Review - - Operation Blackout

Operation Blackout

by Maria Lokken

Publisher: Harlequin Romantic Suspense

Release Date: October 28, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

 

Her identity is erased and replaced with a criminal record

A stranger is the only man she can turn to for help

When Jordan Logan infiltrates a company’s mainframe, the world-class hacker becomes the hunted—by the very people who hired her. Only by teaming up with Max Ramirez can she clear her name and restore her life. But convincing the cybersecurity expert that she’s the real Jordan Logan is as challenging as the attraction simmering between them. Max can’t trust Jordan…and Jordan doesn’t trust anyone. They’ll create a plan to bring down the culprit. But will their intimate, conflicted dynamic prevent justice from being served?

PJ's Thoughts:

One of the facets that makes this book so compelling is the frighteningly realistic premise. The advancement of cyber technology has brought with it many life improvements but with those improvements have also come a dark underbelly of criminal opportunity. It's that dark element that takes center stage in Operation Blackout, creating an intensely suspenseful story that reeled me in and held me in its grasp right up until the final page. 

Imagine waking one morning to discover your entire life (identity, money, possessions...all of it) has been given to someone else and you are now not only penniless but also have a criminal record and, even worse, are suspected of murder. Scary, right? And that's only the beginning. Maria Lokken grabbed me by the throat with that opening. There was no way I was putting this book down until every one of my questions had been answered. 

I really enjoyed the blend of suspense and romance in this book. The pace never lags and the intensity continues to build throughout. The characters are well drawn, with intriguing back stories and layers. I became emotionally invested in both Jordan and Max. Nothing brings two people together like running for your lives while attempting to save the world from a deviously brilliant villain. I was right there with them, cheering them on from the edge of my seat, enjoying their ever-growing closeness while trying to figure out how in the world they would ever defeat the villain and regain their lives. This well-crafted story kept me guessing right up until the end. 

Once again, I thoroughly enjoyed the warm, loving Ramirez family and the roles they played in this story. I'm hoping the author has more stories planned for them.