Let It Bleed

WVMP Radio #3.5

by Jeri Smith-Ready

BLOOD IS THICKER THAN SLAUGHTER

Con artist-turned-radio-station-manager Ciara Griffin hopes to settle into a normal un-life as a fledgling vampire, with the help of her immortally hot fiancé, grunge DJ Shane McAllister. But she has bigger problems than finding a sane blood donor and a new home for those boxes of mac ’n’ cheese. Ciara’s best friend mourns her like she’s dead instead of undead, and her own maker clearly wishes she’d never been born (again). Worst of all, the WVMP crew calls a Code Black: hippie vampire DJ Jim has murdered a pair of humans—humans who share Ciara’s true last name.

That’s when trouble rolls out the red carpet, straight into Ciara’s life. At Shane’s first live concert, Ciara finds herself face to face with her Irish Traveller cousins, a not-so-welcome family reunion that might hold the key to Ciara’s anti-holy blood. Jim’s spiral into madness makes Ciara an unwilling prize in his deadly feud with Shane. As Ciara clings to what’s left of her humanity, she’ll need her new vampire strength—and old con artist cunning—now more than ever.

“Let It Bleed” (WVMP Book 3.5) includes the bonus short story “Thief” (WVMP Book 3.1), starring Ciara’s 16-year-old cousin Cass. “Thief” steps inside Ciara’s mysterious birth family, whose relationship with vampires is anything but simple.

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Vampires, Paranormal, Novella, Ebooks, Adult, Romance

155 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 26, 2012

About the author

Jeri Smith-Ready has been writing fiction since the night she had her first double espresso. A steady stream of caffeine has produced twelve published novels for teens and adults since 2001.

Jeri lives in Maryland with her husband and two cats, who often play tag-team "sit in the author's lap and keep her from writing." (The cats, that is, not the husband. Though, actually...)

Reviews

[Yodamom · Rating 5 out of 5]

This little novella has so many pivotal actions in it I was short of breath ! Truly amazing addition to the series. If you read this series you do not want to miss this book. Of course Dexter,(vampire dog) one of my favorite characters got his four paws in. The WVMP gang is there and they are in for a rough ride. There is romance, blood, visiting extended family members ( can be the scariest of all, LOL), totally bonkers friend, a wedding, broken bones, stakes through the heart, a lot of blood and finally a connection. Phew, all that is one tiny novella.
A special thanks to Jeri Smith-Ready for allowing me to review this. Your imagination curls my toes every time.
Free to all, donate if you can on Tuesday June 26, 2012, in most major formats
http://www.jerismithready.com/books/l...

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Genre* Urban Fantasy
*Rating* 4.0

*Review*

Let It Bleed (WVMP Radio # 3.5) is a nice little bridge that covers the gap between what happened in Bring on the Night and what will happen in Lust for Life. If you haven't read this series before, uhm, why not? It has everything UF fans love. Really awesome characters, romance, suspense, mystery, and yes, humor. I would seriously recommend reading this series in order (Wicked Game, Bad to the Bone, Bring on the Night, and of course, Let it Bleed.)

Ciara (KEER-ah) Griffin is a former con artist who turned into a marketing director for the radio station WVMP. She was even the one who conned the phrase the Lifeblood of Rock and Roll. Ciara has had a rough patch recently. She was exposed to a deadly form of the Chicken Pox, and instead of dying, she was transformed into a vampire, something her fiance Shane was totally against. She also has a severe case of OCD now that she's a vampire.

I'll be totally honest here, I was aghast at the fact that Smith-Ready turned Ciara into a vampire. She's not really the vampire type if you know what I mean. She absolutely hates to be bitten, which vampires love to do to each other during sex. She also has this crazy anti-holy blood that can heal holy water burns on vampires which may or may not be working now that she's a vampire.

Now that she IS a vampire, she's part of the WVMP Code Black crew and therefore misses out on her best friends wedding thanks to crazy ass a loon Jim who just happens to kill two humans who are linked to Ciara's past. Then, to top everything off, family she didn't know she had decides to come and look for her because of events that happened surrounding her father and mother.

I am seriously impressed with Smith-Ready in her willingness to put together this novella on top of everything else she is doing with her YA series. This may have taken longer than she liked, but it was definitely worth the wait for me.

