RIPPLE EFFECT (A DARK HITMAN EROTIC ROMANCE) by KERI LAKE

 ‘For those of us in the flock, survival comes down to how well we manipulate, because a predator’s eyes are naturally drawn to the most innocent.’

We pretty much knew that by picking this four book serial up we’d be in for a violent twisted story that would have us gripped as we turned the pages. After all this is Keri Lake we’re talking about and once again, we were not disappointed! It was compelling, it was intense and it was utterly f**ked up. Just how we like it when we’re in the mood for something dark and gritty. We were hooked! Brilliantly written dark erotic suspense.

‘I’m ravenous and impatient. He makes me this way. He’s become my drug. The rush that excites me, and the high that keeps me addicted.’ ‘I want to absorb some of his pain, some of his punishment that surrounds him, and make it my own.’

We have to admit that we question if we would’ve enjoyed it as much as we did if it wasn’t for the fact that we read the four instalments in one sitting. The momentum would’ve been hampered, as would the uneasiness and utter intrigue we felt, if we’d had to wait. It became a race against time as we just had to know what was going to happen and how two completely messed up characters could find something akin to ‘normalcy’ in the shape of love and trust. So, we definitely recommend reading all four in one hit in order to truly feel the power behind the words; feel the impact of their crucial weight as ripples become a raging current.

‘She’s one of those rare finds that you stumble upon, covered in dirt and grime that, when you scrub away the tarnish, is actually a stunning piece of art.’

Dylan is a conundrum- her past and present all tied up haphazardly with a vicious blood-dripping bow. We get harrowing glimpses, ugly and extremely painful snippets from her past – there is no safety nor security in her life. Whilst there’s no question that she has her wits about her and a sharp intelligence with a penchant for striking back, she also has a caring and vulnerable side which she only reveals in part. This girl is overwhelmingly scarred and her consequent behaviour questionable at times. What she needs is someone who can match her in every way.

‘I’m a vengeance dealer. A mercenary. I feign loyalty to exact revenge.’ ‘There was a time I’d search for something about the bastards that would justify the kills. Something that would eliminate the guilt. Years later, I find myself searching for some reason not to kill. A glimmer of humanity inside of me. There’s nothing.’

Ripley is the ultimate anti-hero; a brutal killer with an urge for over the top violence.  He’s as dark as they come, conditioned to and for evil.  He’s enigmatic and a frightening force. With his own tragic and horrific past he’s a loner and reluctant to form any associations. Vulnerable? Blink and you’ll miss it … but is there a chance Dylan could expose it?

‘I hate that he has this power over me, but that’s the nature of Ripley and me. We’re fucked up- two wrongs that somehow make a right.’

Whilst being a thrilling and intricate storyline despite the excessively dark, raw and violent theme, there’s a thread of humanity pulsating through the pages which two desperate characters are clawing their way through life to grip in order to survive their respective darkness. Sometimes love comes in different guises and your saviour is who you’d least expect. When life is the actual nightmare what do you do? What can you do?

‘My little Bandit. My goddamn ruin.’