What if vampires were a superior species and nearly undetectable? As successful, influential individuals, vampires live under a strict set of rules created by their government, The Cardinalis Order. Are you ready to understand what it means to break The Cardinalis Code? When successful business entrepreneur Michael Chamberlain arrives in The Hamptons to take over his father’s nightclub, he’s in … father’s nightclub, he’s in search of a new donateur, a contracted blood source. Troubled and distant, Michael discovers he’s still very much alive when enticed by a beautiful woman, offering a kiss and a question. Can you be mine for five minutes?
Student Paislee Sullivan serves at the prestigious nightclub to pay her tuition. When she meets the mysterious Michael Chamberlain, who she believes to be just a gorgeous bartender with an attitude, she soon discovers her world is ruled by a species not of her own.
Wealth and glamour shrouds a dark side that threatens her life when she signs Michael’s contract. In this steamy romance, two lovers wield a charming relationship that will be destroyed by the Order if she breaks just one rule.
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*First time reading author
OMG, I LOVE THIS STORY! The Cardinalis Code is unlike anything I have read in a LONG time. I am a huge fan of the paranormal and vampire stories, but Avery takes this story to a human level. Avery brings the vampires to life in almost a very likable way. I could not put this story down.
Preslie and Michael are the perfect match. Preslie has no idea that vampires exist. When Michael finds himself paying more attention to Preslie she ends up in a lot of danger. So when Preslie is in danger because of him not only does she find out about vampires she also becomes his blood donor.
There is so much information and such a good story. Avery did leave the story open-ended so I am excited to see where she takes us next.
Paislee Sullivan’s life was changed the moment she got into an accident after catching her ex-boyfriend cheating on her. Now she views life a little differently and she is ready to complete her schooling for Web Design while she waitresses at the club Allure.
Michael Chamberlin has come home so that his dad can “die” and pass his businesses onto him. Michael hasn’t been home in 4 years and didn’t really want to come home and now must find himself a donateur as he is a vampire but not the kind you see in the movies.
When Paislee kisses Michael to get rid of the advances from a stranger there is a connection between the two. But Michael is worried about bringing Paislee into his world where everything is controlled by The Cardinalis Code.
Soon Michael realizes that the only way to protect Paislee is to claim her but will he have time before someone else claims her first?
This was a good book and I am looking forward to more as it both finishes yet at the same time it does leave you with a little bit of a cliff-hanger so I’m not sure what the other has planned.
I really liked Paislee and I felt horrible for what she went through at the beginning of the book. Paislee knew that she didn’t want to settle for less than what she deserved and held onto those morals to get her through. I thought it was funny with everything that happened between the first kiss between Paislee and Michael although Paislee would have no idea how much danger she placed herself in by her actions.
Michael was a great character as he was obviously very upset over past events with his half-brother Esben which was why he had been gone for so long. His relationship with his dad was also interesting as his dad trusted him more than Esben yet never punished Esben for events in the past, except financially which created more resentment for Esben.
I liked the chemistry between Michael and Paislee and how it grew to be so much more. Yet everything still had to be controlled by The Cardinalis Code which Michael adhered to the best he could. I was absolutely shocked when certain things came up and why. I truly couldn’t understand how everything happened and I was so mad!!
The big fight towards the end was huge and I was so grateful that Seth got there in time but I was really confused by the actions of both Alaitz, Michael’s mom, and Paislee’s doctor regarding her blood. Things were definitely up in the air which makes me believe that more is coming!
By Rebecca
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
So, there I was, merrily reading away. Enjoying this book, not a 5 star read, but a very good solid four star. Some minor typos, but they might be cos of the changing file thing. A good solid 4 star read, that piqued my interest enough to keep going.
And then, in the VERY last chapter, followed by the EPILOGUE, it all changed!
I mean, it made the whole bloody book flip on it’s head! And it’s gonna be really REALLY hard not to write spoilers into this review, so if it’s vague, I ain’t sorry!
Paislee takes a job as a blood donor, a donateur for Michael, a Cardinalis, (not EVER a vampire!) When Michael’s vicious half brother takes a shine to Paislee, things become deadly, both for Paislee and Michael. Then The Order become involved and Michael has a fight on his hands to keep Paislee safe, and more importantly, to keep her HIS.
Like I said, plodding along, nicely. Moving at speed in places, and little slower in others. Sexy at points, but deadly in others. Sufficiently different in the ‘vampire’ (Sorry, Michael!) lore to be interesting. These guys don’t combust in the sun or sparkle, either! They have a usual sleep pattern, they eat food. So, I enjoyed all that.
Both Michael and Paislee have a say, as do a couple of other characters.
The story concludes, or so I thought, in a way I expected it to, mostly. Michael’s brother doesn’t quite get the ending I was expecting but still. It all comes to a head and is wrapped up nicely.
THEN!
Michael’s mother says something, and the doctor says something and then the doctor says something else and . . . . .cliff hanger people! I mean a proper, spit you dummy out, throw your toys out the pram and throw your kindle at the wall so hard it bounces off and scares the cat! I had to double back a couple of times, to reread what was said by whom, to put the pieces together, and still I have no bloody idea what’s going on!
So, for a first book . . .very well played Ms Sterling! For a first in series, because there is much unfinished here, very well played. For that bloody cliff hanger . . .
5 full and shiny stars!
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
I actually didn’t expect this one, the story grab from the beginning and after that I couldn’t put the book down, love how the author developed, and brought us deep into this one, can’t wait for the next book, also to now how my couple is going to react with the turns, and twist that the author is going to give you, as this one had plenty and kept me in my toes wondering , go grab a copy you won’t be dissatisfied.
Preslie and Michael
Preslie needed a job to make her college payment. Little did she know that the job would change her life in unimaginable ways. Vampires are real. They aren’t vampires by name. They aren’t what we read about in books and see in movies. And they are….better read to find out what Preslie learns.
Michael has come back to the states at his parent’s request. He’s been put in charge of the club that his brother thought he would manage. Their sibling rivalry reaches a whole new high. When Michael spots Preslie will their competition endanger her?
The years of family drama and parental favoritism will add to the danger and romance. The world-building is unique, the lovers a perfect example of opposites attracting. There is plenty of steam. A recommendation to all PNR and Vampire fans.
Reviewed for Words Turn Me On