I’m Charley Underwood. I run the best bar in Crimson, Georgia… when I’m not kicking demons and vampire thugs out of town.
A local witch has been murdered. Even worse, it looks like the killer stole her magic, draining it away in a bloody ritual.
Who would play with the darkest kind of magic like this? And what are they planning to do with the power they took?
When the killer targets my mentor Candy, and the dangerous trove of enchanted objects in her shop, it’s time to gather Crimson’s witches and prepare for war.
But as we plan our response, I can’t shake the feeling that the others are hiding something from me. Could these attacks be connected to my mother’s magic? And her mysterious death two years ago?
Nothing will stop me from digging up the truth. Because this isn’t just personal. It’s family.
Perfect for fans of Kim Richardson, Charlaine Harris, and Patricia Briggs, the Charley Underwood series is a thrilling urban fantasy packed with mystery and tension, unforgettable characters, and jaw-dropping twists.
See why readers love Luanne Bennett’s 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 with 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 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.” Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I am in love with this universe, and I want to go back to it soon. Highly recommend.” Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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!
This series is absolutely addictive. I just love the quirky characters and the perfectly strange little town of Crimson.
A town where the "good" witches are so close to grey they're a little scary. The local bar sells vampire blood in a medical co-op. There's as many secrets as there are people. Wolf shifters might cook you a burger and and the crazy animals make the place perfect.
Charley’s life is about to get stranger. A woman is murdered and Charley learns things about her past that turn her world upside down. This was one of my favorites in the series. With the puzzle piece falling in place, non-stop action and enough drama to make it hard to put down. I was given this book, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Bloodlust Curse, the third book in the Charley Underwood series, delivered another captivating cozy paranormal mystery. Once again, readers are transported to the town of Crimson, where they have another opportunity to hang out with Charley and friends.
Ah! I had a blast returning to Crimson Town. Just when one believes things in this town couldn't get stranger, someone leaves a macabre package on Charley's front step. The contents of the package led to the discovery that someone was murdering witches. With that knowledge, it was clear that Charley's life was also in danger. The question among the crew was who left the package and why?
Bloodlust Curse dove deeper into Charley's past and her heritage. The revelations were shocking. It also showed her gaining control of her powers, which have grown more potent.
First there is her romantic relationship with the mysterious vampire Samuel. I loved how he went out of his way to protect her, not that she needed it. Now not much is mentioned about his past but it's clear he is hiding something. It appears, however, that his secrets will not remain hidden for long. Also, there is Beau, her bartender, and a friend who attempts to navigate the recent and not so welcome changes in his life.
Ian Masterton another vampire who happens to be a thorn in their sides. He does serve his purpose, even though his actions may be a bit self-serving. He also brings some humor to the story.
Action and suspense filled the pages of Bloodlust Curse as Charley and the crew searched for answers. The truth when revealed was shocking and hard to bear, but Charley never wavered in her bid to end the terror and put away the source behind it. However, the final threads relating to the case at hand were underwhelming. However, the ending came with a surprise that paved the path of the next installment.
This time, just like the blurb says, it was personal - but is it over? No!! Not by a long shot. There is still so much I want to know.
Like every book in this series, I was hooked. I love Charley, I love the budding romance, and I love that we also spend time with other characters, Beau being one of my own. But we do have a lot to unpack, things do get personal and we learn so much more about Charley's past, her mother and *gulp* her heritage. Shocks galore, and I felt I needed to sit with Charley at the bar and have a drink to unpack it all. I found I quite enjoyed Ian Masterton back in the book and he put a smile on my face when he was around, with his quirky oneliners, and the ease at which he purposely makes everyone uncomfortable - I did have a smile or two.
I was even gasping at two points, was this the end for two people? I love that Luanne isn't afraid to put anyone at risk and dangle that ever-precious life force in our faces. We might be in a world of the supernatural, but not everyone is safe in this world.
The book felt like it was over far too quickly, I would happily spend more hours on one book, I never want them to end! I love the mini cliffhanger at the end and I am so eager to get back to Crimson ASAP. I mean WHHHATTTT!!!! I am so addicted to this series, and I am here for it all.
This is Book 3 of the Charley Underwood and the addictive story continues...
The story follows Charley and her friends track down the k1ller of a witch and work out just how she is connected to Charley's Mum.
I absolutely adore Charley and her character. She is a no-messing gal and has a great deal of determination and grit.
My favourite male character is Dog - he is utterly brilliant!
When I first started reading this series, I immediately loved Luanne's writing style and how condfident and sassy she made Charley and Co. My love for these characters has only grown!
Bloodlust Curse is a thrilling continuation of the Charley Underwood series, delivering an action-packed narrative filled with intrigue and a strong romantic relationship. In this installment, Charley continues her journey of self-discovery, embracing her identity as a witch and recognizing the extent of her powers. Her evolution is compelling, as she navigates personal challenges and the complexities of her supernatural world.
The story's stakes are elevated, with a formidable and malevolent villain introducing heightened tension. The fast-paced plot keeps readers engaged, and while the setting remains familiar, the depth of character development and interpersonal dynamics adds richness to the narrative.
The supporting cast shines, with memorable characters like Candy, Dog, the witches, and the enigmatic vampire Samuel. Each contributes significantly to Charley's growth and the story's progression. The emotional tension and interpersonal conflicts are more intense than in previous books, featuring significant revelations that impact Charley's relationships and sense of trust.
Bloodlust Curse stands out as a strong entry in the series, blending supernatural elements with emotional depth. It's a must-read for fans of urban fantasy who appreciate a strong female protagonist surrounded by a loyal and diverse group of friends, all while unraveling paranormal mysteries.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Bloodlust Curse - Luanne Bennett 5✨ After each book in this series I fall in love even more with Charley. She is getting powerful, and now she knows her heritage and oh man was that a ride. One of the things I love most is that the books pick up exactly where we left off, there is no time jump so we don’t miss anything and I really like that. The romance between Charley and Samuel is growing and I am here for it! I do wish we could have seen more of Sebastian, but as a cat owner I know those little demons do whatever they want, wherever they want and he is obviously up to something. As always loved Candy, Dog and Beau, best side characters ever! Now before I finish this review I have a bone to pick with Luanne, girl STOP with the disgusting spiders! You are giving me nightmares and you know it, I am here reading end enjoying life then BAM flashback to when a spider was crawling on my face and I whacked myself so bad to kill it, I blame you for that. Jokes aside I do love Luanne and her series, spiders and all and I can’t wait for the next book💕 Here is what you can expect from this book,
🔮Witches, vampires and werewolves 🔮Secrets 🔮Sookie Stackhouse vibes 🔮Found family 🔮Fantasy 🔮Humor 🔮Third in series 🔮Growing powers
I highly recommend this series if you like any of the above. Thank you Netgalley, Luanne and SecondSky Books for this ARC, I am leaving this review voluntarily💕
Bloodlust Curse, Book 3 in the Charley Underwood series. Was a great continuation in the series. Picks up exactly where book 2 left off although an immediate read is not required. I do recommend reading this series in sequential order. This book is set to publish February 7, 2025, such a fun and quick read.
This story is mainly character driven following Charley an owner to the only bar in town, The Stag. After a woman is found in the woods, more mysteries unfold, Charley and her friends eager to solve the crime solve the crime.
Charley discovers more about herself and her family’s passed in this one. Not all secrets remain buried.
We see some further character growth amongst friends in this story as we have in the past. As well new introductions to new characters. I am here for the friendships in this story as well as the real life happenings, and all that they have to work through. Did I mention her friends are werewolves, vampires, and witches!
As always, Luanne has me laughing throughout the book. I really enjoyed Patrick in this one. I have read every book as an ARC.
This was a spooky atmospheric read that kept me on my toes and on the lookout for the next surprise in Crimson.
I am looking forward to the next continuation in this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Second Sky for an ARC copy for my honest review.
Shifters, witches, demons, vampires, too, All come to Charley's bar when they're passing through. Most are welcome but some are not And any problems won't be forgot!
When a local witch is murdered the danger grows Who killed her and drained her magic no one knows. When next enchanted objects are stolen from a friend Charley knows this danger must come to an end.
With surprise revelations and secrets to be revealed This has Charley wondering what else has been concealed. She can't stop seeking the truth to discover If what's happening now is connected to her mother!
Attacks mount and there's danger all around And an new paranormal that's soon to be found. The Crimson witches gather together to fight Hoping they'll be strong enough to put things to right.
A suspense-filled paranormal adventure and mystery That links together strongly with Charley's family history. There are twists galore and dangers all around Before the perpetrator can at last be found.
This is a brilliant action packed fantasy read - I hope it'll prove to be one that you'll also need! For my copy of this book I say thank you As I share with you this, my honest review.
I should have been on the blogtour for this novel but I had to postpone as I was ill. I'm still ill but I wanted to write something about this book and how much I liked it This series is an excellent one that mixes different urban fantasy tropes like a Southern Gothic setting, a small town that I would define paranormal, and plenty of actions. Charley and her friends are intriguing and funny. I love this type of series and this one of my favorite now as there's an indipendent heroine, a group of friends, actions. This is a paranormal mystery with plenty of surprises and action. I liked how the author develops a complex world building and adds new elements with each new novel. There's also a lot of evolution in the characters and it kept me reading and turning pages. A killer that targets witches, something that could be related to Charley's mother and her death. This story involves Charley and her emotions. It's the more intriguing and emotionally charged and I thoroughly enjoyed. Go and read it, highly recommended. Many thanks to Second Sky for this digital copy, all opinions are mine
Another wild and crazy adventure for Charley in this one - complete with enough family reveals to keep you guessing throughout!
Charley once again can’t catch a break. She’s drowning in both magical conspiracies and family drama this time, all thanks to the murder of a local witch and the bigger bad behind it all. The witch crew, of course, rallies behind her, only to get dragged in even deeper. With all the supernaturals on edge, it seems like Crimson might be the next ground zero for a showdown.
While we get some relationship progress, this book is mostly about Charley’s family history and all the things she thought she knew. She is put through even more magical tests here and has to choose between her chosen family and her true one. Oh - and we have oodles of unresolved bar waitstaff issues that I’m sure we’ll learn more about in future books. I love the way this world just keeps growing with each installment and feel a little bad that Charley has to get nearly killed for us to have such an entertaining adventure.
Thank you Netgalley and Second Sky for the chance to read Bloodlust curse by Luanne Bennett. This is the 3rd book The Charley Underwood series, and I enjoyed it just as much as the first two. Picking right up from the end of book 2, Charley is left wondering who left the grisly package at her front door. But that isn't the only thing she has to deal with; besides trying to find a home for the hellhound she rescued, running her bar, and figuring out what is happening to her bartender, she now finds out a local witch has been murdered and her magic drained. But in the town of Crimson, home of witches, vampires and shifters this is par for the course. With the help of her Mom's coven, and her vampire boyfriend Samuel, Charley sets out to dig up the truth, and finally get the answers she has been looking for. Action-packed, snarky dialogue, and fabulous characters make this series a favourite. Each book ends setting up the next story, so I do recommend reading the series in order.
A local witch has been murdered. Even worse, it looks like the killer stole her magic, draining it away in a bloody ritual.
Who would play with the darkest kind of magic like this? And what are they planning to do with the power they took?
When the killer targets my mentor Candy, and the dangerous trove of enchanted objects in her shop, it’s time to gather Crimson’s witches and prepare for war.
But as we plan our response, I can’t shake the feeling that the others are hiding something from me. Could these attacks be connected to my mother’s magic? And her mysterious death two years ago?
Nothing will stop me from digging up the truth. Because this isn’t just personal. It’s family.
Perfect for fans of Kim Richardson, Charlaine Harris, and Patricia Briggs, the Charley Underwood series is a thrilling urban fantasy packed with mystery and tension, unforgettable characters, and jaw-dropping twists.
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 third book in the Charley Underwood urban fantasy series picks up right where the previous book left off, as our heroine must deal with the mysterious box left on her front door and uncover more of her magical heritage. This cannot be read as a standalone and I would recommend re-reading the end of the previous book as a refresher.
Recommended 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.
I was so darn excited to return to Charlie’s world because this series ticks all my reading boxes, and it’s hard to find books that do that. We learn some very interesting information about her family in this latest, and it comes back to bite her in the you-know-what. Poor Charlie is really thrown for a loop a couple of times in this third book. I don’t need to rehash the plot, but I would like to say that this book is as fast paced as the other two, and just when I thought the author had forgotten a plot point, BAM, it hit me between the eyes. I can’t wait to see how the author is going to play this latest development in the next installment. Well-written, fun, engaging, and full-of-action urban fantasy that I wish all books had. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
I enjoyed Bloodlust Curse, the third installment in the Charley Underwood series, but I didn't love it as much as book two, which remains my favourite in the series so far. I think the plot in this volume didn't capture my interest quite as much. That said, we did get some interesting progression for a number of the characters, finding out more about their backgrounds and powers, and there is clearly still a lot to explore as the series continues. There was plenty of action and tension in this volume, but I found the denouement a little fast and anti-climatic after all the build-up; the victory just felt a bit too easy. Nonetheless, this was still an entertaining read and I remain keen to continue reading in book four when it releases. I am giving this third book four stars.
I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This eARC was provided by Netgalley.com and I giving an unbiased review.
This is the third book in the Charley Underwood series by Bennett, and it still has not lost any of it's charm. Once again Charley is in the mix to stop magic users with bad intent, from doing damage to her town and friends. This time though, it seems there may be more linked to her past and the secrets of her mother that she doesn't know about - and no one seems to want to share.
Like the first two novels, this one was pretty quick read. The story flows wells enough, though our MC Charley just seems to be angry all the time, and really angry when she finds out her friends know more information than they share about the past, mainly in regards to her mother and her death. I've been enjoying the series, and would hazard a guess that there could be a few more books into this series before it get stedious.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Bennett took me straight back to where I left off in Bloodlust Bites and it felt so good to be back in Crimson, almost like I'd never been away. That's what I like about this series, you can read one say a year ago, but no sooner you start reading it all comed flooding back to you and it's a seamless continuation.
It was great to catch up with Charley and the regulars at the Stag, the sole bar in Crimson. The further the series ventures, the better the character development.
The world building and imagery had me easily able to picture scenes come to life, immersing me in the unfolding drama.
Bloodlust Curse is an addictive and pacey read which I thoroughly enjoyed and found extremely hard to put down.
Another fun and mysteries outing with Charley and the gang from Crimson, Ga. This time around it appears Beau is in a bit of a ...metamorphosis and someone is out to get Charley!
Poor Charley thought she finally knew all the secrets and lies her mum and friends were keeping from her but they just keep multiplying. I real enjoy meeting the gang, they have banter like a family and aren't afraid to dish out some tough love. And Beau, good grief that man needs to lay off the Saturday Night Fever re-runs, lol.
The laughs are as plentiful and I really enjoyed trying to unmask the bad guy. The bond between Samuel and Charley continues to strengthen.
The smexy times may be off page/fade to black but they are still having an "adult" relationship and this is inferred and referred to.
I am loving this series so much. It has Vampires, witches, werewolves, shapeshifters and some romance. Charley owns a bar that was her mom's. I don't want to spoil to much in case you didn't read the other books but please do as they are funny at ties and you can read them n one sitting. A local witch was murdered and the heart was left for Charley. As things keep happening Charley's mentor, Candy, and some of the other witches, keep telling her things that they have been keeping from her. she is tired of all the secrets. Thank you to Second Sky and NetGalley for the book to revew.
The revelations in this book really expand your knowledge and understanding of who and what Charley is. Great read, well paced with the information coming throughout. Discovering some of the facts in Crimson and its inhabitants make this an excellent addition to the series. Well worth your time!
An exceptional new installment in Crimson brings new troubles for everyone. It delves more into the main characters and answers a few questions from previous books. I still can't get over Lucy's attitude behind the bar. Love her. Already craving the next book.
Charley and the gang did not disappoint. She’s really starting to come into her own. She’s definitely going to be a force to be reckoned with. I can’t wait to see what happens next. Loved it
Book 3 has murder, attempted murder, chaos, vampires, witches, shifters, loads of magic, a tiny bit of romance, and family by choice. Highly entertaining.