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Monsters of the Nexus #3
Mistletoe
This orc is trouble.
A lifetime of disappointment has hardened Emma. Not even the warmth of the holiday season can melt the ice surrounding her heart. When she discovers an orc hiding in her barn, she’s prepared for the worst.
Hal is on the run from something and has many secrets. He’s huge, fierce, and covered in scars, but there’s a vulnerability in his eyes that softens her. He claims he has gaps in his memory, but how much of that is true and how much has he chosen to forget?
Emma doesn’t know how far she can trust the massive green orc. Against her better judgment, she offers him sanctuary on her secluded farm.
With powerful people on the hunt for Hal, is Emma safe? Is her heart?
Mistletoe is the third book in the Monsters of the Nexus series. While it can be read alone, Hal and Emma’s story follows events in Blackthorn. No cheating and a HEA, because that’s how we do.
A lifetime of disappointment has hardened Emma. Not even the warmth of the holiday season can melt the ice surrounding her heart. When she discovers an orc hiding in her barn, she’s prepared for the worst.
Hal is on the run from something and has many secrets. He’s huge, fierce, and covered in scars, but there’s a vulnerability in his eyes that softens her. He claims he has gaps in his memory, but how much of that is true and how much has he chosen to forget?
Emma doesn’t know how far she can trust the massive green orc. Against her better judgment, she offers him sanctuary on her secluded farm.
With powerful people on the hunt for Hal, is Emma safe? Is her heart?
Mistletoe is the third book in the Monsters of the Nexus series. While it can be read alone, Hal and Emma’s story follows events in Blackthorn. No cheating and a HEA, because that’s how we do.
- GenresParanormal
284 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 24, 2025
13 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
About the author
Nancey Cummings
65 books410 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 - 21 of 21 reviews
March 19, 2025
I absolutely loved Hal and Emma’s story—it was so sweet, cozy, and spicy! It all starts when Emma finds Hal naked on her farm. Taking pity on him, she gives him a blanket and some food, and from that moment, Hal is completely smitten with her.
I really enjoyed the way the book was written; it was well-crafted, and the characters were perfectly developed. Emma’s parents were seamlessly woven into the story—her father, with his quirks and poems, even reminded me a bit of Belle’s dad from Beauty and the Beast.
After all his misfortune, Hal worked hard to rebuild his life and refused to let anything defeat him, ultimately finding a family in Emma’s. Their relationship is a slow burn, one of those that blossoms beautifully by the end. I love when romances unfold like that—both characters falling in love gradually as they navigate life together, giving each other a chance.
Emma is the definition of a badass FMC—she takes charge, refuses to be intimidated, and never lets anyone take what’s hers.
Now, I’m definitely going to read the first two books in this series because I’m completely hooked!
I really enjoyed the way the book was written; it was well-crafted, and the characters were perfectly developed. Emma’s parents were seamlessly woven into the story—her father, with his quirks and poems, even reminded me a bit of Belle’s dad from Beauty and the Beast.
After all his misfortune, Hal worked hard to rebuild his life and refused to let anything defeat him, ultimately finding a family in Emma’s. Their relationship is a slow burn, one of those that blossoms beautifully by the end. I love when romances unfold like that—both characters falling in love gradually as they navigate life together, giving each other a chance.
Emma is the definition of a badass FMC—she takes charge, refuses to be intimidated, and never lets anyone take what’s hers.
Now, I’m definitely going to read the first two books in this series because I’m completely hooked!
June 2, 2025
Look I just couldn't get into this. The writing isn't bad but the story was just kind of all over the place and it felt like it couldn't make up its mind on if it's scifi, historical, etc. The mistletoe is also like a tiny part of barely even registers.
We start off with our ML Hal on a ship, he's drugged by his brother and when they get to the new planet, he's become a giant orc monster. there's not much about how or why that is, what time period they're in, how long he's been here, why he's cut up and experimented on etc. Hal escapes and meets Emma, a woman on a homestead barely making it. Her parents are there but kind of useless (+ her dad SUCKS) so she does everything and works the land. They meet and he's obsessed with her and she helps him. Then there's some travel, she's involved in a bar fight when a man tries to assault her, she's arrested (by her bitchy ex classmate with an axe to grind, who's also a monster hunter?), Hal ends up working on the farm but it's not safe etc.
All of a sudden they're together and it just .... fell flat to me? like I barely get why they even like each other aside from attraction but apparently they're in love? There's this whole thing about his brother and his castle but it doesn't make a lot of sense. The tone seems to want it to be historical (they work the land and don't have technology) but there's this whole scifi thing that's not super fleshed out in the background too? All in all it was a bit forgettable and I didn't feel that spark.
We start off with our ML Hal on a ship, he's drugged by his brother and when they get to the new planet, he's become a giant orc monster. there's not much about how or why that is, what time period they're in, how long he's been here, why he's cut up and experimented on etc. Hal escapes and meets Emma, a woman on a homestead barely making it. Her parents are there but kind of useless (+ her dad SUCKS) so she does everything and works the land. They meet and he's obsessed with her and she helps him. Then there's some travel, she's involved in a bar fight when a man tries to assault her, she's arrested (by her bitchy ex classmate with an axe to grind, who's also a monster hunter?), Hal ends up working on the farm but it's not safe etc.
All of a sudden they're together and it just .... fell flat to me? like I barely get why they even like each other aside from attraction but apparently they're in love? There's this whole thing about his brother and his castle but it doesn't make a lot of sense. The tone seems to want it to be historical (they work the land and don't have technology) but there's this whole scifi thing that's not super fleshed out in the background too? All in all it was a bit forgettable and I didn't feel that spark.
February 27, 2025
“You are trouble,” she said. “Good trouble?” “I’m not sure, but I’m willing to find out.”
“What I want is to be by your side until the last breath leaves my body.”
This story brings out so many emotions, including empathy, sadness, and hope. Nancey Cummings is very talented at writing a story that stays with you long after it is through. Both Emma who is a later generation of humans trying to make it on an inhospitable foreign planet, and Hal, who was inadvertently changed into an Orc by his scientist brother have had and continue to have incredibly difficult lives. Survival isn’t assured but still they are decent, hardworking beings whom are more than worthy to find happiness and you wish them the joy of finding a life mate. Hard to know what to think of Hal’s brother, who had his own problems with the transition (he’s a vampire) but also did unspeakable damage to Hal. But was it a desperate act of love or not? Draven, as he goes by now was a difficult character to like in the previous book, Blackthorn, though Charlotte, his mate certainly made it easier as did his actions. This has been such a unique series and world to get lost in. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this story.
“What I want is to be by your side until the last breath leaves my body.”
This story brings out so many emotions, including empathy, sadness, and hope. Nancey Cummings is very talented at writing a story that stays with you long after it is through. Both Emma who is a later generation of humans trying to make it on an inhospitable foreign planet, and Hal, who was inadvertently changed into an Orc by his scientist brother have had and continue to have incredibly difficult lives. Survival isn’t assured but still they are decent, hardworking beings whom are more than worthy to find happiness and you wish them the joy of finding a life mate. Hard to know what to think of Hal’s brother, who had his own problems with the transition (he’s a vampire) but also did unspeakable damage to Hal. But was it a desperate act of love or not? Draven, as he goes by now was a difficult character to like in the previous book, Blackthorn, though Charlotte, his mate certainly made it easier as did his actions. This has been such a unique series and world to get lost in. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this story.
March 13, 2025
4.5 stars. Hal, the male genetically modified human lead, has escaped from his brother/captor’s control and is stumbling through the Winter snow. Desperate for shelter, he stumbles into a barn. Emma, the female human lead, was expecting to find a predator in her barn, not an orc. Seeing his state, she offers him clothes and food but he roars at her and stumbles off into the night.
But Hal finds himself irresistibly drawn back to Emma, even though he’s sure he’s not good for her. Meanwhile, Emma worries about him being conscripted into the army, the way her brother was. Is there a way for them to be together?
This story is dual POV, well written, and a sweet and steamy, sci fi romance. I enjoyed Hal’s determination to survive. I sympathised with his physical and emotional trauma and enjoyed the character development for him. I enjoyed Emma’s resilience and perseverance in her situation. I enjoyed the relationship development. I chuckled at some of the interactions. I enjoyed the steamy intimate scenes. I enjoyed the integrated secondary characters. I adored the hints the author has dropped for the next story and I’m waiting eagerly for it!
I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
But Hal finds himself irresistibly drawn back to Emma, even though he’s sure he’s not good for her. Meanwhile, Emma worries about him being conscripted into the army, the way her brother was. Is there a way for them to be together?
This story is dual POV, well written, and a sweet and steamy, sci fi romance. I enjoyed Hal’s determination to survive. I sympathised with his physical and emotional trauma and enjoyed the character development for him. I enjoyed Emma’s resilience and perseverance in her situation. I enjoyed the relationship development. I chuckled at some of the interactions. I enjoyed the steamy intimate scenes. I enjoyed the integrated secondary characters. I adored the hints the author has dropped for the next story and I’m waiting eagerly for it!
I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
March 1, 2025
We find out what happened to Hal! Hopefully, you have read at least Blackthorn, the second book of the Monsters of the Nexus series. If so, you know Hal is Draven's brother. Draven has basically turned Hal into an Orc while trying to 'save' him. He continued to experiment on him for almost two centuries, most of this time Hal was in cryo or sedated into unconsciousness. Now that he is free, he has a few problems: He knows nothing about how this world he is on works. He doesn't even have clothes. He is green.
Emma is trying to run the family farm by herself. Her brother had been conscripted, her father is virtually blind, her mother needs to keep a close eye on her husband. When she finds a naked green monster in her barn at Christmas, she doesn't know whether to run or try to help him. But there is something about him that makes her want to give him a chance, now she just has to keep the sheriff from hauling him off and the military from conscripting him...
BTW: Charlotte and Ethan (Draven) even make an appearance at the end of the book. Draven's new job might surprise you. I was given an advanced copy of this book by the author. My review is voluntary.
Emma is trying to run the family farm by herself. Her brother had been conscripted, her father is virtually blind, her mother needs to keep a close eye on her husband. When she finds a naked green monster in her barn at Christmas, she doesn't know whether to run or try to help him. But there is something about him that makes her want to give him a chance, now she just has to keep the sheriff from hauling him off and the military from conscripting him...
BTW: Charlotte and Ethan (Draven) even make an appearance at the end of the book. Draven's new job might surprise you. I was given an advanced copy of this book by the author. My review is voluntary.
March 20, 2025
Nancey Cummings’s Mistletoe is book 3 in the Monsters of the Nexus. Hal has escaped his brother, now a vampire, and winds up sheltering in a barn where curvy human Emma works on the family farm. He’s a mush mash of cadaver skin, horribly scarred, but still appealing and no longer human. He’s an orc! She winds up hiring him as a farm hand as she alone toils the farm while mom cares for her blind poet dad who loves to stir up political debate in town. The military tries to conscript him but the local female sheriff saves the day by deputizing him! So much more happens! Can’t wait to see what comes next!
March 28, 2025
We finally have the story of our resident orc. I feel conflicted about the male main character (MMC). While I understand his reasons for leaving his brother to escape what he perceives as a prison, I believe he should have communicated with his brother before making that choice. However, if he had done so, he might not have met the female main character (FMC).
I admired his resilience; despite feeling lost, he has progressed far in life. This is likely because he found his anchor—her—before he even realized he needed her.
I loved the ending. It was unexpected, but in a good way.
I admired his resilience; despite feeling lost, he has progressed far in life. This is likely because he found his anchor—her—before he even realized he needed her.
I loved the ending. It was unexpected, but in a good way.
April 24, 2025
Hal is an orc because of mutations caused by his brother who is a very clever scientist seemingly without a conscience. Hal escaped his brother’s machinations but he hates him for what he put him through for science. He is now feared by those who see him because they believe he is a monster out of control. Hal does not know himself as he has been alive so long and also in stasis and operated on by his brother. Once he escaped he found himself eventually in a cold barn owned by Emma and her family. This is their impossible and torturous love story.
March 25, 2025
This was another fun read for the series and I love how Emma and Hal's romance unfolded. These two were sweet together but had hot chemistry. I really like how Emma gave Hal a chance and was open to love. He was so determined to survive, and with his past, I can't blame him. With action, adventure, emotions, hope and a sweet and steamy romance, this was a page turner for me. With the hints in this book, I'm really looking forward to the next book. Good fun!
June 17, 2025
Hal was a mystery in the previous book. We knew he was Draven's brother and what Draven had turned him into.
This holiday-themed book was a nice addition to the series. Hal and Emma were great together! It was interesting to see the chemistry between each character.
That being said, I don't think this is the kind of book you can read as a standalone.
I was given a free copy of this book and I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This holiday-themed book was a nice addition to the series. Hal and Emma were great together! It was interesting to see the chemistry between each character.
That being said, I don't think this is the kind of book you can read as a standalone.
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 26, 2025
What a sweet holiday read! Nancey Cummings is a highly talented author that never disappoints her readers. I love monster reads! I loved how Emma was open to love and threw society norms. She accepted the monster and eventually fell in love. Great story monster readers! Download and enjoy!🩷🩷
April 4, 2025
Very good
Despite a confusing and sluggish start this story turned out to be quite enjoyable. Hal and Emma were quite entertaining characters. Hal's evolution was believable and handled well.
Despite a confusing and sluggish start this story turned out to be quite enjoyable. Hal and Emma were quite entertaining characters. Hal's evolution was believable and handled well.
April 4, 2025
good but definitely can’t top the first two in the series.
the author said we’ve already met both romantic leads for the next book so i’m assuming it’s Felix and Nina. although felix is human, i believe nina is a witch (?). not sure though
the author said we’ve already met both romantic leads for the next book so i’m assuming it’s Felix and Nina. although felix is human, i believe nina is a witch (?). not sure though
August 23, 2025
I still enjoyed this book, but it was missing just a touch of the pizzazz from the previous two. I think the plot was just a bit more mundane than those in the others. However, I was happy to read Hal’s story, and I especially enjoyed the ending.
October 29, 2025
A simply wonderful and captivating read that will hold you riveted within its pages. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future books by this author. I received this book as a Free ARC copy to read and I voluntarily leave this review.
February 26, 2025
This is an amazing sci-fi romance! I really liked it a lot. It is steamy and funny, filled with action and adventure. I love these monsters!
March 28, 2025
I love this series!
This is such a great series! The characters and storyline is so good. The only problem is I read them too fast. That's on me.
This is such a great series! The characters and storyline is so good. The only problem is I read them too fast. That's on me.
April 4, 2025
Had to give it a star to wirte this.
That was a nothing burger. Not even 1 star.
That was a nothing burger. Not even 1 star.
August 5, 2025
Awwwww Hal
Hal just wants answers. Emma does too. And everyone around there mama is just giving them a hard time. Let them live!
4 stars
Hal just wants answers. Emma does too. And everyone around there mama is just giving them a hard time. Let them live!
4 stars
December 19, 2025
I thought that this would have more of a Christmas vibe based on the title and blurb, but it doesn’t really. However, I did really enjoy it and I feel super intrigued about the rest of the series.
I enjoyed the western frontier vibes of this - humans on a colony ship leaving earth basically crashed on a planet that caused them to lose all of their technology, so things are pretty rustic. In order for humans to adapt to the new planet, a rogue scientist genetically mutated some of the humans, accidentally creating the ‘monsters’.
Hal used to be human but is now an orc. He’s got a pretty tragic story after being imprisoned for centuries - not long after escaping he encounters Emma who shows him the first kindness he’s experienced since his change. Their chemistry flares up quickly and Hal’s monster instincts quickly determine Emma as his. I liked that Emma never hesitated to defend Hal and stood by him as she fell in love with a ‘monster’.
I enjoyed the western frontier vibes of this - humans on a colony ship leaving earth basically crashed on a planet that caused them to lose all of their technology, so things are pretty rustic. In order for humans to adapt to the new planet, a rogue scientist genetically mutated some of the humans, accidentally creating the ‘monsters’.
Hal used to be human but is now an orc. He’s got a pretty tragic story after being imprisoned for centuries - not long after escaping he encounters Emma who shows him the first kindness he’s experienced since his change. Their chemistry flares up quickly and Hal’s monster instincts quickly determine Emma as his. I liked that Emma never hesitated to defend Hal and stood by him as she fell in love with a ‘monster’.
March 26, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. I liked the way it was tied to the previous book with some of the events that happened. It would be hard for Hal to blend in amongst everyone else, so he has to prove he isn't the evil monster they believe him to be. So, with Emma's help and the Christmas holiday, anything may be possible. *I received and Arc for my honest opinion.*
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews