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The Samantha Project #2
The Golden Couple
In this action-packed second installment of The Samantha Project series, Samantha and Erik go on a search to find a way to save themselves from the genetic time bomb ticking away in their cells. Along the way, they discover a shocking secret--one they wish they were never told!
Although Samantha's boyfriend, Colin, is back now, her feelings for Erik are getting stronger by the minute. It isn't long before she finally learns the real reason why she can't resist Erik. But only after she's gone too far with him! So far that Colin may never forgive her.
GlobalLife Genetics continues to pursue Samantha and they'll stop at nothing to get her. Sam still doesn't understand what GlobalLife's plan is for her but she knows it's something big. And she knows it isn't good.
Although Samantha's boyfriend, Colin, is back now, her feelings for Erik are getting stronger by the minute. It isn't long before she finally learns the real reason why she can't resist Erik. But only after she's gone too far with him! So far that Colin may never forgive her.
GlobalLife Genetics continues to pursue Samantha and they'll stop at nothing to get her. Sam still doesn't understand what GlobalLife's plan is for her but she knows it's something big. And she knows it isn't good.
322 pages, Paperback
First published February 7, 2013
11 people are currently reading
301 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Karpinske
12 books57 followersI'm a freelance health writer for magazines and websites. I also write fiction. I've always been interested in genetics which is what inspired me to write The Samantha Project Series. I write New Adult Romance under a different name.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
June 25, 2019
Ohhhhh
This Globallife corporation is a real piece of work. Poor Sam and Erik, to be manipulated like that, and every one seems so fine with it, like these aren't real lives that are being messed with. The twists have certainly been coming at them fast, certainly hope Owens is for real.
This Globallife corporation is a real piece of work. Poor Sam and Erik, to be manipulated like that, and every one seems so fine with it, like these aren't real lives that are being messed with. The twists have certainly been coming at them fast, certainly hope Owens is for real.
September 23, 2013
I gave The Golden Couple, 4.5 out of 5 Stars
The Golden Couple picks up right where The Samantha Project left off. Filled with lots of action The Golden Couple offers a great continuation of the story and enough of a cliffhanger ending that leaves me wanting more while still tying up loose ends for the second book.
What I loved:
The conflict between Sam and her emotions dealing with Colin as well as Erik.
The heat between Sam and Erik. As a reader, I want them to get together but at the same time, I feel so conflicted about the reasons. Which, makes for great writing!
The writing was very easy to read. It was clear, concise and made sense. I struggled a little more through The Samantha Project with all the DNA talk. It’s been years since I’ve been in school (and took science!) I felt like The Golden Couple was easier to grasp and as a reader, I appreciated that.
Iceland. The twist of who was involved once Sam and Erik arrive. Though I suspected some foul play involved.
What I’d like to see more of (hopefully in the final book):
Uncle Dave. Who is this guy? I mean we know a little about him but is he the good guy we want to believe he is?
Mr. Owens. I love that this guy knows what’s going on and wants to help Sam and Erik. I’d like to see more of him and learn a little more about why he’s become one of the “good guys”
Brittany. I’ve begun to really like her character and don’t want anything horrible to happen to her.
Twists and turns that aren’t predictable. I felt like there were a few that I saw coming (the clothing and sleeping arrangement, the fact they were the golden couple and what that meant to GlobalLife). There were also quite a few that were unpredictable, which I loved. I won’t spoil those but it was great to see some twists I couldn’t see from the very beginning.
Final Thoughts: I would definitely recommend The Golden Couple to lovers of science fiction and young adult novels. I would say they definitely need to read the first book The Samantha Project to really enjoy The Golden Couple. I look forward to reading the final book in the series.
The Golden Couple picks up right where The Samantha Project left off. Filled with lots of action The Golden Couple offers a great continuation of the story and enough of a cliffhanger ending that leaves me wanting more while still tying up loose ends for the second book.
What I loved:
The conflict between Sam and her emotions dealing with Colin as well as Erik.
The heat between Sam and Erik. As a reader, I want them to get together but at the same time, I feel so conflicted about the reasons. Which, makes for great writing!
The writing was very easy to read. It was clear, concise and made sense. I struggled a little more through The Samantha Project with all the DNA talk. It’s been years since I’ve been in school (and took science!) I felt like The Golden Couple was easier to grasp and as a reader, I appreciated that.
Iceland. The twist of who was involved once Sam and Erik arrive. Though I suspected some foul play involved.
What I’d like to see more of (hopefully in the final book):
Uncle Dave. Who is this guy? I mean we know a little about him but is he the good guy we want to believe he is?
Mr. Owens. I love that this guy knows what’s going on and wants to help Sam and Erik. I’d like to see more of him and learn a little more about why he’s become one of the “good guys”
Brittany. I’ve begun to really like her character and don’t want anything horrible to happen to her.
Twists and turns that aren’t predictable. I felt like there were a few that I saw coming (the clothing and sleeping arrangement, the fact they were the golden couple and what that meant to GlobalLife). There were also quite a few that were unpredictable, which I loved. I won’t spoil those but it was great to see some twists I couldn’t see from the very beginning.
Final Thoughts: I would definitely recommend The Golden Couple to lovers of science fiction and young adult novels. I would say they definitely need to read the first book The Samantha Project to really enjoy The Golden Couple. I look forward to reading the final book in the series.
May 28, 2013
The Golden Couple starts off right where The Samantha Project left off. There was no lag in the storyline and there was an unexpected side of Brittany that was very welcomed. The group, still on the run, deals with a few unexpected setbacks but there’s no stopping them. The connection between Samantha and Erik is even stronger than before but with some trepidation now that Colin is back in the picture.
There is a new piece of the puzzle in connection with the genetic enhancements. One that is shocking and a bit disturbing but bringing the science fiction feel full circle. More deaths, accidents and secrets abound. Accomplices that you never would have expected show their faces bringing the extent of GlobalLife Genetics intertwining in Samantha’s life front and center in a bewildering way.
As I had stated in my review of The Samantha Project, bits of this story remind me of the TV show Kyle XY. This isn’t a bad thing. I really enjoyed that show as did my family. Unlike the first book, sexuality is touched on a bit more but thankfully not in way that would make you blush while reading nor did it take away from the storyline. It has its place and it’s dealt with in rather a nontypical way. Think about it; you have a genetically enhanced female and a genetically enhanced male…why would GLG want them together? Better yet, why wouldn’t they want them together?
Again, a good story that kept me reading from start to finish. I am again looking forward to reading the next book in the series. It’s not many series that keeps my interest like this, usually I’m ready to go on to something else or the fizz has started to fizzle. Instead, there is a whole lot more to this story and I can only wonder where the author will take the characters the next go-around.
I recommend this to all. It’s a good YA story that will satisfy any age of reader and as a mother, I would not have any problem with my 14 year olds reading it and on the same token I think my 44 year old husband would enjoy it.
There is a new piece of the puzzle in connection with the genetic enhancements. One that is shocking and a bit disturbing but bringing the science fiction feel full circle. More deaths, accidents and secrets abound. Accomplices that you never would have expected show their faces bringing the extent of GlobalLife Genetics intertwining in Samantha’s life front and center in a bewildering way.
As I had stated in my review of The Samantha Project, bits of this story remind me of the TV show Kyle XY. This isn’t a bad thing. I really enjoyed that show as did my family. Unlike the first book, sexuality is touched on a bit more but thankfully not in way that would make you blush while reading nor did it take away from the storyline. It has its place and it’s dealt with in rather a nontypical way. Think about it; you have a genetically enhanced female and a genetically enhanced male…why would GLG want them together? Better yet, why wouldn’t they want them together?
Again, a good story that kept me reading from start to finish. I am again looking forward to reading the next book in the series. It’s not many series that keeps my interest like this, usually I’m ready to go on to something else or the fizz has started to fizzle. Instead, there is a whole lot more to this story and I can only wonder where the author will take the characters the next go-around.
I recommend this to all. It’s a good YA story that will satisfy any age of reader and as a mother, I would not have any problem with my 14 year olds reading it and on the same token I think my 44 year old husband would enjoy it.
June 4, 2013
If you’re new to this series, you’ll want to read The Samantha Project first. That will increase your enjoyment of The Golden Couple considerably because you’ll be much more in tune with Sam and her friends as well as her enemies and with what’s going on. You don’t have to read it first, certainly, but I really do recommend it, especially since the action picks up right after the end of the first book.
My review of The Samantha Project can be found here.
Sam and her friends are on the run but also determined to find out the truth about Sam’s and Erik’s existence but what they discover is almost beyond belief. This devastating truth explains a lot of why GlobalLife Genetics is so bent on capturing them but, as it turns out, they still have a lot to learn about GlobalLife’s real intentions for both Erik and Sam and for the future of humanity. Fortunately for these two, they are not alone in their search for answers—and survival.
Genetic manipulation is a science that could so easily be corrupted that the core story here is not impossible to foresee (although an element of the plot is “out there”). Samantha is an intriguing character, particularly because of her intelligence and fortitude, and she has become one of those MCs I want to spend more time with. Her relationships with Colin and Erik are believable and, to me, have much more substance than many of the love triangles found in young adult fiction these days. The rest of her group are not quite as well fleshed out but I still felt a connection to all of them and the people on the GlobalLife side are as cold-blooded as you could want in your villains.
Ms. Karpinske caught my attention with the first book in this series and has done it again with The Golden Couple. Since she has left her readers with some really intense questions, I guess I’m just going to have to go read the third entry, A Chosen Destiny.
Reviewed by Lelia Taylor, June 2013.
My review of The Samantha Project can be found here.
Sam and her friends are on the run but also determined to find out the truth about Sam’s and Erik’s existence but what they discover is almost beyond belief. This devastating truth explains a lot of why GlobalLife Genetics is so bent on capturing them but, as it turns out, they still have a lot to learn about GlobalLife’s real intentions for both Erik and Sam and for the future of humanity. Fortunately for these two, they are not alone in their search for answers—and survival.
Genetic manipulation is a science that could so easily be corrupted that the core story here is not impossible to foresee (although an element of the plot is “out there”). Samantha is an intriguing character, particularly because of her intelligence and fortitude, and she has become one of those MCs I want to spend more time with. Her relationships with Colin and Erik are believable and, to me, have much more substance than many of the love triangles found in young adult fiction these days. The rest of her group are not quite as well fleshed out but I still felt a connection to all of them and the people on the GlobalLife side are as cold-blooded as you could want in your villains.
Ms. Karpinske caught my attention with the first book in this series and has done it again with The Golden Couple. Since she has left her readers with some really intense questions, I guess I’m just going to have to go read the third entry, A Chosen Destiny.
Reviewed by Lelia Taylor, June 2013.
May 17, 2013
What!!! You can't end the book like that! Now I have to hurry and buy the next one, which I just did. But I have things to do, food to cook, laundry to fold, and kids to take care of! I can't just dive right back in to find out what happens.
Anyway, I'm really enjoying this series. This book picks right up where it left off from in the first, and get's better and better as it goes.
I love the conflicting inner feelings of Sam concerning Erik and Collin. I love the science and moral issues that are brought up/continued in the this story. Crazy stuff, and I love where the authors imagination goes with that science. Sometimes I look at the world and see horrible things happening to other people, and I think, "how does someone get so crazy in their thinking that they would think it was okay to treat another human in such and such a way." In my opinion, this story portrays such a scenario, and it is easy to see how the "bad" guys could get so goofy in their thinking and research or ideals to get confused about what is morally right and wrong.
As I said, I'm totally having fun with this series. I wish I had heard about it sooner, and really am wondering why I hadn't until about a month ago. I don't love the covers, especially this second one. It looks too much like an 80's romance novel with some cheesy couple walking on the beach holding hands. So, I guess I'm saying, don't judge these books by their covers.
Anyway, I'm really enjoying this series. This book picks right up where it left off from in the first, and get's better and better as it goes.
I love the conflicting inner feelings of Sam concerning Erik and Collin. I love the science and moral issues that are brought up/continued in the this story. Crazy stuff, and I love where the authors imagination goes with that science. Sometimes I look at the world and see horrible things happening to other people, and I think, "how does someone get so crazy in their thinking that they would think it was okay to treat another human in such and such a way." In my opinion, this story portrays such a scenario, and it is easy to see how the "bad" guys could get so goofy in their thinking and research or ideals to get confused about what is morally right and wrong.
As I said, I'm totally having fun with this series. I wish I had heard about it sooner, and really am wondering why I hadn't until about a month ago. I don't love the covers, especially this second one. It looks too much like an 80's romance novel with some cheesy couple walking on the beach holding hands. So, I guess I'm saying, don't judge these books by their covers.
September 24, 2013
Book 2 picks up exactly where book one left off. Samantha and Eric are trying to find a way to stop the ticking time bomb which is inside them. I won't give too much away because there are things you will already know by this point that you discover in book 1. Suffice it to say this was again a well written and suspenseful story. This book deals with some more mature issues in regards to teens. There were references to sex in this book that were missing from the first book. But it was done in a manner that was definitely tasteful and also quite realistically necessary to the plot.
I think the entire genetic manipulation aspect of things remind me of a few of the TV shows I enjoyed and maybe that is why my attention is grabbed with this book. I have to say that the characters show quite a bit of growth in this book. Once again the author has successfully created a world that is both dangerous and yet realistic to our modern day world. I do think that Samantha really should have shown more growth by the end of this book, and that would be the only down side for me. Other than that this book has a LOT of scientific information about DNA and Genetics.
I have to say I finished this book in about 4 hours and grabbed book 3. Yes I spent an entire day and half the night reading this series.
I think the entire genetic manipulation aspect of things remind me of a few of the TV shows I enjoyed and maybe that is why my attention is grabbed with this book. I have to say that the characters show quite a bit of growth in this book. Once again the author has successfully created a world that is both dangerous and yet realistic to our modern day world. I do think that Samantha really should have shown more growth by the end of this book, and that would be the only down side for me. Other than that this book has a LOT of scientific information about DNA and Genetics.
I have to say I finished this book in about 4 hours and grabbed book 3. Yes I spent an entire day and half the night reading this series.
September 19, 2013
Books & Sweet Epiphany
www.booksandsweetepiphany.blogspot.com
First of all, Stephanie Karpinske is one my favorite authors and 'The Golden Couple' definitely blew me away!
The way she writes about the character, the flow of the story line and the chemistry between Sam + Colin and Sam + Erik and the building tension between Sam and Erik was absolutely explosive!
The second installment of The Samantha Project definitely surpasses my expectation and Stephanie Karpinske should be at the top with great authors like J.K. Rowling and Richelle Mead.
The Golden Couple actually introduced more characters into the picture as to the big players that funded The Samantha Project.
Expect awesome spy-like scenes, the jealousy and running emotions in my favorite main character, Sam, and the epic journey that Sam and friends had to go through just to stop their own ticking time bomb from shutting down their own bodies.
The Golden Couple is a thrilling ride, like a roller coaster with fantastic twist and turns that makes your stomach go, "Woohoo!".
P.S.
I know I've said this before but I'll gladly say it again.
Stephanie...YOU'RE AWESOME!
Sincerely,
Selina.
www.booksandsweetepiphany.blogspot.com
First of all, Stephanie Karpinske is one my favorite authors and 'The Golden Couple' definitely blew me away!
The way she writes about the character, the flow of the story line and the chemistry between Sam + Colin and Sam + Erik and the building tension between Sam and Erik was absolutely explosive!
The second installment of The Samantha Project definitely surpasses my expectation and Stephanie Karpinske should be at the top with great authors like J.K. Rowling and Richelle Mead.
The Golden Couple actually introduced more characters into the picture as to the big players that funded The Samantha Project.
Expect awesome spy-like scenes, the jealousy and running emotions in my favorite main character, Sam, and the epic journey that Sam and friends had to go through just to stop their own ticking time bomb from shutting down their own bodies.
The Golden Couple is a thrilling ride, like a roller coaster with fantastic twist and turns that makes your stomach go, "Woohoo!".
P.S.
I know I've said this before but I'll gladly say it again.
Stephanie...YOU'RE AWESOME!
Sincerely,
Selina.
September 21, 2013
I received this book for an exchange of an honest review.
I read the first book and i really like it but i think i like and enjoy this one more.
The Golden Couple starts right of where The Samantha Project left off. And i really love it when a series is pick up where the other one ends. I am loving the characters, and i am having way too much fun with this book.
This is a book that is full of action packed, while reading this book i kept thinking to myself how far human will go. I am gone keep this short because i don’t want to give anything away. If you haven’t read the first book do it it’s a great book.
In this book you could expect spy like scenes, jealousy and running emotions from Sam and the journey that she and her friends had to go through just to stop their time bomb from shutting down their own bodies. I absolute love this book.
I said it once i am saying it again Thank you Author Stephanie Karpinske for introducing me to another amazing story and great characters.
I read the first book and i really like it but i think i like and enjoy this one more.
The Golden Couple starts right of where The Samantha Project left off. And i really love it when a series is pick up where the other one ends. I am loving the characters, and i am having way too much fun with this book.
This is a book that is full of action packed, while reading this book i kept thinking to myself how far human will go. I am gone keep this short because i don’t want to give anything away. If you haven’t read the first book do it it’s a great book.
In this book you could expect spy like scenes, jealousy and running emotions from Sam and the journey that she and her friends had to go through just to stop their time bomb from shutting down their own bodies. I absolute love this book.
I said it once i am saying it again Thank you Author Stephanie Karpinske for introducing me to another amazing story and great characters.
November 7, 2014
This one picks up right where Samantha project finished and I saw it gets even better once again I feel in love with the characters they are written with so much depth. and lets not forget all the action packed happenings crashes, death, you name it this book has it.
May 29, 2013
great follow up to The Samantha Project. Leaves you hanging at the end so you want to get the next book to see what happens!
June 22, 2013
I actually enjoyed this book better than its predecessor. Great sequel to the series and I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews