All the Feels. Missy, Dylan, Remi and the rest of the gang from Trading Yesterday and Finding Tomorrow all make appearances and play a big part in the story too. It has everything you could want in a terrific story. You will definitely be glad you picked this one up and read it.
Profile Image for Alphas Do It Better Book Blog .
3,380 reviews99 followers
May 15, 2021
4 stars



Embracing Today is the third book in the Trading Yesterday series by a relatively new voice to me, Kahlen Aymes. While this book can be read as a standalone, I feel the reader's experience would have been elevated from reading the others in the series.

This is the story of firefighter Ben and fire survivor, Marin. Ben responds to a fire at the mechanics shop Marin owns. Unfortunately they are unable to save the man inside. Despite it being highly irregular, Ben is instantly drawn to Marin but he recognizes the signs of abuse in her as well. He becomes very protective while she heals. The more time they spend together, the more the protectiveness blurs to attraction. Ben knows it's too soon, it's too much, but he also knows Marin's the one for him.

Marin's skittish from involvement because of an abusive relationship. She feels guilty every day for the fire but deep down she's relieved to be free. Feeling attraction for the firefighter who responded to her call was the last thing she expected. When the brother of her deceased boyfriend comes after her, Ben shows his love in a tangible protective way Marin's never experienced; for the first time in her life, she knows what love feels like.

This book was emotional and delightful at the same time. Ben and Marin were great characters and their relationship seemed both a slow build and a quick spark. The additional suspense was a great added element. Great read! I'm very interested in the rest of this series!

AnnMarie - Alphas Do It Better Book Blog
Profile Image for Dimple.
1,117 reviews33 followers
May 13, 2021
Embracing Today is the third book in the Trading Yesterday series by a relatively new voice to me, Kahlen Aymes. While this book can be read as a standalone, I feel the reader's experience would have been elevated from reading the others in the series.

This is the story of firefighter Ben and fire survivor, Marin. Ben responds to a fire at the mechanics shop Marin owns. Unfortunately they are unable to save the man inside. Despite it being highly irregular, Ben is instantly drawn to Marin but he recognizes the signs of abuse in her as well. He becomes very protective while she heals. The more time they spend together, the more the protectiveness blurs to attraction. Ben knows it's too soon, it's too much, but he also knows Marin's the one for him.

Marin's skittish from involvement because of an abusive relationship. She feels guilty every day for the fire but deep down she's relieved to be free. Feeling attraction for the firefighter who responded to her call was the last thing she expected. When the brother of her deceased boyfriend comes after her, Ben shows his love in a tangible protective way Marin's never experienced; for the first time in her life, she knows what love feels like.

This book was emotional and delightful at the same time. Ben and Marin were great characters and their relationship seemed both a slow build and a quick spark. The additional suspense was a great added element. Great read! I'm very interested in the rest of this series!
Profile Image for World Of Books 65.
2,520 reviews47 followers
May 11, 2021
Trading Yesterday has been both a heartwarming and heartbreaking series so far and Embracing Today is no expectation. Kahlen Aymes writes with such depth and emotion that you cannot help but be swept away by her storytelling. My heart broke for Marin and all that she has gone through, and I wanted to step inside the book and just put my arms around her.

A tragic fire in which Marin's abusive boyfriend Carter is killed brings firefighter Ben into her life and is set to change Marin's life forever. From the moment Ben meets Marin he is drawn to her. Ben knows when someone has been in an abusive relationship, his sister is proof of that, Finding Tomorrow Missy's story. Ben knows he can't walk away and he knows that he needs to go slow, but when you find the one you don't let go without a fight.

Marin is drawn to Ben from the moment they meet, but her boyfriend has just died and even though he was abusive she feels guilty. When Carter's family makes an appearance things are about to get ugly very quickly.

I love how Ms. Aymes brought these characters to life right in front of me.
Profile Image for Alexandra Alston Reviews.
235 reviews9 followers
December 5, 2021
Embracing today by Kahlen Aymes

**Spoiler Alert**

Marin is trouble and there is no way out. How can a man who professes to love her so much, hurt her? Will this be her life from now on? With her uncles passing, she has no one. It will not be easy to love again.

Ben is in an inferno. The heat is so intense but he has to find him. The flames are raging and the smoke is thick but he won’t give up.

Marin is devastated. Everything her Uncle worked for is gone. The pain of loss and everything she has had to live through is all too real and she feels hopeless.

Ben has seen bruises like that before and knows all too well what Marin endured to get them. Will she trust him enough to tell him? He feels her erecting those walls even higher. He knows it will take time but she will be his or will her fears push him away?

This book has all the feels. So much story to read. Two strangers meeting under terrible circumstances only to become friends and then lovers. A love meant to be!

I love that Kahlen has a duel POV for her characters. She writes with so much passion. Her characters are well thought through and you can’t help but fall in love with them. I laughed, I cried and I was in awe of Marin’s strength. I loved that we got to catch up with past characters too. Great read!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.6k reviews163 followers
May 12, 2021
Embracing Today was a story that really had my emotions out running amok all over the place. I do believe in fate, and she definitely had a big hand in Ben & Marin's journey. This poor girl has really gone through the metaphoric fire, as her beloved uncle passed away, and she doesn't have many friends around her since she recently graduated college. This is how the evil that is her boyfriend was able to prey upon her because of her being so alone. He's been abusing her, but it took a horrifying fire to save her since it killed him (karma yo). Ben is a firefighter who was the one who rescued her, and the moment he saw the girl with the haunted eyes, she was going to be his. However, it's not so cut & dried because she's been through so much, and it will take all the patience he has to just be what she needs no matter how many times she tries to push him away. Embracing Today was a hard hitting story that destroyed me with it's very realistic feel, but so worth reading no matter how hard it was to get my emotions under control. HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND! 
Profile Image for Nicole.
57 reviews7 followers
May 11, 2021
Embracing Today is the third book in the Trading Yesterday series.
This story is all about Ben our sexy, sensitive fire fighter and Marin our sweet and broken heroine. This a friends to lovers story with a bit of suspense .

Marin is no stranger to heartbreak and loss. She has lost everyone she loves. She meets Ben when a fire breaks out in the Auto Shop that she inherited from her uncle. Ben is immediately smitten with Marin but noticing some things about the scared woman he knows he needs to be gentle in his pursuit. He can be her friend and offer support until she is ready to let him in.
Tragedy brings Ben and Marin together but can friendship become more?
We get to catch up with Chase ,Teagan, Remi,Jase, Jensen, Missy and Dylan. We meet the adorable little Gem too.
Kahlen Aymes has given us a wonderful set of characters and a great story to read.
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
17.1k reviews208 followers
May 10, 2021
This is the 3rd book in this series and is Ben and Marin’s story. Ben is a firefighter while Marin has recently graduated from college, and she is feeing lost and struggling after her uncle passes away. Ben is called out to a fire which is where he meets Marin as her abusive ex dies in the fire. Ben recognizes that Marin had been abused and his protective instincts come out in full force. There is an instant connection between them, but will Ben be able to protect Marin against threats towards her? This is a well writer story which is emotionally charged, and with angst, drama, emotions, family, friendships, and love, which all leads to an entertaining read, I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
2,296 reviews34 followers
May 13, 2021
Embracing Today is the Third installment, and oh what a emotional rollercoaster.This is Ben and Marins story . It’s.not your typical Romance though . This tells how Ben finds the person he is meant to be with ( while answering a call to a tragic fire .There are twists and turns as well as intrigue, mystery , moments you will want to cry , moments you will want to scream , joyful moments , and times you will feels your heartstrings being tugged . I am a person who tends to get emotional invested in a book as well as the characters. Especially if I feel a strong connection to them .This was one of those times . Ben and Marin had my heart . I found myself rubbing at my eye , before I realized it , it was 2 am , I had literally lost track of time . What a fabulous read ❤️💜
Profile Image for Zoë Braycotton.
670 reviews6 followers
May 11, 2021
I enjoyed this third book in the series.

I enjoyed this third book in the series.

Marin guards her heart closely after a recent tragedy leaves its mark.

Ben meets Marin because of the tragedy, he knows he’s in trouble from the off.

Marin tries so hard not to allow the feeling to consume her, but it’s a fight she’s not going to win. But could her walls and fear of loss push Ben away!

They both have many barriers to contend with to get their HEA.

Love will conquer all…..it just takes time and perseverance.

Nice to catch up with previous characters too.
Profile Image for Spunky N Sassy.
5,168 reviews108 followers
May 9, 2021
Spunky N Sassy Rating: 4.0

~~~~~~~~~~Tracy's ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review~~~~~~~~~~

Ben and Marin are great together and I liked their story. Marin is struggling with so much and her emotions truly come across in the story. Ben is also struggling with feeling like he has finally found his place and the place he wants to be is with Marin. I loved the twists in the story and they weren't what I was expecting. I really enjoyed reading this story and I can't wait until the next installment in this series.
Profile Image for Stacy Hahn.
764 reviews10 followers
May 26, 2021
Kahlen Aymes never fails to pull me into her stories. This is the 3rd book in the Trading Yesterday series. It’s a standalone novel, but you don’t want to miss the others. They’re too good to skip! I loved the immediate bond between Ben and Marin. Sexy firefighter, Ben is a hero in more ways than one. You will love watching the flames ignite and burn brighter between these two. This book is so emotional and heartfelt and you won’t want to put it down!
Profile Image for Kirsten.
162 reviews2 followers
May 7, 2021
Kathleen Aymes has written a beautiful story of how love can heal and bring hope. Embracing Today is the story of Marin, who through tragedy and fate meets Ben. Ben is the man that Marin has always deserved. Ben brings Marin the protection, love, and faith that every damsel wants in her prince. This story is an amazing journey of how love can bring joy to life.
96 reviews5 followers
May 14, 2021
Ben and Marin meet in midst of a fire where Marin’s abusive boyfriend dies. Ben feels all protective about her as he himself had witnessed his sister in a similar relationship. It is a heart warming story with tons of emotions and tear jerking sequences. It is the third installment in the series and worth the wait. Kathleen Amyes has done a great job on this one.
Profile Image for Jessica Harrison.
58 reviews4 followers
February 14, 2024
Ben!! 🥹🥹

I knew that I would love him when he made an appearance in the last book. He made me laugh, and was a very protective Uncle.

So jumping into this, I wasn’t sure what to expect from the blurb. I thought it was going to be a difficult read, but it was thankfully not that. There were challenges with Marin and knowing her story, I was scared for Ben.

But as per usual, the author made this such an enjoyable read! And I was happy with the outcome! ☺️

RECOMMEND!!!!
45 reviews
May 2, 2021
This was a great book to continue this series. Ben was a great friend to Marin in the beginning and came to her rescue on a few occasions. Their friendship grew to attraction, which grew to love. A great book with love, angst, and a little bit of danger.
106 reviews1 follower
May 9, 2021
I enjoyed the story of Ben and Marin. Ben was such a sweetheart. Marin was so brave. I loved Gemmy. No spoilers. Highly recommend! Can’t wait to see what’s next from the author. I was given advance copy for a voluntary review.
Profile Image for Dawn.
17 reviews
May 18, 2021
Beautiful story- does not disappoint

Great read and so happy to see some familiar characters. Love this collection! Kahlen has done it again- can’t wait for the next book in the series!
18 reviews
September 12, 2021
Phenomenal! Again, Kahlen did amazing work with this book. Story line was easy to follow, like all her others. With this particular book I was noticing several grammatical errors though. Nothing that couldn’t be understood but definitely noticed.
Profile Image for Karen Hoffman - Booktastic.
654 reviews16 followers
January 20, 2022
I enjoyed listening to this audio with Melissa Moran and Aaron Shedlock. It was wonderful to see the journey of Ben and Marin. I love to listen while at work cleaning houses. This was a new author for me to discover.
Profile Image for evieo17 .
4,639 reviews44 followers
May 10, 2021
I’m so glad Ben got his HEA. After taking care of everyone, he deserved someone in his life that will take care of him. It was great was wonderful to see Marin come into get own.
Profile Image for Chrissy Shaffer-McNeal.
704 reviews1 follower
June 7, 2021
So good

Marin had been through so much, and Ben came into her life by literally saving it! Such a great read!
Profile Image for Kelly Palmer.
772 reviews2 followers
August 10, 2021
Beautiful

I love this 3rd book. Even though it's a stand alone it ties all 3 books together. A story of recovering from abuse, finding friends and family. A beautiful story.
1,657 reviews6 followers
June 17, 2023
Good

Another great addition to a series I’m really enjoying. Love this family, their friends and all the love they share.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews

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