Review: Love With a Chance of Drowning by Torre DeRoche

Title: Love With a Chance of Drowning

Author: Torre DeRoche

Publication Date: May 14, 2013

Synopsis: 

Love can make a person do crazy things. . .

A city girl with a morbid fear of deep water, Torre DeRoche is not someone you would ordinarily find adrift in the middle of the stormy Pacific aboard a leaky sailboat – total crew of two – struggling to keep an old boat, a new relationship and her floundering sanity afloat.

But when she meets Ivan, a handsome Argentinean man with a humble sailboat and a dream to set off exploring the world, Torre has to face a hard decision: watch the man she's in love with sail away forever, or head off on the watery journey with him. Suddenly the choice seems simple. She gives up her sophisticated city life, faces her fear of water (and tendency towards seasickness) and joins her lover on a year-long voyage across the Pacific. 

My Thoughts:

I knew as soon as I read the synopsis for this book that I had to read it. You see, I am deathly afraid of water. I don't swim in the ocean or step foot in a lake. Heck, it's been years since I've been in a pool. The thought of someone with the same fear as me deciding to travel around the world on a boat just blew my mind. That's love, people. 

Love With a Chance of Drowning is the true story of Torre DeRoche, who after leaving Australia to spend a year (just a year, she promised) in the United States, falls in love with a handsome man who's dream is to travel the world by boat. He has spent the last five years planning this trip and is all set to leave. Torre has to make a choice: face her fears and set sail with Ivan or head home to Australia with the chance of never seeing him again. There's only one way to go for her: she chooses love.

Even though this is a memoir, it doesn't read like one. I kept having to remind myself that these were real people and these events actually happened. I was sucked right into Torre's life and could see her trying to overcome her fears and sea sickness and trying her best to learn everything she could about the boat. I never realized just how much preparation goes into sailing and I can't imagine having to learn everything in the short amount of time that Torre had. She certainly is an inspiration. 

As for Ivan, I felt kind of a love/hate relationship with him. I loved his energy, passion and how he saw life. He appreciated the smaller things in life and dreamed of traveling the world, living free of crime and politics. But as much as I appreciated this side of him, I didn't like how he sometimes took Torre for granted.   At times it didn't feel as if he gave her the credit that she deserved. Had she not been with him, he surely wouldn't have made it across the Pacific. He is accident prone and Torre was constantly having to save the day. Even though some of these accidents were a little funny (and again, these are some of the moments where I had to remind myself that these were real people), they could have been avoided.

What I loved most about Torre's adventure was the people she met and the places she visited. I'd never heard of many of the places they went and could only imagine their beauty. Since I will most likely never travel to any far away land, it was thrilling to live vicariously through her and experience the worlds the only way possible.

Overall, this was a very satisfying read. Torre has a unique ability to make you feel like you are right there on that boat with her, experiencing everything for yourself. I didn't just read these words, I lived the movie in my mind. Their trip is filled with humor, struggles and unbelievably beautiful landscapes. I highly recommend this to anyone who loves adventure, chick lit or who might find themselves one day taking a chance on love. 

For more about Torre DeRoche, Love With a Chance of Drowning, and to view photos taken on her adventure, visit her website here.

~Purchase~

Amazon

B&N

The Book Depository

*I received this book for free in exchange of my honest review. This did not influence my opinion in any way and all views and opinions expressed are 100% my own.

Weigh Me Wednesday: My Journey with Nutrisystem (#NSNation #ad)- Week 27

Welcome to Week 27 of Weigh Me Wednesday: My Journey with Nutrisystem! As a Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program member, I am on the Women's Diabetes Select Program!

So guess what finally happened this week? I got to play some tennis! They finally have the nets up and we were able to get in a few games. As much as I would have loved to play more, the weather was just not cooperating. It has been raining for over a week and Monday was the only break nature gave us. It was so beautiful out that there was no way I was going to pass up a chance to get on the court. Nutrisystem recommends at least three daily exercise activities of at least ten minutes each. We played for an hour! I would have loved to have played longer but my body needs time to adjust plus is was crazy hot out after running around. We wanted to play more yesterday and today but of course, it's raining again. 

I love that summer is finally approaching and I can get outside to do my daily activities. Tennis and badminton are my favorite outdoor games and I'm determined to play as much as possible. As much as I love the elliptical machine (ok, it's a love/hate relationship), I can only do it so often without getting bored. 

Because I have diabetes, it is very important for me to get as much exercise as possible as well as eat healthy. My favorite part of the Nutrisystem plan is that my meals are already packaged and prepared in the right portion and have the right ingredients needed to help cure my diabetes. I can jut throw the food in the microwave and have it ready to eat in minutes. No preparing and no worrying about what I am eating. Nutrisystem does all of that for me. It's kind of like having my own personal helper around to make sure I'm getting the right nutrients and exercise. 

So what's my goal for next week?

I'm aiming for another pound next week. My son is taking part in the Special Olympics State Games this coming Friday and Saturday so I am anticipating a lot of walking around. Last year I could barely move the next day. Hopefully all this movement will help me reach my goal!

Remember to stop by next week for Week 28's results!

Huge thanks to Meredith Bandy and Nutrisystem for giving me the opportunity to take part in their program!

Want to join me on my journey through weight loss with Nutrisystem? Head on over to their website here or call 1-888-853-4689 to join now! Come on, what are you waiting for? Let's get healthy!

*Disclaimer: As part of the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program, Nutrisystem has provided me with their food and services for free in exchange of my honest review of their program. This does not influence my opinion in any way and all views and opinions expressed are 100% my own. 

Waiting On Wednesday (86)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Title: Hereafter

Author: Kate Brian

Expected Publication Date: October 1, 2013

Synopsis:

Rory Miller thought her life was over when a serial killer set his sights on her and forced her into witness protection. But a fresh start on Juniper Landing Island was exactly what she and her family needed. For the first time in years she and her sister hang out at the beach, gossip about boys, and party together. She's also made friends with a local clique--including a magnetic and mysterious boy named Tristan. 
But Rory's world is about to change again. Picturesque Juniper Landing isn't what it seems. The truth about the swirling fog that rolls in each morning, the bridge that leads to nowhere, and those beautiful locals who seem to watch Rory's every move is more terrifying than being hunted by Steven Nell. And all Rory ever wanted was the truth. Even if it means learning that she can never go home again. 

Hereafter is the second book in the Shadowlands series. I read Shadowlands over the weekend (actually, I read the whole thing on Friday cause I could NOT put it down!) and had no idea it was the first in a series until I got to the last page and was like "What? NO!!!" I hate not knowing ahead of time. Then I saw that this will be released in October and really that's only a few months from now so I suppose I can just suck it up and deal with it. Not like I have a choice :)

What about you? Anxious like me? Leave me a link to your WoW and I'll come check it out!

Teaser Tuesday (86)

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

This Week's Teaser Is From:

Unremembered by Jessica Brody

"He reaches toward my face. I panic and pull away. My breath quickens despite my efforts I can't seem to get it under control."

-page 53

Showcase Sunday (57)

Welcome to Showcase Sunday, hosted by Books, Biscuits and Tea. The aim of this event is to showcase our newest books or book related swag and to see what everyone else received for review, borrowed form the libraries, bought in bookshops and downloaded onto eReaders this week. For more information about how this feature works and to join in, click here.

Won:

The Sweet Revenge of Celia Door by Karen Finneyfrock

Big thanks to Jean Book Nerd and Karen Finneyfrock!

Paper Valentine by Brenna Yovanoff

Huge thanks to The Fake Steph!

My Life After Now by Jessica Verdi

Giant thanks to Swoony Boys Podcast!

I am so excited to have received these three awesome books this week. Even though I won't be able to read them for a little while, I still love knowing that I have them waiting for me on my shelf. I'm hoping to make a serious dent in my review pile over the next two weeks so I can throw in a few other books in between. I wish I could read every single book as it came into my house, but alas that just isn't possible. 

I want to say a huge thanks again to all the bloggers, authors and publishers for these goodies!

Don't forget to leave me a link to your showcase so I can come drool over your new books :)

On My Wish List (85)

On My Wish List is a fun weekly event hosted by Workaday Reads and runs every Saturday. It's where we list all the books we desperately want but haven't actually bought yet. They can be old, new or forthcoming.

Title: Night School

Author: C.J. Daugherty

Publication Date: January 1, 2012

Synopsis:

Allie Sheridan’s world is falling apart. Her brother’s run away from home. Her parents ignore her. And she’s just been arrested.

Again.

This time her parents have had enough. They cut her off from her friends and send her away to boarding school, far from her London friends.

But at Cimmeria Academy, Allie is soon caught up in the strange activities of a secret group of elite students.

When she’s attacked late one night the incident sets off a chain of increasingly violent events. As the school begins to seem like a very dangerous place, she finds out that nothing at Cimmeria is what it seems to be.

And that she is not who she thought she was.

I came across this book not too long ago and was immediately struck by the gorgeous cover. When reading about it on Goodreads, I saw that it was previously released in 2012. How have I not heard of this? Maybe it was only released in the UK and is just now being released here in the US? I don't know, but what I do know is that I love a good mystery and this one sounds pretty awesome. Have you read it? What did you think?

Don't forget to leave me a link to your wish list, I'm always in search of great new reads!

Review: Embryo 2: Crosshairs by J.A. Schneider

Title: Embryo 2: Crosshairs

Author: J.A. Schneider

Publication Date: March 29, 2013

Synopsis:

They thought the nightmare was over. Intern Jill Raney and the man she loves, obstetrical resident David Levine, barely escaped death at the hands of a madman on the steep roof of an old part of the hospital. The awful scene, captured by overhead news choppers, became a media obsession, run horrifyingly over and over. Jill and David are now reluctant "celebrities" - and the targets of every wacko who wants to share in the attention.

Including a killer. Someone who begins venting his fury at their "fame" by his hideous assaults on women - assaults which Jill and David discover are also death threats to them, and to a 6-month-old baby who has yet to be born.

Their predator is clever. Haughty. Leaves cryptic "clues" to taunt them and the police, who are at a loss. He knows how to leave no physical evidence behind. No prints, no fibers, no eyewitnesses.

Jill and David must still return to their exhausting hospital duties, knowing that any psycho can just walk into a hospital. Friends beg David, who is a crack shot, to carry a gun, but he doesn't. "What's the use?" he asks. "A doctor's back is always turned."

Instead, Jill and David join forces to become detectives on their own, helping the police in ways that even forensics experts never imagined; working frantically to uncover an unspeakable secret that dooms their fate and that of a sweet-faced, unborn child...unless they can put an end to an obsessed killer's twisted quest.

~My Thoughts~

*Warning: This review contains spoilers for the first book, Embryo. Please read at your own risk*

Embryo 2: Crosshairs picks up right where book one, Embryo, left off. It has only been a few days since doctors Jill Raney and David Levine were attacked but it is now time to get back to work at the hospital. Unfortunately, things are far from back to normal. Jill is suffering a severe phobia of heights and can't even go down the stairs. Things only get worse when they learn that there is someone after them, again. Unable to just stand by and wait for the police to find the madman, Jill and David start following their own leads. Can they stop the lunatic from reaching them or will their meddling just cause a bigger disaster?

I was such a fan of Embryo (read my review here) that even though I have a full schedule of review books to read, I couldn't turn away from reading the sequel. I was so anxious to find out what was going to happen to the baby boy who was still living in his man-made womb. I also wanted to check in on Jill and David to see how their relationship would handle the stress of the attack. I was happy to see that they were still together, but not happy about what they were about to go through all over again.

What I love most about Jill and David, Jill particularly, is that they are just normal, good people. They love their work and they care for each patient that comes through the door. In fact, I think they probably care a little too much. Their relationship is strong and even though other couples may start to doubt their significant other's mental state in these situations, they 100% believe in each other and don't blow off the other's fears or wants. 

What was different in Crosshairs from the first book was there was much less medical talk. We no longer needed an explanation of DNA and medical terminology so we see just the minimum here and it really helped the story progress quickly and didn't take away from just what was happening for those of us who have a hard time wrapping our heads around anything scientific (er, me). 

The thing I loved most about this book though was how well it was written. The plot is very original and quite interesting. I wasn't sure where some of it was going and it took me places I never would have seen coming, and that is something that every bookworm loves most, the surprise of where you end up. The author clearly has a fun time toying with her readers, giving us just enough clues to make us think we have the story figured out, only to drop in another clue that completely throws you off track. So many times I thought I knew what was going to happen, and each time I was wrong. 

Overall, this was a brilliant read. All of my questions were answered and I walked away with only high hopes for the characters' futures. I highly recommend both Embryo and Embryo 2: Crosshairs to anyone and everyone, especially if you love a great thriller. 

For more about J.A. Schneider and Embryo 2: Crosshairs, visit her website here.

~Purchase Embryo 2: Crosshairs~

Amazon

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~Purchase Embryo~

Amazon

B&N

*I received this book for free in exchange of my honest review. This did not influence my opinion in any way and all views and opinions expressed are 100% my own.

New Facebook Giveaway!

Want to win one of these books? Head on over to this Facebook post and comment to win! US only, ends at midnight on 6/7. Good luck!

Weigh Me Wednesday: My Journey with Nutrisystem (#NSNation #ad)- Week 26

Welcome to Week 26 of Weigh Me Wednesday: My Journey with Nutrisystem! As a Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program member, I am on the Women's Diabetes Select Program!

First, I'd like to apologize for the lack of Weigh Me posts over the last few weeks. Things have been so incredibly busy here and every time I'd sit down to write up a post, something would come up. Then I'd say to myself "I'll just have to be sure to get it done next week" only next week would come and everything would repeat itself. Unlike reviews and meme posts, I can't schedule these well in advance. 

So what has happened over the last few weeks... Well, I lost four pounds! I think this was a combination of the Nutrisystem menu, stress and running around like a crazy person trying to get through four years worth of house repairs and other stuff. Also, my son is taking part in the Special Olympics again this year and we've had some practices to go to as well as the regional games. That meant a lot of walking around for hours. We have the state games next week which means even more walking. 

The only good thing about the last few weeks (besides the weight loss, of course) was not having to worry about my meals. I am so thankful that Nutrisystem meals are so easy to make and are hassle free. I also don't have to worry about getting the right portion amount or sugar levels, which is extremely important with my diabetes. I can just toss it in the microwave and be good to go. The whole process takes less than ten minutes to prepare, cook and eat. Clean up is pretty easy too. 

So now that everything has calmed down here at home (and hopefully for good!), I am back up and running and ready to get back to my regular programming. Thank you all for sticking with me over this incredible journey through weight loss and for not giving up on me! 

So what's my goal for next week?

I'm aiming for a full pound next week. They finally put the tennis nets up so you know what that means: GAME ON!!!

Remember to stop by next week for Week 27's results!

Huge thanks to Meredith Bandy and Nutrisystem for giving me the opportunity to take part in their program!

Want to join me on my journey through weight loss with Nutrisystem? Head on over to their website here or call 1-888-853-4689 to join now! Come on, what are you waiting for? Let's get healthy!

*Disclaimer: As part of the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program, Nutrisystem has provided me with their food and services for free in exchange of my honest review of their program. This does not influence my opinion in any way and all views and opinions expressed are 100% my own. 

Waiting On Wednesday (85)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Title: The Never List

Author: Koethi Zan

Expected Publication Date: July 16, 2013

Synopsis:

For years, best friends Sarah and Jennifer kept what they called the “Never List”: a list of actions to be avoided, for safety’s sake, at all costs. But one night, against their best instincts, they accept a cab ride with grave, everlasting consequences. For the next three years, they are held captive with two other girls in a dungeon-like cellar by a connoisseur of sadism.

Ten years later, at thirty-one, Sarah is still struggling to resume a normal life, living as a virtual recluse under a new name, unable to come to grips with the fact that Jennifer didn’t make it out of that cellar. Now, her abductor is up for parole and Sarah can no longer ignore the twisted letters he sends from jail.

Finally, Sarah decides to confront her phobias and the other survivors—who hold their own deep grudges against her. When she goes on a cross-country chase that takes her into the perverse world of BDSM, secret cults, and the arcane study of torture, she begins unraveling a mystery more horrifying than even she could have imagined.

Holy awesomeness, Batman! This sounds so incredibly good I am dying to read it. I need to know why the other survivors are angry with her, what did she do? While I'm not thrilled on the whole BDSM aspect of the story, I'm hoping it won't be too graphic. Other than that, it seriously sounds like this book was written just for me. I can't wait!

What about you? Anything you are anxious for? Leave me a link in the comments and I'll come check it out!

Teaser Tuesday (85)

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

This Week's Teaser Is From:

Hysteria by Megan Miranda

"I felt something, just out of sight, hovering behind me, and I didn't wait. I ran out of the room, down the hall, down the staircase to the lower level, where the door had been left ajar. I ran across the quad as fast as I possibly could. Faster even than I thought I could. I didn't stop."

- page 104

Affectionately Yours, Jane Austen: Book Blast- Win $50 Amazon or Paypal!

Yours Affectionately, Jane Austen

Was Mr. Darcy real? Is time travel really possible? For pragmatic Manhattan artist Eliza Knight the answer to both questions is absolutely, Yes! And Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley Farms, Virginia is the reason why!

His tale of love and romance in Regency England leaves Eliza in no doubt that Fitz Darcy is the embodiment of Jane Austen’s legendary hero. And she’s falling in love with him. But can the man who loved the inimitable Jane Austen ever love average, ordinary Eliza Knight?

Eliza’s doubts grow, perhaps out of proportion, when things start to happen in the quiet hamlet of Chawton, England; events that could change everything. Will the beloved author become the wedge that divides Fitz and Eliza or the tie that binds them?

 

Praise for Yours Affectionately, Jane Austen

O’Rourke creates a world that defies cynicism and demands suspension of disbelief – even in this age of doubt and hyper-realism. Sheer escapism at its best. Clever, charming and affectionate.

~Jocelyn Bury
 …the reader must tenaciously read on rather than put the book down to satisfy their hunger for the story to resolve, which it does in characteristically Jane Austen fashion.

~Erin Murdock

In Yours Affectionately, Jane Austen, author Sally Smith O’Rourke creates a compelling story that investigates what and who might have inspired Jane Austen. While the story line is certainly far-fetched, it is a truly unique idea, one that captivated this reader until the very last page.

 ~Meg Massey

 

Purchase

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Smashwords

 

 

Author Sally Smith O'Rourke

 Sally Smith O’Rourke is a surgical scrub nurse at the City of Hope national cancer research hospital in Duarte, California and resides in the near-by Victorian village of Monrovia.

 With her late husband, author Michael O’Rourke (aka F.M. O’Rourke) Smith O’Rourke owned and operated a medical advertising company where she used her diverse talents to produce and co-write teaching films and videos. Working not only with major medical and surgical manufacturing companies but also network television. These endeavors ultimately led to a collaboration on two feature films (direct to video) and three published novels.

The wife and husband writing team of Sally Smith and Michael O’Rourke, being long-time fans of Jane Austen, wrote The Man Who Loved Jane Austen released by Kensington Books in 2006. Kensington followed that very successful effort with The Maidenstone Lighthouse in 2007 and Christmas at Sea Pines Cottage in 2009, both also collaborative projects by Smith and O’Rourke. Published after her partner and spouse’s untimely death in 2001, the publisher chose not to use the names Michael O’Rourke and Sally Smith (as the manuscripts were presented), releasing all three books under Sally Smith O’Rourke.

 Yours Affectionately, Jane Austen is Sally Smith O’Rourke’s first solo novel.

Website * Blog * Facebook * Twitter 

Tour Schedule

Book Blast Giveaway $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 6/6/13 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Showcase Sunday (56)

Welcome to Showcase Sunday, hosted by Books, Biscuits and Tea. The aim of this event is to showcase our newest books or book related swag and to see what everyone else received for review, borrowed form the libraries, bought in bookshops and downloaded onto eReaders this week. For more information about how this feature works and to join in, click here.

For Review:

Is This Tomorrow by Caroline Leavitt

Thank you, BookSparksPR!

Won:

The House at the End of Hope Street by Menna Van Praag

Thanks, FSB Associates!

Masque of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin

Thank you, Basia's Bookshelf!

Truth or Dare by Jacqueline Green

Thank you, Writing Is A Blessing!

I am so thrilled about the books that I received this week! Each of these have been on my wish list for some time now and I can't wait to sit down with them. I'm trying to get a head start on review books for the summer so I can have some time left to concentrate on books on my own shelf. My bookshelves are over flowing with awesome books and I want to read so many that it is a little overwhelming  That's ok though, I'll get there eventually!

I want to say a huge thank you to the authors, bloggers and publishers that provided me with these awesome goodies. Without you, I'd be a very bookless, very sad girl!

What goodies did you get this week? Leave me a link and I'll come drool over them :)

On My Wish List (84)

On My Wish List is a fun weekly event hosted by Workaday Reads and runs every Saturday. It's where we list all the books we desperately want but haven't actually bought yet. They can be old, new or forthcoming.

Title: Criminal

Author: Terra Elan McVoy

Publication Date: May 7, 2013

Synopsis:

Nikki’s life is far from perfect, but at least she has Dee. Her friends tell her that Dee is no good, but Nikki can’t imagine herself without him. He’s hot, he’s dangerous, he has her initials tattooed over his heart, and she loves him more than anything. There’s nothing Nikki wouldn’t do for Dee. Absolutely nothing.

So when Dee pulls Nikki into a crime—a crime that ends in murder—Nikki tells herself that it’s all for true love. Nothing can break them apart. Not the police. Not the arrest that lands Nikki in jail. Not even the investigators who want her to testify against him.

But what if Dee had motives that Nikki knew nothing about? Nikki’s love for Dee is supposed to be unconditional…but even true love has a limit. And Nikki just might have reached hers.

I'm not sure how it is possible that I just came across this book for the first time a few days ago.Where the heck have I been? I haven't read any of Terra's books before but I have heard only good things. So why not start with this one, right? I'm not sure how much I'm going to like Nikki, she sounds like one of those girls I love to hate, but I'm going into this with an open mind and maybe she will surprise me.

What's on your wish list? Leave me a link and I'll come check it out!