Fangs and Flesh

Hunting Hearts #2

by T.J. Nichols

Sent to clean up the mess left by the Orlans, Joel Reid finds himself dealing with unaffiliated vampires who want Reid blood.

Book 2 in the steamy MM vampire mafia romance series, Hunting Hearts.

225 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 28, 2025

About the author

TJ Nichols (they/them) is the author of the Studies in Demonology and Familiar Mates series. They write mostly gay fantasy and paranormal romance, but sometimes gay action/horror as Toby J. Nichols.

After traveling all over the world and Australia, TJ now lives in Perth, Western Australia.

Free gay shifter novella when you join TJ's newsletter: http://tjnichols-author.com/lp/

You can find TJ on
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Reviews

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

4.25 stars

Fangs and Flesh is the second book in T.J. Nichols’ Hunting Hearts series, and follows pretty closely on the heels of book one, Bullets and Blood. To avoid spoilers for that book, I’ll just say that those MCs, Nix and Lance, connect with the Reid family in the first story, drawing the Reids into the conflict with the Orlans. So this story builds upon the series arc and the world building started in the first book, but you could probably jump in here if desired.

I am really liking this series and it was fun to shift focus to another vampire family and learn more about this world. Thing set up here for the next book and it looks to be another interesting story. I’ll be looking forward to more.

Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.

[Bkwrm24 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aiden and Joel ❤️

3.5 Stars ⭐️

For the genre of this book I found it surprisingly sweet with a touch of innocence. Both character were well written and the story line intriguing, I'd recommend.

* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *

[Cynthia M Brow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fangs and Flesh is the second book in the Hunting Hearts series. In my opinion this series is best read in order. This is the of Aiden and Joel, both vampires. I still find the premise of natural vampires needing blood to become true vampires unique and original. These two are so perfect together and their chemistry is amazing. I'm enjoying the overarching plot but hate having to wait for the next book in the series. I would definitely recommend this book and series.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

🌟 4 Stars
ARC Review – provided through GRR in exchange for an honest review

Content Warnings: Biting, blood, violence, murder, death of a parent, emotional trauma, family manipulation

I’m still so invested in this world, even if everything’s still a mess and nobody’s catching a break. Fangs and Flesh is book two in the Hunting Hearts series, and while the couple gets their HEA, the vampire family war is just getting messier.

This time we’re following Joel and Aiden—two very different vampires, both stuck in awful situations they didn’t ask for.

Joel is the guy who quietly does all the dirty work for his family. He’s efficient, numb to most things, and good at pretending like he doesn’t want anything for himself. But then Aiden shows up, and everything shifts.

Aiden is basically a walking disaster when we meet him. Unblooded, unprotected, and way too soft for the world he’s been shoved into. His brother just got himself involved with the Orlan vampire crime family, and Aiden’s caught in the fallout. Things go downhill fast for him—loss, grief, betrayal, danger—and through it all, Joel keeps showing up. Not because he has to. But because, for whatever reason, he can’t stay away.

Their dynamic is definitely hurt/comfort, with this low-key Daddy/boy vibe (emotionally, not kink-wise). Joel is calm and solid. Aiden is overwhelmed and scared. And it just works. Watching Joel go from detached to fiercely protective gave me butterflies. I love a “Touch him and I will end you” character arc.

The romance is slow-building and full of tension, and there’s a softness to their connection that balances out all the sharp edges around them. Joel reads books and likes crosswords and cats. Aiden’s just trying to survive the wreckage of his life. Together, they give each other things neither of them has really had before—safety, quiet, comfort.

That said, not a lot of the bigger series plot gets resolved in this one. The Orlan vs. Reid family feud is still heating up, and it’s clear the real war is coming. I’m definitely in it for the long game, but I would’ve liked a bit more momentum there.

Still, this one hit the emotional beats I was hoping for. And Joel? Absolutely stole the show for me.

Genres: MM Paranormal Romance | Vampire | Urban Fantasy
Tropes: Hurt/Comfort, Forced Proximity, Mafia Crime Families, Found Family
Series: Hunting Hearts #2 – Read book 1 first if you can
Ending: HEA for the couple, series plot still unfolding

[ivanareadsalot · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to thank GRR for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

So funny enough, Fangs and Flesh was my first ever TJ Nichols despite collecting about a dozen of their titles over the years. Happily, i learned from vibing with this ARC that their narrative style works for me, so i'm glad i've got lots to read of theirs whenever i get the chance to dive into their backlist!

The supernatural world in this Hunting Hearts series was a gritty, intense and bloody one, and i didn't even know Aussie vamps were such a M O O D but i was really into it!

I loved that 6% in and I was already f e e l i n g IT for poor Aiden! And in terms of the emotional texture, i thought the plot was devastating on so many levels, and though the romance was sexy-sweet, it had me feeling a kinda way about it. BUT the cat love was impeccable and Stamford earned a star for being aces!

Aiden was rightfully emo while struggling to process all the terrible sh!t that happened to him in a very short span of time! The pacing in this was lightspeed and even i had problems navigating my feelings. Suffice it to say, i was VERY invested in Aiden finding some semblance of stability throughout the narrative, because all the violent destruction made me anxious and squirmy and super sad for him.

And because of the above mentioned feelings train, and the fact that Joel's professional forte was in handling situations like Aiden's, both Aiden and I were very attracted to the bada$s, but still uncomfortable with the dynamic! Altogether i liked how all over the place my emotions were about this love story, and even though Aiden and Joel could have gone a bit deeper with their romance i wasn't mad at their connection.

Down Under vamps are all kinds of wild and ferocious and i really enjoyed this a lot! Lots more action still to come and i can't wait to see how Garrick and Trent go head-to-head in Steel and Silence up next!

[Susan Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every now and then in a series there will be two main characters who just really appeal to me. In TJ Nichols’ series Hunting Hearts, those two characters are Aiden (young unblooded vamp) and Joel (centuries old vamp enforcer) in Fangs and Flesh. While part of the attraction is opposites attracting, it is both of their comfort with the differences, even though the time they have together is not long. This is not due to any calamity, but rather the author’s choice to end the book a little abruptly, not enough to call it a cliffhanger, so no review points lost there. Aiden and Joel are introduced separately and in such a way as to make them seem good-natured, even the vampire enforcer. The author does an excellent job of depicting the collision of Aiden’s quiet mundane life with the dangerous world of vampires. There are characters who embody these lifestyles, making the traditions more personal and inducing sorrow in the reader at one life lost. I know the next book will focus on a new couple but I really hope we get to see some vignettes of Aiden and Joel making their differences work for them. This is one series where the reader is strongly advised to read the books in sequence. I received a free copy of the book from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Debby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aiden Green’s life is changing. He was jumped by some vampires and his brother is now blooded. That means he was changed into a full vampire and he wants Aiden to do the same. The only problem is that Aiden does not want to be blooded. Joel Reid is in town from a neighboring city. He is there to investigate what is happening to the unblooded and the unaffiliated vampires. When Joel rescues Aiden, he finds himself inexplicably drawn To Aiden. Unfortunately, Aiden is getting hit with tragedy after tragedy and is not sure what he wants. For some reason Joel makes him feel safe.

The vampire concept was unique where natural vampires can choose to not be full turned. Joel did because it was expected while Aiden’s mother told him to resist changing. In spite of their varying ideas, the two together found something amazing. It does not take long before you are routing for these two. Joel appears to cool and calm but his emotions run deep. After reading this book, crossword puzzle books will never the same. I recommend this book to those who enjoy vampires and MM loving. Remember, there is some violence when vampires are around.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Winnie Quick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes I think I need lessons in empathy. Because I get irritated with characters for having messy emotions like I’m not super emotional (at times) myself. I need to understand that I have the omniscient viewpoint: I have all the answers and can therefore set aside my emotions.

That was a long way of saying I enjoyed this book more once I stepped away after reading it. I’m really glad I held off writing my review until now because Aiden and Joel (and Garrick!) deserve a better rating than I would have given it. Not Quinn though, I pay him dust (IYKYK).

Stamford the cat is one of my favorite characters ever, and I am not a huge cat person lol. I too am jealous of the life he lives, and boy is he seeing some things. This is rambly. I liked this book! The instalove/lust trope worked well for me because gay vampires just move extra fast. And I LOVE Aiden and Joel together (especially when Aiden stops trying to rationalize everything happening and just lives).

Really excited for the next book! I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review. 4.5 stars.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really interesting take on vampires, which made this instantly more appealing to me. Joekl is a blooded vampire (you'll have to read it to figure out what that means), and Aiden is the unblooded younger man whom he must protect from a rival family intent on bringing chaos and claiming neutral territory, among other nefarious and life-altering activities. Aiden's reluctance to let Joel in completely---why would he trust the very people his mother warned him and his siblings against?--- is brutally upended by a series of events that leave him shattered and defenceless, unless he does more than lust after Joel. I like the uncertainty they both share, Joel because he knows anything between them will be challenging at best, Aiden because he's lived in fear his whole life of the very things in which he's now embroiled. Yet, at the end of this story, we have hope that this fledgling relationship will survive whatever fate and the rival family will throw at them. They all fit in this different vampire world.

[Melissa Polk · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remain intensely invested in this series. The idea of natural vampires in need of blooding to become "true" vampires is done so well (and I'm still tickled about their weaknesses--especially as I have to take vitamin c with my iron supplements). Without spoiling any of the details that make learning him so much fun, all I can say is: Aiden is a great character with so much development. I love how patient and understanding Joel was of his background and the emotional/mental hurdles (sort of conditioning, really) Aiden had to overcome. (And no, I will never look at a crossword puzzle the say way again.)

The overarching plot continues to move forward, though little has been resolved. I won't deny that the not-exactly-cliffhanger ending had me growling at my ereader, but that just means that someday I'll get to delight in binging the whole series in one go.

Super excited for the next book. As always, TJ Nichols could probably write a grocery list and have me riveted.

[AshPenny37 · Rating 3 out of 5]

The second in the Hunting Hearts series sees the innocent (and somewhat naive) Aiden as his life is turned upside down. His mother, to protect her sons from the harsh realities of the vampire world, kept him purposefully shielded. So, when his feckless brother makes yet another decision that has a ripple effect of consequences and gets involved with the Orlan family (introduced in book one), Aiden needs some help and protection. Enter Joel, a fully blooded member of the Reid vampire family…worldly wise and deadly. He's the family's ‘cleaner’ and is sent to see what kind of mess the Orlan family is creating.

Cue the forced proximity, opposites attract romance that I absolutely go for. These guys felt right for each other, and maybe this is a me thing or maybe it's because this is a relatively quick read, but I felt there could have been more depth to the relationship development. There are elements that were almost teased but didn't really play out in the physical side of things, too, and the flip from 'emotional distance' to 'must protect at all costs' was a bit jarring for me also.

That said, I really enjoyed the positioning of this book in the overall story arc of the conflict between vampire families and the introduction of who's going to be up next. It's 3.5* from me for this installment.

An ARC was provided by GRR. This is my honest review.

[Ana Silva · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story really pulled me in. Aiden’s struggle felt so raw and real. He’s stuck in that painful in-between space: not a full vampire, not fully free to choose his own path. The tension with his brother adds even more weight, especially when that brother is pushing him toward a life he doesn’t want.

Then Joel arrives, and things start to shift. Joel is everything Aiden doesn’t aspire to be, yet there’s this mutual respect between them that becomes the foundation for something deeper.

Their connection is slow burning but strong, and it gave the story a real emotional heart. The vampire lore here is fresh and layered, and I love how this book balances character development with bigger plot arcs.

It’s clear the final installment is going to hit hard, and I’m absolutely rooting for Aiden and Joel to make it through together, especially in a world that doesn’t care about their hopes. Can’t wait for the next book.

[Shana W · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a page-turner, with action, intrigue and fascinating world building. I would not want to be a vampire - either blooded or unblooded - in this world the author has created, as it seems it would be fraught with danger no matter what you did. Although survival would certainly be more assured if you had all the facts, which Aiden's mom did not give her children. As a result, they were not prepared to deal with the threat the Orlan family brought to their area, with fatal consequences. Aiden was very lucky that Joel appeared when he did, and that he is so competent and protective. I like how supportive he is of Aiden and how much chemistry there is between the two of them. I'm very curious to see how the Reids deal with The Orlans for once and for all, so I eagerly await Garrick and Trent's story in the next book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Anne Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly, let me say I got this book from gay romance reviews and this is me leaving my honest review.
Gosh, I found it very confusing the beginning of this book but I’ve got to say that I really liked Aidan‘s morals. I was left guessing throughout this book to see if he would become a blooded vampire. His brother who was always quick to jump had got in trouble And this trouble came straight back to Aidan‘s door. And this is where he meets Joel who is a natural vampire blooded vampire to a family and he is there to protect and find out what is going on in this territory. And I’m gonna leave you guessing because It’s up to you to find out if he does become a bloody vampire or sticks to his morals. The attraction between Joel and Aidan is a struggle really. All I’m gonna say is crosswords there is a part in this book where Aidan is asked to complete one of Joel‘s crosswords. Interesting. I really enjoyed this book.

[Jeanette Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fangs and Flesh is the second book in TJ Nichols Hunting Hearts series. Not a standalone, the world building is quite complex. Unblooded, natural vamps and blooded full vamps, the conflict is very real. Aiden was young, unblooded and naive. Joel, a fully blooded and dangerous vamp enforcer, was sent to clean up the mess another blood clan was making, which meant killing Aiden. They have an instant attraction with lots of sizzle. Hopefully the two will feature in more of the series, because I didn't think their relationship was fully explored.
The story line is exciting, but leaves a lot of dangly plot arcs unresolved. I'm not much for cliffhangers, but am really revved up for book three. A fast, enjoyable read. It leaves you with "want more".
I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my review,

[L H · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was so easy to feel for Aiden who is between a rock and a hard place. As if growing up not quite a full vampire did not have its own difficulties. His brother is fully bloodied and decides that means Aiden should be as well. But Aiden is not interested in that life. Joel coming into town to do some sleuthing about what is happening to the unblooded is the best thing that happened to Aiden. Joel is what Aiden does not want to be but respects Aiden and they are able to build something together. This book does a good job of setting up what is to come in the final story in this series and this is such a cool take on the vampire trope. I am rooting for this pair to be okay in a world where the danger is real and not respectful of your wishes. I can't wait for the next book.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Virginia Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caught between two worlds… and one irresistible connection.

Aiden is being pulled in two directions—torn between becoming a blooded vampire or resisting the change altogether. With pressure mounting from both sides, Aiden does what he does best: he runs.

But then he meets Joel.

Mysterious. Magnetic. Dangerous. Joel is everything Aiden is trying to avoid… and yet, he can’t stay away.

The slow burn between them is undeniable. Every stolen glance, every lingering moment—building tension, desire, and something deeper. Joel’s patience becomes Aiden’s anchor, and their chemistry? You can practically feel the steam rising off the pages.

This isn’t just a romance—it’s a journey of trust, self-discovery, and the kind of connection that makes you turn page after page, desperate to know how it ends.

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Orlan vs Reid onslaught. Joel Reid is the enforcer given the responsibility of eliminating unbloodied vampire Aiden Green. This is the 2nd book of the Hunting Hearts series and continues the theme of blooded vs unbloodied vampires with matriarchs ruling their respective families instead of patriarchs. This is a unique twist on vampires. Aiden is an innocent and unbeknownst to him his brother Quinn has already willingly been blooded because of his ambition and greed. Joel and Aiden have an inst-attraction but each fights the allure. There's plenty of sizzling passion between these two as the two families fight for vampire superiority. The traitorous and deadly actions of Quinn make for intense reading of brother against brother. A fine 2nd book in this series by TJ Nichols.

[Suzanne Irving · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh I don’t think I can ever look at a crossword book again without blushing although I must say that it is an intriguing way of using one. Honestly I probably should have expected something like this from this author who seems to have a very very active imagination. Aiden and Orlan are such interesting if very different characters and I really wondered if they would ever even get along. Needless to say this is an enemies to lovers sort of story so they do get along very nicely. I especially like how Australian places, etc are worked into the story instead of setting it in the US. We get set up for the next volume and I hope we don’t have to wait long.

I got a copy of this book from GRR and this is my totally honest review

[Mary · Rating 1 out of 5]

More plot, world building, less spice.
Author should add warning, death of parent (on page, murder), death of sibling (on page, intentional)

Very intense. Was not prepared for all the bloodshed and the death of the Mc’s mother in such a brutal way.

This was very bloody, gory vampire story with some mm romance thrown in.

Everything Aiden knows is all jumbled up. He’s now just running for his life and unsure if he can live a normal life.

Despite finishing reading the story I don’t think this is for me. It was too bloody and the murder of the mom left a bad feeling, I feel bad for leaving such a low review, but upon finishing the story and reflecting on the murder of the mom, and the way the story just ended abruptly, it just wasn't for me.

Also I hope a trigger warning is added later on. I think murder as a trigger warning should be more specific even if it gives away plot points. Readers should be aware that the author kills off the MCs mother and also death of sibling.

The overarching plot carries on, it's a HFN for the couple, but the vampire territory war and who's behind building the vampire army continues. I walked away from this book much like I did in matrix 2, wtf did i just read. It put me off watching matrix 3, much like this book giving a sad end to this series for me.

[Ella Aileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd never read anything from this author before, but this was an interesting story. Gay vampires, family dynamics, and unblooded vampires were all really interesting. I definitely want to go back and read more from this world. The characters were compelling, I loved Aiden, and I want to know more about the overarching story while knowing the couple here has their HFN story. It's a cool way to get me as the reader invested!

[audiobook_chaos · Rating 5 out of 5]

After meeting Joel in book 1 i was excited for his story . When Joel is tasked by Ann to go to a protected town of vampires who either don’t want to be changed or aren’t affiliated with a family . He meets Aidan and saves him from rogue vamps and their relationship blossoms whilst things surrounding Aidan are going to pot Joel does his best to protect Aidan from the fall out. I’m really enjoying this series and I can’t wait for Garricks story.

[Jeanine Beaulieu St Pierre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book,,,,this is the second in this series Aiden Green like to follow the rules of his mother ,,but things start to happen when his brother starts acting strange and then he meets Joel Reid when he come into the store where two men try to take Aiden but is stopped there is so much going on in this book and there is a lot mention for the next book this is a really good series,,.I have read this book for this author for my honest opinion

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just lovely. Maybe just me but I thought this book was better then book 1. I enjoyed the characters very much in this story and the series. This author is definitely one to read. I have enjoyed this series very much and I really like the way they tell a story. I feel so connected to this world. I can not wait for the next book.

[Juniper · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s a really interesting take on vampires and world building here, along with some seriously compelling characters. I would love to see more of Aiden and Joel in future works–their connection and the way their differences mesh make them easy to invest in as characters.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Deb Kel · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all if do not understand why anyone would give this less than 5*!!!!! I am absolutely loving this series! Has everything you want, captivating storyline, brilliant characters whose family drama just keeps you hooked! This is a series I will definitely be reading again once they are all out! Highly recommend
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review

[b00ks_in_nature · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this could be read as a standalone, I think you get a lot more out of it by reading book one first. The first book has a lot of world building, and this book builds on that. I really enjoyed the characters. The plot was interesting and kept me invested - I'm definitely looking forward to book three!

[Bianca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joel and Aiden story was interesting with danger and adrenaline and a new couple to get their happiness among all the chaos and threats.
Their chemistry is explosive and their moments together hot.
It’s about loyalty, betrayal, hard decisions and a chance at happiness.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Hunting Hearts series, and it is another great addition, the characters are great and the story kept my attention from the beginning to the end I’m looking forward to reading more from this series in the future.

[Ida Umphers · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really interesting mix of mafia and vampires. Joel and Aiden have some dangerous complications and pressures to overcome in order for both to survive and be together. Both of the first two books have been great and I am looking forward to the concluding book in the series.