I have no idea how I found Hot Blooded by Heather Guerre. I’m betting I was probably just searching through different recs on either storygraph, goodreads, or amazon and thought yes, I would like an older FMC/vampire romance. I am honestly SO happy I picked this up! This book itself was great, and it made me pick up a few others by the same author.
One of the things I loved most about this romance was that the human FMC, Tessa, and the vampire MMC, Amos, are both adults. And I don’t mean like I’m 18, I’m an adult! Or even, I’m 21, I’m an adult! I mean they are established adults that are in their prime with established careers. It is so refreshing to read because it adds a whole new set of problems and tensions and issues to resolve. Tessa has people she needs to look out for, her life isn’t her own. This was something so incredibly relatable – wanting to do what she wanted but not thinking she could because she had obligations. Amos, meanwhile, has his own family and has started to realize that maybe he needs to actually live rather than exist.
With such a great foundation, the romance simply takes off. I love that it starts off wary with Tessa unsure of Amos or his intentions. He’s simply a client she’s providing blood for. Meanwhile, Amos has gone absolutely mental. He’s in love. He wants more. He wants her and only her and it’s so good. It’s dark and he’s possessive and it works so well.
Where this does falter is with plot. It feels so incredibly minimal, though there is story. It just doesn’t enhance the romance, just as the romance doesn’t enhance the story. I feel as though the plot would be good as its own full, complete story. It is interesting, just not fully developed enough to capture my attention. It almost serves as a way to bolster the romance when honestly? I don’t think it was needed.
Hot Blooded by Heather Guerre was a great, mid-paced romance featuring grown people. The characters are what make this romance worth it. An FMC that is sure of herself, knows who she is and what she wants. A possessive vampire MMC that wants a blood mate and will do what he must to have and have her see him. If you’re only looking for a vampire/human romance, this will be a good book to pick up! If you’re looking for something with a detailed and intense plot, this might not tick your boxes.
