My Hot Blooded Book Review - No Spoilers
Plot Summary
Hot Blooded by Heather Guerre is a contemporary vampire romance (book two in the Tooth & Claw series, but works as a standalone). Tessa, a night nurse worn down by debt, signs up with HemoMatch to become a human blood donor for vampires—a decision born of desperation and duty to her family. She expects the experience to be terrifying, impersonal, and maybe even painful. Instead, she meets Amos: a solitary, old-fashioned vampire who is compassionate, introverted, and far from the predator she imagined. Amos hasn’t tasted live blood in over a century, but Tessa’s blood wakes something wild and tender in him. Their arrangement is supposed to be strictly business, but their growing bond turns it into a relationship full of sweetness, tension, and explosive chemistry. As their unusual romance unfolds through awkward first meetings, thrilling, bite-charged encounters, and a slow journey from partnership to true love, outside dangers and family pressures test how much they’re willing to fight for their own happiness.
Why I Love This Book
I love how Hot Blooded flips the vampire romance script. Amos isn’t a brooding billionaire or a menacing alpha—he’s a little bit odd, deeply respectful, and quietly possessive. His vulnerability is as attractive as his predator side, and that tension makes every blood-sharing scene pulse with energy. Tessa’s struggle as an eldest daughter—always caring for her family, barely taking care of herself—got under my skin. The way the book balances their communication, mutual consent, and kink elements (primal play, blood play, CNC, aftercare) is done with care and surprising tenderness. I didn’t expect to get so much real emotion and character depth from a story that could have relied on steam, but Amos and Tessa’s open, honest conversations and steady support for each other set this apart. I especially appreciate the depiction of longing, the slow burn, and the way their dynamic respects boundaries. This isn’t just about the heat (though there’s plenty)—the heart hits hard, too. Even with some odd pacing and occasional over-the-top moments, the book kept me invested straight through their HEA.
Who Will Like This Book
If you’re looking for an open-door vampire romance with kink, tender-hearted leads, and themes of family sacrifice, you'll be right at home. It’s ideal for readers who enjoy explore-consent dynamics, primal play, and slightly awkward but lovable heroes. Expect a soft, slightly nerdy vampire (with a predator streak), a relatable, burnt-out heroine, and extended scenes of negotiation, checking in, and real aftercare. The romance is steamy from the start, but the connection feels believable and slow burn. Outside threats and some series crossover drama exist, but the focus is always on Tessa and Amos’s relationship. Content notes: explicit kink (including consensual non-consent play), blood, anxiety over family debt, toxic family dynamics, and some light action. Minimal cheating or "third-act breakup" drama—most conflict is external.
⚠️ Trigger warning: Explicit sex and kink (primal play, CNC, blood play), references to chronic family stress and debt, mild violence, toxic family, and some emotionally manipulative dynamics.
Tagged As
paranormal romance, vampire romance, contemporary fantasy, open-door romance, primal play, kink, sweet hero, possessive hero, caretaking heroine, found family, slow burn, dual pov, emotional healing, consent play, aftercare, older heroine, communication, forbidden romance, angst, standalone, series, indie romance, kindle unlimited
Steam Level
There are several explicit, open-door scenes featuring blood play, biting, primal hunting, and consensual kink. The steam is thoughtfully woven into the romance—intense, imaginative, and never shying away from heat or tenderness. If strong consent, negotiation, and real passion are your thing, you’ll be more than satisfied here.
