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Caught in the Crossfire
He’s all rules. She’s all risk.
After a night of heat and bad decisions, they never expected to see each other again—until a case throws them back together in the harsh light of day.
Sergeant Owen Bishop likes things one case, one glass of bourbon, one empty bed. Divorced and burned out, he’s long made peace with being the department’s resident cynic. But when he’s called into his captain’s office and told he’s getting a new partner, the last person he expects to walk through the door is her—the woman who left the sheets a mess and his thoughts even worse.
Sergeant Casey Chambers is twenty-eight, ambitious, and the youngest officer ever to lead the Vice unit’s field team. She clawed her way through the old boys’ club to earn her stripes, and she refuses to let one brooding homicide veteran slow her down—especially not the man she swore she’d never see again.
When young women start turning up dead with track marks and no history of addiction, Owen and Casey are forced to join forces. Between long nights, blurred lines, and secrets that cut too deep, their chemistry becomes as dangerous as the case they’re chasing.
Gritty, addictive, and unapologetically hot, this standalone romantic-suspense novel delivers heart-pounding tension, dark humor, and a love story that breaks every rule.
CAUGHT IN THE CROSSFIRE is an age-gap, enemies-to-lovers romance with explicit scenes, a morally gray hero, and a heroine who refuses to play nice.
After a night of heat and bad decisions, they never expected to see each other again—until a case throws them back together in the harsh light of day.
Sergeant Owen Bishop likes things one case, one glass of bourbon, one empty bed. Divorced and burned out, he’s long made peace with being the department’s resident cynic. But when he’s called into his captain’s office and told he’s getting a new partner, the last person he expects to walk through the door is her—the woman who left the sheets a mess and his thoughts even worse.
Sergeant Casey Chambers is twenty-eight, ambitious, and the youngest officer ever to lead the Vice unit’s field team. She clawed her way through the old boys’ club to earn her stripes, and she refuses to let one brooding homicide veteran slow her down—especially not the man she swore she’d never see again.
When young women start turning up dead with track marks and no history of addiction, Owen and Casey are forced to join forces. Between long nights, blurred lines, and secrets that cut too deep, their chemistry becomes as dangerous as the case they’re chasing.
Gritty, addictive, and unapologetically hot, this standalone romantic-suspense novel delivers heart-pounding tension, dark humor, and a love story that breaks every rule.
CAUGHT IN THE CROSSFIRE is an age-gap, enemies-to-lovers romance with explicit scenes, a morally gray hero, and a heroine who refuses to play nice.
309 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 23, 2026
5 people are currently reading
6 people want to read
About the author
Sarah K. Mason
4 books16 followersHey there!
I’m Sarah — Missouri based romance author, chaos enthusiast, and snack provider for tiny humans and critters of all shapes and sizes.
I write high-stakes, high-heat stories full of found family, emotional damage, and morally gray men who’d burn the world down for the people they love.
When I’m not writing? I’m running on coffee and binge-reading in the few quiet moments I can find admidst the chaos that is home.
In all seriousness, creating these stories has been an absolute thrill. I can’t wait to fan girl with you! And to see what the future has in store.
Follow me on Insta or Tiktok!
@sarahkmason_author
Or take a look at my website.
https://sarahkmasonauthor.com/
I’m Sarah — Missouri based romance author, chaos enthusiast, and snack provider for tiny humans and critters of all shapes and sizes.
I write high-stakes, high-heat stories full of found family, emotional damage, and morally gray men who’d burn the world down for the people they love.
When I’m not writing? I’m running on coffee and binge-reading in the few quiet moments I can find admidst the chaos that is home.
In all seriousness, creating these stories has been an absolute thrill. I can’t wait to fan girl with you! And to see what the future has in store.
Follow me on Insta or Tiktok!
@sarahkmason_author
Or take a look at my website.
https://sarahkmasonauthor.com/
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
January 19, 2026
Law & Order SVU in an incredible romance book! I am SO glad I snuck onto the ARC team for Caught In The Crossfire!
The Spice is spicing and the plot is plotting in this one!!
Workplace romance
Romantic Suspense
This book had a full movie playing in my head as I clung to every single page. I feel so in love with Owen & Casey and their individual strength and complete badassness and yet the vulnerable side reserved for only each other.
Sarah Mason is quickly becoming a fave author for me and I cannot wait to see these take off in the book world. If you haven't ready, check this one and Riding the Line for book one in her awesome MC series!!
The Spice is spicing and the plot is plotting in this one!!
Workplace romance
Romantic Suspense
This book had a full movie playing in my head as I clung to every single page. I feel so in love with Owen & Casey and their individual strength and complete badassness and yet the vulnerable side reserved for only each other.
Sarah Mason is quickly becoming a fave author for me and I cannot wait to see these take off in the book world. If you haven't ready, check this one and Riding the Line for book one in her awesome MC series!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
5⭐ 'Caught In The Crossfire' ARC REVIEW
Wow this read totally grabbed me from the start. Fast paced, never once a dull moment. Fully action packed, thrilling suspense, high stakes and the most funniest banter ever, left me giggling. Jordan was my most favorite character in this read, the cheeky, funniest come backs. Loved him! Every page kept you reading to the next, I could not put it down! Everything about read was perfect for me.
The story, the writing, the characters, the dialogue. Owen and Casey's relationship from start to end was full of yearning, passion and the perfect amount of spice.
Was my first read for Sarah and I will definitely be looking out for more of her upcoming releases in the future. Thankyou so much for the opportunity to read for you. I honestly loved every second of this story. 🖤
🖤 Age Gap
🖤 Romantic Suspense
🖤 Humor/Banter
🖤 Dominant MMC
🖤 Heroin refuses to play nice
🖤 Forced Proximity
🖤 Spice
🖤 Workplace Romance
🖤 Secrets/Corruption
He’s all rules. She’s all risk.
After a night of heat and bad decisions, they never expected to see each other again—until a case throws them back together in the harsh light of day.
Sergeant Owen Bishop likes things simple: one case, one glass of bourbon, one empty bed. Divorced and burned out, he’s long made peace with being the department’s resident cynic. But when he’s called into his captain’s office and told he’s getting a new partner, the last person he expects to walk through the door is her—the woman who left the sheets a mess and his thoughts even worse.
Sergeant Casey Chambers is twenty-eight, ambitious, and the youngest officer ever to lead the Vice unit’s field team. She clawed her way through the old boys’ club to earn her stripes, and she refuses to let one brooding homicide veteran slow her down—especially not the man she swore she’d never see again.
When young women start turning up dead with track marks and no history of addiction, Owen and Casey are forced to join forces. Between long nights, blurred lines, and secrets that cut too deep, their chemistry becomes as dangerous as the case they’re chasing.
Wow this read totally grabbed me from the start. Fast paced, never once a dull moment. Fully action packed, thrilling suspense, high stakes and the most funniest banter ever, left me giggling. Jordan was my most favorite character in this read, the cheeky, funniest come backs. Loved him! Every page kept you reading to the next, I could not put it down! Everything about read was perfect for me.
The story, the writing, the characters, the dialogue. Owen and Casey's relationship from start to end was full of yearning, passion and the perfect amount of spice.
Was my first read for Sarah and I will definitely be looking out for more of her upcoming releases in the future. Thankyou so much for the opportunity to read for you. I honestly loved every second of this story. 🖤
🖤 Age Gap
🖤 Romantic Suspense
🖤 Humor/Banter
🖤 Dominant MMC
🖤 Heroin refuses to play nice
🖤 Forced Proximity
🖤 Spice
🖤 Workplace Romance
🖤 Secrets/Corruption
He’s all rules. She’s all risk.
After a night of heat and bad decisions, they never expected to see each other again—until a case throws them back together in the harsh light of day.
Sergeant Owen Bishop likes things simple: one case, one glass of bourbon, one empty bed. Divorced and burned out, he’s long made peace with being the department’s resident cynic. But when he’s called into his captain’s office and told he’s getting a new partner, the last person he expects to walk through the door is her—the woman who left the sheets a mess and his thoughts even worse.
Sergeant Casey Chambers is twenty-eight, ambitious, and the youngest officer ever to lead the Vice unit’s field team. She clawed her way through the old boys’ club to earn her stripes, and she refuses to let one brooding homicide veteran slow her down—especially not the man she swore she’d never see again.
When young women start turning up dead with track marks and no history of addiction, Owen and Casey are forced to join forces. Between long nights, blurred lines, and secrets that cut too deep, their chemistry becomes as dangerous as the case they’re chasing.
January 20, 2026
ARC Review! First I have to say this is my second book by Sarah K Mason and I’m loving them. Already can’t wait for her next release!
This book had me hooked from the very beginning! Chapter one really sets the dynamic and mood between the FMC and MMC for the whole book! And yes spice starts in chapter one, but don’t worry the spice level in this book is great, not too much but not too little! The banter, the tension, the want between Casey (FMC) and Owen (MMC) is chefs kiss in my opinion! The story line is there, the plot keeps you on your toes, it makes you question at times who could be behind it all…the twist… you will never guess! The side characters throught out the store are key, and Jordan, man I love him! I want a best friend/co-worker like him!
You get a strong, independent, takes no shit FMC! Casey knows her worth and knows she’s the best of the best in her field! Is she willing to risk it all for him?
You get a grumpy, possessive, touch her and 💀🪦 MMC! Owen, as Sarah puts it, is emotionally constipated, not looking for love or even a relationship. He has his job and it’s enough, or is she breaking down his walls? He will steal your heart!
The play list in the beginning of the book! 10/10. Created a “Caught in the Crossfire” play list!
Grab this book you won’t regret it
This book had me hooked from the very beginning! Chapter one really sets the dynamic and mood between the FMC and MMC for the whole book! And yes spice starts in chapter one, but don’t worry the spice level in this book is great, not too much but not too little! The banter, the tension, the want between Casey (FMC) and Owen (MMC) is chefs kiss in my opinion! The story line is there, the plot keeps you on your toes, it makes you question at times who could be behind it all…the twist… you will never guess! The side characters throught out the store are key, and Jordan, man I love him! I want a best friend/co-worker like him!
You get a strong, independent, takes no shit FMC! Casey knows her worth and knows she’s the best of the best in her field! Is she willing to risk it all for him?
You get a grumpy, possessive, touch her and 💀🪦 MMC! Owen, as Sarah puts it, is emotionally constipated, not looking for love or even a relationship. He has his job and it’s enough, or is she breaking down his walls? He will steal your heart!
The play list in the beginning of the book! 10/10. Created a “Caught in the Crossfire” play list!
Grab this book you won’t regret it
Review of advance copy received from Author
Let me just say, I DEVOURED this book! I expected it to be good, but it was way better than I thought! I started this on a Sunday morning and finished it that evening. I was hooked in from the very beginning, and it kept me hooked and cured my book slump. Let's not forget, we jump straight into the spice at the start!
We have Sergeant Owen Bishop. He is head of homicide unit, divorced, and basically the departments cynic, and he is ok with that. In comes Sergeant Casey Chambers, head of vice, to rock his world. After one night of bad decisions, not knowing who the other really was, they never expected to see each other again. Imagine the surprise when Owen gets called into his Captain's office and told he is getting a new partner, only to have Casey walk in.
Casey is a spitfire. She is young, ambitious, and has clawed her way up to earn her position. Her team respects her, and she is used to leading. She refuses to let the brooding Owen slow her down. Of course, he is also used to leading so they have to mesh their teams together and learn to work together themselves on a pretty high stakes case.
There's lots of tension, chemistry, banter, and spice in this one and it keeps you wanting to flip pages to know what happens. Let's not forget Jordan and his constant commentary. It is great!
I do not typically like the age gap trope; however, they were both old enough and the gap wasn't too big, so it didn't bother me. It also wasn't shoved in your face constantly. If you like a good romantic suspense that's got some great spice and some dark humor added in there too, then I highly recommend you add this one to your list!
Thank you, Sarah for allowing me to read this early! You knocked this one out of the park!
We have Sergeant Owen Bishop. He is head of homicide unit, divorced, and basically the departments cynic, and he is ok with that. In comes Sergeant Casey Chambers, head of vice, to rock his world. After one night of bad decisions, not knowing who the other really was, they never expected to see each other again. Imagine the surprise when Owen gets called into his Captain's office and told he is getting a new partner, only to have Casey walk in.
Casey is a spitfire. She is young, ambitious, and has clawed her way up to earn her position. Her team respects her, and she is used to leading. She refuses to let the brooding Owen slow her down. Of course, he is also used to leading so they have to mesh their teams together and learn to work together themselves on a pretty high stakes case.
There's lots of tension, chemistry, banter, and spice in this one and it keeps you wanting to flip pages to know what happens. Let's not forget Jordan and his constant commentary. It is great!
I do not typically like the age gap trope; however, they were both old enough and the gap wasn't too big, so it didn't bother me. It also wasn't shoved in your face constantly. If you like a good romantic suspense that's got some great spice and some dark humor added in there too, then I highly recommend you add this one to your list!
Thank you, Sarah for allowing me to read this early! You knocked this one out of the park!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review, and I am so happy that I got the opportunity! This book had me HOOKED from beginning to end. It's a fast-paced Romantic Suspense focused on Owen Bishop, Homicide, and Casey Chambers, Vice. They are forced to work a case together mere weeks after a drunken night meant to be left in the cheap hotel they spent it in.
Girls are being murdered and and left in places impossible to miss. Owen, Casey, and their teams need to work together to solve the murders before any more innocent lives can be taken.
Sgt. Owen Bishop, head of Homicide is divorced, cynical, and keeps to himself. He is used to working alone, and he likes it that way.
Sgt. Casey Chambers is young, determined, and can't be held back by anyone. Making a name for herself by clawing her way to the top of Vice, she feels she has to prove to everyone she belongs there.
When the bodies of girls poisoned with drugs start piling up, Owen, Casey, and their teams are paired up to solve the murders.
Tension arises immediately as the two of them are both used to being in charge, and they must learn to work together and make their respective units do the same in order to stop the killer.
Explosive tension, hilarious banter, SPICY. This book has everything! If you've ever wanted Benson and Stabler to hook up, this is the book for you!
Girls are being murdered and and left in places impossible to miss. Owen, Casey, and their teams need to work together to solve the murders before any more innocent lives can be taken.
Sgt. Owen Bishop, head of Homicide is divorced, cynical, and keeps to himself. He is used to working alone, and he likes it that way.
Sgt. Casey Chambers is young, determined, and can't be held back by anyone. Making a name for herself by clawing her way to the top of Vice, she feels she has to prove to everyone she belongs there.
When the bodies of girls poisoned with drugs start piling up, Owen, Casey, and their teams are paired up to solve the murders.
Tension arises immediately as the two of them are both used to being in charge, and they must learn to work together and make their respective units do the same in order to stop the killer.
Explosive tension, hilarious banter, SPICY. This book has everything! If you've ever wanted Benson and Stabler to hook up, this is the book for you!
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️ (ARC Review)
I really appreciated receiving this ARC—and overall, I genuinely enjoyed the book. Reading it felt like watching an episode of Chicago PD: fast-paced, character-driven, and engaging. The cast was fun and dynamic, and the spice hit just right—definitely spicy, but never at the expense of the story. Jordan is forever my favorite, and I would absolutely do some questionable things for a Jordan-and-Marco story. 👀🔥
So why three stars instead of five?
There were a few moments that required a noticeable suspension of disbelief, and I found myself wishing those leaps had been more fully fleshed out. Some case connections felt rushed, and there were moments where I wanted a clearer “how did we get from A to B?” explanation. A few sections read as if a missing paragraph was meant to be filled in later—but never was.
That said, these gaps didn’t ruin my enjoyment of the story as a whole. The characters, pacing, and overall vibe kept me invested; the execution just didn’t quite reach its full potential for me. With a bit more development in those areas, this could easily have been a 5 star read.
I look forward to reading more from this author
I really appreciated receiving this ARC—and overall, I genuinely enjoyed the book. Reading it felt like watching an episode of Chicago PD: fast-paced, character-driven, and engaging. The cast was fun and dynamic, and the spice hit just right—definitely spicy, but never at the expense of the story. Jordan is forever my favorite, and I would absolutely do some questionable things for a Jordan-and-Marco story. 👀🔥
So why three stars instead of five?
There were a few moments that required a noticeable suspension of disbelief, and I found myself wishing those leaps had been more fully fleshed out. Some case connections felt rushed, and there were moments where I wanted a clearer “how did we get from A to B?” explanation. A few sections read as if a missing paragraph was meant to be filled in later—but never was.
That said, these gaps didn’t ruin my enjoyment of the story as a whole. The characters, pacing, and overall vibe kept me invested; the execution just didn’t quite reach its full potential for me. With a bit more development in those areas, this could easily have been a 5 star read.
I look forward to reading more from this author
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was captivating and seamlessly blends an age-gap, enemies-to-lovers romance with a morally gray hero and a healthy dose of dark humor. Set in a workplace environment, the story follows two detectives who find themselves in forced proximity, creating a sizzling blend of tension and chemistry. The heroine is fierce and unyielding, never afraid to stand her ground, while the dominant male lead, though occasionally infuriating, ultimately wins you over.
What truly sets this book apart is how relatable the characters feel. The author crafts them with such realism that you can easily imagine them walking off the page and into real life. The storyline feels grounded and believable, making it easy to get lost in the narrative. It’s almost as if this could be a real-life story, with just a touch of fiction to spice things up.
Overall, this book is an engaging blend of romance, suspense, and humor that keeps you hooked from start to finish. If it were adapted into a series, I’d be eagerly tuning in for more.
What truly sets this book apart is how relatable the characters feel. The author crafts them with such realism that you can easily imagine them walking off the page and into real life. The storyline feels grounded and believable, making it easy to get lost in the narrative. It’s almost as if this could be a real-life story, with just a touch of fiction to spice things up.
Overall, this book is an engaging blend of romance, suspense, and humor that keeps you hooked from start to finish. If it were adapted into a series, I’d be eagerly tuning in for more.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Owen and Casey!
First of all, this book will suck you in within the first chapter.. in all fairness we were pre warned that there was going to be 🌶️🌶️ in the first chapter, and that spice did not disappoint.
Homicide bs Vice.. anyone who knows police anything knows that these two departments go head to head all the time, but Miss Sarah! You did the dang thing gurlll!!! The way they came together to find the culprit was extraordinary!!! Did they butt heads?! Of course.. did they act petty by using two separate coffee pots.. YES. But they came together and even became a big ol happy family!!
The banter.. my friends.. you will want to buckle up for this one.. Miss Casey Chambers will give you BUCKETS OF BANTER.. never think you know what's going to come out of her mouth, because I can GUARANTEE you will be wrong.. she keeps everyone around her on their toes and that goes for OWEN BISHOP as well... however Owen is not one to shy away from her antics and he also gives her the same level of stubbornness and banter right back.. he will put every girl in a puddle on the floor when he starts his French tongue in her ear... literally I'm pretty sure the puddle just kept growing through the entire book!
I am just going to start a petition now that Jordan and Marco need their own book! Who doesn't love a gay best friend who gets upset when th last brownie is taken?! He loves Casey fierncly and is in her corner always!
Read this! You will not be disappointed! If you enjoy the Rookie and Swat.. you will devour this book, it will imprint on your heart and you won't regret it!!
First of all, this book will suck you in within the first chapter.. in all fairness we were pre warned that there was going to be 🌶️🌶️ in the first chapter, and that spice did not disappoint.
Homicide bs Vice.. anyone who knows police anything knows that these two departments go head to head all the time, but Miss Sarah! You did the dang thing gurlll!!! The way they came together to find the culprit was extraordinary!!! Did they butt heads?! Of course.. did they act petty by using two separate coffee pots.. YES. But they came together and even became a big ol happy family!!
The banter.. my friends.. you will want to buckle up for this one.. Miss Casey Chambers will give you BUCKETS OF BANTER.. never think you know what's going to come out of her mouth, because I can GUARANTEE you will be wrong.. she keeps everyone around her on their toes and that goes for OWEN BISHOP as well... however Owen is not one to shy away from her antics and he also gives her the same level of stubbornness and banter right back.. he will put every girl in a puddle on the floor when he starts his French tongue in her ear... literally I'm pretty sure the puddle just kept growing through the entire book!
I am just going to start a petition now that Jordan and Marco need their own book! Who doesn't love a gay best friend who gets upset when th last brownie is taken?! He loves Casey fierncly and is in her corner always!
Read this! You will not be disappointed! If you enjoy the Rookie and Swat.. you will devour this book, it will imprint on your heart and you won't regret it!!
January 22, 2026
First five star read of the year and it absolutely deserved it!! This book made me understand why I love reading so much. I was in absolute awe by the story line and thought Sarah was an absolute GENIUS for the way the plot was written. Absolute page turner and made me wanting more, more, MORE. Seriously could not stop thinking about this book and didn't want to put it down.
The smut/spice was a little too much for me at times, but I didn't think too much of it. I quickly read through the scenes and moved on, no biggie. I did really enjoy reading the relationship develop between Owen and Casey.
If you need any reason to read this book let it be this... Owen tells Casey "Je me souviens de ton gout" which translates to "I remember your taste..." UMMM HELLO?!!?!?
READ. THIS. BOOK!!!!!!
The smut/spice was a little too much for me at times, but I didn't think too much of it. I quickly read through the scenes and moved on, no biggie. I did really enjoy reading the relationship develop between Owen and Casey.
If you need any reason to read this book let it be this... Owen tells Casey "Je me souviens de ton gout" which translates to "I remember your taste..." UMMM HELLO?!!?!?
READ. THIS. BOOK!!!!!!
January 25, 2026
OMG—what did I just read?! Caught In The Crossfire is hands down one of the best books I’ve read. Steamy, spicy, suspenseful, and laugh-out-loud humorous, it truly has it all. I was completely hooked from the very first chapter and couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. The story is addictive, the pacing is perfect, and the characters felt so real and believable that I was fully invested in their journey. An absolute page-turner that kept me entertained from start to finish—this one is unforgettable. This is the first book I’ve read by Sarah K Mason and a can’t wait to read more.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Meet Owen and Casey. He’s a Homocide cop. She’s a Vice cop. They are explosive together. The plot in this book keeps you hooked, the spice keeps every line worth reading. The banter and passion is amazing. I loved how the characters were themselves and how they evolved and yet still stayed their true selves. I would read this again and again. Owen is perfect… Spice is 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ and stars are 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟.
January 24, 2026
Finished this book just now! So so good! I love that banter between these two. I love that he embraces her being a badass and doesn't try to mute her or soften her. They were an amazing team together and I loved how their story went. This book was amazing for the spice and the plot! I love that Casey doesn't use her childhood as a crutch but as a driving force to do her job better! Casey and Owen were definitely meant for each other. This book just released today for e book so run to read this!
January 18, 2026
📚ARC review
I knew it was going to be a great book when we kicked off with spice in the first chapter! It was the perfect blend of spice and mystery keeping me on my toes until the end. Casey is fiercely independent and Owen is hot and dominant. The result? My heart racing and my feet kicking!
TLDR; the spice is hot and the plot is perfect. You’d be crazy not to read this one!
I knew it was going to be a great book when we kicked off with spice in the first chapter! It was the perfect blend of spice and mystery keeping me on my toes until the end. Casey is fiercely independent and Owen is hot and dominant. The result? My heart racing and my feet kicking!
TLDR; the spice is hot and the plot is perfect. You’d be crazy not to read this one!
January 26, 2026
Ok! The spice in this book!!!!! Talk about tension! Imagine your hot hook up walking into your precinct and being appointed your partner in a drug overdose/homocide investigation!!! Yikes. It’s hot yet suspenseful. Funny and sad. I felt so many feels during this read! And the plot twist!!! Bravo.
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January 20, 2026Content Edit by Pinpoint Editing.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews