Jen Elliott's world is falling apart. Her boyfriend is married (not to her), the restaurant she works for sells out to a chain (she's unemployed), and her apartment building catches fire (thankfully, she didn't start it). Faced with a job search and living with her parents, a phone call from her brother changes everything. "Come out here, Little J. Escape for a while." Convinced to do just that, Jen finds herself on her brother's doorstep in Chicago. Armed with her guitar and a bruised heart, she plans to work on her music and contemplate her future. What she doesn't expect is to fall for the sexy, tattooed neighbor upstairs. From the moment Latson appears uninvited in her bedroom, the two can't help but wage a battle of sarcasm and wit. Until the attraction becomes impossible to ignore. Hopeful the universe is finally playing fair, Jen gives in to her feelings. She should know, however, that when it rains, it pours. When offered the unexpected chance of a lifetime, she decides to pursue her passion. Unfortunately, her dreams are tied to Latson's painful past. As time goes on and their distance grows, Jen fears fate conspired to bring them together only to tear them apart. Cardinal is the story of losing everything you have to find everything you need. **Cardinal is intended for ages 17+. Cardinal is a spin-off of Sparrow by Sara Mack; however, the books do not need to be read in order**