What do you think?
Rate this book
Double Standards: The Notorious Five Series
*** EDITED - June 2023 ***
We were different in so many ways, polar opposites, stark contrasts; he was night and I was day.
Axel fought the law while I represented it and we could never have been more opposite.
You know what they say about opposites, though, and as much as I keep telling myself this is wrong, everything feels right. We all have double standards. But what separates us from the rest? What does it take for you to realise that your moral compass is nothing more than a mechanical piece of cogs and hands that blur the directions you should be heading? For me, it was when Axel came into my life, or maybe it was the other way around.
We were different in so many ways, polar opposites, stark contrasts; he was night and I was day.
Axel fought the law while I represented it and we could never have been more opposite.
You know what they say about opposites, though, and as much as I keep telling myself this is wrong, everything feels right. We all have double standards. But what separates us from the rest? What does it take for you to realise that your moral compass is nothing more than a mechanical piece of cogs and hands that blur the directions you should be heading? For me, it was when Axel came into my life, or maybe it was the other way around.
423 pages, Paperback
Published July 23, 2023
1 person is currently reading
158 people want to read
About the author
Sophie Dyer
29 books171 followersSophie is neurodivergent, British author currently residing in Dubai. She writes Mafia Romance with all the twists and turns you thought you saw coming.
You can find out more about Sophie below:
Website: www.thenotoriouswriter.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_notorio...
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dyers...
You can find out more about Sophie below:
Website: www.thenotoriouswriter.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_notorio...
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dyers...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
January 26, 2024
I adore Cassie and Axel’s relationship and their new whole world. I love that Cassie is a lawyer and Axel is a criminal. That scene in the office was so hot lorddddd almighty. Cooper can fall down a flight of stairs or be subject to the Five for all I care, but I will NOT attend his funeral, that’s for sure. I LOVED Trigger and Lexi. Lexi seems like a spitfire who takes no crap. Trigger seems so intriguing and I loved getting to see the softer side of him and Axel. I’m super excited to read more about them. This book was so good I didn’t want it to end but Axel was something else. Let me tell you this is my DREAM man. I loved the possessiveness and him being an alpha male, but it was also so cute to see his softer side. And that ending? I need more of Ax and Cassie like yesterday. I would live in their world forever if I had the chance.
March 4, 2024
Another great book by Sophie Dyer. This was a great mafia book. This featured the 5 Italian families. Axel was the oldest of the group. They all took the reins from their families. One day Axel ended up being arrested. Cassie was another main character in the book. She was a lawyer and she ended up meeting Axel. She was taken to the jail to meet him. He saw her on TV and he wanted her to represent him. She was dating Cooper at the time and he wasn’t happy about her taking on Axel’s case. But she didn’t have a choice. You don’t say no to him. This book had a lot of twists and turns that kept you on your toes. So good. I can’t wait to read more in this series.
January 28, 2024
To tell the truth, I was conflicted with this book.
It started being interesting from the middle on...
Especially in scenes where the Five were speaking about their "notorious" actions, I found myself dragging the book.
But in general, the plot and the whole Axel - Cassie relationship and interaction kept me reading it.
I really liked the fact that even if Axel was the bad guy he treated Cassie with so much care and love, giving me the moral that bad guys - villains - also deserve a happy ending!
It was my first time reading a Mafia book and I can't say I'm into it as a genre...
If you're into Mafia totally go for it...
If you're like me and you're not a fan, well ... give it a chance. Why not?
It started being interesting from the middle on...
Especially in scenes where the Five were speaking about their "notorious" actions, I found myself dragging the book.
But in general, the plot and the whole Axel - Cassie relationship and interaction kept me reading it.
I really liked the fact that even if Axel was the bad guy he treated Cassie with so much care and love, giving me the moral that bad guys - villains - also deserve a happy ending!
It was my first time reading a Mafia book and I can't say I'm into it as a genre...
If you're into Mafia totally go for it...
If you're like me and you're not a fan, well ... give it a chance. Why not?
February 17, 2024
Cassie is a lawyer, content in her life, but just going through the motions. Axel is one of the Notorious Five and is being framed for a crime he didn't commit. He sets his eyes on Cassie when he sees her recent winning case. Of course, she's hesitant but quickly sees the gentleman beneath the morally gray man he displays for the world. You're thrown into a world of crime and drama but you'll love every minute of it.
February 25, 2024
This book is a great read if you enjoy mafia romances. It has everything you’d expect tension, romance and morally grey men you can’t help but fall in love with. I loved Axel & Cassie’s story it had a storyline that kept you guessing and sexual tension that just oozes off the page. Fantastic read and I can’t wait to read the rest of the series.
February 15, 2024
Axel Bonanno needed an attorney. Not any attorney, he needed the best. He was being falsely accused for killing the mayor. Axel has done many things but he did not do this. Cassidy Caruthers was who he wanted. Being a member of The Five, granted him certain privileges. The Five consist of families of organized crime that run New York. Axel is the unofficial head of The Five. Cassidy is an up and coming lawyer that just came off of a big case that was highly publicized. Everything pointed to her client being guilty, but somehow she was able to get him off. That's why Axel wants and needs her to represent him.
Cassidy has a boyfriend, Cooper, and a best friend, Lexi, a detective for NYPD. Cassie did what she did best. You don't say no to The Five when they come calling. Everyone in her life was against her getting involved, but what other choice did she have. It did not help the Axel was very attractive. In fact, all of the members of The Five were attractive. There was something between Cassie and Axel. Something that could not be denied. Axel felt it too. He felt very protective of her. So much so, that he had her followed and looked into her boyfriend.
While involved in Axel's trial, Cassie found out her boyfriend was cheating on her. This gave her the courage to finally act on her urges. She went straight to Axel. Now that he had her he would never let her go. Now everybody is anxiously awaiting the outcome of the trial. Something isn't right. It seems the District Attorney, Aiden Daniels, is willing to do anything to convict Axel. Can Cassie find a way out of this mess?
This books has a lot going on, but it is worth the read. Seeing Axel not in boss mode with Cassie will have readers falling in love with him. All of The Five will have readers wanting more. I can't wait to dive into this series and read more about them all.
Cassidy has a boyfriend, Cooper, and a best friend, Lexi, a detective for NYPD. Cassie did what she did best. You don't say no to The Five when they come calling. Everyone in her life was against her getting involved, but what other choice did she have. It did not help the Axel was very attractive. In fact, all of the members of The Five were attractive. There was something between Cassie and Axel. Something that could not be denied. Axel felt it too. He felt very protective of her. So much so, that he had her followed and looked into her boyfriend.
While involved in Axel's trial, Cassie found out her boyfriend was cheating on her. This gave her the courage to finally act on her urges. She went straight to Axel. Now that he had her he would never let her go. Now everybody is anxiously awaiting the outcome of the trial. Something isn't right. It seems the District Attorney, Aiden Daniels, is willing to do anything to convict Axel. Can Cassie find a way out of this mess?
This books has a lot going on, but it is worth the read. Seeing Axel not in boss mode with Cassie will have readers falling in love with him. All of The Five will have readers wanting more. I can't wait to dive into this series and read more about them all.
January 7, 2025
I absolutely love Sophie dyer " the queen of mafia romance" and her books. And I knew I just needed to read her notorious five series, when I seen people raving about it. And they weren't wrong, it was so fucking good. I loved every minute of it. I'm just sad it took me this long to read it !
What a great way to start the series. Axel and Cassie, complete opposites, he's a criminal, she's an attorney, he needs her help. She hesitant but then sees the true man underneath. Completely chalk and cheese. But you know the saying right!? Right! There passion is everything, it's practically pouring off the pages.
Once I started I was not putting it down for anything " adulting be damned " that's how I felt. It's definitely a rollercoaster ride with lots going on with twists and turns. It's intriguing, passionate, intense, all consuming, and it's action packed. I was hooked.
I love Sophie's writing style it sucks you in and keeps you hooked, making you feel like your apart of the world she created. The characters, plot and storyline was wonderfully done and written as always.
I can't wait to sink my teeth into the rest of this series. Hot damn. Highly recommend!!
What a great way to start the series. Axel and Cassie, complete opposites, he's a criminal, she's an attorney, he needs her help. She hesitant but then sees the true man underneath. Completely chalk and cheese. But you know the saying right!? Right! There passion is everything, it's practically pouring off the pages.
Once I started I was not putting it down for anything " adulting be damned " that's how I felt. It's definitely a rollercoaster ride with lots going on with twists and turns. It's intriguing, passionate, intense, all consuming, and it's action packed. I was hooked.
I love Sophie's writing style it sucks you in and keeps you hooked, making you feel like your apart of the world she created. The characters, plot and storyline was wonderfully done and written as always.
I can't wait to sink my teeth into the rest of this series. Hot damn. Highly recommend!!
January 12, 2025
This was my first foray into the world of The Notorious Five and Sophie Dyer. Let's just say I was not disappointed.
The development of the relationship between Cassie and Axel wasn't rushed. It felt completely natural, and the intensity between them was palpable.
The story overall was a clever balance of bad boy, good girl vibes, hot sex and emotions on top of passion. I really enjoyed reading this as part of my 2025 challenge and already have the other four books on my list to purchase.
If Max, Hunter, Trigger and Ryder are as delicious, sexy and intense as Axel, then this reader cannot wait.
The development of the relationship between Cassie and Axel wasn't rushed. It felt completely natural, and the intensity between them was palpable.
The story overall was a clever balance of bad boy, good girl vibes, hot sex and emotions on top of passion. I really enjoyed reading this as part of my 2025 challenge and already have the other four books on my list to purchase.
If Max, Hunter, Trigger and Ryder are as delicious, sexy and intense as Axel, then this reader cannot wait.
January 20, 2024
Double Standards is book 1 in the Notorious Five series and is Axel, one of the Notorious Five and Cassie's story. Cassie is one of New Yorks top defense attorney's and she's who Axel calls when he finds himself in a bit of a mess. These characters are so freakin HOT together you can see steam coming from the pages. Their story is intense, intriguing and extremely consuming. The storyline, like the characters, just pulls you in and holds you captive until the end. I'm excited to explore the rest of this series.
February 7, 2024
Double Standard
Sophie Dyer is the queen of mafia romance and this book solidified that title!! Cassie and Axel’s story is much a good. They are opposite In every way but still have an attraction towards each other. One is in the mafia, the other on the good side of the law. They have the other second guessing everything they stand for and what they truly want. I went through all of the emotions in this book. 😵😍😩🫣😥🥰
I’m forever a fan of Sophie Dyer and I can’t wait to read the rest of the Notorious Five Series!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
TW:🖤🖤
Sophie Dyer is the queen of mafia romance and this book solidified that title!! Cassie and Axel’s story is much a good. They are opposite In every way but still have an attraction towards each other. One is in the mafia, the other on the good side of the law. They have the other second guessing everything they stand for and what they truly want. I went through all of the emotions in this book. 😵😍😩🫣😥🥰
I’m forever a fan of Sophie Dyer and I can’t wait to read the rest of the Notorious Five Series!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
TW:🖤🖤
June 24, 2025
This was a quick read for me. it started with a bang and never let up. Cassie got bullied into being Axels lawyer and they had chem from the jump. they had somw steamy scenes. Axel came off as a tough guy but he had this vulnerable side that he didn't let many see. I did think the court stuff would go on longer but it wsd pretty short. Her boyfriend needed to go earlier than he actually did. I am very interested in the five men because they are all different and I cant wait to hear their background stories.
February 2, 2024
The passion and desire between Axel and Cassie sucks you in. Cassie is a good girl, and Axel is a criminal but that doesn't impact their attraction. She knows they are opposites but something inside her is forcing her to have a double standard when it comes to Axel.
The intensity is strong as romance and steam ooze out of the pages. Sophie Dyer will have you captivated until the end, wanting more and more of the story between Axel and Cassie.
The intensity is strong as romance and steam ooze out of the pages. Sophie Dyer will have you captivated until the end, wanting more and more of the story between Axel and Cassie.
August 25, 2024
I love mafia romances, and Sophie Dyer is one of my go-tos for it. She never disappoints me. Double Standards is book 1 of The Notorious Five, it’s Cassie’s and Axel’s story. You know what they say, opposites attract, that’s the epitome of who they are. This was an amazing opener to the series. I can’t wait to read the rest of this series!
As always be mindful of trigger warnings, what I like you may not.
Happy Reading!
As always be mindful of trigger warnings, what I like you may not.
Happy Reading!
February 6, 2024
Axel is a yummy mafia member. Cassie is the girl next door down to earth good girl type.
I am obsessed with mafia romance right now! The emotions in this are so strong you can't put the book down. Sophie did an amazing job creating an easy to follow plot and chemistry of characters. This is steamy and sexy and fun. The whole book was captivating and exciting.
I am obsessed with mafia romance right now! The emotions in this are so strong you can't put the book down. Sophie did an amazing job creating an easy to follow plot and chemistry of characters. This is steamy and sexy and fun. The whole book was captivating and exciting.
February 18, 2024
Dark mafia books are one of my favorite genres of books to read and Sophie does them justice with the first book in this series. I am so glad there is going to be more stories following this one as I can't get enough. The way she writes her characters is absolutely amazing and had me captivated from the very beginning
February 4, 2024
Wow, this book was an amazing read. I had a hard time putting it down. The plot of the story was amazing. I love the characters. I the the chemistry between everyone in the story.. I can't wait to read more. I love that it's Mafia meets Attorney.
February 16, 2024
Wow this book got me hooked from the beginning. I had a hard time putting it down. The plot was a rollercoaster which I love. I fell in love with the characters. Mafia world meets Attorney's world. Definitely a reread for sure.
November 21, 2023
This was my first mafia romance and it got me hooked! Unique characters and the story kept me engaged the whole time. I may have read the entire series in just a couple of weeks 🤷🏻♀️😜
January 28, 2024
UGH 😭😭 I am head over heels for this series!! I only picked this up after reading Silenced Lies and I LOVE THIS!!!!! Def in my mafia era.
March 10, 2024
The beginning starts off slow, but does pick up and gets spicy. I love Axel!
September 10, 2023
I couldn't turn the pages fast enough on this one! Sophie's creation of the Five is outstanding!
Axel and Cassie's love may be controversial but it is soooo worth it!
Axel is the perfect bad boy with a "mine" complex that alters his world. Cassie deserved all the happiness in the world and when the beautifully dangerous mafia man stumbles into her life the heat is on!!
Loved the back and forth between these characters and the introduction to the other five. I was so sad the story was over but so happy I could carry on into book 2!
Axel and Cassie's love may be controversial but it is soooo worth it!
Axel is the perfect bad boy with a "mine" complex that alters his world. Cassie deserved all the happiness in the world and when the beautifully dangerous mafia man stumbles into her life the heat is on!!
Loved the back and forth between these characters and the introduction to the other five. I was so sad the story was over but so happy I could carry on into book 2!
December 25, 2023
I couldn't turn the pages fast enough on this one! Sophie's creation of the Five is outstanding!
Axel and Cassie's love may be controversial but it is soooo worth it!
Axel is the perfect bad boy with a "mine" complex that alters his world. Cassie deserved all the happiness in the world and when the beautifully dangerous mafia man stumbles into her life the heat is on!!
Loved the back and forth between these characters and the introduction to the other five. I was so sad the story was over but so happy I could carry on into book 2!
Axel and Cassie's love may be controversial but it is soooo worth it!
Axel is the perfect bad boy with a "mine" complex that alters his world. Cassie deserved all the happiness in the world and when the beautifully dangerous mafia man stumbles into her life the heat is on!!
Loved the back and forth between these characters and the introduction to the other five. I was so sad the story was over but so happy I could carry on into book 2!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews