What do you think?
Buffalo Warriors Hockey #1
Crossed Sticks
Two scarred souls finding love when they least expect it.
Harper
I wasn’t a keeper.
Guys just didn’t pick me, and after one too many threw me away, my heart couldn’t take it anymore.
When I was traded to the Buffalo Warriors, I knew things wouldn’t be any different.
Skate. Score goals. Work out. Repeat. That’s my life.
I’m living the dream by playing professional hockey, and I have some amazing friends.
I’m happy. Really, I am. Or at least I’m trying to be.
Until the night I run into Luca.
Luca
I had love once, only to have it ripped away when he married someone else.
Problem was, I never got my heart back.
I’ve built walls so high no one can touch me. I’m only interested in hookups, one and done.
And I can’t forget lacrosse, because it’s all I have.
I’m fine. Or at least I’m trying to be.
Until the night I run into Harper.
One chance encounter sparks a flame that consumes both men in the most delicious of ways. But when shadows from the past threaten to pull them apart, will they survive, or will their hearts be shattered again?
Crossed Sticks is a romance that’s anything but easy—and worth every moment. While the story is high on angst and deals with serious topics such as depression and anxiety, you can also expect witty banter, hilarious text conversations, public hookups, friends with benefits, grand romantic gestures, and exciting hockey scenes. Even better, there’s high heat, light kink with tons of dirty talk, found family, and a Happy Ever After that will leave you breathless.
Crossed Sticks is book one of an exciting new series of standalones, Buffalo Warriors Hockey.
Harper
I wasn’t a keeper.
Guys just didn’t pick me, and after one too many threw me away, my heart couldn’t take it anymore.
When I was traded to the Buffalo Warriors, I knew things wouldn’t be any different.
Skate. Score goals. Work out. Repeat. That’s my life.
I’m living the dream by playing professional hockey, and I have some amazing friends.
I’m happy. Really, I am. Or at least I’m trying to be.
Until the night I run into Luca.
Luca
I had love once, only to have it ripped away when he married someone else.
Problem was, I never got my heart back.
I’ve built walls so high no one can touch me. I’m only interested in hookups, one and done.
And I can’t forget lacrosse, because it’s all I have.
I’m fine. Or at least I’m trying to be.
Until the night I run into Harper.
One chance encounter sparks a flame that consumes both men in the most delicious of ways. But when shadows from the past threaten to pull them apart, will they survive, or will their hearts be shattered again?
Crossed Sticks is a romance that’s anything but easy—and worth every moment. While the story is high on angst and deals with serious topics such as depression and anxiety, you can also expect witty banter, hilarious text conversations, public hookups, friends with benefits, grand romantic gestures, and exciting hockey scenes. Even better, there’s high heat, light kink with tons of dirty talk, found family, and a Happy Ever After that will leave you breathless.
Crossed Sticks is book one of an exciting new series of standalones, Buffalo Warriors Hockey.
406 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 2, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 236 reviews
June 1, 2025
Harper's a better person than me because Caleb would have had to GOOOOOOO. No way in hell do I catch you in bed with your best friend that you've been in love with for years and there's an ending where we all stick around.
Nope. No amount of therapy or faith in you would result in that outcome.
Okay. Starting from the beginning.
Harper and Luca. Two jocks. Both so eager to find their person but held back by past trauma.
Harper - a history of failed relationships, being cheated on and being outright told he's just 'not a keeper.'
Luca - a history of unrequited love with his now married best friend, who won't love him, won't let him go and the resultant on/off depressive episodes from it fucking with him.
I adored these two from the jump. They communicated SO FUCKING WELL, even when things were scary. Nothing left to chance.
Let's be friends who have a good time together.
Let's not just be friends with benefits. Let's date. I want to date you.
Let's not just date. Let's be boyfriends. I want to be with you and only you.
So imagine my shock(and everlasting excitement) when shit hit the fan and they couldn't communicate for shit.
I loved how their own issues and past trauma worked collaboratively to land them in a mess so tangled they couldn't see their way out of it.
And they were so happy, too! Right before shit went south, they'd slowly opened up to each other until they both started to think, wait. Maybe he's the one?
Sexually things had always been great between them.
Out of bed, it was a hesitant, 'Oh my God, does he like me?' but inside it? Whew.
It was all, 'Come on my face, lick it off and then feed it to me.'
But they'd finally, fucking finally found their footing emotionally, too. I swear, I thought a proposal (and enthusiastic assent) was imminent.
And then Harper found Luca in bed with Caleb. Half naked. Dick poking out of his boxers. Cum stains on the sheets.
So, yeah.
What followed was the most confusingly enjoyable protracted fight. I loved their sweet fluffy falling in love stage, but I LOVEDDDDDD their angsty 'oh my God, how could you?' stage even more.
It helped that both sides were valid.
Without a singular doubt in my mind, I don't think Harper overreacted.
"I'm furious and hurt, and this is dredging up every failed relationship I've ever had."
And while I KNOW what it looked like, I truly, truly empathized with Luca's disbelief that Harper jumped to that conclusion.
It was a damning scene. On both sides. But what it ended up doing was show both that much as they'd been living with their heads in the clouds, they BOTH still had the issues they came into the relationship with.
They hadn't been secretly fixed by love. They still had to do the painful work. If they could find it in each other to forgive. Or heck, even to listen.
Just getting to that point took like a month. I'm a huge fan of the fact that this happened early enough in the book that they had time to actually work through things on a seemingly normal timeline, and not simply brush things under the rug because the book only had 15% left to go and they needed to get it together so they could have some happy times before it ended lol.
I loved the explosive anger, the betrayal, the walking out, the silent treatment, the tears, the fear, the desperation, the desolation.
I even loved Harper's friends trying to convince him that the cum stains could have been yogurt 😂😂🤣😂🤣🤣
I loved them falling apart on their own, and failing to stay away from each other, I loved them falling apart together.
I loved them having to face their demons. I wanted to cry for Harper and his disappointment. I wanted to cry for Luca and his.
I loved almost everything about this.
EXCEPT CALEB.
I wished he'd die. And no, I'm not even sorry for saying it. Still wish it. Will forever wish it.
Hell, I wish there's a cameo of him getting hit by a bus in one of the next books. Final destination type death.
In SPITE of his existence (and refusal to just stop being, in general) my two babies managed to fix things. Enough to decide that they wanted to be together and THEN keep doing the work to ensure they stayed together.
Again. Can't express how much I loved that their problems didn't just magically go away.
EXCEPT CALEB. I wish he'd gone away.
Still do. Praying on his death.
I was actually going to rate this 4*, on account of how there's a glaring ommission- Caleb's gruesome on-page death, but I figure, no.
I'm not letting him win.
Fuck Caleb.
Nope. No amount of therapy or faith in you would result in that outcome.
Okay. Starting from the beginning.
Harper and Luca. Two jocks. Both so eager to find their person but held back by past trauma.
Harper - a history of failed relationships, being cheated on and being outright told he's just 'not a keeper.'
Luca - a history of unrequited love with his now married best friend, who won't love him, won't let him go and the resultant on/off depressive episodes from it fucking with him.
I adored these two from the jump. They communicated SO FUCKING WELL, even when things were scary. Nothing left to chance.
Let's be friends who have a good time together.
Let's not just be friends with benefits. Let's date. I want to date you.
Let's not just date. Let's be boyfriends. I want to be with you and only you.
So imagine my shock(and everlasting excitement) when shit hit the fan and they couldn't communicate for shit.
I loved how their own issues and past trauma worked collaboratively to land them in a mess so tangled they couldn't see their way out of it.
And they were so happy, too! Right before shit went south, they'd slowly opened up to each other until they both started to think, wait. Maybe he's the one?
Sexually things had always been great between them.
Out of bed, it was a hesitant, 'Oh my God, does he like me?' but inside it? Whew.
It was all, 'Come on my face, lick it off and then feed it to me.'
But they'd finally, fucking finally found their footing emotionally, too. I swear, I thought a proposal (and enthusiastic assent) was imminent.
And then Harper found Luca in bed with Caleb. Half naked. Dick poking out of his boxers. Cum stains on the sheets.
So, yeah.
What followed was the most confusingly enjoyable protracted fight. I loved their sweet fluffy falling in love stage, but I LOVEDDDDDD their angsty 'oh my God, how could you?' stage even more.
It helped that both sides were valid.
Without a singular doubt in my mind, I don't think Harper overreacted.
"I'm furious and hurt, and this is dredging up every failed relationship I've ever had."
And while I KNOW what it looked like, I truly, truly empathized with Luca's disbelief that Harper jumped to that conclusion.
It was a damning scene. On both sides. But what it ended up doing was show both that much as they'd been living with their heads in the clouds, they BOTH still had the issues they came into the relationship with.
They hadn't been secretly fixed by love. They still had to do the painful work. If they could find it in each other to forgive. Or heck, even to listen.
Just getting to that point took like a month. I'm a huge fan of the fact that this happened early enough in the book that they had time to actually work through things on a seemingly normal timeline, and not simply brush things under the rug because the book only had 15% left to go and they needed to get it together so they could have some happy times before it ended lol.
I loved the explosive anger, the betrayal, the walking out, the silent treatment, the tears, the fear, the desperation, the desolation.
I even loved Harper's friends trying to convince him that the cum stains could have been yogurt 😂😂🤣😂🤣🤣
I loved them falling apart on their own, and failing to stay away from each other, I loved them falling apart together.
I loved them having to face their demons. I wanted to cry for Harper and his disappointment. I wanted to cry for Luca and his.
I loved almost everything about this.
EXCEPT CALEB.
I wished he'd die. And no, I'm not even sorry for saying it. Still wish it. Will forever wish it.
Hell, I wish there's a cameo of him getting hit by a bus in one of the next books. Final destination type death.
In SPITE of his existence (and refusal to just stop being, in general) my two babies managed to fix things. Enough to decide that they wanted to be together and THEN keep doing the work to ensure they stayed together.
Again. Can't express how much I loved that their problems didn't just magically go away.
EXCEPT CALEB. I wish he'd gone away.
Still do. Praying on his death.
I was actually going to rate this 4*, on account of how there's a glaring ommission- Caleb's gruesome on-page death, but I figure, no.
I'm not letting him win.
Fuck Caleb.
Read
October 5, 2024Time of death 53 % when they started "sword fighting" on the beach. What the fuck was this book? I get what the authors wanted but seriously, this was messy, childish and ridiculous. We have two over the top angsty boys that act like teenagers with all their issues, that talk like they are a textbook of psychology. Also the start is constantly them ~worrying~ about what the other might feel even though THEY TALK!!! ABOUT!!! HOW THEY FEEL THE SAME!!!! They are worried about stupid things I just cant buy into and it was so cringey at times I had to put the book away. And good LORD why does everyone constantly need to have such big dicks??? I get you are writing porn but REALLY.
Read
October 20, 2024I am finding it hard to get on with the writing style.
Something is off, and I am not enjoying it at all.
So, tapping out @32%.
Something is off, and I am not enjoying it at all.
So, tapping out @32%.
October 2, 2024
I absolutely hated Caleb. He’s an awful person and an even worse friend. The way things with him was handled at the end of the story was infuriating. He constantly did things that no sane person would ever do to someone they care about, let alone someone who is supposed to be their best friend. I kept waiting—*hoping*—that Luca would finally grow a backbone and cut Caleb off for good, but that moment never came. Instead, Luca, the spineless pushover, even confesses his love for Harper to Caleb first! What kind of nonsense is that?
Caleb’s selfish behavior almost ruins their young love and nearly destroys Luca in the process. Yet, Luca still forgives him? Why? And why is Caleb’s behavior justified throughout the story? Now I know. Turns out Caleb and his boyfriend are the main characters in another one of the author’s stories, which I will never, *ever* waste my time on. I just feel sorry that I wasted so much time on this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 12, 2024
To quote Holky: "You're both acting like idiots, and it's time for this to stop".
June 2, 2025
“Go ahead and shoot your big load, straight boy.”
[someone call the police because I feel violated with the dirty talk in this book]
1⭐ [Rounding up to 2 because I love Alexander Cendese]
I feel like it’s criminal that I read this book. I don’t know why—but I genuinely think that if I were another person, this could’ve thrown me into a reading slump. A bad one.
This was just... not it, gang. I don’t even know what this was. It was cringe and had me rolling my eyes through most of it. At times, I felt like I needed to go get an adult. I don’t know who told these authors that some of this stuff was sexy, but—personally—it absolutely was not.
Now, look. I’m not a homosexual man, so I can’t say definitively whether this was unrealistic in a queer relationship. But I can say I didn’t vibe with the writing, the sex scenes, or the romance in this book. It just didn’t click. And that’s okay—it wasn’t written for me, it’s not for me, and I get that. At the end of the day, I love MM romance, and maybe this hits for other readers. But for me, it was just kind of blah.
Honestly, I think the authors would’ve gotten more emotional mileage if they’d switched from first person to third person. They wrote in such a narrative-heavy way that it actually pulled me out of the first-person intimacy. It started feeling like a weird blog diary instead of a compelling story. If you’re going to describe every single action a character does, third person works so much better. In first person, it just feels like you're stuck in a never-ending, detail-heavy monologue—and not in a good way.
That’s just me. I couldn’t get into it. I didn’t like the third-act breakup (I thought it was dumb), and while I get the trauma and mental health stuff the book was trying to tackle, I just wanted to stop. I almost DNF’d. I was too far in to quit, but I definitely wish I had.
It’s a no from me, dog. I don't mean to yuck anyone's yum but I just cannot.
[someone call the police because I feel violated with the dirty talk in this book]
1⭐ [Rounding up to 2 because I love Alexander Cendese]
I feel like it’s criminal that I read this book. I don’t know why—but I genuinely think that if I were another person, this could’ve thrown me into a reading slump. A bad one.
This was just... not it, gang. I don’t even know what this was. It was cringe and had me rolling my eyes through most of it. At times, I felt like I needed to go get an adult. I don’t know who told these authors that some of this stuff was sexy, but—personally—it absolutely was not.
Now, look. I’m not a homosexual man, so I can’t say definitively whether this was unrealistic in a queer relationship. But I can say I didn’t vibe with the writing, the sex scenes, or the romance in this book. It just didn’t click. And that’s okay—it wasn’t written for me, it’s not for me, and I get that. At the end of the day, I love MM romance, and maybe this hits for other readers. But for me, it was just kind of blah.
Honestly, I think the authors would’ve gotten more emotional mileage if they’d switched from first person to third person. They wrote in such a narrative-heavy way that it actually pulled me out of the first-person intimacy. It started feeling like a weird blog diary instead of a compelling story. If you’re going to describe every single action a character does, third person works so much better. In first person, it just feels like you're stuck in a never-ending, detail-heavy monologue—and not in a good way.
That’s just me. I couldn’t get into it. I didn’t like the third-act breakup (I thought it was dumb), and while I get the trauma and mental health stuff the book was trying to tackle, I just wanted to stop. I almost DNF’d. I was too far in to quit, but I definitely wish I had.
It’s a no from me, dog. I don't mean to yuck anyone's yum but I just cannot.
October 5, 2024
These two, my goodness, both have so much weight from their past on their shoulders, they let their future slip away because of it… almost.
One heard more than once he was no boyfriend material, nothing to keep, the other had such a bad relationship experience it pushed him into depression and anxiety. Both are determined to keep men at arm's length and only get close for a fvck at a one-night stand.
Imagine when those two meet and there’s an undeniable attraction and even more, a connection!
The sex is explosive and both want more. But more and keeping your heart safe at the same time? A few weeks of fun will have to do, nothing more!
Yes, it’s all far from simple. Even when they decided to be bf, FAR from, and that’s exactly what this story is about!
So worthy to read!!
Their sports are present but in a minor way, it’s all about their relationship. I loved them both so much! There are some side characters who played an important role, I won’t spoil them in what way.
There’s a lot of banter and there’s a LOT of dirty talk. The serious parts? It was amazingly written.
Very convincing and heartfelt! Thank goodness they get their hard-earned HEA
One heard more than once he was no boyfriend material, nothing to keep, the other had such a bad relationship experience it pushed him into depression and anxiety. Both are determined to keep men at arm's length and only get close for a fvck at a one-night stand.
Imagine when those two meet and there’s an undeniable attraction and even more, a connection!
The sex is explosive and both want more. But more and keeping your heart safe at the same time? A few weeks of fun will have to do, nothing more!
Yes, it’s all far from simple. Even when they decided to be bf, FAR from, and that’s exactly what this story is about!
So worthy to read!!
Their sports are present but in a minor way, it’s all about their relationship. I loved them both so much! There are some side characters who played an important role, I won’t spoil them in what way.
There’s a lot of banter and there’s a LOT of dirty talk. The serious parts? It was amazingly written.
Very convincing and heartfelt! Thank goodness they get their hard-earned HEA
September 21, 2024
Crossed Sticks, an all-new friends with benefits, M/M, hockey romance and the first book in the Buffalo Warriors Hockey Series.
Harper and Luca, both professional athletes have had difficult and heartbreaking experiences when it came to relationships and searching for love. So much so, niether of them believed they were worthy, good enough or deserving. They believed the awful things that were said to them by former lovers of boy friends.
They each are haunted by their own demons.
A chance encounter brings them together. Both hoping that perhaps they can be friends with benefits, they soon realize that they both want more from each other.
Their journey is not easy. They deal with the highs and lows including significant anxiety and depression. But it is also funny at times and their back and forth banter and their conversations with their friends has light hearted moments. The sex is hot and steamy with lots of role play and dirty talk- my fave!
Luca and Harper are raw, vulnerable and unapologetically true to themselves and each other. They may have had a difficult start but their HEA is so worth it. Their openness and willingness to work through their challenges is relationship goals.
Gabe’s story is next…. with all his mentions and critical role in Luca and Harper’s life, you just knew the authors were laying down the foundation for their next book. Can’t wait!
I received a free ARC of this book and this review is my opinion.
Harper and Luca, both professional athletes have had difficult and heartbreaking experiences when it came to relationships and searching for love. So much so, niether of them believed they were worthy, good enough or deserving. They believed the awful things that were said to them by former lovers of boy friends.
They each are haunted by their own demons.
A chance encounter brings them together. Both hoping that perhaps they can be friends with benefits, they soon realize that they both want more from each other.
Their journey is not easy. They deal with the highs and lows including significant anxiety and depression. But it is also funny at times and their back and forth banter and their conversations with their friends has light hearted moments. The sex is hot and steamy with lots of role play and dirty talk- my fave!
Luca and Harper are raw, vulnerable and unapologetically true to themselves and each other. They may have had a difficult start but their HEA is so worth it. Their openness and willingness to work through their challenges is relationship goals.
Gabe’s story is next…. with all his mentions and critical role in Luca and Harper’s life, you just knew the authors were laying down the foundation for their next book. Can’t wait!
I received a free ARC of this book and this review is my opinion.
Read
December 2, 2024DNF @ 40%
I tried. Something with the dialogue between Luca and Harper… I just didn’t gel with it :(
I tried. Something with the dialogue between Luca and Harper… I just didn’t gel with it :(
September 20, 2024
Arc review
Well what can I say?
Ryan and Josh have done it yet again, but this time better than ever. I absolutely adored it. This book has had me smiling, crying and shouting, but in the end it is just perfect.
Harper Blanton has recently been traded from the Bethesda Barracudas, and now plays for the Buffalo Warriors Ice Hockey Team. Leaving all his friends behind, he needs to make new friends with his teammates, who make him feel very welcome.
Harper thinks he is incapable of love as all his previous boyfriends have left him. All he wants is a lasting relationship with someone who can see past the hockey player.
Luca Moretti plays Lacrosse for the Buffalo Steamrollers. He meets Harper and is instantly attracted to him, and he wants him. Luca does not know who Harper is initially. We have met Luca before when he was the best friends of Caleb (My Perfect Screwup, and another fabulous book by these authors).
Caleb and Luca are still best friends but the relationship is rocky and needs sorting out.
Harper and Luca start a new relationship and are happy on the surface, but they both have issues that need working through, before they get their perfect HEA.
This book features some mental health issues (please see the trigger warnings).
It also has the perfect balance of angst, steam and banter.
Ryan Taylor and Joshua Harwood are incredible authors and have such a knack of sucking you into a book, that you're almost living it. This book is no exception. The characetrs have depth and warmth to them and are described perfecly.
It was also lovely to read about characters from their other books, bringing three of their series together.
There are not enough stars to give this book. 5⭐️all day every day.
You simply must read this.
“Harper really did scare me but I liked him enough to face my fears”.
Well what can I say?
Ryan and Josh have done it yet again, but this time better than ever. I absolutely adored it. This book has had me smiling, crying and shouting, but in the end it is just perfect.
Harper Blanton has recently been traded from the Bethesda Barracudas, and now plays for the Buffalo Warriors Ice Hockey Team. Leaving all his friends behind, he needs to make new friends with his teammates, who make him feel very welcome.
Harper thinks he is incapable of love as all his previous boyfriends have left him. All he wants is a lasting relationship with someone who can see past the hockey player.
Luca Moretti plays Lacrosse for the Buffalo Steamrollers. He meets Harper and is instantly attracted to him, and he wants him. Luca does not know who Harper is initially. We have met Luca before when he was the best friends of Caleb (My Perfect Screwup, and another fabulous book by these authors).
Caleb and Luca are still best friends but the relationship is rocky and needs sorting out.
Harper and Luca start a new relationship and are happy on the surface, but they both have issues that need working through, before they get their perfect HEA.
This book features some mental health issues (please see the trigger warnings).
It also has the perfect balance of angst, steam and banter.
Ryan Taylor and Joshua Harwood are incredible authors and have such a knack of sucking you into a book, that you're almost living it. This book is no exception. The characetrs have depth and warmth to them and are described perfecly.
It was also lovely to read about characters from their other books, bringing three of their series together.
There are not enough stars to give this book. 5⭐️all day every day.
You simply must read this.
“Harper really did scare me but I liked him enough to face my fears”.
October 25, 2024
Harper and Luca had such a difficult but wonderful journey. This was a low angst but important story. Lessons learned and discussions had, showed the way love can survive and thrive.
A beautiful sexy and romantic book.
Loved it!
A beautiful sexy and romantic book.
Loved it!
October 24, 2024
2.5 ⭐️ This was kinda boring for me and the conflict felt manufactured. Didn’t slap for me the way it did for others. 🤷🏼♀️
September 21, 2024
Perhaps it is our imperfections that make us so perfect for one another--Jane Austen, Emma
In this high angst and emotionally charged journey, two professional sports players overcome their past relationship challenges and traumas in the hopes of having a happily ever after.
-Woulda, coulda, shoulda never solved anything.-
I received this ARC, un-proofed edition, in exchange for an honest review before it drops on October 2, 2024 on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited.
Crossed Sticks, a duel POV sports romance, is an off-shoot that takes place in an existing universe that the author’s created for another series called Bethesda Barracudas Hockey Series.
When Harper, a muscular cherub face hockey player, is traded to the Buffalo Warriors team, he remains in contact with his former teammates. When out on the town for welcome drinks with his new team, he Meet/Cutes with Greek god and beefy Luca, a Lacrosse player, in the bathroom. The starring contest is all the foreshadowing we need for the this light kink, dirty talking couple. Their flirty and humorous banter in the beginning was fun and set the stage of what their future COULD be.
-"Let's meet in the light of day and see if it happens again.”-
The medium pacing was smooth with the occasional small time hop to keep us moving in the emotional trajectory of their companionship that they both thrive for. Almost all of the plot takes place during the sport teams off season, so for a ‘sports themed romance’, there was little rink time, which in my opinion hindered the plot. The end of the 2nd Act and almost all of the 3rd really irritated me to no end while also triggering my own depression.
A round of applause to the author’s for being fearless in writing authentic mental health representation! I was going to give this 3 Stars because the plot was so character heavy with little going on but their baggage, however they wrote Luca's struggles tragically beautiful. They didn’t shy away from the darkness and showed all the shadows the mind can create with the help of being pushed over the edge by past and current experiences and gaslighting.
-Harsh words and betrayals don’t fade away. They transform, taunting you from the shadows with constant whispers that you aren’t good enough.-
All the while, Harp is dealing with his own insecurities with his wants, urges, and demons of the past that make him constantly feel unwanted and undeserved. He just wants to feel a spark of hope that he can finally have what he has always craved.
-"….the truth about what he has on his mind can’t be worse than the parade of horribles.”-
The spice was verbally filthy and a smacking good time, which I wasn’t expecting. 4/5🌶! Dom play can go to far really quick, but they kept the new experiences over the right side of the line. I went into this blind, having not read the cover description. I like to be surprised by a tool that was molded from Thor's hammer.
-I wasn’t looking for Mr. Forever, but finding a man who could be more then Mr. Tonight would be terrific.-
Lastly, many ensemble characters were introduced for future additions to the series. I’m excited to get to know them more as the world unfolds. Book 2 is already announced but I won’t give it away here. And if you are new to this universe without reading the Barracuda series (like me), don’t sweat. Nothing major was given away other than couples names.
Happy Reading!
In this high angst and emotionally charged journey, two professional sports players overcome their past relationship challenges and traumas in the hopes of having a happily ever after.
-Woulda, coulda, shoulda never solved anything.-
I received this ARC, un-proofed edition, in exchange for an honest review before it drops on October 2, 2024 on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited.
Crossed Sticks, a duel POV sports romance, is an off-shoot that takes place in an existing universe that the author’s created for another series called Bethesda Barracudas Hockey Series.
When Harper, a muscular cherub face hockey player, is traded to the Buffalo Warriors team, he remains in contact with his former teammates. When out on the town for welcome drinks with his new team, he Meet/Cutes with Greek god and beefy Luca, a Lacrosse player, in the bathroom. The starring contest is all the foreshadowing we need for the this light kink, dirty talking couple. Their flirty and humorous banter in the beginning was fun and set the stage of what their future COULD be.
-"Let's meet in the light of day and see if it happens again.”-
The medium pacing was smooth with the occasional small time hop to keep us moving in the emotional trajectory of their companionship that they both thrive for. Almost all of the plot takes place during the sport teams off season, so for a ‘sports themed romance’, there was little rink time, which in my opinion hindered the plot. The end of the 2nd Act and almost all of the 3rd really irritated me to no end while also triggering my own depression.
A round of applause to the author’s for being fearless in writing authentic mental health representation! I was going to give this 3 Stars because the plot was so character heavy with little going on but their baggage, however they wrote Luca's struggles tragically beautiful. They didn’t shy away from the darkness and showed all the shadows the mind can create with the help of being pushed over the edge by past and current experiences and gaslighting.
-Harsh words and betrayals don’t fade away. They transform, taunting you from the shadows with constant whispers that you aren’t good enough.-
All the while, Harp is dealing with his own insecurities with his wants, urges, and demons of the past that make him constantly feel unwanted and undeserved. He just wants to feel a spark of hope that he can finally have what he has always craved.
-"….the truth about what he has on his mind can’t be worse than the parade of horribles.”-
The spice was verbally filthy and a smacking good time, which I wasn’t expecting. 4/5🌶! Dom play can go to far really quick, but they kept the new experiences over the right side of the line. I went into this blind, having not read the cover description. I like to be surprised by a tool that was molded from Thor's hammer.
-I wasn’t looking for Mr. Forever, but finding a man who could be more then Mr. Tonight would be terrific.-
Lastly, many ensemble characters were introduced for future additions to the series. I’m excited to get to know them more as the world unfolds. Book 2 is already announced but I won’t give it away here. And if you are new to this universe without reading the Barracuda series (like me), don’t sweat. Nothing major was given away other than couples names.
Happy Reading!
July 10, 2026
This is going to be one of those unsatisfied 3 star ratings:
I'd rate some parts 1/2 stars:
The sexy stuff (the dirty talk is just NO) also the attempts at d/s (especially the talk involved there was super awkward) and let's just forget about the 'sword play' at the beach. If you're planning on reading: make sure to skim the sex scenes and skip the lake date.
The 4/5 star part was how both guys were there for each other. I loved how their relationship developed and how both were able to let go of their pasts and give their budding relationship a chance. I loved the hiccups and how well the authors handled mental health and both guys knew they had some serious work to do to be the guy the other needs. They didn't shy away from serious talks and made it work.
I looooved how the authors wrote that part ❤️
The book is over 400 pages long and I think the story would shine if there would have been some more editing.
The descriptions are sometimes too detailed and repetitive (we know what kind of color, shape and design Harps new couch has) and why both guys acted the way they did after the THING happened was described to death 🤷🏻♀️
I wish there would have been more actual hockey and lacrosse. I was super excited about the lacrosse part because I know next to nothing about it but the book takes place mostly during off season.
I think I'll try another book in this series and hope for less dirty talk and more of the emotional depths with which this book shines.
I'd rate some parts 1/2 stars:
The sexy stuff (the dirty talk is just NO) also the attempts at d/s (especially the talk involved there was super awkward) and let's just forget about the 'sword play' at the beach. If you're planning on reading: make sure to skim the sex scenes and skip the lake date.
The 4/5 star part was how both guys were there for each other. I loved how their relationship developed and how both were able to let go of their pasts and give their budding relationship a chance. I loved the hiccups and how well the authors handled mental health and both guys knew they had some serious work to do to be the guy the other needs. They didn't shy away from serious talks and made it work.
I looooved how the authors wrote that part ❤️
The book is over 400 pages long and I think the story would shine if there would have been some more editing.
The descriptions are sometimes too detailed and repetitive (we know what kind of color, shape and design Harps new couch has) and why both guys acted the way they did after the THING happened was described to death 🤷🏻♀️
I wish there would have been more actual hockey and lacrosse. I was super excited about the lacrosse part because I know next to nothing about it but the book takes place mostly during off season.
I think I'll try another book in this series and hope for less dirty talk and more of the emotional depths with which this book shines.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 9, 2024
An emotional start to a new series from Ryan Taylor and Josh Hardwood.
Harper is new to Buffalo having been traded to the Warriors hockey team and on his first night literally runs into Luca. There is an instant spark of attraction and, after a couple of missed moments, they're able to meet up and have quite the memorable encounter. What it turns into is something neither is prepared for, having both experienced heartbreak of varying degrees in the past.
I was surprised by the depth of the mental health struggles written but think it is quite well written. Communication is definitely something that both men need to work on to have a successful future, they definitely have no problems when it comes to attraction and what they can give to each other. Luca is the first person to ever see the submissive side that Harper has and has no problem in taking the lead there. Their struggles come from what they've experienced in the past affecting their thought processes and feelings in the present.
Harper's old and new teammates show themselves in the best light, being welcoming/supportive throughout the story. We don't get to meet anyone really on Luca's side. There is Caleb, his best friend, but that's where some of his troubles lie.
Another very good sports romance from this writing duo and I'm looking forward to getting to know more players on the Warrior's team.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
Harper is new to Buffalo having been traded to the Warriors hockey team and on his first night literally runs into Luca. There is an instant spark of attraction and, after a couple of missed moments, they're able to meet up and have quite the memorable encounter. What it turns into is something neither is prepared for, having both experienced heartbreak of varying degrees in the past.
I was surprised by the depth of the mental health struggles written but think it is quite well written. Communication is definitely something that both men need to work on to have a successful future, they definitely have no problems when it comes to attraction and what they can give to each other. Luca is the first person to ever see the submissive side that Harper has and has no problem in taking the lead there. Their struggles come from what they've experienced in the past affecting their thought processes and feelings in the present.
Harper's old and new teammates show themselves in the best light, being welcoming/supportive throughout the story. We don't get to meet anyone really on Luca's side. There is Caleb, his best friend, but that's where some of his troubles lie.
Another very good sports romance from this writing duo and I'm looking forward to getting to know more players on the Warrior's team.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
Did Not Finish
August 21, 2025DNF @ 55%
O poziomie zainteresowania książką niech świadczy fakt, że nawet nie pamiętałam czy ją skończyłam. Coś mi w niej nie pasowało i dlatego przerwałam w połowie, a recenzje nie zachęcały do kontynuacji.
O poziomie zainteresowania książką niech świadczy fakt, że nawet nie pamiętałam czy ją skończyłam. Coś mi w niej nie pasowało i dlatego przerwałam w połowie, a recenzje nie zachęcały do kontynuacji.
August 20, 2026
2.5 ⭐️
I liked Harper. I did not like Luca. His unrequited feelings for Caleb were annoying. It was very present right from the start. I did not like that he was still fixated on Caleb while trying to seriously date Harper.
It was evident right from the start that he had not dealt with those feelings. I’m really glad nothing happened but the other man drama was too much. Caleb and Luca’s friendship was toxic, if it could even be called a friendship. I did not like Caleb either.
Harper deserves way better than those two. Honestly, I don’t believe Caleb didn’t do what he did on purpose and I feel like Luca should’ve cut things off. Their whole dynamic put me off
I liked Harper. I did not like Luca. His unrequited feelings for Caleb were annoying. It was very present right from the start. I did not like that he was still fixated on Caleb while trying to seriously date Harper.
It was evident right from the start that he had not dealt with those feelings. I’m really glad nothing happened but the other man drama was too much. Caleb and Luca’s friendship was toxic, if it could even be called a friendship. I did not like Caleb either.
Harper deserves way better than those two. Honestly, I don’t believe Caleb didn’t do what he did on purpose and I feel like Luca should’ve cut things off. Their whole dynamic put me off
October 3, 2024
Oh man, this book is gonna tear your heart out and put it right back together again!
You should probably also know, it’s GONNA make you laugh and cry—heck, it may even make you laugh UNTIL you cry but either way, you’re not gonna regret one. Single. Word. I definitely didn’t and I already can’t wait for Gabe’s book!
Harper and Luca were so sweet! They didn’t always have it easy but they never gave up, were always there for each other and SO dang hot that I wasn’t ready for it to end. Christmas is coming soon, who knows, maybe J&R will take pity on us and write a little Harper and Luca short to tide us over while we wait for Gabe’s story. Please?
This was such a deliciously sweet book, one readers aren’t gonna want to miss, it’s a 5 Star read for sure!!
I received a copy of this book for free but am voluntarily leaving a review.
You should probably also know, it’s GONNA make you laugh and cry—heck, it may even make you laugh UNTIL you cry but either way, you’re not gonna regret one. Single. Word. I definitely didn’t and I already can’t wait for Gabe’s book!
Harper and Luca were so sweet! They didn’t always have it easy but they never gave up, were always there for each other and SO dang hot that I wasn’t ready for it to end. Christmas is coming soon, who knows, maybe J&R will take pity on us and write a little Harper and Luca short to tide us over while we wait for Gabe’s story. Please?
This was such a deliciously sweet book, one readers aren’t gonna want to miss, it’s a 5 Star read for sure!!
I received a copy of this book for free but am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 4, 2024
I absolutely love Harper and Luca.
This entire book was phenomenal. The author duo has once again knocked it out of the park.
Ryan Taylor and Joshua Harwood are definitely no strangers when it comes to tackling sensitive issues such as mental health representation which this book definitely has. And they do not sugar coat it either.
I am super excited that this book is also kicking off a brand new series of hockey books which are written to be stand-alones.
I highly recommend this book and make sure you have tissues as well because you are going to need them as this book has all the feels.
This entire book was phenomenal. The author duo has once again knocked it out of the park.
Ryan Taylor and Joshua Harwood are definitely no strangers when it comes to tackling sensitive issues such as mental health representation which this book definitely has. And they do not sugar coat it either.
I am super excited that this book is also kicking off a brand new series of hockey books which are written to be stand-alones.
I highly recommend this book and make sure you have tissues as well because you are going to need them as this book has all the feels.
October 3, 2024
Emotional Rollercoaster…
I loved Luca and Harper from the start! These two broken men just needed each other to pick up the pieces and heal.
Remembering Luca’s character from My Perfect Screwup and seeing how he’s struggled since he got his heart broken was heart wrenching to read. I liked that the authors included a mental health storyline because there is so much stigma involved. It’s still an off limits topic for many.
Harper and Luca were so hot and steamy! I think this was the spiciest book by Ryan and Josh. I can’t wait for the next book!
I loved Luca and Harper from the start! These two broken men just needed each other to pick up the pieces and heal.
Remembering Luca’s character from My Perfect Screwup and seeing how he’s struggled since he got his heart broken was heart wrenching to read. I liked that the authors included a mental health storyline because there is so much stigma involved. It’s still an off limits topic for many.
Harper and Luca were so hot and steamy! I think this was the spiciest book by Ryan and Josh. I can’t wait for the next book!
September 22, 2024
"Crossed Sticks" by Ryan Taylor and Joshua Harwood is an exhilarating sports romance that will keep you on the edge of your seat. In this first book of the Buffalo Warriors Hockey series, we meet Luca, a talented lacrosse player for the Steamrollers, and Harper, a skilled hockey player traded to the Buffalo Ice Hockey Team from the Bethesda Barracudas. Both have had their fair share of failed relationships and are sceptical about finding love again.
As the story unfolds, we delve into their insecurities and past demons, adding a layer of depth and relatability to the characters. Harper battles with his insecurities, while Luca struggles with underlying anxiety. The raw emotions and relatable struggles make the story feel incredibly real.
The authors skillfully weave in themes of mental health and depression, offering a poignant and authentic representation. The dual point of view adds an extra layer of depth to the narrative, allowing readers to connect with both characters on a deeper level.
With plenty of angst, steamy moments, and a touch of humour, "Crossed Sticks" is a compelling sports romance that will keep you hooked from start to finish. If you're looking for a story that combines sizzling romance, authentic emotions, and a hint of kink, this book has it all!
As the story unfolds, we delve into their insecurities and past demons, adding a layer of depth and relatability to the characters. Harper battles with his insecurities, while Luca struggles with underlying anxiety. The raw emotions and relatable struggles make the story feel incredibly real.
The authors skillfully weave in themes of mental health and depression, offering a poignant and authentic representation. The dual point of view adds an extra layer of depth to the narrative, allowing readers to connect with both characters on a deeper level.
With plenty of angst, steamy moments, and a touch of humour, "Crossed Sticks" is a compelling sports romance that will keep you hooked from start to finish. If you're looking for a story that combines sizzling romance, authentic emotions, and a hint of kink, this book has it all!
October 6, 2024
This was a great book! I’d give it a 4.5/5 rating, and only because I felt there were a lot of side characters that made it confusing for me. This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I loved it!!! I think if I knew characters from another series were in it, I would have read those first before skipping ahead to this new series. And I felt like some of those side characters from another series had stories I didn’t understand because I hadn’t read them. I wasn’t able to get the full picture. Luca and Harper however, I absolutely adored!! The spice in this book was 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ so good!! I loved the dynamic between the two men, and I also really loved their backgrounds and histories and how that shaped them into a great couple! The fact that depression was brought into this story made me cry for Luca and the pain he endured. It was so real and I’m glad the authors didn’t have just one little blurb about mental health. It was very much a part of the character and made the ending so much more worth it!! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would love to continue on with the universe to read Gabe’s story next! I will have to go back and read other books from these authors though, as I’d love more info about the side characters mentioned in this story! I received an advanced reader copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 17, 2024
The set-up of the story is good. I admire the authors for trying to have the main characters face real relationship problems. Unfortunately, both act absurdly juvenile when they get the first whiff of a problem. Harper storms out of the city he lives in, refusing to listen to the possibility that he may not have all the information. Luca, meanwhile starves himself when he doesn’t get his way. Neither one of these guys is mature enough to handle a real relationship. Yes they have scars from previous boyfriends, but neither one shows much sign of changing. They only face their problems at the end because they’re forced to do so by underdeveloped side-characters. Then they seemingly never have another problem for the rest of the book. Just lots of sex. Again, this seems like a shallow, immature relationship. I get the feeling that as soon as they face another slight problem that does not have an immediately recognizable solution, they would take off on each other again. So even though the authors put in a lot of effort to give each character intriguing backstories and gave them good chemistry, the weak relationship tanked my opinion of the story. One additional problem I noted was unnatural dialogue.
June 6, 2025
3 ⭐️
I’ve had to work a lot and I feel like my brain needs simpler things. So I’m on a hockey romance binge.
And this one. I doubt I would have finished it if I was in my right mind and not exhausted all the time. But. As it is I enjoyed this simple and overdramatic book. I could stand all the cringey parts and was sufficiently entertained.
Is the writing good? Not really. Does the story feel real? Nope. But. If you’re in the mood for entertaining and juvenile boy drama, this is a pretty decent choice 😀😀
I’ve had to work a lot and I feel like my brain needs simpler things. So I’m on a hockey romance binge.
And this one. I doubt I would have finished it if I was in my right mind and not exhausted all the time. But. As it is I enjoyed this simple and overdramatic book. I could stand all the cringey parts and was sufficiently entertained.
Is the writing good? Not really. Does the story feel real? Nope. But. If you’re in the mood for entertaining and juvenile boy drama, this is a pretty decent choice 😀😀
December 10, 2025
Lame
Both MCs are just lame... the connection between the two main characters was nowhere to be found....this book was actually more words than it was supposed to be in order to tell this lame story. For one of the partners to be dominant in the sex relationship, needs that partner to have a dominant character also in order to be sexy and believable....as i said before many words, no connection and zero "hotness " in the sex scenes. Yeah....sorry but it was a waste of money and time...
Both MCs are just lame... the connection between the two main characters was nowhere to be found....this book was actually more words than it was supposed to be in order to tell this lame story. For one of the partners to be dominant in the sex relationship, needs that partner to have a dominant character also in order to be sexy and believable....as i said before many words, no connection and zero "hotness " in the sex scenes. Yeah....sorry but it was a waste of money and time...
September 3, 2025
Sports romance/ forced proximity/ FWB/ MM/ hurt/comfort/ OM drama/ HEA
Trigger warning: depression/ anxiety/ mandatory stay at a mental institution/ trauma/ public sex
This was good and very emotional. There was a lot of spice and just enough angst to keep it interesting. The MMCs fit each other really well and I’m glad they got a HEA.
Trigger warning: depression/ anxiety/ mandatory stay at a mental institution/ trauma/ public sex
This was good and very emotional. There was a lot of spice and just enough angst to keep it interesting. The MMCs fit each other really well and I’m glad they got a HEA.
April 17, 2026
DNF after a few pages. I keep hoping for a decent MM by a (presumably) male author, and I thought having two might fill the bill. But I should have read the sample on Amazon before buying this. Corny, cliché and just horrible.
April 27, 2025
Honestly, this was poorly written and very cringy. Probably should have dnf’ed but it was like a train wreck I couldn’t look away from
May 23, 2025
DNF and done.. 53% and I’m bored. I’ve read a bit of reviews to see what’s supposed to come and it’s what I suspected. Idc.. and already hate Caleb so yeah I’m out.
August 16, 2026
THE PITCH
Secrets? We've all got them. Crossed Sticks throws two sports pros with plenty of their own into a relationship where hot sex is the easy part. Getting out of their own fucking way long enough to communicate? That's where shit gets complicated.
VOID INC. CASE REPORT
I came for the spice and then got fucked by human emotions.
Rude.
What Crossed Sticks fucking nails is something I haven't found often enough in MM romance: mental-health struggles where self-awareness doesn't magically equal being therapized.
Harper and Luca know they have baggage. They're capable of saying, "Hey, here's why I'm fucked up." They communicate about their struggles. They try. But knowing why you react the way you do doesn't mean rational thought won't occasionally pack its shit and leave when something hits exactly the wrong nerve.
And that's where this book got me.
There's a conflict involving perceived infidelity that could have easily landed in the giant dumpster labeled BULLSHIT MISCOMMUNICATION TROPE. Instead, I believed the reactions because I believed these characters. Their responses aren't always rational—but they make sense for them.
I didn't just empathize with these two. I fucking felt it.
Once the central conflict gets moving, it's like watching a car sitting on the tracks while you can already hear the train coming. You know this is going to be fucking bad. They don't know what's coming. And you can't look away.
My biggest struggle was the early pacing, particularly in the audiobook. I had trouble tracking how much time was passing and relied heavily on context clues, which sometimes made a relationship developing over months feel much faster. I don't know whether the print or ebook editions provide visual markers that weren't apparent in audio, so I'm not blaming the book for something I can't verify. I can only say that, as an audiobook listener, I occasionally felt temporally fucking homeless.
I also had to stretch my suspension of disbelief around the sheer number of openly queer couples within this particular professional-sports universe. And fuck, do I wish reality looked like this. I appreciate what the authors are doing by normalizing queer relationships in professional sports. For me, though, it became a tiny mosquito bite in the worldbuilding: never enough to ruin anything, but once I noticed it, I occasionally noticed myself noticing it.
But what stuck with me after finishing wasn't the sports or even the sex.
Fucking communication is more than telling someone, "I'm fucked because of X, Y, and Z."
Know your shit. Own your shit. Work on your shit.
Trauma can explain a reaction without automatically excusing what you do with it. Apologizing matters, but so does learning how to handle yourself differently next time.
And sometimes being in a relationship means learning how to be better together.
THE STUDY GROUP
If you like sports hotties with emotional baggage but want them doing more than fucking their problems away, Crossed Sticks is absolutely worth your time.
If you want your sports romance purely escapist—hot men, hot sex, minimal emotional homework—this might not be the one. This bastard may have you examining your own coping mechanisms when you were just trying to enjoy the fucking hockey players.
SEASONINGS: READ CAREFULLY
Mental-health struggles • involuntary inpatient psychiatric treatment • self-destructive behavior • perceived cheating/infidelity
THE VERDICT
★★★★ | HELLS YES | ONE & DONE
I loved it. I'm glad I experienced it. I'd recommend it.
I'm also not going back.
This book fucked me up emotionally once, and I ain't about to voluntarily let it do that shit again.
I've been to therapy, thank you very fucking much. And, P.S. Fuck you, Caleb. You know what you did.
Secrets? We've all got them. Crossed Sticks throws two sports pros with plenty of their own into a relationship where hot sex is the easy part. Getting out of their own fucking way long enough to communicate? That's where shit gets complicated.
VOID INC. CASE REPORT
I came for the spice and then got fucked by human emotions.
Rude.
What Crossed Sticks fucking nails is something I haven't found often enough in MM romance: mental-health struggles where self-awareness doesn't magically equal being therapized.
Harper and Luca know they have baggage. They're capable of saying, "Hey, here's why I'm fucked up." They communicate about their struggles. They try. But knowing why you react the way you do doesn't mean rational thought won't occasionally pack its shit and leave when something hits exactly the wrong nerve.
And that's where this book got me.
There's a conflict involving perceived infidelity that could have easily landed in the giant dumpster labeled BULLSHIT MISCOMMUNICATION TROPE. Instead, I believed the reactions because I believed these characters. Their responses aren't always rational—but they make sense for them.
I didn't just empathize with these two. I fucking felt it.
Once the central conflict gets moving, it's like watching a car sitting on the tracks while you can already hear the train coming. You know this is going to be fucking bad. They don't know what's coming. And you can't look away.
My biggest struggle was the early pacing, particularly in the audiobook. I had trouble tracking how much time was passing and relied heavily on context clues, which sometimes made a relationship developing over months feel much faster. I don't know whether the print or ebook editions provide visual markers that weren't apparent in audio, so I'm not blaming the book for something I can't verify. I can only say that, as an audiobook listener, I occasionally felt temporally fucking homeless.
I also had to stretch my suspension of disbelief around the sheer number of openly queer couples within this particular professional-sports universe. And fuck, do I wish reality looked like this. I appreciate what the authors are doing by normalizing queer relationships in professional sports. For me, though, it became a tiny mosquito bite in the worldbuilding: never enough to ruin anything, but once I noticed it, I occasionally noticed myself noticing it.
But what stuck with me after finishing wasn't the sports or even the sex.
Fucking communication is more than telling someone, "I'm fucked because of X, Y, and Z."
Know your shit. Own your shit. Work on your shit.
Trauma can explain a reaction without automatically excusing what you do with it. Apologizing matters, but so does learning how to handle yourself differently next time.
And sometimes being in a relationship means learning how to be better together.
THE STUDY GROUP
If you like sports hotties with emotional baggage but want them doing more than fucking their problems away, Crossed Sticks is absolutely worth your time.
If you want your sports romance purely escapist—hot men, hot sex, minimal emotional homework—this might not be the one. This bastard may have you examining your own coping mechanisms when you were just trying to enjoy the fucking hockey players.
SEASONINGS: READ CAREFULLY
Mental-health struggles • involuntary inpatient psychiatric treatment • self-destructive behavior • perceived cheating/infidelity
THE VERDICT
★★★★ | HELLS YES | ONE & DONE
I loved it. I'm glad I experienced it. I'd recommend it.
I'm also not going back.
This book fucked me up emotionally once, and I ain't about to voluntarily let it do that shit again.
I've been to therapy, thank you very fucking much. And, P.S. Fuck you, Caleb. You know what you did.
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