Unfortunately, the problems that arise with both Damon and Link are resolved so easily there is hardly any tension at all - Marina simply speaks her mind, and everything works out. Her realization of the differences between herself and her boyfriend develops gradually and realistically, and her attraction to Link, who shares many of her interests and values, seems only natural.

Where the novel falters a little is in Marina's romantic conflicts. It's clear why Marina loves this work so much, and anyone can understand why she's considering leaving everything she cares about back home to pursue her dream career. The reader feels right there with Marina, whether it's feeding a dolphin for the first time or diving with an enormous whale shark. The author bio reveals that Ferris has spent many years in the Caribbean, and her experience shows in the vivid descriptions of the landscapes, animals, and island life, as well as the detailed procedures Marina participates in to try to preserve that environment. The novel is most involving when dealing with Marina's oceanic studies. They also all prove to have more to them than Marina (and the reader) first suspects. The other major characters - flirtatious Link, bubbly Jeanette, thoughtful Ryan - are colorful and distinctive. Her heart's in the right place, but she can't help taking a few missteps along the way, which just makes her all the more sympathetic. Marina is a likable main character, with insecurities and doubts anyone can relate to as she struggles to figure out what she wants out of life. That's the basic premise of GIRL OVERBOARD, a fun, fast read that's easy to enjoy, especially if you share Marina's fascination with the ocean. But she can't help worrying that she'll miss her long-time boyfriend, Damon, so much that the trip will become a nightmare. It seems to Marina like it should be a dream: six weeks on a luxurious ship, experiencing ocean life face to face as she's never been able to before, and the chance to further her goal of becoming a marine biologist.

Girl Overboard by Aimee Ferris