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The Cardinal Code: Absolution
The Cardinal Code: Absolution continues the dark, seductive saga of the Cardinales—an elite society of vampires whose influence shapes governments, history, and the hidden world beneath human civilization.
Paislee Sullivan never wanted power. She only wanted Michael. But loving a man born into a secret dynasty of blood and control means standing in the shadow of everything he represents.
When Michael Chamberlain is summoned back to London, he is pulled into a political struggle rooted in ancient bloodlines and forbidden truths. As old laws are challenged and long-buried secrets begin to surface, Paislee finds herself no longer at the edge of his world—but at its center.
The deeper she is drawn into Cardinales society, the more dangerous her presence becomes. To some, she is leverage. To others, a threat. To Michael, she is the only thing that has ever mattered more than power.
Bound by love and hunted by forces determined to preserve the Order’s control, they must confront a truth the Dominium has spent centuries suppressing.
Because some bloodlines were never meant to merge.
And loving each other may cost them everything.
Paislee Sullivan never wanted power. She only wanted Michael. But loving a man born into a secret dynasty of blood and control means standing in the shadow of everything he represents.
When Michael Chamberlain is summoned back to London, he is pulled into a political struggle rooted in ancient bloodlines and forbidden truths. As old laws are challenged and long-buried secrets begin to surface, Paislee finds herself no longer at the edge of his world—but at its center.
The deeper she is drawn into Cardinales society, the more dangerous her presence becomes. To some, she is leverage. To others, a threat. To Michael, she is the only thing that has ever mattered more than power.
Bound by love and hunted by forces determined to preserve the Order’s control, they must confront a truth the Dominium has spent centuries suppressing.
Because some bloodlines were never meant to merge.
And loving each other may cost them everything.
426 pages, Paperback
Published April 17, 2026
74 people want to read
About the author
Avery Sterling
4 books82 followersAvery Sterling feels strongly that every romantic journey she creates should have elements of adventure, sweet banter, danger, tension, gripping content —and of course, all that steamy romance!
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
March 25, 2026
Unputdownable, dare I say, better than the first one.
This series is such a fun, quick, easy read. The power dynamics are similar to Twilight, but with a darker spin on the world. The character growth in this book along with the perfect cliffhanger lead up to a great series finale for the next book.
Thank you to Netgalley & Xpresso Book Tours for an eARC of this sequel.
This series is such a fun, quick, easy read. The power dynamics are similar to Twilight, but with a darker spin on the world. The character growth in this book along with the perfect cliffhanger lead up to a great series finale for the next book.
Thank you to Netgalley & Xpresso Book Tours for an eARC of this sequel.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I didn't vibe with this book as much as I did the first, but I still liked it and was interested in where it was going. I kept wanting to return to it which was a good sign, though did not feel motivated to consume it as fast as possible. I think this is partly due to the pacing of this one, and the plot (established, more relaxed relationship plus separate drama plots). And, it felt a little formulaic in a "we've seen similar plots before". It wasn't breaking any molds apart from the specifics of "how it works in this books world".
That said, there were some interesting nuggets here and there in the book that have me curious where this is going to wrap up. Tise second novel felt a little disjointed and also fast, like I was not ready for a very specific plot point to be introduced this quickly in only book 2. But, it works well enough and it leads us into the larger drama at play and all the conspiracy/prophecy that goes with it which I very much appreciate in a book! I was surprised how much time was dedicated to Paislee and her friends, but the ending definitely clued me in to what's coming & I'm here for it.
I'm looking forward to book 3!
I didn't vibe with this book as much as I did the first, but I still liked it and was interested in where it was going. I kept wanting to return to it which was a good sign, though did not feel motivated to consume it as fast as possible. I think this is partly due to the pacing of this one, and the plot (established, more relaxed relationship plus separate drama plots). And, it felt a little formulaic in a "we've seen similar plots before". It wasn't breaking any molds apart from the specifics of "how it works in this books world".
That said, there were some interesting nuggets here and there in the book that have me curious where this is going to wrap up. Tise second novel felt a little disjointed and also fast, like I was not ready for a very specific plot point to be introduced this quickly in only book 2. But, it works well enough and it leads us into the larger drama at play and all the conspiracy/prophecy that goes with it which I very much appreciate in a book! I was surprised how much time was dedicated to Paislee and her friends, but the ending definitely clued me in to what's coming & I'm here for it.
I'm looking forward to book 3!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I devoured this book in a single day—and honestly, I’m still not over it. It has that addictive, can’t-look-away pull reminiscent of Twilight, but it’s turned up a notch: hotter, deeper, and with characters who feel far more grounded and less broody.
The chemistry between the main characters? Absolute chef’s kiss. It’s electric, effortless, and completely consuming in the best way. You feel every interaction, every glance, every bit of tension.
What really stood out to me was the writing style. It’s incredibly fluid—everything unfolds so naturally that you’re absorbing the world and its details without ever feeling overwhelmed. It strikes that perfect balance between rich storytelling and easy readability.
And that ending… wow. That cliffhanger hit hard. I’m left with so many questions and a serious need to know what happens next.
If you love romance with depth, heat, and a story that keeps you hooked from start to finish, this one is absolutely worth the read.
The chemistry between the main characters? Absolute chef’s kiss. It’s electric, effortless, and completely consuming in the best way. You feel every interaction, every glance, every bit of tension.
What really stood out to me was the writing style. It’s incredibly fluid—everything unfolds so naturally that you’re absorbing the world and its details without ever feeling overwhelmed. It strikes that perfect balance between rich storytelling and easy readability.
And that ending… wow. That cliffhanger hit hard. I’m left with so many questions and a serious need to know what happens next.
If you love romance with depth, heat, and a story that keeps you hooked from start to finish, this one is absolutely worth the read.
Review of advance copy
Michael and Paislee’s story is just so good. I anticipated a completely different story, but was pleasantly surprised by the plot twist. I can’t wait for the next installment. I received an advanced copy for review. My review is voluntary.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews