What do you think?
Rate this book
Charley Underwood #2
Bloodlust Bites
Welcome to Crimson, Georgia. I’m Charley Underwood—witch, bar owner, and accidental demon hunter.
Crimson isn’t a regular town. With vampires, shifters, and humans living side by side, tensions always run high. I try to keep the peace, and most of the time nobody gets hurt. Most of the time.
Right now, Crimson is one bite away from all-out chaos.
A dangerous new wolf is stirring up trouble. A sexy vampire is on the hunt, with a gun full of sunlight bullets. And thugs from Atlanta are threatening my friends.
As if that wasn’t enough, my magic is running wild. One second it’s throwing bad guys through windows, the next it fizzles out to nothing. There’s only one way to get it under control—by taking lessons from Crimson’s terrifying old-school coven of witches.
I need to get a handle on it fast. Way out in the woods, someone is attacking young women, leaving them bitten and bloody. Is it a stranger or one of our own?
When police pin the attacks on one of my bartenders, it’s clear that none of this is random. Someone is coming after me and the people I love.
I’ll do anything to protect my crew. Even strike a deal with a vicious old enemy.
Because when I see what I’m fighting against, it’s clear I need all the help I can get.
Bloodlust Bites is a fast-paced urban fantasy that will leave you breathless. With thrilling action, slow-burn romance, humor, heart, and found family, it’s perfect for fans of Kim Richardson, Charlaine Harris and Patricia Briggs.
Crimson isn’t a regular town. With vampires, shifters, and humans living side by side, tensions always run high. I try to keep the peace, and most of the time nobody gets hurt. Most of the time.
Right now, Crimson is one bite away from all-out chaos.
A dangerous new wolf is stirring up trouble. A sexy vampire is on the hunt, with a gun full of sunlight bullets. And thugs from Atlanta are threatening my friends.
As if that wasn’t enough, my magic is running wild. One second it’s throwing bad guys through windows, the next it fizzles out to nothing. There’s only one way to get it under control—by taking lessons from Crimson’s terrifying old-school coven of witches.
I need to get a handle on it fast. Way out in the woods, someone is attacking young women, leaving them bitten and bloody. Is it a stranger or one of our own?
When police pin the attacks on one of my bartenders, it’s clear that none of this is random. Someone is coming after me and the people I love.
I’ll do anything to protect my crew. Even strike a deal with a vicious old enemy.
Because when I see what I’m fighting against, it’s clear I need all the help I can get.
Bloodlust Bites is a fast-paced urban fantasy that will leave you breathless. With thrilling action, slow-burn romance, humor, heart, and found family, it’s perfect for fans of Kim Richardson, Charlaine Harris and Patricia Briggs.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 9, 2024
895 people are currently reading
110 people want to read
About the author
Luanne Bennett
28 books204 followersLuanne Bennett is an author of fantasy and the supernatural. Born in Chicago, she lives in Georgia these days where she writes full time and doesn’t miss a thing about the cubicles and conference rooms of her old life. When she isn’t writing or dreaming up new stories, she’s usually cooking or tending a herd of felines and basset hounds. Look for book three of the Katie Bishop series coming this spring!
www.facebook.com/LuanneBennettBooks
www.twitter.com/Luanne_Bennett
https://www.instagram.com/luannebenne...
www.facebook.com/LuanneBennettBooks
www.twitter.com/Luanne_Bennett
https://www.instagram.com/luannebenne...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
Read
August 14, 2024Bloodlust Bites" transports readers back to the town of Crimson. A place where vampires, shifters, and humans converge amidst a backdrop of magic, turmoil, and intrigue. Charley returns to confront otherworldly dangers and age-old forces, all while safeguarding those she holds dear.
Bloodlust Bites continues from where Bloodlust Blues left off. The prior installment ended with human women being murdered in strange ways. Now, more women have been found dead, and female vampires are disappearing. Beau, an employee of Charley, is the prime suspect in the killings, and Charley is adamant about proving his innocence. She also endeavors to safeguard another employee haunted by her past. To do this effectively, Charley hesitantly taps into her magical abilities, aided by a society of witches. Yet, as dangers escalate, she comes to realize that her magic alone is insufficient, compelling her to strike a bargain with her enemy.
Bloodlust Bites held my attention from beginning to end. I found myself rapidly turning pages, keen to discover what lay ahead for Charley and her team. Bloodlust Bites delivered a fast-paced story, woven with a mystery that kept me guessing. I wondered at the connection between disappearance of the vampires and the murders of the human females. As the plot unfolded, the connection became apparent. The identity of the culprit though surprising made sense given the circumstances. Although the mystery was resolved and the antagonist was handled, new questions emerged. I look forward to uncovering what the future holds for Charley and her companions, particularly Beau, who experienced a transformative event.
Similar to the previous installment, "Bloodlust Bites" offers an impeccable mix of action and magic, complemented by a touch of romance. It's an entertaining read that promises to keep you on the edge of your seat.This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
Bloodlust Bites continues from where Bloodlust Blues left off. The prior installment ended with human women being murdered in strange ways. Now, more women have been found dead, and female vampires are disappearing. Beau, an employee of Charley, is the prime suspect in the killings, and Charley is adamant about proving his innocence. She also endeavors to safeguard another employee haunted by her past. To do this effectively, Charley hesitantly taps into her magical abilities, aided by a society of witches. Yet, as dangers escalate, she comes to realize that her magic alone is insufficient, compelling her to strike a bargain with her enemy.
Bloodlust Bites held my attention from beginning to end. I found myself rapidly turning pages, keen to discover what lay ahead for Charley and her team. Bloodlust Bites delivered a fast-paced story, woven with a mystery that kept me guessing. I wondered at the connection between disappearance of the vampires and the murders of the human females. As the plot unfolded, the connection became apparent. The identity of the culprit though surprising made sense given the circumstances. Although the mystery was resolved and the antagonist was handled, new questions emerged. I look forward to uncovering what the future holds for Charley and her companions, particularly Beau, who experienced a transformative event.
