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Charley Underwood #6
Bloodlust Storm: A thrilling urban fantasy adventure that will have you hooked
Welcome to Crimson, Georgia. I’m Charley Underwood—the witch trying to save this town from a magical apocalypse…
When my mother died, I inherited her dive bar and her magic. As well as a duty to protect my hometown from supernatural monsters.
An ancient, bloodthirsty vampire is buried below Crimson. After more than a century, the enchantment that imprisons him is failing. If I can’t fix it, Lazerus Blackmore will rise again… And force us all to kneel before him.
A deadly cult is working to set Lazerus free. Its members have been hiding in the town for years, waiting to strike. Could my neighbors—or even my friends—be taking part in the cult’s dark rituals?
Dark magic is spreading through the streets. As it does, the vampires in town are slowly consumed by bloodlust, turning them to ruthless predators who hunt humans as prey.
I won’t stand by while this ancient evil takes over my home. But as Lazerus finally breaks free, I realize it isn’t Crimson he wants… It’s me.
The Charley Underwood series 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.
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… Luanne Bennett creates some of the most colorful characters I have ever seen… I loved this book.” @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 this read. 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 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“This is 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!… Luanne Bennett is a fantastic author and I look forward to reading more.
When my mother died, I inherited her dive bar and her magic. As well as a duty to protect my hometown from supernatural monsters.
An ancient, bloodthirsty vampire is buried below Crimson. After more than a century, the enchantment that imprisons him is failing. If I can’t fix it, Lazerus Blackmore will rise again… And force us all to kneel before him.
A deadly cult is working to set Lazerus free. Its members have been hiding in the town for years, waiting to strike. Could my neighbors—or even my friends—be taking part in the cult’s dark rituals?
Dark magic is spreading through the streets. As it does, the vampires in town are slowly consumed by bloodlust, turning them to ruthless predators who hunt humans as prey.
I won’t stand by while this ancient evil takes over my home. But as Lazerus finally breaks free, I realize it isn’t Crimson he wants… It’s me.
The Charley Underwood series 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.
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… Luanne Bennett creates some of the most colorful characters I have ever seen… I loved this book.” @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 this read. 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 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“This is 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!… Luanne Bennett is a fantastic author and I look forward to reading more.
285 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 17, 2026
About the author
Luanne Bennett
25 books212 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!
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
July 20, 2026
Crimson is a place so vivid one suspects it keeps its own diary. Its secrets are old, its magic is sly, and its streets behave as if they have witnessed far too much and intend to witness more. As a huge fan of the Dresden Files and the Iron Druid Chronicles, I found myself delighted by how Bloodlust Storm captures that same lively blend of danger, wit, and supernatural mischief, yet keeps its own distinct personality.
Charley Underwood stands at the centre with stubborn grace, sharp humour, and the admirable ability to remain human while everything around her forgets how. She has that particular charm shared by the best urban fantasy protagonists, the kind who meet catastrophe with a raised eyebrow and a remark that is both inappropriate and entirely correct.
The danger beneath the town rises with patient hunger. The vampires are not decorative. They are unpredictable, alarming, and occasionally funny in the way only creatures without a conscience can be. The ancient threat stirring under Crimson moves with the slow confidence of something that has never doubted its own importance.
The supporting cast brings warmth, friction, and the occasional moral lesson delivered entirely by accident. Friends quarrel, allies surprise, enemies enjoy themselves far too much. The magic system stays honest, concerned with choices, consequences, and the price one pays for power. The pacing never wastes a moment, and the dialogue sparkles with the kind of energy that makes even danger feel conversational.
The ending arrives with confident force, a closure that feels both satisfying and inviting. Everything ends, of course, but endings are merely polite pauses in worlds such as this. I cannot wait to meet these characters again and travel once more into this metaverse, as if the story itself were holding the door open with a knowing smile.
Thanks to the publisher for this digital copy, all opinions are mine. Highly recommended.
Charley Underwood stands at the centre with stubborn grace, sharp humour, and the admirable ability to remain human while everything around her forgets how. She has that particular charm shared by the best urban fantasy protagonists, the kind who meet catastrophe with a raised eyebrow and a remark that is both inappropriate and entirely correct.
The danger beneath the town rises with patient hunger. The vampires are not decorative. They are unpredictable, alarming, and occasionally funny in the way only creatures without a conscience can be. The ancient threat stirring under Crimson moves with the slow confidence of something that has never doubted its own importance.
The supporting cast brings warmth, friction, and the occasional moral lesson delivered entirely by accident. Friends quarrel, allies surprise, enemies enjoy themselves far too much. The magic system stays honest, concerned with choices, consequences, and the price one pays for power. The pacing never wastes a moment, and the dialogue sparkles with the kind of energy that makes even danger feel conversational.
The ending arrives with confident force, a closure that feels both satisfying and inviting. Everything ends, of course, but endings are merely polite pauses in worlds such as this. I cannot wait to meet these characters again and travel once more into this metaverse, as if the story itself were holding the door open with a knowing smile.
Thanks to the publisher for this digital copy, all opinions are mine. Highly recommended.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I loved this book , Urban Fantasy at its best -its perfect for those who want
something "more" from an Author . The world building is great , the characters
are well developed ( I am wholly invested in Charlie and her found family ) , the story is fast paced
, a real page turner - I could not put it down and read it in one session .
It has taken a long time for Charlie to fully accept her powers ( really !!)
I was sad to realise that this is the final book in the series (???) , we readers always want more !
Can we really be done with Charlie's world - perhaps the Author might revisit
some of the other characters who deserve their own story - Ian for example ? ,
This is a series I would recommend to anyone who loves slow burn romance ,
found family , demons , werewolves , witches and vampires
.I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
something "more" from an Author . The world building is great , the characters
are well developed ( I am wholly invested in Charlie and her found family ) , the story is fast paced
, a real page turner - I could not put it down and read it in one session .
It has taken a long time for Charlie to fully accept her powers ( really !!)
I was sad to realise that this is the final book in the series (???) , we readers always want more !
Can we really be done with Charlie's world - perhaps the Author might revisit
some of the other characters who deserve their own story - Ian for example ? ,
This is a series I would recommend to anyone who loves slow burn romance ,
found family , demons , werewolves , witches and vampires
.I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
July 19, 2026
Well, as much as I am sad to see this series end, Charley has certainly gone out with a bang!
To the end this series has kept me engaged with plenty of twists and turns as we learn more about Charley, Sebastian, her powers and the town for Crimson itself. I always want all my favourite characters, main and secondary to "get out alive" with a happy ending and I know that's generally impossible but dammit I had a big old lump in my throat at times!
Between Charley finally coming to terms with all those powers of hers, good and bad, and the local vampires (allies and non-allies) pretty much off their heads for the majority of the book, I really worried that Charley would be able to take down the bad guy essentially single handed! But never fear Charley once again pulls off an amazing feat and Crimson is safe (for now).
I really hope that this isn't the last time we get to see the denizens of Crimson - they really need to pop up occasionally in some other series of the Luanne's!
To the end this series has kept me engaged with plenty of twists and turns as we learn more about Charley, Sebastian, her powers and the town for Crimson itself. I always want all my favourite characters, main and secondary to "get out alive" with a happy ending and I know that's generally impossible but dammit I had a big old lump in my throat at times!
Between Charley finally coming to terms with all those powers of hers, good and bad, and the local vampires (allies and non-allies) pretty much off their heads for the majority of the book, I really worried that Charley would be able to take down the bad guy essentially single handed! But never fear Charley once again pulls off an amazing feat and Crimson is safe (for now).
I really hope that this isn't the last time we get to see the denizens of Crimson - they really need to pop up occasionally in some other series of the Luanne's!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you Netgalley and Second Sky for the chance to read an ARC of Bloodlust storm, the 6th and final book in the Charley Underwood series by Luanne Bennett. This was a fantastic read, and a fabulous end to the series! While I am sorry to see Charley's adventures end, I spent most of my reading time, on the edge of my seat! Charley has really grown throughout the series, and finally accepts her powers as a bad-ass witch! And while the ending was satisfactory, I was a bit sad with one of the plot threads (hoping that we may see a change down the road?) Another thank you to Netgalley for introducing me to this series, and another new author, and I look forward to her next book. I recommend reading this series in order as plot threads carry over.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
What an exciting conclusion to this urban fantasy series, full of drama, magic, intrigue and twists. This is the final book in the series and jumps us straight back into the fray.
If you want a series with witches, vampires, hollorwolves and demons then this is a great series to try.
I loved that Charley really stepped into her power in this book, she previously struggled against it so it was great to finally see what she was capable of. The supporting characters were great, I have a real soft spot for Dog and I love how each character really brought something to the story.
All in all a great ending to what has been a really enjoyable series.
Thank you to the author, Secondsky and Netgalley for my copy.
If you want a series with witches, vampires, hollorwolves and demons then this is a great series to try.
I loved that Charley really stepped into her power in this book, she previously struggled against it so it was great to finally see what she was capable of. The supporting characters were great, I have a real soft spot for Dog and I love how each character really brought something to the story.
All in all a great ending to what has been a really enjoyable series.
Thank you to the author, Secondsky and Netgalley for my copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
So, I’m not ok. Not one bit. I have loved this series from the beginning, and I am a little salty this is the last book. Not only that, but there is also something that happened in this book (which I can’t talk about *heh*) which made me want to throw my Kindle at the author. LOL! Anyway, besides that, this is a fabulous, action-filled series finale that kept me glued to my seat until the end. We got to see everyone in this, and I am going to miss them so very much. Can Ian get his own series?!? He’s really growing on me. I will definitely miss this series, but this finale is a great conclusion. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Well...
I didn't realise this book was the final book in the series! So excuse me, while I go cry into my coffee!
I have thoroughly enjoyed this series, and this book is the perfect ending.
Our FMC Charley has shown some amazing character development through the books and I loved seeing her growth.
The series has been gripping from book 1, and the world building was superbly crafted. I will be sad to see the world finish, but I can't wait to see what Bennett dreams up next!
I didn't realise this book was the final book in the series! So excuse me, while I go cry into my coffee!
I have thoroughly enjoyed this series, and this book is the perfect ending.
Our FMC Charley has shown some amazing character development through the books and I loved seeing her growth.
The series has been gripping from book 1, and the world building was superbly crafted. I will be sad to see the world finish, but I can't wait to see what Bennett dreams up next!
Review of advance copy received from Author
The end of a magnificent series is always sad, especially when it is so good. This was an ending both perfect and bittersweet.
I've grown quite fond of the characters in the series and will miss their crazy town and antic's.
Charley faces her ultimate nightmare and her closest vampire friends are off their rockers. No help there. When the evilest person to ever grace Crimsons streets sets his gaze on Charley there's nothing to stop him.
Urban Fantasy that is so fast paced and action packed you can't set it down. This was an amazing series with everything you could want in a fantasy world.
I received this from the author, publisher via NetGalley. All my opinions are my own.
I've grown quite fond of the characters in the series and will miss their crazy town and antic's.
Charley faces her ultimate nightmare and her closest vampire friends are off their rockers. No help there. When the evilest person to ever grace Crimsons streets sets his gaze on Charley there's nothing to stop him.
Urban Fantasy that is so fast paced and action packed you can't set it down. This was an amazing series with everything you could want in a fantasy world.
I received this from the author, publisher via NetGalley. All my opinions are my own.
July 19, 2026
All good things have to come to an end I guess. I for one have loved every minute of my time spent with Charley and was so grateful for this last adventure.
Throughout the series the world building has been insane, the plot, non stop drama, and there's definitely a character or two that I'm going to miss. Six books in they're more like friends rather than just names on a page.
It was a fantastic finale to the series; bittersweet yet brilliant.
Throughout the series the world building has been insane, the plot, non stop drama, and there's definitely a character or two that I'm going to miss. Six books in they're more like friends rather than just names on a page.
It was a fantastic finale to the series; bittersweet yet brilliant.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Awesome finale for this series. All the characters present and accounted for. Justice takes an unusual turn for some. Much appreciated justice at that. Charlie ends up with more power than expected. Loved her payback to the vampires. Must say wow to Sebastian. Never saw that coming.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was wildly fast paced. The story was really good, and broke my heart at the same time. I’m not sure where the author is going with that aspect of the storyline but I am intrigued. I love the surrounding characters and I’m thrilled to see her coming into her own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Full review to follow in July.
I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley/the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley/the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The end of the series is bittersweet and I will miss a few of the characters. Thanks to Second Sky and NetGalley for the ebook to review.
Charley needed her witch to really come out in this book and I wasn't disappointed. We had to say goodbye to some characters but it was all done in a way it was meant to be.
Charley needed her witch to really come out in this book and I wasn't disappointed. We had to say goodbye to some characters but it was all done in a way it was meant to be.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews