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Monsters of the Nexus #2
Blackthorn
The monster’s widow and the monster. Alone for too long, the vampire Draven feels the last of his humanity slipping away. He needs a mate to anchor him and keep the monster at bay. Newly widowed, Charlotte needs a fresh start and she can’t resist the chance to speak with one of the oldest creatures on the planet.
394 pages, Paperback
Published October 20, 2023
30 people are currently reading
275 people want to read
About the author
Nancey Cummings
63 books411 followersNancey writes fun, fast and flirty scifi romances featuring feisty heroines and out-of-this-world heros. Nancey lives in an old house with her husband and two cats who have complaints with management. When she’s not writing, she enjoys video games, horror movies and anything involving time travel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
September 5, 2023
This is one of the best monster reads I have read in a long time….it was innovative, not the typical vampire novel. Clever plot with characters that are vibrant and realistic. I loved Draven, the unhappy lord looking for love. I liked Charlotte. She was an older woman who knew her own mind. Add some mystery and intrigue into the mix …you get a perfect blend of a monster read! Download and enjoy❤️❤️
August 31, 2025
Cute vampire romance that deliberately ticks aaaaaalll of the gothic romance boxes/tropes, and isn't afraid to have fun with it.
I'm sucker (no pun intended) for the arrange marriage trope, so I was happy to jump into this book right after the first, especially since Charlotte grew on me as a side character already and I couldn't wait to see her as a protagonist.
I appreciated that the book significantly deepened the worldbuilding of the overall series setting, and brought in some more of the SciFi aspects.
The main focus, however, was still the paranormal romance, though Draven being a vampire was surprisingly low-key all things considered.
Overall this was a super fun read, it doesn't take itself too seriously, the romantic dynamic was fun to read, as even though it's combative it's never malicious, and I liked the variety of side characters and background mystery.
I'm sucker (no pun intended) for the arrange marriage trope, so I was happy to jump into this book right after the first, especially since Charlotte grew on me as a side character already and I couldn't wait to see her as a protagonist.
I appreciated that the book significantly deepened the worldbuilding of the overall series setting, and brought in some more of the SciFi aspects.
The main focus, however, was still the paranormal romance, though Draven being a vampire was surprisingly low-key all things considered.
Overall this was a super fun read, it doesn't take itself too seriously, the romantic dynamic was fun to read, as even though it's combative it's never malicious, and I liked the variety of side characters and background mystery.
November 14, 2024
This was fine. I didn't like it quite as much as book one and I'm not sure what exactly about it didn't hit with me. At least part of it is because of the narrator. I didn't care how she read dialogue and I thought some most of the character voices were very poor choices and were overly high-pitched, whiny, or just didn't fit with the tone of the text.
And even though this was shorter than the first one, it felt much longer. I'm not sure if it was just because I enjoyed the plot of book 1 more or if this one simply didn't have as quite of an interesting one. Overall it was just fine. There was some attempt at gothic elements in terms of being trapped in a house, a secretive and temperamental husband, and mysterious goings-on, but it didn't go as hard as I wished it would.
And even though this was shorter than the first one, it felt much longer. I'm not sure if it was just because I enjoyed the plot of book 1 more or if this one simply didn't have as quite of an interesting one. Overall it was just fine. There was some attempt at gothic elements in terms of being trapped in a house, a secretive and temperamental husband, and mysterious goings-on, but it didn't go as hard as I wished it would.
July 10, 2025
better than expected
May 9, 2025
3⭐
Check out my latest book review video where I mention this read! I Accomplished Some Reading Goals | April 2025 Reading Reviews
Check out my latest book review video where I mention this read! I Accomplished Some Reading Goals | April 2025 Reading Reviews
September 19, 2023
4.5 stars. Charlotte, the female human lead, has been leading a quiet retired life appropriate for the year after her husband died, (see previous story in series). Desperate to get away from the townsfolk’s pity, she gladly accepts the task of being a vampire’s bride for a year.
Draven, the male vampire lead, doesn’t expect a real connection with his bride; he just needs a companion to anchor to sanity so he doesn’t go on a murderous rampage. But there are secrets aplenty in his keep, and possible betrayal afoot. Even if they do start to develop feelings for each other, they can’t possibly have a real relationship…
This story is dual POV, well written, and a clever sequel that both stands alone from the first in the series whilst continuing the story cohesively. I enjoyed Charlotte’s practicality and her focus on achieving her career goals, even though the world tried to hinder her. I enjoyed Draven’s dawning acceptance that he really couldn’t control his entire world. I enjoyed their relationship development and their intimate encounters. I enjoyed the ending and chuckled at the solution they found for their difficulties. I’m really looking forward to the next one, especially given the teaser the author finished this one on!
I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
Draven, the male vampire lead, doesn’t expect a real connection with his bride; he just needs a companion to anchor to sanity so he doesn’t go on a murderous rampage. But there are secrets aplenty in his keep, and possible betrayal afoot. Even if they do start to develop feelings for each other, they can’t possibly have a real relationship…
This story is dual POV, well written, and a clever sequel that both stands alone from the first in the series whilst continuing the story cohesively. I enjoyed Charlotte’s practicality and her focus on achieving her career goals, even though the world tried to hinder her. I enjoyed Draven’s dawning acceptance that he really couldn’t control his entire world. I enjoyed their relationship development and their intimate encounters. I enjoyed the ending and chuckled at the solution they found for their difficulties. I’m really looking forward to the next one, especially given the teaser the author finished this one on!
I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
August 22, 2024
PERFECTION. this is DEFINITELY a new favourite oh my god
September 30, 2024
I'm sorry to Nancey Cummings but this book was really... Bad. The plot didn't make sense and was predictable at the same time, no real chemistry.... I regret reading it and I read it for free
September 6, 2023
If you read Wolf's Bane you will remember Solenne's friend Charlotte who was almost murdered on her wedding day by her (surprise!) monster husband. Now, she is a widow living in Lionel's house and bored to death. When Luis and Miles return from west lands with a proposal from the vampire, Draven, to return the sword Blackthorn to Luis in trade for a bride, Charlotte immediately volunteers. After all, she married one monster, why not two? As a trained historian, there is much she can learn from someone as old as Draven. It will be an adventure. But Charlotte is not as ready for life at the Aerie as she thought she would be. The housekeeper treats her with disdain, Draven's moods are mercurial, and the place is full of secrets. Places she isn't supposed to go, questions she isn't supposed to ask. Ha! Charlotte is not going to let anyone tell her not to explore and investigate. Not even a two hundred and forty-one year old vampire...
Charlotte is a determined and brave woman. Draven is set in his ways and unexpectedly likeable once you get to know him. Sort of. I loved the interactions between the two and how they developed 'feelings' for each other. There is a huge betrayal in the end and nobody should stab a vampire in the back (or the front for that matter). I was given an advanced copy of this book by the author. My review is voluntary.
Charlotte is a determined and brave woman. Draven is set in his ways and unexpectedly likeable once you get to know him. Sort of. I loved the interactions between the two and how they developed 'feelings' for each other. There is a huge betrayal in the end and nobody should stab a vampire in the back (or the front for that matter). I was given an advanced copy of this book by the author. My review is voluntary.
September 3, 2024
4.5 star. I did not liked the end of the story. Leaves to many questions about their life now and future. But maybe that is just me.
You would have hoped they would win the battle and she get her father there, helping him to solve the problems he had with the energy etc. That part was such a waste. Why mention her fathers capabilities and then do not follow up on that? No, he looses everything and you turn him into a librarian ? Really?!
The book could have been far better if that chosen writing style sometimes did not sucked so bad. Like the Author tried to make herself look educated , tried so har it really fell flat. That was irritating.
As a book reader I was very irritated, for some parts in the book tried to reflect a Victoria Holt style writing style.. other parts did not and that just did not mixed well. It ruined a lot for my taste.
Could not even say I notice Cummings as the Author at all. Like someone else wrote it. Very strange indeed.
I guess I am just disappointed for the ending was really NOT to my taste at all. Just when all got very interesting the book ends. And this end is really not to my tatse.
You would have hoped they would win the battle and she get her father there, helping him to solve the problems he had with the energy etc. That part was such a waste. Why mention her fathers capabilities and then do not follow up on that? No, he looses everything and you turn him into a librarian ? Really?!
The book could have been far better if that chosen writing style sometimes did not sucked so bad. Like the Author tried to make herself look educated , tried so har it really fell flat. That was irritating.
As a book reader I was very irritated, for some parts in the book tried to reflect a Victoria Holt style writing style.. other parts did not and that just did not mixed well. It ruined a lot for my taste.
Could not even say I notice Cummings as the Author at all. Like someone else wrote it. Very strange indeed.
I guess I am just disappointed for the ending was really NOT to my taste at all. Just when all got very interesting the book ends. And this end is really not to my tatse.
January 28, 2025
Blackthorn by Nancey Cummings
This second installment was just about what I was expecting. Charlotte has an outspoken personality and it made for quite the fights with her husband 2.0. I enjoyed her attitude, curiosity, and her desperation of learning new things. In those ways, I saw her in me. Her loyalty to her friends and family is admirable, despite the trouble it got her in. Draven was a bit of a dry character until the end when we got more answers about his past and his brother. The smut was also few and far between, but not badly written. I always expect more from monster romances, but this author likes to keep things sweeter than I'm used to, which is reflected in the rating.
I give this book 3/5 spicy stars and 3/5 stars overall!
This second installment was just about what I was expecting. Charlotte has an outspoken personality and it made for quite the fights with her husband 2.0. I enjoyed her attitude, curiosity, and her desperation of learning new things. In those ways, I saw her in me. Her loyalty to her friends and family is admirable, despite the trouble it got her in. Draven was a bit of a dry character until the end when we got more answers about his past and his brother. The smut was also few and far between, but not badly written. I always expect more from monster romances, but this author likes to keep things sweeter than I'm used to, which is reflected in the rating.
I give this book 3/5 spicy stars and 3/5 stars overall!
October 24, 2023
Interesting and quirky paranormal/gothic romance about one of the oldest human settlers who came to settle Nexus on a colony ship from Earth, Lord Draven, who had to adapt to the planet to survive and is now a centuries old vampire. He is tiring of life but feels he must continue on for his subjects to survive and bargains for a bride with a neighboring colony. Charlotte has just ended mourning after surviving an extraordinary one day marriage. She agrees to meet Lord Draven and consider marriage because she loves nothing more than history and Lord Draven is living history. Their relationship is slow burn and rocky at times before the steam appears but the story grabs you and there are twists, suspense, and danger. The incidental characters are interval to the plot and drive the story to places I didn’t expect. Charlotte and Draven both know loyalty and loss and make you root for them. Waiting on Hal’s story. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
October 28, 2023
This was a book about loss, betrayal, secrets, suspense, danger, exploring, investigating, loyalty and in the end love. Driven is the oldest Vampire and is lonely and to keep his monster at bay he needs a bride andd so he gives Luis and miles a mission find him a bride and he will give them the sword of Blackthorn in trade. Charlotte is a human that’s now widowed and a Historian and when she meet Draven she was intrigued by him and when Luis and Miles come to her with a offer to marry Draven for 1yr she jumps at the chance to be with the oldest Vampire and learn all about his life and history but after she arrives the housekeeper treats her badly and Draven was not exactly welcoming either at first soon they start to get close and begin to fall for each other. How does it all turn out with Charlotte and Draven in the end and do they get there HEA or not, to get these answers and so much more get this book.
November 2, 2025
ok I loved this one!! I accidentally read book 2 instead of starting with 1, but that's okay.
story was immediately interesting, was almost never bored. Charlotte was a fiery historian widow, so I loved her immediately. Draven was a moody, lonely vampire with lots of secrets, so I loved him!! they were so cute together, their chemistry was off the charts! the action plot was a little too military for me, and ngl, I predicted the plot twist about his identity. I also predicted who the traitor would be, it was a little too obvious. ALSO, who tf was Judith?? they never explained that fully, or I wasn't paying enough attention. but I'm a sucker for space sci fi so it was interesting to me. and I LOVED the ending, tied off all loose ends and gave them the HEA they both deserved!!! LOVE, would probably reread
story was immediately interesting, was almost never bored. Charlotte was a fiery historian widow, so I loved her immediately. Draven was a moody, lonely vampire with lots of secrets, so I loved him!! they were so cute together, their chemistry was off the charts! the action plot was a little too military for me, and ngl, I predicted the plot twist about his identity. I also predicted who the traitor would be, it was a little too obvious. ALSO, who tf was Judith?? they never explained that fully, or I wasn't paying enough attention. but I'm a sucker for space sci fi so it was interesting to me. and I LOVED the ending, tied off all loose ends and gave them the HEA they both deserved!!! LOVE, would probably reread
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 13, 2024
Widow Charlotte volunteers to wed the mysterious vampire Lord Draven to be his possible anchor. She hopes to learn more about the colonizers from Earth that started their civilization.
This was okay. I liked Draven and would’ve liked to spend more time with him. Charlotte was annoying. I felt like she just wanted to know more and didn’t really care how her actions and digging affected others. When she learns about the sword and anchor she seemed overly dramatic. While I understand her past and the effect it had on her, it seemed over the top as I never got the vibe that she really cared about being his anchor.
I was not surprised by the twists and reveals, they were pretty obvious.
Okay book, give it a chance you might like it more.
This was okay. I liked Draven and would’ve liked to spend more time with him. Charlotte was annoying. I felt like she just wanted to know more and didn’t really care how her actions and digging affected others. When she learns about the sword and anchor she seemed overly dramatic. While I understand her past and the effect it had on her, it seemed over the top as I never got the vibe that she really cared about being his anchor.
I was not surprised by the twists and reveals, they were pretty obvious.
Okay book, give it a chance you might like it more.
October 26, 2023
This was a great romance that brings together vampire, Draven, and human widow, Charlotte. He needs a companion to stay grounded. She needs a new start after the death of her murdering hubby.... Sounds like a perfect match, right? This well written story is full of secrets, twists, suspense, danger and steamy romance. I loved following these two along to see how everything would work out because I was rooting so hard for them. So much fun to dive into and I can't wait for the next book :D
September 19, 2023
It was good to see what Charlotte was up to after reading the first book in this series and meeting the elusive vampire Lord Draven. I really enjoyed their story. It had so many twists and turns to keep me guessing. Things are not always what they seem either. We learn several interesting things throughout their journey together. I'm curious to see what comes next. *I was gifted an Arc for my honest opinion.*
October 30, 2023
A dual perspective (distopian?) paranormal romance that is well written, clever, and refreshing.
Charlotte is a human widow whose first day of marriage was memorable for all the wrong reasons. Draven is a settler from the old colony who's now a vampire thanks to the planet's bleak atmosphere.
You'll find mystery, intrigue, twists and turns, danger and love.
I was given a free copy of this book and I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Charlotte is a human widow whose first day of marriage was memorable for all the wrong reasons. Draven is a settler from the old colony who's now a vampire thanks to the planet's bleak atmosphere.
You'll find mystery, intrigue, twists and turns, danger and love.
I was given a free copy of this book and I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 8, 2026
Book would have been 10 times better to me if I didn't hate nosy b*tches. I despise the personality where someone is so f×cking "curious" that it supersedes people's right to privacy. It made me so uncomfortable I couldn't finish the book. Total lack of respect for dude to be like "hey I'm not comfortable talking about this" and instead of listening to that she instead digs through his things to snoop. Very distasteful👎🏾👎🏾👎🏾👎🏾
November 23, 2023
I liked the hero and I liked the heroine. The problem is the heroine spends most of her time dealing with the angry and mean "steward". I don't want to read pages and pages of criticism of the heroine by a servant. She says she will hurt the hero and none of the other brides stayed. So she is mean to the heroine.
It was way over the top and ruined the book for me.
It was way over the top and ruined the book for me.
April 2, 2024
it had good bones but lacking
I really enjoyed the story setting. I felt in the beginning there was a little too many pages dedicated to FMC. I felt those pages could have been used for other things. The ending was good but felt rushed. It felt like it was trying to fit a lot at the end. Wish there were more moments between the main characters. Overall A cute read.
I really enjoyed the story setting. I felt in the beginning there was a little too many pages dedicated to FMC. I felt those pages could have been used for other things. The ending was good but felt rushed. It felt like it was trying to fit a lot at the end. Wish there were more moments between the main characters. Overall A cute read.
June 23, 2024
Charolette to the rescue
I absolutely loved the quite unconventional love story between Draven and Charolette. The love for history, where myth meets reality. Two individuals who each have their own secrets and how they can eventually get past their former selves to become a couple.
I absolutely loved the quite unconventional love story between Draven and Charolette. The love for history, where myth meets reality. Two individuals who each have their own secrets and how they can eventually get past their former selves to become a couple.
August 16, 2025
Just like the first book- great! Although I’ll admit to favoring the first one slightly, this book was also a terrific read. If I had one complaint, it would be that the story surrounding Radcliffe was maybe not QUITE as fleshed out as it could have been. But otherwise, a sweet romance that I consumed nearly in one sitting.
October 22, 2023
I enjoyed this story with its monsters and clever humans. I was totally on team Charlotte and thought she was a blast. Of course Draven was just as fun. Loved watching these two interact. Just a fun entertaining story with a bit of a twist.
April 16, 2025
Draven's blood bag was getting on my nerves and I was two seconds from stabbing her with Charlotte's dagger. Now I need Hal's story! And I'd prefer it in audio format . . . pretty please! 🙏🏾
4 stars
4 stars
June 22, 2025
Personal Preference Rating 4.5/5 🌶️ Audiobook (Everand)
I thought the story was interesting and I like the main characters together. I didn’t need to remember too much from book one, which was nice. I thought it flowed well and was just the right length.
I thought the story was interesting and I like the main characters together. I didn’t need to remember too much from book one, which was nice. I thought it flowed well and was just the right length.
October 9, 2023
An amazing paranormal romance!! I liked it very much. It is steamy, dangerous, unique and unputdownable... Draven is such a cool, sexy, and tortured character..
June 19, 2024
2.5⭐️
July 20, 2024
My favorite of this series- can't wait to read Hal's book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews