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

Squad Three berserker Dom Santora has an ugly past he can’t forget. Born and raised in the darkness, he spent his life before the alien invasion as a Mafia enforcer. He’s found some meaning fighting against the aliens with his fellow berserkers, but he knows his soul is too stained to ever find redemption. And there is no way he’ll ever deserve the quiet beauty of a woman like Arden Carlisle.

When the raptors invaded, Arden lost her husband and children in the first horrible, bloody wave of the attack. Since that terrible night, she’s survived, but she hasn’t been living. Hollowed out by her grief, she’s found a way to keep going as the comms officer for Squad Nine. But lately, color has started to seep back into her world, and the person she sees most clearly is the dark, handsome, and lethal Dom.

Dom and Arden are two damaged souls who find each other in the darkness. But the Gizzida are putting the final pieces of their endgame into place. The aliens want the Earth and to wipe out the human survivors once and for all. As Dom, Arden, and the berserkers work to find a deadly alien bomb, they uncover the true horror of the aliens’ plans. To have any chance at love, life, and survival, Dom and Arden will have to fight harder than ever before.

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 an elegant comms officer and a dark, lethal berserker). So if you like it fast, and gritty, and sexy, this is for you!

Includes a preview of Edge of Eon, first book in the Eon Warriors series.

208 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 17, 2019

452 people are currently reading
185 people want to read

About the author

Anna Hackett

165 books2,927 followers
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

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
Profile Image for Marta Cox.
2,862 reviews210 followers
June 18, 2019
Well this series is sadly coming to a close soon but there’s still time for action, adventure and of course romance. Dom is the silent ex Mafioso henchman who has seen more than his fair share of the dark deeds that men can do. He knows his own personal darkness would hurt anyone he gets close to but there is one woman on the base who just pushes all his buttons ! Arden lost everything that mattered to her but she’s come through and knows that life goes on. She’s determined to be useful and helping their resident tech genius means she’s finally able to breathe again. Too bad the delicious Dom doesn’t want to play or does he ?
This is as usual a fast paced adventure that pits the wits and training of the Squads against the icky Gizzida. I will be blunt and say that I kind of feel that there are now just too many different aliens facing the humans and for this reader it’s hard to remain fully absorbed in the story as so many different hybrid creations keep appearing. There are still warm team moments, funny asides and of course glimpses of those who still are waiting for their own happy endings so I did enjoy this story. I particularly liked that Arden isn’t some young untried woman but instead one who knows what she wants and obviously that’s Dom. So putting these two damaged people together made sense as they could help heal each other. It’s not an easy ride though as they will face dangerous times before this book finishes. Apparently there are just two books left and obviously the last one will be Tane so like others I’m already desperate for more !
This voluntary take is of an advanced copy and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
Profile Image for AvidReader.
1,479 reviews336 followers
June 19, 2019
I still can’t believe the next book is the last one in Hell Squad series😭😭! May be she will now write about another survivor group.

I was waiting patiently for Arden’s story, for quite some time now. I was ecstatic when author paired her with dark mysterious Dominic Santora, one of the most dangerous man in Enclave.
Their story was full of passion, redemption and action. I enjoyed their daring quest for saving their planet. These men and women are truly courageous. And I loved their friendship, resilience and bravery.
Of course I recommend!
Profile Image for Mei.
1,897 reviews474 followers
July 22, 2019
I was slightly disappointed by this book...

Yes, Arden's and Dom's getting together was nice, even if Arden was sometimed TSTL and even is it was the same cliche as in the other books, but while in the previous book something was achieved in the fight against Gizzida, here they continuosly run into traps and don't solve anything...

I'm looking forward to Slene's story... I hope her book will be next! And I hope something will be done with Gizzida!
Profile Image for Just Josie.
1,145 reviews193 followers
January 7, 2025
The thing I love most about this series is how well the story flows and develops in each book.
Yes, I am all here for the love stories too, but so adore how it even after 18 books still want me to see these characters succeed in their quest to keep their planet their home.

And how FUN was Indy’s comment about the other security chief from the other base? I died. 😂 A man’s voice really is a big deal. 👏

Arden and Dom might not have been my favorite couple to follow but I loved how they welcomed each other into their life’s.

Read: 02.05.2024
1st rating: 3 stars
Genre/tropes: Suspense/action/sci-fi/romance
Cover: 2 stars
POV’s: Dual - (Dom&Arden) Plus an added bonus.
Will I recommend: Yes. This series is special to me.
Profile Image for Dísir.
1,746 reviews188 followers
June 20, 2019
With Anna Hackett’s post-apocalyptic Hell Squad series drawing soon to a close, I can almost see the light at the end of the tunnel. Quite literally so, given the odder and odder paranormal elements coming into play (I think of Fright Night zombies, leeches and all other weird things that Hackett's throwing in here) along with the dinosaur aliens who have overrun future earth.

But the secret weapon of a wisp of another alien whose actions are powerful enough to be the Deus ex Machina of the entire series—conveniently saving the characters and the day when all hope is thought to be lost—is Hackett’s chosen form of redemption it seems. Selena may yet save us all, though it’s starting to be a recurring pattern. But I digress, as much as I love that character and her long-awaited story with the head of the Berserker squad.

‘Dom’ is the penultimate novella here, even as Hackett’s willingness to stretch the series on can be somewhat frustrating. The latest to fall prey to love, so to speak, Dom is silent and tormented by the trajectory of his entire life, only to find it with a woman who’s also lost everything in the alien war.

Like many of the HS books, the pattern is similar: there’s a strong strain of instalove given the brevity of the work and the heavy focus on action that helps cement the pairing, a new discovery and a final mission where a near-catastrophic event happens…but we all live to see another day, bruised, battered and torn. Dom and Arden don’t exactly stray from this template, but it’s Hackett’s imagination and her ability to throw new developments that ultimately carry the story through.

‘Dom’ is certainly enjoyable throughout, but I’ll confess my heart probably lies with the finale that’s yet to come.
Profile Image for Ashley (Red-Haired Ash Reads).
3,398 reviews181 followers
March 2, 2025
Series: Hell Squad #18
Rating: 5 stars - I loved it!

Dom and Arden’s story was a fast paced adventure of redemption and romance. Dom is the deadly, knife wielding berserker that no one really knows anything about, except that he was in the Mafia. He is intense and closed off from everyone, except his team. Arden lost her family during the alien invasion. She is finally coming out of her grief and starting to live again, including being attracted to Dom.

“She could see the beauty now. For so long, the world around her had been nothing but dreary shades of gray.”

Dom has never been free. He was born into the most dangerous mafia family in Italy and he did everything he could to survive. After the invasion he dedicates all his time protecting the survivors as a way of redeeming himself. This dangerous bad boy just wants to be a good person and thinks he never can be, until Arden. Arden sees the truth and helps him realize he is actually a good man, who is not ruled by his past deeds. Dom learns to lean and trust Arden and finds a new reason to fight.

“You are a man who was born into a shitty life. A man who survived the best he could, and then found a way out. You’re a man who fights to protect, who risks his life for others. You’re also a good friend and a good man.”

Arden has her own demons she has to fight through, the death of her family. It was a horrific way to lose everyone and she struggles with the PTSD from it. She learns to lean on Dom and starts to let go of the horror of their deaths and remembers the good times. These two had an intense and emotional connection that I just loved.

“I love you. Light and dark, good and bad, my feelings for you will never change.” - Arden

This book was very intense. The fight against the Gizzida is really ramping up and becoming extremely dangerous. They have new creatures and a new weapon that can wipe out the rest of humanity. We are coming to the end of the fight and the tension is off the charts. I am sad that the series is winding down because I am so invested in the lives of these men and women and their fight for survival. That said can we please have Tane and Selena’s book already! I have been waiting years for it.
description

Also, I need more information about Nate?? That small glimpse we get of him was very interesting and I know he is going to be important later!

Reader Warning:
- Hero was abused as a child and forced to work for the Mafia (referenced).
- Heroine’s husband and kids killed (described on page).

This review was originally posted at Red-Haired Ash Reads.
Profile Image for Kelly.
5,730 reviews228 followers
August 18, 2019
It's quiet, deadly Dom's turn to find his special someone while battling aliens to save the earth and her survivors from total destruction. Arden, who lost everything during the first wave of the invasion, doesn't necessarily seem like she'd be strong enough to take on loving a ex-mafia enforcer, but she's far, FAR stronger than she looks.

Not only does she take him on, she shows him that he's more than his past and completely worthy of being loved. All while dealing with those dang Gizzida and their nefarious plot to destroy life on earth as we know it.

So, yeah. Dom and Arden have a few mental roadblocks to get past before they end up together. Throw in a few dangerous situations, tricksy aliens who are wily in the worst sort of way, and a world teetering on the brink of total annihilation and you have a complicated, rollicking good time. Plus, THE TEASING DOM'S TEAMMATES GIVE HIM OVER FALLING FOR ARDEN IS SO DARN FUN. Mostly because they're all pretty much in the same boat. They all have their lady friends they'd burn down the world to save and they're all pretty determined to hold onto whatever happiness they've managed to find.

The end is coming and...I don't know how I feel about this. I've been rooting for these characters for a long time and I want them to defeat the bad guys and save the day, but I'm still sad to know it's almost over. That said, I'm REALLY looking forward to seeing how this all plays out. It's been a long, strange trip and I've loved every minute of it. Bring on the finale!

-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
190 reviews1 follower
June 18, 2019
In Hell Squad: Dom, I really get an extra sense of urgency to the invasion scenario. The Gizzida have ramped up their attack on the human survivors and things are reaching critical mass. This book is about Arden and Dom. She lost her family during the initial attack and he was a feared mafia enforcer with a killer reputation. Together they must work with the Squads, Berserkers, and other bases worldwide to find and disarm the Gizzida bombs that have the capacity to end all human life on Earth. This is a story of overcoming obstacles, re-finding love, new beginnings, and the sheer frantic drive for human survival. I have been reading the Hell Squad series since the first book and this is the first time the story has had a HEA but ended in such an unresolved storyline that just leaves you "unsettled" as to what's going to happen. As Holmes states to the survivors in one of the final scenes: "The road ahead isn't going to be easy...We fight...for love, for hope, for our home..every day, we fight..." Whew. Well I'm on this roller coaster till the end. (hopefully a happy end!) I received an ARC copy for my honest review.
Profile Image for JML.
1,304 reviews24 followers
June 19, 2019
Dom & Arden's story

The He'll Squad series is one of my ultimate guilty pleasures! 💖 I'm going to be so very sad when it finally comes to a conclusion in our mysterious Tane's story. Dnt ok is the epitome of fall dark and dangerous. Born into a terrible life under the rule of a Mafia kingpin forced to do unspeakable things until the aliens invade and allow him to escape from that life. Enter quiet beautiful Arden she was an office admin with a principal husband and two beautiful kids when the world went to hell. These two souls somehow find one another and they slowly start to heal the damage that was done in their previous life to forge a new life together as they fight the ugly lizard invaders to reclaim their planet and a love forged in adventure, action and danger. I can't wait until the other books come out. I hope Ms.Hackett has another Edge of Eon coming out to help me take the edge off waiting.
234 reviews5 followers
February 15, 2020
Sadly, the Hell Squad series is nearing its end, with only 2 novels left that are to be released in 2020.

As usual AH takes us on a whirlwind journey to take out more Gizzida, and to hunt down the mysterious octagon bombs discovered in the last book.

Arden, the Squad 9 comm's officer, is now linked to a new invention of Noah's, a drone that can be mind and voice controlled.

Follow Arden and Dom as they finally try to step out of their individual types of darkness and, hopefully, into the light with each other. Will they be able to stand against the Gizzida, and their own doubts and inadequacies? The chemistry between the two is heart stopping.

The end is coming. Who will win, humanity or the aliens who are doing their best to integrate and decimate mankind?
Profile Image for Penelope.
1,475 reviews15 followers
May 2, 2023
DOM is bk 18 in Anna Hackett’s Dystopian Hell Squad 20 book series. I purchased and listened to the audio version performed by Samantha Cook and Jeffrey Kafer.

MY RATING GUIDE: 4 Stars. DOM read extremely fast, includes a HEA while building tension for the upcoming series conclusion. DOM is an Opposites Attract novel.
1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= This was okay/cute; 3.5= I enjoyed it; 4= I liked it a lot; 5= I Loved it, it was great! (I seldom give 5 Stars).

Enclave Survivor Base, 2+years after the Alien Invasion of Earth ~
DOM continues with the Blue Mountain base survivors now residing and fighting from the Enclave location. The aliens are nearing their final plan to destroy every human on the planet. The remaining time for the survivors to defeat the aliens is counting down. The final showdown draws near (2 remaining books until the conclusion).

Arden is a woman who lost everything in the first alien attack - including her husband and 2 children. After the attack, Arden (with other survivors) made her way to the Blue Mountain base and volunteered to operate the Comms station for Squad 9, a squad mainly staffed with former kick a$$ women soldiers. Arden has been Squad 9’s Comms operator in the two years since the invasion but, grieving, has mostly kept to herself.
Dom is the son of an Italian Mafia prostitute and an unknown man in the gang. Dom learned early that nothing is free and to always watch his back. He learned to fight young, was trained in knives, then became useful as the mafia’s enforcer. But Dom was not free. Just before the invasion, Dom escaped from the gang and ran. After life for everyone on earth changed, Dom headed toward Blue Mountain base with the other survivors. Gen Holmes, the Blue Mts base leader, accepted Dom into the fighting squads where Dom joined the least controlled group - the Beserkers. In the 2yrs since, Dom has found a solidarity among the Berserkers, something he’s never felt before. DOM, book 18 is Arden and Dom’s story.

Comments ~
1) The last group of titles (#13-20) feature the Beserker team members (one of 3 squads featured in Hell Squad). The language in these books tends to be rougher than earlier books due to the character’s backgrounds.
2) The writing in the latter books in the Hell Squad series remind me of serials in a mini-series or individual episodes in a television series - which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Readers should be advised that the series’ story arc builds in tension with each book which won’t be completed until the last book in the series. Each book adds to the overall storyline and either new characters or people previously introduced are featured, each with their own complete HEA. I am finding the series an enjoyable journey.
3) DOM is a dystopian-fantasy novel. Readers who are willing to let go of reality, logical thinking, scientific facts and just settle in for the ride will find the most enjoyment in this series.
4) The Hell Squad books are very fast reading (DOM was about a 3.5hr audio at my listening speed), great for a few hours of escape or for decompressing after work.
5) Although DOM might be read as a standalone title, I really don’t recommend it at this point. DOM is the 18th book in a 20 bk series with an ongoing story arc. A lot of continuity and character development will be missed starting with DOM. I prefer reading Anna Hackett’s series starting with book one and continuing through the series in order.
6) I find the performance by Kafer and Cook very well done. Throughout this series they have been challenged with various accents (Australian, Russian, Italian and English), as well as steamy intimacy scenes, which must have been “fun” for them. ;)
I purchased nearly the entire audio series when they went on Sale. The others I purchased in E format.

READER CAUTION ~ Not recommended to YA readers or those who prefer Clean fiction.
PROFANITY - Yes. Strong language is used frequently.
VIOLENCE - PG. Aliens vs humans.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - Yes. Detailed steamy scenes between the MCs occurs several times.
886 reviews5 followers
April 25, 2025
So close to the end…Humans or Gizzida
Dom Santora fights like a vicious beast; he got that from having to fight since he was a child. As the enforcer to an Italian Mafia Don, his job was to kill on command. Dom feels like a cold, loveless villain, but that’s in the past. Everything has changed, and he has become an avenging angel to all the survivors at the Enclave. Arden Carlisle is the comms officer for Team 9. She is excellent at her job, but that’s all there is in her life. Two years ago, Arden soothed her dying young children the night of the alien invasion. With her beloved husband and children gone, she is devastated. It’s taken two long years for her to feel alive again. Arden now has friends and feels like she’s needed. She has also developed a crush on the mysterious Italian Dom Santora. It seems he’s noticed her too.
The Gizzida is hiding a new mystery bomb that is believed to have human life-ending capabilities. Everyone is working to find and destroy this bomb. The squads go out every day looking for the bomb and running into more than ever new super monsters that really kick their butts.
Arden has been training to control and interact with Noah’s new combat drone tech. She has a chip implanted that allows her to communicate with the drone, which responds in a flash to her commands. The drone explores, films, and shoots down alien monsters, and once it’s on missions, it has saved the day many times. The fighting is intense, the Aliens hiding and protecting their new end-all-bomb, and the humans searching for it. The Teams have encountered several near-death injuries, and if it wasn’t for Selena stepping in, there could have been many deaths.
Dom and Arden are so good for each other. They now share in love, friendships, and hope. I love this story and the entire series, which I am rereading. Linda
Profile Image for A Literary Lady.
75 reviews3 followers
October 25, 2021
The Hell Squad series just get better with each book and "Dom" was excellent. Arden and Dom led totally different lives. She was an Office Manager, married, with children, and Dom, a Mafia Enforcer. However, both characters are not what they seem. Bringing the two characters together was a stroke of genius. I could not imagine the two together, but they work. Both characters' backstories are tragic, and both are in dark places. However, they helped each other come towards the light. Although the storyline in each book involves smoldering attraction and passionate sex, the action-adventure between the couples always changes. I never know what challenges the couples will face. I enjoy it. I am a huge fan of Anna's sci-fi action-adventure romances and will continue to read her amazing stories.
Profile Image for Frances Law.
1,123 reviews14 followers
January 1, 2020
A dark night.

Dom was once an ‘enforcer’ for the Italian Mafia. It was a position that he was trained for from a young orphan boy. When the Gazzida attacked earth he took the opportunity to save himself but he had no sense of self worth. He sees Arden as an
unattainable beauty. Arden is a young woman who lost her husband and two children in the first attack. It has taken a long time for her to see a way forward. It is only recently that she realised that one of the reasons was Dominic Santorini. As with all of Anna’s books you’ll find both romance and action here.
474 reviews5 followers
August 14, 2020
Another man bites the dust! Dom:What a man!

Tall, dark and handsome meets quiet, sedate and graceful. Dom is a man with a dark past yet he cannot stop from being involved with Squad Nine's Comm's officer, Arden. A woman who has not got over the death of her husband and children. However both become involved.However, Squad three and He'll squad are still searching for those DNA bombs. This is going to put all the squads in danger. And mankind!! If those bombs go off with the Gizzida DNA in them mankind's DNA will change.Great story!!
2,149 reviews3 followers
October 15, 2022
Dom...

Hell Squad book 18. Dom and Arden. Simply fanfreakingtastic. These two come from a place of grief, sorrow and shadows. Dom, ex-mafia enforcer turned total badass alpha on the Berserker squad. Arden is the cool, calm and collected comms chick for Squad 9. He is intense, dark and deadly. Both hides their pain, as the aliens grow more horrifying. They battle the aliens and fall for each other. Love seeing Selena step up in this book. Gut wrenching good, angsty, hella dramatic, WTF craziness, and oh so tingle worthy.
Profile Image for PepperP0t .
5,108 reviews86 followers
October 19, 2024
The Gizzada breaks out the terrifying Octagon and unleashing a test rue of its capabilities on Blue Mountain to the horror of the Enclave defenders who watched it in hi-def just as berserker Dom Santora and communication tech Arden Carlisle take their first steps toward each other and begin living again. Dom’s definitely not happy Arden’s in the fight she’s the best drone operator. Tane’s on edge, angry and in awe. Selena has great control over her rapidly growing powers but is too close to the enemy for comfort when she uses them.
Rating: 4.25stars
Profile Image for Ria.
2,492 reviews36 followers
May 22, 2021
Mafia heroes aren't usually my bag, but if anyone can get me on side its Anna Hackett. Dom was surprisingly sweet and the relationship with Arden was so beautifully drawn. The impact of the invasion can sometimes get breezed over by well adjusted couples of the past, but Arden's loss is so painful and as she relives the memories, I couldn't help but cry as I thought about my own family. Very sad to see this series come to an end soon.
Profile Image for Kaye Robinson.
938 reviews4 followers
October 1, 2023
Darkness and Light…

Berserker Dom Santorini is cool and calm under extreme conditions which partly comes from his mafia background but when comms officer Arden gets under his skin he can’t seem to stay away from her but when the new alien attack hits closer to the enclave Dom and Arden’s relationship starts to heat up…
The faced paced action and steamy moments as Dom and Arden find their middle ground in darkness and light’s eternal battle.
Profile Image for masinahikan_iskwew.
264 reviews2 followers
May 19, 2025
I'm so happy Arden got to find love again after losing her husband and kids ❤️
and with one of the berserker!, Dom. Dom was a Mafia enforcer and feels he doesn't deserve happiness and the goodness that is Arden.
The Beserkerd go on a mission to find the Octogon bomb with Arden and her chip controlled drone, but it turns out it's a fake. Time is counting down to finding the bomb that can end humanity. Selena, the resident alien, joins in more in this story, and her powers are growing!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
1,148 reviews2 followers
July 11, 2020
Arden and Dom

Whoo! Com is so hot. Arden is perfect for Dom. She is battling her grief. Com is battling his darkness. Arden chases away the dark. Dom chases away her fear and sadness. As Arden helps test a new weapon Dom fights his need to protect her. In the end a huge fight. Scary moments and ultimately love wins again! Loved it. Love this series!
Profile Image for v'sreadingjourney.
4,522 reviews
July 24, 2022
​​

Method: ebook
Rating: 4/5 stars
H rating: 4/5 - Dom
h rating: 4/5 - Arden
Drama: 3/5
Thoughts: Love this author - will continue series.
Profile Image for Alison.
413 reviews10 followers
June 1, 2020
Packed full of heroics

Dom has always intregued me with his deadly dark silence so it was great to see him get his feathers ruffled in this book. More action and heart pounding adventures. Absolutely loving these books and gutted they are almost over.
3,323 reviews30 followers
December 28, 2020
Dom

Arden is a survivor of an attack by the Grizzida which killed her family and with the help of other survivors and fighters is beginning to break out of her self imposed exile. Then she meets Dom.
1,891 reviews5 followers
June 4, 2022
Not disappointed

This couple I had been looking forward to reading since I sensed the author's intent to write their story.
I did not stop reading it until the end.
Wonderful story of unimaginable loss, sorrow, survival and moving forward.
690 reviews3 followers
July 5, 2022
Intense

This is another Kings we story as the humans speed up their mission to e d the alien invasion and save the rest of humanity. Dom and Arden are unlikely lovers but it works perfectly.
2,518 reviews16 followers
January 25, 2021
Amazing book

This book was intense and very suspenseful. I was on the edge of my seat once again whilst reading and listening to this book. I cannot wait to see how it all ends.
Profile Image for Hanna.
788 reviews8 followers
April 17, 2021
Beautiful. Just beautiful.
Absolutely loved Dom and Arden's story (is it just me or is she a slight nod to Arwen Undómiel?)
Redemption, healing and love.
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