What do you think?
Rate this book
Vigilantes #4
Ballistic
From the author of Ricochet and Backfire, comes the final book in the dark and gritty Vigilantes world ...
Ballistic is a delicious twisty, dark and unputdownable book. Keri has ended this series of standalone books with a BALLISTIC bang. -Kathy Coopmans, USA Today Bestselling Author
A life for a life.
On the streets of Detroit, it’s the code we live by. You take from me, I take from you. A balance of power, and a ceaseless war between rivals.
As a foster kid from the projects, I never had much, besides an unshakable addiction to women and drugs. Only took one glance into the amber eyes of a slave for me to realize my two worst vices could be one and the same.
And the woman behind those eyes quickly became my obsession.
Nicoleta is more than she seems. An enigma I’m determined to crack before time runs out and our enemies hunt her down. Except, she moves by her own trajectory, an unstoppable bullet on the warpath to track down the men who murdered a girl from her past.
Me? I’m the rogue whose path is less predictable. A junkie, fiending for the one thing I shouldn’t want: the only woman who gets me high. I want to keep her for myself, but when the unstoppable bullet finally hits her mark and secrets begin to unravel, another life must be paid.
A heart for a heart.
***BALLISTIC can be read as a complete standalone.
Other Books In This Series:
RICOCHET
BACKFIRE
INTREPID
Ballistic is a delicious twisty, dark and unputdownable book. Keri has ended this series of standalone books with a BALLISTIC bang. -Kathy Coopmans, USA Today Bestselling Author
A life for a life.
On the streets of Detroit, it’s the code we live by. You take from me, I take from you. A balance of power, and a ceaseless war between rivals.
As a foster kid from the projects, I never had much, besides an unshakable addiction to women and drugs. Only took one glance into the amber eyes of a slave for me to realize my two worst vices could be one and the same.
And the woman behind those eyes quickly became my obsession.
Nicoleta is more than she seems. An enigma I’m determined to crack before time runs out and our enemies hunt her down. Except, she moves by her own trajectory, an unstoppable bullet on the warpath to track down the men who murdered a girl from her past.
Me? I’m the rogue whose path is less predictable. A junkie, fiending for the one thing I shouldn’t want: the only woman who gets me high. I want to keep her for myself, but when the unstoppable bullet finally hits her mark and secrets begin to unravel, another life must be paid.
A heart for a heart.
***BALLISTIC can be read as a complete standalone.
Other Books In This Series:
RICOCHET
BACKFIRE
INTREPID
376 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 30, 2018
89 people are currently reading
1887 people want to read
About the author
Keri Lake
41 books17.7k followersAuthor of gothic romance who specializes in demon wrangling, vengeance dealing and wicked twists.
I love connecting with readers, so feel free to join my reading group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thego...
I love connecting with readers, so feel free to join my reading group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thego...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
November 12, 2018
★4.5★
Ballistic is the third book in the Vigilantes Series. Although I highly recommend reading the entire series, each book in the Vigilantes Series can be read as a stand-alone. Dax Wolfe never forgot about the girl who was kidnapped before his eyes. When he is finally face to face with the woman he has obsessed over, she is broken and needs a safe place to heal. Nicoleta has not had an easy life and yet, she will do whatever it takes to get vengeance. Nicoleta and Dax experience an instant connection and although both have deep secrets and demons from their past, somehow together they just make sense.
🧡🔫 This is an (F)BR with Loyda, CC, and WAR! 🔫🧡
*ARC graciously provided in exchange for an honest review!
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
"...the highs and lows made up the good shit in life."
Ballistic is the third book in the Vigilantes Series. Although I highly recommend reading the entire series, each book in the Vigilantes Series can be read as a stand-alone. Dax Wolfe never forgot about the girl who was kidnapped before his eyes. When he is finally face to face with the woman he has obsessed over, she is broken and needs a safe place to heal. Nicoleta has not had an easy life and yet, she will do whatever it takes to get vengeance. Nicoleta and Dax experience an instant connection and although both have deep secrets and demons from their past, somehow together they just make sense.
"He fucked me in every sense, shattering the ice with each drive of his hips."Told in multiple POV, Ballistic offers a perfect blend of action, suspense, and dark romance. The plot is quite complex with multiple characters all fighting for what they want. The dynamics between Nic and Dax are quite intense as their desire to be together is equal to their desire to bestow revenge on their enemies. The pacing of the read is swift and as the intensity in their circumstances continues to build the lines between right and wrong begin to blur. There are so many unique characters in this series and as always Keri Lake has crafted an unforgettable world with unforgettable characters.
"A thrill rippled through me like flames melting my insides into liquid rapture, intoxicating me until my grip faltered and I couldn't hold on anymore."Overall, I highly recommend Ballistic and the entire Vigilantes Series to anyone who enjoys a dark romance with action, suspense, and smoking hot passion.
🧡🔫 This is an (F)BR with Loyda, CC, and WAR! 🔫🧡
*ARC graciously provided in exchange for an honest review!
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
October 25, 2018
5 STARS
If you've read any book by Keri Lake, then you already know that the woman can write a dark, gritty and captivating story like no other. She has this amazing ability to suck the readers into the dark abyss that are her books and keep them at the edge of their seat from beginning to finish. She'll throw twist after twist your way until you don't know which side is up. But one thing you'll know for sure is that you didn't just read a book of hers, you experienced it.
I've been waiting for Dax's story for what feels like forever. Ever since he watched helplessly as a young girl was driven away by one of the criminals he'd been after. He's been searching for her ever since, only to hit one dead end after another. Until finally he finds her. But Nicoleta is not at all what she seems. And Dax definitely never saw a storm like her coming.
While this is set in the Vigilantes series, you can easily read it as a standalone. Though I highly recommend the other two books as some of the story arcs do carry over. Ballistic was a whole different beast in this series with Nicoleta being the one seeking revenge. I loved the way that Keri Lake balanced the scales with the two characters. Nicoleta really took the driver's seat in a lot of the story, but Dax never blended into the background. He was no less alpha and no less intense in his need to be the tool she uses to mete out her punishment. I LOVED this delicious turn of roles.
Nicoleta was a mystery wrapped in nightmares; nightmares of a hell that she's lived through and a past she barely remembers. This is a woman that's absolutely shattered, but she's not weak. She's vengeance and hell, pain and retribution. She's a fiery ball of hatred and passion, and she was the perfect balance to Dax's intensity.
This was a dark and twisty page turner of a story filled with blood, vengeance, and a love amongst the ashes. It sucked me in right into the dark underbelly of the worst sort of underground crime imaginable and those that rose out of the ashes of the pain it brought. It was deliciously twisty. It had me a ball of anxiety with my heart in my throat the entire time. It made me cringe. It made me cry. It made shiver in anticipation. In a word? It was UNPUTDOWNABLE!
beta read
Find me on:
We were as tragically beautiful and fragile as a dead rose. Two souls, broken beyond redemption.
If you've read any book by Keri Lake, then you already know that the woman can write a dark, gritty and captivating story like no other. She has this amazing ability to suck the readers into the dark abyss that are her books and keep them at the edge of their seat from beginning to finish. She'll throw twist after twist your way until you don't know which side is up. But one thing you'll know for sure is that you didn't just read a book of hers, you experienced it.
I've been waiting for Dax's story for what feels like forever. Ever since he watched helplessly as a young girl was driven away by one of the criminals he'd been after. He's been searching for her ever since, only to hit one dead end after another. Until finally he finds her. But Nicoleta is not at all what she seems. And Dax definitely never saw a storm like her coming.
While this is set in the Vigilantes series, you can easily read it as a standalone. Though I highly recommend the other two books as some of the story arcs do carry over. Ballistic was a whole different beast in this series with Nicoleta being the one seeking revenge. I loved the way that Keri Lake balanced the scales with the two characters. Nicoleta really took the driver's seat in a lot of the story, but Dax never blended into the background. He was no less alpha and no less intense in his need to be the tool she uses to mete out her punishment. I LOVED this delicious turn of roles.
Nicoleta was a mystery wrapped in nightmares; nightmares of a hell that she's lived through and a past she barely remembers. This is a woman that's absolutely shattered, but she's not weak. She's vengeance and hell, pain and retribution. She's a fiery ball of hatred and passion, and she was the perfect balance to Dax's intensity.
This was a dark and twisty page turner of a story filled with blood, vengeance, and a love amongst the ashes. It sucked me in right into the dark underbelly of the worst sort of underground crime imaginable and those that rose out of the ashes of the pain it brought. It was deliciously twisty. It had me a ball of anxiety with my heart in my throat the entire time. It made me cringe. It made me cry. It made shiver in anticipation. In a word? It was UNPUTDOWNABLE!
beta read
Find me on:
October 27, 2018
Genre: Dark Romantic Suspense
Type: Standalone Book 3 of 3 from Vigilantes series
POV: First Person - Dual
Rating:
The moment Dax Wolfe saw a young woman slipped away into a lion’s den, he made it his mission to save her. His quest became an obsession fed by vengeance that would only be sated by street justice.
Nicoleta never had an easy life. Growing up, she had to learn to defend herself in order to survive. When she got tangled with dangerous people, she must find a way to free herself before it took her on a road she couldn’t come back from.
Dax and Nicoleta were two tortured souls and I like how they could connect through their dark pasts. She surprised me because I didn’t expect her character to go into the direction the author took her. I like how both of them had to keep up with each other.
I love the overall storyline with the unpredictable directions. However, there were several circumstances that I felt didn’t fully connect or resolved.
One of my favorite aspects of the author’s writing is the grittiness and the actions in her stories. Some parts of the book were dark and graphic, might not be easy for everyone to read. I like how it was enough to give an impact without going overboard.
Ballistic is a tale of retribution and finding closure. It would appeal to readers who enjoy romance with an edge.
Books in the series:
💥 🔫 💥 . . . (F)BR With Twinsie CC & Loyda . . . 💥 🔫 💥
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
Type: Standalone Book 3 of 3 from Vigilantes series
POV: First Person - Dual
Rating:
The moment Dax Wolfe saw a young woman slipped away into a lion’s den, he made it his mission to save her. His quest became an obsession fed by vengeance that would only be sated by street justice.
Nicoleta never had an easy life. Growing up, she had to learn to defend herself in order to survive. When she got tangled with dangerous people, she must find a way to free herself before it took her on a road she couldn’t come back from.
No, Dax and I were beautiful together—a messy painting, thrown against a canvas, that somehow came together in perfect balance. Both of us an intersecting dichotomy of good and bad, strong and weak.
Dax and Nicoleta were two tortured souls and I like how they could connect through their dark pasts. She surprised me because I didn’t expect her character to go into the direction the author took her. I like how both of them had to keep up with each other.
I love the overall storyline with the unpredictable directions. However, there were several circumstances that I felt didn’t fully connect or resolved.
I grew up keeping others at a distance, because I learned a valuable lesson early on: the more people in your life, the more times you could be hurt.
One of my favorite aspects of the author’s writing is the grittiness and the actions in her stories. Some parts of the book were dark and graphic, might not be easy for everyone to read. I like how it was enough to give an impact without going overboard.
Ballistic is a tale of retribution and finding closure. It would appeal to readers who enjoy romance with an edge.
Books in the series:
💥 🔫 💥 . . . (F)BR With Twinsie CC & Loyda . . . 💥 🔫 💥
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
October 31, 2018
4.5★★★★Stars
Genre: Dark Romantic Suspense
Type: Standalone Book 3 of 3 from Vigilantes series
POV: First Person - Dual
Dax Wolfe has been working for justice his entire life; after some dark times in his life he was bound to take his own hands into matters and make the world a little better; at least is what he tells himself every night. When he saw a young woman taken by dangerous people, he knew exactly what he had to do.
❝Sometimes, you have to sink to the very depths of humanity in order to find your own. ❞
Ever since Nicoleta can remember she was always alone and had to learn by young to never depend on others but herself. Survival is the only thing she has ever done and known. Soon she realized she was in deep trouble and she had to figure out how to get out of it without losing her soul.
❝I got lost. How deep into the void could one escape? Before the mind splintered and the spirit withered into desolation .❞
Dax and Nic were both had dark secrets which made them both guarded with their feelings. When things started to heat up between them they fought all the feelings away as much possible.
❝We remained lost in the unknown side by side, as if fate had swept both of us out, just to see if we'd make back alive .❞
Ballistic is a fast pace story, it kept me glued to the pages full of twists and turns and suspense. I absolutely loved the chemistry and relationship Dax and Nic developed which made the sexy scenes so much better. Overall, readers who enjoy dark suspense will find this book appealing.
Books in the series:
💥 🔫 . . .This was a (F)BR With CC & War . . . 🔫 💥
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
October 11, 2019
I swear, every hero I've met in these books has been incredible in their own ways. First there was Nick, who had lost everything in a night of horror. He was everything I wanted in an antihero. Then there was Jase, who also lost everyone dear to him as well. He ended up being a sweetheart stuck with a girl I couldn't stand. 🙈 In Ballistic we get Dax, best friend to Jase and a man who had suffered his own share of tragedy. After his foster sister was found beaten, raped, and dead, he promised retribution. He's hunted. He's killed. And he won't stop until they have all tasted his vengeance. I was already intrigued by the guy when I met him in Backfire, but in this book I found out he hunts pedophiles. My freaking hero!! 😍😍😍
Dax made it his mission to save the amber-eyed girl from Tesarik. He didn't know her, but she was one more victim he wasn't going to have end up like his sister. He had no idea what he was getting himself into because this girl, Nicoletta, was one twisted chica. Her story was a disaster. She was treated abominably from such an early age, and despite her intellectual promise, she hadn't amounted to anything more than a meat stick. She was abused, tortured, and violated. And yet, she wasn't broken. Her rage and hunger for vengeance kept her strong. Every man wanted her and she wanted no one. Not even the guy who was bending over backwards to help her. You know, the guy who risked his life to rescue her for no other reason than because of the goodness in his heart. But I digress. Together these two make a haphazard plan to wreak havoc and it was entertaining to watch.
While this wasn't my favorite book of the series, because it's practically impossible to beat my love for Nick in Ricochet, I loved getting to know Dax better. In all honesty, he deserved more than what Nicoletta had to offer. I was unable to form any kind of connection to her but that didn't stop me from enjoying the heck out of this book. And that epilogue Made. My. Day! With the calibre of stories found in this series, Keri Lake has found herself a loyal fan in me!
Ricochet - ★★★★★
Backfire - ★★★★
We were as tragically beautiful and fragile as a dead rose. Two souls, broken beyond redemption.
Dax made it his mission to save the amber-eyed girl from Tesarik. He didn't know her, but she was one more victim he wasn't going to have end up like his sister. He had no idea what he was getting himself into because this girl, Nicoletta, was one twisted chica. Her story was a disaster. She was treated abominably from such an early age, and despite her intellectual promise, she hadn't amounted to anything more than a meat stick. She was abused, tortured, and violated. And yet, she wasn't broken. Her rage and hunger for vengeance kept her strong. Every man wanted her and she wanted no one. Not even the guy who was bending over backwards to help her. You know, the guy who risked his life to rescue her for no other reason than because of the goodness in his heart. But I digress. Together these two make a haphazard plan to wreak havoc and it was entertaining to watch.
We remained lost in the unknown side by side, as if fate had swept both of us out, just to see if we’d make it back alive.
While this wasn't my favorite book of the series, because it's practically impossible to beat my love for Nick in Ricochet, I loved getting to know Dax better. In all honesty, he deserved more than what Nicoletta had to offer. I was unable to form any kind of connection to her but that didn't stop me from enjoying the heck out of this book. And that epilogue Made. My. Day! With the calibre of stories found in this series, Keri Lake has found herself a loyal fan in me!
Ricochet - ★★★★★
Backfire - ★★★★
October 28, 2018
4.5 Stars!
Dax Wolfe grew up in foster care and learned at a young age about cruelties and depravities. With a deep instinct to protect the innocent, Dax created his own network of justice. Needing to avenge his sister, he’s close to his target but complications arise causing Dax to modify his end game.
At 18 years old, Nicoleta (“Nic”) has already endured enough hardships than most people experience in a lifetime. Determined to make those who hurt her pay, she is fearless in her pursuit and uses every mode available to achieve what is necessary.
Though their introduction is fortuitous, Dax and Nic begin on unsteady ground until it becomes clear what each seeks. Not willing to compromise their objectives, this leads to a balancing game as Dax and Nic weigh the options. What ensues is combustible with Dax and Nic squaring off but not backing down. For both, they experience many firsts together and it emphasizes the connection they feel.
Told in dual POV, this complex plot landscape is immersed in an underground world of greed, immorality and corruption. Probing into darker subject matter, the narrative feels authentic in that these characters delve into their souls to survive and those who are stronger overcome but don’t forget. For Dax and Nic, their pasts are different yet converge in a way that unites their need to protect others from predators.
What I love about this story is how Dax and Nic are unique characters with their own vulnerabilities. While working in tandem strengthened their efforts, it didn’t stop either from acting on their own instinct – whether good or bad. Though previous books in this series had a stronger focus on the male characters, this one tilts a bit in Nic’s favor and it balances them as a couple.
Taking the reader into the decrepit areas of Detroit, Keri Lake crafts an edgy narrative that intensely captivates. Ballistic is an adrenaline-charged twisty plot steeped in a dark underworld full of shadowy players and the need for revenge. This book would appeal to those who enjoy a romantic suspense.
Vigilantes Series:
*An ARC was kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.*
*This was a (F)BR with Twinsie Hawkey, Loyda & Liz!*
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
Dax Wolfe grew up in foster care and learned at a young age about cruelties and depravities. With a deep instinct to protect the innocent, Dax created his own network of justice. Needing to avenge his sister, he’s close to his target but complications arise causing Dax to modify his end game.
“Unapologetically strong, yet unwittingly handsome. Probably what made him even more attractive – the guy didn’t even seem to notice the attention he stirred.”
At 18 years old, Nicoleta (“Nic”) has already endured enough hardships than most people experience in a lifetime. Determined to make those who hurt her pay, she is fearless in her pursuit and uses every mode available to achieve what is necessary.
“He hurt someone you care about. That’s why you carry shadows behind your eyes.”
Though their introduction is fortuitous, Dax and Nic begin on unsteady ground until it becomes clear what each seeks. Not willing to compromise their objectives, this leads to a balancing game as Dax and Nic weigh the options. What ensues is combustible with Dax and Nic squaring off but not backing down. For both, they experience many firsts together and it emphasizes the connection they feel.
“What started as a spark ignited into flames, as we burned with more intensity than I’d ever felt before. I let it consume me, reveling in that unforgiving scorch, as I pistoned into her tight little body with reckless abandon.”
Told in dual POV, this complex plot landscape is immersed in an underground world of greed, immorality and corruption. Probing into darker subject matter, the narrative feels authentic in that these characters delve into their souls to survive and those who are stronger overcome but don’t forget. For Dax and Nic, their pasts are different yet converge in a way that unites their need to protect others from predators.
What I love about this story is how Dax and Nic are unique characters with their own vulnerabilities. While working in tandem strengthened their efforts, it didn’t stop either from acting on their own instinct – whether good or bad. Though previous books in this series had a stronger focus on the male characters, this one tilts a bit in Nic’s favor and it balances them as a couple.
Taking the reader into the decrepit areas of Detroit, Keri Lake crafts an edgy narrative that intensely captivates. Ballistic is an adrenaline-charged twisty plot steeped in a dark underworld full of shadowy players and the need for revenge. This book would appeal to those who enjoy a romantic suspense.
Vigilantes Series:
*An ARC was kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.*
*This was a (F)BR with Twinsie Hawkey, Loyda & Liz!*
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
January 24, 2019
5+ Ballistic Stars!! Speechless! Just...wow.
People, if you are not intimately familiar with the name Keri Lake and you enjoy dark romance, you are SERIOUSLY missing out. This woman's work is brilliance! Delicious, dark romance at its very best.
Ever since the end of Backfire, I have been NEEDING this story, when we saw Dax catch a glimpse of this young stranger who he was desperate to save as she was being hauled away in the car of one of his worst enemies. From the word go, this book was an absolute roller coaster. If you've read the previous two books in the series (which if you haven't, I highly recommend you quickly rectify that because they too were awesome), then you know that the running theme here has been vigilante heroes who are out for revenge. Well here, the game is a bit different, because it's Nicoleta who is out for blood.
I am not going to give anything away. Really, it is best to go into this book blind. But, damn, every time I thought I had this story figured out, it would take a wild turn and all of my theories would go right out the damn window. Also, I like to consider myself a pretty tough bitch when it comes to dark romance. However, what happened to Nic...what she had to endure...about broke me.
She's highly vigilant of everything and everyone...understandably so. But watching her slowly warm to Dax just warmed my cold black heart to no end.
Dax is this fiercely protective, ruthless bad boy who you do not want to fuck with. But there is something about Nic that calls to every protective fiber in his body. But rest assured, he has his own demons he's fighting as well.
There are no words. I loved Dax so much. <3 They are wonderfully written characters with a terrible past, but together, they are pure beauty. Dax knows exactly how to handle her, and let me tell you, I could've read about 1,000 more pages of the healing and love as it blossomed slowly between them.
OMG, and the sensuality?! I will say NO MORE!!! (HOTTTTT!!!!)
This book sucked me in and did not let me go until the last word. It's an expertly woven tale, complete with the darkness of the real underbelly of Detroit...I really shiver to think about just how real some of these situations are. You can tell that this is an author who knows her stuff.
If you love a dark, kick ass revenge plot, (with some beautiful romance tied in) then this is a definite story for you.
All I know is, when it comes to this author and these Vigilante boys...
Diving right into Intrepid next!!
"We were as tragically beautiful and fragile as a dead rose. Two souls, broken beyond redemption."
People, if you are not intimately familiar with the name Keri Lake and you enjoy dark romance, you are SERIOUSLY missing out. This woman's work is brilliance! Delicious, dark romance at its very best.
Ever since the end of Backfire, I have been NEEDING this story, when we saw Dax catch a glimpse of this young stranger who he was desperate to save as she was being hauled away in the car of one of his worst enemies. From the word go, this book was an absolute roller coaster. If you've read the previous two books in the series (which if you haven't, I highly recommend you quickly rectify that because they too were awesome), then you know that the running theme here has been vigilante heroes who are out for revenge. Well here, the game is a bit different, because it's Nicoleta who is out for blood.
"I grew up keeping others at a distance, because I learned a valuable lesson early on: the more people in your life, the more times you could be hurt."
I am not going to give anything away. Really, it is best to go into this book blind. But, damn, every time I thought I had this story figured out, it would take a wild turn and all of my theories would go right out the damn window. Also, I like to consider myself a pretty tough bitch when it comes to dark romance. However, what happened to Nic...what she had to endure...about broke me.
She's highly vigilant of everything and everyone...understandably so. But watching her slowly warm to Dax just warmed my cold black heart to no end.
“You’d love that, wouldn’t you? You’d love nothing more than to have me hanging off your big muscles, fawning over you like those strippers.”
He lowered his hand from my face and his lips stretched to a grin. “Ha! I knew you were jealous.”
“No. Slightly disgusted, but definitely not jealous.”
“What did you do last night?”
“If you don’t let me go, I’m going to scream bloody fucking murder.”
“If you don’t start talking, I’m going to commit bloody fucking murder.”
"If he’d taken you away from me, I’d have gone fucking ballistic, because let me tell you, Lynx, you’re all that’s keeping me from taking a leisurely stroll over the edge of Book Tower right now.” The whiskey on his breath told me it was the alcohol talking, but that didn’t change the effect of his words. “So, as selfish as it may sound, I did it for myself. And I’d do it again. For myself.”
Dax is this fiercely protective, ruthless bad boy who you do not want to fuck with. But there is something about Nic that calls to every protective fiber in his body. But rest assured, he has his own demons he's fighting as well.
“This is going to hurt like hell when it’s over, Nic, but I’m too far gone to give a shit right now.”
“Dax, let me go. I don’t do the cuddling stuff.”
“Too bad. I do.”
There are no words. I loved Dax so much. <3 They are wonderfully written characters with a terrible past, but together, they are pure beauty. Dax knows exactly how to handle her, and let me tell you, I could've read about 1,000 more pages of the healing and love as it blossomed slowly between them.
OMG, and the sensuality?! I will say NO MORE!!! (HOTTTTT!!!!)
"Dax and I were beautiful together—a messy painting, thrown against a canvas, that somehow came together in perfect balance. Both of us an intersecting dichotomy of good and bad, strong and weak."
“Don’t hate me. You can hit me all you want. Take that shit out on me, but don’t hate me, baby.”
This book sucked me in and did not let me go until the last word. It's an expertly woven tale, complete with the darkness of the real underbelly of Detroit...I really shiver to think about just how real some of these situations are. You can tell that this is an author who knows her stuff.
If you love a dark, kick ass revenge plot, (with some beautiful romance tied in) then this is a definite story for you.
"Artists had their muses, stalkers had their obsessions, and I had Nicoleta."
All I know is, when it comes to this author and these Vigilante boys...
Diving right into Intrepid next!!
October 30, 2018
Keri Lake sure knows how to finish with a bang! Damn this ending!!
Ballistic is the last book in the vigilante series and I have to say I’m a bit sad to let this one go. I’ve followed Keri ever since Ricochet has been released and Dax’s story was IMO the most brutal. All books are dark but this one hit me stronger than the others have.
If you’ve read Keri’s books before you know her plot will keep you on your toes until the last minute and this one was no different. I thought I had it all figured until BAM a twist I didn’t see coming appeared and made me rethink all I knew!
Nicoletta was the strongest heroine I’ve seen in the series. She survived hell over and over again and now it’s time for payback. On her way to revenge she can count on Dax who has been looking for her for more than a year!
These two together have the same purpose but a different path and different ways of acting. They will have to meet in the middle and understand each other to find a common ground.
The intensity of the book keep growing with each page you turn. The level of disgust is unimaginable. I’m talking about the worst of the worst. The only light, if I may say, was the growing attraction of two people needing each other to find a little of solace.
Dax was not the guy I was expecting. Powerful and rough on the outside, he’s such a beautiful and kind soul. Driven by a strong moral he’s a vigilante taking things into his own hands when needed to be. Several times when reading I wish there would be more men like him in the world. I couldn’t resist him if I wanted and you won’t either.
Ballistic was one hell of a ride where dark meets light, where revenge is the only way out and where two tortured souls get to finally find some peace.
~I voluntary read a copy provided by the author~
Ballistic is the last book in the vigilante series and I have to say I’m a bit sad to let this one go. I’ve followed Keri ever since Ricochet has been released and Dax’s story was IMO the most brutal. All books are dark but this one hit me stronger than the others have.
If you’ve read Keri’s books before you know her plot will keep you on your toes until the last minute and this one was no different. I thought I had it all figured until BAM a twist I didn’t see coming appeared and made me rethink all I knew!
Nicoletta was the strongest heroine I’ve seen in the series. She survived hell over and over again and now it’s time for payback. On her way to revenge she can count on Dax who has been looking for her for more than a year!
These two together have the same purpose but a different path and different ways of acting. They will have to meet in the middle and understand each other to find a common ground.
The intensity of the book keep growing with each page you turn. The level of disgust is unimaginable. I’m talking about the worst of the worst. The only light, if I may say, was the growing attraction of two people needing each other to find a little of solace.
Dax was not the guy I was expecting. Powerful and rough on the outside, he’s such a beautiful and kind soul. Driven by a strong moral he’s a vigilante taking things into his own hands when needed to be. Several times when reading I wish there would be more men like him in the world. I couldn’t resist him if I wanted and you won’t either.
Ballistic was one hell of a ride where dark meets light, where revenge is the only way out and where two tortured souls get to finally find some peace.
~I voluntary read a copy provided by the author~
November 11, 2018
They say time heals all wounds. Maybe for some this is true, unless you’re me and you’d seen what I’ve seen. Sure you can cry, rant, and rave... even bellow at the grim reaper of death and see how well that works out!
Will you feel better and be able to sleep soundly at night? Will those lifelong memories fade into oblivion? When your arms are aching for just one more hug, one more embrace and those tears have long dried upon your face, will you be able to move on?
Monsters have a way of creating monsters, and well wait until they get a load of me! The final book of the vigilante series by Keri Lake...damn I don’t know how to let go. Not when this amazing author keeping pumping out some of the most twisted sick freak villains and unsuspecting badass I’ve ever read. I wasn’t kidding when I said I needed Jack Daniels and a box of tissues. You’ll feel the same way too.
October 28, 2018
I've waited excitedly for Dax and Nicoleta's story for months, and OMG, the gem Keri Lake delivered was everything I expected, and then more!
Dax has been looking for Nicoleta for almost one year after she was abducted by Tesarik, her father's enemy. When he enventualy tracks her down in one of Tesarik's compound of sorts, starts a frantic manhunt in the depths of Detroit. The atmosphere is dark, a true emotional rollercoaster with highs and so many lows I almost wondered how worse things could get. The answer: way darker than I thought. Ballistic treats with difficult matters: rape, child abuse, drugs, and more than I won't name here as they could spoil the brilliant plot. And to say brilliant is an understatement!!!
OMG the author totally blew my mind with this crazy storyline, twists, turns and revelations that had my head spinning in the best way ever. The bigger picture is simply beautiful. The intricate story gives the reader so many details, and by the end, bam, when everythings eventually clicks into place, I smiled so big at Keri Lake's talent!
Fast paced, adrenaline infused, Nicoleta and Dax's story also broke my heart and might even have contributed to the global warming with some extremely steamy moments. Ahhh...I wanna watch the sunset from the booktower rooftop, too (*wink*)!!! These two lost souls are totally messed up, both fighting their demons, and looking for vengeance. Nicoleta shows a resilience mixed with determination, rendering her almost unstoppable in her quest. But what I love the most in such a badass heroine is the moment when she let's her walls down. Dax showed her what love is; that good bad guy, caring and protecting, dangerous wolf had me swooning, utterly enticed by his complex personality. His and Nicoleta's story was a complicated and painful journey, one I adored exploring and that had me on pins and needles all along.
Congratulations Keri, so well done!
I VOLUNTARILY REVIEWED AN ARC COPY OF THIS BOOK. THANK YOU!!!
Dax has been looking for Nicoleta for almost one year after she was abducted by Tesarik, her father's enemy. When he enventualy tracks her down in one of Tesarik's compound of sorts, starts a frantic manhunt in the depths of Detroit. The atmosphere is dark, a true emotional rollercoaster with highs and so many lows I almost wondered how worse things could get. The answer: way darker than I thought. Ballistic treats with difficult matters: rape, child abuse, drugs, and more than I won't name here as they could spoil the brilliant plot. And to say brilliant is an understatement!!!
OMG the author totally blew my mind with this crazy storyline, twists, turns and revelations that had my head spinning in the best way ever. The bigger picture is simply beautiful. The intricate story gives the reader so many details, and by the end, bam, when everythings eventually clicks into place, I smiled so big at Keri Lake's talent!
Fast paced, adrenaline infused, Nicoleta and Dax's story also broke my heart and might even have contributed to the global warming with some extremely steamy moments. Ahhh...I wanna watch the sunset from the booktower rooftop, too (*wink*)!!! These two lost souls are totally messed up, both fighting their demons, and looking for vengeance. Nicoleta shows a resilience mixed with determination, rendering her almost unstoppable in her quest. But what I love the most in such a badass heroine is the moment when she let's her walls down. Dax showed her what love is; that good bad guy, caring and protecting, dangerous wolf had me swooning, utterly enticed by his complex personality. His and Nicoleta's story was a complicated and painful journey, one I adored exploring and that had me on pins and needles all along.
Congratulations Keri, so well done!
I VOLUNTARILY REVIEWED AN ARC COPY OF THIS BOOK. THANK YOU!!!
February 21, 2020
RATING: 4 'Elysian' HEARTS!
Ballistic is a riveting conclusion to the Vigilantes series, masterfully playing with the dichotomy between the dark depravity of humanity and the fragile thread of hope and resiliency of the human spirit.
“People will misjudge you. But don’t let them change who you are.”
Nicoleta and Dax are both awe-inspiring individuals—having been at the mercy of numerous travesties in life, yet still finding the fortitude to live day-by-day irrespective of the vengeful, antiheroesque motivation behind their mettle to survive. Their relationship unfolds in a heart-wrenchingly intimate tale, Ms. Lake’s exquisite storytelling not only immortalizing their love, but also composing characters that feel as tactile as our own flesh and blood, effortlessly tethering us to their every word and emotion so that we can’t help but embody their essence, feel what they feel, and be found as they find their version of happy.
“With every high, there’s a low to keep you humble and remind you of all the good shit in life…I want the highs and lows with you. Beautiful and the ugly parts, too. The turbulence and the calm. I want all of you.”
As much a romance, this story is also a thrilling suspense as the sinister and horrifying arc of snuff films comes to an (very satisfying) end. Overall, Ballistic is exhilarating, intense, and sexy, a story that will leave you breathless and reeling in the best possible way.
Posted: February 21, 2020
October 28, 2018
RTC after release date
Read
October 30, 2018For those who’ve patiently waited on Ballistic, I’m thrilled to announce that it's LIVE on Amazon! This is a bittersweet release day for me as it marks the end of the Vigilantes series **sobs**. But it’s a story I’ve loved every minute of writing, and I hope those of you who’ve stuck with me since Ricochet will find it to be a satisfying conclusion.
And as a thank you to my loyal readers, it’s only 99¢ FOR TWO DAYS ONLY or FREE with Kindle Unlimited!
ONE CLICK HERE → http://SMARTurl.it/ballisticamazon
And as a thank you to my loyal readers, it’s only 99¢ FOR TWO DAYS ONLY or FREE with Kindle Unlimited!
ONE CLICK HERE → http://SMARTurl.it/ballisticamazon
September 9, 2024
Ballistic is the final book in the Vigilantes series. Each book is a stand alone but as I've said before it's best to read them in order to get the full experience of this dark, gritty world Keri has created. Like all the previous books in this series Ballistic was a hard read at times and while the other books had the H's seeking vengeance this time it's the h. Dax has been looking for Nicoleta for a year after being so close to rescuing her from traffickers that use females in the most depraved ways. While Dax doesn't know Nicoleta he is obsessed with finding her. I can't begin to explain how much I loved this book. From beginning to end I was on edge, and just when I thought I had it all figured out I was wrong. This book had so many twist that I didn't see coming. Nicoleta had such a hard life and just expected that everyone wanted to use her. Dax's life wasn't easy either but together they were perfect. The Epilogue had me in tears, it's something that I had hoped for and when it came true my heart was full.
***ARC provided by Author***
***ARC provided by Author***
December 3, 2018
Review to follow! :)
October 25, 2018
I have been waiting years for this book; the wait was well worth it. Ballistic is not for the faint hearted. It's gory, bloody, dark, graphic and also amazing. It's beautiful too despite all the bad shit that goes down.
When Dax and Nicoleta were first introduced in Backfire I had a picture in my mind of what their story would be like and this book was nothing like that it was sooooo much better. It's multi-layered and twisty, I loved that most of twists blindsided me. I just loved the way the author crafted this story, mixing the present with glimpses of their pasts added depth to the characters bringing them more fully to life in the reader's mind.
I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend this dark, twisty and action-packed tale.
Copy provided by author
When Dax and Nicoleta were first introduced in Backfire I had a picture in my mind of what their story would be like and this book was nothing like that it was sooooo much better. It's multi-layered and twisty, I loved that most of twists blindsided me. I just loved the way the author crafted this story, mixing the present with glimpses of their pasts added depth to the characters bringing them more fully to life in the reader's mind.
I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend this dark, twisty and action-packed tale.
Copy provided by author
October 29, 2018
❝We were as tragically beautiful and fragile as a dead rose. Two souls, broken beyond redemption.❞
Oh, Keri Lake, your talent astounds. Your ability to share the stories that are playing in your head with your readers in such a way that they feel like they are watching a film is a rare gift. You are superhuman.
Dax, the brooding, tormented character who thrives on the rush of heights of all kinds, is a character that will thrill even the most skeptical reader. He is multi-faceted; he's strong in his weakness, and while he wants nothing more than to fight his battles alone, he craves Nicoleta.
❝The wolf who fell in love with the lamb.❞
Nicoleta, the mysterious, beautiful and cunning character, who daily finds herself battling her worst nightmare, wants only one thing more than vengeance, and that is the way she feels when she is with Dax. With him, she feels worthy, wanted and loved. She is a moth to his flame.
❝No, Dax and I were beautiful together--a messy painting, thrown against a canvas, that somehow came together in perfect balance. Both of us an intersecting dichotomy of good and bad, strong and weak.❞
The two set out to fight the dangerous underbelly of the dark web and to right the wrongs of their pasts. But when the past catches up with Nicoletta she fears Dax will never again see her in the same light.
I won't fool you to believe this was an easy book to read. There's something about reading that is more intimate than watching a tv show such as NCIS. As a reader, you use your own imagination and frame the situation so that it makes sense in your mind. Whereas when watching a movie or tv show, you are at the mercy of the director to present the story to you. Once again, Keri Lake breaks the threshold on my triggers. She's a pro at dark romance and knowing how far to cross the line while taking care of her readers.
'Ballistic' is a turbulent ride, balancing on the rails of good and bad, right and wrong. It thrills, frightens, and excites.
I was provided a review copy by the author. This did not influence my opinion of the book nor my review.
October 29, 2018
“We were as tragically beautiful and fragile as a dead rose. Two souls, broken beyond redemption.”
4 dark and twisted stars
Keri Lake takes us to a very dark place for her final book in the Vigilantes series. Like the rest of the books in this series, this book stands alone, taking us into the dark and depraved Detroit underground where only the strongest survive.
Nicoletta’s life has been a nightmare. A neglectful mother with an abusive boyfriend saw her find her way to the attention of a notorious crime boss, and now she’s held captive by a group of sexual deviants with unimaginably evil plans.
Dax is a badass antihero who takes pleasure in doling out his brand of vengeance to pedophiles and abusers of children. And when he learns about Nicoletta, he makes it his mission to track her down and rescue her. But getting her out of hell is only the first step, she has to withdraw from the drugs that have been forced upon her, she’s understandably distrustful, and she has her own mission of vengeance that she's determined to see through.
With danger closing in, Dax and Nicoletta team up to keep her safe and to take out their shared enemies, and it’s one hell of a wild, violent and twisty ride.
OMG, this books takes the reader to some very dark places. Beware triggers for childhood abuse, sexual abuse, rape, violence and torture. It’s pretty freaking depraved, but it’s the world that these characters inhabit, it explains why they are the way they are, and it shows the incredible strength that they have to overcome all that they have endured. Dax and Nicoletta’s need for vengeance is a palpable thing, I could completely understand why the needed it so badly, and while I celebrated their victories, be beware that it’s not easy reading.
But in the middle of this story of sexual depravity, violence and death, we have these two amazing characters who find a connection that neither of them were expecting. It all starts off innocent enough, with 30 year old Dax taking the role of protector and defender of 18 year old Nicoletta, but things slowly begin to shift, and the chemistry is fantastic! The attraction is so real, and even though Nicoletta is young, she’s been through so much that has aged her beyond her years, and she’s a fantastic match for badass-but-secretly-a-sweetheart, Dax (God, I love him!). Their coming together is fiery and passionate, but there’s so much emotion between them as they find redemption and solace in each other’s arms, as well as some very welcome moments of fun and beauty, and though it’s not easy, I loved watching it all happen for them.
But there are secrets and surprises, and the ever-present need for revenge, and the story twists into completely unexpected directions, keeping me guessing what was going on and what was going to happen, and it’s all really cleverly done. It’s intriguing and exciting, and as the story drew to its conclusion, I couldn’t put it down.
I really enjoyed this read. I did find particular scenes quite disturbing, but I felt fully immersed in Dax and Nicoletta’s world. I felt their pain and I celebrated their victories, and I loved both of them so much. And their love story was just gorgeous.
Another great read from Keri Lake, I loved this one!
4 stars.
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
4 dark and twisted stars
Keri Lake takes us to a very dark place for her final book in the Vigilantes series. Like the rest of the books in this series, this book stands alone, taking us into the dark and depraved Detroit underground where only the strongest survive.
Nicoletta’s life has been a nightmare. A neglectful mother with an abusive boyfriend saw her find her way to the attention of a notorious crime boss, and now she’s held captive by a group of sexual deviants with unimaginably evil plans.
Dax is a badass antihero who takes pleasure in doling out his brand of vengeance to pedophiles and abusers of children. And when he learns about Nicoletta, he makes it his mission to track her down and rescue her. But getting her out of hell is only the first step, she has to withdraw from the drugs that have been forced upon her, she’s understandably distrustful, and she has her own mission of vengeance that she's determined to see through.
With danger closing in, Dax and Nicoletta team up to keep her safe and to take out their shared enemies, and it’s one hell of a wild, violent and twisty ride.
OMG, this books takes the reader to some very dark places. Beware triggers for childhood abuse, sexual abuse, rape, violence and torture. It’s pretty freaking depraved, but it’s the world that these characters inhabit, it explains why they are the way they are, and it shows the incredible strength that they have to overcome all that they have endured. Dax and Nicoletta’s need for vengeance is a palpable thing, I could completely understand why the needed it so badly, and while I celebrated their victories, be beware that it’s not easy reading.
But in the middle of this story of sexual depravity, violence and death, we have these two amazing characters who find a connection that neither of them were expecting. It all starts off innocent enough, with 30 year old Dax taking the role of protector and defender of 18 year old Nicoletta, but things slowly begin to shift, and the chemistry is fantastic! The attraction is so real, and even though Nicoletta is young, she’s been through so much that has aged her beyond her years, and she’s a fantastic match for badass-but-secretly-a-sweetheart, Dax (God, I love him!). Their coming together is fiery and passionate, but there’s so much emotion between them as they find redemption and solace in each other’s arms, as well as some very welcome moments of fun and beauty, and though it’s not easy, I loved watching it all happen for them.
What a fucked up, twisted cycle we’d fallen into, of needing and surviving. A turbulent black sea with no land in sight, and no idea where it bottomed out. And yet, somehow we drifted together. We remained lost in the unknown side by side, as if fate had swept both of us out, just to see if we’d make it back alive.
But there are secrets and surprises, and the ever-present need for revenge, and the story twists into completely unexpected directions, keeping me guessing what was going on and what was going to happen, and it’s all really cleverly done. It’s intriguing and exciting, and as the story drew to its conclusion, I couldn’t put it down.
I really enjoyed this read. I did find particular scenes quite disturbing, but I felt fully immersed in Dax and Nicoletta’s world. I felt their pain and I celebrated their victories, and I loved both of them so much. And their love story was just gorgeous.
“I want the highs and the lows with you. Beautiful and the ugly parts, too. The turbulence and the calm. I want all of you.”
Another great read from Keri Lake, I loved this one!
4 stars.
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
October 30, 2018
★4 STARS★
Nicoleta is a character who has endured a life at the mercy of others depravity and personal gains. Freedom is a pinprick of light in a chasm of darkness, but no matter how minute her chances of escape she plans to do just that and reek havoc on those responsible.
Her knight in tattooed amour is a vigilante who stalks the shadows that prey in the night. On paper he is the unlikeliest of heroes but Dax is the dark defender of those who have been let down and left to fend for themselves. He and Nicoleta share a common enemy, and live by the same philosophy of trusting no one. It’s a leap of faith on both their accounts and I found myself even more invested with the harsh realism that developed along with their feelings for one another.
There are not many authors who can make reading such a whole body experience, but time after time Keri Lake taps into the senses and commands our attention down to its most cellular level.
Ballistic is third novel the standalone Vigilantes series, and much like its predecessors it’s a dark and emotionally complex story which themes evoke both empathy and the unquenchable thirst for revenge.
October 29, 2018
Can my review just be - THIS BOOK IS SO AWESOME!! And leave it at that??
Keri Lake easily became a go-to author for me years ago when I read her Sons of Wrath series. She has become my rule of thumb when it comes to grizzly, raw and dark romances. She sets the mark for the perfect blend and balance of suspense, thriller and romance all tide into one brilliant story.
Ballistic is the third book in her Vigilante series, but they can all be read as standalones. However, I highly recommend reading them in order to understand the true storyline behind the whole series.
Dax has been a character I have been long waiting for and Keri did not let us down. However, what differs from this book compared to the others is that the focus is more on the heroine than the hero. Nicoleta has been on Dax's radar ever since he was unable to save her from being purchased from his target, Tesarik.
I refuse to give any details on this book. This story is dark and twisted. Nicoleta has lived through hell and back; she may appear weak to most, but she is a woman scorned and out for vengeance. She's not one to be messed with and Dax learns that right from the beginning.
Dax and Nicoleta are the perfect balance for one another but they both have their own agendas. Keri holds nothing back as these two try to work together (sometimes against) - Nicoleta may have been the one seeking out revenge, but Dax was right beside her doing what he can to deliver his own type of vengeance. She may use him to her whim, but it's not without his own rules added in. But how far is one willing to go to exact vengeance? And at what cost?
"Something was going to happen to me. Captured, killed, or both. If it didn't, it'd mean I'd failed, and I had no intentions of failing."
Keri delivers another raw, gritty and suspenseful story that drives us deep into the underbelly of the crime world - where there is no true justice, just vengeance. This is a series that you must read, especially if you love a real and truly gritty suspenseful story.
Keri Lake easily became a go-to author for me years ago when I read her Sons of Wrath series. She has become my rule of thumb when it comes to grizzly, raw and dark romances. She sets the mark for the perfect blend and balance of suspense, thriller and romance all tide into one brilliant story.
Ballistic is the third book in her Vigilante series, but they can all be read as standalones. However, I highly recommend reading them in order to understand the true storyline behind the whole series.
Dax has been a character I have been long waiting for and Keri did not let us down. However, what differs from this book compared to the others is that the focus is more on the heroine than the hero. Nicoleta has been on Dax's radar ever since he was unable to save her from being purchased from his target, Tesarik.
I refuse to give any details on this book. This story is dark and twisted. Nicoleta has lived through hell and back; she may appear weak to most, but she is a woman scorned and out for vengeance. She's not one to be messed with and Dax learns that right from the beginning.
Dax and Nicoleta are the perfect balance for one another but they both have their own agendas. Keri holds nothing back as these two try to work together (sometimes against) - Nicoleta may have been the one seeking out revenge, but Dax was right beside her doing what he can to deliver his own type of vengeance. She may use him to her whim, but it's not without his own rules added in. But how far is one willing to go to exact vengeance? And at what cost?
"Something was going to happen to me. Captured, killed, or both. If it didn't, it'd mean I'd failed, and I had no intentions of failing."
Keri delivers another raw, gritty and suspenseful story that drives us deep into the underbelly of the crime world - where there is no true justice, just vengeance. This is a series that you must read, especially if you love a real and truly gritty suspenseful story.
October 24, 2018
Keri Lake's Vigilantes series has been one of the best series I have EVER read. The sexy, mysterious and thrilling stories launch you on an adrenaline pumping ride that I'm sad to see end. But what a ride it was! I have loved this series from Nick and Aubree to Dax and Nicoleta. It's magnificent conclusion in Ballistic was beyond amazing. I loved Dax and the provocative connection between him and Nicoleta which will no doubt make Ballistic a top favorite book of 2018 for sure.
Without giving away any spoilers, this story is an intense and thrilling ride from the get go. If you have read this series before you're familiar with Dax Wolfe but now we have a front row seat to his in-depth quest to kill Tesarik and find Nicoleta. Lake did a marvelous job highlighting Dax's relentless search for the mystery amber-eyed girl and the past ghost she represents in his life. But when he found her he could never have expected what state she would be in and the quest she would take him on.
I LOVED this story. It was gritty, shocking, twisted and dark but more importantly it was vivid, sexy and realistic. Dax and Nicoleta were so full of torment but so well suited. They each saw a kindred spirit in one another which was beautiful and uplifting. In addition, I loved that throughout the series in its entirety, Lake uses her exceptional talent to paint a realistic picture of Detroit's dark and gritty underbelly surrounded by violence and spine-tingling moments. But her ability to highlight and showcase love ultimately rising out of the ashes of pain and torment continuously place her on a pedestal in my eyes. I fall in love with her stories and the prevalent feelings of hope and healing each time and I know this one will stay with me for a long time! Bravo! 5 stars! ~Ratula
Without giving away any spoilers, this story is an intense and thrilling ride from the get go. If you have read this series before you're familiar with Dax Wolfe but now we have a front row seat to his in-depth quest to kill Tesarik and find Nicoleta. Lake did a marvelous job highlighting Dax's relentless search for the mystery amber-eyed girl and the past ghost she represents in his life. But when he found her he could never have expected what state she would be in and the quest she would take him on.
I LOVED this story. It was gritty, shocking, twisted and dark but more importantly it was vivid, sexy and realistic. Dax and Nicoleta were so full of torment but so well suited. They each saw a kindred spirit in one another which was beautiful and uplifting. In addition, I loved that throughout the series in its entirety, Lake uses her exceptional talent to paint a realistic picture of Detroit's dark and gritty underbelly surrounded by violence and spine-tingling moments. But her ability to highlight and showcase love ultimately rising out of the ashes of pain and torment continuously place her on a pedestal in my eyes. I fall in love with her stories and the prevalent feelings of hope and healing each time and I know this one will stay with me for a long time! Bravo! 5 stars! ~Ratula
October 30, 2018
Stunning, dark, emotional and addicting!!!
Dark and twisty romance doesn't get much better than this!!!! I was sucked in, chewed up and spit back out, and I immediately wanted to do it all over again. ~from my review of Ricochet
Another stunner from the fabulous Keri Lake. Keri has become one of those rare authors whose words speak directly to my soul. I want to wrap myself in them and just revel in their beauty and pain. Any lover of dark romance needs to have this author on their must read list. ~from my review of Backfire
These two excerpts of my previous reviews of Keri's books, not only sum up my feelings about those books but extend to this one as well! My heart feels as though it's lodged in the back of my throat. I'm literally fighting back the emotion while trying to make sense of it all. Keri has ended this series exquisitely and my tattered emotions are proof of it.
Keri's talent continually blows me away. This woman has the uncanny ability to take me right to the edge of too much and always, always pulls me back at just the right moment. There are damn few authors I trust to do this, but Keri is one them. As dark, twisted and heart wrenching as her stories are, there is always and underlying feeling of rightness, of hope, and light.
Dark and twisty romance doesn't get much better than this!!!! I was sucked in, chewed up and spit back out, and I immediately wanted to do it all over again. ~from my review of Ricochet
Another stunner from the fabulous Keri Lake. Keri has become one of those rare authors whose words speak directly to my soul. I want to wrap myself in them and just revel in their beauty and pain. Any lover of dark romance needs to have this author on their must read list. ~from my review of Backfire
These two excerpts of my previous reviews of Keri's books, not only sum up my feelings about those books but extend to this one as well! My heart feels as though it's lodged in the back of my throat. I'm literally fighting back the emotion while trying to make sense of it all. Keri has ended this series exquisitely and my tattered emotions are proof of it.
Keri's talent continually blows me away. This woman has the uncanny ability to take me right to the edge of too much and always, always pulls me back at just the right moment. There are damn few authors I trust to do this, but Keri is one them. As dark, twisted and heart wrenching as her stories are, there is always and underlying feeling of rightness, of hope, and light.
October 25, 2018
Ballistic is a delicious twisty, dark and unputdownable book.
Keri has ended this series of standalone books with a BALLISTIC bang.
Her writing has grown with every book, and this one is by far her best.
Kathy Coopmans
USA Today Bestselling Author.
Keri has ended this series of standalone books with a BALLISTIC bang.
Her writing has grown with every book, and this one is by far her best.
Kathy Coopmans
USA Today Bestselling Author.
June 29, 2019
What the fuck did I just read. My mind is all over the place, my body hasn't recovered from all the shit Keri Lake put me through in the last few hours. I think Ballistic might be her most fucked up book yet, and that's being nice.
I would really like to take a tour of Keri's mind, see what's going on up there and how she comes up with those twisted, horrific but brilliant stories. I've read all of her books and she still managed to catch me off guard, I thought I was prepared going into this book, I mean, I read the previous two and her other work, I know this was going to be dark but I was not expecting that.
Don't get me wrong, I loved this book, it was brilliantly done, the story, the characters, the twists, all of it was perfection but, for some reason, Ballistic hit me harder than the others. I still have this knot in my stomach that won't go away, this feeling of restlessness, like something terrible is about to happen, all because of this book. It was a fucking wild, terrifying, dark, twisted, surprising ride but it was 100% worth it.
This isn't a conventional love story, Keri doesn't go easy on the characters but they do get their well deserved happy ending. Dax and Nicoleta are one messed up couple, they find each other under bad circumstances but, in the end, it's those same circumstances that bring them together. I loved both of them so hard, I loved that Nicoleta was more than a victim, she was a freaking warrior, a lioness waiting for her kill, and I loved that Dax let her be that, he was her protector, a man who wanted revenge but made some space for her to have hers as well.
I won't go into too much details, I feel like you need to go into this book not knowing anything, just sit down, put your seatbelt on, drink some whiskey and (try to) enjoy the ride. It might be scary at first but you'll be happy by the end of it.
I would really like to take a tour of Keri's mind, see what's going on up there and how she comes up with those twisted, horrific but brilliant stories. I've read all of her books and she still managed to catch me off guard, I thought I was prepared going into this book, I mean, I read the previous two and her other work, I know this was going to be dark but I was not expecting that.
Don't get me wrong, I loved this book, it was brilliantly done, the story, the characters, the twists, all of it was perfection but, for some reason, Ballistic hit me harder than the others. I still have this knot in my stomach that won't go away, this feeling of restlessness, like something terrible is about to happen, all because of this book. It was a fucking wild, terrifying, dark, twisted, surprising ride but it was 100% worth it.
This isn't a conventional love story, Keri doesn't go easy on the characters but they do get their well deserved happy ending. Dax and Nicoleta are one messed up couple, they find each other under bad circumstances but, in the end, it's those same circumstances that bring them together. I loved both of them so hard, I loved that Nicoleta was more than a victim, she was a freaking warrior, a lioness waiting for her kill, and I loved that Dax let her be that, he was her protector, a man who wanted revenge but made some space for her to have hers as well.
I won't go into too much details, I feel like you need to go into this book not knowing anything, just sit down, put your seatbelt on, drink some whiskey and (try to) enjoy the ride. It might be scary at first but you'll be happy by the end of it.
October 31, 2018
We were as tragically beautiful and fragile as a dead rose. Two souls, broken beyond redemption.
Dark and gritty, sensual and suspenseful, Ballistic checks all the boxes! Those of you who crave the anti-hero types, the guys that’ll kill but for the right reasons, Dax is the hero for you! His plight in life- rid the world of all the sick pediphiles. The sickest of the sick who hunt innocence. He will be their ultimate judge. He will finish them, one sicko at a time.
In his plight, he meets Nicoleta, a victim of sex trafficking of minors. A victim he set eyes on and has never forgotten. A victim he’s intent on rescuing from their pits of hell.
It’s sad to know a fair amount of the happenings in the Vigilantes series are based on true events in urban society. Detroit, being a virtual cesspool of crime, Keri Lake brings to light that darkness but also weighs it with just enough passion and build-up to make it a HEA love story in each of her novels. None of the road to HEA is easy for her characters, but always much deserved. Couple that with Keri Lake’s beautiful almost-artistic prose, it softens the blow of some of the otherwise harsh content.
Check this series out...if you dare. You won’t regret it. Each book can be read as a standalone.
November 2, 2018
Thanks to the author for providing ARC in exchange for honest review.
Ballistic is the third book in the series, all can be read as standalone. In this story, I’ve known about Dax and Nicoleta. Poor Nicoleta has a tough life since she was at her small age. She felt insecure around anyone and she believes everyone besides her just wants to use her.
Let’s cut the story short, Nicoleta was bought by Tersarik and was fed with Hedonic on daily bases. Hedonic is a drug that makes people craves for sex. Since Nicoleta was forced to take these drug for a number of days, she literally became begging for the drug afterwards. Nicoleta will let Tersarik and his people have any kinds of sex with her in order to have the Hedonic.
Dax, on the other hand, was sent to save her. Dax has been looking for Nicoleta for a while before Nicoleta’s “father”. After Dax rescued Nicoleta, he helped her off the drug. Despite Nicoleta still doesn’t trust him, Dax still does he has to take care of Nicoleta.
I love how the story goes, 4.0 stars from me since there were some parts I don’t really enjoy. But overall the story is great to spend time with.
Ballistic is the third book in the series, all can be read as standalone. In this story, I’ve known about Dax and Nicoleta. Poor Nicoleta has a tough life since she was at her small age. She felt insecure around anyone and she believes everyone besides her just wants to use her.
Let’s cut the story short, Nicoleta was bought by Tersarik and was fed with Hedonic on daily bases. Hedonic is a drug that makes people craves for sex. Since Nicoleta was forced to take these drug for a number of days, she literally became begging for the drug afterwards. Nicoleta will let Tersarik and his people have any kinds of sex with her in order to have the Hedonic.
Dax, on the other hand, was sent to save her. Dax has been looking for Nicoleta for a while before Nicoleta’s “father”. After Dax rescued Nicoleta, he helped her off the drug. Despite Nicoleta still doesn’t trust him, Dax still does he has to take care of Nicoleta.
I love how the story goes, 4.0 stars from me since there were some parts I don’t really enjoy. But overall the story is great to spend time with.
January 3, 2019
5 Eden stars!
“We were as tragically beautiful and fragile as a dead rose. Two souls, broken beyond redemption.”
This author never fails to amaze me with her strong stories, kickass heroines and hot as hell heroes.
“His mouth tasted like whiskey and sorrow, wrapped in guilt. A familiar cocktail.”
Ballistic is book #3 in the Vigilantes series and though I knew what was waiting for me before reading it, I never expected it be this raw and this intense. The way Keri Lake plays your mind with the events' twist is magnificent.
“We were as tragically beautiful and fragile as a dead rose. Two souls, broken beyond redemption.”
This author never fails to amaze me with her strong stories, kickass heroines and hot as hell heroes.
“His mouth tasted like whiskey and sorrow, wrapped in guilt. A familiar cocktail.”
Ballistic is book #3 in the Vigilantes series and though I knew what was waiting for me before reading it, I never expected it be this raw and this intense. The way Keri Lake plays your mind with the events' twist is magnificent.
November 11, 2018
Wow...I don't even know how to begin here. "Ballistic' was a perfect title for this gem, as it described the H/h perfectly.
I love a good righteous revenge story, and the bodies piled up with this one. Speaking of...Drowning Pool's 'Bodies' played on a continuous loop in my head with the reading of this book. And that suited me just fine. (Yeah...this old girl listens to Alternative Metal and Post Metal).
Dax and Nicoletta were compelling and likeable characters. I enjoyed learning about them as the story progressed; it was like peeling back one revealing layer after another. I felt their anger, grief, and flashes of vulnerability. The age difference between the H/h gave me pause though, as Nicoletta was 18 years old, while Dax was near 30. The flip side to that was the fact that with all that Nicoletta went through, she came across as a hardened, older soul...which was tragic in itself. She and Dax had some really fucked up childhoods. The fact that they held onto their humanity made me love them more.
'Ballistic' has a lot of shocking twists and turns, and the reveals were WTF? Yeah! lol
Surprisingly, there were a few editing issues, and one continuity error regarding Dax and his wallet...lol None of these ruined the story though.
I have to say that I had considered giving the book 4 stars when I thought that it was ending on a sex scene after all of the beautiful emotional stuff, as my Kindle was nearing the 100% mark. I should have known that Lake wouldn't disappoint me though...the ending was perfect, and it brought tears to my eyes.
5 stars!!!
I love a good righteous revenge story, and the bodies piled up with this one. Speaking of...Drowning Pool's 'Bodies' played on a continuous loop in my head with the reading of this book. And that suited me just fine. (Yeah...this old girl listens to Alternative Metal and Post Metal).
Dax and Nicoletta were compelling and likeable characters. I enjoyed learning about them as the story progressed; it was like peeling back one revealing layer after another. I felt their anger, grief, and flashes of vulnerability. The age difference between the H/h gave me pause though, as Nicoletta was 18 years old, while Dax was near 30. The flip side to that was the fact that with all that Nicoletta went through, she came across as a hardened, older soul...which was tragic in itself. She and Dax had some really fucked up childhoods. The fact that they held onto their humanity made me love them more.
'Ballistic' has a lot of shocking twists and turns, and the reveals were WTF? Yeah! lol
Surprisingly, there were a few editing issues, and one continuity error regarding Dax and his wallet...lol None of these ruined the story though.
I have to say that I had considered giving the book 4 stars when I thought that it was ending on a sex scene after all of the beautiful emotional stuff, as my Kindle was nearing the 100% mark. I should have known that Lake wouldn't disappoint me though...the ending was perfect, and it brought tears to my eyes.
5 stars!!!
November 1, 2018
4.5 Stars ~ Jess
I LOVE this series!
In the dark underbelly of Detroit, where the wicked roam and crime is the norm, we have ourselves another story of two deeply broken souls surviving only to carry out their own brand of justice.
Dax is player with a soft spot for trying to fix what was broken in someone. His mission to save a girl and make the bad guy pay for the wrongs he has done, puts him right in the middle of the seediest parts of the city. Dax is a vividly created character that fits perfectly into this world that Lake has created. He is equal parts protector, fighter, lover and player.
Nicoleta, or Nic, is a mystery. You think when you first meet her she is going to be one thing and then quickly realize how wrong you are. She is a total bad-ass, think Le Femme Nikita but different. She has lived a life full of hardship and disappointment but has taken her tragedy and turned it into something fascinating.
Like the other books in this series I was engrossed in the story. There was mystery surrounding how we get to the beginning of the book because it starts in the future. Told in the same dark and gritty tone as the others I was drawn in until the end. The story was sexy and bloody and had my heart pounding during fights and getaways. I like discovering about the characters through their pasts. While this is not the first book in the series it can be read as a standalone. There are some familiar faces but whether you are meeting them for the first time or not, the story flows all by itself. Well written and intricate, this is series and book that will stay with me for a long time.
I LOVE this series!
In the dark underbelly of Detroit, where the wicked roam and crime is the norm, we have ourselves another story of two deeply broken souls surviving only to carry out their own brand of justice.
Dax is player with a soft spot for trying to fix what was broken in someone. His mission to save a girl and make the bad guy pay for the wrongs he has done, puts him right in the middle of the seediest parts of the city. Dax is a vividly created character that fits perfectly into this world that Lake has created. He is equal parts protector, fighter, lover and player.
Nicoleta, or Nic, is a mystery. You think when you first meet her she is going to be one thing and then quickly realize how wrong you are. She is a total bad-ass, think Le Femme Nikita but different. She has lived a life full of hardship and disappointment but has taken her tragedy and turned it into something fascinating.
Like the other books in this series I was engrossed in the story. There was mystery surrounding how we get to the beginning of the book because it starts in the future. Told in the same dark and gritty tone as the others I was drawn in until the end. The story was sexy and bloody and had my heart pounding during fights and getaways. I like discovering about the characters through their pasts. While this is not the first book in the series it can be read as a standalone. There are some familiar faces but whether you are meeting them for the first time or not, the story flows all by itself. Well written and intricate, this is series and book that will stay with me for a long time.
October 28, 2018
I hated for this series to end!
All I can say is Vigilantes should rule the dark world, then maybe it would level the playing field and give the innocent a chance to grow up without pain, fear, or depravity. A part of me was left in each antihero's story and I honestly don't want it back! Keri Lake is an artist as she drops you into the lives of her characters and makes you just "feel" every damn riveting emotion possible.
Ballistic is painfully honest with Dax and Nicoleta, who exist for no other reason, than vengeance.
Dax spends his time vetting out the scum of the earth who prey on the innocent youth of our society. Nicoleta has her own agenda, too, it's just not that simple. She wears the scars of her enemies and wants them to pay.
When Dax and Nicoleta meet, all odds are against them. They must fight to stay alive, to survive the terror of night, and the reality of day. In a short time they find they are connected and need each other finish what they started.
Be prepared to feel emotions that will get your blood boiling with rage. Keri Lake's words creep under your skin, tingling, itching, and making you squirm. You'll want to stand up, pace, to do something for these characters. At times I felt the need to jump in the 'Cuda with them or die trying. Ballistic takes guts to read. Be ready to test your stamina.
What a perfect end to the Vigilantes Series.
All I can say is Vigilantes should rule the dark world, then maybe it would level the playing field and give the innocent a chance to grow up without pain, fear, or depravity. A part of me was left in each antihero's story and I honestly don't want it back! Keri Lake is an artist as she drops you into the lives of her characters and makes you just "feel" every damn riveting emotion possible.
Ballistic is painfully honest with Dax and Nicoleta, who exist for no other reason, than vengeance.
Dax spends his time vetting out the scum of the earth who prey on the innocent youth of our society. Nicoleta has her own agenda, too, it's just not that simple. She wears the scars of her enemies and wants them to pay.
When Dax and Nicoleta meet, all odds are against them. They must fight to stay alive, to survive the terror of night, and the reality of day. In a short time they find they are connected and need each other finish what they started.
Be prepared to feel emotions that will get your blood boiling with rage. Keri Lake's words creep under your skin, tingling, itching, and making you squirm. You'll want to stand up, pace, to do something for these characters. At times I felt the need to jump in the 'Cuda with them or die trying. Ballistic takes guts to read. Be ready to test your stamina.
What a perfect end to the Vigilantes Series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews