Bloodlust Flames: A totally gripping and heart-pounding urban fantasy adventure

Charley Underwood #5

by Luanne Bennett

Fire leaps from shops and homes all over town. Crimson is at war. And I’m the only one who can put out the flames.

When my friend Dog claimed a female from the brutal northern pack as his mate, he started a war.

I was furious with Dog at first. Then the northern wolves tried to destroy my bar in retaliation. This is my fight now, whether I like it or not.

To defeat them, we’ll need everyone in Crimson to stand side by side—vampires, wolves, and witches.

But the witches are distracted—struggling to contain an ancient evil hidden in their Victorian mansion. And the deadliest vampire in town won’t help me without a very good reason.

It will take more than magic to bring us all together. Can I protect my friends and unite the town, before Crimson is torn apart?

Perfect for fans of Kim Richardson, Charlaine Harris, and Patricia Briggs, the Charley Underwood series is a thrilling urban fantasy adventure packed with danger, magic, found family, and twisting standalone mysteries.

See why readers love the Charley Underwood

“Oh, I am hooked. Vampires, werewolves, demons, witches—check check check… Addictive… Has everything I want in a paranormal thriller. I loved the characters… Sucked me into the story, casting a spell on me as I read… I can’t wait for the next one!!!” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“I absolutely loved it!… I was hooked from the very first moment that I started reading. I finished within a day… I just loved everything!” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Urban fantasy at its finest… A witch with crazy untrained powers, overly protective shifters, vampires both good and bad, an ex-stripper witch with super creepy friends… Some of the most colorful characters I have ever seen… I loved this.” @svanareadsbooks, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Kick-ass protagonists, strong world building and battles between species and good and evil… I needed to know how this was going to end… I can’t wait to read more.” The Enchanted Emporium Bookshelf, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Action-packed with thriller vibes. I thoroughly enjoyed… Charley was a badass, the villains were villainous, the story was an unrelenting, fast-paced gem. Read in one sitting, couldn’t put it down.” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“A fast-paced engaging read… Lots of action… A real page-turner! I couldn’t put it down.” Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Oh my… When it blows up, it blows up, over and beyond!… Fantastic.” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“I am in love with this universe, and I want to go back to it soon. Highly recommend.” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Fantasy, Vampires

288 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 5, 2026

About the author

Luanne 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...

Reviews

[Natalie "Curling up with a Coffee and a Kindle" Laird · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG this series is insanely good!
When I heard about this series, I knew Book 5 was coming- which meant I had to commit to reading all 4 previous books before February!
But I knew I'd love it as soon as I started Book 1. Making my way through the series never felt like a chore or a forced task! I would definitely recommend readers start with book 1 as they are worth the investment and back stories would be lost.
This is so good. The characters are now nicely developed after 5 books and the pacing is excellent. Raced through this.

[Marion Over · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's nothing so enjoyable as a great series. This one is just getting better with every book. I consider this author to be one of my very favorites. I have enjoyed everything she has written. I was given this book to review by Second Sky.
Some of my other favorite authors are Heather G Harris, Lydia M. Hawke, Patricia Briggs and Charles de Lint. Now you have an idea of what tickles my fancy. That is strong otherworldly characters, action packed urban fantasy that makes you think. A dusting of romance and a lot of mystery. This series is full of it all.
The pack must find and save an innocent, vampires are acting strangely aggressive and there's something being hidden by the witches that's deadly.
Charley has strong shoulders but how much can one woman take? Especially now that some of her loved ones are just gone?
This is just amazing story telling. If you want true urban fantasy and great writing, I recommend Bloodlust Flames and the Charley Underwood series by LUANNE BENNETT.

[Claire Smith-Simmons · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great urban fantasy book to get lost in. It's fast paced and exciting with a community formed of witches, wolf shifters and vampires, they all brought a different element to the story which kept it moving on quickly. It is book 5 in the series and I hadn't read any of the prior ones but I jumped in quickly and the author gives enough details for me to feel included in the storylines but equally intrigued enough that I'll go back and read the first ones to get the finer details. 


I enjoyed the dynamics of the different communities within the community and their relationships together. I could easily picture the action and I would recommend this series to fans of Buffy the Vampire Slayer or The Vampire Diaries as it gave me those sorts of vibes. 


Charley, bar owner and witch finds herself embroiled in a hunt for a little girl who's been taken from the local wolf pack in retaliation for earlier transgressions. She calls on different members of the community to help in the race to find her. 


Strange things are happening pulling everyone in different directions and a sinister secret threatening to be revealed which will impact the town. 


Thank you to the publishers, author and Netgalley for my copy. 

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Argh. I just finished this book, and I’m so frustrated and angry that it’s over. Let me back up. This is the fifth book in the series, and Charley is back with more trouble with Zane and his pack. This time they’ve taken a pack’s child, and she and her allies must work together to get her back. However, some of the vampires are acting a little weird, too. One problem at a time for her, though. I loved the action, writing, characters…just about everything expect that freaking ending that made me want the next book NOW! LOL! This is a great installment to the series, and fans are going to be pleased. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

[Zoé-Lee O'Farrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my days!! GIVE ME THE NEXT BOOK! I have so many questions! I think there is one person who can give me answers, and that person is Lazarus. I need to know why Samuel behaved the way he did and Beau! And the wolf pack and Rex!!!! I need answers, and I need to know about Rex 💔

This was addictive and so action-packed. I couldn't put it down. I love Charley! Although it is just constant for her.

I love Luanne's series, I love her characters and her exciting world-building. To have all these species and factions is fascinating to read about. And it feels like the next book is going to kick off, especially after that last sentence! Jeez Louise.

I just want to know about Rex. Luanne, can you just give me a nod, ever so slight, that all is ok? For me, for the small part he played in this book, he made an impact. But that dark crow is worrying. Everything is worrying !!!! Aaahhhh
Next book please .........

[Marta Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charley is back with another chaotic episode and this one is a doozie ! The Pack have lost a Pup , her family home has a secret that’s terrifying and oh yes her barman is dating a Vampire in the kitchen !!!!! Hygienic absolutely not but a problem yes most definitely for another day !
This went in directions I hadn’t expected and that made it a fantastic read . I love that Charley keeps giving so much of herself to her friends and this book definitely shows how far she’s prepared to go . I will admit that there is a happy ending of sorts but wow the revelations here have me positively salivating but my lips are sealed !
This voluntary take is of an advanced copy

[Staceywh_17 · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Flames' is the fifth book in Bennett's Charley Underwood series and I tried my hardest to make it last forever - because it's the penultimate book in the series - I failed...

It's full on excitement and action right from the off. The pace is fast and the plot addictively good! Bennett's world building is insane and coupled with her imagery it left me wanting to see it hit the big screen.

Charley is the best! And I'll never tire of reading about her. The rest of the characters aren't too bad either!

Fingers crossed it's not too long before Book Six hits our inboxes.

[Mary Heron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charley faces danger on multiple fronts.

Dog, the leader of the.local wolf pack has mated Tempest a female wolf who has ran away from the Northern Wolves. Tempest had been forced to mate with the Northern Wolves leader Zane but after years under his abusive rule had finally managed to escape, Dog was going to help her get away until they both realised they were mates, now they must deal with Zane once and for all................ Then there is Lazarus Blackmore a centuries old vampire who promoted the supremacy of the vampire over humans ......... Seeing humans as slaves put on earth to serve the vampire in whatever way necessary. Lazarus disappeared over one.hundred years ago and no one ..... Vampire or Human knew what happened to him...........until now. Turns out he was entombed beneath Victoria's house, Victoria used her strongest magic to trap Lazarus beneath her house where he still remains to this day..............unfortunately the spell is weakening and Lazarus is waking up .................... This is one Vampire that may be beyond Charley's magical skill to defeat........

[Deanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was excited when 2/5/2026 rolled around so I could read Book 5. This is my least favorite book in the series so far.

Charley is smarter than this installment portrayed her. The author developed Charley to think fast and to act when needed. Candy was the MVP of this story in my opinion.

In this installment, Charley spent more time ignoring all the clues the author laid out about the growing vampire threat. She refused to listen to the Squad or participate when they asked. Around the 50% mark, I lost count of how many times Charley said she would deal with something tomorrow. She never shared about the multiple crow attacks, they kept putting off reinforcing the spell, did not try to do a locator spell with the fur Charley found at the enemy wolves' camp, never connected the eye changes to vampires they saw almost daily, never went to look for the stone circle in the daytime, dismissed the waterfall clue twice, never tried to research how to find Rex, etc.

The resolution of the issue with the enemy wolf pack was satisfying but could have come to an end sooner if the characters thought and acted like they had in previous chapters.

I hope Book 6 is more true to the characters I have grown fond of.

[Maureen ~Bitch Can Write A Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was fast and a bit nerve wracking. I need to know what is up with Sam. Looking forward to the next book. This series has crazy fun characters with a wild ride in every book.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a fast‑paced paranormal urban fantasy that drops readers straight back into Charley’s chaotic world, where supernatural politics, personal loyalties, and escalating danger collide.

The story kicks off with the fallout from Dog’s decision to claim an escaped female from a brutal wolf shifter pack, an act that sparks a full‑blown war and pulls Charley into yet another life‑or‑death situation. With witches, vampires, and shifters all circling the conflict, this installment leans hard into tension, momentum, and expanding lore.

What really hooked me (again) was Charley herself. She continues to be the standout of the series: resourceful, grounded, and somehow still standing as the world keeps throwing one disaster after another at her. These books move at an insane pace, and it feels like only a few days ago she was juggling her dad’s situation, mysterious shifter arrivals, and vampire drama, and now suddenly the stakes have exploded into war. The supporting cast shines too, especially the team of witches who are (mostly) on Charley’s side, along with select vampires whose alliances add some fun and chaotic additional tension. And then there’s the bar, because during all the bloodshed and politics, the budding romance unfolding there adds a surprisingly warm, human-ish counterbalance to the chaos.

Overall, this was an easy 4‑star read for me: intense, immersive, and deeply addictive. The world‑building continues to expand in smart ways, with plenty of hints about what’s coming next without slowing the story down. If you enjoy urban fantasy that refuses to let you breathe, features a capable, compelling heroine, and blends supernatural warfare with emotional undercurrents then this one is for you!

[Cindy Disl · Rating 4 out of 5]

We are back and we basically pick up how book 4 ended, the northern pack causing problems….again. Dog is doing his best trying to resolve this situation but is failing. Zane is getting the best of Dog and his pack and Crimson is paying the price.
While that is going on something seems to be happening to the vampires in town. Charley is also spending more time at the coven home base and is let in on a huge secret.

I love this series and characters but I was not as satisfied with this book. The actual story is really good, I’m more frustrated with Charlie and her lack of magical development. We are at book 5 and it is clear that Charley has a great deal of power and natural talent but does not seem to set aside any time to try to learn. This book occurs soon after book 4 so granted not a lot of time has passed but it’s still frustrating that she has power but cannot control it and doesn’t really know how to use it. She also was soooo dense about some occurrences that happen, there’s a trend and she refuses to see it. I was also really disappointed in Dog. I felt like he wasn’t doing enough to protect the pack.

Okay I know I voiced frustrations but the actual plot and story are really good. There are some big developments. There are also some funny moments between Beau and Irina. Luanne Bennett really did deliver a good book but I feel there should be more magic development for Charlie. But I’m sure there’s a future book that we will see progress.

Thank you very much to NetGalley, Luanne Bennett, and Second Sky for allowing me an advanced copy of this book to review.

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

This my best Dorothy Parker style review:

If Bloodlust Flames were a cocktail, it would be the sort served in a dimly lit bar by a bartender who calls you “doll” while quietly judging your life choices. It is bold, it is dramatic, and it is absolutely certain you will come back for more, even if you pretend you will not.
Luanne Bennett gives us a heroine who burns with purpose, sometimes literally, and a world where supernatural politics are treated with the same seriousness most people reserve for brunch reservations. The plot moves at a clip that suggests the author feared the characters might unionize if left unattended. Everyone is either brooding, plotting, or smoldering, and occasionally all three at once.
The romance arrives with the subtlety of a marching band, but subtlety has always been overrated. Bennett knows her audience. We came for sparks, and she hands us a flamethrower. The banter is snappy, the danger is constant, and the emotional stakes are high enough to require oxygen masks.
Is it high literature? My dear, no. But it is high entertainment, and sometimes that is the only flame a girl needs. If you are in the mood for supernatural intrigue, combustible chemistry, and a heroine who refuses to apologize for surviving with style, Bloodlust Flames delivers exactly what it promises, like a lover who shows up at midnight with a bottle of wine and no intention of staying for breakfast.

[Anne Szlachcic · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to give this book more stars but I just couldn't
....... I hate cliff hangers .
This story was far too complicated , too much going on at the same time ,
events overlapping.

We have Vampires acting out of character , being over aggressive etc with
no investigation , just a nod to the incidents . ( Yes I realise this will probably
be covered in the next book BUT it is irritating .
Charley is being torn apart , where is her familiar , Rex ; Samuel has walked
away from her ; why will no one give a straight answer to her questions ? ;
who are the Order ? ; and who is attempting to free Lazarus ? ; where is the
circle of stones in her woods , why can't she find it again ? ; even the wolves
are in uproar over the kidnapping of the pup , Nadeen .

I usually enjoy these books - Charley is a wonderful character who just wants to
get to grips with her magic, explore her relationship with Samuel and help people
- and whilst I don't want the stories to end I feel there should be some resolution
to at least one of her problems rather than adding more and more each book .

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own


-

[Alexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bloodlust Flames book 5 in Charley Underwood series.

This book immediately starts off in the action with drama and fire in Crimson. Charley is immediately in investigation mode, trying to get to the bottom of who started the fires. Finally the fires are put out and chaos ensues.

Charley gets wrapped up in Dog's business of claiming a new mate from a rival wolf clan.

The pace of this book maintained from there. We saw growth in Charley as a character and her progression as a business owner.

I love Candy and once again she did not disappoint! I enjoyed seeing the further connection with her and Charley. I want more of the witch clan and less wolf drama though.

I also am done with boyfriend/ex-boyfriend dynamic. i really hope Charley moves on in the next one.

So curious to see how the next book unfolds.

This series has been a great urban fantasy, action packed, buddy read for me.

Thank you to Netgalley and Second Sky for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

[A Bookworm Crafts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crimson isn’t a regular town. With vampires, shifters, and humans living side by side, tensions always run high. Charley Underwood — bar owner and witch— tries to keep the peace as best she can.

This is book 5 in the Charley Underwood urban fantasy series and it picks up where book 4 left off as the Northern Werewolf pack is attacking Crimson in retaliation for Dog taking one of theirs as his mate. It cannot be read as a standalone as it carries on with plot threads introduced in previous books and assumes a certain level of familiarity with the characters. That said, the other books are available on Kindle Unlimited if you fancy picking the series up.

I feel like the series is really coming into its own as Charley learns more about her powers and builds her relationships with the other townsfolk.

A recommended read for fans of urban fantasy with strong female characters in the style of Charlaine Harris and Patricia Briggs.

Thank you to Netgalley and Second Sky for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Diana Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley and Second Sky for the chance to read an ARC of Bloodlust flames by Luanne Bennett. This is the 5th book in the Charley Underwood series. I have enjoyed this urban fantasy series since the beginning with its slightly different take on witches, vampires and werewolves. It's a fun and fast read, with lots of action and drama! Charley not only inherited her bar from her mother she also inherited her witch powers. With a crow familiar, and a werewolf as a cook, she is always in the thick of any trouble that comes to Crimson. Bloodlust flames starts right up where the 4th book ended, with a brutal wolf pack retaliating when her friend Dog claims his mate from their pack. Along the way Charley discovers there is more in her family home than just witches! I love seeing the growth in Charley's character, and how she takes all the surprises that come her way in stride! If you like strong female characters in the style of Patricia Briggs, Charlaine Harris, and Kelley Armstrong I totally recommend this series!

[Nicki Markus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bloodlust Flames was an entertaining continuation of Charley's adventures, but for me it was my least favourite book in the series so far. This is probably because of the strong focus on the werewolves again in this one, whereas I am more of a vampire fangirl. It does look like vampires may return to prominence in the next volume, though, so I will look forward to that. Despite this one not being my favourite, I did still enjoy it. The pacing was spot on and we got a bit of new development for some of the characters. This is not a series you can dip into, though, as it requires background knowledge of past events, so if you are discovering this series for the first time, I do recommend beginning with book one. Overall, I am giving volume five 4 stars.

I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Nikki Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charley hoped that the tension in Crimson would de-escalate. However,, it looks like the drama is only just beginning. Someone set fire to multiple properties in town and when everyone was busy putting out the flames, a young pup is taken from Dog's pack!

Charley can't stop being involved and she and the pack set off to rescue the pup but the plan goes pear shaped and the wolves and this determined witch are left on the collective back foot.

Candy is still hiding some secrets from Charley, and the rest of the coven are just as bad - doling out little nuggets when the deem it necessary rather than giving Charley the full story. There is also some tension between Charley and Samuel, which I didn't really see coming. And of course, vampire master Ian keeps sticking his nose in where it's not wanted!

Plenty of twists and turns to keep you engaged and as usual the romance kind of takes 2nd place to the action.

Now to wait not so patiently for book 6!

[Becci Hudson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to second sky books for sending me the arc of this books.
I did my usual ADHD thing and didn’t realise that this was the fifth book in a series so before reading this I’ve binge read all of the other books in the series. Although in all honesty from the way the author has written them I possibly could have jumped in at this book before going and reading the previous books.
This is a fantastic urban fantasy series which is fast paced, mysterious with a sprinkle of romance.
There are all your typical paranormal species in this book. Werewolves, vampires and even witches.
I thoroughly enjoyed this books from start to finish and can’t wait for the next one.

[Ragnhildur Garrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bloodlust Flame by Luanne Bennett is a very addictive magical adventure set in the town of Crimson where many different supernaturals, and humans call home. It's fast paced with incredible world/town building. Amazing imagination, and interesting twist, and turns through out. A total rollercoaster ride.

Secrets, and deception start to unravel, and Charley Underwood, a badass witch, the squad ( other witch friends) along with trusted immortals go to work trying to figure out the best way to keep the town, and people safe.

Totally addictive page turner with everything you'd want in a book. So looking forward to the next book.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've really been enjoying this series. Charley is an easy protagonist to root for and I like the world the author has created. The side characters are all interesting and I like seeing their stories play out in the series.

Dog and his werewolves are the main focus of this book. One of their own gets taken by another werewolf group and Charley offers a hand in getting her back. Of course, there's other stuff going on with the witches and their spooky house. Plus, there is some set up here for the next book in the series...mostly involving the vampire population.

A fun, entertaining entry into a series I'm loving. Can't wait for the next book.

I could use like 50% more Ian though.

[Bree Pearson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charley might not be at the centre of trouble this time, but she sure as all heck isn’t letting her loved ones fight alone. This time, the Stag’s cook Dog and his pack are in the firing line as he harbours a rival alpha’s promised mate. But the brutal northern wolf pack don’t just want her back, they’ve taken 10yo Nae with the intention of mating her to the Alpha instead. Obviously that won’t stand, and Charley throws everything she’s got into helping the girl back. Meanwhile, below her family home an old evil is waking up.

I liked that the focus of this book has shifted away from Charley… I mean how many evils does a girl really need to take on… and it was good to see more of Dog and pack life.

[Molly Persson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bloodlust Flames - Luanne Bennett
5✨
Another masterpiece from Luanne, I blew through this book from start to finish and could not put it down! This time we have a new enemy, wolves. I really liked getting to know more about the wolves in this book, and the little hints all through out the book about what the next big fight is going to be about makes me crave book 6! It can’t come soon enough! So get your paws on this series NOW and start this amazing journey today!

Thank you NetGalley, SecondSky and Luanne for this ARC, I am leaving this review voluntarily 💕

[Suzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Favorite in this series so far! This series has everything and more to keep you turning pages and wanting more. It basically hits on the buttons, romance, mystery and intrigue, suspense and drama. It keeps you constantly guessing whats going to happen next. I enjoy each and every character but Charley is my favorite. Even though everything and everyone is coming after her she keeps getting back up, dust herself off and goes back into the fight. Can't wait for the next story in this series.

[Maddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charley Underwood is a great urban fantasy series - the books are addicting. Bloodlust Flames, the 5th book in the series, starts right where thee 5th book ended. It's definitely a fun and fast read, with lots of action and drama! My favorite part of this book is how strong of a FMC Charley is.

Thank you to Netgalley, Luanne Bennett, and the publisher, for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Being_bookish_becs · Rating 3 out of 5]

Urban fantasy with feuding wolf packs, Vampires and Witches. I enjoyed getting to know these characters but would definitely recommend reading this as part of the series as I don’t think it quite works as a standalone mystery. I will have to go back and read from book 1 as I feel I will enjoy it more knowing the characters back stories. Huge thanks to second sky for sending me an e-arc as part of a book tour.

[Sandy Schleich · Rating 5 out of 5]

good

I really like this series. Charlie takes control of her life and doesn’t think she needs a man to fix everything for her. I have always liked candy ever since she was introduced in this series. She is definitely a no nonsense which. Not only is Charlie having to deal with the fires, the ancient vampire under the squad‘s house, but she cannot find her familiar and she’s afraid that something has happened to him. I will definitely read the next book in this series.

[sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow

A lot going on in this book. A war between the wolves. A change in the vampires. Charley called to the house numerous times. Where is the crow? And what is happening with Charley and Samuel??? So much happening going in to the next book. Needless to say, huge cliff hanger!!! Can’t wait for book 6

[Kirsty Carruthers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything has hit the fan in this book.
Witchy powers are developing at a fast rate and all the supernatural factions are going nuts.
It's a twisty, turny storyline that cannot be predicted which is what I love about it.
The action kicks off right from the first page.
Brilliant