The Doppelganger

By: Sammi Middleton

Mia Nicholson’s life is turned upside down by the sudden deaths of her parents in an accident. Sent to live with the uncle she never knew existed, far away from the only home she has ever known, Mia angrily tries to shun her new family and life, counting down the days till she can return to the way things were before. But her family are endearing — almost insufferably so – and soon, Mia finds herself falling into a comfortable life with them, made easier by her cousin’s best friend, Brandon. Even so, things aren’t at all what they seem. Imposed a strict curfew and forbidden from leaving the house at night, Mia knows there is something her family is keeping from her. Determined to find out the truth, Mia’s life takes another unexpected turn when she learns that creatures long thought fairy-tale – vampires – exist after all. And when she is kidnapped by said monstrous creatures, truths are revealed that ensure Mia will never be safe again. Brandon knows his fair share of heartache. He’s lost everything to the vampires and is fuelled by thoughts of revenge. He hadn’t planned on falling in love again. But when he meets his best friend Connor’s cousin, Mia, he’s fallen for her before he even realises. Drawn to her through their shared grief, the pair of them navigate friendship, kidnappings and fights for survival, all whilst trying to deny their feelings for each other. But when the vampires set their sights on Mia too, Brandon risks losing someone else he loves. And he won’t let that happen. Not again. Leo, a reluctant vampire if ever there was one, longs for nothing more than a peaceful immortality. Charged with retrieving a young woman by his maker, Anton, Leo reluctantly agrees. Perhaps he can win his freedom and long coveted peace this way, he reasons. Accompanied in this task by Tabatha, a young fledgling vampire with a shrill voice and a blood hungry temperament, the pair of them carry out their duty without question. When faced with the consequences of his actions, however, Leo begins to question everything. Why this girl specifically? What makes her special? What are Anton's intentions with her? Leo soon finds himself stuck between the loyalty he has for Anton, and the humanity a lone human girl reawakens in him. One thing’s for sure however – immortality is a long time indeed when guilt haunts your every step and betrayal lurks around every corner.