Time of My Life

Time After Time #1

by Mary Frame, Rachanee Lumayno (Narrator)

Today is the worst day of Jane Stewart’s life. And she’s reliving it over and over (and over and over) again.

She’s late to the same make-or-break meeting.
She’s fired from the same soul-crushing job.
And—the cherry on top—she’s dumped by the same lying, selfish dirtbag.

But no matter how many times she relives the same disasters and no matter what she tries to change them, it all ends in the same abysmal mess. Because, apparently, being stuck in a time loop on the worst day of her life hasn’t cured her crippling social anxiety. Go figure.

The one bright spot? Her long-time crush wants to be more than friends . . . if only she can get them past their first date. And so her happily ever is doomed before it can even begin unless she can find a way to save her job, her heart, and, oh yeah, the space-time continuum.

Time of My Life is a full-length standalone novel and the first in a new series of time-themed romantic comedies! Each story will feature new characters and can be read in any order.

Genres: Romance, Time Travel, Contemporary, Fiction, Fantasy, Chick Lit, Contemporary Romance

6 pages, Audiobook

First published June 4, 2021

About the author

Mary Frame writes romantic comedies with quirky characters, steamy moments, and banter that will make you blush and snort-laugh at the same time. She’s a full time mom with a full time job and has no idea how she manages to write novels, but it probably helps that she's a dedicated introvert. She doesn't enjoy writing about herself in third person, but she does enjoy reading, writing, dancing, and damaging the ear drums of her co-workers when she randomly decides to sing to them.

She LOVES hearing from readers and will not only respond but likely begin stalking them while tossing out hearts and flowers and rainbows! If that doesn't creep you out, e-mail her at: maryframeauthor@gmail.com

www.maryframe.com

Instagram: @maryframeauthor
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AuthorMaryFrame
Bookbub: @MaryFrame

Reviews

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jane Stewart is having the worst day of her life, over and over again. She's woken by loud music coming from the next door apartment, she's slept through her alarm, she puts her hand on something unspeakable on her journey into work and then she gets fired. Oh, and her sort-of boyfriend explains they were just hooking up and he wants to start dating the new girl at work, after they've had sex in a cupboard at work. Over and over again Jane lives through the same day, she changes her pitch but no matter what she does she gets fired because her social anxiety gets the better of her. Every day her secret crush asks her what's wrong and every day she lies to him and says everything is fine. Every afternoon her estranged sister leaves a note asking Jane to call her. Every night she falls asleep to the sound of the man next door crying himself to sleep.

Just like Bill Murray's character in the film Groundhog Day, Jane tries everything to break the cycle. She learns to overcome her social anxiety through pitching to her bosses over and over again. She makes friends with the man next door, she plucks up the courage to tell her secret crush that she's been fired, but none of it changes her fate. But every time Jane steps outside her comfort zone she learns that the world is not quite as scary as she thinks.

If you loved Groundhog Day, if you love drag queens and impossible romances then I think you'll love this quirky, charming romance.

I received a free copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.

Bumped for release.

[Mary Frame]

It's weird. It's awkward. And it's coming! Current status: Draft Mode! (kind of like Beast Mode when you're exercising but with a lot less burpees and a lot more sitting around staring at my computer screen)

Update 5/28/2021: ONLY ONE MORE WEEK UNTIL RELEASE!!

I am so excited about this book. There are so many things I just love about it and can only HOPE it will resonate with people who read it. I've long wanted to write a character with social anxiety (similar to my own) and a time loop was the perfect foil for forcing someone into growth and acceptance. It's not so much about "overcoming" a perceived flaw as it is about learning how to accept yourself as you are. There is also romance (of course) and finding your tribe-a recurring theme in all my stories :)

This book features:
A socially anxious heroine stuck in a Groundhog's Day-esque time loop on the worst. day. ever.
San Francisco
Drag queens
Karl the fog
A magic closet
A beta hero
And of course!!! A happily ever after ;)
<3

Happy reading!
Mary

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun time loop romance about finding the courage to pursue what makes you happy and learning to manage crippling anxiety. Great on audio narrated by Rachanee Lumayno and perfect for fans of books like Wish lists and road trips. I thought the anxiety rep was really well done and loved the drag queen dress designer storyline.

[C.B. Wiant · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was worried this book may hit a snag of redundancy. How is a character supposed to live the same day every day without it being a bit monotonous to read? But Mary is the best thing since spliced bread so of course she nailed it. This book had me laughing and smiling. I read it all in a day and want to re-read it every Monday. Monday’s aren’t so bad when Mary writes awkward and hilarious scenes. This book is a must if you want your spirits lifted. This book is a must if you struggle with social anxiety. This book is a must in a day that’s overwhelming and full of burdens. This book is a must. Thank you Mary for writing this gem, I can’t wait for the next book in the series—like for real hurry up.

[Bookworm Express Kwan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one took me by surprise! Wow! I wanted to read something uplifting, quick and easy, and just have a good time. Without actually reading the blurb but having seen that there would be a timeloop going on in this book, I dived head first into it and was hooked from the first page.

Jane, our heroine, deals with social anxiety and is for some reason stuck to live through the worst day of her life over and over (and over) again. At first her anxiety keeps her small and miserable but over the course of the same Monday, she learns by trial and error to fully embrace herself.

I love the cast of characters that Jane meets by (re)living the same Monday over again. Everyone had their own share of life to deal with, but sometimes it’s enough to love and be loved. Your failures don’t define you, your attempts do.

This was an easy and uplifting read. A very well executed groundhog day novel with great character development, well written, funny, and delivering an important message for all.

I loved it!

[A · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story went too long without any personal growth, and then felt rushed in the end. It had potential, though.

[Mayedah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know why i kept avoiding reading this book but the minute i picked it up, i couldn't put it down. Physically impossible! Alex was a sweetheart. I saw myself in Jane and therefore connected to her character on a weird level. I loved this book. But i wish i had more Alex somehow. He will be thoroughly missed.

[Melindeeloo · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars = I really liked it

A ground hog day type story with a very feel good ending. The initial parts of the story are hard due to the leading lady's debilitating anxiety, but as she grows it becomes more and more fun.

[Jessica Adams · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nor my favorite book by this author. It was ok. She always has good dialogue and characters. Concept was cool , just not a book I loved.

[Cary · Rating 5 out of 5]

The only way through is to love Jane!
After the craptastic day Jane has in the first few chapters, I was utterly relieved to realize this was a Groundhog Day type book and that Jane would get another chance at this day! I wholly enjoyed this little break from reality, and even found myself wishing I had a chance at redoing some similarly awful days in my own life.

This book has all of my favorite Mary Frame elements:
-A smart female protagonist that “doesn’t fit” in some way and that every reader will identify with somehow.
-A fabulous collection of larger than life, slightly-extreme-but-wonderful supporting characters that you wish you had in your own life.
-A love interest who seems “out of my league” on the surface but also “doesn’t fit” in some way.
-Profound observations disguised as casual conversation. “There is only one thing we truly have power over….ourselves, of course.”
-The generally optimistic feeling you get at the end any of her books!

What I especially enjoyed about Time of My Life was the overriding theme of self acceptance, loving yourself despite society’s or your family’s expectations, and the acknowledgment that EVERYONE is struggling with this in some way. It’s not a self righteous self help novel, Mary doesn’t magically fix everything: you just love the characters, you’re swept along their journey, and you’ll be rooting for them at the end!

I received an advanced reader copy and I’m providing my honest review. I will, however, be buying copies for my friends- we all need this message right now!

[Judy Christiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, I adore the cover of this book! I think it is wonderful to have an average size woman on the cover instead of a size zero model. In addition, her name is Jane, not a fancy new name for modern times, just an ordinary old fashion name that stays around for centuries. Jane is so worthy of being on the cover, deserving to be the main character in this book and cherished by the people that have the immense pleasure of getting to know her. Mark is also featured on the cover and it is so appropriate that they are shown together and clearly in love. He is a pretty great guy and they are definitely meant to be together.

The title is extremely clever and appropriate. It is fitting since Jane is caught in a time warp and reliving the same day repeatedly, and it is the worst day of her life. It could be a monotonousness story to relive the same day, but Mary Frame has definitely not written dull story! The plot is fantastic and takes the reader to places I never would have imagined! During this time of reliving the same day, Jane is forced to focus on her life and what she can control and what she cannot. This reflection gives her goals for her future and helps her overcome the many years of being told she is worthless.

The book is a beautiful tribute to all the socially awkward, insecure people out in the world. I absolutely love every moment this book. While it is written in a humorous way, it deals with serious issues of self-worth, confidence, healthy relationships and taking risks to improve the future.

Unlike most romance books, where there is an unlikable character, they are honesty no wicked characters in this book. As you read, you find out that the characters in this book, as do people in real life, try to deal with their life issues the best way they can and sometimes they do not act in an appropriate way. They put on their clothes and attitude as a shield to protect themselves from the world. When you know that, you look at people differently.

I discovered this author’s books a few years ago. Since that time, I have read every book she has written. Mary Frame is a gifted author and I hope many other readers are drawn to her books. She deserves the attention and the readers will receive the gift of her unique sense of humor and imagination in creating memorable stories.

I have pre-ordered this book from Amazon and also was thrilled to receive an early copy from the author to read. I usually do not re-read books, but this one is an exception, and I will be reading it again.

[Harneet · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5⭐️ WOW this book was so good! Jane is stuck in a time loop and is reliving the same day everyday. In the beginning of this book, I was getting a little worried about how pessimistic Jane is, but she really grew on me. She reminded me of myself in a way, as someone who also deals with social anxiety I could truly relate to her and her negative self view. I think a lot of us can relate to Jane in different ways. I honestly didn’t know how you could make a book so interesting, with a character reliving the same day everyday, but Frame did an amazing job. I loved all the friendships Jane made along the way and adventures she went on. This book is about truly finding yourself and recognizing what makes you happy!! I adore this book so much it was very therapeutic. Cannot wait to read more from this author 🥰

[Bridget Neace · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars rounding up to 3.

This was OK...not my favorite character-gets-stuck-in-a-time-loop-reliving-the-same-day story. It wasn't quite what I was expecting/looking for, but that's on me, not necessarily the book (hence the rounding up). I would be open to giving another one of Frame's stories a try in the future...

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a fun read. It helped that I read the majority of it while visiting San Francisco. This was definitely chick-lit and wove in the lessons of self acceptance and that we all have stuff going on so we should just treat everyone with kindness.
I just really enjoyed this book.

[R. Jetleb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely one of the top ten of books I have read this year!

[Lili · Rating 5 out of 5]

An utterly eye-opening, interesting read!

Getting slightly annoyed by the same words again and again? Imagine if it happened to you... and not in a circumstance when you can easily get out of it, like putting a book down when it gets too intense. What would you do if you were forced to not just look in the mirror, but really see yourself? No space to escape and make the moment become fleeting and irrelevant - nothing works but brutal honesty, stark truth and trudging on along the road of self-discovery.

"It’s like the clothes I wear to work, the ones my mother picked out for me. It wasn’t me. It was who she wanted me to be . It was a façade.[...] I’ve been trying to fit myself into a round hole when I’m actually a square peg. So I’ve been wearing down my own edges, making myself as small as possible to try and fit until there was almost nothing left. Is that not a type of artifice? Trying to be something or someone you’re not?"

Are you happy? Are you self-satisfied? Does it depend on the way people see you? Should you be unhappy? Think about it, take the time to reveal your inner core to yourself. I did. Do YOU wear down your edges?...

[Lori Porter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily read an arc of this book and am leaving an honest review. What an amazing book! Its so real despite The whole time loop thing, lol. This book will make you laugh, you will cringe in sympathy and you will cheer Jane’s triumphs. This book truly opened my eyes to so many things. While dealing with real life issues it also brings you to a place where you’re like, huh, I guess everyone has those feelings. You feel a little kinder, a little safer, a little more connected to your fellow man...Oh, and the romance, wow! To get a do over on a first, second, however many dates. To gain confidence, to really start to be ok with yourself, your body, your “failings” it is so well done! Alex also is perfect! These two characters are so great together it made me sigh. This is not prescribed reading but it should be! For anyone who has felt less than, for anyone who can’t see past their own issues, if you just want to feel amazing afterward or really just for anyone with a pulse! You have to read this book!!

[Eleonora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two things inevitably happen every time I finish a book by Mary frame. Firstly I’m always smiling, and secondly I always think to myself, man, I want to be that chick‘s friend. I want to say that this book is Groundhog Day meets Bing Bang Theory but it is so much more than a gimmick. Time of My Life effortlessly combines a time loop element with the most authentic emotions and characters you can find. Everyone and I mean everyone will be able to relate to the genuine struggles and thoughts that can literally make or break us. As always the phenomenal supporting cast in the story makes you fall in love with all these amazing characters. Mary Frame is the queen of quirky, real, funny and entertaining stories. Reliving a day over and over while reading this book sounds pretty darn great to me!

[Isabella · Rating 3 out of 5]

ok this is more like 2.5 stars but i felt bad so i rounded up. i LOOOOOOOVE time loop romances and i thought the love interest in this was super cute and sweet, but the writing wasn’t particularly interesting or funny… and i didn’t care for the protagonist, like, at all. she just felt kinda immature and lacked depth. i really only liked the romance and wasn’t invested in her life or the other characters

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

****Time of My Life takes Mary Frame’s insecure, socially awkward and inept character, Jane, through a seemingly endless “Groundhog Day” type time loop. Jane eventually recognizes that by changing her actions and reactions to the events she keeps experiencing during that horrid Monday subtle differences occur. Lessons are learned, like in the Bill Murray movie, but they are entirely different lessons. Murray’s character had to learn humility. Jane must learn to overcome her social anxiety and assert herself. Ms. Frame does an admirable job describing Jane’s hang ups and her journey to understanding and growth. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book. Highly recommend.

[Tine · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a simple “girl meets boy and they fall in love” story, this isn’t it. It’s so much more!
It’s a story about self-discovery, overcoming anxiety and figuring out what you want from life.

The author does a great job of balancing the repetitiveness that is essential to the storyline. Yes, I skimmed over some dialogue after a while, but it never came to the point where it annoyed me and felt superfluous.

Be prepared to stay up way past your bedtime!

[Mela]

Freebie.

[jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

more chick-lit than romance

[Sheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars: Cute but also surprisingly kind of deep. Our heroine Jane has fairly intense anxiety and being stuck in a time loop helps her learn how to deal with it.

[Babneet · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought that this book would be boring because the same day would be repeating but it was honestly not. There was a lot of repetition, but there was also lots of character growth and we got to see Jane become more of herself.

We didn’t see much of the other side characters, but what I did see I liked. They were funny, kind, and very supportive of Jane. I loved the drag queens.

There wasn’t as much romance as I was hoping there would be. The book is mostly about Jane’s relationship with other people and her trying to find herself. The romance was great but I wish there was more. If your hoping for a book with lots of romance I would recommend this. The characters already liked each other and we didn’t get to read about their love story.

[•Dandelion •Thoughts• · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has been setting on my shelf for ages and I thought it was just another rom-com. How wrong was I to ever think that?!
This book is so many amazing things beside romance. This is the first time I truly understand people with anxiety and their feelings. I couldn't fathom how debilitating anxiety could be and how mere social interaction is a nightmare for some people. I believe now when people say your mind and thoughts are your worst enemy.
Each character in this book has its own story and I loved every single one.

[Arii | The Bookaholic Next Door · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rating this book is the most confusing thing I've done in a while. This book was kinda or boring but had its moments. I skimmed most of it, or spent half of my time reading hoping I was almost to the end of the book. It wasn't good enough to get a 3 stars, but I also feel like I didn't hate it that much to give it one or two stars. It was a meh book. Wasn't for me but I'm sure somewhere out there it's a 5 star book for someone! I am begging Goodreads to have a ¼, ½ and ¾ star because deciding on a rating for a book should not be this stressful and take this much brain power.

[Rita · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was difficult to read at first. I don’t suffer from anxiety myself and reading her suffering was very painful. I was also frustrated that she kept trying to keep that job when it was crystal clear from page one that it made her unhappy.

I started enjoying the story when she started getting to know her neighbour, and just basically started focusing on something else! So many great things started developing from that point. And it really did get much better and end very well.

[SOS · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 1/2 stars

All this time I’ve been trying to measure up to everyone else, when what I needed was to measure up to myself.

Poor Jane! She dislikes her job, and her superiors don’t think she’s very good at it, either. But in true Groundhog Day fashion, Jane must relive the day on which she must give a pitch for an advertising campaign to her higher ups. She’s uncomfortable with public speaking, and worse, she really doesn’t have a good idea for the campaign. No matter how many times she lives through this day, she can’t sell her ideas.

On top of her failure at work, she discovers that the guy she thinks is her boyfriend is just using her. And her neighbor’s repeatedly have an early morning argument. And then there’s the guy who used to be her boss, Alex, the tech wizard, the one who tossed her off his team. She’s sure it’s because she wasn’t good enough. Still, she has a crush on him. If only he’d reciprocate. If that’s enough, she keeps missing her sister, the smart, successful star, who stops by unannounced and leaves Jane a note. Let’s not bother to discuss her parents. Could things get any worse?

As Jane relives this day, she begins to learn that she’s more than she thinks she is, and that she has value that other people see. But until she comes to realize that she’s good enough, she won’t be able to move on and follow her dreams. She slowly starts to figure out that she’s the one who needs to make changes, and as she does, her life begins to improve

I had a bit of trouble with the early part of this book, with the repetition, but once the tone was set, the story quickly began to move, and I fell into it hook, line, and sinker. It’s a story of growth and of learning your strengths and self-worth. It a tale of friendship and support. It turned into a wonderful read.

Mary Frame’s books never disappoint. This one is no exception. I loved Jane and Alex, the Queens, and so much more. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series that’s due out next autumn.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the author. I thank her for her generosity, but it had no effect on this review. All opinions in this review reflect my true and honest reacitons to reading this book.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary: This is a time loop romance. Jane had the worst day of her life: she was fired and then dumped. Now she’s reliving the day, Groundhog Day style, wondering if she can just get control of her anxiety enough if she might be able to get her meeting right and not lose her job maybe that will end the cycle. She doesn’t actually want the guy back, so that part is okay—especially when her long time crush asks her out. If only she could figure out how to get to tomorrow.
Review: I really enjoyed this story. I like how Jane worked through her predicament—focusing on different things like trying to get her presentation at work right so she wouldn’t get fired, then focusing on falling in love, then focusing on friends before finally realizing it was herself she needed to focus on. That seems like a perfectly logical progression for a very logical person like Jane. I also liked how going through this time loop didn’t cure Jane of her anxiety, but did help her learn better coping mechanisms. It also helped her to see how blind she’d been to other people and their situations.

Although there is a romance in this book, and a sweet one at that, it is not really the main focus of the story. And that makes sense since given the premise—Alex couldn’t grow in the relationship since it repeated every day. But I did appreciate that Jane realized that falling in love wasn't the answer to all of her problems—that she could be in love but still not be happy in other areas of her life.

The side characters were great too—Alex is fun, sweet, caring, and funny. Hugo/Daisy and the other drag queens brought such life and depth to the story. Especially Hugo/Daisy—who was so endearing and sad. Even though she doesn’t get a lot of page time, the depiction of depression felt really accurate and well handled.

All in all, this was a very enjoyable book—it kept me hooked the whole time, curious to see what Jane’s final day in the loop would look like. If this were a movie, I’d give it a PG-13 rating for steaminess and language. I listened to an audiobook version of this story.