Similar to the previous installment, "Bloodlust Bites" offers an impeccable mix of action and magic, complemented by a touch of romance. It's an entertaining read that promises to keep you on the edge of your seat.This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
August 17, 2024
Luanne Bennett writes books about all kinds of dangerous things. Creatures, witches, vampires, shifters, bikers, bartenders, strippers and things I don't have a name for.
Her main characters are snarky, stubborn, courageous and independent women who won't let anyone lead them by the nose. Yet, they know when it's time to lean on their friends and fight for those same friends against unimaginable odds. No angst driven wilting flowers here.
Action packed Urban fantasy with a lot of mystery, thriller and even a tad bit of romance thrown in. This is one of the best authors out there right now if you are a fan of urban fantasy, witchy, paranormal, vampire and shifter anything.
Charley is a bar owner in the small town of Crimson. A bit of a super powerful unlearned witch and a magnet for trouble. If it's not the police, it's the vampires or the local witches that will make Charley learn her magic (willing or not). Then there's a serial killer that nails women to trees. The police have a suspect but Charley knows that they are wrong. With her friends freedom on the line, it's up to her to find the murder or die trying.
I highly recommend this book and series. Absolutely some of the best Urban fantasy out there.
Thank you Luanne, second sky and NetGalley for my copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Her main characters are snarky, stubborn, courageous and independent women who won't let anyone lead them by the nose. Yet, they know when it's time to lean on their friends and fight for those same friends against unimaginable odds. No angst driven wilting flowers here.
Action packed Urban fantasy with a lot of mystery, thriller and even a tad bit of romance thrown in. This is one of the best authors out there right now if you are a fan of urban fantasy, witchy, paranormal, vampire and shifter anything.
Charley is a bar owner in the small town of Crimson. A bit of a super powerful unlearned witch and a magnet for trouble. If it's not the police, it's the vampires or the local witches that will make Charley learn her magic (willing or not). Then there's a serial killer that nails women to trees. The police have a suspect but Charley knows that they are wrong. With her friends freedom on the line, it's up to her to find the murder or die trying.
I highly recommend this book and series. Absolutely some of the best Urban fantasy out there.
Thank you Luanne, second sky and NetGalley for my copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 28, 2025
Crimson isn’t a regular town. With vampires, shifters, and humans living side by side, tensions always run high. Charley Underwood — witch, bar owner, and accidental demon hunter — tries to keep the peace as best she can.
This sequel to urban fantasy Bloodlust Blues picks up where the first book left off, as our heroine Charley tries to get a grip on her magic while dealing with threats to her bar and her friends. I'd recommend reading the first book before this one as it introduces the characters and some of the plot elements, but it could be read on its own if you just want a fun quick read.
Recommended for fans of urban fantasy with strong female characters in the style of Charlaine Harris and Patricia Briggs.
This sequel to urban fantasy Bloodlust Blues picks up where the first book left off, as our heroine Charley tries to get a grip on her magic while dealing with threats to her bar and her friends. I'd recommend reading the first book before this one as it introduces the characters and some of the plot elements, but it could be read on its own if you just want a fun quick read.
Recommended for fans of urban fantasy with strong female characters in the style of Charlaine Harris and Patricia Briggs.
August 11, 2024
I do love Charley and this series is one of my favs! This book mainly focuses on Charley and her powers. Yes, we have the story of Tucker, her ex-boss, dead people but Charley really came into her own here. Although I may need to have words with Luanne after the scare of one character, I mean dust!!!!! really!!!!
It was interesting to see outside Crimson vampires and how they affect the small town. Murphy had an extra bug up his ass in this book and I wasn't and am not a fan of his character is behaving right now - he needs to look outside the box!!
The witch's trial...well that was some psychedelic trip!! I mean why did it have to be spiders!!!!!!!
Dog and Candy are, still by far, my favs in this book and I was hoping for a different direction for Dog with a love interest but to be honest I quite enjoy how it's playing out. This book is more about the characters, not the vicious murders that are happening or the dead people on Charley's porch. It's the lives of the people in the Stag and the Cauldron. They bring the book to life and they bring Crimson to life and worryingly they bring the baddies to life! I hope for more of Patrick and Samuel in the next book ;)
Luanne has created this fantastic series, I love her writing. I love her world-building I am so excited to see what happens next. I mean Beau - what the heck and that "present" Charley got....what the heck does that mean! OH MY DAYS!!!
It was interesting to see outside Crimson vampires and how they affect the small town. Murphy had an extra bug up his ass in this book and I wasn't and am not a fan of his character is behaving right now - he needs to look outside the box!!
The witch's trial...well that was some psychedelic trip!! I mean why did it have to be spiders!!!!!!!
Dog and Candy are, still by far, my favs in this book and I was hoping for a different direction for Dog with a love interest but to be honest I quite enjoy how it's playing out. This book is more about the characters, not the vicious murders that are happening or the dead people on Charley's porch. It's the lives of the people in the Stag and the Cauldron. They bring the book to life and they bring Crimson to life and worryingly they bring the baddies to life! I hope for more of Patrick and Samuel in the next book ;)
Luanne has created this fantastic series, I love her writing. I love her world-building I am so excited to see what happens next. I mean Beau - what the heck and that "present" Charley got....what the heck does that mean! OH MY DAYS!!!
ill-finish-it-later-maybe
October 16, 2024
December 6, 2024
This bitch is still in denial. Lmao
November 14, 2024
DNF. Main character is unfortunately an idiot. She’s not bothering to learn her magic because she’s busy. If she hears something interesting about the supernatural world, she doesn’t ask for any more information because she’s busy. She can’t rest and recover after anything because - yup, she’s busy. Busy doing what? No clue. Despite serious threats, she refuses to stay with someone else because… I’m not too sure. Something about not being a roommate? Not being chased out of her house? Ok, cool you’re independent. That’s great. I’m super proud of you for staying in your house by yourself so that an entire pack of shifters have to patrol around your home rather than just saying with your aunt whose house is protected. I’m done with her and have no desire to read about her foolish decisions or the non-existent romance between her and Samuel. And Ian is possibly the most ridiculous baddie ever - his dialogue is still ridiculous.
October 25, 2024
DNF for me - I just couldn’t get into the characters there’s no motivation no bonds and no backbone in any of them - the mystery is a wet fish and the FL is so annoying I just couldn’t - I gave the first one a try but the second is just as bad
Who has magic and doesn’t learn how to use it because they’re busy doing nothing.
Busy waiting is not a thing hon
The dialogue is so dry and there’s just no humour or grit or anything really since it’s just driving around serving drinks and occasionally someone’s dead.
Couldn’t get into it - the dialogue is so descriptive and there’s just no feeling behind it - like don’t tell me you’re angry show me you’re angry .
Don’t let my review dissuade you from reading it if you got into the first book - not everyone likes smart, powerful and confident characters - this girl definitely ain’t - 0 development over a book and half 🥺
Who has magic and doesn’t learn how to use it because they’re busy doing nothing.
Busy waiting is not a thing hon
The dialogue is so dry and there’s just no humour or grit or anything really since it’s just driving around serving drinks and occasionally someone’s dead.
Couldn’t get into it - the dialogue is so descriptive and there’s just no feeling behind it - like don’t tell me you’re angry show me you’re angry .
Don’t let my review dissuade you from reading it if you got into the first book - not everyone likes smart, powerful and confident characters - this girl definitely ain’t - 0 development over a book and half 🥺
April 16, 2025
cardboard characters and a FMC in constant need of saving, just no
Rating: 2⭐️
And I’m out. Honestly I tried so hard to like this series and main character because it had so much potential, but in the end, the story, plotting, and overall poor character development just sunk it.
I’ll take it issue by issue, starting with the least interesting part , that of the plot elements and total story reveal early on.
I guessed at how all the various elements of this story came together to point to the main villain and his nefarious plan at around the 45 percentage point. But the author herself gets several characters to actually tell a small group the exact details of the storyline, the mystery, the villain, at the halfway point. So it’s a done deal. Just a matter of bringing him down.
For the rest of the book. Mystery solved.
Next. The biggest problem is the characters. Most are of the cardboard type. One dimensional. No layers , no history and very little details or any real reason to care for them. That’s the majority of the cast. One gets hurt or killed. It’s not a big deal because they are, for the most part, underwhelming and interchangeable. Only a few stick out, and that’s due to how often they appear throughout the book and their names. Like Dog, the werewolf bartender. But that’s all you really know about him.
The main character, Charley, is problematic is multiple ways. For me she’s a prime example of a TSTL character. She’s constantly doing things that are highly “stupid” in that both she, her circle of friends, and the reader know are traps, running into scenes where she’s outnumbered, or the villains or baddies are waiting for her. She’s either told herself it’s a dumb or stupid idea, her friends or even frenemies have told her it’s a bad idea. So, over and over, she goes through and does it. And yes, gets hurt , needs to be saved, and often gets others hurt too. Watch her repeat this pattern while asking yourself why you are still reading this book.
TSTL. Extremely frustrating to read about. And gives me little reason to invest in the character.
The magic and her lack of training, the nasty coven and that entire aspect of the story is full of flags and issues. But I’ll table those because the main character has so many herself.
Finally the romance. We don’t have much of any relationship history or romance development between Charley and the vampire Samuel. But instantly they are in love, committed and Dog is so happy for them. After a few minutes in the alley and a couple of times where he steps in and helps her out? Where is the relationship dynamic? Even instant love romances have more of a connection than this one does.
Add everything above and I barely got through the book. It was a struggle. So I’m definitely not going forward .
If you’re a fan of the author, then you might want to consider reading this.
I’ll leave it up to you.
Cover design Damonza.com”
The Charley Underwood series -complete
Bloodlust Blues
Bloodlust Bites
Bloodlust Curse
Bloodlust Shadows
Rating: 2⭐️
And I’m out. Honestly I tried so hard to like this series and main character because it had so much potential, but in the end, the story, plotting, and overall poor character development just sunk it.
I’ll take it issue by issue, starting with the least interesting part , that of the plot elements and total story reveal early on.
I guessed at how all the various elements of this story came together to point to the main villain and his nefarious plan at around the 45 percentage point. But the author herself gets several characters to actually tell a small group the exact details of the storyline, the mystery, the villain, at the halfway point. So it’s a done deal. Just a matter of bringing him down.
For the rest of the book. Mystery solved.
Next. The biggest problem is the characters. Most are of the cardboard type. One dimensional. No layers , no history and very little details or any real reason to care for them. That’s the majority of the cast. One gets hurt or killed. It’s not a big deal because they are, for the most part, underwhelming and interchangeable. Only a few stick out, and that’s due to how often they appear throughout the book and their names. Like Dog, the werewolf bartender. But that’s all you really know about him.
The main character, Charley, is problematic is multiple ways. For me she’s a prime example of a TSTL character. She’s constantly doing things that are highly “stupid” in that both she, her circle of friends, and the reader know are traps, running into scenes where she’s outnumbered, or the villains or baddies are waiting for her. She’s either told herself it’s a dumb or stupid idea, her friends or even frenemies have told her it’s a bad idea. So, over and over, she goes through and does it. And yes, gets hurt , needs to be saved, and often gets others hurt too. Watch her repeat this pattern while asking yourself why you are still reading this book.
TSTL. Extremely frustrating to read about. And gives me little reason to invest in the character.
The magic and her lack of training, the nasty coven and that entire aspect of the story is full of flags and issues. But I’ll table those because the main character has so many herself.
Finally the romance. We don’t have much of any relationship history or romance development between Charley and the vampire Samuel. But instantly they are in love, committed and Dog is so happy for them. After a few minutes in the alley and a couple of times where he steps in and helps her out? Where is the relationship dynamic? Even instant love romances have more of a connection than this one does.
Add everything above and I barely got through the book. It was a struggle. So I’m definitely not going forward .
If you’re a fan of the author, then you might want to consider reading this.
I’ll leave it up to you.
Cover design Damonza.com”
The Charley Underwood series -complete
Bloodlust Blues
Bloodlust Bites
Bloodlust Curse
Bloodlust Shadows
July 28, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and to Second Sky Publishing for the ARC of Bloodlust Bites by Luanne Bennett.
Well, Charley just cannot seem to catch a break! This book picks up immediately after the end of Bloodlust Blues and the town of Crimson remains absolutely chaotic. More women, both vampire and human, have gone missing or have been found viciously murdered. The police are looking at Beau, and Charley is working to protect him and her mysterious new waitress, who is also running from an unknown danger. These dangers motivate Charley to seek out more skills of her magic, though she is still only mildly committed to it, even though she knows how much she needs it to keep herself and others safe. Though when everything comes to a head, Charley needs more than magic - she just might need the backing of an enemy as well.
Like the first book there is a lot of fast paced action that has Charley constantly moving from one problem to the next as they all slowly fit themselves together. Considering this book and the first one only cover a few weeks at most in Crimson, I feel like there should be more concern over this massive body count from a highly ineffective police force. Charley has gotten basically no break at all, and it seems like everything has just escalated to 100 in her life - no wonder she can't think about her magic training. In that regard, I do kind of wish there had been some break between the books so that Charley could develop more as a character instead of her being forced to be reactive 100% of the time.
I was also happy to see progress with Samuel - but our reader interaction with him is so brief, sometimes barely a page or two, so I don't really see how he and Charley should be together or be anything more than hook-ups. I wish more time had been committed to this part of Charley's life.
Similar to the first book, there are a LOT of True Blood vibes again. A vampire needing blood from Charley when they are dangerously drained, an attractive man-child thinking he's turning into a beast of some sort, a vampire club run by a dangerous man where there are seemingly no rules, an inept police force scared of the supernaturals looking to blame the town pretty boy for murder because he sleeps around -- it's not a bad thing, but it still remains in my head as I read each book in the series.
Well, Charley just cannot seem to catch a break! This book picks up immediately after the end of Bloodlust Blues and the town of Crimson remains absolutely chaotic. More women, both vampire and human, have gone missing or have been found viciously murdered. The police are looking at Beau, and Charley is working to protect him and her mysterious new waitress, who is also running from an unknown danger. These dangers motivate Charley to seek out more skills of her magic, though she is still only mildly committed to it, even though she knows how much she needs it to keep herself and others safe. Though when everything comes to a head, Charley needs more than magic - she just might need the backing of an enemy as well.
Like the first book there is a lot of fast paced action that has Charley constantly moving from one problem to the next as they all slowly fit themselves together. Considering this book and the first one only cover a few weeks at most in Crimson, I feel like there should be more concern over this massive body count from a highly ineffective police force. Charley has gotten basically no break at all, and it seems like everything has just escalated to 100 in her life - no wonder she can't think about her magic training. In that regard, I do kind of wish there had been some break between the books so that Charley could develop more as a character instead of her being forced to be reactive 100% of the time.
I was also happy to see progress with Samuel - but our reader interaction with him is so brief, sometimes barely a page or two, so I don't really see how he and Charley should be together or be anything more than hook-ups. I wish more time had been committed to this part of Charley's life.
Similar to the first book, there are a LOT of True Blood vibes again. A vampire needing blood from Charley when they are dangerously drained, an attractive man-child thinking he's turning into a beast of some sort, a vampire club run by a dangerous man where there are seemingly no rules, an inept police force scared of the supernaturals looking to blame the town pretty boy for murder because he sleeps around -- it's not a bad thing, but it still remains in my head as I read each book in the series.
August 9, 2024
What a ride; this was such a good follow-up book and the action keeps going. Charley is still learning about her magic and gets a crash course without much guidance this time around. The Squad continues to have her complete certain rituals and then tells her to work through whatever comes her way. I still love that Charley does not immediately become all-powerful or immediately know how to access and use her magic. There is still a learning curve and that is refreshing in a genre that thrives on the MC becoming the greatest magic user ever!
We were teased with Samuel and the hint of a romance at the end of book 1 and I have been chomping at the bit for more of him and the cat. Samuel is still a minor character in terms of page time, but the time we do have is completely worth it.
I do love this series. I find the pacing to be a bit off occasionally though. We are either in the heat of everything happening or in a holding pattern. This book was much more focused on moving relationships further and getting Charley her magic. We missed out on some of the players from book 1 and did not have nearly as many scenes in the bar with just regular life happening. I continued to forget that these two books only happen together in a short period of time. All in all, I am here for the action and adventure and am looking forward to finding out who the serial killer is!
I received a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
We were teased with Samuel and the hint of a romance at the end of book 1 and I have been chomping at the bit for more of him and the cat. Samuel is still a minor character in terms of page time, but the time we do have is completely worth it.
I do love this series. I find the pacing to be a bit off occasionally though. We are either in the heat of everything happening or in a holding pattern. This book was much more focused on moving relationships further and getting Charley her magic. We missed out on some of the players from book 1 and did not have nearly as many scenes in the bar with just regular life happening. I continued to forget that these two books only happen together in a short period of time. All in all, I am here for the action and adventure and am looking forward to finding out who the serial killer is!
I received a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 26, 2024
Bloodlust Bites - Luanne Bennett
4✨
Picking up where we left off in book 1, Charley is once again dragged into another mystery. Girls are still being murdered left and right, her new employee has seen some shite in her past that makes her a target. And she still has no clue how to control her powers, what could go wrong? If reading has taught me anything, it’s that stuff that can go wrong, will go wrong (it’s a secret law I swear)
Anywho, I enjoyed this book, still love the characters! As with the first book the action doesn’t really kick in until the last big fight in the end, I’m not saying that there is no action before that, there is but in my opinion it was only the main focus towards the end. Maybe that is the point, I don’t know this is all just about my personal preference, I like to see a bit more action throughout the whole story. There was a point where I was genuinely horrified! I hate spiders with all of my heart, and what happened with that six legged demon spawn in this book was NOT okay… I will have nightmares.
🔮Witches, vampires and werewolves
🔮Serial killer
🔮Sookie Stackhouse vibes
🔮Found family
🔮Fantasy
🔮Humor
🔮Second in series
If those seem interesting to you, pre-order this book now! It releases Aug 9th💕
Thank you NetGalley, Luanne Bennett and SecondSkyBooks for this ARC, all opinions are my own.
4✨
Picking up where we left off in book 1, Charley is once again dragged into another mystery. Girls are still being murdered left and right, her new employee has seen some shite in her past that makes her a target. And she still has no clue how to control her powers, what could go wrong? If reading has taught me anything, it’s that stuff that can go wrong, will go wrong (it’s a secret law I swear)
Anywho, I enjoyed this book, still love the characters! As with the first book the action doesn’t really kick in until the last big fight in the end, I’m not saying that there is no action before that, there is but in my opinion it was only the main focus towards the end. Maybe that is the point, I don’t know this is all just about my personal preference, I like to see a bit more action throughout the whole story. There was a point where I was genuinely horrified! I hate spiders with all of my heart, and what happened with that six legged demon spawn in this book was NOT okay… I will have nightmares.
🔮Witches, vampires and werewolves
🔮Serial killer
🔮Sookie Stackhouse vibes
🔮Found family
🔮Fantasy
🔮Humor
🔮Second in series
If those seem interesting to you, pre-order this book now! It releases Aug 9th💕
Thank you NetGalley, Luanne Bennett and SecondSkyBooks for this ARC, all opinions are my own.
September 1, 2024
This book is a continuation of the previous one, so I’d recommend you start there if you somehow ended up on this book review. This is a world where vampires, shifters, and witches are a regular occurrence and there is a little sizzle thrown into this book making it even better than the last.
Charley is still working on getting control of her powers here. Having just narrowly survived the last big bad, turns out they are still looking for the vampire who is murdering town members and stirring up conflict in a town here supernaturals are “normal.” Crimson, the town, has been terrorized by this killer and it seems to be getting closer to Charley, even framing her bartender. Surprise visits in the form of a lone wolf and the ever growing mystery of the vampire love interest for Charley all end up popping up in good and bad ways in this book.
It’s clear that Charley is still trying to figure out her path in life and while we get some resolution in her world, there’s oodles of growth still to come I’m sure. I am both confused and enamored with the witch support system she has as well as her misfit employees. For someone who tries to do so much good for the town, even jeopardizing her own safety, she somehow manages to fly under the radar for the most part. I hope the next book puts her in more of a position of power that she truly deserves.
Charley is still working on getting control of her powers here. Having just narrowly survived the last big bad, turns out they are still looking for the vampire who is murdering town members and stirring up conflict in a town here supernaturals are “normal.” Crimson, the town, has been terrorized by this killer and it seems to be getting closer to Charley, even framing her bartender. Surprise visits in the form of a lone wolf and the ever growing mystery of the vampire love interest for Charley all end up popping up in good and bad ways in this book.
It’s clear that Charley is still trying to figure out her path in life and while we get some resolution in her world, there’s oodles of growth still to come I’m sure. I am both confused and enamored with the witch support system she has as well as her misfit employees. For someone who tries to do so much good for the town, even jeopardizing her own safety, she somehow manages to fly under the radar for the most part. I hope the next book puts her in more of a position of power that she truly deserves.
September 29, 2024
I want to thank Second Sky books for providing me with an ARC copy of Bloodlust Bites. All opinions are my own.
I enjoyed Bloodlust Blues when I read it earlier this year, so I was eager to get my hands on the second book in the series.
Some of the storyline carries over from the last book, so I would highly recommend you start with the first.
Women are still being attacked and killed in Crimson, and the police are looking in the wrong direction. Now the killer has his sights set on Charley. If that wasn't enough, a wolf who has a history with Charley's friend Dog blows into town.
This was yet another action packed, never a dull moment book from Luanne Bennett!
There was some good character development in this book, especially Charley. She is still struggling to get to grips with her witchy abilities. Also, the romance between her and vampire Samuel is really hotting up!
An honourable mention goes to Candy here, a friend of Charley's mother and a mentor to her. She's genuinely one of my favourite characters, a former stripper and a powerful witch. She's definitely someone you'd want on your side in a fight!
As with the last book, it leaves a bit of intrigue at the end, making you wonder what's going to happen next.
Bloodlust Bites is a must if you love a book with a strong female lead and lots of supernatural shenanigans.
I enjoyed Bloodlust Blues when I read it earlier this year, so I was eager to get my hands on the second book in the series.
Some of the storyline carries over from the last book, so I would highly recommend you start with the first.
Women are still being attacked and killed in Crimson, and the police are looking in the wrong direction. Now the killer has his sights set on Charley. If that wasn't enough, a wolf who has a history with Charley's friend Dog blows into town.
This was yet another action packed, never a dull moment book from Luanne Bennett!
There was some good character development in this book, especially Charley. She is still struggling to get to grips with her witchy abilities. Also, the romance between her and vampire Samuel is really hotting up!
An honourable mention goes to Candy here, a friend of Charley's mother and a mentor to her. She's genuinely one of my favourite characters, a former stripper and a powerful witch. She's definitely someone you'd want on your side in a fight!
As with the last book, it leaves a bit of intrigue at the end, making you wonder what's going to happen next.
Bloodlust Bites is a must if you love a book with a strong female lead and lots of supernatural shenanigans.
February 9, 2025
Right now, Crimson is one bite away from all-out chaos.
A dangerous new wolf is stirring up trouble. A sexy vampire is on the hunt, with a gun full of sunlight bullets. And thugs from Atlanta are threatening my friends.
As if that wasn’t enough, my magic is running wild. One second it’s throwing bad guys through windows, the next it fizzles out to nothing. There’s only one way to get it under control—by taking lessons from Crimson’s terrifying old-school coven of witches.
I need to get a handle on it fast. Way out in the woods, someone is attacking young women, leaving them bitten and bloody. Is it a stranger or one of our own?
When police pin the attacks on one of my bartenders, it’s clear that none of this is random. Someone is coming after me and the people I love.
I’ll do anything to protect my crew. Even strike a deal with a vicious old enemy.
Charley a witch without control of her abilities, she is a crush on a mysterious Vampire and a loyalty to her employees which are like family and the town of Crimson.
She must get it all together to help stop a serial killer who wants something from Charley, even if she has to play the bait and work with someone who us almost as morally corrupt as the killer.
A dangerous new wolf is stirring up trouble. A sexy vampire is on the hunt, with a gun full of sunlight bullets. And thugs from Atlanta are threatening my friends.
As if that wasn’t enough, my magic is running wild. One second it’s throwing bad guys through windows, the next it fizzles out to nothing. There’s only one way to get it under control—by taking lessons from Crimson’s terrifying old-school coven of witches.
I need to get a handle on it fast. Way out in the woods, someone is attacking young women, leaving them bitten and bloody. Is it a stranger or one of our own?
When police pin the attacks on one of my bartenders, it’s clear that none of this is random. Someone is coming after me and the people I love.
I’ll do anything to protect my crew. Even strike a deal with a vicious old enemy.
Charley a witch without control of her abilities, she is a crush on a mysterious Vampire and a loyalty to her employees which are like family and the town of Crimson.
She must get it all together to help stop a serial killer who wants something from Charley, even if she has to play the bait and work with someone who us almost as morally corrupt as the killer.
July 26, 2024
Bluelust Bites
Luanne Bennett
Once again Luanne deliveries!
Check out my review for 𝐵𝑙𝑜𝑜𝑑𝑙𝑢𝑠𝑡 𝐵𝑙𝑢𝑒𝑠, book one in the Charley Underwood series on GoodReads and Amazon.
Qᴜɪᴄᴋ ʀᴜɴᴅᴏᴡɴ
- Urban Fantasy
- Vampires, Witches, Shifters🐺
- Fast paced 💨 Easy read
- Highly recommend reading book one but can stand on its own, for sure.
𝑩𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒅𝒍𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝑩𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒔 brings us back to Crimson, GA! Charley is up to her ears with drama, murder and a handsome vampire!
Still attempting to get a hold of her magic through the help of her friends, Charley must combat a new threat.
Women are disappearing only to be found in the woods mauled. The Crimson PD is still as useless as ever, throwing blame on the wrong person.
Can Charley overcome the hurdles and save her friends, bar and herself?
𝑩𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒅𝒍𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝑩𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒔 receives a 5 star from me. Between the amazing writing style and character engagement I couldn’t imagine anything less. This book is action packed and intriguing. Highly recommend it for readers that enjoy paranormal books.
This review is based on an ARC copy I received from NetGalley. These opinions are my own and were given freely.
Luanne Bennett
Once again Luanne deliveries!
Check out my review for 𝐵𝑙𝑜𝑜𝑑𝑙𝑢𝑠𝑡 𝐵𝑙𝑢𝑒𝑠, book one in the Charley Underwood series on GoodReads and Amazon.
Qᴜɪᴄᴋ ʀᴜɴᴅᴏᴡɴ
- Urban Fantasy
- Vampires, Witches, Shifters🐺
- Fast paced 💨 Easy read
- Highly recommend reading book one but can stand on its own, for sure.
𝑩𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒅𝒍𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝑩𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒔 brings us back to Crimson, GA! Charley is up to her ears with drama, murder and a handsome vampire!
Still attempting to get a hold of her magic through the help of her friends, Charley must combat a new threat.
Women are disappearing only to be found in the woods mauled. The Crimson PD is still as useless as ever, throwing blame on the wrong person.
Can Charley overcome the hurdles and save her friends, bar and herself?
𝑩𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒅𝒍𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝑩𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒔 receives a 5 star from me. Between the amazing writing style and character engagement I couldn’t imagine anything less. This book is action packed and intriguing. Highly recommend it for readers that enjoy paranormal books.
This review is based on an ARC copy I received from NetGalley. These opinions are my own and were given freely.
July 1, 2024
This eARC was provided by Netgalley.com and I am giving an unbiased review.
This is the second novel in the Charley Underwood series, and continues the adventures of our newest up and coming witch in Crimson. More trouble has arrived for our MC, and as she deals with the multiple problems that arise, trying to keep everyone (mortal, shifter, vampire) from ending up hurt or dead, and stopping the bad guys.
Overall, this is my basic kind of urban fantasy I prefer to read. It is fairly quick and easy to read, and doesn't necessarily dive into vivid detail if there is some 'romance' going on. We have action, magic, fighting both magical and physical. Small plots twists (to a degree) and multiple things going on that just throw the MC into a tizzy trying to figure out which to face and take care of first. Let's throw in that personal love interest part again, and just mix it all up!
I have enjoyed several other stories from this author, and this one does well keeping my interest in the story. Definitely would recommend for any that like urban fantasy.
This is the second novel in the Charley Underwood series, and continues the adventures of our newest up and coming witch in Crimson. More trouble has arrived for our MC, and as she deals with the multiple problems that arise, trying to keep everyone (mortal, shifter, vampire) from ending up hurt or dead, and stopping the bad guys.
Overall, this is my basic kind of urban fantasy I prefer to read. It is fairly quick and easy to read, and doesn't necessarily dive into vivid detail if there is some 'romance' going on. We have action, magic, fighting both magical and physical. Small plots twists (to a degree) and multiple things going on that just throw the MC into a tizzy trying to figure out which to face and take care of first. Let's throw in that personal love interest part again, and just mix it all up!
I have enjoyed several other stories from this author, and this one does well keeping my interest in the story. Definitely would recommend for any that like urban fantasy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 12, 2024
Fanciful Read
The characters in this book are very fantastically interesting and very well written. They have a great sense of depth and humor that makes the story feel more natural to the reader and true to the storyline itself. Even though it has fictional characters that are not necessarily real in our world. It’s a very good way to describe the characters and the world of this small town in Georgia.
The creatures in this book are complex but evil but it doesn’t get into gory details that will make it to read either. It’s exciting enough that you want to read through it and read it quickly, then you’re onto the next fast pased adventure in the book until you reach the end.
I won’t ruin the story by sharing it with you, but it’s worth reading it. I recommend it very much because it’s a very fun read and exciting story. Charley and her friends are all very interesting characters who have a great bond and will go through h*** to protect one another. And when one is in trouble the others comes to the rescue.
It is a very good book!
The characters in this book are very fantastically interesting and very well written. They have a great sense of depth and humor that makes the story feel more natural to the reader and true to the storyline itself. Even though it has fictional characters that are not necessarily real in our world. It’s a very good way to describe the characters and the world of this small town in Georgia.
The creatures in this book are complex but evil but it doesn’t get into gory details that will make it to read either. It’s exciting enough that you want to read through it and read it quickly, then you’re onto the next fast pased adventure in the book until you reach the end.
I won’t ruin the story by sharing it with you, but it’s worth reading it. I recommend it very much because it’s a very fun read and exciting story. Charley and her friends are all very interesting characters who have a great bond and will go through h*** to protect one another. And when one is in trouble the others comes to the rescue.
It is a very good book!
July 3, 2024
Bloodlust Bites was an enjoyable continuation of the Charley Underwood series. In fact, I think I liked this second offering even more than the first, perhaps because, with all the introduction and world building out of the way, we could move straight into the drama unfolding. The pacing in this second book was excellent and I raced through it over a couple of nights. I was pleased to see a little more romance coming in for Charley, and I thought this volume tied up the tale started in book one well while also introducing the beginnings of a new thread for the continuation of the series. I would definitely keep reading for book three, and I am giving this book 4.5 stars. Recommended to urban fantasy fans, but you will need to read book one first.
I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 9, 2024
This is an urban fantasy series that has something for everyone. Witches, Werewolves, and Vampires are just the tip of the iceberg in Crimson.
While this could be read as a standalone, I think you would get more out of the relationships between the characters if you read book 1.
We pick up right where Book 1 ended, with Charley trying to work her bar and get a handle on her magical powers. Her friend Candy is helping her out and she is one of my favorite characters. You never know what she is going to say or do, and many times she had me laughing out loud..
I enjoyed getting to know each of the characters better, and watching them come together to figure out whats going on in Crimson. Its fast paced, and has plenty of twists and turns that keep you guessing and on the edge of your seat waiting to see whats going to happen next
While this could be read as a standalone, I think you would get more out of the relationships between the characters if you read book 1.
We pick up right where Book 1 ended, with Charley trying to work her bar and get a handle on her magical powers. Her friend Candy is helping her out and she is one of my favorite characters. You never know what she is going to say or do, and many times she had me laughing out loud..
I enjoyed getting to know each of the characters better, and watching them come together to figure out whats going on in Crimson. Its fast paced, and has plenty of twists and turns that keep you guessing and on the edge of your seat waiting to see whats going to happen next
August 24, 2024
4.5 stars rounded up
I loved the first book and I was super excited to get into this one, however, at first it was not really what I expected and it was a bit hard to connect to the characters again. Eventually I pushed through and I am glad I did because the book contained everything I wanted.
This time there is another villain and Charley has to learn how to control her powers in order to defeat him and keep her friends safe. In order to do so, she has to take part in some crazy rituals, but those are not the only challenges and she will have to accept that she can't do everything alone. The romance was a bit less than I wanted, but it's there, I just feel like there was more chemistry in the first book.
All in all, if you liked the first volume, reading the 2nd one is totally worth it.
Disclaimer: I received a free e-book copy in exchange for my honest opinion
I loved the first book and I was super excited to get into this one, however, at first it was not really what I expected and it was a bit hard to connect to the characters again. Eventually I pushed through and I am glad I did because the book contained everything I wanted.
This time there is another villain and Charley has to learn how to control her powers in order to defeat him and keep her friends safe. In order to do so, she has to take part in some crazy rituals, but those are not the only challenges and she will have to accept that she can't do everything alone. The romance was a bit less than I wanted, but it's there, I just feel like there was more chemistry in the first book.
All in all, if you liked the first volume, reading the 2nd one is totally worth it.
Disclaimer: I received a free e-book copy in exchange for my honest opinion
July 3, 2024
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review. NetGalley Bloodlust Bites by Luanne Bennett.
This urban fantasy sequel, picks up where the first book left off, the MC Charley Underwood is trying to get a handle on her magic while dealing with many different threats to her friends, home and bar. This is fast paced action packed magical ride. The only thing of note was, there was a little bit of a disconnect with some of the side characters. they needed to be flushed out a little bit more. I didn’t know why I should care about them or how they were advancing the story. I would recommend reading the first book before this one as it introduces certain characters and plot elements, but this book could be read on its own.
This urban fantasy sequel, picks up where the first book left off, the MC Charley Underwood is trying to get a handle on her magic while dealing with many different threats to her friends, home and bar. This is fast paced action packed magical ride. The only thing of note was, there was a little bit of a disconnect with some of the side characters. they needed to be flushed out a little bit more. I didn’t know why I should care about them or how they were advancing the story. I would recommend reading the first book before this one as it introduces certain characters and plot elements, but this book could be read on its own.
August 11, 2024
This series grew slowly on me when I read the first instalment and this one was a wild and entertaining ride I loved.
Charley is changing, growing into her powers (or at least getting better as trying to use them even if they’re quite unpredictable) and having a lot to do with thugs, mysterious strangers, and trying to solve the crimes that are targetting young women as one of her bartenders is accused.
That’s a urban fantasy according to my hear: humour, action, secrets, and plenty of twists.
Crimson is quite a weird place, a fascinating enclave full of paranormal people like vampires, werewolfes and witches. Just to list some.
A fast paced and highly entertaining story that I strongly recommend, don’t start in the evening if you don’t want to suffer from sleep deprivation.
I read the next one should be in March 2025, aargh such a long time to wait.
Many thanks to Second Sky for this arc, all opinions are are mine.
Charley is changing, growing into her powers (or at least getting better as trying to use them even if they’re quite unpredictable) and having a lot to do with thugs, mysterious strangers, and trying to solve the crimes that are targetting young women as one of her bartenders is accused.
That’s a urban fantasy according to my hear: humour, action, secrets, and plenty of twists.
Crimson is quite a weird place, a fascinating enclave full of paranormal people like vampires, werewolfes and witches. Just to list some.
A fast paced and highly entertaining story that I strongly recommend, don’t start in the evening if you don’t want to suffer from sleep deprivation.
I read the next one should be in March 2025, aargh such a long time to wait.
Many thanks to Second Sky for this arc, all opinions are are mine.
June 20, 2024
I was excited to read this second book in the series as I loved the first one, and I think I loved this one more. Poor Charley is up to her neck in murders, trying to keep her friends from being blamed, and dealing with someone taunting her. Add in her bartender running from her past, a vampire she’s growing close to, and her friends trying to coddle her, and this is a fun installment in the series. I just love Charley and her friends, and I can’t wait to see what the events in this book have in the next one. Bring it on! Well-written, entertaining, engaging, and fun. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
July 10, 2024
Bloodlust Bites, we find ourselves back in Crimson, small town of mystery and chaos. What was once a quite town for the many variety of paranormal creatures that live there comes alive when bodies continue to pile up. We are following Charley as she tries to get to the bottom of the chaos whirlwind that has started up in Crimson. You will be in for some great storytelling as this book unfolds. Scheduled to publish 8/9/2024 run don't walk!
Book 2 in the Charley Underwood series picks up right where it left off. I loved the storyline and mystery/thriller vibes in this book. I loved the character development in this one and the further world building. The mysteries that unfold we walk with Charley as she learns more about the unknowns that have come to be, including her own story. I love the developments with Candy and the ‘witch sisters’. Once again there were lol moments and I couldn’t put this one down. Such a fun time and I enjoyed Bloodlust Bites even more. I can’t wait for the 3rd book in this series.
Thank you to Netgalley, Second Sky, and Luanne Bennett for this digital ARC for my honest review.
Book 2 in the Charley Underwood series picks up right where it left off. I loved the storyline and mystery/thriller vibes in this book. I loved the character development in this one and the further world building. The mysteries that unfold we walk with Charley as she learns more about the unknowns that have come to be, including her own story. I love the developments with Candy and the ‘witch sisters’. Once again there were lol moments and I couldn’t put this one down. Such a fun time and I enjoyed Bloodlust Bites even more. I can’t wait for the 3rd book in this series.
Thank you to Netgalley, Second Sky, and Luanne Bennett for this digital ARC for my honest review.
August 25, 2024
Thank you Netgalley and Second Sky for the chance to read an ARC of Bloodlust bites by Luanne Bennett. This is the 2nd book in the Charley Underwood series, and picks up right where Bloodlust blues ended. Charley is trying to get control of her new powers, and her newest employee Tucker is still being threatened by her former employer. Someone is killing women in Crimson, and it points to Charley's bartender Beau.
I found the pacing much improved from the first book, and enjoyed getting to know the characters that were previously introduced as well as a few new ones. The ending sets up for the next book, and I am looking forward to reading it!
I found the pacing much improved from the first book, and enjoyed getting to know the characters that were previously introduced as well as a few new ones. The ending sets up for the next book, and I am looking forward to reading it!
August 7, 2024
Charley and the residents of Crimson, Ga are still reeling from their last adventure. Not least of which was the late coming magic Charley now has! But she's not had much chance to hone her skills, what with the Bar, the Blood Co-op and the potential romance with Sam, an enigmatic vampire!
It looks like a serial killer has moved to Crimson and vampires and humans alike are not safe. The bumbling local cops seem to have their eyes on playboy Beau. Charley is also hiding a female from her villainous ex and then there is the lothario shifter who's making eyes at every female in the area!
The story is fast paced and the action comes thick and fast. Whilst it helps with pacing the story and moving it along, giving it a sense of the danger looming, I sometimes thought that Charley and co just needed a wee break to gather their thoughts and maybe get to grips with new developments.
It was nice to get to know Sam a bit more and even though he and Charley kind of go from tentative to hot and flaming in no time flat, I thoroughly enjoyed their blossoming romance!
Plenty of humour and I loved the little found-family that Charley has made for herself.
It looks like a serial killer has moved to Crimson and vampires and humans alike are not safe. The bumbling local cops seem to have their eyes on playboy Beau. Charley is also hiding a female from her villainous ex and then there is the lothario shifter who's making eyes at every female in the area!
The story is fast paced and the action comes thick and fast. Whilst it helps with pacing the story and moving it along, giving it a sense of the danger looming, I sometimes thought that Charley and co just needed a wee break to gather their thoughts and maybe get to grips with new developments.
It was nice to get to know Sam a bit more and even though he and Charley kind of go from tentative to hot and flaming in no time flat, I thoroughly enjoyed their blossoming romance!
Plenty of humour and I loved the little found-family that Charley has made for herself.
July 7, 2024
Charley has an explosive life. Her magic is questionable. The vampires are creating chaos and the cops are useless. Makes for an interesting read. I spewed my coffee when I got to Candy's "vajayjay" comment. What a laugh that was.
I received an advanced copy of this book and deeply leave this honest review.
I received an advanced copy of this book and deeply leave this honest review.
July 11, 2024
This is the second book in the Charley Underwood series. Charley starts of the day with break-in at her bar and the day only get worse. More women are dying in the woods, vampires are missing, and her bartender is in trouble. Not to mention someone who is no longer in Dog's pack shows up. Alot trouble is brewing and Charlie will need the help of her friends and Samuel to figure it out.
August 10, 2024
Charley is a witch and a bar owner. She didn't know she was a witch until recently and now has to learn how to get and use her powers. Meanwhile bad things are going on and she needs to help fix them.
I love the town and characters. There are the witches, vampires, werewolves, shapeshifters and humans all living in 1 town and trying to coexist with each other.
Thanks to NetGalley and Second Sky for the ebook to review.
I love the town and characters. There are the witches, vampires, werewolves, shapeshifters and humans all living in 1 town and trying to coexist with each other.
Thanks to NetGalley and Second Sky for the ebook to review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews