Double Standards

by Caitlyn P. Tajon

Callie Eden and Liam Chandler, two homicide detectives, cross paths in an unexpected encounter at a Christmas party. Drawn to each other's magnetic presence, they succumb to a passionate one-night stand, believing it to be a fleeting connection. However, destiny has different plans in store for them.

Fate intervenes when they are unexpectedly become partners the Newark Police Division. As they delve deeper into the investigations, their initial reluctance to acknowledge their mutual attraction is tested time and again. Callie finds herself torn between her commitment to a long-term relationship and the intense pull she feels towards Liam, who is still reeling from a painful divorce.

Their unresolved emotions manifest as constant bickering, becoming a familiar backdrop to their professional collaboration. Yet, despite their best efforts to deny their feelings, an irresistible force keeps drawing them closer together. With each case they work on, their emotional barriers slowly crumble, allowing a profound connection to develop between them.

Amidst the chaos of their personal struggles and forbidden desires, Callie and Liam find themselves embroiled in a case that challenges their resolve and threatens to unravel everything they hold dear. As they chase shadows through a dark and twisted labyrinth, they must confront their deepest fears and confront the truth about their feelings for one another.

In "Double Standards," passion and intrigue intertwine as Callie and Liam navigate the treacherous path of love and duty. Will they surrender to their forbidden attraction and risk everything they've built, or will they let the shadows of their past dictate their future?

Genres: Romance

384 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 21, 2021

Reviews

[Skye Noelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Am I biased because the author is one of my best friends and I edited this book? Yes, yes I am. But I love it and her.

Sexy cop drama? Check. Spice? Check. Discussion of mental health? Also check.

So proud of Caitlyn and her novel.

[Libby Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

The love story will have you feeling every emotion out there in the best of ways! The traumas the characters go through are very real and often times their reactions and actions are relatable. The love that grows between the characters (as well as the cliff hanger) has me very ready for book 2! The writing is spectacular with awesome detail and even better character development. It’s also set in Newark, NJ and some of NYC, which adds a fun city vibe. Also seeing a contemporary romance about 2 cops is fresh and brings a twist of power struggles, competition, and respect to a classic romance story. And let’s be real, THE SPICE WAS SO WELL WRITTEN! The emotions were extremely palpable in the steamiest of times, and the smut did not disappoint!

Please go read ASAP! You will not be disappointed

[Marissa Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness! If you like crime shows and romance novels, this book is the perfect mix!! Two detectives, who have both experienced trauma form a special bond, and their story takes a few twists and turns! Liam and Callie will frustrate you! The cliff hanger will kill you!! You’ll need tissues multiple times while reading some scenes, there are trigger warnings so definitely read those. Some topics are hard! I can not wait for book 2!! I’ve fallen in love with the two main characters and am excited to see how it all ends! Caitlyn’s writing is beautiful! This is a dual narrative and they slightly overlap at times, which I love! It lets you into both characters head space and thoughts and feelings!! The spice is spectacular! It adds to the story perfectly and their chemistry is off the charts!!! I definitely recommend this book!!

[Katelynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do you like true crime? Romance? Here’s both for you in one book. The romance? Toxic and steamy but in the best ways. Both our detectives come with some heavy baggage and deal with their mental health in both positive and destructive ways at times.

I had so much fun reading this book and trying to guess who was suspicious and my theories were constantly changing! I loved the way the different perspectives overlapped and put the pieces of the story together. The crime scene descriptions weren’t overly gory either which helped keep this book a light yet intriguing read. None of my questions were answered and there’s a small cliff hanger at the end. I need book two now , Please! I’m excited to see how this wraps up

CW: substance abuse/cheating, domestic violence, murder (crime scenes - it’s about two detectives so that’s a given tho)

[Francine Stubbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book I think as soon as it came out. I remember I finished it in a day and just reread it because her 2nd one just came out.
Y’all. This book. Callie and Liam are two damaged detectives who meet in a spur of the moment (hotttt) hookup but their lives become intertwined because of the Wring Bearer. I love their intensity, not just with their banter but when they’re investigating the serial killer. Tajon gave the reader a good balance between the romance and the mystery and it made every chapter exciting.
Callie and Liam both come into the story with baggage and hurt but their chemistry can’t be denied and makes for hot hot HOT scenes. Add a serial killer in the mix and it made waiting for the release of the 2nd book unbearable lol. Read it. You won’t regret it.

[Kendra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Left me speechless!! Book 1 was one wild ride and left me all emotional & I even cried! It was THAT GOOD! This is honestly my #1 spicy cop/detective enemies to lovers duet! I read both books in under 16 hours because I was unable to put them down!! Book 2 was just as good! I have recommended this duet to everyone I could!! If I was able to wipe my memory I would just to reread & feel all the emotions I felt reading this series! I will be waiting for ALL of Caitlyn’s books because she is definitely one of my top 10 authors now!! This Duet felt like one of those cop shows on TV that you fan girl out over, so please do yourself a favor and read this duet!! I’m still not over it and it’s been like 2 weeks since I finished it and I’m STILL telling everyone about it!!

[Paige Crabtree · Rating 5 out of 5]

So infuriatingly good!

While Callie & Liam are the best at what they do in the field of Law Enforcement, they are far from the best at this thing called love… They are infuriating! They can find all the clues and solve unsolvable mysteries, but they SUCK at taking a hint! :P However, I was captivated throughout the entire book, and I am rooting for that HEA that they both desperately deserve. Callie is a beautiful bad*ss who deserves the whole entire world. Liam is just the right stud muffin to give it to her. You won’t be disappointed by this deliciously spicy book with a plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat… Even if they do make you want to throw your kindle across the room sometimes.

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're a fan of anything crime related *cough* *cough* Criminal Minds and you like romance, this book is for you! Liam and Callie's story digs into some trauma that they've experienced. There's also quite a bit of twists and turns. These two will definitely frustrate you! Also their chemistry?! Whew! This story is set in Newark, Nj, which adds to the fun. I love how well written their chemistry was! There's a bit of competition which I adored! I am so ready for book number two!



Also, please make sure you read the trigger warnings!

Much love xoxo

[Amriel (Harli) Bang · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has a great story and a lot going on. I wasn't quite prepared for the double cheating plot point, and then Liam dropping her twice, but I suspect I'll feel better about it at the end of the second book(gonna pick that up after this.)
The spice was amazing. And as I always feel the need to state, there was no roaring by the mmc when he released(listen, that bothers me a lot and it happens so often in books lol.)
Interested to see them come together and see who the culprit for the Wring Bearer murders is.

[Taija Nichole · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me awhile to finally break into this book. Life happens. But when I finally did, 🥵🥵 wow! It literally took me a day and half to read this first book. The chemistry between the 2 main characters literally hits you right away, like a slap across the face. You can feel the tension and frustration, the love, the heart break every single emotion these characters are going through. I have already dived into the second book and I cant wait to see how it ends! Get this book, you won't be sorry but please read the trigger warnings there are some deep topics in this story.

[J. Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

-Funny, Mysterious, Captivating-
If you want mystery and spice wrapped in a pretty big bow, this is the book for you!
Callie is a snarky, complicated, gem of a narrator, and Liam is her perfect swoon-worthy complement. Detectives, rivals to lovers is definitely a new favorite trope for me.
Every page had me ready for the next, and I cannot wait for more of Caitlyn's next books! Put this down for your next 2024 read.

[Annagram · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok. The writing was really good, and I loved the concept, but something just didn’t work for me with the story. I think I was hoping there’d be more revolving their case. I really liked Callie but Liam pissed me off so much haha. I will read book 2 though because I’m curious to see where this is going.

[Jasmine Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where do I even begin with this?

I have been so excited to read this since it was announced and it was SO up my alley. I love crime dramas and the romance aspect was great! I couldn’t put it down and it was only lack of time that meant I didn’t devour this in one sitting.

The leads were great and I can’t wait for the next instalment - I need ANSWERS!

[Moony Luve · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was great.
It’s very angsty and you want to smack both characters so often.
But the banter 🤌🏻🤌🏻🤌🏻
Omg the banter is amazing.
The spice is spicy.
The plot and world building is amazing.
Would very much recommend, it’s not a happily ever after so prepare yourself for that.
And read the triggers for sureee.

[Heisi · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️
2 🌶

There's lots of potential with this one. I didn't care for some of the dual POV as it was repetitive at times. Quite honestly, these 2 MCs are not very likable. I enjoyed the banter and the small bits of case solving. But this definitely leaves you on a cliffhanger. I need to know how it ends, so I'll be reading the next one. I'm hoping to see some major character growth.

[Shawna Little · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book is A-MAY-ZING. started it and couldn’t put it down until it was finished. a constant whirlwind of emotions, falling in and out of love with characters, it put me in an investigators mind where i too was also trying to find out the answers. 10/10 can’t wait for book two 😊

[Raeann Wolfley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me start by saying that I just discovered this Author recently. When I read the blurb for this book, I knew I wanted to read it ASAP lol So of course I read this in one sitting. Like who needs sleep anyways? I do suggest you check the trigger warnings before reading! With that being said…. I loved how it was written, that I could visualize everything…. The banter between Callie and Liam… I was so here for it and loved it! Then you add the suspense, mystery, and the spice! I definitely completely loved all of it. Can’t wait to read the next book!

[Jasmine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay

This book was okay. I didn’t enjoy the writing as much as I thought I would. The going back and forth of POVs between chapters was something I didn’t enjoy.

[Kelsey Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovedddddddd, I had to keep reading! There are a lot of frustrating things about both Callie & Liam, but they really are made for each other. I also want to solve the mystery of the Wring Bearer!!

[Megan Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

So so good

[Heather Caldwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the crime base mixed in with the romance. It’s not really a dark romance but it is awesome! Can’t wait to read book 2!!

[SavageAlleyCat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was great, I loved the characters and loved to be angry with them. The drama was very grey’s anatomy esqu to me and super fun to read.

[Deanna Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I slept on this book for too long. It was so good.