I am sad to see this series end after book # 4, but at least it will go out on a high note. I love Shane and Regina. I love the fact that these vampires are stuck in the year that they were made, like Shane and the fact that he was changed by Regina in 1995. I love the fact that Smith-Ready normally uses song titles as Chapter titles. I enjoyed watching Ciara and her maker finally coming to gripes with the fact that she's a vampire and thus will be sticking around for awhile.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really fun novella and a significant piece of the WVMP puzzle, so if you're a fan of the series (and you should be!) make your way to the author's website and download the story, at very least before you read the 4th book in November 2012. It's free, so there's no reason not to do it. This is a big transition story, it's the one where Ciara deals with her new situation. And her friends deal with it too. Some well, some not so well. Plus they're all dealing with their normal levels of craziness too. Again, some well, some not so well. And some of the not so well hits the fan. And as usual, Ciara gets to help clean it up. It's a great story. Plus Dexter the vampire dog is in a lot. I love that dog.

[Mello ❣ Illium ✮Harry✮ ☀Myrnin☀ Torin Ichimaru · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a pretty good novella. Definitely needs to be read before reading book 4 in the series. I can tell that it's a segue between events.

Oh man, Jim. I should have known that he'd end up this way, but I wasn't expecting this. Why in the hell is he so obsessed with Ciara, anyway? He said they have a cosmic connection. Talk about crazy talk.

I like that she was able to meet some of her family members. Even with what she kept from them, it seemed like they forgave her in the end. She did come through from them. It would be nice if she got to see them again, but I doubt it.

I hope Ciara gets to kick Luann's ass, though. What a horrible thing she did. Sold out her daughter.

I hated the spat between Ciara and Lori at the station, but I'm glad they were able to get past it. I wouldn't have been able to forgive David if he really kept Lori and Ciara from hanging out.

My favorite moment, though, was Ciara doing the puzzle with Monroe in the station.

After reading this, I have to jump right into the next book.

[Ashley - Book Labyrinth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me start by saying that if you haven't read this series yet you are MISSING OUT, big time. Absolutely love the characters, and the plots are always incredibly interesting.

This is a pivotal instalment in the series, and it leads up to the final book, Lust for Life, which will be released this fall. So many great moments in this one, which I can't mention without being spoiler-y for the series, and there's crazy jaw dropping action as well.

Basically: love, love loveeeeeee, and I can't WAIT for the final book to come out (it's already pre-ordered. Oh yes, that's how excited I am).

[Lisa Kessler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this novella!!! It even made me cry twice! Yow!!!

Now I need to read the final WVMP book! Now...

If you love vampire series, this is definitely one to pick up!!! (But start with Wicked Game)

[Angel · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was worth the wait!!

[Jaime (Two Chicks on Books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

<33333333 that is all!

[Susie Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible series if you do not read these fantastic on the edge of your seat books you will not forgive yourself!

[Ami · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story continues right from the event of book #3, Bring On The Night. Ciara has only been turned into a vampire and it is now the wedding day for her (human) best-friend, Lori, and her (human) boss, David. Except a call from Jim, saying "Code Black", changes everything ...

---------------

I only found out from another reviewer that this novella was supposed to be a full-length book, except the author was only contracted for 4 books. So instead, she decided to make a free novella in order for everything to tied up neatly in upcoming book, Lust for Life, coming in November 2012.

I actually followed this at first when it was still a series installment on Jeri Smith-Ready's website. I forgot about it when the project seemed to be postponed. Only now, I noticed that the novella was ready. As it is written by the author, this is a very important novella in the WVMP Radio series. It doesn't act as stand alone, it bridges the event in book #3 and upcoming book #4.

The "Code Black" ends up strongly related to Ciara's family background (turns out that the two people Jim killed were Ciara's cousins) and Ciara meets long-forgotton family members. What surprised me most of all is the quick turn-about that makes Jim a bad villain. I didn't see that coming when I started this series. I wonder what that will mean for the last book; it is quite a significant event.

As fast-paced as it is, since it is a novella, I thing there are still things that are yet resolved. But, I'm sure book #4 will tackle these issues perfectly. To those following this series, this novella is a must read!

[Teresa Mary Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

More Reviews Here: Readers Live A Thousand Lives

I love novellas. I love taking little mini journeys into some of my favorite literary worlds. I love the extra information a reader can gain from them and I love that reading them in one sitting is practically nothing and I love the escape they provide for a few hours.Normally novellas are not a necessary part of a series, however that is not the case with Let It Bleed. This novella is an integral part of the series and the events of this book will definitely have ramifications on the outcome of the final book. So WVMP fans, don't skip this one or do what I sometimes do and go back to the novella once you complete the series. This novella contains numerous turning points. Ciara is still awesome and Shane is still my favorite. Nothing really new there. Ciara is trying to settle into life as a vampire and life with this makeshift family.The problem is, Jim is getting out of control. When people from Ciara's past mix with Jim's crazy it just leads to trouble. And not the good kind of trouble, the bad kind. Jim isn't the only trouble, humans can cause trouble too. David needed a smack in the head, Lori as well, but David more so.I felt like David acted more like Lori's Dad than her husband with him trying to tell her what to do. There was no reason he should suggest Lori and Ciara take a break. They are best friends and best friends don't take breaks, even when circumstances are less than convenient. Gahhh he was being a butt. Anyhoo, I feel better now, mini rant over. As a whole I loved this novella. It moved along at a good pace and still managed to contain mystery and drama and action and sexiness within a lot less pages. After this I cannot wait to see what Jeri has in store for us with the final book.

[Roberta R. (Offbeat YA) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Excerpt from my review - originally published at Offbeat YA.

Pros: Original take on the overused vampire theme. Interesting, mostly tridimensional characters.
Cons: Abundance of gore. A graphic sex scene. Nonetheless...slightly boring.
Will appeal to: Those who like this series...duh.

So, well - the cat is out of the box. I was extremely careful not to spoil anything in my review of Bring on the Night (the previous chapter of this series), but since the very blurb for this one is a tattle-tale, there's no point in being cryptic anymore. So Ciara got vamped in the end. And as those who read BOTN will already be aware, it only beat to be truly dead. She had to make a choice between relinquishing her life or losing her humanity, and she painfully did. So now she has to live (err, un-live?) with the aftermath of that.
A necessary premise to my review. This novella was originally intended to be the official fourth installment in the saga, which meant getting its own paperback status. But for reasons that the author herself states here, it came out as a free-download novella instead. While I can only commend Jeri's decision, and thank her for the hard work poured into a no-profit (to this date) project just in order to comply with her own trade honesty, I have to be honest myself on the other hand. I didn't find LIB nearly as exciting as the rest of the series so far. Maybe it was to be expected, given the rough path this story had to travel and the unusual format. Of course, many of my fellow readers have enjoyed it nonetheless. Me, not so much. [...]

Whole review here.

[Steph | bookedinsaigon · Rating 3 out of 5]

In an unprecedented move, Jeri Smith-Ready publishes an essential piece of her WVMP Radio series in an e-book novella format. Longtime fans of this urban fantasy series, including me, have been eagerly awaiting LET IT BLEED. The verdict? While a refreshing dip back into the WVMP Radio world, LET IT BLEED’s novella length does make it feel a bit rushed and incomplete.

As ever, Ciara’s witty narration carries readers’ enjoyment of the story, but—and this may just be me—I wonder if the series may be suffering from the literary equivalent of the “Moonlighting” curse—that is, now that the main characters have gotten together and are getting married and all that, some of the tension that drew me through earlier installments of this series is gone. LET IT BLEED expands Ciara’s story to include more troubling conflicts and revelations, but it feels a little bare in some places, as if the story is trying to juggle too many of these conflicts, revelations, and sideplots, with the result that the pacing is uneven and the resolution abrupt.

I would’ve liked LET IT BLEED to be longer, so as to give space for the plots involving Jim and Ciara’s family to be given more space to develop. LET IT BLEED was a complete story structurally, but I didn’t have the same emotional investment in it as I had with earlier installments. Still, I am no less a fan of the series, and excitedly look forward to the final book, Lust for Life. There are, in my opinion, few protagonists who can compare to Ciara for paranormal resourcefulness and wit, and I’d follow her through anything to the ends of the earth…or the end of the series, since that seems more likely.

