I picked up Bloodlust Shadows expecting suspense, mystery, humor, and a reunion with characters I’ve truly come to love. And it delivered on every count—reminding me exactly why the Charley Underwood series has become one of my favorites.
Title: Bloodlust Shadows
Author(s): Luanne Bennett
Series: Charley Underwood #4
Also in this series: Bloodlust Blues, Bloodlust Bites, Bloodlust Curse
Published by Hachette UK - Second Sky on August 8, 2025
Pages: 272
Genre(s): Urban Fantasy
Source: Netgalley, Kindle Unlimited
Format: eArc
Purchase: Amazon|Audible
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I’m Charley Underwood—welcome to the Stag. Keep your fangs to yourself and don’t forget to tip your bartender.
In Crimson, vampires, wolves, and humans live side by side. And I try to keep them from tearing each other apart.
After taking down a bloodsucking mobster and a rogue witch, I thought I’d catch a break. Maybe even a few days to fix up my bar and spend some quality time with Samuel, my vampire boyfriend.
But I should have known better—after all, this is Crimson.
An old enemy is out for blood, stalking us and leaving terrifying warnings. And this vampire likes to play with his victims, always staying one step ahead. Soon the whole town is caught in his games.
Customers start showing up beaten and bruised, unable to explain what happened. There are rumors of addictions and poisoned blood…
When Samuel disappears, it’s clear this opponent is smarter and more twisted than any I’ve faced before.
And he won’t stop until he’s taken everything from me.
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.
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Bloodlust Shadows continues the Charley Underwood series, and slipping into this book felt like sliding into a familiar booth at my favorite hangout—comfortable, exciting, and full of energy. The atmosphere carried the same charm I’ve come to love from the earlier books, with sharp, witty banter and characters who feel like old friends.
What I enjoy most about this series is how effortlessly it blends humor, heart, and suspense. This installment didn’t disappoint. With relatable characters, a scintillating mystery, and all the supernatural small-town drama you could want, Bloodlust Shadows delivered exactly the kind of reading experience that keeps me coming back for more.
I enjoyed getting a deeper look at Samuel’s past. His past comes back to haunt him, and the choices he made in the previous installment created a dangerous chain reaction. His backstory added depth to his character and made the stakes feel more personal.
Charley and her crew have to step up like never before to help him. This time, it’s not just about saving the town—it’s about saving someone they care about. I loved seeing Charley balance her humor and snark with her loyalty and determination.
Charley’s powers are also growing, making her an even stronger force to reckon with. Her abilities give her confidence, but they also bring new challenges and dangers. The higher the stakes, the more intense the suspense becomes—not just for her, but for everyone around her. I loved seeing her learn to trust and control her powers while still relying on her friends and crew. It added another layer to the story and made it thrilling from start to finish.
Bloodlust Shadows blends humor, heart, suspense, and supernatural adventure. If you love series with strong heroines, loyal friends, and small-town mysteries with high stakes, this one is definitely worth reading. I can’t wait to see what happens next in Charley’s world!
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