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Doppelbänger
Taking self-love to a whole new dimension…
August Blackthorne:
Pitifully broke? Check.
Fresh from a messy breakup? Check.
The apparent object of some weirdo stalker’s affection? Unfortunately, also check.
But everything changes when I finally get the chance to confront the guy who’s been terrorising me, only to discover that he’s actually… me. From a parallel universe. A smarter, more confident, sexy quantum physicist version of me.
And for some reason, he wants my help.
You’d think a super genius like him could find a better way to say hi, wouldn’t you?
August Blackthorne (the other one):
This was supposed to be simple: find the version of me in this reality, put our two genius brains together, and fix the problem I’ve created. Only this August isn’t a quantum physicist like I am. He’s a body-building, music-loving, karate-teaching absolute sweetheart.
And I’m falling hard for him. The kind of hard that could destroy the universe. Because unless we can find a way to undo this mess, his whole existence will be torn apart, atom by atom, him included.
But when he finds out who I really am, and what I’ve done, I know he’ll never want to see me again.
How am I supposed to save the universe when doing it will destroy the one person I truly care about?
Doppelbänger is the mind-bending, world-ending, utterly outrageous, action-packed, spicy sci-fi MM rom-com of your most warped daydreams. The ultimate story of self-love, weird science, and romance that defies the barriers of time and space, HEA guaranteed.
August Blackthorne:
Pitifully broke? Check.
Fresh from a messy breakup? Check.
The apparent object of some weirdo stalker’s affection? Unfortunately, also check.
But everything changes when I finally get the chance to confront the guy who’s been terrorising me, only to discover that he’s actually… me. From a parallel universe. A smarter, more confident, sexy quantum physicist version of me.
And for some reason, he wants my help.
You’d think a super genius like him could find a better way to say hi, wouldn’t you?
August Blackthorne (the other one):
This was supposed to be simple: find the version of me in this reality, put our two genius brains together, and fix the problem I’ve created. Only this August isn’t a quantum physicist like I am. He’s a body-building, music-loving, karate-teaching absolute sweetheart.
And I’m falling hard for him. The kind of hard that could destroy the universe. Because unless we can find a way to undo this mess, his whole existence will be torn apart, atom by atom, him included.
But when he finds out who I really am, and what I’ve done, I know he’ll never want to see me again.
How am I supposed to save the universe when doing it will destroy the one person I truly care about?
Doppelbänger is the mind-bending, world-ending, utterly outrageous, action-packed, spicy sci-fi MM rom-com of your most warped daydreams. The ultimate story of self-love, weird science, and romance that defies the barriers of time and space, HEA guaranteed.
510 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 5, 2026
466 people are currently reading
1731 people want to read
About the author
W.H. Lockwood
17 books187 followersAuthor of the Endymion College series, W. H. Lockwood writes gothic romance, MM action-romance, historical fiction, dark academia and cosy horror.
Raised on a diet of teen horror books and Pepsi, only willing to leave her den to attend chess club at public school, W.H. Lockwood started writing at a young age and has kept this passion throughout her life.
Always a voracious reader, she obtained an undergraduate degree in literary studies from a gorgeous sandstone university, following that with a masters in publishing and editing, then a masters in astronomy, thus uniting her two great loves of the arts and science, leaving her utterly unqualified to cope with the real world.
These days, W.H. Lockwood can often be found aimlessly wandering the coffee shops and bookstores of the beautiful city she calls home.
Raised on a diet of teen horror books and Pepsi, only willing to leave her den to attend chess club at public school, W.H. Lockwood started writing at a young age and has kept this passion throughout her life.
Always a voracious reader, she obtained an undergraduate degree in literary studies from a gorgeous sandstone university, following that with a masters in publishing and editing, then a masters in astronomy, thus uniting her two great loves of the arts and science, leaving her utterly unqualified to cope with the real world.
These days, W.H. Lockwood can often be found aimlessly wandering the coffee shops and bookstores of the beautiful city she calls home.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 414 reviews
March 16, 2026
universe: go fuck urself
august: okay!!!!!
This book. What can I say about one of my favorite books I’ve read this year???!!! Too much probably. Ugh I loved everything about this! So good. Perfect blend of spice and science. I didn’t find the storyline hard to follow with all the smarty-genius talk. I loved August & August together!!! They are absolutely everything. So the same, yet so so different. I loved the uniqueness of this book.
I really appreciated the author’s use of exclamation points where any other author would probably just gloss over it with a period. It was hard, out, in his mouth! Yes, I liked this style of writing a lot.
I will say that I did struggle sometimes with mixing up which August pov I was reading so I did have to make a point to say “good August” and “bad August” out loud before starting a new chapter so I could remember lol.
This book was everything I wanted!!! I begged the author for an arc and they graciously let me have one, and I’m definitely leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you for writing this!!! I’m obsessed
august: okay!!!!!
This book. What can I say about one of my favorite books I’ve read this year???!!! Too much probably. Ugh I loved everything about this! So good. Perfect blend of spice and science. I didn’t find the storyline hard to follow with all the smarty-genius talk. I loved August & August together!!! They are absolutely everything. So the same, yet so so different. I loved the uniqueness of this book.
I really appreciated the author’s use of exclamation points where any other author would probably just gloss over it with a period. It was hard, out, in his mouth! Yes, I liked this style of writing a lot.
I will say that I did struggle sometimes with mixing up which August pov I was reading so I did have to make a point to say “good August” and “bad August” out loud before starting a new chapter so I could remember lol.
This book was everything I wanted!!! I begged the author for an arc and they graciously let me have one, and I’m definitely leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you for writing this!!! I’m obsessed
Want to read
January 20, 2026This is too weird to resist. Falling for yourself when yourself is another self? Sign me up.
Review of advance copy received from Author
realmente espectacular sobretodo porque me imagine a los protagonistas como Hudson Williams.... excelente experiencia recomiendo 10/10 yo en las partes donde te explicaban viajes en el tiempo y toda la ciencia de fondo no entendía un pito aja si si pero después se ponían a cojer asi que yo feliz un buen balance
top-tbr
January 27, 2026Immediately YES
Want to read
December 8, 2025sounds fucking unhinged, i want it
Want to read
January 20, 2026i mean i'd fuck myself too if i could so im into this😂😂😂
January 27, 2026
Y’all if a hot neuroscientist version of myself showed up at my house and fell head over heels in love with me you would never see me AGAIN, REGARDLESS of whatever crimes they may or may not have committed!!!
If you’re looking for:
-compulsively consumable and addictive writing
-the answer to the eternal ‘would you fuck your clone’ question
-meditations on insecurity and the self
-an ex boyfriend named Jon Non Jovi who is the star of a Jon Bon Jovi cover band (obviously)
-hair metal
-a genuinely immersive plot
and
-sex that breaks the multiverse
Then this is for you!! Not joking when I say this immediately shot up to one of my favorite romances I’ve ever read. Insanely campy and hot. Thank you WH Lockwood for the arc!!!!
If you’re looking for:
-compulsively consumable and addictive writing
-the answer to the eternal ‘would you fuck your clone’ question
-meditations on insecurity and the self
-an ex boyfriend named Jon Non Jovi who is the star of a Jon Bon Jovi cover band (obviously)
-hair metal
-a genuinely immersive plot
and
-sex that breaks the multiverse
Then this is for you!! Not joking when I say this immediately shot up to one of my favorite romances I’ve ever read. Insanely campy and hot. Thank you WH Lockwood for the arc!!!!
February 21, 2026
this honestly started as the most witty and fun and intriguing thing ever.
good characters, unique plot and generally fun.
so all was really great until 85%. then we went from witty to convoluted, from fun too dumb and intriguing to honestly the most underwhelming thing ever.
maybe it should’ve been shorter, maybe the end of the world should’ve been solved by something more clever, maybe i’m simply too tired to enjoy this.
we will never know.
i will definitely read something else by this author, hoping that i’ll enjoy the last part as much as the beginning.
good characters, unique plot and generally fun.
so all was really great until 85%. then we went from witty to convoluted, from fun too dumb and intriguing to honestly the most underwhelming thing ever.
maybe it should’ve been shorter, maybe the end of the world should’ve been solved by something more clever, maybe i’m simply too tired to enjoy this.
we will never know.
i will definitely read something else by this author, hoping that i’ll enjoy the last part as much as the beginning.
January 23, 2026
If you’re looking for chaos, spice, and time-and-space travel, then this book is for you! An MM romance where the MC falls for … himself?? The whole premise of this book completely intrigued me!
This book has some crazy elements, including:
-universe hopping
-falling for an alternate reality version of yourself
-warm coke
-a diverse team of characters
-Bon Jovi??
I’ve got to start off by giving kudos to the author. This was a really cool idea, and definitely made me curious to read! It had the potential to be very confusing, but I never found myself confused while I was reading. The book hops between perspectives of “Good August” and “Bad August,” and their narration was distinct enough to keep you on-track.
Overall, I did enjoy this book, especially the beginning. It was so crazy, and there were definitely moments that had me laughing out loud incredulously, but in a good way! There is one side character that particularly made me enjoy the book even more.
In terms of the storyline, it was definitely all over the place, but it kept me interested and made sense. The ending was a little anti-climactic for me, and I did feel there were a few logistical things that didn’t seem to match up, but overall the content was very fun.
I’m sure you’re curious about the relationship aspect of the book! Overall I felt like the romance part of the book is what I enjoyed the least, actually. It wasn’t bad, but I think I was expecting something a little different. I was surprised by how much of their connection and attraction seemed to be physical. Like, these two doppelgängers are CONSTANTLY commenting on how beautiful or sexy the other one is in the narration. Somehow this doesn’t come across as vain though?