[manda-rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

The WVMP Radio series is one of those urban fantasy series involving vampires. While it's not super popular (I haven't seen a whole lot of people besides me picking it up), it has one of the most peculiar and different takes on the vampire legend. And I have to say this, I do not care for the main character, Ciara. From her annoying name to the annoying things she does in the books that I would never do, I just don't care for her. However, I love the other characters and the story. And there's humor. Also, the titles and chapters are named after various songs; it's super creative. In other words, I think it speaks volumes if an author can keep you reading a series even though you don't care for the protagonist.

This book is a short story that progresses Ciara's story without giving us the grand finale. While I don't want to go into too much detail, I will say Ciara struggles with her life status change. And it's not just her who has to adjust, her friends have to cope with losing the life of a loved one without really losing the loved one. And we get to experience it with some humor and action mixed in.

While this novella definitely doesn't give you the satisfaction that a whole book would, I feel it prepares you for the next one. I've definitely got my curiosity and excitement up for the final book which comes out in a week.

[Jacque · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a free novella that is available on Jeri Smith-Ready's site. It is a VERY substantial novella with about 125 pages. This is not just an extra scene, but an ESSENTIAL part of the story. It bridges the gap between the third and final book in the WVMP radio series.

There is A LOT that takes place in Let It Bleed. If you decide to skip directly from Bring on the Night to Lust For Life, you will be doing yourself a real disservice. Two characters are murdered, four new characters are introduced, and a main character is essentially removed from the series. I'm sure some of these details will be discussed in the final book for those who did skip the novella, but I can't imagine she will provide even a fraction of the detail.

There were a couple of events that substantially changed the relationship between Ciara and her maker, Monroe. I don't think they will ever have the type of relationship Shane and Regina have, but they are establishing a more friendly relationship.

This book also contains Vital Fluid's first performance. Vital Fluid is Shane's new three-man nineties cover band and they totally rocked. More of Shane and his musical talents are always welcome.

I can't thank Jeri enough for advising me to read this before starting the final book in the series.

[Darcy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun one, one that I think will bridge the last 2 books in a great way. Ciarra is still struggling with the recent changes to her life. At times she is ok, at others she is in meltdown mode. It is a good thing that she has people that care about her around her. Although some of them care a little too much. That part of the story shocked me, along with some of the consequences that came along with it.

I really liked how the short story from Eternal: More Love Stories with Bite played a big part in this one. If you missed it you will be able to follow along no problem. But if you read it you get a more in depth background and the connections.

I can't wait to read Lust for Life, but am sad that it will be the last book for these OCD vamps.

[dameolga · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciate Smith-Ready's willingness to write great quality stories even if she's letting anybody read it for free on her website. Let it Bleed is certainly important to the overall plot of the WVMP series, since major changes occur, especially with Jim and Monroe. This novella also features a tie-in storyline from Smith-Ready's short story published in Eternal: More Love Stories with Bite. After recently skimming through a bunch of new authors, reading a trusted author whom I've read for years feels soooo relaxing. I knew from the beginning that I would enjoy the story. Now, I can't wait to read Lust for Life.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved both short stories in this novella. Thief was a great intro to more of Ciara's family and their way of life. I loved the relationship between Cass and her boyfriend, and their willingness to elope and do anything to stay together. It was gory, romantic, and action-packed.

But Let It Bleed is vital to this series. And holy crap is Jim truly insane. The twists and turns that JSR takes in the WVMP series blow my mind; honestly, she does things that you never see coming -- and I love it. I love that she shocks me, it keeps everything fresh and exciting. (There's nothing worse that figuring out the so-called "mystery" of a book while you're only a 1/3 of the way in --- that scenario never happens with JSR. She's a genius).

I love Ciara, Shane, and Dexter. What a sweet and creepy little vamp family.

[Suz · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. It's a novella but it's still about half the length of a full book and it's got all the bang of the series. I've been thinking that this is one of those series that gets better with each book and I would give this novella those same props. It fits right in not only in terms of storyline but also in terms of the character development and longer arcs, with a very interesting and action packed book arc. It also fits in terms of the gradual increase in quality in each installment. The more I know about this world the more I want to know and the more I enjoy the series.

This is a good series. I'm going to jump right in to book 4, but it's with a bit of remorse because I know that book 4 is the last book in the series.

[E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2 stars! A fascinating return to the world of WVMP and those vampires who have found a sanctuary at the radio station. Ciara is adapting to the radical changes in her life but her friend Lori is not quite comfortable with the new version of her best friend. The chaos engendered by the vampire Jim escalates as he spirals out of control, threatening all that Ciara values. Unfamiliar family ties involving the nomadic Travellers complicate an already complex situation as the amazing properties of Ciara's blood also become a factor. Another great installment in an inventive series. (There is also a short story in "Eternal: More Love Stories with Bite" that is connected to this tale).

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I understand correctly, this novella was originally meant to be book four in this series with book five coming along later to wrap the whole thing up. The author, I think, only had a contract through book four, so in order to guarantee her readers get the complete story, she opted to whittle this book down and make book five into book four. She then made this novella available to her fans for free in e-book format.

I think that's an awesome thing for her to do. :D

I also think that if you've read the first three books, and plan to read the fourth, then you need to read this as well. It should bridge the gap between book three and book four.

[Livvie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun stop into the WVMP world, the free novella that Ms. Smith-Ready put up on her website as a filler till the next full length novel came out felt like a full length novel. Lots of meat, not a lot of filler and a great progression with the characters. I would recommended it even to people who haven't read the rest of the series as a way to see if this is a series for you. Yes you have to backtrack if you start reading the whole series afterwards but I swear this is well worth it. Jeri's vamps have their quirks that make them stand out, and Ciara the main character is very lovable with her flaws, and sarcastic humor.

[C.E. Murphy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm torn on this novella. It in and of itself is fine. The problem is that I personally as a reader did not want the main character to become a vampire in the 3rd book, so I can't help coming into this story with kind of a bad taste in my mouth. I will, however, have to read the final book in the WVMP series, in order to see *why* Ciara was vamped. I mean, there are potential ramifications of her vamping that could be game-changers for the WVMP world, and if they happen, well, okay. I can see why Jeri chose to go there. If they don't...well, I'll be very sad.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really don't much like novellas. However I *love* Jeri Smith-Ready and I really love her WVMP Radio series and this book (3.5 in the series) is a fantastic read. A lot of the things that annoy me about novellas (no time for both character development/interaction *&* a plot) don't seem to be nearly as much of an issue with novellas that are part of a series, where much of the background can be assumed. Probably not the best standalone read, but richly rewarding for any WVMP fan.

[Linda (un)Conventional Bookworms · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review and others can also be found on my blog(un)Conventional Bookviews

Yes! I totally loved this little installment of the WVMP radio crowd! I feel like fangirl-squeeing, but I'll try to keep it to a minimum :D

[Jodie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The brilliant Jeri Smith-Ready has decided to give us all a wonderful WVMP fix online!!!! I am very excited about this and enjoying each chapter as it appears.
A great continuation of the story and the characters that I love.
The entire thing has been posted finally and I could not resist reading all over again. Can not wait for the next WVMP book!!! It needs to hurry up and come out!!!!

[gremlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella is about half the size of a full novel, but definitely moves the story line of the series forward. This was a good story, as well as a good refresher as to what was going on before sitting down to read the final novel in this series.

I also really appreciate the lengths the author went to to give us a complete series when the publisher refused a book five.

[ProgGrrl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sadly, this web series has stalled midway while the author finishes up her YA series Shine... too bad. But if you're just catching up there are 8 great chapters online at Smith-Ready's web site.

This whole series is a really fun Sookie Stackhouse-like read. Wish it would never end!

[Christine Manzari · Rating 4 out of 5]

For the most part, novellas usually stink...just an author's way of getting us to fork out money for boring content. Let it Bleed is definitely an exception to that rule. It was an action packed story with tons of emotions and plot stuffed into a tiny package.

[Dee Haddrill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the WVMP world and it was wonderful to rejoin it again even if only for a short time. And how wonderful is the author to give it to us for free!! Lots of very important moments happen in this short story, and I look forward to where the story goes from here.