Manu

Hell Squad #16

by Anna Hackett, Samantha Cook (Narrator), Jeffrey Kafer (Narrator)

As the battle against the invading aliens intensifies, a group of bad boy bikers and mercenaries will stand and fight for humanity’s survival…

When former berserker Manu Rahia lost his leg on a mission, he was forced to leave his squad. He knows his new role as head of the Enclave’s firing range and armory is important, but hates that he isn’t still out there fighting face to face against the aliens and protecting his brothers’ backs. But then one woman catches his eye. A no-nonsense woman dedicated to her job as head of security. A woman who seems cool on the surface, but who Manu is convinced is hiding more under her business-like exterior.

Captain Kate Scott dedicated her life to her career in the Army. Now she works hard taking care of security for the Enclave and its residents. She learned a long time ago that she isn’t a passionate woman, and that she’s better off sticking to her work. But seeing one big, bronze-skinned, muscled man at the range every day has her hormones going into overdrive. She’s never felt like this and she’s determined to get herself under control.

But when the aliens launch a viscous new attack, right on the Enclave’s doorstep, Kate and Manu must join forces to stop the raptors before more people get hurt. Kate will fight fiercely to protect her team and the base, as well as her heart. But Manu Rahia is a man who knows what he wants, will walk through fire to get it, and what he wants is Kate.

Note to readers: This sci fi romance contains a lot of action (dangerous missions and deadly aliens), tough warriors (the badass berserkers of Squad Three) and a steamy romance (lots of sexy times between a sexy former berserker and the head of Enclave security). So if you like it fast, and gritty, and sexy, this is for you!

Includes a preview of Gladiator, first book in Galactic Gladiators
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Q & A with the Author

Q - How would you describe the Hell Squad series?
A – Tough, alpha soldiers battling invading aliens. Hell Squad is science fiction romance with a dose of post-apocalyptic grit and a serve of military romance. There is lots of action, adventure and romance. But even in the middle of a fight for survival, the series is focused on hope, friends, family and love. Hell Squad has been one of my bestselling series and I’m thrilled the Hell Squad gang have so many fans.

Q - Why did you want to write the series?
A - I love action, adventure and romance. And I love science fiction romance and all the endless possibilities. I also wanted to write something that was a little darker and grittier than my more adventure-filled series, the Phoenix Adventures. Then I had this image of a former society party girl wearing fatigues squaring off with a scarred, battle-hardened soldier and Hell Squad was born. I’d intended it to be a single story…but the Hell Squad soldiers had other ideas and literally came to life as I wrote the first book!

Q - What order should I read the books in?
A - All the Hell Squad books have stand-alone romances in them but the action arc of the invading aliens grows with each book. Many readers have entered the series with later books and they haven’t been lost, but, characters from the early stories do appear in later books and I really think it adds something to the reading experience to read them in order. Here's the order I suggest:

- Marcus
- Cruz
- Gabe
- Reed
- Roth
- Noah
- Shaw
- Holmes
- Niko
- Finn
- Devlin
- Theron
- Hemi
- Ash
- Levi
- Manu &lt

Genres: Romance, Science Fiction, Aliens, Science Fiction Romance, Military Fiction, Dystopia, Fantasy

4 pages, Audible Audio

First published May 6, 2018

About the author

I’m a USA Today bestselling romance author who’s passionate about fast-paced, emotion-filled romantic suspense and science-fiction romance. I love writing about people overcoming unbeatable odds and achieving seemingly impossible goals. I like to believe it’s possible for all of us to do the same.

I love hearing from readers and you can find me on Facebook, Instagram and my website: www.annahackett.com

Reviews

[Mei · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's not much to say here: this series is repetitive, but it's like gummy bears...

... you read one and then two and soon the bag is empty!

They're cute, simple, quick and esay to read! :)

Looking forward to my next gummy bear!!!

[Just Josie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just adore this series so much.
The basics are the same but the storyline moves forward with every couple and it just makes each couple and their love story so catchy and even a bit new.

They had some really steamy scenes and even if Kate wasn’t my favorite FMC she could hold her own.
Nice book.

Read: 11/03/2023
1st rating: 4 stars
Genre/tropes: Sci-fi/ dystopian/alien invasion/romance
Cover: 3 stars
POV’s: Dual - 3rd person (Manu & Kate)
Will I recommend: Yes

[AvidReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book concentrated exclusively on the couple. I loved that!
The slow progress humans are making against alien invasion is satisfying. I loved that I got a scene with Selena and Tane.
Manu and Kate was an opposites attract case. I enjoyed hero’s determined pursuit. Also they way their relationship flowered.
Recommended.

[Marta Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember when the author brought the berserkers into the storyline as yet another squad for readers to follow and yes for me it was the Rahia brothers Tane and Hemi who caught my imagination. Recently though we’ve seen a lot more of Manu the eldest brother in charge of the firing range so it’s been interesting discovering exactly what makes him the way her is. He’s actually adjusted to his prosthetic leg really well but there’s still that final step ( no pun intended) of getting back in the saddle with the ladies. There’s one in particular who has caught his interest but she’s stiff, uptight and not in the mood for love or is she ?
I’m so happy that the author has returned to Kate as she caught my attention several books ago and isn’t it fabulous to have not only a strong female in charge but one who has perhaps some mileage on her ? Young heroines are fine don’t misunderstand me but in the Enclave where the survivors live surely not everyone is young, fit and gagging for it ? Here’s where Kate excels as yes she’s had to be focused in order to protect her people but she deserves to cut loose a little and with a Rahia on her tail you just know it’s going to be saucy times ahead.
Manu felt like a grown up which I know is an odd thing to say but his maturity really helped me to believe in his story. Kate whilst not exactly a control freak does initially struggle with Manu and his advances but seemed to very quickly adapt to the teasing and knowing looks. As usual there’s action galore and I love the Gizzida weapons as they are always totally unexpected and very scary. The idea of alien technology mixed with organic living matter is so creepy and the author gets very creative in this story.
I really enjoy this series and even though they are not the longest books I have read there’s always romance, danger and humour. The berserkers are my favourite characters and much as I found Hemi hilarious it’s Tane and his possible out of this world romance that I’m anxiously waiting for. Let’s hope the Gizzida get what’s coming to them soon!
This voluntary take is of an advance copy and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair

[Dísir · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hell Squad’s into its 16th installment and going strong as Anna Hackett makes her way through the squads defending earth that has gone under in an alien apocalypse.

Here, Hackett pairs the eldest of the Rahia brothers—these brothers have been making way too many waves even when they’re secondary characters in the rest of the books—with a no-nonsense former Army captain and it’s a romance that’s unusual in several aspects: an older hero/heroine, with the former whom I’d never thought would actually get his own book.

Apart from the quick attraction between Manu and Kate and their even quicker slide into instalove, I did like ‘Manu’ for the return to this particular world of the Gizzida and the continuing fight against them, as Hackett invents newer and newer threats which are barely countered by the end of the book. The numerous action scenes are engaging (mind-boggling even, considering the length of the novella), the sex scenes scorching and the HEA that happens at the end just reaffirms that there’s more to come, just not so soon, sadly.

[Sue Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Manu Manu Anna Hackett

Reviewed by SFF Dragon*

Another terrific addition to Anna Hackett's action packed SFR Hell Squad series. I was hooked from beginning to end. Give me more...

I absolutely love Anna Hackett's books and freely admit I'm firmly addicted to her Hell Squad series, amongst others. She never disappoints, no matter what genre she's writing in and has been one of the few at the top of my list of all-time favourite authors for many years. Whether set here on Earth or out in the farthest reaches of the Galaxy, you're pretty much guaranteed a humorous, full-on action adventure all wrapped up in a sizzling and steamy romance complete with happily ever after. 'Manu', the sixteenth book in the series had me totally absorbed from beginning to end and is set a lot closer to home as the alien invaders, the reptilian Gizzida, come up with a whole new nightmare for the people of The Enclave to deal with. A baptism of fire for some and a burning away of past regrets for others. Front and centre in this particular battle are Manu and Kate. This book is theirs...

Manu Rahia's life has changed a great deal since the Gizzida invaded Earth, and in more ways than one, but he was coping... mostly. He was also very angry. He didn't know if his extensive family in New Zealand were alive or dead, but at least he had his brothers, which was a lot more than most. But the biggest blow was losing his leg during a battle and having to take a 'desk' job. Even though his current job in charge of the armoury and firing range was important to their survival, critical even, he missed combat with a vengeance. Squad 3, The Berserkers were like family and he missed the camaraderie of being part of the team. Like almost everyone else in The Enclave, apart from the lucky few, he was lonely, but he was attracted to a certain woman and the highlight of his day was seeing Kate for some verbal sparring, although that was as far as it went. Losing his leg to the Gizzida had left it's mark in more ways than just a cybernetic addition to his anatomy, until....

Kate Scott had been in the army pretty much all of her adult life, she ate, slept and breathed it until she lost one of the soldiers under her command. Haunted by the debacle, she transferred to the President's detail, the worthless traitor, just before the invasion and now found herself burdened down by regrets, guilt and self-recriminations, but still defending the few survivors in The Enclave and having almost daily arguments with the hunkalicious Manu about their weapons. Then came the day the power packs all failed....

I'm not going to give spoilers about this terrific tale of two angry and lonely people who come together at a time when they've both given up on relationships. Filled with great characters, some old, some new, action, humour, sizzling chemistry and a happily ever after which can easily be read as a stand alone, although if you haven't read the other books in the series, you're missing out on a lot of equally terrific stories all of which have, despite some blood and guts scenes, the feel good factor which keeps me coming back time after time to the on-going saga of post-invasion human survival set not far from the ruins of the once great city of Sydney. Totally worth so many more than the 5 stars I've given it and on my 'read again' and 'save if the house was burning down' lists.

[Ashley (Red-Haired Ash Reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Series: Hell Squad #16
Rating: 5 stars - I loved it!

After losing his leg on a mission, former Berserker Manu Rahia was put in charge of the Enclave’s firing range. He knows it's an important job but he still hates he isn’t fighting and protecting his brothers. Captain Kate Scott is dedicated to her job. She is not a passionate woman but seeing the big tattooed Berserker at the range every day makes her start to feel again. These two join forces to stop the aliens from doing more damage and protect their teams, and their hearts.

“You brought color into my life.”...“You brought me to life. I’m not letting you go.”

I loved these two! Manu has been a background character for a while now and I was so excited when he got his own book. He lost his leg shortly before the survivors left Blue Mountain Base and is no longer part of Squad Three. Most people believe that he adjusted well to his new life but he has hidden how much it really affected him. Kate sees it through and gets him to talk to her about it. She buts heads with him until he lets his barriers down and shows his true feelings. I loved the emotional connection these two had and how they heal each other.

“And you never have to hide what you’re feeling from me. In here, you can show me when you’re hurting or angry.” - Kate

Kate has been dedicated to her job her whole life. She dedicated her life to the Army and now she is dedicated to running the security at the Enclave. I respect the hell out of her and love how dedicated she is to her job. Kate has hidden all her feelings and always has barriers up. She lost people in the past and now is obsessed with making sure her team is prepared for anything. She also doesn’t see herself as a passionate woman but Manu shows her that she has been lying to herself. She just needed to find the right man. I adored watching Manu pursue Kate and slowly break her barriers down. I love watching a couple break down emotional barriers and heal from past wounds.

“But you don’t have to be superwoman all the time. Here, you can just be Kate.”

One of the things I love about this series is the connection between all the characters. The squads are like one giant family that watches each other's backs. I love seeing the party and celebration scenes with everyone because you can really see the connections and love during them. Another great thing about this series is that even though they are fighting for their lives there is a lot of positivity, which feels very important right now during these difficult times.

“We all know the sucky side of life, but when the good is right there in front of you, you hold on to it, and enjoy it every second you can. It carries you through the shitty times.”

Overall, I adored this book and can’t wait to read the next one. I am loving the Berserkers and can’t wait to see the other three fall in love.

This review was originally posted at

[Marlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally published at Reading Reality

It was a hell of a lot of fun to return to the world of the Hell Squad, even if – or especially because – their post-alien-invasion apocalyptic world would absolutely not be a great place to visit and as the situation currently stands I wouldn’t want to live there either.

When last we left our heroes, back in book 15, Levi, it was obvious that the alien Gizzida were working on yet another superweapon in their ongoing attempts to wipe out the remaining resistance fighters – our heroes – and cement their control of our planet – so they can strip the rest of it bare and move on.

We don’t get to see the weapon, whatever it is, in Manu’s story. Instead, we get to follow along as the plucky survivors of the Enclave deal with the Gizzida’s new and always deadly distraction tactics, as they do their level best – or is that their absolute worst – to keep the fighters penned into the Enclave so they can test their superweapons someplace else.

Not that those tactics don’t become readily apparent pretty early on. The survivors in the Enclave wouldn’t have survived this long if they weren’t really, really smart as well as very, very brave.

So unlike many of the stories in this series, Manu sticks fairly close to home. And that gives us a chance to see more of Manu, who was a member of the Berserker Squad along with his brothers Tane and Hemi.

(Hemi has already had his own book, and gotten his own HFN. It’s been pretty obvious for a while that Tane has his eye on his own, but he’s not ready. Or she’s not. Or both. Yet. Even if all the readers certainly are!)

Manu is no longer a member of the Berserkers because the Gizzidas ate his leg. Well, they certainly took his leg and they probably ate it. His former squadmates went out – against orders – and stole a high-tech prosthetic for him, and he gets around the Enclave just fine. He’s now the head of their armory, and seems to have adjusted to his new life – sort of. He’s certainly good at his job, but there’s no denying that he misses being out with his squad and his brothers.

Being stuck in the Enclave has one advantage. He gets to see a whole lot more of Kate Scott, the head of Enclave security. And he likes everything that he sees – even if Kate isn’t willing to acknowledge the chemistry between them.

When they are forced to work together when the Gizzidas latest threat strikes much too close to home, it’s impossible for them to deny what’s happening between them. But they are both too independent or make that too stubborn and too battle-scarred, to let themselves lean on anyone else – even if that’s the only way to not merely survive – but to really live.

Escape Rating B+: I always have a good time with any of the author’s stories, and Manu was certainly no exception. I’m not sure whether this was just the right story for the right time, or whether it had been long enough since the previous book in the series (Levi) to make the established patterns pleasantly familiar rather than merely predictable.

One of the things that this author does very well in all of her series is that her heroines are always every bit as strong as her heroes, whether that is the same type of strength as it is here, or whether they are in completely different fields with completely different sets of strengths and weaknesses.

In this particular case, they are also both the same kind of stubborn. Kate is the kind of strong, driven woman that a lot of men, especially weak ones, want to tear down so that they can feel big. And she’s had enough of that. She’s old enough and experienced enough to know herself, and that she is who she is and that the core parts of her personality are not going to change. She’s never been able to lean on anyone, because too many people, especially men, will see that as a sign of weakness, and she’s never been able to afford to be weak.

I liked Kate a lot.

At the same time, Manu is still mourning the loss of his leg and the forced changes in his life, while trying to pretend that he’s completely adjusted. He’s used to being strong and can’t even stand the thought of being seen as weak. But when he wants Kate to lean on him when she needs to, she rightfully calls him on his BS. It has to go both ways, and that’s a hard adjustment for him. But definitely, definitely worth it.

Earlier, I referred to Manu’s brother Hemi getting his HFN in his book. For this reader, it feels as if HFN is the only option available for any couple in the series. Not because they don’t want to stay together or are not likely to stay together. None of these people are going to change their minds about their partners. It’s that the situation they are in is so fraught with deadly danger that HFN is all that’s available because “ever after” is far from assured.

Not that I don’t want to see it, because I really, really do. I’m still hoping for an Independence Day kind of ending (the original movie, not that horrible sequel) where the human resistance kicks the invading Gizzida off our planet in an explosive stand-up-and-cheer ending. And I hope that ending isn’t too many books in the future.

[Book Gannet · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

If you’re already a fan of Hell Squad, or like your sci-fi romance to have bad ass heroes and in command heroines, than you’re going to like this. It’s quick and steamy, with plenty of guns and danger and evil alien tech. It’s exactly what you’d expect from this series and is a wild and sexy ride.

That’s all you really need to know. Everything that follows is really more about me than the book, but hey, it’s my review, so just bear the caveat in mind.

I’ve been looking forward to Manu’s tale ever since he first appeared a few books back. The oldest of the Rahia brothers, he lost his leg on a mission just before the survivors were forced to leave the Blue Mountain Base, but he’s formed a new life for himself as the man in charge of weapons. He’s alpha and likes to be in charge, which, if I’m honest, I am growing a bit tired of.

The way he described all his friends and former squad mates and their “women” got on my nerves. There’s a lot of that in the first few chapters as the book reminds us who has hooked up with whom. But it’s always male character + his woman (name not always required), never female character + her man (name not always required). I know it’s alpha macho language default, and Manu definitely isn’t the first or only one who uses it (see all of Squad Three), but it grated because there was so much of it and it would be really nice to think that in the future there might be some progress somewhere. He’s also incredibly pushy when it comes to Kate and her boundaries, frequently grabbing her arm to hold her back to talk when she’s made it clear she doesn’t want to. I was worried this was going to expand to a lack of respect when she was in command, but thankfully it didn’t, and it was actually Kate who ignored Manu’s privacy when they finally came together.

Kate was okay. She’s ex-army, in charge of base security and incredibly stern and repressed thanks to the nasty comments of an ex. Which is pretty much the usual when it comes to a woman being in charge in these stories. Luckily for her Manu is there to push her boundaries and break down her barriers – and they are very good together. But, I don’t know, I just think I’m over these kind of things. Where the guy is easy going but tough – while hiding a private pain – and the strong woman is really hiding her wounded emotions and is secretly super passionate and ready to explode for the right man. It’s well written and it works great within the Hell Squad series, but I think I need a little more depth or originality or just something different, because even the Gizzida stuff failed to really intrigue me. Mostly because I knew Squad Three were going to blow something up and bust them out of it in a highly unlikely but entertaining way.

So this is definitely a case of it’s me not the book. The book is fine, it’s a perfect continuation of the Hell Squad series, featuring a slightly older couple. The aliens remain evil, the humans remain defiant, Squad Three remains crazy, Hell Squad are still around to mop up any messes and there is steamy sex. No, it doesn’t break any new ground for the genre or even the series, but it’s quick and hot and entertaining. If that’s what you’re after, then go ahead and enjoy.

(ARC provided by the author.)

[Sherill · Rating 5 out of 5]

ROMANCE THAT SIZZLES - SUSPENSE - DANGER

MANU - SIZZLES WITH ROMANCE - POWERFUL SULTRY ALPHA MALE FINDS HIS MATCH WHEN HE FINALLY CONNECTS WITH A SASSY INTELLIGENT STRONG WILLED ALPHA FEMALE. I was attached to my e-reader until the heavenly conclusion. Inside; humor, suspense, action, fun times, danger, life-threatening moments, moments that pull your heartstrings, true friendship, and sensuous intense romance.

Captain Kate and Manu both have pasts that could have weakened them; instead, they became stronger as forces to be reckoned with against the aliens who want to destroy all humans. These two do get their happily ever after but it is one extremely dangerous wild ride.

FANTASTIC fast-paced well-written story that had me laughing and a bit on edge at times. I adored Kate and Manu together as not only were they perfectly paired - their chemistry was certainly believable. The scenes are fabulously described and all the characters are engaging. The backstories of Kate and Manu help you understand what motivates them. I found this story to be quite entertaining and loved it so much {Of my own volition without any stipulations, I reviewed an advanced copy.} Without any reservations, I recommend this read.

[Dawn Dohey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my Anna had gone and done it again. Hell Squad is one of the best Action/Romance/Scfi series I have read yet.
Manu was one Hell of a ride fill with no stop action and heart retching moments one wondered if it was all going to end for the people of Enclave. Luckily they have hero's like Hell Squad and guys like Manu .
Manu and Kate team up to search the grounds when some Alien explosives are found near the enclave. Kate is not so sure being near Manu is a good idea he stirs things inside her she can't control...and Kate is all about control. Mean while Manu has different ideas and a plan to break though Kate's defense's and bring out the woman ,the woman he feels is hiding inside. The woman he wants. But fate has a different plan and sends the two along with the other in high defense mode a danger comes a little bit close for their liking and more the one could be hurt in more ways then one.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

These guys just get better with each book. Manu has always been one of my favourite Berserker’s even though he’s no longer able to play a larger part of his Squad than he used too. Anna has given us a strong male who has had to overcome more than just an Alien Invasion. His history is as important as his present and future, giving him a depth that is unique. Kate is a complex woman, who shows little on the outside, a mask to the world that hides a soul that feels things much deeper than many would believe. The sparks between these two are fiery and combustible, the depth of passion and emotion jumps out at the reader. I love this series and Anna never fails to deliver an action packed, emotionally driven story that I devour in one sitting every time. Great job!

[Eve Gaddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been working my way through Anna Hackett's Hell Squad series and loving it. I'm not going to review all of them. They're all good. However, Manu is one of my favorites. I like all the characters in the series but I loved Kate and Manu. They were so sweet to each other and they took badass to a new level. There were some really great scenes. Wow, what a climax to the book. Can't wait to finish the series, but then I'll have to find more Anna Hackett books. I've read all her contemporary series and enjoyed them a lot. I wasn't sure about the sci-fi since I haven't read a lot of sci-fi romance but I'm really glad I picked this series up. Excellent!

[Angarad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Back with the Berserkers and the survivors of the alien invasion on Earth.
Kate and Man were maybe among the most scarred characters so far, both inside and outside, hiding so much within for the sake of protecting others. They really fit well together. They also gave us the opportunity to see more of the other teams and the internal structure and organisation of the Bunker. Really a great read as usual :)

[lisa jung · Rating 4 out of 5]

Manu

Many the eldest brother and weapons master falls for Kate the enclave security head. In the last fun and exciting book in the series

[♡︎ Kesa Subban ♡︎ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Armoury Stars
RTC

[Севдалина · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ману Рахия и Кейт Скот

Ману Рахия, е най-големият от братята Рахия и бивш член на отряда на Бразъркарите. Ману трябва да се оттегли от активно участие в отрядите за борба с извънземните раптори нападнали земята, след като при битка губи единият си крак в ужасяващ извънземен капан. Сега Ману има високотехнологична протеза, заменяща крака му, и все пак не може да функционира на 100% като преди, затова работи на стрелбището в базата "кошерът" където подържа в изправност оръжията на всички.

Кейт е шеф на охраната в Кошера, нейно задължение е да обучава всички новобранци и да осигурява защитата на кошера. Когато по време на един патрул оръжията й показват малфункции, разярена тя се отправя към стрелбището на Тане, за да му заяви, че нещо не е наред с оръжията му. Скоро обаче ще разберат, че проблема не е в оръжията му, а рапторите са много по-близо до базата им, отколкото са подозирали.

Ману и Кейт ми бяха много сладки. И двамата бяха по-възрастни от обичайните двойки, и двамата над 40 годишна възраст. Кейт смяташе, че е доста студена, тъй като годеникът й от преди апокалипсиса я беше наранил разтрогвайки годежа им, освен това травмата от загубата на един от екипите й, й тежи все още въпреки изминалите години. Тя вярваше, че работата й е всичко, което има и не мислеше, че може да получи нещо повече от живота. Ману обаче си падна по нея от първия миг щом я зърна, и след като разбра, че факта, че има един изкуствен крак не й пречи, то беше готов да й даде куп причини да се наслаждава на живота. Двамата бяха супер сладки като се обикаляха като разгонени котаци, а останалите от бразъкарите се пукаха да се подхилкват около тях.

Имайки предвид, че последните аудио книги, които слушах бяха с продължителност над 15 часа, 4те часа на тази книга излетяха като миг, и някак ми дойде късичка. Обаче ми хареса много. <3

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Manu, you sexy hot man. I really liked your deep sense of responsibility for those around you while maintaining your bass ass sense of self. You definitely colour outside the lines ;) I am glad you were able to see past Kate's starchy exterior. P.S. Kate could you let us in on that tat your man has ..Hmmmm? Can't wait to hear Tanes story....well all of them really! This series, I eat right up. Good Stuff!

[Mary Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well-written and intriguing book, containing all the essential ingredients to make it such an engaging and mesmerizing story to read. It is certainly a book I would have no hesitation in recommending.

As a career army officer and now Head of the Security Team at the Enclave, Kate likes to know she can handle whatever comes her way; order structure and a sense of purpose is what she revels in and she likes to keep her team prepared and safe. After a disastrous, short-lived engagement, Kate had dated off and on, but she cannot be called a passionate woman. Nevertheless, there is just something about Manu that intrigues her; his strength is attractive, his skills undeniable and then there is his smile. Normally, dependable and steady, Manu affects Kate in ways she didn’t want and certainly didn’t like; she intends to solve the issue like every other challenge she has come up against. Manu loves working at the firing range and when he isn’t busy maintaining weapons, he studies the aliens’ toys and tinkers with his own weapons designs, but it isn’t the same as going out in the field taking down the aliens. No matter how much Manu might wish things were different, he isn’t a Berserker anymore, not since he lost his leg; with a high tech prosthetic, Manu can function well, still have a purpose, and life went on. Manu rarely saw Kate smile and had never heard her laugh; he is used to her cool expressions and composed replies, but when two of Kate’s weapons malfunction he sees another side to her; when she is angry, she is quite the spitfire. The Gizzada knew the general location of the Base and the sudden appearance of landmines keep everyone busy, scared and running in circles, as well as interfering with their laser weapons; but it is all a distraction to prevent the Enclave from looking for the octagon device the Gizzida have hidden away. Finding a small, intact tunnel beneath an explosion site, Kate and Manu follow it, finding themselves inside a neighboring coal mine. The aliens were planning to attack the Enclave; the small landmines were a test, but nothing like those that were hidden in crates in the tunnels. Kate and Manu are confronted by raptors and all manner of creatures and projectiles while they are in the tunnels, but they are determined that no matter what lies in store for them, they will get out together, or not at all. A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and my comments here are my honest opinion.

[Nikki Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Manu and Kate would never have been in the same postcode before the Gizzida hit, never mind sharing air at the Enclave! Manu is the bad boy you lusted after but couldn't take home and Kate is the buttoned up career-minded military veteran. They are both older and wiser than the usual hero/heroine and I loved them!

After losing his leg in a Gizzida booby trap, Manu is now the man in charge at the firing range. Part of his job is to keep the guns in tip top shape. But Kate and a new recruit almost come a cropper when their pistols fizzle. But that means Kate has to get into the same room as Manu, something she has tried to avoid lately. A 40 plus woman should not be lusting after a man like she is!

Kate takes her security jo seriously, especially when she realised that the former President had worked a deal with the Gizzida and she had essentially been working for the bad guy! After her last mission led to the death so young soldiers, she saw the Enclave as a safe and non life threatening position...how wrong was she!

Holy Moly this was a cracking read. Manu is sex on a stick and Kate is just all sorts of passionate, even if she doesn't see it herself. I loved the almost motherly role she takes on with her young recruits on the patrols. She will do her utmost to keep them safe. When things go wrong she takes them personally and to heart. There are a few explosive situations to deal with, least of all her attraction to Manu. I love learning about all the gadgets and gizmos and bobby traps on both sides of this war. The story I tightly crafted and the characters are very lifelike and I love the snarky banter between the team members.

I cannot wait to see what happens next.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Go after what you want

We have two strong and stubborn heroes in this story. Both dedicating their life’s to a higher good.

Manu Rahia lost one leg in a battle against the invading Gizzida and is now in charge of the shooting range and the weapons at the enclave. He has issues, deeming himself not as worthy anymore as he had been before, been able to partake in the fights.

Captain Kate Scott had been in the army and is now the Head of Security for the Enclave. She needs to be always cool and in control. The life’s of everyone depend on her and no matter her feelings; she has to radiate confidence and an ‘I have everything under control’ air. It does not matter that she is lonely. She has to be alone in order to be a good head of security, everyone relies on her and passion had anyway never been hers. But that infuriating man threatens it all.
Both feel drawn to each other, but are way too self-disciplined and burdened with issues to follow through.

The Gizzida launch a whole new kind of attack, directly in front of the enclave. Both work together to figure it out. While working together Man gets determined to break Kates walls down and get her. But danger is rising and when they think they have solved the threat it is just starting.

Manu is fierce, loyal, passionate and would sacrifice his life to save those he loves. And Kate slowly succumbs to the strong man.

Those two made it for me. Again we have strong but flawed characters and an action packed story.
Great book!

[Linda Whitacre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Realizing how vital accepting love is
For two years, survivors of the alien invasion have been fighting for humankind's survival. The Gizzida are fed up with the rebellion, and now that they know where the Enclave is, they are upping their attacks. The sneaky aliens are right under them.
Army Captain Kate Scott, the head of Enclave Security, has many new young recruits working under her. They are a fantastic group working hard to meet Kate’s expectations, but there is more danger around the base than ever. Kate has had many disappointments in her life, and being rigid and in charge is her go-to place, but she is working herself to exhaustion.
Manu Rahia, a former mercenary and Berserker, now oversees the firing range and the armory, which are very important jobs. Still, he’d rather be in the field fighting the aliens with his brothers. Because of the Gizzida, Manu lost his leg, which took him out of the field. In this story he gets his chance several times to get out there and kick some alien butt. Manu also finds he’s focused more on a spirited warrior woman (Kate) than on losing his leg. These two dance around their attraction until they combust in lust. They make a perfect pair. Facing death, which they do several times, brings what matters up close and personal. It’s getting scary deadly out there. Everyone’s on high alert. I am rereading the entire series and loving every word of it. Linda

[Chera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Manu is the firing range boss; he keeps the arms for the squads in working order. There was a time when he was on Squad Three with his brothers. A berserker like his bothers he was fearless and deadly. That was until one of the Gizzida monsters took a bit out of him and took his leg. His brothers risked another excursion into Gizzida territory to raid a prosthetics business to provide the highest tech prosthesis for Manu. Manu isn't a quitter, he adjusted to his new leg and never looked back; however the likelihood of something happening on a mission caused Manu to make the decision to leave the squads and find a niche for himself at Sanctuary to support the squads and help keep everyone safe.

Kate Scott was a career Army office before the Gizzida attacked and invaded Earth. Now she is the Security officer at Sanctuary and in charge of the patrols that keep close guard on Sanctuary's outer grounds. She's all business and has no interest in any personal relationships. But Manu's voice draws her attention anytime she hears him. She keeps things purely professional with him.

On a patrol just outside Sanctuary, Kate notices areas where the lush grass has dried out and whilst examining the area a landmine explodes.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Beserker's are such a lovable squad they are handsome, strong and very dependable and once they choose their woman they go all out to win her. Manu is no different but he still has a few issues with the loss of his leg and now wears a prosthetic one. He has never really talked to anyone about the mission he was on when he lost it and he still has flash backs and nightmares. He has had to find a new focus for his fight against the Gizzida and he is an excellent weapons master for the Enclave. Kate was an army career woman before the alien invasion and now she is the Enclave's head of security and she takes her job very seriously. She does not really let her hair down and have relationships, because as far as she is concerned she is boring and passionless. But lately she is noticing more and more that Manu of the big muscles and dark brown skin is playing a part in her fantasises. Manu himself has been attracted to Kate for awhile and now he is going to make sure she knows how he feels. The passion these two share for each other burn up the pages of this book. They will fight to the death to keep each other safe. A big thank you to Anna Hackett for the review copy. I loved this book so much I purchased another copy. Highly recommend this author and her books.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Great Read!

This KU library selection is a standalone addition to the post-alien invasion series and features Manu, an ex-berserker and the oldest of three Rahia brothers. Manu was severely injured in a battle with Gazida raptors who are slowly working their way toward claiming the pockets of Earth occupied by human survivors of the invasion. As a result of that battle, Manu now has a prosthetic leg and rather than being a member of the Berserker squad, he is the head of the gun range and armory for the Enclave, where he has taken note of the Enclave's head of security, Captain Kate Scott. He's noticed that Kate is very buttoned down, that she honestly cares about her people, and that she's hiding something. And when Kate stumbles on a new Gizida plot to penetrate the Enclave's security, Manu quickly moves in to provide backup. Because he recognizes something in Kate that he wants and nothing will stand in his way toward getting it.
While I enjoy all of the Hell Squad books, this one has a special place in my heart. Manu and Kate are a perfect fit. I'm looking forward to the next book in this addictive series.

[JML · Rating 5 out of 5]

I lovvvvvvvvvvvvvve this book!💋💘💋💘

I feel like I may have said this before but this was my absolute favorite book so far in the series. Manu is the sexiest man thus far everything about him is perfect alpha male. I loved that he was a wounded warrior who screamed back in the face of adversity and came out on the other side stronger. Kate tough and strong a female warrior who intimidated lesser males until the right won colored her world. Together they have an incredibly passionate love story. He thought a bit less of himself because he lost his leg and she thought more of him because she saw his strength. He was beyond the tough as nails soldier to the passionate woman waiting to explode . I've loved all the books in this series some more than others,but this one was my ultimate favorite. It made me forget the world around me for awhile and totally get caught up in the action, suspense and most of all the love in their story. I actually cried at the end. I'm so sad that we have to wait until 2019 for the next Hell Squad book.I'm hoping I'll fall in love with her new series, but my heart will a?says belong to Hell Squad and Galactic Gladiators💘

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been binge reading my way through the last half of this series and I'm both thrilled and a little sad to have caught up on all the currently published books. I LIKE the Hell Squad crew and all the survivors they've gathered around them. I ADORE the berserkers and their hard and fast falls into love.

These guys are GREAT!

Manu and Kate are certainly winners as far as couples go. He's the intense, focused former Squad Three member who lost a leg. She's a icy head of base security. He gets her to loosen up and makes her burn hot. She shows him that his injury doesn't make him any less than any of the other berserkers in her eyes.

Oh, and there's the Gizzida and their horrible plans for humanity and earth. They're still out there trying to assimilate the human race into their alien conglomerate and, frankly, the humans aren't down with that. They're fighting back with everything they've got and giving those aliens hell as often as possible.

Things are brewing on the horizon and I'm ready to see how human ingenuity beats the Gizzida back at every turn.

-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal

[Sue Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Manu Anna Hackett

Reviewed by SFF Dragon*

Another terrific addition to Anna Hackett's action packed SFR Hell Squad series. I was hooked from beginning to end. Give me more...

The Book

I absolutely love Anna Hackett's books and freely admit I'm firmly addicted to her Hell Squad series, amongst others. She never disappoints, no matter what genre she's writing in and has been one of the few at the top of my list of all-time favourite authors for many years. Whether set here on Earth or out in the farthest reaches of the Galaxy, you're pretty much guaranteed a humorous, full-on action adventure all wrapped up in a sizzling and steamy romance complete with happily ever after. There are no cliff-hangers here. 'Manu', the sixteenth book in the series had me totally absorbed from beginning to end and is set a lot closer to home as the alien invaders, the reptilian Gizzida, come up with a whole new nightmare for the people of The Enclave to deal with. A baptism of fire for some and a burning away of past regrets for others. Front and centre in this particular battle are Manu and Kate. This book is theirs...

Manu Rahia's life has changed a great deal since the Gizzida invaded Earth, and in more ways than one, but he was coping... mostly. He was also very angry. He didn't know if his extensive family in New Zealand were alive or dead, but at least he had his brothers, which was a lot more than most. But the biggest blow was losing his leg during a battle and having to take a 'desk' job. Even though his current job in charge of the armoury and firing range was important to their survival, critical even, he missed combat with a vengeance. Squad 3, The Berserkers were like family and he missed the camaraderie of being part of the team. Like almost everyone else in The Enclave, apart from the lucky few, he was lonely, but he was attracted to a certain woman and the highlight of his day was seeing Kate for some verbal sparring, although that was as far as it went. Losing his leg to the Gizzida had left it's mark in more ways than just a cybernetic addition to his anatomy, until....

Kate Scott had been in the army pretty much all of her adult life, she ate, slept and breathed it until she lost one of the soldiers under her command. Haunted by the debacle, she transferred to the President's detail, the worthless traitor, just before the invasion and now found herself burdened down by regrets, guilt and self-recriminations, but still defending the few survivors in The Enclave and having almost daily arguments with the hunkalicious Manu about their weapons. Then came the day the power packs all failed....

I'm not going to give spoilers about this terrific tale of two angry and lonely people who come together at a time when they've both given up on relationships. Filled with great characters, some old, some new, action, humour, sizzling chemistry and a happily ever after which can easily be read as a stand alone, although all the books in the series are set within the same overall story and follow-on from the previous one. It isn't necessary, but if you haven't read the other books in the series, you're missing out on a lot of equally terrific stories all of which have, despite some blood and guts scenes, the feel good factor which keeps me coming back time after time to the on-going saga of post-invasion human survival set not far from the ruins of the once great city of Sydney. Totally worth so many more than the 5 stars I've given it and on my 'read again' and 'save if the house was burning down' lists.

The Audio

I'm so totally addicted to this series that despite originally getting the ebook when it was first published a few years ago, I recently bought another copy as well as buying the Audible version. I'll freely admit that I've read it more than a few times since then, but I now have intermittent problems with my sight, so I've turned to audio books to satisfy my need to re-read my favourites. Yep, withdrawal symptoms are a b***h and I find myself frequently re-running the stories in my head a bit like a visual ear-worm and just have to read/listen to the entire series again. No, I really can't just stick to one, the series is just too good to leave any out. I have to start from the beginning and go through them all in series order.

I did try audio books a few years ago, but the narration was so bad, even dreadful, that I gave up on them for years, however, Anna Hackett seems to get significantly better narrators than some I've listened to and I'm overjoyed to say that the two who narrate this series, Jeffrey Kafer and Samantha Cook are incredibly good, truly the exception rather than the rule. They managed to maintain the gritty fight for survival action adventure nature of the book as well as the emotional burdens of the two very feisty lead characters, and I highly recommend it to any lover of all-action, alien invasion sci-fi wrapped in a little romance with a few steamy bits for added spice. Having listened to 'Marcus', the first book in the series and been really impressed, I got all the other available audio books in the series to back up my kindle eBooks, just so I don't get the dreaded withdrawal symptoms when I can't read them. This is my review of the sixteenth book in the series. The audio versions also have the added bonus of allowing me to do other things whilst listening, although I usually end up getting so absorbed that the chores are completely forgotten and I'm practically living in the story. I find I listen a lot more than I read these days and have already listened to this one several times since getting it. As I'd already posted an honest review of the ebook a little over three years ago, I decided to update that review with my personal opinion of the audible narration, especially as I've been so disenchanted by audio books in the past.

[Valerie Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thrilling story!! Manu has met his match!!

Manu and Kate are just wonderful together. Manu respects her strong, brave and forthright personality but is intrigued to know if there is anything more to Captain Kate Scott.
Both protagonists have important work to do in the Enclave. Manu is the weapons master providing, repairing, utilising and creating weaponry to fight against the brutal Gizzida, lizard like aliens intent on destroying the humans on the planet Earth. They have already destroyed much of earth, it's people and cities. But there are pockets of resistance fighters. The Enclave based in Australia, are fighting not only for their lives but the lives of mankind. Kate's job is to protect the Enclave. But there is something attacking the grass and more importantly, the weapons Kate's team use to protect the Enclave. We will see how kate and Many using their resources and tenacity find a Gizzida stronghold right under the Enclave! This is a thrilling and intense read. So hold on to your kindle or book and enjoy the ride!!

[Willam Benjamith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Manu and Kate are just wonderful together. Manu respects her strong, brave and forthright personality but is intrigued to know if there is anything more to self disciplined Captain Kate Scott.
Both protagonists have important work to do in the Enclave. Manu is the weapons master providing, repairing, utilising and creating weaponry to fight against the brutal Gizzida, lizard like aliens intent on destroying the humans on the planet Earth. They have already destroyed much of Earth, its people and cities. But there are pockets of resistance fighters. The Enclave based in Australia, are fighting not only for their lives but the lives of mankind. Kate's job is to protect the Enclave. But there is something attacking the grass and more importantly, the weapons Kate's team use to protect the Enclave. We will see how Kate and Manu, using their resources, skills and tenacity, find a Gizzida stronghold right under the Enclave! This is a thrilling and intense read. So hold on to your kindle or book and enjoy the ride!!