Crease Collision

New York Condors Hockey #1

by Ryan Taylor, Joshua Harwood

Kai Mercer can read every shooter in the league. The only man he can’t read is guarding the opposite net.

As the starting goaltender for the New York Condors, Kai survives by controlling the chaos. He can anticipate a shot before it leaves the stick, but people are a different story. To calm a world that’s always too loud, Kai keeps his emotional armor locked tight. At least until an anonymous summer fling with a gentle stranger strips away all his defenses. He never even got a last name, but the quiet safety of those warm nights was exactly what he needed.

Until opening night of the season.

When Kai looks across the ice at the New Jersey Fury’s crease, his focus shatters. The goalie staring back at him is the same man who held him in the dark.

Oskar didn’t come to America to fall in love. He came to play hockey. But the unshakeable Swedish goaltender knows a rare shot when he sees one, and he has no intention of letting Kai disappear.

Every game pushes one of them closer to the championship they've spent their lives chasing, and further from the one person who feels like home.

Crease Collision is a high-stakes MM hockey romance featuring rival goaltenders, hookup-to-lovers, bisexual and neurodivergent representation, locker-room banter, high heat, and a guaranteed HEA. Crease Collision is the first book in the New York Condors Hockey series by the authors of the bestselling Buffalo Warriors Hockey and Bethesda Barracudas Hockey series.

Genres: Hockey, M M Romance, Sports

Kindle Edition

Expected publication August 19, 2026

Reviews

[Rosie · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝙄 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙖 𝙛𝙧𝙚𝙚 𝙖𝙙𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧 𝙘𝙤𝙥𝙮 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙖𝙪𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙧.

Some books stay with you long after you turn the last page, and Crease Collision is one of them.

Ryan Taylor and Joshua Harwood gave us so much more than a hockey romance—they gave us a beautiful story about love, trust, vulnerability, and finding someone who truly sees you.

What stood out to me most was Kai. His neurodivergence is portrayed with so much authenticity, care, and respect. It isn’t treated as something to overcome or “fix”—it’s simply part of who he is. His thought processes, the way he experiences the world, and even the small details of how he navigates everyday life felt incredibly genuine. Watching him slowly learn that he could be completely himself with Oskar was one of the most moving parts of the story.

Oskar is everything Kai needs—patient, perceptive, supportive, and unwavering in the way he loves him. He never asks Kai to change; he simply takes the time to understand him. Their relationship is built on communication, trust, and acceptance, and because of that, every emotional moment felt real and deeply earned.

The hockey is phenomenal. Every game had me completely immersed, and having two rival goalies at the center of the story made every victory and heartbreak even more emotional. Add in the Condors’ hilarious banter and incredible found-family dynamic, and I never wanted to leave this world.

And that epilogue… I honestly couldn’t have imagined a more perfect ending for Kai and Oskar. It was heartfelt, peaceful, and left me with the biggest smile.

Crease Collision is a story that made me laugh, made me emotional, and reminded me that the best love stories are the ones where you’re accepted exactly as you are. Kai and Oskar have earned a place among my all-time favorite couples, and this is a book I’ll be thinking about for a very long time.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🩷

[Mikaela (risqué.romance) · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨May contain spoilers✨

I’ve read one book by these two and I was instantly and totally hooked from this two.

Oskar and Kai were just so sweet and everything they I didn’t know I needed. They had the cutest moments that made me want more from these two.

I absolutely love how they bump into one another and it’s instant attraction.

Things get a little interesting when Oskar didn’t tell Kai exactly what he did for a living.

I love the dynamic of them being rivals on the ice but off the ice, they are just so much more. And the text messages were so freaking cute.

And the moment Ozzy doesn’t move makes me sweat just like Kai was feeling.

And the found family was so everything I didn’t know I needed. I love found family when they just accept you who you are no matter what.

And Kai’s neurodivergence was so beautiful written. To see how he was feeling was so cute and I enjoyed seeing where his mind was truly at. Oskar is everything that Kai needs and I’m here for all these moments. Their love is so beautiful and makes me eager for more and more from these two beautiful souls.

I absolutely loved this book and I cannot wait to see what’s next.

I received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.

[Shay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book from the author, and am voluntarily leaving a review. I had been really looking forward to reading Kai and Oskar’s story, and it exceeded my expectations. I have read it twice in one day!


Crease Collision by Ryan Taylor and Joshua Harwood is the first book in the New York Condors hockey series. If you think that this is just another MM hockey romance, you would be mistaken. Crease Collision at its core is a celebration of individuality. We all have our own talents, strengths, challenges and quirks, but as Crease Collision shares with us, none of these should define or limit us. They are only one part of the puzzle that makes us who we are as individuals. For example, Oskar is Swedish and right off the bat (pun intended as they meet in a baseball stadium) Kai and Oskar use differences in languages (Kai is from the US) to flirt and share their culture with each other. These language lessons continue throughout the story and are one example of the small romantic gestures between Oskar and Kai. Slowly bits of Sweden pop up in Kai’s home, and Oskar enjoys using US slang with Kai.


The hockey scenes in Crease Collision are probably the best I have ever read. They are fast paced and detailed. Reading these scenes from the perspective of both goalies (Kai is the goalie for the New York Condors, and Oskar is the goalie for the New Jersey Fury) adds a unique twist as it places the reader in the middle of the action as if you were right there on the ice with the players. And while this is a rival goalie story, there is no animosity between Kai and Oskar. Yes, they are competing in the league and one team winning means the other team loses. However, both Kai and Oskar recognise and respect the level of professionalism and athleticism in the other, and choose to build each other up and support the other to play the best hockey they can. I love this angle because it reminds me of the beautiful rivalry between tennis sensations Rafa Nadal and Roger Federer, who were friends above all and each other’s biggest fan. I love that Ryan and Josh chose to show what positive rivalry looks like: an inspiration to excel and always do your best.


Crease Collision has neurodivergent rep, and I love the amount of research that must have happened while developing Kai’s character. I’m not going to give him labels because I feel that you will love how Kai is written as a complex character, with many different sides to his personality that make up the very soul of Kai. That said, I love that the neurodivergence was not stereotypical. There is a quiet, internal energy to Kai and how he views the world. I love this variation in representation and I believe there should be more in the genre. I also love Kai’s self-awareness, because he has developed the systems he needs to successfully navigate the world around him. His attention to detail makes him an excellent goalie as he is able to pick up on things on the ice and when watching video tape of his opponents that others don’t see.


If Kai is the soul of Crease Collision, Oskar is the hjärtat (heart). He is my favourite book boyfriend ever. From the get go Oskar knew he wanted Kai, and when they hooked up over the summer (the spice starts spicing from chapter 2!), he immediately knew there was something special about his relationship with Kai. He could see Kai’s fear and he allowed Kai space and time to process everything through his patience, kindness and respect. Again, we see the theme of acceptance through the way Oskar never tries to “fix” Kai or make a big deal of things. He quietly places himself between Kai and chaotic crowds, he places a grounding hand on Kai’s lower back, he gently takes the piece of Lego Kai passes to him and engages in Kai’s world. At the end of the day, Kai and Oskar’s relationship shows us that it is a two-way street and we can help each other to be the best versions of ourselves without fundamentally changing who we are as individuals.


One of the things I love most about MM romance is the healthy conversations regarding consent, and Crease Collision is no exception to this. Oskar is the king of consent, not only in the bedroom by constantly checking in on Kai before during and after, but also outside of their physical relationship. Early on Oskar calls Kai beautiful and Kai blushes and gets flustered. Oskar immediately checks on him, asking if it was okay to call him beautiful or if it made Kai feel uncomfortable- that is consent in its purest form: checking that what you say and do to another person is wanted and it makes them feel comfortable and safe.


Finally, I love the end of the book. I don’t want to spoil the ending because it’s beautifully written and I want everyone to experience it as intended by the authors. Suffice to say that there is no stereotypical proposal (another example of the variety of different types of relationships in today’s society). I think it is perfect for Kai and Oskar as partners. Coming from different countries, languages and cultures they learn that home is not a place, it’s a person.


I highly recommend Crease Collision, it is easily five stars, and if I could give it more stars, I would.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

2 Pro Hockey Goalies... Rivals on the Ice, but off the ice, love is blooming 💙

Oskar and Kai have officially stolen my heart 🥹 I absolutely adored Crease Collison and I'm still so sad that the book is over!

What started off as a summer time hookup between 2 strangers that met at a baseball game, quickly grows into so much more 🥰

Oskar is living out his dream of being drafted to an American pro hockey team and leaves his family and friends behind in Sweden to chase his dream when fate brings Kai into his life. After their first hookup, both of them realize that there are instant feelings that need to be further explored. As the two begin navigating their feelings and getting to know each other better, neither reveals their pro goalie status until they face each other on game day on the ice!

Not only has Kai been hurt in the past but he is also neurodivergent and oh how beautifully written was this representation! I could personally relate in so many ways with his fears and need to control his environment. Oskar is such a loving, patient and protective soul who not only doesn't look at Kai any differently but also becomes an anchor for Kai. Together they face hurdles, navigate uncertainty and ultimately come together in the most beautiful way ✨️ The love they share had me ugly crying multiple times throughout the story. The spice did not disappoint either 🔥🥵

The hockey scenes in this book were fabulous! 👏 I felt like I was right there sitting in the stands and was on the edge of my seat 🏒

Crease Collison was filled with so much emotion, laughter, heartstopping moments, pass the tissue monents, tension, and above all shows us that love can be found in all forms and especially when we least expect it 💕 Oskar and Kai will be living rent free in my head for the foreseeable future!!

This was my first book by Ryan and Josh but it definitely won't be my last!! I'm now a huge fan and going to be going back to binge read all of their other books 😍 I'm also already counting down for the release of Book 2 in the New York Condors series next year!!

So very grateful to have recieved an ARC of this incredible story.

[fortheloveofmmromancebooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has got to be one of the most beautiful books I have read.

Kai Mercer and Oskar Olofsson are at a basketball game, separately. Thanks to a rouge ball heading their way, their worlds collide and they never look back.
They realise that there is an instant connection between them, and they leave the game early to hook up.
Not divulging any information about their careers, neither know that they are both goalies for their respective hockey teams, that is until they face each other on the ice.
As they embark on a journey, they face barriers they need to work through.

Ryan Taylor and Joshua Harwood never fail to impress me with their wonderful, heartfelt stories. I was totally hooked from the first chapter.
This is the first book in their new series ‘New York Condors’, and if this book is anything to go by, the whole series will be epic.
Their writing is once again flawless, and the way they bring Kai and Oskar to life is sublime.
Throughout this book, I felt very protective towards both of the characters, and just wanted the best for them. Kai, is vulnerable and after being hurt, rarely lets anyone get close to him, except for Oskar. Oskar is a huge puppy dog of a man, who is so patient, tender and incredibly loving towards Kai. Their communication through the book is incredible.
With Oskar being Swedish, Ryan and Josh have obviously studied the language, as they made him speak broken English, which anyone learning the language would do. I loved the Swedish that was interspersed too.
The side characters were once again the found family that are by their side no matter what.
The last chapter made me tear up, as it was so beautifully written, and gave me clarity on my personal life.
I honestly think this could be my read of the year so far.
I cannot wait for what else the Condors bring

[Jennifer Laber · Rating 5 out of 5]

First things first, I think Crease Collision has my new favorite book couple from Ryan and Josh. Kai and Oskar were everything!

I love a book that doesn’t make you wait to see the connection between the MCs, and we definitely had that here. There was an immediate, palpable chemistry between these guys from page 1-2. I loved getting to enjoy their initial week together, rather than perhaps just hearing about it after the fact. Despite Kai’s reservation, it was apparent they had something real. And kudos for Oskar for jumping right in and fighting for what he saw there.

Speaking of Oskar, what a walking green flag he was! I adored the way he was a strength and support for Kai, understanding how to be that for him before he even truly had the full story of what Kai was dealing with. Even with his own fears, he gave Kai the space he needed, but also demanded the communication when it was necessary. And don’t even get me started on his Swedish! Though hard fought, it was so sweet to see Kai finally able to let down his walls.

Other than the characters, one of my favorite parts of this book was the fantastic play-by-play during the games. I read a lot of hockey romance, and Ryan’s and Josh’s game commentary is top-tier. It had a lot to the story without being too much. And of course, we had some great appearances from beloved characters in other connected series. Love this first book in the New York Condors series!

[Chasary Mendez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so excited to get an advance copy book from the Authors!

Omg! This book is just super sweet. Yes it has all the hockey and chirping. What love most about this book is the vulnerability of both Kai and Oskar.

Oskar moved from Sweden to play professional hockey. He’s bumps into Kai and they hit it off right away. Oskar didn’t tell Kai what’s his job. But this beautiful Swedish man is everything that Kai ever needed and wanted.

Kai is an openly gay hockey player who is neurodivergent. He’s jaded by his past and has his walls built so strong. So when he meets Oskar they start off as friends. Then things get a bit more serious and Kai panics and shut ozzy out.

Kai being vulnerable and open with ozzy was the most sweetest moment ever. Ozzy just letting him speak freely and making sure Kai knew he loved him no matter what.

Gosh they both played for rival teams. But that didn’t deter what they felt for each other on the ice the are rivals off they ice they are partners in love living their authentic life.

I loved to see Packy and Nico!! And they’re found family accepting ozzy into their family was truly beautiful.

Ryan and Josh truly know how to write these beautiful swoon worthy hockey books. I can’t way for book 2 of the new series The New York conders!!

[Allison Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, 3 chapters in and I was already swooning over these two characters. I can’t remember the last time I was this instantly hooked on both MMCs. I actually can’t count how many times I got butterflies and goosebumps from these two in the beginning.

This book started off incredibly strong. It did end up feeling almost a tiny bit backwards for me, though. Normally, a five-star read for me starts off really strong and molds into something fantastic. This book started off fantastic and then moved into really strong. Regardless of which came first, it was still a five-star read for me, but it definitely felt backwards for my brain 😂

I loved so much about this book. Oskar and his openness and patience. Kai and his beautiful neurodivergent brain. The hilarious American slang Oskar was picking up from his teammates and the way it made Kai cringe (it killed me every single time 😂). And just the way these two continued to share their hearts with each other throughout the entire book.

There was just so much to love about these two and their story. ❤️

Title - Crease Collision
Author - Ryan Taylor & Joshua Harwood
Star rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spicy Rating - 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Overall - Autistic Allie Approved✅

[This.Girl.Readss · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great start to a new hockey series! Joshua and Ryan always write excellent hockey stories with the kind of details that actually make sense and lets you feel their love and understanding of the game. I loved Oskar and Kai! The meet cute was fun and started the spicy times right off the bat (pun intended)! The pull they had to each other was instant and you could feel their love sparks flying off the page.

I loved the way Kai was portrayed and how perfectly his neurodivergence was worked into the story. The way Oskar cared for and understood what he needed was beautiful. He was so patient with Kai, especially in the beginning when he kept running, and it made me fall in love with Oskar more and more.

And of course, Nico and Packy being around was perfect! I enjoyed seeing where their relationship had progressed to, now that they’re on the same team. (From book 5 Buffalo Warriors hockey- Hidden Power Play). I loved how easily they, as well as both teams and fans, accepted Oskar and Kai’s relationship even though they’re rivals.

It was a beautiful story of finding your home and I cannot wait to read more of the series!

[DJ McCready · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read into late last night to finish the book. It was an exceptionally good read. I have always liked these husband's books but this book, while it had sexual activity in it, was not unnecessarily descriptive or drawn out. The writing had a flow that few authors achieve.

Kai is the established goalie of the Condors but he is neurodiverse and falls back into Oskar's arms at a baseball game. Oskar has just arrived in the USA from Sweden to join the Fury. They obviously are attracted to each other and while they both have issues they work them through laughter and eventually good talks.

The book switches between personal life which is fairly normal and the hockey rink. Neither one knows the other is a goalie until they face each other in a game but they overcome that. There are times when Kai worries so much about getting involved that it almost ruins things but they talk at the right time and make it as partners through the playoffs which the Condor's win. It iis actually the way they handle playing against each other in the playoffs that sets them up for a lifetime of togetherness.

I absolutely loved the Epilogue.

[Wayne Tunks · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a truly delightful book with two incredibly sweet and loveable leads and a great story that kept me wanting to read it quickly.
Kai is at a baseball game when he meets Oskar, a Swede whose just arrived in the US. They start to sleep together, but instantly there's more - not realising that they are both goalies, one for New York, one for Jersey.
These characters were absolutely adorable. Very rarely I will cry in a book from the sheer beauty of characters, it happened here when reading the Christmas Market scene - truly beautiful.
There's also great representation in the book, Kai being neurodivergent. This was handled beautifully, and Oskar is such a wonderful partner to him.
I also love reading books set in New York and it was great to see so much of it in the book.
Highly recommended, can't wait to read more in this series.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been so excited to read this new series and once again Ryan and Joshua did not disappoint. I loved Kai and Oskars first meeting,it was a real meet-cute. Their whole relationship was so sweet and steamy. I loved how Kai's Neurodivergence was written,it was do real. No they didn't have smooth sailing but their relationship felt real. Oskar was a beautiful man, i loved how patient, loving and caring he was with Kai. This book was full of laughter, emotions and an epilogue that was beyond perfect for their relationship.

[Mel Cheer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal writing from this duo, giving us a book with depth feeling and plenty of banter.
Kai and Oskar meet in a spectacularly cute way and begin a situationship. Its not until the first game of the season that Kai realises his summer fling is standing in the opposite Goal.
This is a beautifully told story that has great hockey, amazing ND rep, and characters that will definitely become your new book boyfriends .

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

New series? Yes please. I hope these two never stop writing hockey romances. This had two opposing goalies falling in love and it was beautiful. I loved how Kai was represented. And how perfectly Oskar could just accept his idiosyncrasies and do what he could to make it better. I am going to love this series.

[Dagona Nyteshade · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book from the very beginning. I loved both Kai and Oskar. Oskar was so patient with Kai and that's what he needed so badly. They were so good together. I finished this book so fast it was ridiculous, but it was so worth it. If you are a fan of MM hockey romance and especially a fan of Josh and Ryan then give this book a chance. It will definitely be worth it.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an Advanced Copy of the Book. This story of Kai and Oskar was one of my favorites! These 2 are incredible and their story shows the struggles of being rivals. Their chemistry is great and got their HEA they deserved!