Twelve Steps
by Veronica Bartles
Second born doesn’t mean second best.
When her crush asks her to fix him up with her perfect older sister, sixteen-year-old Andi decides it's time to step out of the shadows. She creates a twelve-step program for second-class siblings to help her steal the spotlight, and the guy, from her sister, Laina.
Step 1: Admit she's powerless to change her perfect sister, and accept that her life really, really sucks. Step 4: Make a list of her good qualities. Even if all she's got going for her is really great hair. Step 7: Demand attention for more than just the way she screws things up.
But when a stolen kiss ends in disaster, Andi realizes that her prince isn't as charming as she'd hoped. And as Laina's flawless facade begins to crumble, Andi discovers that the spotlight she's been trying to steal isn't really the one she wants. The sisters will have to work together to find a spotlight big enough for them both to shine.
“With her debut novel, Veronica Bartles creates a fun, fast-paced story about a feisty heroine whose plan to steal her oh-so-perfect sister’s spotlight leads to a messy love triangle … no, love pentagon. TWELVE STEPS will have you cheering when Cinderella finds her backbone, Prince Charming learns that not every stepsister wants his glass slipper, and the heroine realizes she’s been shining in her own light all along.“ -- Laura Bowers, Author of BEAUTY SHOP FOR RENT
“Smart and funny, Twelve Steps perfectly captures the gut-wrenching joy and supreme mortification of unrequited love. Authentic and oh so relatable, Bartles hits it out of the park with her debut! For anyone who's ever felt second best, or struggled to find their place in the world, this book is for you! Grab the chocolate, turn off the phone, and prepare to ride the roller coaster of Andi's life as it unfolds, page after humor filled page. This is contemporary romancedone right!“ -- Rachel Harris, NYT Bestselling Author of THE FINE ART OF PRETENDING
- 12 Questions with Andi Andersen - Lost in Ever After
- 12 Questions with Laina Andersen with Crystal in Bookland
Reviews
"Twelve Steps is the kind of book that's the perfect example of why YA rocks." - Donnie Darko Girl
"The relationship between the sisters is rich and complex and full of more love than hate ... Plus you gotta love a girl who eats like Andi! Oreos with milk and tons of chili cheese fries. TWELVE STEPS is a fun read!" - Michelle Hauck, author of KINDAR'S CURE
"This would make a great movie!" - Lynda Dickson (Books Direct)
"It's sweet and fun and the perfect story to pick up when you just want to read something to make you feel good and happy." - Jessica (Just a Booklover)
"If I had to sum this book up in three words, they would be Amazing, Relatable and Fascinating." - Sophie Kate (23 Review Street)
"I read it all in one sitting and by the end I was grinning like a fool in love." - We All Make Mistakes in Books
"The romance is TWELVE STEPS is not a triangle, but this whole tangled mess, which makes for some really fun and entertaining moments. Which is why I would say this is more of a romantic comedy." - Booksniffer Book Reviews
"A must read for YA Contemporary Romance book junkies!" - Living in a Book World