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The Double
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
341 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 10, 2019
864 people are currently reading
518 people want to read
About the author
Helena Newbury
30 books1,341 followersWant to contact me? helenanewburyauthor@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 208 reviews
February 25, 2019
Hailey is smart, kind, hardworking, lonely and quiet. She is amazing at her job and she likes doing it. Hailey is the perfect woman to keep an eye on Konstantin and to discover all his secrets. She has been watching him for a long time. She thinks Konstantin is attractive, but she knows he’s dangerous. One day, Hailey finds herself really close to Konstantin. She will get to know him very well and she finds him even more attractive. Her opinion about him changes, but she still needs to do her job.
Konstantin is cold, rich, ruthless, lonely, troubled and determined. He’s criminal and he always wants more power. He would do anything to achieve that. Nobody can touch him, not even the police. When Konstantin sees Hailey for the first time, he thinks she’s someone special. He can’t forget about her. He will change because of Hailey, for the better. The only thing I found a little hard to believe, is that Konstantin didn’t realize it sooner that it was Hailey.
Hailey and Konstantin are different people and they seem unlikely to ever be a couple, but they are perfect for each other. I loved them together. They are hot together. They change their mind about some things because of the other. In the end, Hailey and Konstantin completely trust each other. The suspense was only nearly the end and that was good for me because of the progress of their relationship. I adored the ending. Overall, The Double was an amazing read!
-- My honest review is based on an advanced reader copy of this book. --
Konstantin is cold, rich, ruthless, lonely, troubled and determined. He’s criminal and he always wants more power. He would do anything to achieve that. Nobody can touch him, not even the police. When Konstantin sees Hailey for the first time, he thinks she’s someone special. He can’t forget about her. He will change because of Hailey, for the better. The only thing I found a little hard to believe, is that Konstantin didn’t realize it sooner that it was Hailey.
Hailey and Konstantin are different people and they seem unlikely to ever be a couple, but they are perfect for each other. I loved them together. They are hot together. They change their mind about some things because of the other. In the end, Hailey and Konstantin completely trust each other. The suspense was only nearly the end and that was good for me because of the progress of their relationship. I adored the ending. Overall, The Double was an amazing read!
-- My honest review is based on an advanced reader copy of this book. --
January 19, 2019
This is a hard book for me to rate. If you are looking for a believable plot... Stay far far away from this one!!😂 POSSIBLE SPOILERS AHEAD... The heroine works for the FBI, and is sent undercover to collect evidence from a Russian mob boss. She gets plastic surgery to impersonate his very icy and sophisticated girlfriend. Did I mention she has absolutely no field experience or training!!!!??? She takes incriminating photos for them, and she volunteers for the job. Why!? She is attracted to said mob boss, and the original candidate couldn't do it because she already has a tattoo in the exact same spot as the girlfriend. They didn't figure this out until the girl was about to be cut open. I think the this is the same FBI from Mary Calmes "Marshal " series because wow the bad decisions flow like a raging river. However, I liked the heat between the MCs. Also, she has bigger boobs by at least a cup size, and they didn't seem concerned with this.😩 There were parts I really enjoyed ,but it was a struggle in some places. Overall, it was only extraordinary in the OTT plot points and ridiculousness.
January 8, 2019
AUTHOR REVIEW This is a standalone romantic suspense. A billionaire Russian mafia boss who's hiding an inner pain. A shy, geeky heroine who must impersonate his sexy "companion." Expect tested loyalties, breathless tension and steamy scenes. Out 11th January.
February 8, 2019
This was a good one, if you can suspend some (lots actually) disbelief.
FBI agent falls for Mafia man, side of twists,sexy times and lots of action.
FBI agent falls for Mafia man, side of twists,sexy times and lots of action.
January 6, 2021
3.75 stars
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 11, 2019
He’s not a criminal, he’s the criminal. Ruthless and gorgeous, he rules half of New York. Everyone knows his name: Konstantin. I’m the exact opposite. As an FBI surveillance specialist, my job is to be invisible and that suits me just fine. I spend my life watching Konstantin, and he’s never once seen the shy girl taking photos from across the street.
But when Konstantin’s beautiful but evil “companion,” Christina, is injured in a car crash, we get a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Plastic surgery can make me look just like her: I can take her place at Konstantin’s side and learn every secret he’s got. I must learn to mimic her exactly, from the way she walks to the sounds she makes in bed. Because if he suspects for one instant that I’m not her...he’ll kill me.
I soon discover that there’s more to Konstantin than anyone knows. That cold exterior hides a lifetime of pain and a deep, scorching need that takes my breath away. As our feelings spin out of control and my loyalties are tested, I need to know: is he falling for me...or the woman I’m impersonating? I was sent to destroy him but I might be the only one who can save him. And the love I was told to fake might just be real.
••••••••••
REVIEW: 3.75 stars—THE DOUBLE by Helena Newbury is a stand alone, contemporary, adult, Russian Mafia romance story line focusing on Russian mobster Konstantin Gulyev and FBI photographer Hailey Akers. Konstantin first appeared as a minor character in the author’s Kissing My Killer. THE DOUBLE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line(s) is revealed where necessary.
NOTE: THE DOUBLE contains scenes of light bondage and discipline, that may not be suitable for all readers.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Konstantin and Hailey) THE DOUBLE follows FBI photographer Hailey Akers as she willingly goes under cover, and under the knife to take down Russian mobster Konstantin Gulyev. With the mobster’s girlfriend Christina Rogan currently in custody, following a motor vehicle accident overseas, Hailey, having previously met our hero while on a stake out at a Boston hotel, agrees to plastic surgery in an effort to resemble the mobster’s live in love. What ensues is the building relationship and romance between Konstantin and Hailey aka Christina, as Hailey searches for information and proof of Konstantin’s crimes, and the potential fall-out as Konstantin is double crossed by more than the woman with whom he is falling in love.
Hailey Akers has lusted after Konstantin Gulyev since she first spotted our hero through the lens of her camera. Believing herself capable, our heroine offers herself up as Christina’s double in an effort take down a man the FBI believes is evil and bad. Konstantin Gulyev doesn’t do serious relationships but something about ‘Christina’ has changed since the recent accident, a change wherein Konstantin reconsiders his future with the woman with whom he is falling in love. When a Bratva rival is determined to destroy Konstantin Gulyev, Hailey, in the guise of Christina, becomes fodder in a war with the Russian mob.
The relationship between Hailey and Konstantin begins as a ruse. Hailey is undercover as the mobster’s high-society girlfriend, a role Hailey discovers may be harder than first revealed. Konstantin likes a little kink in his sex life including a ‘dungeon’ that the original Christina loved more than our story line heroine. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
We are introduced to FBI head Carrie Blake, and Hailey’s agency partner Sam Calahan, as well as Christina Rogan, Konstantin’s right hand man Grigory, and rival mobster Dmitri Ralavich.
THE DOUBLE is a story of secrets and lies; betrayal and trust; love and loss. The premise is entertaining and captivating; the romance is sexy and seductive; the characters are colourful and animated.
On the flip side,--> the reader will have to suspend belief and reality <-- with regards to our heroine’s transformation. Five days out of surgery, for a complete facial reconstruction, and laser eye surgery to change not only her sight but her eye colour as well,Hailey is completely healed and ready to go undercover and start a new life with her Russian mobster, a man who barely notices the physical differences between Christina and the imposter. There are also a few issues of grammar that should have been caught by a decent editor.
Own a copy
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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 11, 2019
He’s not a criminal, he’s the criminal. Ruthless and gorgeous, he rules half of New York. Everyone knows his name: Konstantin. I’m the exact opposite. As an FBI surveillance specialist, my job is to be invisible and that suits me just fine. I spend my life watching Konstantin, and he’s never once seen the shy girl taking photos from across the street.
But when Konstantin’s beautiful but evil “companion,” Christina, is injured in a car crash, we get a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Plastic surgery can make me look just like her: I can take her place at Konstantin’s side and learn every secret he’s got. I must learn to mimic her exactly, from the way she walks to the sounds she makes in bed. Because if he suspects for one instant that I’m not her...he’ll kill me.
I soon discover that there’s more to Konstantin than anyone knows. That cold exterior hides a lifetime of pain and a deep, scorching need that takes my breath away. As our feelings spin out of control and my loyalties are tested, I need to know: is he falling for me...or the woman I’m impersonating? I was sent to destroy him but I might be the only one who can save him. And the love I was told to fake might just be real.
••••••••••
REVIEW: 3.75 stars—THE DOUBLE by Helena Newbury is a stand alone, contemporary, adult, Russian Mafia romance story line focusing on Russian mobster Konstantin Gulyev and FBI photographer Hailey Akers. Konstantin first appeared as a minor character in the author’s Kissing My Killer. THE DOUBLE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line(s) is revealed where necessary.
NOTE: THE DOUBLE contains scenes of light bondage and discipline, that may not be suitable for all readers.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Konstantin and Hailey) THE DOUBLE follows FBI photographer Hailey Akers as she willingly goes under cover, and under the knife to take down Russian mobster Konstantin Gulyev. With the mobster’s girlfriend Christina Rogan currently in custody, following a motor vehicle accident overseas, Hailey, having previously met our hero while on a stake out at a Boston hotel, agrees to plastic surgery in an effort to resemble the mobster’s live in love. What ensues is the building relationship and romance between Konstantin and Hailey aka Christina, as Hailey searches for information and proof of Konstantin’s crimes, and the potential fall-out as Konstantin is double crossed by more than the woman with whom he is falling in love.
Hailey Akers has lusted after Konstantin Gulyev since she first spotted our hero through the lens of her camera. Believing herself capable, our heroine offers herself up as Christina’s double in an effort take down a man the FBI believes is evil and bad. Konstantin Gulyev doesn’t do serious relationships but something about ‘Christina’ has changed since the recent accident, a change wherein Konstantin reconsiders his future with the woman with whom he is falling in love. When a Bratva rival is determined to destroy Konstantin Gulyev, Hailey, in the guise of Christina, becomes fodder in a war with the Russian mob.
The relationship between Hailey and Konstantin begins as a ruse. Hailey is undercover as the mobster’s high-society girlfriend, a role Hailey discovers may be harder than first revealed. Konstantin likes a little kink in his sex life including a ‘dungeon’ that the original Christina loved more than our story line heroine. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
We are introduced to FBI head Carrie Blake, and Hailey’s agency partner Sam Calahan, as well as Christina Rogan, Konstantin’s right hand man Grigory, and rival mobster Dmitri Ralavich.
THE DOUBLE is a story of secrets and lies; betrayal and trust; love and loss. The premise is entertaining and captivating; the romance is sexy and seductive; the characters are colourful and animated.
On the flip side,--> the reader will have to suspend belief and reality <-- with regards to our heroine’s transformation. Five days out of surgery, for a complete facial reconstruction, and laser eye surgery to change not only her sight but her eye colour as well,Hailey is completely healed and ready to go undercover and start a new life with her Russian mobster, a man who barely notices the physical differences between Christina and the imposter. There are also a few issues of grammar that should have been caught by a decent editor.
Own a copy
www.thereadingcafe.com
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January 24, 2019
Ugh. Really wanted to like this one. I've read a few Helena Newbury books in the past. I really enjoyed Lying and Kissing. When I read the blurb for this book it reminded so much of that book I wanted to reread it but then I thought no this is great, same author, similar storyline it'll be better than rereading. Wrong. The plot for this one was so unbelievable it just made the whole story feel cheap and dumb. Spoilers ahead... Should've just had them start a relationship as Hailey. The plastic surgery thing was ridiculous. She could never look identical, she had no knowledge of their relationship idiosyncrasies, she didn't ever even try to act like her but he bought it? The man who is supposedly so perceptive he noticed she didn't have an ice bucket when he met her as Hailey? First off her face never wouldve healed that fast and even if she did look exactly the same they never stripped Christina to check for a mole on her ass. And using a laser to change her eye color to blue?? Eyes are SO unique. They never would've gotten them identical. For all that time he spent staring in her eyes like hmmm what's different. He def would've known. Also I'm sorry but no two pairs of tits are the same, they admitted Hailey's were bigger but also the areola and nipples would've been different... Size slightly, color... Her vagina for sure would've been different. Like if they were as crazy intimate as they made it seem he would 100% know. Moans, dirty talk, o-face. ALL of it would've been different. So so dumb. Like people that know identical twins well can tell when the try to switch places so he would've known especially since she made absolutely no effort to act like Christina except for the voice. At the very least with all those changes the paranoid man would've thought she'd been turned or something. Then they elude to the fact that they could 'change her back' afterwards maybe but *spoilers* she decides to stay looking like this lady who tried to kill both of them, his ex-girlfriend. EW. hate it. The plot is already crazy enough without making it so unbelievable the reader can't enjoy some what should be fun smut. Oh well. On to the next.
January 12, 2019
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “WOW”
WOW is what I think of whenever I pick up a book by Helena Newbury, Wonderful-Outrageous-Wicked, and The Double checks off all these boxes.
It has wonderful crafted characters in both Hailey and Constantine who suck you into their lives and keep you invested in them. There are also a great array of supporting cast to round it out. It’s not always easy to figure out who is the good one and who is the villain.
The FBI concocts an outrageous scheme to infiltrate Konstantin’s organization by impersonating Christina and nerdy, mousy, Hailey chooses to do the job. There is plenty of suspense and a surprising betrayal to keep you on the edge of your seat.
Wickedly wild is what ensues when Konstantin and Hailey kiss, touch and melt together. They are hot, hot, hot together so watch out for the steam these two create.
Grab this one for you own WOW and enjoy a HEA.
I received a copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
WOW is what I think of whenever I pick up a book by Helena Newbury, Wonderful-Outrageous-Wicked, and The Double checks off all these boxes.
It has wonderful crafted characters in both Hailey and Constantine who suck you into their lives and keep you invested in them. There are also a great array of supporting cast to round it out. It’s not always easy to figure out who is the good one and who is the villain.
The FBI concocts an outrageous scheme to infiltrate Konstantin’s organization by impersonating Christina and nerdy, mousy, Hailey chooses to do the job. There is plenty of suspense and a surprising betrayal to keep you on the edge of your seat.
Wickedly wild is what ensues when Konstantin and Hailey kiss, touch and melt together. They are hot, hot, hot together so watch out for the steam these two create.
Grab this one for you own WOW and enjoy a HEA.
I received a copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
January 16, 2019
2.5 STARS
couldn't connect with the story, mainly with the MC's!
She is TSTL! She is so naive, is obvious since the beginning! That she was going to be putty in his hands... A teenager with a crush with the bad boy!!!
The H was all bark and no bite! For so one so ruthless.... mehhh!
and for god sake if looks like water, but don't taste like water, don't feel like water, don't smell like water MAYBE IS NOT WATER!!!!!
couldn't connect with the story, mainly with the MC's!
She is TSTL! She is so naive, is obvious since the beginning! That she was going to be putty in his hands... A teenager with a crush with the bad boy!!!
The H was all bark and no bite! For so one so ruthless.... mehhh!
and for god sake if looks like water, but don't taste like water, don't feel like water, don't smell like water MAYBE IS NOT WATER!!!!!
January 25, 2025
troupe: big bad mafia boss x naive FBI undercover
this is one of those books with unrealistic dumb plot but is super fun and easy to read!!
Writing style is pretty immaculate and made my experience unforgettable, i’m going to try more books from this author.
🌟🌟🌟🌟!
this is one of those books with unrealistic dumb plot but is super fun and easy to read!!
Writing style is pretty immaculate and made my experience unforgettable, i’m going to try more books from this author.
🌟🌟🌟🌟!
January 11, 2019
Yessss!!! I love a good Russian mob story. And what I love more is the ruthless and cruel hero who turns into a romantic and tender lover. I hoped this will happen but what amazed me the most in the story was his transformation. His clumsy way of trying normal stuff the couples do on a daily basis, his trying to do and be better. I found it so humbling coming from him that I fell for him hard and fast just as Hailey did. But the pain he's hiding deep within his soul :( I wanted to cuddle him and tell him that everything will be alright. Hayley is an amazing heroine and "the perfect woman for him": shy and nerdy at first glance but deep down loyal and brave like no other.
It's action packed and thrilling and that twist from the end had me breathless. When you thought it's too much happening and it will slow down at some point something else will occur. Prepare to bite your nails and constantly pray for the best. I found myself shouting many times "kick and run!" and I am not ashamed to admit :)) 5 bratva stars!!
It's action packed and thrilling and that twist from the end had me breathless. When you thought it's too much happening and it will slow down at some point something else will occur. Prepare to bite your nails and constantly pray for the best. I found myself shouting many times "kick and run!" and I am not ashamed to admit :)) 5 bratva stars!!
January 8, 2019
An unbelievable amazing and interesting read. A perfect whirlwind-mafia romance. Like all Helenas books, packed with action, excitement, fear and romantic. Konstantin the most feared New York mafia boss and Hailey the shy mousy FBI agent/assistant. Too different to be a couple? Or maybe not? What you see outside is rarely what it's inside 🤷🏻♀.
A book packed with so much action and surprise developments that you have no time to take a breath 😲.
You really have to read this book, like yesterday! 🙋🏻♀
The way Helena plays with words are so amazing and unbelievable real 😍, you feel and cry with the characters.
Definitely a must read for all mafia romance lovers, with a perfect HEA ❤
A book packed with so much action and surprise developments that you have no time to take a breath 😲.
You really have to read this book, like yesterday! 🙋🏻♀
The way Helena plays with words are so amazing and unbelievable real 😍, you feel and cry with the characters.
Definitely a must read for all mafia romance lovers, with a perfect HEA ❤
March 8, 2021
A few years ago I found out about Helena Newbury books. They were like watching an adventure movie / romantic suspense and often times OTT but always enjoyable. I binged like crazy and then I stopped and read other authors. It’s been awhile since I’ve read her but after reading The Double, I realised I still love reading her books but as usual I hated that she used the word “groin” in her sex scenes 😂. She still used it. It’s not sexy Helena!!! 😩😂. So every-time I come across it I just replaced in my mind with another sexier word 😂.
October 3, 2021
I couldn’t put this down until I read every word.
In this FBI agent Hailey has been photographing Russian mob boss Konstantin for 2 years. But when his girlfriend gets into an accident in Italy the FBI sees this as their chance to infiltrate his organization by sending in an agent with his girlfriends face. Hailey ends up being the girl. She is the right height and body type, and she has the right bone structure. So with some plastic surgery she is sent in and her undercover work begins.
Konstantin can tell there is something different about his girlfriend Christina. She is softer, more innocent. And it’s dangerous because before when she was cold it was easy to keep his distance from her. But this Christina draws him in like a moth to a flame. She stirs feelings in his chest, much like the little Hailey he met in Boston a month prior.
It was so fun seeing Konstantin open up to Hailey and start to trust her. But if it had been me I would have caved long before she did. I would have told him everything way before the truth came out. Although I liked how it came out. I loved how he instantly knew who she was. She sure did leave an impression on him that one time they met.
I did feel like he was a bit too squeaky clean for a Russian mob boss though. I didn’t like that part of the story.
In this FBI agent Hailey has been photographing Russian mob boss Konstantin for 2 years. But when his girlfriend gets into an accident in Italy the FBI sees this as their chance to infiltrate his organization by sending in an agent with his girlfriends face. Hailey ends up being the girl. She is the right height and body type, and she has the right bone structure. So with some plastic surgery she is sent in and her undercover work begins.
Konstantin can tell there is something different about his girlfriend Christina. She is softer, more innocent. And it’s dangerous because before when she was cold it was easy to keep his distance from her. But this Christina draws him in like a moth to a flame. She stirs feelings in his chest, much like the little Hailey he met in Boston a month prior.
It was so fun seeing Konstantin open up to Hailey and start to trust her. But if it had been me I would have caved long before she did. I would have told him everything way before the truth came out. Although I liked how it came out. I loved how he instantly knew who she was. She sure did leave an impression on him that one time they met.
I did feel like he was a bit too squeaky clean for a Russian mob boss though. I didn’t like that part of the story.
February 4, 2019
The writing is great, the story is exciting and the transformation of the bad guy hero is adorable. It's sex scenes are good, the HEA is satisfying.
BUT. BUT. BUT. THE BIG BUTT!
The storyline itself? The concept? The Setup? Completely and utterly implausible. Completely.
Think the first few episodes of Orphan Black, when one clone impersonates another? But with plastic surgery and FBI agents. Implausible. If you can set that aside and don't need the realism for a great story, give it a go.
Otherwise, big miss.
BUT. BUT. BUT. THE BIG BUTT!
The storyline itself? The concept? The Setup? Completely and utterly implausible. Completely.
Think the first few episodes of Orphan Black, when one clone impersonates another? But with plastic surgery and FBI agents. Implausible. If you can set that aside and don't need the realism for a great story, give it a go.
Otherwise, big miss.
May 18, 2021
One day I am to be as dramatic as Hailey and run out into my overgrown garden, into the abandoned glass green house, in only a sheet, just to cause a scene and get some well deserved attention from my bratva boyfriend.
February 12, 2019
I love how Goodreads has a little question when you are about to write your book review. What did you think? they ask.
Well let me tell you what I thought about The Double: It was Exhilarating, Compelling just in one word simply mesmerising.
The Dictionary describes mesmerising as: capture the complete attention of (someone); transfix.a former word for hypnotize. to hold (someone) as if spellbound.
I think I am completely bewitched by Helena Newbury because every time I open and start one of her books I am in a trance. Seriously Helena, you have put a spell on me and I just don't think I have the words to describe how reading this book made me feel, it was a complete state of elation.
To give those who are reading this review an idea, this book was in my humble opinion, one of the best mafia/gangster romantic suspense stories I've ever read.
Cleverly written with an incredibly original storyline I was enraptured and virtually on the edge of my seat. There was not one dull moment and those times where the tone was calmer, the pages were filled with very steamy scenes or deeply meaningful dialogues.
The story of Hailey and Konstantin is one that I will cherish forever and will eternally remain as one of my top reads of all time.
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU.
ACR received with thanks, in exchange for an honest review.
5 SPELLBINDING STARS. Isa for Joandisalovebooks Review Team.
Well let me tell you what I thought about The Double: It was Exhilarating, Compelling just in one word simply mesmerising.
The Dictionary describes mesmerising as: capture the complete attention of (someone); transfix.a former word for hypnotize. to hold (someone) as if spellbound.
I think I am completely bewitched by Helena Newbury because every time I open and start one of her books I am in a trance. Seriously Helena, you have put a spell on me and I just don't think I have the words to describe how reading this book made me feel, it was a complete state of elation.
To give those who are reading this review an idea, this book was in my humble opinion, one of the best mafia/gangster romantic suspense stories I've ever read.
Cleverly written with an incredibly original storyline I was enraptured and virtually on the edge of my seat. There was not one dull moment and those times where the tone was calmer, the pages were filled with very steamy scenes or deeply meaningful dialogues.
The story of Hailey and Konstantin is one that I will cherish forever and will eternally remain as one of my top reads of all time.
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU.
ACR received with thanks, in exchange for an honest review.
5 SPELLBINDING STARS. Isa for Joandisalovebooks Review Team.
January 20, 2019
I'm giving this an extra star only becuase the author can write well enough... BUT the poorly written the plot and no consideration for real life details warranted a very low rating. The point is the FBI agent is supposed to have plastic surgery and take the place of this crime bosses girlfriend... BUT they only changed her face? This women has been physically intimate with this man and thoroughly fucked... you think he won't notice that her labia are different? Her nipples? Her bellybutton? Her toes? I didn't make it far enough, did they change her teeth? Her ears? Her hands? There are SO many things theat weren't taken into consideration when writing this. It would have been a lot more believable if the agent was some long lost twin sister.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 16, 2019
2 stars.
I'm a little disappointed. It started spectacular and then the quality went down a lot. Too many police issues and I came here for the drama, besides the fact he would accept being cheated like that was solved too quickly. Seemed pretty unreal to me even if he was a big softie on the inside.
Meh.
I'm a little disappointed. It started spectacular and then the quality went down a lot. Too many police issues and I came here for the drama, besides the fact he would accept being cheated like that was solved too quickly. Seemed pretty unreal to me even if he was a big softie on the inside.
Meh.
November 6, 2020
This book was so good! Okay, it's a bit of a stretch to think someone could be made to look exactly like someone else with plastic surgery in under a month, but this is fiction after all, and I loved the premise. I didn't want to put this book down and it left me with a wicked book hangover after it was over. I highly recommend Helena Newbury books to anyone who loves romantic suspense.
January 11, 2019
An amazing action packed romance
January 28, 2019
*This review may contain spoilers.
The Double is a novel about an FBI agent named Hailey who has never been in the field. She is always in the background as a shadow taking down criminals by providing incriminating pictures of them. She has been watching Konstatin, a Mafia boss who is gaining control over the city for two years but she hasn't found enough evidence to put him behind bars.
Her boss is willing to do anything to take down Konstatin, that even means creating a double of his girlfriend to find out more information about his operations within the city. When things don't go as planned, Hailey under goes surgery to be a look-a-like of Konstatin's girlfriend. Having know idea what will unfold when she steps foot into his lifestyle.
This novel is told in duel perspectives, we get a glimpse at betrayal, love, loss, loyalty and more.
My Thoughts:
When reading the description I thought that "The Double" meant that the main character Hailey looked like Christina, Konstatin's girlfriend. I didn't expect her to go under MAJOR plastic surgery to become a look-a-like. I was disappointed when she did and she changed who she looked on the outside. I do like the fact that you can tell what kind of person Hailey is because of how her personality was written. Even though she changed her looks her beliefs and character traits stayed the same. I also like that her past struggles made her become the person she is. Even though she is realy shy, she still has a certain strength inside her.
Konstantin is a whole other topic. I liked him as a character and he had great morales and to be honest I didn't see him as a bad guy. I was hoping for a little bit more story that involved the mafia and I didn't get it. It also kept saying that Konstatin was "ruthless" but didn't show it. How the novel was more telling the reader that he was a big bad mafia criminal but didn't show it enough. I think out of the whole book there was probably about two scene where I could be like ok that's ruthless. I did enjoy his perspective of the book. Getting to know what he feels and thinks. At times I felt like he was being naive because he would disregard his gut feeling about certain situations.
All in all i think this story is a good read and wouldn't mind seeing other reviews and comments.
The Double is a novel about an FBI agent named Hailey who has never been in the field. She is always in the background as a shadow taking down criminals by providing incriminating pictures of them. She has been watching Konstatin, a Mafia boss who is gaining control over the city for two years but she hasn't found enough evidence to put him behind bars.
Her boss is willing to do anything to take down Konstatin, that even means creating a double of his girlfriend to find out more information about his operations within the city. When things don't go as planned, Hailey under goes surgery to be a look-a-like of Konstatin's girlfriend. Having know idea what will unfold when she steps foot into his lifestyle.
This novel is told in duel perspectives, we get a glimpse at betrayal, love, loss, loyalty and more.
My Thoughts:
When reading the description I thought that "The Double" meant that the main character Hailey looked like Christina, Konstatin's girlfriend. I didn't expect her to go under MAJOR plastic surgery to become a look-a-like. I was disappointed when she did and she changed who she looked on the outside. I do like the fact that you can tell what kind of person Hailey is because of how her personality was written. Even though she changed her looks her beliefs and character traits stayed the same. I also like that her past struggles made her become the person she is. Even though she is realy shy, she still has a certain strength inside her.
Konstantin is a whole other topic. I liked him as a character and he had great morales and to be honest I didn't see him as a bad guy. I was hoping for a little bit more story that involved the mafia and I didn't get it. It also kept saying that Konstatin was "ruthless" but didn't show it. How the novel was more telling the reader that he was a big bad mafia criminal but didn't show it enough. I think out of the whole book there was probably about two scene where I could be like ok that's ruthless. I did enjoy his perspective of the book. Getting to know what he feels and thinks. At times I felt like he was being naive because he would disregard his gut feeling about certain situations.
All in all i think this story is a good read and wouldn't mind seeing other reviews and comments.
September 3, 2022
Is this book wild and excellent? Yes. Is it believable? Absolutely not. But I also think that's what makes this book so amazingly fun to me. I find that Helena Newbury does not write believable stories but I am the type of romance reader that loves the wild and I want to read about the bad guy who completely changes for the woman he loves. And I just love a story that is full of excitement, even when that excitement is not physically possible.
This story is about Hailey, an FBI agent who primarily performs surveillance on high value criminals. Hailey has been watching Konstantin for 2 years and she finds him sexy even though she knows he is a bad person. When Konstantin's girlfriend Christina is picked up on drug charges, the FBI come up with a plan to send an agent undercover as Christina, performing plastic surgery to make them look identical (I know this would never happen in real life but it offers the opportunity for some really fun situations for our heroine). Hailey volunteers to be the agent to go undercover. Konstantin knows there is something different about "Christina" when she comes back to him but he just can't quite put his finger on it and he really likes it. Hailey learns that there is so much more to Konstantin than she ever expected.
I just....mmm. I can't even say how much I freaking love this book. Konstantin is just completely swoony and I love that he notices that Hailey as Christina is completely different from the Christina he has lived with for so long and I love how irresistible he found those changes. Just excellent! This is the fantasy, right? The idea that there is something indefinable in a woman that makes a man recognize her over everyone else and love her more than anyone else even though he doesn't want to is just the ultimate. I can not get over Konstantin or the feelings between these two.
I have reread this book multiple times and I will probably continue to do that. I just love this book so much.
This story is about Hailey, an FBI agent who primarily performs surveillance on high value criminals. Hailey has been watching Konstantin for 2 years and she finds him sexy even though she knows he is a bad person. When Konstantin's girlfriend Christina is picked up on drug charges, the FBI come up with a plan to send an agent undercover as Christina, performing plastic surgery to make them look identical (I know this would never happen in real life but it offers the opportunity for some really fun situations for our heroine). Hailey volunteers to be the agent to go undercover. Konstantin knows there is something different about "Christina" when she comes back to him but he just can't quite put his finger on it and he really likes it. Hailey learns that there is so much more to Konstantin than she ever expected.
I just....mmm. I can't even say how much I freaking love this book. Konstantin is just completely swoony and I love that he notices that Hailey as Christina is completely different from the Christina he has lived with for so long and I love how irresistible he found those changes. Just excellent! This is the fantasy, right? The idea that there is something indefinable in a woman that makes a man recognize her over everyone else and love her more than anyone else even though he doesn't want to is just the ultimate. I can not get over Konstantin or the feelings between these two.
I have reread this book multiple times and I will probably continue to do that. I just love this book so much.
February 12, 2019
I'd estimate this to be a more 3.5 stars, it's the little things that made me drop it.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
Wilting flower, Hailey, is a photographer for the FBI, she lives her life invisible behind her camera. If something's going down, drug drops, gun runs etc she provides the photographic evidence. She'd never failed at this until Konstantin Gulyev, Russian crime boss of New York. Eyes as cold as the arctic, face a master piece, voice an aphrodisiac.
The hero and heroine's chemistry was sing your eyebrows off hot. The only thing is, I'm I massive fan of Vampire Academy and the Hero Dimitri (also Russian) and although Newbury used Russian Endearments in her dialogue, I didn't really get an incline of his accent coming across or any heritage type things he likes, Vodka is a big stereotype....
The is a wicked twist just before the end, I did not see this coming and though it was a great idea that had me gasping in shock, but this quickly within a chapter was resolved, didn't give us the steps to how it was resolved just that it was.
Overall, definitely worth the read! I love a female falling for her target trope.
This is also on Kindle Unlimited, so it's a win-win!!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
Wilting flower, Hailey, is a photographer for the FBI, she lives her life invisible behind her camera. If something's going down, drug drops, gun runs etc she provides the photographic evidence. She'd never failed at this until Konstantin Gulyev, Russian crime boss of New York. Eyes as cold as the arctic, face a master piece, voice an aphrodisiac.
The hero and heroine's chemistry was sing your eyebrows off hot. The only thing is, I'm I massive fan of Vampire Academy and the Hero Dimitri (also Russian) and although Newbury used Russian Endearments in her dialogue, I didn't really get an incline of his accent coming across or any heritage type things he likes, Vodka is a big stereotype....
The is a wicked twist just before the end, I did not see this coming and though it was a great idea that had me gasping in shock, but this quickly within a chapter was resolved, didn't give us the steps to how it was resolved just that it was.
Overall, definitely worth the read! I love a female falling for her target trope.
This is also on Kindle Unlimited, so it's a win-win!!
January 13, 2019
Hayley and konstantin.. Dayummmm
Re: Your ARC of The Double
AT
Ashley Tidbury
Mon 07/01/2019 10:01
Sent Items
To:
Helena Newbury (helenanewburyauthor@gmail.com);
What a whirlwind!!
.
"put it back!!!!"
.
.life will never be the same again due to a life altering operation. Deception... Lies... BIG BIG Lies. But the truth will eventually be ripped open. And damn does it.
.
You start off hating him. But end up on his side. His life was destroyed and he survived by a miracle. Yes he's ruthless. But has a heart that eventually thaws..
.
Some parts I feel could have gone into more detail. And considering he's a hard ass. He was very quick to protect even when he didn't trust...
.
But saying that would have quite happily read this book if it was a 20000 page issue. I was so absorbed and stayed up till 2am reading it because I just couldn't not finish it 😘
.
Re: Your ARC of The Double
AT
Ashley Tidbury
Mon 07/01/2019 10:01
Sent Items
To:
Helena Newbury (helenanewburyauthor@gmail.com);
What a whirlwind!!
.
"put it back!!!!"
.
.life will never be the same again due to a life altering operation. Deception... Lies... BIG BIG Lies. But the truth will eventually be ripped open. And damn does it.
.
You start off hating him. But end up on his side. His life was destroyed and he survived by a miracle. Yes he's ruthless. But has a heart that eventually thaws..
.
Some parts I feel could have gone into more detail. And considering he's a hard ass. He was very quick to protect even when he didn't trust...
.
But saying that would have quite happily read this book if it was a 20000 page issue. I was so absorbed and stayed up till 2am reading it because I just couldn't not finish it 😘
.
May 1, 2023
FBI surveillance specialist Hailey Akers crushes hard on her target, Russian crime boss, Konstantin Gulyev who’s as deadly as he is sexy. When they were actually face to face, she was her awkward, insecure, shy self and he was as suave as ever. In that moment, Konstantin knew something Hailey didn’t, he knew he’d be weak for her.
When the opportunity arises for the FBI to insert an agent in Konstantin’s live-in girlfriend’s place, Hailey volunteers and gives herself an extreme crash course on how to impersonate the siren.
Sorry, this read was so far-fetched for this reader’s taste it was insulting when it wasn’t boring but how else could this 400+ page read go. I’m certain we all lost track of what made Konstantin a threat in the play for romance.
Rating: 2.75stars
When the opportunity arises for the FBI to insert an agent in Konstantin’s live-in girlfriend’s place, Hailey volunteers and gives herself an extreme crash course on how to impersonate the siren.
Sorry, this read was so far-fetched for this reader’s taste it was insulting when it wasn’t boring but how else could this 400+ page read go. I’m certain we all lost track of what made Konstantin a threat in the play for romance.
Rating: 2.75stars
February 7, 2025
Harley has been watching Konstantin for two years. In that time, she has slowly falling for him. Harley has made herself invisible to everyone including herself. She is smart, kind and hardworking, lonely and quiet. When her partner gets caught in Konstantin’s hotel room, Harley pretends to be locked out of a hotel room. Konstantin finds her innocent and knows he must stay away from a woman like her.
Konstantin is a criminal who comes across as cold and ruthless. When the chance comes Harley is given plastic surgery to look like Konstantin’s cold hearted lover.
One kiss changes everything. Can Konstantin love the true Harley. Will Harley be able to get Konstantin the true her.
Double twists and turns. Drama, angst and steam.
Konstantin is a criminal who comes across as cold and ruthless. When the chance comes Harley is given plastic surgery to look like Konstantin’s cold hearted lover.
One kiss changes everything. Can Konstantin love the true Harley. Will Harley be able to get Konstantin the true her.
Double twists and turns. Drama, angst and steam.
February 14, 2019
Love this!! ( caution Spolier hints)
The characters!! The story!! The backstory!! It all flows so nicely together!!
Hailey and Konstantin are awesome together and you can just feel there's something there from that first few minutes in the hotel when Hailey fakes being locked out of her room.
It's kinda kismet their first introduction to each other starts off with a lie since Hailey couldn't have possibly guessed what she'd end up agreeing to do, much less being the one with the idea to begin with!!
I was looking for an intriguing and exciting standalone and The Double definitely delivered!!!!!♡
The characters!! The story!! The backstory!! It all flows so nicely together!!
Hailey and Konstantin are awesome together and you can just feel there's something there from that first few minutes in the hotel when Hailey fakes being locked out of her room.
It's kinda kismet their first introduction to each other starts off with a lie since Hailey couldn't have possibly guessed what she'd end up agreeing to do, much less being the one with the idea to begin with!!
I was looking for an intriguing and exciting standalone and The Double definitely delivered!!!!!♡
January 2, 2023
Characters = 5/5
Plot = 5/5
Romance = 4/5
Hotness = 4/5
Mystery = 5/5
Action = 5/5
Drama = 5/5
Darkness = 4/5
Humor = 0/5
Stars = 5 ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
Cliffhanger = No
Would I recommend this book? = Yes
Would I read future books by this author? = Yes
Another great one! Love everything with these books. Drama, danger, romance, and action keep you guessing and on the edge of your seat. The characters were great! And the plot was intense.
I'm sad it took me this long to read this book but I am now reading ALL of Helena's books I've missed. This will definitely be a great way to start the new year!
Plot = 5/5
Romance = 4/5
Hotness = 4/5
Mystery = 5/5
Action = 5/5
Drama = 5/5
Darkness = 4/5
Humor = 0/5
Stars = 5 ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
Cliffhanger = No
Would I recommend this book? = Yes
Would I read future books by this author? = Yes
Another great one! Love everything with these books. Drama, danger, romance, and action keep you guessing and on the edge of your seat. The characters were great! And the plot was intense.
I'm sad it took me this long to read this book but I am now reading ALL of Helena's books I've missed. This will definitely be a great way to start the new year!
August 25, 2024
Totally awesome
Not quite where to start with my review of this book just I could not put it down.
Several different Storylines going on, This book actually made me pay attention less I start to get the characters confused Although it had the same general storyline as some of the others this 1 was really touching with Hailey and sometimes Although it had the same general storyline as some of the others this 1 was really touching with Hailey and sometimes people are not what they appear to be.
There was quite a surprise as I got towards the end of the book Excellent read Thoroughly enjoyed it
Not quite where to start with my review of this book just I could not put it down.
Several different Storylines going on, This book actually made me pay attention less I start to get the characters confused Although it had the same general storyline as some of the others this 1 was really touching with Hailey and sometimes Although it had the same general storyline as some of the others this 1 was really touching with Hailey and sometimes people are not what they appear to be.
There was quite a surprise as I got towards the end of the book Excellent read Thoroughly enjoyed it
January 14, 2019
Just brilliant
I absolutely loved this. It's got it all, Russian mafia, fbi agent trying to bring them down. crime, sex, danger and betrayal. Simple plot but so captivating. The supporting characters were good too. So much going on the pages turned far too quickly. I really hope the three bosses come together to take down the villain.
I couldn't put this one down. Helena is really good at these kind of stories. When you read them you can visualize it perfectly like a movie.
Definitely entertaining and worth a look. Brilliant, cracking read.
I absolutely loved this. It's got it all, Russian mafia, fbi agent trying to bring them down. crime, sex, danger and betrayal. Simple plot but so captivating. The supporting characters were good too. So much going on the pages turned far too quickly. I really hope the three bosses come together to take down the villain.
I couldn't put this one down. Helena is really good at these kind of stories. When you read them you can visualize it perfectly like a movie.
Definitely entertaining and worth a look. Brilliant, cracking read.
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