"The Double" by Helena Newbury is a thrilling story revolving around FBI agent Hailey Akers who goes undercover as a mobster's girlfriend to bring down the notorious Russian crime boss, Konstantin Gulyev. The book is filled with twists and turns, secrets, betrayals, and intense romance, as Hailey navigates the dangerous world of organized crime while trying to maintain her cover. The writing style is described as gripping, captivating, and filled with action, romance, and suspense, making it a compelling read that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

Characters:

Characters are intricate but show flaws; Hailey struggles with decision-making while Konstantin reveals depth beyond his cold exterior.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style employs a dual first-person perspective, creating an engaging, suspenseful atmosphere, though it includes some grammatical flaws.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative revolves around an FBI agent who infiltrates a crime boss's life by impersonating his girlfriend, leading to unexpected twists and feelings of betrayal.

Setting:

The setting captures the gritty underworld of New York's crime scene, with an emphasis on FBI surveillance.

Pacing:

The pacing is generally fast and tension-filled, but some plot elements may feel rushed.

That hard, tan jaw with its perfect shadow of black stubble was etched into my mind from staring at it day after day. I spent so much time looking at his lips, the top one hard and stern, the lower on...

Notes:

The main character, Hailey, is an FBI agent who has been surveilling mob boss Konstantin Gulyev for years.

Hailey impersonates Konstantin's girlfriend, Christina, after Christina suffers an accident and is arrested.

The story features a complex relationship between Hailey and Konstantin, who grows fond of her despite believing she is his girlfriend.

There are significant twists in the plot, keeping readers engaged and surprised until the end.

The book contains elements of light bondage and discipline, which may not appeal to all readers.

Hailey's character is often described as making poor decisions, which some readers found frustrating.

The premise involves Hailey undergoing plastic surgery to look like the mobster's girlfriend, a concept some readers found challenging to accept as realistic.

The book is categorized as a romance, with a focus on themes of betrayal and trust.

Helena Newbury has successfully linked this story to her previous work, allowing it to stand alone while referencing past characters.

Many readers felt the pacing was exciting and that the story was engaging from the very first page.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include mild bondage and discipline scenes.

Has Romance?

The romance between Hailey and Konstantin is central to the plot.

explicit steam level

From The Publisher:

Can he tell us apart with a kiss? From the author of Mount Mercy and Alaska Wild comes a standalone romantic suspense that will leave your heart pounding.

Konstantin. A mob boss so powerful, he controls senators and judges. He's ruthless. Gorgeous. All of New York knows his name. Me? I'm invisible. As an FBI surveillance specialist, I spend my life watching Konstantin and he's never once noticed the shy girl taking photos from across the street.

But when Konstantin's beautiful but evil "companion," Christina, is injured in a car crash, the FBI gets a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to bring him down. They use plastic surgery to make me look just like her and send me into his mansion in her place. I need to stay focused, because if he suspects for one second that I'm not her, he'll kill me. But every time he pushes me up against the wall and growls in that Russian accent, I go weak.

I soon learn that his relationship with Christina was empty and cold...but the feelings we have for each other are becoming all too real. There's more to Konstantin than anyone knows. That cold, evil exterior hides a soul-deep pain and a fierce, protective heart. I know he's the enemy but I'm falling for him. And I need to know, is he falling for her...or me?

Standalone Russian Mafia Romantic Suspense with guaranteed HEA

January 2019

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418 pages

Reader Stats (1):

Did Not Finish (1)

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The Double

Helena Newbury

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