This was a very challenging story to write, and I really respect the author for their creativity and unique story! I enjoyed it and definitely recommend it to anyone who is looking for an MM romance that doesn’t fit ANY mould!
This book has some crazy elements, including:
-universe hopping
-falling for an alternate reality version of yourself
-warm coke
-a diverse team of characters
-Bon Jovi??
I’ve got to start off by giving kudos to the author. This was a really cool idea, and definitely made me curious to read! It had the potential to be very confusing, but I never found myself confused while I was reading. The book hops between perspectives of “Good August” and “Bad August,” and their narration was distinct enough to keep you on-track.
Overall, I did enjoy this book, especially the beginning. It was so crazy, and there were definitely moments that had me laughing out loud incredulously, but in a good way! There is one side character that particularly made me enjoy the book even more.
In terms of the storyline, it was definitely all over the place, but it kept me interested and made sense. The ending was a little anti-climactic for me, and I did feel there were a few logistical things that didn’t seem to match up, but overall the content was very fun.
I’m sure you’re curious about the relationship aspect of the book! Overall I felt like the romance part of the book is what I enjoyed the least, actually. It wasn’t bad, but I think I was expecting something a little different. I was surprised by how much of their connection and attraction seemed to be physical. Like, these two doppelgängers are CONSTANTLY commenting on how beautiful or sexy the other one is in the narration. Somehow this doesn’t come across as vain though?
This was a very challenging story to write, and I really respect the author for their creativity and unique story! I enjoyed it and definitely recommend it to anyone who is looking for an MM romance that doesn’t fit ANY mould!
January 23, 2026
first off i want to thank W.H. Lockwood for the ARC of this book.
I’ll admit that i had signed up to receive an ARC because i thought the premise of this book seemed like a silly, good time. imagine my surprise when i started reading and quickly fell in love with not just the characters but the overall story, the action, the adventure, the science! i never considered myself a big sci-fi fan before but i think this book has changed that. it was so much deeper and involved and gripping than your run of the mill contemporary romance. i was so engrossed in this story by the end of the first chapter.
there were parts that had me laughing out loud, then crying, and then just being overall so impressed by the amount of work and thought the author clearly put into explaining the physics of multiverses within this story. the romance was slow burn and beautiful but even without that, the story had me hooked because it was just so interesting. i had so much fun reading this novel and would recommend it to anyone who is even slightly intrigued by it.
am i a sci-fi girly now? i think i am.
I’ll admit that i had signed up to receive an ARC because i thought the premise of this book seemed like a silly, good time. imagine my surprise when i started reading and quickly fell in love with not just the characters but the overall story, the action, the adventure, the science! i never considered myself a big sci-fi fan before but i think this book has changed that. it was so much deeper and involved and gripping than your run of the mill contemporary romance. i was so engrossed in this story by the end of the first chapter.
there were parts that had me laughing out loud, then crying, and then just being overall so impressed by the amount of work and thought the author clearly put into explaining the physics of multiverses within this story. the romance was slow burn and beautiful but even without that, the story had me hooked because it was just so interesting. i had so much fun reading this novel and would recommend it to anyone who is even slightly intrigued by it.
am i a sci-fi girly now? i think i am.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This story was extraordinary. I loved every minute of reading it. It was mindboggling and also made sense at the exact same time. i never knew where the story was heading.
February 17, 2026
This was such a delightfully odd story about falling in love with yourself (literally) & then figuring out how to save the multiverse together. It was chaotic, unique & filled with lots of time & space travel. August & August were just perfect together-they’re the same but also so so different & I love their humor & how protective they are of each other. The whole book was just beautifully written!
Also, I feel like this book could have been super confusing, but the author starts each chapter off letting you know if it’s the “Good August” or “Bad August” pov. It was pretty easy to differentiate between their inner monologues as well after a few chapters. I liked that the science mostly wasn’t too difficult for me to follow (but I feel like some parts had my brain hurting a lil bit tho 🤣). Overall had a really great time reading this book!
Fav parts:
“No. No, this isn’t happening. There is no way, that of all the people in the world, I’m actually crushing on… myself.”
“What we have is beyond love, beyond time, beyond worlds. This is the most powerful force in the universe, and I feel it in my heart as much as I know it in my head. You’re my multiverse, August.”
Also, I feel like this book could have been super confusing, but the author starts each chapter off letting you know if it’s the “Good August” or “Bad August” pov. It was pretty easy to differentiate between their inner monologues as well after a few chapters. I liked that the science mostly wasn’t too difficult for me to follow (but I feel like some parts had my brain hurting a lil bit tho 🤣). Overall had a really great time reading this book!
Fav parts:
“No. No, this isn’t happening. There is no way, that of all the people in the world, I’m actually crushing on… myself.”
“What we have is beyond love, beyond time, beyond worlds. This is the most powerful force in the universe, and I feel it in my heart as much as I know it in my head. You’re my multiverse, August.”
January 25, 2026
“Who got you smiling like that?” Um.. this book. The biggest grin spread WIDE across my face because I loved every single second of this book. I love strange and unusual things, and I fuckin love science, but even with that, I still did not expect to love this book as much as I did. It was SO MUCH MORE! I don’t annotate or highlight often but this book has highlight after highlight after highlight because the writing and the way Lockwood was able to bring PURE, DEEP, emotional LOVE ONTO the page, it’s true talent. Not to mention, convincing me that loving yourself in such a UNCONVENTIONAL was completely acceptable lol! This book had me staying up late and laying in bed all day just because I DID not want to put it down. It was truly special and ridiculous and charming and I fuckin loved it. Thank you!
February 20, 2026
This was a wild concept and i LOVED every bit of it.
Currently reading
March 15, 2026saw this on instagram. sounds absolutely ridiculous. perfect material for a buddy read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
"We're talking the complete multiverse, billions of worlds, all shot down because you two want to fuck."
"You don't call a man beautiful beneath the stars while discussing lonely space probes and not expect it to mean something."
Have you ever thought "if only I could meet someone who knows me without me having to tell them anything? Who has all the exact same special interests, favourite foods, who just GETS ME" . . . This book takes that thought, stretches it out like pizza dough and blow it up in the best way.
It sounds insane, right? Falling for yourself? But who knows you better than you?
This whole premise was carried out BEAUTIFULLY and I got thoroughly lost in the mystery, whimsy and overall chaos this book has in spades. I laughed a LOT, I cried, I got frustrated with the characters and cringed at Jon's early bullshit. I love a book that can make me experience all the emotions.
The feeling at the start of the book was sweet, low stakes, some secrets from Bad August 👀 but very much felt like a typical meet cute romance—until it wasn't, until time was running out and we met the Jon Bon Jovi cover band ex and his groupies. From there secrets were revealed, the sky was bleeding and general world ending chaos ensued.
There's nothing I love more than when the sweet cinnamon roll character throws all his morals out the window just to keep the person he loves by his side, and Doppelbänger delivered!!
I loved both Good and Bad August so much; the tension, the feeling of being seen, the struggle with choosing between themselves and the fate of the entire universe when all they wanted was to be happy and together 😭 they deserved that HEA!
"You don't call a man beautiful beneath the stars while discussing lonely space probes and not expect it to mean something."
Have you ever thought "if only I could meet someone who knows me without me having to tell them anything? Who has all the exact same special interests, favourite foods, who just GETS ME" . . . This book takes that thought, stretches it out like pizza dough and blow it up in the best way.
It sounds insane, right? Falling for yourself? But who knows you better than you?
This whole premise was carried out BEAUTIFULLY and I got thoroughly lost in the mystery, whimsy and overall chaos this book has in spades. I laughed a LOT, I cried, I got frustrated with the characters and cringed at Jon's early bullshit. I love a book that can make me experience all the emotions.
The feeling at the start of the book was sweet, low stakes, some secrets from Bad August 👀 but very much felt like a typical meet cute romance—until it wasn't, until time was running out and we met the Jon Bon Jovi cover band ex and his groupies. From there secrets were revealed, the sky was bleeding and general world ending chaos ensued.
There's nothing I love more than when the sweet cinnamon roll character throws all his morals out the window just to keep the person he loves by his side, and Doppelbänger delivered!!
I loved both Good and Bad August so much; the tension, the feeling of being seen, the struggle with choosing between themselves and the fate of the entire universe when all they wanted was to be happy and together 😭 they deserved that HEA!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2026
DOPPLEBANG ME! 💖🤓🤣
One thing you need to know about Lockwood’s books, is that they are ALWAYS EPIC! She never plays it safe and honestly, THANK SKY DADDY for that.
It’s unhinged, deeply moving and funny af. This has one of the most epic first kiss scenes I’ve ever read. I’m telling you now, you need to read it for that scene alone!
Also there’s a sexy new trope. I know we’ve all heard of “c*ck warming”, but have you heard of “Coke Warming”😏 nothing like a hot Coke! 😂
Laughs aside, at the core of this book we are left asking what the purest form of love is. This book asks you to learn to love yourself, and in doing so, you’ll get to experience the greatest love story of all time; The one you have with yourself. We are imperfect, flawed, and deeply unique. No one else in this galaxy or other dimension is like you. What a beautiful thing it is to fall in love with yourself 💖
One thing you need to know about Lockwood’s books, is that they are ALWAYS EPIC! She never plays it safe and honestly, THANK SKY DADDY for that.
It’s unhinged, deeply moving and funny af. This has one of the most epic first kiss scenes I’ve ever read. I’m telling you now, you need to read it for that scene alone!
Also there’s a sexy new trope. I know we’ve all heard of “c*ck warming”, but have you heard of “Coke Warming”😏 nothing like a hot Coke! 😂
Laughs aside, at the core of this book we are left asking what the purest form of love is. This book asks you to learn to love yourself, and in doing so, you’ll get to experience the greatest love story of all time; The one you have with yourself. We are imperfect, flawed, and deeply unique. No one else in this galaxy or other dimension is like you. What a beautiful thing it is to fall in love with yourself 💖
January 27, 2026
Hands down one of my fave reads!! This book just blew me away, it made me laugh cry, swoon, and then after I was just like I need a minute 😂…. “ I’m sorry for everything you’ve been through. But even if it’s selfish, I’m glad you’re here with me. I’m glad you made it to my world. Even if it’s just for a little while, I’m glad I met you and that you’re in my life” Bad August & Good August first meet when bad August hops into his world and they end up in a time loop and literally from the get go I was drawn into it. The whole plot was just absolutely brilliant and I’m not much of a science Gal but I was actually really fascinated with everything going on. For ages I was thinking how will they get through this and it all worked out just incredible like no words tbh! “ Of all the mes in all the universes, why did this one have to be walking sex” Not gonna lie could actually read about their sex life everyday , it was all poetry and cosmic bliss and chefs Kiss W.H Lockwood truly outdid themselves with this book and I’m forever grateful to be able to arc read and be apart of their team… Okay let me talk about Jon Non Jovi ,, I think you will never forget this if you read this book because it was just hilarious and I solid laughed with tears for ages… Jon ( Nigel 😂) I love you dude! Never stop being you… i loved all the side characters in this including assassin August so glad they all got their HEA! The most powerful message i got from this book was from this quote…. “ He’s me so completely and my soul is at peace for the first time. If I could stay here. If I could be him, held and made whole by him. The missing piece of myself. Me” Never stop believing in yourself and love yourself for who you are all the parts of you!!!! This isn’t 5 stars it’s ♾️ 😭😭😭🥰🥰🥰
March 5, 2026
What. A. Journey.
gorgeous cover art - ✅
unique premise - ✅
insanely hot smut - ✅
very annoying ex-bf trope (both the trope and the ex-bf, sorry not sorry) - ✅
SO MUCH CHAOS - big fat ✅
I genuinely don’t know how to rate this.
August & August went from kind of flirty to full-on “I would die for you” faster than the speed of light. Their constant love declarations were a lot, but somehow the ride-or-die devotion lowkey worked???
The whole concept is absolutely right up my alley. The sci-fi aspect is done surprisingly thoughtfully. But oh my god… this book is messy. At many points the story felt completely over the top and around the middle the plot dragged a bit, but it was still entertaining enough that my annoyance didn’t quite manage to beat my curiosity. Side characters seemed shallow, like I wouldn’t have minded if the whole book was just a lot of Augusts. There are a million other things I’d like to say, but I’ll probably need a reread to fully process whatever this rollercoaster was.
And from now on I may never look at Jon Bon Jovi without a scowl. Hopefully time will heal that.
gorgeous cover art - ✅
unique premise - ✅
insanely hot smut - ✅
very annoying ex-bf trope (both the trope and the ex-bf, sorry not sorry) - ✅
SO MUCH CHAOS - big fat ✅
I genuinely don’t know how to rate this.
August & August went from kind of flirty to full-on “I would die for you” faster than the speed of light. Their constant love declarations were a lot, but somehow the ride-or-die devotion lowkey worked???
The whole concept is absolutely right up my alley. The sci-fi aspect is done surprisingly thoughtfully. But oh my god… this book is messy. At many points the story felt completely over the top and around the middle the plot dragged a bit, but it was still entertaining enough that my annoyance didn’t quite manage to beat my curiosity. Side characters seemed shallow, like I wouldn’t have minded if the whole book was just a lot of Augusts. There are a million other things I’d like to say, but I’ll probably need a reread to fully process whatever this rollercoaster was.
And from now on I may never look at Jon Bon Jovi without a scowl. Hopefully time will heal that.
Review of advance copy received from Author
5 ⭐ 3.5 🌶️
Who could have imagined feeling feelings while reading about some dude banging his other self? Well. Here we are. 50 chapters later and I've fallen for multiple August Blackthornes and, quite frankly, I still want more. We meet so many Augusts in this story and while Good August and Bad August will forever be my faves, I'd be remiss if I didn't say I wouldn't mind a certain August and his certain boy toy to be featured in a novella some day *giggles*
But for real. The math and physics were a perfect balance of wtf is August talking about and holy heck this sounds so cool. WH may or may not know what she's talking about, but it's sci-fi so I'm not fact checking and just enjoying the nerdy ride. And what a ride it was. So dang fun.
The spice was phenomenal. The side characters were perfect (in the most flawed ways). And the plot was emotional, thought provoking and yet still a freaking blast. I loved this one from beginning to end, thank you so much to WH for the advanced copy!
Who could have imagined feeling feelings while reading about some dude banging his other self? Well. Here we are. 50 chapters later and I've fallen for multiple August Blackthornes and, quite frankly, I still want more. We meet so many Augusts in this story and while Good August and Bad August will forever be my faves, I'd be remiss if I didn't say I wouldn't mind a certain August and his certain boy toy to be featured in a novella some day *giggles*
But for real. The math and physics were a perfect balance of wtf is August talking about and holy heck this sounds so cool. WH may or may not know what she's talking about, but it's sci-fi so I'm not fact checking and just enjoying the nerdy ride. And what a ride it was. So dang fun.
The spice was phenomenal. The side characters were perfect (in the most flawed ways). And the plot was emotional, thought provoking and yet still a freaking blast. I loved this one from beginning to end, thank you so much to WH for the advanced copy!
January 24, 2026
”What we have is beyond love, beyond time, beyond worlds. This is the most powerful force in the universe, and I feel it in my heart as much as I know it in my head. You're my multiverse, August.”
5 universe-destroyingly-good stars 🤩🤩
I absolutely loved every single second of this book! WH Lockwood has crafted an incredibly unique, goofy, sexy, chaotic, sciencey and beautiful inter-dimensional love
story, and if that sentence alone isn’t enough to convince you to read Doppelbänger here are a few more reasons:
✨ Imagine sex so good it transcends time and space. Literally.
✨ A whole new meaning to the term self love
✨ Masturbating in front of a mirror but when your lover is your clone it’s like you’re watching them *wink wink*
This book was an absolute pleasure to read and my ass was genuinely laughing out loud nearly every chapter! I cannot wait for the full release so I can instantly buy a physical copy and annotate the shit out of this!! The cast of characters are personable, hilarious, sexy and make for an amazing ragtag group to explore the multiverse with 🚀
Massive thank you to the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review~
February 11, 2026
3.5 ⭐️ Guys, I read the news every day. This universe isn’t worth saving, humanity has failed as a concept 😂 But overall, an entertaining read, if a bit drawn out.
February 21, 2026
Rating 3.5 stars rounded up
A really fun idea but this was really too long tbh
A really fun idea but this was really too long tbh
Review of advance copy received from Author
4,5🌟
Wow! Calling this story unique is honestly an understatement. The blurb hooked me instantly, because… a guy falling in love with himself from a parallel universe? Say no more.
I was really curious to see how the author would pull this off without it becoming confusing (two main characters both named August? Risky move). But it was handled brilliantly. Even with the dual POV, I always knew exactly which August I was following.
I ended up loving everything about this book: the characters, the side characters (Bon Jovi???), and all the tiny details that made the story feel so original and unforgettable. Huge kudos to the author for coming up with so many clever alternate-universe quirks... like hot Coke?? Who even thinks of that? 😂
I came for the wild premise, but I stayed for everything else.
Wow! Calling this story unique is honestly an understatement. The blurb hooked me instantly, because… a guy falling in love with himself from a parallel universe? Say no more.
I was really curious to see how the author would pull this off without it becoming confusing (two main characters both named August? Risky move). But it was handled brilliantly. Even with the dual POV, I always knew exactly which August I was following.
I ended up loving everything about this book: the characters, the side characters (Bon Jovi???), and all the tiny details that made the story feel so original and unforgettable. Huge kudos to the author for coming up with so many clever alternate-universe quirks... like hot Coke?? Who even thinks of that? 😂
I came for the wild premise, but I stayed for everything else.
But chaos doesn’t have to be destructive. Chaos is beautiful. You and me, we’re the patterns in the clouds of Jupiter. We’re the snow falling on Enceladus. We’re the perfect accident of a beautiful constellation stretching across the night sky. We are the beauty that comes of chaos.
January 31, 2026
This was a really unique idea for a story…and also completely unhinged which of course I loved!
The idea of meeting another you from a different universe and falling for yourself???
This book was so good! The story is complex but keeps moving and explaining and the two Augusts are completely different people despite being the same 🤣
There’s a huge message about self love (literally) and the importance of loving yourself.
Also there’s Bon Jovi 🤣 iykyk
The idea of meeting another you from a different universe and falling for yourself???
This book was so good! The story is complex but keeps moving and explaining and the two Augusts are completely different people despite being the same 🤣
There’s a huge message about self love (literally) and the importance of loving yourself.
Also there’s Bon Jovi 🤣 iykyk
February 7, 2026
What a fun ride! Döppelbanger is everything it promised: all the wildest what-ifs come to life when August meets August and interdimensional sparks fly. Their chemistry is everything. I especially loved how they grow to love themselves (self?) while loving one another.
The story had me so invested with well-balanced angst, silliness, and plenty of heat. I was locked in for the scifi shenanigans. Bonus points for the fantastic playlist that matches the book's energy. Bon Jovi is near and dear to my heart.
Thanks so much to the author for sending an advance copy my way! I'm leaving this review of my own accord.
The story had me so invested with well-balanced angst, silliness, and plenty of heat. I was locked in for the scifi shenanigans. Bonus points for the fantastic playlist that matches the book's energy. Bon Jovi is near and dear to my heart.
Thanks so much to the author for sending an advance copy my way! I'm leaving this review of my own accord.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I’ve finished this book about doppelgängers and parallel realities, and unfortunately, it didn’t work for me.
I usually try not to be too demanding when it comes to books meant as pure guilty pleasure. I don’t always expect deep worldbuilding or philosophical depth from this kind of story, and that’s completely fine. However, in this case, I struggled to stay engaged and seriously considered DNF more than once.
The romantic connection between the main characters felt rushed and underdeveloped. The instant attraction didn’t feel emotionally grounded, and the speed with which their feelings escalated — declarations of eternal love and soulmate-level devotion after a very short time — made it difficult for me to believe in their relationship, especially given the supposedly catastrophic consequences tied to their actions.
Let's not forget they are identical, so I was expecting a slower development of affection, stronger guilt/shame overcoming phase, longer "accepting your feelings" period. when right from the second chapter, the narration focused around the hotteness of August's body.
The science side of the story, particularly the use of quantum physics and multiverse theory, felt inconsistent. Real concepts were taken, mixed with speculative ideas, and stretched in ways that served the plot only when convenient. I could have accepted a more fantastical interpretation if the rules had remained consistent, but the logic seemed to shift whenever more drama was needed.
Additionally, the pacing of the romance and intimacy felt unbalanced. A large amount of sexual content appears late in the book, and its narrative purpose
*SPOILER*
(particularly as a solution to the central conflict)
*END SPOILER*
didn’t feel satisfying or earned to me.
That said, this book clearly has its audience, and readers who enjoy romance with some fantastic elements and interesting kinky smut, who enjoy bold ideas and heavy emphasis on passion may have a very different experience.
While this story wasn’t for me, I appreciate the opportunity to read it early and form my own opinion.
I usually try not to be too demanding when it comes to books meant as pure guilty pleasure. I don’t always expect deep worldbuilding or philosophical depth from this kind of story, and that’s completely fine. However, in this case, I struggled to stay engaged and seriously considered DNF more than once.
The romantic connection between the main characters felt rushed and underdeveloped. The instant attraction didn’t feel emotionally grounded, and the speed with which their feelings escalated — declarations of eternal love and soulmate-level devotion after a very short time — made it difficult for me to believe in their relationship, especially given the supposedly catastrophic consequences tied to their actions.
Let's not forget they are identical, so I was expecting a slower development of affection, stronger guilt/shame overcoming phase, longer "accepting your feelings" period. when right from the second chapter, the narration focused around the hotteness of August's body.
The science side of the story, particularly the use of quantum physics and multiverse theory, felt inconsistent. Real concepts were taken, mixed with speculative ideas, and stretched in ways that served the plot only when convenient. I could have accepted a more fantastical interpretation if the rules had remained consistent, but the logic seemed to shift whenever more drama was needed.
Additionally, the pacing of the romance and intimacy felt unbalanced. A large amount of sexual content appears late in the book, and its narrative purpose
*SPOILER*
(particularly as a solution to the central conflict)
*END SPOILER*
didn’t feel satisfying or earned to me.
That said, this book clearly has its audience, and readers who enjoy romance with some fantastic elements and interesting kinky smut, who enjoy bold ideas and heavy emphasis on passion may have a very different experience.
While this story wasn’t for me, I appreciate the opportunity to read it early and form my own opinion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2026
4 Slutty Stars ⭐— 4 🌶—
ARC Read: 23/01/2026
I received this ebook for free from the author and I'm leaving this review of my own accord. Thank you W.H. Lockwood for this gift. 🥰
What to expect from this book? 🤔
🫶 MM Sci-Fi Adult RomCom 🥵
⚛️ Parallel Reality Crossover
💘 August Blackthorne x August Blackthorne
🔥 He Falls for Himself
💘 Slow Burn that Explodes
⚛️ Quantum Physicist x Not Quantum Physicist
🤓 Slutty Little Glasses
🖤 Grumpy x Sunshine 💜
👖 Slutty Grey Track Pants
💫 Save The Universe
💕 Found Family
⚛️ HEA
Format: Ebook/ARC
Cover: 5/5
Series: Standalone
Story: 5/5
POV: Dual - 1st Person
Plot: 5/5
Main Characters:
5/5 - August Blackthorne: 20s, he/him. The good one.
5/5 - August Blackthorne: 20s, he/him. The bad one.
Side Characters: 4/5
Steam Level: 4/5
Romance: High Focus
NO WORDS!
I love this book so much!
What a trip. I love my August babies 💕
Wanted to read selfcest for along time... this book was everything for me!
Humor: High Focus
Angst: Medium Focus
Cheating? No
The Ending: 5
HEA/HFN/Cliffhanger: HEA
Favorite character? Both Augusts!!!!
Enjoyment: 5/5
This is my 1st book by W.H. Lockwood.
Socials: https://linktr.ee/lionelle.sdaer
!!Please remember that all my reviews are a matter of my personal taste. Your opinion and what you are willing or want to tolerate in the books you read is your own. We all have different opinions and preferences when it comes to the kind of books we enjoy, so it's important to respect that. It's just a book... but reading is still political!
No AI was used to make this review. These are my own words.
Hope this review was helpful.
ARC Read: 23/01/2026
I received this ebook for free from the author and I'm leaving this review of my own accord. Thank you W.H. Lockwood for this gift. 🥰
What to expect from this book? 🤔
🫶 MM Sci-Fi Adult RomCom 🥵
⚛️ Parallel Reality Crossover
💘 August Blackthorne x August Blackthorne
🔥 He Falls for Himself
💘 Slow Burn that Explodes
⚛️ Quantum Physicist x Not Quantum Physicist
🤓 Slutty Little Glasses
🖤 Grumpy x Sunshine 💜
👖 Slutty Grey Track Pants
💫 Save The Universe
💕 Found Family
⚛️ HEA
Format: Ebook/ARC
Cover: 5/5
Series: Standalone
Story: 5/5
POV: Dual - 1st Person
Plot: 5/5
Main Characters:
5/5 - August Blackthorne: 20s, he/him. The good one.
5/5 - August Blackthorne: 20s, he/him. The bad one.
Side Characters: 4/5
Steam Level: 4/5
Romance: High Focus
NO WORDS!
I love this book so much!
What a trip. I love my August babies 💕
Wanted to read selfcest for along time... this book was everything for me!
Humor: High Focus
Angst: Medium Focus
Cheating? No
The Ending: 5
HEA/HFN/Cliffhanger: HEA
Favorite character? Both Augusts!!!!
Enjoyment: 5/5
This is my 1st book by W.H. Lockwood.
Socials: https://linktr.ee/lionelle.sdaer
!!Please remember that all my reviews are a matter of my personal taste. Your opinion and what you are willing or want to tolerate in the books you read is your own. We all have different opinions and preferences when it comes to the kind of books we enjoy, so it's important to respect that. It's just a book... but reading is still political!
No AI was used to make this review. These are my own words.
Hope this review was helpful.
March 10, 2026
I came for the chaos, and I got the chaos. This book has everything:
✅ Hooking up with your inter-dimensional self (duh)
✅ Bi Bon Jovi impersonator ex-boyfriend who takes himself too seriously (and whom everyone also takes very seriously?)
✅ “Should we save the multiverse or jump each other’s bones across time and space?” debates that were enabled by dumb friends
✅ Hot idiot scientists
✅ Hot idiot scientists/Bon Jovi cover band groupies
✅ Punching-in-the-face k*nk
✅ HOT COKE!!!!!!
✅ Too many cooks
Eff it. 5 ⭐️ It was everything I wanted it to be when I saw it in an Instagram ad. If you’ve ever watched Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure and thought that it should be sexier and gayer, this will scratch that itch. Plus, it was all the more fun as a buddy read with @alwaysbooked.up.
✅ Hooking up with your inter-dimensional self (duh)
✅ Bi Bon Jovi impersonator ex-boyfriend who takes himself too seriously (and whom everyone also takes very seriously?)
✅ “Should we save the multiverse or jump each other’s bones across time and space?” debates that were enabled by dumb friends
✅ Hot idiot scientists
✅ Hot idiot scientists/Bon Jovi cover band groupies
✅ Punching-in-the-face k*nk
✅ HOT COKE!!!!!!
✅ Too many cooks
Eff it. 5 ⭐️ It was everything I wanted it to be when I saw it in an Instagram ad. If you’ve ever watched Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure and thought that it should be sexier and gayer, this will scratch that itch. Plus, it was all the more fun as a buddy read with @alwaysbooked.up.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 rounded to 5⭐️
Wild. Absolutely wild. I thought I knew what I was getting in to with the plot of this book but it was so much more than the silly lil gay romance story I was expecting. It still held the humor and absurdity I was expecting but there was a depth to the characters and the plot that I had not anticipated.
I greatly appreciate the gift of reading this book early! These are my own thoughts n stuff
Wild. Absolutely wild. I thought I knew what I was getting in to with the plot of this book but it was so much more than the silly lil gay romance story I was expecting. It still held the humor and absurdity I was expecting but there was a depth to the characters and the plot that I had not anticipated.
I greatly appreciate the gift of reading this book early! These are my own thoughts n stuff
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