Title: The Samantha Project

Author: Stephanie Karpinske

Release date: November 15, 2012

Genre:  Science Fiction/Romance/Thriller

Age Group: Young Adult

Buy Links:   Amazon * Barnes & Noble

Book Description:

Seventeen-year-old Samantha Andrews has a seemingly perfect life; great parents, early admission to Stanford, and a boyfriend who just happens to be the hottest guy in school. But a dark secret from her past turns her world upside down. Sam discovers she’s part of a global corporation’s genetic enhancement project. And just as she’s learning what these enhanced genes can do, the corporation decides they want her, and the technology inside her, back!

During a heart-pounding race to flee from her pursuers, she encounters another person who was part of the experimental project. He’s tall, blond, tan and completely irresistible! And he can read her thoughts!! Together, they’re both in danger and a rogue scientist discovers yet another secret lies inside them.

Excerpt

“I heard you were going to the dance. That’s a first.” I looked up to find Caitlyn Morgan staring down at me, her eyes barely visible behind the bright blond hair that was always falling on her face. Her short cheerleading skirt showed off her fake tan, which looked orange in the fluorescent lighting of the cafeteria.

“I’ll be there,” I muttered, keeping my eyes on my book.

“You don’t have to go, you know. Colin would be fine going on his own. Caitlyn can keep him company.” This time it was Stacey talking, twisting her dark brown hair around her finger as she talked. She also wore a cheerleader uniform and had the same orange glow as Caitlyn. They must have gone to the same tanning place.

“I’m sure he would love that,” I said, “if he loved brainless cheerleaders whose only goal in life is to get laid by the entire football team.”

I regretted saying it as soon the words came out. Caitlyn had a way of bringing out the worst in me. I had never liked her, but then when she and Colin dated, I grew to hate her, even though I knew that wasn’t a good reason to hate someone. After all, Colin had a part in the two of them dating and I didn’t hate him.

I never understood what Colin was thinking dating her. Sure, it was years ago, but really? Caitlyn? He couldn’t have picked someone else? Anyone? I looked back to find Colin still waiting in line. What was taking him so long?

“You’re so jealous of us, Sam. It’s really pathetic,” Caitlyn said, sweeping her long hair out of her face. “And in case you forgot, I’ve already had Colin. Maybe it’s time to take him back. I only left him alone because I felt sorry for you and what a loser you are. But now that you’re technically graduating in a few weeks, I think it’s time for some competition. What do you think, Stacey?”

“Definitely. I love competition, especially when it involves Colin. Go Caitlyn!” Stacey did a little mock cheer, waving some fake pompoms in the air.

I could feel my face heating up but didn’t want to give them the satisfaction that they were getting to me. “Well, good luck with that.”

“It’s like you always say, Sam. A girl’s gotta have goals.” She straightened up to stick her chest out as she looked behind me. “And here he comes now. Hi, Colin. You look really hot today. I love that shirt.”

Caitlyn walked past him, brushing her chest on his arm as she turned. Stacey followed close behind. I felt sick, remembering why I wanted to graduate early.

About the Author

A former editor for a publishing company, Stephanie Karpinske has worked on several bestselling nonfiction books. Now she freelances full-time, writing for a variety of books and national magazines. The Samantha Project is her debut YA novel and is the first in The Samantha Project series. Stephanie lives in Des Moines, Iowa.  You can find her on Twitter or on Goodreads.