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Cardinal Sin: A Forbidden Hockey Romance
When you spend a billion to buy a hockey team, the team captain is absolutely off-limits.
Ace Cardinal is everything I can't broad shoulders, a jawline that could cut glass, and the kind of quiet intensity that makes a woman forget she signs his paycheck. He's ten years older. He's my employee. He's the reason forty thousand people show up on game night.
And after one reckless evening at a bar I shouldn't have been in, he's the reason I can't stop thinking about leather couches and bad decisions.
Rules I set for Don't touch the talent. Don't let anyone past the security detail — or the walls. Don't fall for a man who calls you "Miss Boswell" in public and your actual name in the dark.
I broke every single one.
Now my mother's back after fifteen years of silence, my head of security knows more about my love life than I do, and the man I told myself was a one-time thing keeps looking at me through the glass like I'm the only person in the arena.
I'm a billionaire. I can buy anything.
Except a way out of this.
Ace Cardinal is everything I can't broad shoulders, a jawline that could cut glass, and the kind of quiet intensity that makes a woman forget she signs his paycheck. He's ten years older. He's my employee. He's the reason forty thousand people show up on game night.
And after one reckless evening at a bar I shouldn't have been in, he's the reason I can't stop thinking about leather couches and bad decisions.
Rules I set for Don't touch the talent. Don't let anyone past the security detail — or the walls. Don't fall for a man who calls you "Miss Boswell" in public and your actual name in the dark.
I broke every single one.
Now my mother's back after fifteen years of silence, my head of security knows more about my love life than I do, and the man I told myself was a one-time thing keeps looking at me through the glass like I'm the only person in the arena.
I'm a billionaire. I can buy anything.
Except a way out of this.
261 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 15, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Review of advance copy
Not what I expected by MeemsAngel82
Not them, and certainly not me. This was written well and hold on before you think this is a lighthearted hockey romance. This was a full read with twists and two people needing one another in this crazy life. She's smart and has more stress than she even knew and he thought that he was on his last legs in playing hockey.
Then they met and clung. Sometimes it seemed as people thought they shouldn't. But they were right and at the right time as secrets and their their worlds tried tumbling down, hers on the dangerous side. Her safety was in question but she never wavered to do what she needed to and he was there to support her and make her his reason. They had a lot on their plate. I'm surprised his best friend felt like he bailed on him for any amount of time. He simply was hooked on a person that probably wasn't the most conventional but not in a bad nor dismissive way. Luckily that was a minor point and was resolved. They are good together but again, not a lighted hearted drama. There was actual drama and consequences that could have been deadly and intrigue. Not what I expected but a great story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Not them, and certainly not me. This was written well and hold on before you think this is a lighthearted hockey romance. This was a full read with twists and two people needing one another in this crazy life. She's smart and has more stress than she even knew and he thought that he was on his last legs in playing hockey.
Then they met and clung. Sometimes it seemed as people thought they shouldn't. But they were right and at the right time as secrets and their their worlds tried tumbling down, hers on the dangerous side. Her safety was in question but she never wavered to do what she needed to and he was there to support her and make her his reason. They had a lot on their plate. I'm surprised his best friend felt like he bailed on him for any amount of time. He simply was hooked on a person that probably wasn't the most conventional but not in a bad nor dismissive way. Luckily that was a minor point and was resolved. They are good together but again, not a lighted hearted drama. There was actual drama and consequences that could have been deadly and intrigue. Not what I expected but a great story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 25, 2026
They both wanted just one drink
A great off-limits billionaire romance with chemistry between the main characters, an ice hockey player and the billionaire owner, drama, passion, secrets, danger, great twists, humor and a HEA.
After losing the first match following Mia buying his hockey team, Ace is persuaded to go to a bar with his friend, determined to have just one. But when they spot Mia sitting alone at the bar he goes over to casually say "hi" which starts an awkward conversation before a "Great Extraction" (him rescuing her from the bar). She points out she still wants her drink which she'd left behind and they agree the only solution is for her to have a drink at his, one drink, with ice, in a glass, and then he'll take her home.
She just wants one evening when she can be normal, but afterwards she can't stop thinking about him, one of the reasons she'd bought the team, for other reasons. But with her head of security always shadowing her, she starts to wonder if he knows more about what's going on in her life than she does.
An enjoyable storyline with some great twists in the plot, banter and romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A great off-limits billionaire romance with chemistry between the main characters, an ice hockey player and the billionaire owner, drama, passion, secrets, danger, great twists, humor and a HEA.
After losing the first match following Mia buying his hockey team, Ace is persuaded to go to a bar with his friend, determined to have just one. But when they spot Mia sitting alone at the bar he goes over to casually say "hi" which starts an awkward conversation before a "Great Extraction" (him rescuing her from the bar). She points out she still wants her drink which she'd left behind and they agree the only solution is for her to have a drink at his, one drink, with ice, in a glass, and then he'll take her home.
She just wants one evening when she can be normal, but afterwards she can't stop thinking about him, one of the reasons she'd bought the team, for other reasons. But with her head of security always shadowing her, she starts to wonder if he knows more about what's going on in her life than she does.
An enjoyable storyline with some great twists in the plot, banter and romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 15, 2026
This is a really good book. Both characters compliment each other so well that you immediately get drawn in.
I do have to say that there are some parts that made me feel like I got blindsided. Specifically where we find out that George and Walker are conspiring to kill her for her inheritance. It's a good storyline, and one that I think complimented how the story was going; but there was no subtle hint to say that they were up to anything dastardly. I also don't feel like that storyline was fully explored, as if it had been I think it could've elevated the whole story.
Additionally, to me it also felt like the ending was a little rushed. From the confrontation with Walker, and finding out the truth of what happened with her mother and George, and Walker. I don't feel it smoothly and completely tied off any loose ends. There also wasn't any conclusion about what happened with Valerie. Although from the way she was mentioned in the epilogue I guess she passed away.
In all, this story had some really solid moments, and I think this is a really good sports romance read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I do have to say that there are some parts that made me feel like I got blindsided. Specifically where we find out that George and Walker are conspiring to kill her for her inheritance. It's a good storyline, and one that I think complimented how the story was going; but there was no subtle hint to say that they were up to anything dastardly. I also don't feel like that storyline was fully explored, as if it had been I think it could've elevated the whole story.
Additionally, to me it also felt like the ending was a little rushed. From the confrontation with Walker, and finding out the truth of what happened with her mother and George, and Walker. I don't feel it smoothly and completely tied off any loose ends. There also wasn't any conclusion about what happened with Valerie. Although from the way she was mentioned in the epilogue I guess she passed away.
In all, this story had some really solid moments, and I think this is a really good sports romance read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
This one had some really strong moments, but I wish it had given just a little more depth.
I loved how completely gone Ace was for Mia from the start. The tender moments between them, when they were together and everything else faded, those are the moments that stood out. Mia’s mix of strength and vulnerability made her feel real. I'm always for a woman who can hold her own in what's typically a male dominated setting. She definitely held her own. Barry and Ace’s friendship was another highlight that added heart to the story.
A few inconsistencies pulled me out of the story. I also wish we had spent more time in the climax of the story. The mystery element didn’t really take off until the very end, and I wish we’d spent more time there because it had the potential to be the most exciting part. Overall, it was a quick read. If you like strong FMCs, Men who are smitten from the start, and stories with love and a touch of mystery, it's worth checking out!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved how completely gone Ace was for Mia from the start. The tender moments between them, when they were together and everything else faded, those are the moments that stood out. Mia’s mix of strength and vulnerability made her feel real. I'm always for a woman who can hold her own in what's typically a male dominated setting. She definitely held her own. Barry and Ace’s friendship was another highlight that added heart to the story.
A few inconsistencies pulled me out of the story. I also wish we had spent more time in the climax of the story. The mystery element didn’t really take off until the very end, and I wish we’d spent more time there because it had the potential to be the most exciting part. Overall, it was a quick read. If you like strong FMCs, Men who are smitten from the start, and stories with love and a touch of mystery, it's worth checking out!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I enjoyed Mia & Ace's story... it's fast paced.... there's suspense & action and a happily ever after ending.
There were times when it switched back & forth between the characters that I felt like I was missing something... either it went backwards & you see the same thing from both perspectives... or it jumps and it takes a while to catch up to where you're at. Other than that, I loved the book.
I found the spice level between open & closed door... More closed door as nothing was explicit, but you knew what they were doing.
The book is told in a dual 1st person POV.
*hockey romance
*forbidden love - hockey player & billionaire owner
*romantic suspense
*age gap (she's 25, he's 35)
*broken family
Thank you to the author (Kathy Asher), publisher & Booksprout for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
There were times when it switched back & forth between the characters that I felt like I was missing something... either it went backwards & you see the same thing from both perspectives... or it jumps and it takes a while to catch up to where you're at. Other than that, I loved the book.
I found the spice level between open & closed door... More closed door as nothing was explicit, but you knew what they were doing.
The book is told in a dual 1st person POV.
*hockey romance
*forbidden love - hockey player & billionaire owner
*romantic suspense
*age gap (she's 25, he's 35)
*broken family
Thank you to the author (Kathy Asher), publisher & Booksprout for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 16, 2026
Book 1 of the Hard Hearts Series. And a wonderful start it is! Look forward to more from this world.
'When you spend a billion to buy a hockey team, the team captain is absolutely off-limits.
I'm a billionaire. I can buy anything.
Except a way out of this.'
The characters were very appealing and likeable and complicated and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and exciting and well paced. World building was excellent and impressive. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
'When you spend a billion to buy a hockey team, the team captain is absolutely off-limits.
I'm a billionaire. I can buy anything.
Except a way out of this.'
The characters were very appealing and likeable and complicated and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and exciting and well paced. World building was excellent and impressive. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
“Cardinal Sin” by Kathy Asher
-A fast-paced story with light spice, strong chemistry. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.
Ace’s instant devotion to Mia and their quiet, tender moments really shine throughout the story. Mia stands out as a strong yet vulnerable heroine who holds her own in a male-dominated world, with great side dynamics adding heart.
Some pacing issues and late-developing mystery elements hold it back, but it’s still a fast, engaging read with a satisfying ending.
-A fast-paced story with light spice, strong chemistry. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.
Ace’s instant devotion to Mia and their quiet, tender moments really shine throughout the story. Mia stands out as a strong yet vulnerable heroine who holds her own in a male-dominated world, with great side dynamics adding heart.
Some pacing issues and late-developing mystery elements hold it back, but it’s still a fast, engaging read with a satisfying ending.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
I loved this book. It was a great read and would definitely recommend for any romance fans!!! The plot is great, but the steamy romance is even better! I enjoyed every moment of this book. I hope you enjoy it even more than I did.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 15, 2026
I am so excited about this new Hard Hearts series! I was drawn in from the beginning by Ace and Mia and can't help but fall in love with them. I love Mia and the strength she exudes, but also how vulnerable she can be. Her and Ace compliment each other well. Great HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 4, 2026
Business or Personal
Despite the age difference between Ace and Mia, the chemistry between them was undeniable. It was emotionally intriguing and had moments of drama. This was a fun filled read that I found enjoyable.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Despite the age difference between Ace and Mia, the chemistry between them was undeniable. It was emotionally intriguing and had moments of drama. This was a fun filled read that I found enjoyable.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 15, 2026
I liked the story overall, with a lovely couple, their sweet emotions, and struggles. There were unexpected dark secrets, danger, and in the end, a resolution.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 16, 2026
I loved this book. Loved both of the main characters. The tension between them. The hiding the relationship. This was an intriguing and fun story. Loved the romance and steam, the suspense and danger. This book packed it all in and I was there for it. Really great story.
April 16, 2026
This is the first book in the Hard Hearts series. There’s danger, suspense and action in Ace and Mia’s forbidden, sports romance. The plot is very well developed and it was engaging. I really liked their story. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 19, 2026
The cover of the book is so cute. Mia is a beautiful and super rich hockey team owner. Ace is a sexy hockey player. They shouldn’t be together because she is the boss. But somehow they make it work. Such a cute book.
April 23, 2026
I've read a lot of books written by Kathy Asher; she is one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.
This is the first book in the Hard Hearts Series; it is a stand-alone book. The story is about Mia & Ace; she’s his boss.
This is the first book in the Hard Hearts Series; it is a stand-alone book. The story is about Mia & Ace; she’s his boss.
May 5, 2026
Surprise!!
I loved this book. Mia and Ace are meant to be, but it takes a couple of crises to prove to themselves that you can trust you feelings.
I am definitely reading more by this author. She makes the characters pop, and the situations come to life.
I loved this book. Mia and Ace are meant to be, but it takes a couple of crises to prove to themselves that you can trust you feelings.
I am definitely reading more by this author. She makes the characters pop, and the situations come to life.
May 12, 2026
Cardinal sin was Ace and Mia’s story. It was an entertaining read. And voluntarily leaving this review.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews