What do you think?
Rate this book
WVMP Radio #4
Lust for Life
EVERYONE’S OUT FOR BLOOD—HERS
Ciara’s con-artist parents taught her three keys to survival: keep low, keep quiet, and most of all, keep moving. But managing WVMP, the Lifeblood of Rock ‘n� Roll—not to mention becoming a vampire herself—has kept her in one place long enough to fall madly in love, adopt an undead dog�
…and make more enemies than she can shake a stake at.
A psychotic DJ, a wanna-be necromancer, and a posse of vengeful hippies would all love to see Ciara get her day in the sun—literally. To protect Ciara, her fiancé Shane has traded his flannel shirt and guitar for a flak jacket and crossbow. If she survives to walk down the aisle, will she recognize the man waiting at the altar?
In this final chapter of the WVMP RADIO series, Ciara must decide who to trust, who to love—and who to kill.
Ciara’s con-artist parents taught her three keys to survival: keep low, keep quiet, and most of all, keep moving. But managing WVMP, the Lifeblood of Rock ‘n� Roll—not to mention becoming a vampire herself—has kept her in one place long enough to fall madly in love, adopt an undead dog�
…and make more enemies than she can shake a stake at.
A psychotic DJ, a wanna-be necromancer, and a posse of vengeful hippies would all love to see Ciara get her day in the sun—literally. To protect Ciara, her fiancé Shane has traded his flannel shirt and guitar for a flak jacket and crossbow. If she survives to walk down the aisle, will she recognize the man waiting at the altar?
In this final chapter of the WVMP RADIO series, Ciara must decide who to trust, who to love—and who to kill.
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 27, 2012
6 people are currently reading
786 people want to read
About the author
Jeri Smith-Ready
32books1,589followersJeri 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...)
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...)
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
![Profile Image for Namera [The Literary Invertebrate].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1647896333i%2F31792110._UX200_CR0%2C96%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
March 8, 2022
It's a little bit of a shame that a series which started out so strongly, full of humour and drama, took a seriously introspective turn that bled away all the things I initially enjoyed.
Religion is one of the biggest themes in the books. I don't have an issue with this as such, but it became very repetitive: Ciara is an atheist, her atheism is so strong it nullifies magic, Shane is a Christian, he feels like vampires are damned to hell because they've effectively committed suicide... This was THE perennial conflict, and I was a bit disquieted at the way the author chose to resolve it. Let's just say that I don't read vampire novels
Didactic religiosity aside, there are no laughs to be found here. Everyone is very sombre and thoughtful. Honestly, I was glad to finish.
Religion is one of the biggest themes in the books. I don't have an issue with this as such, but it became very repetitive: Ciara is an atheist, her atheism is so strong it nullifies magic, Shane is a Christian, he feels like vampires are damned to hell because they've effectively committed suicide... This was THE perennial conflict, and I was a bit disquieted at the way the author chose to resolve it. Let's just say that I don't read vampire novels
Didactic religiosity aside, there are no laughs to be found here. Everyone is very sombre and thoughtful. Honestly, I was glad to finish.
January 17, 2014
LUST FOR LIFE is the fourth & final book in Jeri Smith-Ready’s WVMP Vampire Radio series. I have a conflicted relationship with these books; something happened in the 3rd book that I really did not want to happen, but I read the interstitial novella and book 4 because I wanted to see if Jeri (who is a friend of mine) did the only thing with the end of the series that I felt would justify the thing I really didn’t like.
The answer is that she sort of did, which means I’m not quite at the place of being That Reader sniveling, “I didn’t like this book because the writer didn’t do WHAT I THOUGHT SHE SHOULD� (which, as a writer, is a reader I reaaaaallly don’t want to be :)). But I do think that in this case I got in the way of myself, because I had clear ideas about what *I* would do with the situation she developed, so instead of ending up loving the books, which I hoped to, I only liked them all right.
Although–to counter the kind of snively “she didn’t write the book I wanted�, I have to say that one of the major effects of The Thing I Didn’t Like, in tandem with the main character’s established magic, was really nicely thought out and implemented, and I liked that a *lot*.
I think that for a rarity I might actually go into major and specific spoilers, because I’d actually like to talk about what didn’t work for me, so I’ll stick those behind a spoiler tag. You have been warned.
Anyway, yeah. It’s not actually all that often I read things and go “That’s not how I would have done it,� (although it happens more with urban fantasy, unsurprisingly, than anything else), but in this case, I think I definitely got in the way of myself as a reader being able to enjoy the books for what they were.
The answer is that she sort of did, which means I’m not quite at the place of being That Reader sniveling, “I didn’t like this book because the writer didn’t do WHAT I THOUGHT SHE SHOULD� (which, as a writer, is a reader I reaaaaallly don’t want to be :)). But I do think that in this case I got in the way of myself, because I had clear ideas about what *I* would do with the situation she developed, so instead of ending up loving the books, which I hoped to, I only liked them all right.
Although–to counter the kind of snively “she didn’t write the book I wanted�, I have to say that one of the major effects of The Thing I Didn’t Like, in tandem with the main character’s established magic, was really nicely thought out and implemented, and I liked that a *lot*.
I think that for a rarity I might actually go into major and specific spoilers, because I’d actually like to talk about what didn’t work for me, so I’ll stick those behind a spoiler tag. You have been warned.
Anyway, yeah. It’s not actually all that often I read things and go “That’s not how I would have done it,� (although it happens more with urban fantasy, unsurprisingly, than anything else), but in this case, I think I definitely got in the way of myself as a reader being able to enjoy the books for what they were.
November 10, 2012
The WVMP series is different from almost any other “vampire� series you ever read, it follows one female for the life of the series and in addition to the plots and subplots the main theme throughout the books is the romance between her and Shane (an undead DJ), I took this assignment on due to the "Rock & Roll" aspect of the books but that quickly becomes a secondary thing as you follow the life of Ciera Griffin. The difference I mentioned is with the vampires as the author writes them, in her version of vampires they are attached to the times they lived in and are somewhat ‘locked� on the time period they were turned into vampires, which gives a bit of depth to several of the subplots. They all are OCD to some degree (some more than others) and it adds a bit of lightness to some of the darkness of these books, I think one of the things I slowly enjoyed somewhere along the line was the authors ability to mix the light and dark aspects of these stories without coming off as inappropriate or stupid.
The last book in the series Lust For Life will be released on Nov 27th of 2012 and the series will end, the book closes pretty much all the loose ends and the hoped for HEA everyone has been looking for will be decided and it won’t be what you thought it would be. Ciera and Shane have weathered many storms in their struggles which revolved around a core of amazing characters (most vampires) who pose as DJs at the WVMP radio station playing music from the age they were when they were “turned� and it plays well. The picture of vampires presented in these books is far from the all powerful creatures in most other PNR/UF type novels, these are people with problems and emotions.
As far as the HEA I can only say the books ends in a suitable fashion and as with most good authors we are hit with an unexpected ending, but be forewarned that there is some tragedy along the way in these novels that you don't see coming (as most really good series have) which adds to the emotional impact of the series. This is an amazing series but, I fear the slow start is what doomed it although it has taken over 3 years to get the series to this point. I don't usually give a high recommendation to a series that moves as slowly as this one did but if you can hang in there with it by about halfway through book 2 you will be glad you did, the story picks up speed and the climatic ending will be appreciated by all readers
The last book in the series Lust For Life will be released on Nov 27th of 2012 and the series will end, the book closes pretty much all the loose ends and the hoped for HEA everyone has been looking for will be decided and it won’t be what you thought it would be. Ciera and Shane have weathered many storms in their struggles which revolved around a core of amazing characters (most vampires) who pose as DJs at the WVMP radio station playing music from the age they were when they were “turned� and it plays well. The picture of vampires presented in these books is far from the all powerful creatures in most other PNR/UF type novels, these are people with problems and emotions.
As far as the HEA I can only say the books ends in a suitable fashion and as with most good authors we are hit with an unexpected ending, but be forewarned that there is some tragedy along the way in these novels that you don't see coming (as most really good series have) which adds to the emotional impact of the series. This is an amazing series but, I fear the slow start is what doomed it although it has taken over 3 years to get the series to this point. I don't usually give a high recommendation to a series that moves as slowly as this one did but if you can hang in there with it by about halfway through book 2 you will be glad you did, the story picks up speed and the climatic ending will be appreciated by all readers
December 2, 2012
4.2 stars
After the events in the novella, , Ciara and her fiancé, Shane, are preparing for their upcoming nuptials while keep getting training as Control agents. But it all changes when suddenly returns (prison break?) and Shane kills him without question and now protégés are coming for revenge ...
---------------------
This is the last book from the WVMP Radio series and as always with end of a series, I'm sad to bid adieu to these characters. It might not be as action-pack like other series finale that I have read this year, but it still gives good conclusion to end everything, while still offering some twists.
It starts rather 'calm' ... Shane is honing his fighting skills, Ciara is preparing their wedding (well, her best friend-Lori is, but Ciara is getting along for the ride). Until , who turned into bad guy, surrendering to his madness, in the novella, suddenly returns. His death disrupts the 'life' of his protégés due to the bond between Maker-protégé.
I am truly awed with Ciara and Shane's abilities here ... which finally shine and they're just mind-blowing: .
There's a new additional character, Adrian, who comes to WVMP Radio as a DJ to replace . I wish he comes sooner, because he seems to be a good match for grumpy Franklin. Sad that I will only know him for one book.
Thanks for a very entertaining series, Ms. Smith-Ready.
After the events in the novella, , Ciara and her fiancé, Shane, are preparing for their upcoming nuptials while keep getting training as Control agents. But it all changes when suddenly returns (prison break?) and Shane kills him without question and now protégés are coming for revenge ...
---------------------
This is the last book from the WVMP Radio series and as always with end of a series, I'm sad to bid adieu to these characters. It might not be as action-pack like other series finale that I have read this year, but it still gives good conclusion to end everything, while still offering some twists.
It starts rather 'calm' ... Shane is honing his fighting skills, Ciara is preparing their wedding (well, her best friend-Lori is, but Ciara is getting along for the ride). Until , who turned into bad guy, surrendering to his madness, in the novella, suddenly returns. His death disrupts the 'life' of his protégés due to the bond between Maker-protégé.
I am truly awed with Ciara and Shane's abilities here ... which finally shine and they're just mind-blowing: .
There's a new additional character, Adrian, who comes to WVMP Radio as a DJ to replace . I wish he comes sooner, because he seems to be a good match for grumpy Franklin. Sad that I will only know him for one book.
Thanks for a very entertaining series, Ms. Smith-Ready.
December 18, 2012
The wrap-up of a series is always tricky, but I thought this one did it quite well. These books were always just about people, whether they happened to be human or vampire or have other situations they had to deal with, the central characters in the story treat them all the same, all like people. It seems like what comes across in the story is that our basic humanity, the emotional level of connection with others that involves love and empathy and caring for one another. And the music! I just thought that this adventure in this book really emphasized the emotional and moral aspects of the tale that Smith-Ready wanted to tell without being preachy or heavy. She made it into something that was provocative and could be the foundation of many debates, but was still appropriate for an actively-paced urban fantasy book, or discussion over pancakes and omelets.
On a more personal note, it's a shame that our real dogs can't live forever like dear Dexter,the vampire dog. My condolences to Smith-Ready on the loss of her dear Meadow, the lovely greyhound, who has gone over the rainbow bridge. May she run fast and free.
On a more personal note, it's a shame that our real dogs can't live forever like dear Dexter,the vampire dog. My condolences to Smith-Ready on the loss of her dear Meadow, the lovely greyhound, who has gone over the rainbow bridge. May she run fast and free.
December 31, 2012
SOB...NO!!!...WHAT?!?!?!...PHEW! HAPPY SIGH :) HMM...
Those were my reactions after reading the final pages of LUST FOR LIFE, the final book in the WVMP series. Not only was I bombarded with all the emotions you would expect when saying goodbye to some of your favorite characters but I was also truly surprised and shocked. The turn of events were mind boggling. So much so that I'm still trying to wrap my head around what happened. Many questions were answered and yet...I'm left wondering about what it all means. Regardless, I will dearly miss Ciara, Shane and the rest of the wacky yet lovable vamp DJ's of WVMP, The Lifeblood of Rock 'n' Roll!
More thoughts to come...
*wandering off to think some more about how this series ended and to load my favorite 90's songs into my ipod in honor of Shane McAllister, my favorite grunge DJ*
Those were my reactions after reading the final pages of LUST FOR LIFE, the final book in the WVMP series. Not only was I bombarded with all the emotions you would expect when saying goodbye to some of your favorite characters but I was also truly surprised and shocked. The turn of events were mind boggling. So much so that I'm still trying to wrap my head around what happened. Many questions were answered and yet...I'm left wondering about what it all means. Regardless, I will dearly miss Ciara, Shane and the rest of the wacky yet lovable vamp DJ's of WVMP, The Lifeblood of Rock 'n' Roll!
More thoughts to come...
*wandering off to think some more about how this series ended and to load my favorite 90's songs into my ipod in honor of Shane McAllister, my favorite grunge DJ*
May 24, 2017
I liked the first two in the series, the third was okay and this final installment just didn't do it for me. It just came across as cheesy, implausible and rushed. There are some unexpected (and unrealistic) twists that are surprising but again implausible and just seem to come out of left field.
Unfortunately I didn't know about Let it Bleed (#3.5) before I read this so a great chunk of the plot was missing the backstory. Though you can almost figure out what happened, I'd recommend reading Let it Bleed before attempting the conclusion.
Unfortunately I didn't know about Let it Bleed (#3.5) before I read this so a great chunk of the plot was missing the backstory. Though you can almost figure out what happened, I'd recommend reading Let it Bleed before attempting the conclusion.
March 17, 2024
A satisfying ending to the series!
I’ve enjoyed this series because it has two things I really like, music & vampires. I’m huge lover of music and the playlists for each book was spot on. I often played the songs while listening to certain scenes.
I’ve enjoyed this series because it has two things I really like, music & vampires. I’m huge lover of music and the playlists for each book was spot on. I often played the songs while listening to certain scenes.
June 2, 2022
Rated 2.5 really.
Excerpt from my review - originally published at .
Pros: Original take on the overused vampire theme. Right amount of action and drama.
Cons: The final resolution is a bit too convenient and over the top for my tastes...though there were hints in the book (that I apparently decided not to take. All my fault, I suppose). There's an unlikely love story - which, on top of that, lacks real closure - and some of our old vamp friends get too little screen time.
Will appeal to: Those who crave for a happy ending more than yours truly does...
I'm perfectly aware that I tend to have very high standards when it comes to...well, pretty much everything LOL. Don't get me wrong, I can stomach cheesy stuff, and even like it more than "sensible" one. [That's why I'd choose Haven over Under the Dome anytime. Also, Duke is fun ;) - which is a bonus]. But there are two things that irritate me to no end: 1) sappy romances; 2) contrived happy endings. I wouldn't go as far as saying that Smith-Ready incurred in both these (for me) unforgivable sins while writing Lust for Life, because she's too intelligent for that. Nevertheless, she came fairly close.
Not that there weren't clues about said ending, so I suppose it shouldn't have sounded as outrageous as it did to me. Heck, the first clue is even incorporated into the introductory playlist...
...Not to mention a few hints here and there in the dialogues (though they are apparently supposed to work in reverse, planting the opposite suggestion in our minds). And not to mention that Smith-Ready has been slowly driving Ciara into a corner, first with the vampire thing, then with a peculiar effect that such vampiric condition has on her. So, it's not like there are tons of ways out of all that. Upon closing the book, and especially after rereading it, I could see a clear, deliberate pattern, spun since the very first installment of the series. But this didn't prevent me to feel partly cheated. To me, it's like Smith-Ready played with a huge card slipped into her original deck when we weren't looking. Magic I can deal with - but what happens with Ciara and Shane is like a whole new rule has been added to their game just in order to let them win. Because even with their respective powers woven together, what happens is too much for me to swallow - it sounds like they have to get a happy ending at all costs. Also, said ending has a sappy flavour I've never tasted all the series through. On the other hand, I don't know how else the saga could have ended - but again, I'm not the author, so it's not like I should have an alternate finale myself. (Though the thing-that-shall-go-unnamed crossed my mind of course, only I thought it could happen in a more...plausible? way). What I know is, I feel cheated.
Also, with the grand dénouement, most of the characters sort of freeze and hardly get screen time anymore. It feels rushed, though it probably isn't, given the time and dedication Smith-Ready gave to this novel. But it's like they aren't important anymore, after Ciara and Shane get their happy ending.
So yes. I feel cheated. [...]
Whole review .
Excerpt from my review - originally published at .
Pros: Original take on the overused vampire theme. Right amount of action and drama.
Cons: The final resolution is a bit too convenient and over the top for my tastes...though there were hints in the book (that I apparently decided not to take. All my fault, I suppose). There's an unlikely love story - which, on top of that, lacks real closure - and some of our old vamp friends get too little screen time.
Will appeal to: Those who crave for a happy ending more than yours truly does...
I'm perfectly aware that I tend to have very high standards when it comes to...well, pretty much everything LOL. Don't get me wrong, I can stomach cheesy stuff, and even like it more than "sensible" one. [That's why I'd choose Haven over Under the Dome anytime. Also, Duke is fun ;) - which is a bonus]. But there are two things that irritate me to no end: 1) sappy romances; 2) contrived happy endings. I wouldn't go as far as saying that Smith-Ready incurred in both these (for me) unforgivable sins while writing Lust for Life, because she's too intelligent for that. Nevertheless, she came fairly close.
Not that there weren't clues about said ending, so I suppose it shouldn't have sounded as outrageous as it did to me. Heck, the first clue is even incorporated into the introductory playlist...
...Not to mention a few hints here and there in the dialogues (though they are apparently supposed to work in reverse, planting the opposite suggestion in our minds). And not to mention that Smith-Ready has been slowly driving Ciara into a corner, first with the vampire thing, then with a peculiar effect that such vampiric condition has on her. So, it's not like there are tons of ways out of all that. Upon closing the book, and especially after rereading it, I could see a clear, deliberate pattern, spun since the very first installment of the series. But this didn't prevent me to feel partly cheated. To me, it's like Smith-Ready played with a huge card slipped into her original deck when we weren't looking. Magic I can deal with - but what happens with Ciara and Shane is like a whole new rule has been added to their game just in order to let them win. Because even with their respective powers woven together, what happens is too much for me to swallow - it sounds like they have to get a happy ending at all costs. Also, said ending has a sappy flavour I've never tasted all the series through. On the other hand, I don't know how else the saga could have ended - but again, I'm not the author, so it's not like I should have an alternate finale myself. (Though the thing-that-shall-go-unnamed crossed my mind of course, only I thought it could happen in a more...plausible? way). What I know is, I feel cheated.
Also, with the grand dénouement, most of the characters sort of freeze and hardly get screen time anymore. It feels rushed, though it probably isn't, given the time and dedication Smith-Ready gave to this novel. But it's like they aren't important anymore, after Ciara and Shane get their happy ending.
So yes. I feel cheated. [...]
Whole review .
December 11, 2012
I always feel a little empty reading the final book in an amazing series, but when the ending is perfect, it's hard not to feel happy and sure that the story finished exactly how it was meant to. 'Lust for Life' is that type of book. It's crazy, full of action and excitement and incredible love - it was an amazing ending to an equally amazing series.
We start the book with Ciara and Shane being busy adjusting to their new lives. Ciara is still learning all it means to be part of the undead world, while Shane takes up arms in the Control as one of their vampire Enforcers. But before they jump onto the Control-bandwagon for good, there's always time for a little celebration - or a big celebration, if Lori's in charge. A Shane and Ciara Vampire Wedding! However, just when you think everything's settling down, something comes alone to make trouble. It was bound to happen, nothing every runs smoothly for these two. They've created so many enemies and been involved in more supernatural drama than you could possibly imagine - to think they'd get Happily Ever After so easily would be some serious wishful thinking; but they handle the drama pretty well for people who have faced death multiple times.
What I love about this book is the way Jeri creates enough new problems and unknown twists to keep you on the edge of your seat - and trust my when I say there are some crazy and amazing twists in the book - but she also manages to wrap things up nicely. The issues had with Jim in the past finally come to an exciting resolution, and Ciara's anti-magic way of thinking is redefined, she's not quite the way she was at the start of the series. I am happy to say she remained a sceptic throughout the series; one of my favourite parts of Ciara's personality, because it helped shape who she was as a person. I would have been sad to see that part of her go.
It's no surprise that what I was looking forward to seeing most in 'Lust for Life' was Shane and Ciara's romantic life - not so much the heated sex scenes, but their intimate moments. I love seeing these two together, the comfort and emotion they share and bring out in each other brings a smile to my face. Ciara decides early on that she can survive anything as long as she had Shane by her side. As someone who isn't used to forming connections, she showed having them isn't so bad in the end. While Shane's desperate need to do anything to protect Ciara, though slightly powerful at times, showed the unlimited depth of his feelings for her. I can't get enough of these two.
I can't end the review without mentioning the DJs. Still a big part of the story, although not as much page time. I would have liked to see the DJs more involved in the action, but as a relatively passive bunch, hindered by their vampire natures, it's harder to jump into the action. But they were part of the most important bit of the books - keeping the "Lifeblood of Rock 'n' Roll" alive, There's no end to the musical influence in the series and I have a few more songs to add to my list of music to explore.
Finally, I need to give a special mention to the coolest human in the book - Jeremy. He made me laugh, and smile and even cry a couple of times, so it's only fair he gets his own little shout out!
I'm going to miss these guys, but I'm so happy they got the ending they deserved. Well done, Jeri!
5/5 stars
We start the book with Ciara and Shane being busy adjusting to their new lives. Ciara is still learning all it means to be part of the undead world, while Shane takes up arms in the Control as one of their vampire Enforcers. But before they jump onto the Control-bandwagon for good, there's always time for a little celebration - or a big celebration, if Lori's in charge. A Shane and Ciara Vampire Wedding! However, just when you think everything's settling down, something comes alone to make trouble. It was bound to happen, nothing every runs smoothly for these two. They've created so many enemies and been involved in more supernatural drama than you could possibly imagine - to think they'd get Happily Ever After so easily would be some serious wishful thinking; but they handle the drama pretty well for people who have faced death multiple times.
What I love about this book is the way Jeri creates enough new problems and unknown twists to keep you on the edge of your seat - and trust my when I say there are some crazy and amazing twists in the book - but she also manages to wrap things up nicely. The issues had with Jim in the past finally come to an exciting resolution, and Ciara's anti-magic way of thinking is redefined, she's not quite the way she was at the start of the series. I am happy to say she remained a sceptic throughout the series; one of my favourite parts of Ciara's personality, because it helped shape who she was as a person. I would have been sad to see that part of her go.
It's no surprise that what I was looking forward to seeing most in 'Lust for Life' was Shane and Ciara's romantic life - not so much the heated sex scenes, but their intimate moments. I love seeing these two together, the comfort and emotion they share and bring out in each other brings a smile to my face. Ciara decides early on that she can survive anything as long as she had Shane by her side. As someone who isn't used to forming connections, she showed having them isn't so bad in the end. While Shane's desperate need to do anything to protect Ciara, though slightly powerful at times, showed the unlimited depth of his feelings for her. I can't get enough of these two.
I can't end the review without mentioning the DJs. Still a big part of the story, although not as much page time. I would have liked to see the DJs more involved in the action, but as a relatively passive bunch, hindered by their vampire natures, it's harder to jump into the action. But they were part of the most important bit of the books - keeping the "Lifeblood of Rock 'n' Roll" alive, There's no end to the musical influence in the series and I have a few more songs to add to my list of music to explore.
Finally, I need to give a special mention to the coolest human in the book - Jeremy. He made me laugh, and smile and even cry a couple of times, so it's only fair he gets his own little shout out!
I'm going to miss these guys, but I'm so happy they got the ending they deserved. Well done, Jeri!
5/5 stars
December 4, 2012
Can I tell you how long I've been waiting for this book? Since June 13, 2011 when I finished Bring on the Night, WVMP #3. Okay that might not be entirely true, because during the time between last June & this release, Jeri Smith-Ready was writing Let It Bleed, WVMP #3.5. No matter what, when you love something this much any wait feels too long.
There're what seem to be a billion vampire stories out there; each writer puts his or her own spin on the species. The WVMP vamps are some of my absolute favorite, because they have your typical vampire things - immortal, drink blood, freakishly strong, can't go out in the sun - as well as some of your not so typical - compulsions and being chronologically stuck in the decade they're turned. They've got a skewed view of reality and have to make it through life without calling attention to themselves. Pair this with Jeri Smith-Ready's amazing flare for storytelling and smart writing style, and it's a total win. The radio station setting is genius (so much good music!), there's tons of action, and the cast of characters provides range and depth like even some of the most critcially acclaimed literature. I absolutely love the situations they find themselves in, often times hilarious but sometimes tragic.
This book was in one word satisfying. It's the perfect conclusion to the WVMP series, and it's totally in sync with the tone and flow of the previous books. I always fear for the books I've placed up on pedestals, because there's so much pressure for them to deliver. This is the 10th book I've read by this author, and you'd think by now I'd learn to put my trust issues aside. Never once has she let me down, and if anything Lust for Life exceeded my expectations. I had SO MANY FEELINGS while reading this book. I laughed, I cried, I sang songs in my head, I yelled and then I laughed and cried some more.
Part of what makes these books so special is how the characters become so real. They seem like people you'd meet on the street, get to know, become friends with. It makes me want to hang out with Jeremy when he's pulling his shift in the middle of the night, just listening to some tunes. I can imagine Franklin standing at his desk sharpening ALL THE PENCILS. I'm so sad to say goodbye to these characters, but I know I'll be rereading and revisiting them often.
So this is probably where you wonder how I can write this whole review without mentioning Ciara & Shane. LOL In an effort not to go all fangirly and spoil (I usually give away too much when I gush), I'm just going to say I love their forever. It's perfect and wonderful and everything they deserve to have. But you really need to read Lust for Life to see just how they get there.
There're what seem to be a billion vampire stories out there; each writer puts his or her own spin on the species. The WVMP vamps are some of my absolute favorite, because they have your typical vampire things - immortal, drink blood, freakishly strong, can't go out in the sun - as well as some of your not so typical - compulsions and being chronologically stuck in the decade they're turned. They've got a skewed view of reality and have to make it through life without calling attention to themselves. Pair this with Jeri Smith-Ready's amazing flare for storytelling and smart writing style, and it's a total win. The radio station setting is genius (so much good music!), there's tons of action, and the cast of characters provides range and depth like even some of the most critcially acclaimed literature. I absolutely love the situations they find themselves in, often times hilarious but sometimes tragic.
This book was in one word satisfying. It's the perfect conclusion to the WVMP series, and it's totally in sync with the tone and flow of the previous books. I always fear for the books I've placed up on pedestals, because there's so much pressure for them to deliver. This is the 10th book I've read by this author, and you'd think by now I'd learn to put my trust issues aside. Never once has she let me down, and if anything Lust for Life exceeded my expectations. I had SO MANY FEELINGS while reading this book. I laughed, I cried, I sang songs in my head, I yelled and then I laughed and cried some more.
Part of what makes these books so special is how the characters become so real. They seem like people you'd meet on the street, get to know, become friends with. It makes me want to hang out with Jeremy when he's pulling his shift in the middle of the night, just listening to some tunes. I can imagine Franklin standing at his desk sharpening ALL THE PENCILS. I'm so sad to say goodbye to these characters, but I know I'll be rereading and revisiting them often.
So this is probably where you wonder how I can write this whole review without mentioning Ciara & Shane. LOL In an effort not to go all fangirly and spoil (I usually give away too much when I gush), I'm just going to say I love their forever. It's perfect and wonderful and everything they deserve to have. But you really need to read Lust for Life to see just how they get there.
December 30, 2012
This is the last installment of Ciara and Shane's story. For me the book was tinged with sadness all the way through not only because Ciara and Shane's story is coming to an end but also because of events in the story. It opens with Shane's return from his indoctrination into Control, the agency designed to make vamp life easier and to protect humans from them. I was as disturbed as Ciara to see Shane go from grunge DJ to trained killer. The story mainly deals with the aftermath of psycho DJ Jim's staking in the previous book. Ciara is also dealing with disturbing knews about her future as a vampire. Ciara and Shane have a very sweet relationship. The sex scenes in this book are fairly tame but their love and lust for each other does shine through. I'm not really sure how I feel about the ending. It was definetly not one that I expected or would have chosen for that matter, but it did leave Ciara and Shane happy and at peace with their relationship. You really can't ask for more of a series' conclusion.
Although I felt the book was filled with tension and a bit of melancholy there were moments of humor. In Smith-Ready's vampire world vampires develop an obsessive behavior. Ciara's involves compulsively creating anagrams of words and phrases that she sees. She actually has to turn signs around to avoid it during important interactions.
I have really enjoyed the WVMP Radio series. Smith-Ready created a unique and interesting vampire mythology. I definitely recommend the enire series and of course this book is a must read for anyone who has read the previous books.
Although I felt the book was filled with tension and a bit of melancholy there were moments of humor. In Smith-Ready's vampire world vampires develop an obsessive behavior. Ciara's involves compulsively creating anagrams of words and phrases that she sees. She actually has to turn signs around to avoid it during important interactions.
I have really enjoyed the WVMP Radio series. Smith-Ready created a unique and interesting vampire mythology. I definitely recommend the enire series and of course this book is a must read for anyone who has read the previous books.
December 9, 2012
I'm completely unsure how to feel about this. The series definitely concluded, which is good. After all, it was time. This was not one of those series that could have had a long run. It would have felt like it was dragging. Everything worked out in the end, but it was a little too good to be true for me. I can't decide if I like the twist that happens a little past halfway through the book. I can say that I never saw it coming, though. I truly did not expect that at all. It just all feels a bit cheesy to me. The outcome of that change was just as unexpected. It's somewhat cool. I just don't know how to feel about it. Maybe it's a bit overly HEA for me. I still enjoyed the book. That twist just shocked me in a way that I don't think I quite liked.
Overall, I'm glad I read this series. It was most definitely different.
Overall, I'm glad I read this series. It was most definitely different.
September 20, 2013
Great story, and wonderful ending to this series. I held off reading this for a long time because I didn't want it to end *grin*.
This and other reviews can also be found on my blog and were originally posted there.
Lust for Life is the fourth and last installment in the WVMP Radio series. I kept it unopened on my kindle for a very long time, because this is another series I just don’t want to end! The ending, however is absolutely perfect! There is still mystery, surprises, love, friendship, loyalty, courage and romance.
This and other reviews can also be found on my blog and were originally posted there.
Lust for Life is the fourth and last installment in the WVMP Radio series. I kept it unopened on my kindle for a very long time, because this is another series I just don’t want to end! The ending, however is absolutely perfect! There is still mystery, surprises, love, friendship, loyalty, courage and romance.
January 15, 2014
Hmm, interesting story, lots of twists and turns, but failed to engage me. I've found this problem consistently across the three series I've read by Smith-Ready, they start off strong, really interesting concepts and world-building, and then my interest wanes ... Glad I finished the series (may have to read the 3.5 novella for total closure), but I'm also glad it's done.
I'll keep the author on my TBR pile for now, but she's not on the "must read right now" part of the pile.
I'll keep the author on my TBR pile for now, but she's not on the "must read right now" part of the pile.
February 18, 2020
This has been one of my absolute favourite paranormal series'. I love vampire books when they're well done, and this series has changed and grown and kept me surprised all the way through.
Knowing this was the final book that would wrap up the series, I wondered where Ciara and Shane would end up. The author had an exciting plan for the last book, and there is no shortage of drama suspense and scary moments for these characters.
I admit that I was briefly concerned when because that wouldn't have been where I'd have gone with the story. But the author knew what she was doing, and by the end I was just fine with how things ended up. She knows her characters, and she created a very strong ending for the series.
This is the final book in a four-book series, so if you are interested, you should really read the books in order [first book: Wicked Game] because this is a continuing story line and should be read in order.
The things I've loved most about this series are:
1) Ciara - her con-artist past and complete lack of belief in anything made her the perfect main character for the weird world she ends up in, and the perfect foil for everything that happens next.
2) Shane - is the polar opposite of Ciara, but manages to be the perfect mate for her. He is the sweetest vampire I've ever come across and it's nearly impossible not to fall in love with him.
3) The sarcastic humour that spans all the books in this series. Usually the snark comes from Ciara, but other characters get their opportunities to be sarcastically funny too, and its a great feature of this whole series that I loved.
If you like vampires and music, this series is a must-read. I loved every book and am only sorry that it's over, although I'm very happy with how the author wrapped everything up. It was perfect.
Knowing this was the final book that would wrap up the series, I wondered where Ciara and Shane would end up. The author had an exciting plan for the last book, and there is no shortage of drama suspense and scary moments for these characters.
I admit that I was briefly concerned when because that wouldn't have been where I'd have gone with the story. But the author knew what she was doing, and by the end I was just fine with how things ended up. She knows her characters, and she created a very strong ending for the series.
This is the final book in a four-book series, so if you are interested, you should really read the books in order [first book: Wicked Game] because this is a continuing story line and should be read in order.
The things I've loved most about this series are:
1) Ciara - her con-artist past and complete lack of belief in anything made her the perfect main character for the weird world she ends up in, and the perfect foil for everything that happens next.
2) Shane - is the polar opposite of Ciara, but manages to be the perfect mate for her. He is the sweetest vampire I've ever come across and it's nearly impossible not to fall in love with him.
3) The sarcastic humour that spans all the books in this series. Usually the snark comes from Ciara, but other characters get their opportunities to be sarcastically funny too, and its a great feature of this whole series that I loved.
If you like vampires and music, this series is a must-read. I loved every book and am only sorry that it's over, although I'm very happy with how the author wrapped everything up. It was perfect.
January 2, 2023
Well, I think that this is the best vampire based UF series that I've ever read. And it is one of the few vampire only (as in no other supernatural creatures) series I've actually read and enjoyed from start to finish too. Never once did I roll my eyes or get irritated by something cliched or juvenile like I do in so many series, even the ones that I do enjoy. This is possibly because the series is shorter than many of the others I've read, and partly because of many of the choices the author made with her characters and how they speak and behave.
Not only is it somewhat casually inclusive in ways that is very rare in mainstream UF, but it is also steeped in the music culture of certain genres of various different decades throughout and has an awesome doggo! It also has one of the most appealing romances that I've come across in UF (as opposed to PNR where the romance is the driving factor) and actually had me shedding a tear or two in quite a number of places, especially in this series finale.
And the fact that the female MC is not a Mary Sue type character like so many others (that I still enjoy anyway though!) is an added bonus.
The only criticism I think is worth mentioning is that despite the huge emphasis on music throughout, it was somewhat only based on certain types/decades of music and not all that the DJs represented which is such a shame, especially as those left out were the ones I would have been most interested in. However, in books that doe engage pop culture, I totally understand that they are normally based on the preferences of the author which I think is what has happened here.
Overall, I am really impressed with this highly underrated series and am surprised that I've never heard it spoken about in the many groups I'm part of here on GR.
Not only is it somewhat casually inclusive in ways that is very rare in mainstream UF, but it is also steeped in the music culture of certain genres of various different decades throughout and has an awesome doggo! It also has one of the most appealing romances that I've come across in UF (as opposed to PNR where the romance is the driving factor) and actually had me shedding a tear or two in quite a number of places, especially in this series finale.
And the fact that the female MC is not a Mary Sue type character like so many others (that I still enjoy anyway though!) is an added bonus.
The only criticism I think is worth mentioning is that despite the huge emphasis on music throughout, it was somewhat only based on certain types/decades of music and not all that the DJs represented which is such a shame, especially as those left out were the ones I would have been most interested in. However, in books that doe engage pop culture, I totally understand that they are normally based on the preferences of the author which I think is what has happened here.
Overall, I am really impressed with this highly underrated series and am surprised that I've never heard it spoken about in the many groups I'm part of here on GR.
June 9, 2019
This series is so different from typical vampire books. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Fantastic world building,and character development. The playlists are wonderful,too. This is the final book in the series, and it wrapped up beautifully.
October 23, 2018
Well, this series is done. So sad. Great series!
November 29, 2019
Wish there were more books, but it was a fitting ending to the series.
March 21, 2020
Hot, Scary, Fun, Thrilling lives of a fantastic cast of Vampire DJ's spinning the music of their era's! Kept on the air by a great cast of 3 human office workers who love them!
July 17, 2023
Awesome series
October 28, 2012
Original Post:
FANGS, WANDS & FAIRY DUST
LUST FOR LIFE
WVMP Book 4
By Jeri Smith-Ready
Pocket/Simon & Schuster
Mass Market Paperback & e-Book , 352 pages
November 27, 2012
Be sure to visit Nov. 1 to 9 when the first three books in the series will be my US-Only prize in the FALL IN LOVE blog hop! COURTESY of POCKET BOOKS!
And, you can check out the series with book 3.5 LET IT BLEED a free download through JERI'S WEB SITE along with first chapters and some other short stories. Jeri is the author of the hit YA SHADE Trilogy.
Jeri shows excellent writing skills and an outstanding ability to balance plot and character to bring this series to life again in LUST FOR LIFE. I really enjoy the refreshing take on the "variables" in Jeri's vampires.
1. Over time vampires tend to get a bit wacky, even dangerous.
2. They are emotionally stuck in whatever time period in which they were turned. (You know the women at your college who still has a beehive hairdo, hmm?
3. Jeri has the coolest vampire death scenes: everything corporeal about them gets sucked into the "ether."IT would be a cool effect in a movie!
4. Ciara and Shane have an undead vampire dog, Dexter. I haven't seen a vampire dog before, although Julie Kagawa had vampire deer in her new series.
In the previous books in the series it must have been revealed that Ciara has anti-magical blood. It cures all kinds of scars. Apparently this does not bode well for her vampire hood. And that's one thing I really liked about this series, Smith-Ready bases vampirism on magic. There's no scientific explanation, although that doesn't stop The Control, an agency that monitors and polices vampires, from trying to figure it out. Leaving the whole thing in the realm of magic makes for much less in the way of mental conflict when reading fantasy.
Jeri gives the reader some foreshadowing of what's to come. But it is very subtle; just enough to push you in the right direction in a tension filled book. I was really surprised by the climax of the book. I would not have seen it coming in a thousand years. Ciara is willing to give everything up for Shane and it is very romantic. While I can see they love each otherr, the depth of that love must come from the previous books. They do have a healthy appetite for each other, but it's a couple of tastefully written steamy moments, not a book full.
The book could stand on its own, but I felt I had missed a lot; especially Ciara's background and the background of the creepy The Control. That was an aspect that felt kind of Cat and Bones-ish. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND LUST FOR LIFE but, I would recommend reading the entire series in order, or at the very least the interstitial online freebie, LET IT BLEED.
Visit November 1-9 for the FALL IN LOVE Hop to have a chance to win the three prior volumes in the series: WICKED GAME, BAD TO THE BONE AND BRING ON THE NIGHT!
FANGS, WANDS & FAIRY DUST
LUST FOR LIFE
WVMP Book 4
By Jeri Smith-Ready
Pocket/Simon & Schuster
Mass Market Paperback & e-Book , 352 pages
November 27, 2012
Ciara’s con-artist parents taught her three keys to survival: keep low, keep quiet, and most of all, keep moving. But managing WVMP, the Lifeblood of Rock ’n� Roll—not to mention becoming a vampire herself—has kept her in one place long enough to fall madly in love, adopt an undead dog . . . . and make more enemies than she can shake a stake at. A psychotic DJ, a wanna-be necromancer, and a posse of vengeful hippies would all love to see Ciara get her day in the sun—literally. To protect Ciara, her fiancé, Shane, has traded his flannel shirt and guitar for a flak jacket and crossbow. If she survives to walk down the aisle, will she recognize the man waiting at the altar? In this final chapter of the award-winning WVMP RADIO series, Ciara must decide who to trust, whom to love—and whom to kill.
Be sure to visit Nov. 1 to 9 when the first three books in the series will be my US-Only prize in the FALL IN LOVE blog hop! COURTESY of POCKET BOOKS!
And, you can check out the series with book 3.5 LET IT BLEED a free download through JERI'S WEB SITE along with first chapters and some other short stories. Jeri is the author of the hit YA SHADE Trilogy.
Jeri shows excellent writing skills and an outstanding ability to balance plot and character to bring this series to life again in LUST FOR LIFE. I really enjoy the refreshing take on the "variables" in Jeri's vampires.
1. Over time vampires tend to get a bit wacky, even dangerous.
2. They are emotionally stuck in whatever time period in which they were turned. (You know the women at your college who still has a beehive hairdo, hmm?
3. Jeri has the coolest vampire death scenes: everything corporeal about them gets sucked into the "ether."IT would be a cool effect in a movie!
4. Ciara and Shane have an undead vampire dog, Dexter. I haven't seen a vampire dog before, although Julie Kagawa had vampire deer in her new series.
In the previous books in the series it must have been revealed that Ciara has anti-magical blood. It cures all kinds of scars. Apparently this does not bode well for her vampire hood. And that's one thing I really liked about this series, Smith-Ready bases vampirism on magic. There's no scientific explanation, although that doesn't stop The Control, an agency that monitors and polices vampires, from trying to figure it out. Leaving the whole thing in the realm of magic makes for much less in the way of mental conflict when reading fantasy.
Jeri gives the reader some foreshadowing of what's to come. But it is very subtle; just enough to push you in the right direction in a tension filled book. I was really surprised by the climax of the book. I would not have seen it coming in a thousand years. Ciara is willing to give everything up for Shane and it is very romantic. While I can see they love each otherr, the depth of that love must come from the previous books. They do have a healthy appetite for each other, but it's a couple of tastefully written steamy moments, not a book full.
The book could stand on its own, but I felt I had missed a lot; especially Ciara's background and the background of the creepy The Control. That was an aspect that felt kind of Cat and Bones-ish. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND LUST FOR LIFE but, I would recommend reading the entire series in order, or at the very least the interstitial online freebie, LET IT BLEED.
Visit November 1-9 for the FALL IN LOVE Hop to have a chance to win the three prior volumes in the series: WICKED GAME, BAD TO THE BONE AND BRING ON THE NIGHT!
December 8, 2012
*Genre* Urban Fantasy
*Rating* 4.0
*Review*
Lust for Life, by Jeri-Smith Ready, is the last book in the WVMP Radio series. The series has been a lot of fun to read about and I shall miss it now that it’s finished its run. The concept of having vampires stuck in the time frame from which they were turned is one of the main reasons I read this series from start to finish.
The other is the fact that the author gives the vampires OCD in which they all have slightly eclectic itches like Regina being forced to count things over and over again and Ciara’s inability to look at a word without trying to augment it into several different words at the same time.
I loved Ciara Griffin and enjoyed the challenges that JSR has exposed her to. She’s feisty; she sarcastic, she’s got the world’s strangest bloodline that JSR calls anti-holy blood which allows her to heal vampires who have been exposed to holy water. It was her idea to change the radio stations call letters to "WVMP, the Lifeblood of Rock 'n' Roll" and ended up saving it from a corporate takeover in 2008’s Wicked Game.
Ciara is on almost everyone’s wanted list, either to kill, or to use because of her unusual blood. She was exposed to chicken pox and survived (Bring on the Night) because another WVMP vampire DJ turned her. She was conned into working for “Control� or the International Agency for Control and Management of Undead Corporeal Entities along with her boyfriend/fiancé Shane McAlister.
Now, in Lust for Life, her fledgling vampire existence may be coming to an end because of her unique bloodline. JSR still has several challenges (including new vampires who are loyal to Jim) and surprises left that readers will either find interesting or not in how it leaves both Shane and Ciara. I absolutely love Shane and Ciara as a couple. I love how they’re been tried and tested and yet never fail to remain absolutely in love even in the light of Ciara not liking to be bitten.
“I’ll follow you into the dark again,� I tell him. “A million times.�
He swallows, the sound heavy near my ear. “And I’ll lead you out again, a million times.�
Our usual vamp suspects are back as well: Spencer, Monroe Jefferson, Regina, Noah and Jeremy who is the only human DJ on staff. We also have the continued presence of Dexter, the vampire dog who has become a part of Ciara and Shane’s life since being introduced in Bad to the Bone.
I know I’ve probably said this before, but, the most interesting aspect of this series has been the fact that vampires play the music of the generation for when they were changed. In Shane’s case it was the 1990’s and grunge alternative rock. I doubt you’ll read anything like this again now that the series is sailing off into the sunset.
I’ve always loved that about this series. I like the different chapters being formulated around actual music and bands for which I’ve followed for many years.
In my opinion, you will get more out of the series if you read it in order. You will get to see how Ciara came to the station and her character changed over the course of 4 books. Her relationships with her best friend Lori also takes several twists and turns that you will miss out if you don’t at least read Let it Bleed. However, in lieu of that happening, JSR does a fair to midland job of reviewing what happened over the past few books.
The series as released:
1. Wicked Game May 13th 2008
2. Bad to the Bone May 16th 2009 by Gallery Books
3. Bring On The Night July 27th 2010 by Pocket Books
3.5 Let it Bleed June 26th 2012 Novella free on Author’s web page.
4. Lust for Life, November 27th 2012 by Pocket
Released for publication: November 27th 2012 by Pocket
*Rating* 4.0
*Review*
Lust for Life, by Jeri-Smith Ready, is the last book in the WVMP Radio series. The series has been a lot of fun to read about and I shall miss it now that it’s finished its run. The concept of having vampires stuck in the time frame from which they were turned is one of the main reasons I read this series from start to finish.
The other is the fact that the author gives the vampires OCD in which they all have slightly eclectic itches like Regina being forced to count things over and over again and Ciara’s inability to look at a word without trying to augment it into several different words at the same time.
I loved Ciara Griffin and enjoyed the challenges that JSR has exposed her to. She’s feisty; she sarcastic, she’s got the world’s strangest bloodline that JSR calls anti-holy blood which allows her to heal vampires who have been exposed to holy water. It was her idea to change the radio stations call letters to "WVMP, the Lifeblood of Rock 'n' Roll" and ended up saving it from a corporate takeover in 2008’s Wicked Game.
Ciara is on almost everyone’s wanted list, either to kill, or to use because of her unusual blood. She was exposed to chicken pox and survived (Bring on the Night) because another WVMP vampire DJ turned her. She was conned into working for “Control� or the International Agency for Control and Management of Undead Corporeal Entities along with her boyfriend/fiancé Shane McAlister.
Now, in Lust for Life, her fledgling vampire existence may be coming to an end because of her unique bloodline. JSR still has several challenges (including new vampires who are loyal to Jim) and surprises left that readers will either find interesting or not in how it leaves both Shane and Ciara. I absolutely love Shane and Ciara as a couple. I love how they’re been tried and tested and yet never fail to remain absolutely in love even in the light of Ciara not liking to be bitten.
“I’ll follow you into the dark again,� I tell him. “A million times.�
He swallows, the sound heavy near my ear. “And I’ll lead you out again, a million times.�
Our usual vamp suspects are back as well: Spencer, Monroe Jefferson, Regina, Noah and Jeremy who is the only human DJ on staff. We also have the continued presence of Dexter, the vampire dog who has become a part of Ciara and Shane’s life since being introduced in Bad to the Bone.
I know I’ve probably said this before, but, the most interesting aspect of this series has been the fact that vampires play the music of the generation for when they were changed. In Shane’s case it was the 1990’s and grunge alternative rock. I doubt you’ll read anything like this again now that the series is sailing off into the sunset.
I’ve always loved that about this series. I like the different chapters being formulated around actual music and bands for which I’ve followed for many years.
In my opinion, you will get more out of the series if you read it in order. You will get to see how Ciara came to the station and her character changed over the course of 4 books. Her relationships with her best friend Lori also takes several twists and turns that you will miss out if you don’t at least read Let it Bleed. However, in lieu of that happening, JSR does a fair to midland job of reviewing what happened over the past few books.
The series as released:
1. Wicked Game May 13th 2008
2. Bad to the Bone May 16th 2009 by Gallery Books
3. Bring On The Night July 27th 2010 by Pocket Books
3.5 Let it Bleed June 26th 2012 Novella free on Author’s web page.
4. Lust for Life, November 27th 2012 by Pocket
Released for publication: November 27th 2012 by Pocket
July 19, 2014
More Reviews Here:
It is no secret that I am a huge fan of this series. I have been DYING to get my hands on some more Shane ever since I put down Let It Bleed. When my copy arrived I was literally doing a happy dance around my house until I crashed into my sister and fell flat on the floor. Did that stop my excitement? Absolutely not, I bounced back up and continued dancing. So yeah, really high hopes for this book. Good news! Lust For Life was everything I wanted in the conclusion and more. Simply put, I loved this book.
Ciara (pronounced keer-ah) is one of my absolute favorite heroines. She is so spunky, strong, and intelligent. I love that she is capable of taking care of herself, but she will also ask for help when she needs it. She isn’t that annoying heroine that has to prove she is strong by doing something incredibly stupid on her own. I feel like Ciara and I would have a lot of fun together.
Okay now it is time for me to fangirl all over Shane McAllister. Shane is seriously one of my all-time favorites. I think I fell in love with him the moment Ciara found him sitting on her floor organizing all of her CD’s. He is just a wonderfully crafted character and I really love his relationship with Ciara. He is not your typical vampire love interest, but he is all the better because of it. Also the little speeches he gives are just to die for! I melt each and every time. I love that he has a darker side to him, but at the same time is so full of love and compassion. I don’t think anyone other than Shane could have gotten through to Ciara.
I love the relationship between Ciara and Shane because they work together. The problems they face do not cause them to drift apart, they face them together and it makes them a stronger couple. The things these two have to go through in this one pretty much broke my heart in two.
Jeri really wrapped up this series perfectly. I loved loved loved the way it all ended. It was not the ending I was expecting� not at all�. but it is the best ending she could have given it. I am not going to lie, when I finally realized where the book was going, I was a bit hesitant. I wasn’t sure if I was going to be satisfied with it. However, as I kept reading I realized that this is the way it has to be and that it really completed the arc of the story. Days later, I am still thinking about this book! It is one of those endings that will stay with you!
The plot was not what I was expecting. I thought I had a pretty good idea of what was going to happen in this book, but I was wrong. New villains are mixed in with some old ones and it all combines to make a crazy good journey. Poor Shane and Ciara cannot seem to catch a break; someone is always looking to kill and/or torture them for some reason or another.
For so many reasons this series is one of my very favorite adult series, heck it’s just one of my favorite series in general. I love the original take on vampires and I love the strong and memorable characters. This will be a series that I relive again and again for a long time.
It is no secret that I am a huge fan of this series. I have been DYING to get my hands on some more Shane ever since I put down Let It Bleed. When my copy arrived I was literally doing a happy dance around my house until I crashed into my sister and fell flat on the floor. Did that stop my excitement? Absolutely not, I bounced back up and continued dancing. So yeah, really high hopes for this book. Good news! Lust For Life was everything I wanted in the conclusion and more. Simply put, I loved this book.
Ciara (pronounced keer-ah) is one of my absolute favorite heroines. She is so spunky, strong, and intelligent. I love that she is capable of taking care of herself, but she will also ask for help when she needs it. She isn’t that annoying heroine that has to prove she is strong by doing something incredibly stupid on her own. I feel like Ciara and I would have a lot of fun together.
Okay now it is time for me to fangirl all over Shane McAllister. Shane is seriously one of my all-time favorites. I think I fell in love with him the moment Ciara found him sitting on her floor organizing all of her CD’s. He is just a wonderfully crafted character and I really love his relationship with Ciara. He is not your typical vampire love interest, but he is all the better because of it. Also the little speeches he gives are just to die for! I melt each and every time. I love that he has a darker side to him, but at the same time is so full of love and compassion. I don’t think anyone other than Shane could have gotten through to Ciara.
I love the relationship between Ciara and Shane because they work together. The problems they face do not cause them to drift apart, they face them together and it makes them a stronger couple. The things these two have to go through in this one pretty much broke my heart in two.
Jeri really wrapped up this series perfectly. I loved loved loved the way it all ended. It was not the ending I was expecting� not at all�. but it is the best ending she could have given it. I am not going to lie, when I finally realized where the book was going, I was a bit hesitant. I wasn’t sure if I was going to be satisfied with it. However, as I kept reading I realized that this is the way it has to be and that it really completed the arc of the story. Days later, I am still thinking about this book! It is one of those endings that will stay with you!
The plot was not what I was expecting. I thought I had a pretty good idea of what was going to happen in this book, but I was wrong. New villains are mixed in with some old ones and it all combines to make a crazy good journey. Poor Shane and Ciara cannot seem to catch a break; someone is always looking to kill and/or torture them for some reason or another.
For so many reasons this series is one of my very favorite adult series, heck it’s just one of my favorite series in general. I love the original take on vampires and I love the strong and memorable characters. This will be a series that I relive again and again for a long time.
December 5, 2012
Let me just say: I hate losing this series to finality.
Jeri captivated me with Wicked Game a few years back and ever since then, I've scurried to obtain her new books in the WVMP series. If you're just coming aboard, get out of here and go buy Wicked Game NOW.
For the fans of this unique vampire-DJ series, Lust For Life closed a lot of chapters. From Ciara's twisty-turny (sounds like something she'd say) lifestyle changes to Shane's metamorphosis from a slacker grunge-90s bloodsucker to well, what he ended up as (in favor of not spoiling), this book managed to catch them all and damnit, Jeri...leave new openings. New characters, revelations, possibilities.
Did I mention I hate losing this series?
Five stars on GR indicates "it was amazing," and yes, this book was amazing and I'm entitled to give it five stars and I did. Excuse my childish impudence.
It was not without flaws, as books go. As series-finales go, this was top-of-the-line holy hell WTF, wow, sob, etc, etc. As just a story, I'll point out what irked me.
Plot was quick and turned on a dime. There were times that I had to go back a page or two because I was like "lol, whut?" to figure out what happened. I know I was paying attention but this plot moves lightning quick.
Introduction of new and infuriatingly-interesting characters and scenarios/situations not played out. Adrian, for example. Hey! Not in the last book. [makes grabby hands]
The Agency stuff felt somewhat bolted-in and was probably my propensity to be bored by military/police-type geekery.
The whole book felt rushed and wow packed on top of wow somewhat jaded my potential to be surprised. Also, the two talents revealed on the last few pages for Ciara and Shane...cruel. Unless there's a possibility of a new book, in which I say go for it, so much more to be told.
The very special thing about this book was the happy ending. And not just happy, more like OMG, over-the-top-lollipops-and-rainbows-happy. Have I read too many horror and tragic books? Am I wrong for sobbing my up-way-later-than-I-should-have-been eyeballs out?
Yes, I cried. No, books do not make me cry.
Ahem. Well done, Jeri. Well done. :)
Jeri captivated me with Wicked Game a few years back and ever since then, I've scurried to obtain her new books in the WVMP series. If you're just coming aboard, get out of here and go buy Wicked Game NOW.
For the fans of this unique vampire-DJ series, Lust For Life closed a lot of chapters. From Ciara's twisty-turny (sounds like something she'd say) lifestyle changes to Shane's metamorphosis from a slacker grunge-90s bloodsucker to well, what he ended up as (in favor of not spoiling), this book managed to catch them all and damnit, Jeri...leave new openings. New characters, revelations, possibilities.
Did I mention I hate losing this series?
Five stars on GR indicates "it was amazing," and yes, this book was amazing and I'm entitled to give it five stars and I did. Excuse my childish impudence.
It was not without flaws, as books go. As series-finales go, this was top-of-the-line holy hell WTF, wow, sob, etc, etc. As just a story, I'll point out what irked me.
Plot was quick and turned on a dime. There were times that I had to go back a page or two because I was like "lol, whut?" to figure out what happened. I know I was paying attention but this plot moves lightning quick.
Introduction of new and infuriatingly-interesting characters and scenarios/situations not played out. Adrian, for example. Hey! Not in the last book. [makes grabby hands]
The Agency stuff felt somewhat bolted-in and was probably my propensity to be bored by military/police-type geekery.
The whole book felt rushed and wow packed on top of wow somewhat jaded my potential to be surprised. Also, the two talents revealed on the last few pages for Ciara and Shane...cruel. Unless there's a possibility of a new book, in which I say go for it, so much more to be told.
The very special thing about this book was the happy ending. And not just happy, more like OMG, over-the-top-lollipops-and-rainbows-happy. Have I read too many horror and tragic books? Am I wrong for sobbing my up-way-later-than-I-should-have-been eyeballs out?
Yes, I cried. No, books do not make me cry.
Ahem. Well done, Jeri. Well done. :)
December 18, 2012
I was so sad to learn this was the ending to the series. I just didn't know how it was going to end. And I was going to lose my favorite vampire Shane. I will admit a lot of my attraction to Shane is the fact he is stuck in the 90's and he is a total alternative guy. I am the biggest 90s alternative fan ever so as soon as I knew this about him I was in love. But it does help that is totally sexy in his flannels and worn out jeans.
It has been a few years since I read the last book, I was kinda afraid I would forget things and not follow. But that just was not the case at all. I quickly picked it up and was instantly in love. Lust for Life was amazing. I was glued to the pages. And my goodness Jeri threw us for the biggest loop ever. So did not see it coming. I can't believe it happened. It was something I would have never expected. And I so can not tell you about it.This book just blew my mind!
Even though this is the last book we still get to go on one last crazy adventure.Not only do they escape a building being bombed but they are being attacked by other vampires. Then Shane and Ciara discover they are truly unique. Oh and we still get some nice sexy sexy moments. Even though Ciara is now a vampire and her and Shane should be able to count on a long future that is just not how it goes. They discover that the blood that made Ciara so unique may also be speeding up her vampirism.
This book ended just so perfectly. I can not even put into words how awesome of an ending it was. Even though I am sad to see it go, I will leave fully satisfied. The WVMP series has been such a fun ride. You will never find vampires like the ones Jeri created. I have loved every book in this series and couldn't have asked for a more awesome story. So, so long my favorite vampire radio D.J's I will miss you and all your quirks.
April 26, 2015
One of my favorite things about Jeri’s writing is that she sure knows how to close out a series. Lust for Life is every bit as exciting, engaging, and entertaining as its predecessors and everything wraps up quite nicely. I’ve definitely grown to like the characters over time and really get invested in Ciara & Shane’s relationship. Another thing I’ve come to expect with this series is that I never know where the plot is going to go! Jeri added quite a few twists, brought back some pivotal characters, and introduced readers to a few new and important ones. All in all, it was one crazy ride.
I know a lot of readers will like how Ciara and Shane’s relationship ends up, but personally, I thought it was a bit too convenient and it wasn’t what I was expecting at all. Jeri did a great job with weaving it into the story, explaining it all, and setting it up with the way Ciara is, but I was kind of disappointed it didn’t go the other way. Regardless, all the characters, once again, had a good amount of spotlight, and I like how Jeri can do that without it being too much. I also liked Ciara’s OCD as a vampire. It’s pretty funny and works its way in during the most inane moments, which made me laugh.
Lust for Life is a very nice conclusion to a very unique vampire story that I think a lot of readers will enjoy. Jeri makes sure to answer all your questions about this gang of vampire DJs and also leaves room for you to make what you will of them. If I haven’t said it before, this series is very much character-driven and Jeri knows how to create memorable ones that you’ll easily love.
I know a lot of readers will like how Ciara and Shane’s relationship ends up, but personally, I thought it was a bit too convenient and it wasn’t what I was expecting at all. Jeri did a great job with weaving it into the story, explaining it all, and setting it up with the way Ciara is, but I was kind of disappointed it didn’t go the other way. Regardless, all the characters, once again, had a good amount of spotlight, and I like how Jeri can do that without it being too much. I also liked Ciara’s OCD as a vampire. It’s pretty funny and works its way in during the most inane moments, which made me laugh.
Lust for Life is a very nice conclusion to a very unique vampire story that I think a lot of readers will enjoy. Jeri makes sure to answer all your questions about this gang of vampire DJs and also leaves room for you to make what you will of them. If I haven’t said it before, this series is very much character-driven and Jeri knows how to create memorable ones that you’ll easily love.
January 1, 2013
Get ready for the startling conclusion to the WVMP Radio Series, just as all hell breaks loose. Lives will be lost and wedding plans crashed as Ciara and Shane struggle to keep one step ahead of their enemies, and also save their friends from enemies coming at every turn. Jim, the hippie DJ has been locked after almost annihilating Ciara in the previous book Burn The Night, but nothing can stop vengeance as Jim escapes imprisonment and comes after Ciara.
In store for some action and face paced plot, then Lust For Life delivers as Ciara and Shane would love nothing more than escape the world getting married and continue their jobs at WVMP, but sometimes escaping the world has climactic consequences. Their day in the sun may come sooner than they ever expected when Jim’s progeny comes into to attack WVMP, Ciara and Shane when events in the book take deadly turns and Shane’s new training from Control may come in handy. But can the characters follow the main code of Control: “cooperation before killing,� when everything takes a turn for the worst?
Get caught as this epic series comes to a finish in Lust For Life, Jeri Smith-Ready’s finish to the fast paced, lovable characters at WVMP Radio, as they battle not only for their lives, but also their eternity. Ciara is not just battling the bad guys in this one, but also herself and her deteriorating health. Will there be enough time and will she keep her sanity as her vampiric essence is battling itself? Shane has to come to terms with his own responsibilities and also keep everything together to just keep to the wedding, because who says that eternity lasts forever. Love and life is always worth fighting for.
In store for some action and face paced plot, then Lust For Life delivers as Ciara and Shane would love nothing more than escape the world getting married and continue their jobs at WVMP, but sometimes escaping the world has climactic consequences. Their day in the sun may come sooner than they ever expected when Jim’s progeny comes into to attack WVMP, Ciara and Shane when events in the book take deadly turns and Shane’s new training from Control may come in handy. But can the characters follow the main code of Control: “cooperation before killing,� when everything takes a turn for the worst?
Get caught as this epic series comes to a finish in Lust For Life, Jeri Smith-Ready’s finish to the fast paced, lovable characters at WVMP Radio, as they battle not only for their lives, but also their eternity. Ciara is not just battling the bad guys in this one, but also herself and her deteriorating health. Will there be enough time and will she keep her sanity as her vampiric essence is battling itself? Shane has to come to terms with his own responsibilities and also keep everything together to just keep to the wedding, because who says that eternity lasts forever. Love and life is always worth fighting for.
Read
January 8, 2014WOW! This was a fantastic end to the series. I'm sorry it's done but I'm glad Smith-Ready didn't drag it out. She had a story to tell and she did it. There was a lot going on in this book with so many twists I stopped counting. The humor has been something I've enjoyed since the first book and this had me laughing out loud at points, even wheezing, I was laughing so hard. In addition to the humor, we get lots of action and some philosophizing, all wrapped up in a nonstop story that doesn't stint on characterization.
You can enjoy this book as an exciting story about modern-day vampires and a romance or you can go a little deeper and use it as a springboard for discussions about faith, belief, the afterlife, family, relationships, and responsibilities. Smith-Ready never gets preachy, she skillfully weaves everything together into a fascinating story that'll keep you up late reading to see what happens, who lives, who dies, which couples stay together, what do heaven and hell look like, etc.
One important note about this story: although there are 4 books in the series, there's a novella, "Let It Bleed", that occurs between books 3 and 4. You MUST read that novella before starting this book. It's available for free at her site. The events in this book derive from events in the novella; if you go from book 3 to this book without reading the novella, you will be very confused. That said, I hope that we might get a short story or novella some time, updating us on the characters and their lives.
You can enjoy this book as an exciting story about modern-day vampires and a romance or you can go a little deeper and use it as a springboard for discussions about faith, belief, the afterlife, family, relationships, and responsibilities. Smith-Ready never gets preachy, she skillfully weaves everything together into a fascinating story that'll keep you up late reading to see what happens, who lives, who dies, which couples stay together, what do heaven and hell look like, etc.
One important note about this story: although there are 4 books in the series, there's a novella, "Let It Bleed", that occurs between books 3 and 4. You MUST read that novella before starting this book. It's available for free at her site. The events in this book derive from events in the novella; if you go from book 3 to this book without reading the novella, you will be very confused. That said, I hope that we might get a short story or novella some time, updating us on the characters and their lives.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
Can't find what you're looking for?
Get help and learn more about the design.