No Time for Jerks: a Time Stop Story

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Likewise, engineer Lamia Amine warns readers to steer well clear of "people who want to know every single thing about your life and others' lives, just to gossip about it. If someone refuses to take responsibility for their terrible choices, their drama will infect your life and sap your energy, warns attorney Athena Ponce. If having to provide support for people who act this way causes you stress and never-ending frustration, it's best to stay away.

They have no intention of growing as people. Aspiring software developer Liam Hayes calls this type of person "a conversational narcissist. They could include a friend who's always looking for advice but never asks you about your own life, the showboat who gets a thrill out of endlessly relating his latest adventures, or the well-meaning acquaintance who can't seem to maintain a conversation about anything other than her therapist. But whichever sub-type you come across, avoid them and don't feel guilty about it.

As Ponce points out, "these people would be satisfied to perform in front of anybody. What's an emotional vampire?

The one unifying element is that after every interaction you feel emotionally drained, fatigued, and listless," explains author Martyn V. Don't play their games. Writer Todd Brison refers to this type as "shiny people"--they always look polished on the outside, but their real personality doesn't match their exterior.

1. Gossip mongers

They don't want you to know them. They want you to know the filtered, curated, guarded version you see every day," he writes. Who has time for that? Psychology enthusiast Marcus Geduld likewise cautions against wasting your time on "people who are rarely vulnerable.

Max Lukominskyi, chief marketing officer at Slice Planner, has a fancy word for this personality flaw--ultracrepidarianism--but ladies, you probably just know the problem as mansplaining.

Whatever your gender, you definitely should avoid these people who feel entitled to dispense wisdom and advice on any subject, no matter whether they have the faintest idea what they're talking about. If someone needs to minimize your strengths and achievements to make themselves feel better , you don't need them in your life, a number of respondents caution. He looks way too young. Especially as an Aussie myself, this cover model is not at all how I picture our typical beach bum surfers.

Particularly as I think Lucky didn't handle things too well at the end of the story. I totally understand why she acted the way she did, hell I would've jumped to the same conclusions, but she needed to not bury her head in the sand, and confront the issue head on. Now, this book has a tonne of typical Max Monroe humour in it - from the chapter podcast headings, to the banter and jokes between the characters. I was legit sitting here and grinning like a lunatic at my kindle quite often. He's an Australian main character, and being an Aussie myself, let me tell you, that we cringe a hell of a lot of the time when it comes to movies or books who get the portrayal of our characters or accents wrong.

But Max Monroe have done extremely well with this, and because I'm Aussie, when I read books, I usually read them in our accent, because hey, thats who I am, but when I was reading Ollie, I well and truly felt comfortable, or just, like it was so familiar, because of how they have written him in. I don't even know if that makes sense, but I do know that I felt he was written extremely well. And can I just say, the comment about the thongs at the start?

Bahaha, so true, so true! Anywho, enough of me carrying on about how well he was portrayed accent wise. As for Ollie's personality, I think for the most part I really liked him.

The Day I Stopped Falling for Jerks

Sure, sometimes he definitely came across as a jerk, oh hell yes, but other times it was just him and his sense of humour. Now, to me, that can again be a very normal Aussie thing, but not sure if this was intentional on Max Monroe's part or not. As we got to know Ollie more, damned if I wasn't falling right along with Lucky, because hell. I really and truly cannot wait to read his part of this story. I don't think it's going to be what we expect, and I think we're going to fall even more in love with him. Now, as for Lucky, she was quite the funny female lead. And you know how important this can be for characters in a novel.

Her podcast series was quirky as hell, and there are a tonne of quotes which I'm sure others will be noting in their reviews. I for one, was too busy devouring the hell out of this book to note any of them down. She also has some great ideas for Scoop and the letters for one, are awesome. She's also not what she appears to be from first glance. The old saying of not judging a book by its cover. She has reasons not so vain , for why she dresses the way she does, and I think they're really sweet.

You'll know when you read this what I'm talking about. Lucky and Ollie together make a really cute and easy couple, however there definitely needs to be more communication, and I'm intrigued to see how this plays out in the next part of this duet, as I feel that Ollie will be chasing that. I loved experiencing some of the things these two did together, and I also enjoyed the fact that this wasn't solely focused on sex scenes and chemistry in that sense. I mean, sure there is a tonne of chemistry between them, but the little things, such as swimming again, you will understand when you read this , were what made this for me.

I really need the next book, because this is one story I can't wait to finish out and see what happens with these two. Knowing Max Monroe, they'll throw us for a loop, and I can't wait for the ride! Oct 15, Vanessa nessreads rated it really liked it. I'm going to take a page out of Lucky's book, I'm pretty sure she won't mind. I'm going to write my own letter to the marvelous duo known as Max Monroe. But before I do and without spoiling anything, I want to tell you, the reader, that The Day I Stopped Falling for Jerks will have you laughing until your stomach hurts.

The concept in the way that this book is written and how the story is told was awesome. You will fall for Lucky and her fiery persona and especially her sass. This Australian surfing heartthrob had me laughing and smiling and sighing nonstop. I'm obviously leaving parts out because, duh I want you to read the book. One thing is certain though, if you feel like me after finishing the first book, you're going to need more Ollie ASAP. This is the part where my letter to Max Monroe comes to play.

You bring the abundance of laughs and of course the sexiness. Your writing style is one I enjoy immensely. Your heroines are lively and refreshing and just plain badass! They're not too over the top, just the right amount of cockiness. You brought your signature touch of humor that had me cackling like a hyena. But not only that, but it also had an emotional aspect that I did not expect, though I craved it nonetheless. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough, wanting and needing to know what would happen next. I have so many questions.

And I am so ready, so ready to know how Lucky and Ollie's story will end. And I'll end this letter by saying, that I have found a new writing duo to add to my favorites list. Thank you for making me laugh. Thank you for arrogant jerks that I can't help but swoon over. Thank you for writing books I can't get enough of. Just, thank you for being the freaking badass writing duo you are! Lots of Love, Ness a very happy reader Oct 18, Shannon rated it really liked it Shelves: But along comes Ollie, who may just be the biggest jerk of them all, and Lucky finds herself doing exactly what she said s 4.

I really enjoyed this book. The push and pull between Ollie and Lucky is quite delightful and made for some very entertaining moments. Oct 13, Liz rated it it was amazing. The format and writing was impeccable and original and I devoured it as quickly as I could.

This is the second book I have read by this writing duo and all I want to do is go back and read everything they have ever written! In this book, we meet Luciana Wright, Lucky, who feels unlucky in love. And boy does she have every reason too! I loved, laughed and cringed with every story she shared about the jerks she has dated to-date. I loved her letters and the podcast so freaking much! Lucky was in some ways very strong and determined, but in others, very vulnerable.

She wanted to make good choices, but the heart wants what it wants. Oliver Arsen was an enigma. But as the story continues, we see different sides of Ollie. He is a determined, cocky and arrogant man, but he could also be sweet, caring and patient as well. I loved their banter, their interactions and all the chemistry they had, even as Lucky attempted to avoid what she was feeling for him. Though a part of me really wishes we would have some of his point of view in this first book, I totally get what the authors tried to do and loved it.

I laughed, but I also felt everything Lucky was trying to convey about her journey. Now I am literally sitting here counting down the minutes seconds , until I get the next book. Read and reviewed for Sultry Sirens Book Blog. Oct 19, Karen rated it really liked it. Well written story that ends with cliffhanger. I take a star off my review because waiting a month to finish is ridiculous. I will have read 20 books in between and have lost plot features.

So, if that and a storyline that is a podcast format in writing, then this is fun.

Her experience with guys is nothing new but a rich exploration of her feelings about what she learned from each guy and by being fair, obtaining closure. Her writing assignment was to follow the surfing circuit of world class su Well written story that ends with cliffhanger. Her writing assignment was to follow the surfing circuit of world class surfing all over the world. It seems such a stretch to see a fashion lifestyle writer taking this assignment.

She does make it work some?? I loved the world locations. So far Ollie looks like a jerk. He gets to redeem himself in a month when book 2 comes out. Oct 23, Ari rated it really liked it. Oct 18, Sarah - Musings of the Modern Belle rated it it was amazing. Max Monroe what are you doing to me?? It was fun and sweet, and I fell hard. I fell for the Jerk. I fell for Lucky. I fell HARD for this breath of fresh air romance. It is every single thing I needed. Lucky is such a great heroine because readers will see themselves in her.

Telling this story as a podcast allows readers to really connect with her.

We live her story, and fall in love with Ollie along with her. We learn through introspective story and her letters.

2. The hopelessly self-destructive

Ollie, like most Max Monroe heroes, has an irresistible charm. Does Ollie make mistakes? Sure, but so does Lucky. My English heart adores everything about this choice. It connected me with the characters. It forces me to live their story, to feel their evolution from friendly antagonists to more and to have my heart shatter with the fall. I need them to get their HEA, like I need air. It is filled with characters who are relatable and love-able. It is a story that stands on merit alone. Lucky and Ollie are enough on their own.

This story is a must read. ARC received in exchange for an honest review Oct 17, Lisa Two Bookish Brits rated it it was amazing. ARC received in exchange for an honest review This book was addicting. The an Oh my gosh. Have naked men with bods like that, heck yes. Oct 19, Brandi rated it really liked it Shelves: I'm more of a when I like what I see, I have to at least get a taste kind of guy.

Okay, maybe it didn't really begin there, but we all know Lucky didn't stand a chance against the sexy Aussie, Oliver Arsen. I know I didn't stand a chance. He's all swoony and fun and charismatic. You know, all the things you want in a bloke. Yeah, I may have picked up some Aussie lingo while reading these books. I couldn't help it. That's way better than guy and girl or dude and chick or what have you. Anyway, this story is told in podcast form, which I found to be rather interesting and fun. She's talking to the reader. Fourth wall stuff there, folks. It's direct, Lucky is fun and intelligent, and a take no prisoners kind of gal.

I love her red hair, her knack for applying enough sunscreen to make me feel good about the bottles I use during the summer, and I love how she pushes Ollie away even when it is so very clear she wants that man. Oh, I love him in this story but the real swoons don't happen until we get his side--I devoured these books, by the way. I put this one down and picked up the next immediately and his jealousy and his devil may care attitude. It's all written perfectly. And then those details.

The things they should have said and didn't, the moves they should have made yet resisted, the accidents that were perfectly timed. It all came together perfectly. Because Max Monroe has this ability to spin a story, make you feel like you're there, and leave you wanting nothing beyond that HEA. I'm not sure where this review was headed honestly. I just know the book is fantastic, but you'll want to have The Day the Jerk Started Falling already downloaded and ready to go. Because Ollie needs his chance to tell his story. Oct 14, Jeannine rated it really liked it Shelves: I loved how this story is told.

I really like her. There were a lot of parts that had me giggling. Then she meets Ollie. The only thing that made me feel a wee bit awkward was when they got t I loved how this story is told. The only thing that made me feel a wee bit awkward was when they got to their one and only fun times. I felt like I was intruding on their fun. My stone heart was beating pretty hard for Lucky and Ollie at the end.

Oct 12, Tanja Kezmic rated it it was amazing. OMG I've got to say after finishing this book I can honestly say I've never been more happy about a chliffy in my life. I loved the podcast approach to tell Lucky's side of the story. It was refreshing and spot on. I loved how sassy, strong and driven Lucky was. It was cute to see how she tried to stop her attraction towards Ollie but failed to do so.

I could relate to her on so so many levels and I've got to say I'd probably do everything she did if I were in her shoes. Now I only need to get OMG I've got to say after finishing this book I can honestly say I've never been more happy about a chliffy in my life. Now I only need to get my hands on the second book because I have a feeling Ollie might turn out to become my book-boyfriend no.

Oct 18, Romance Schmomance Malia rated it it was amazing Shelves: When it comes to authors that I absolutely adore, I tend to go into their books completely blind. What a treat this book turned out to be! Quite the heartbreaking moment in this one and I was certainly unprepared for it.

See a Problem?

And it made me a bit nervous to read this one, but I loved it in the end. My goodness there were so many things to love about Luciana and Ollie. And more than anything, they were the ones that drew me in so much. I really enjoyed that their love story took time, but it was evident since day one that there was something more between them. Everything was going so well between the both of them and I was just wondering when the other shoe was going to drop! And when it did, cue the tears because it opens up Luciana so much more. And it just made me want to run to her and hug her!

That she truly wanted to move on from the past of being consistently screwed over by her ex-boyfriends. She learned so much from each and every one of them, but I loved how blunt she was when it came to talking about them and how they treated her so poorly.

And by the end of the book, she came out so much stronger for it. Oct 18, BookSmacked rated it really liked it. Now it did take me a minute to get into this story as it started off a bit slow for me and perhaps I also had to get used to how they choose to tell it. Almost as if your reading a transcript of a podcast which was different and maybe it took me a bit to get used to it but I thought it was unique. So this is definitely a slow burn romance. Once things get rolling with Ollie and Lucky I found myself shipping these two hard and I found myself invested in the story.

I loved the little moments with one another. Nov 13, Crystal B rated it really liked it Shelves: Oct 25, Taz-xo rated it it was amazing Shelves: Bring on book 2. Oct 29, Snigdha Prakash rated it liked it Shelves: I am not sure where this book stands for me. I didn't realise till the very end that this was a duet. I thought it was a standalone. Not that it matters or makes a difference to the story. For the most part, the book was nice.

My only complaint was that Ollie was provided to us very sparingly.

But now that I know the next book aims to the contrary, I'm waiting to see how this turns out. Oct 29, Anne OK rated it really liked it Shelves: I absolutely adored both Ollie and Lucky although at times she does try ones patience. The writing duo did an excellent job in putting this "podcast" together. Lucky steps forward with her POV in the first installment, but don't worry because Ollie gets his turn in the final installment in the duet that is available now. Readers don't have to do much guessing to know that there are some real commitment issues between the two characters.

There's also a ton of great lines of dialogue with witty I absolutely adored both Ollie and Lucky although at times she does try ones patience. There's also a ton of great lines of dialogue with witty bantering back and forth. I loved the slow burn that built up to a burst of flames.

Tons of fun to read and I can't wait to get back to my Kindle and find out what Ollie has to say. Of course, I'm hoping these two can work their issues out for a happily ever after -- in this surfing world meets media blitz! It's going on my TopRead list. The writing is so fast paced and original and I loved all the characters, the secondary ones added so much to the story. Some of her previous relationships were so painful and her willingness to forgive the wrongs done, through a series of articles forgiving them, tells us what we need to know about her. They both work at Scoop, a web magazine, and Allie covers sports and booze and Lucky all things fashion, love and dating.

Fall of a fucking bridge. So with three large Louis Vuitton bags filled with stiletto heels and more outfits than she could possible need, Lucky takes off to join the circuit in Australia. You…the guy who insulted me at first glance and taunted me from that moment on. But seriously, who wears heels to the beach? He nicknames her Little Fire, she gives back as good as she gets. But as they go from one exotic location to another, spending more time together, both of them begin to change their opinions of each other; they might have been too quick to judge.

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