A hacker winds up under the protection of a stalwart government operative as they race to stop an outbreak of biological warfare. After her whole team of fellow white-hat hackers is murdered, Kit Westcott is on the run with incredibly sensitive information regarding a bioweapon called Z-1984. To get the knowledge about the creation and sale of Z-1984 out of her hands and into the public view, Kit reaches out to a blogger to stage a leak. When Kit's secret meeting is interrupted by a hail of gunfire, she's rescued by undercover Gray Box operative Castle Kinkade. Gray Box is an off-the-books government agency that operates in the gray areas of the law for the sake of national security. It's a setup that feels all too real in the current global climate, and the doom-and-gloom scenario of a dangerous biological weapon feels like an insurmountable obstacle to a happily-ever-after. As in the previous books in the romantic suspense Final Hour series, including Nothing To Fear (2019), the nonstop jet-setting action will make this more appealing for fans of global thrillers. Both leads are likable enough in their bid for good to triumph over evil, but when compared to the truly Machiavellian villain, they are often the least interesting characters on the page. Kit, who lives with debilitating anxiety and PTSD, is frequently immobilized during times of danger. Given the number of gunfights that happen in this book, her passivity is overwhelming, which may provoke the reader's own anxiety. Romance is supposed to provide a beacon of hope in the darkest of times, but all that was spotted here was a glimmer, at best. A thrilling spy adventure without a romantic payoff. Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

The men and women of the covert Gray Box military unit are back in the third entry in the "Final Hour" series (after Nothing To Fear). Skilled hacker Kit Westcott is running for her life after witnessing the murders of her crew and knows she holds the key to stopping the violence. Finding safety in the arms of the stubborn and dangerous operative Castle Kincaid is the last thing she expects, but threats of bioterrorism and mass chaos force them to work together to avoid disaster and clear her name. As they dig deeper into the mystery of missing bio-agents and dangerous terrorist groups, the two find solace in each other through shared loss and trauma. Their loyalties are soon tested, and unforeseen betrayals force the couple to their breaking point. Relying on each other is soon the only option Kit and Castle have to save themselves and others from the deadly virus that is in the wrong hands. VERDICT In this pulse-pounding, military-heavy romance, Rushdan's well-crafted characters jump off the page and will captivate lovers of romantic thrillers.--Jenna Harmison, Champaign Cty. Lib., OH

Rushdan dials up the suspense in her tense but overstuffed third Final Hour romance (after Nothing to Fear). The Outliers, a team of ethical hackers, accept a dangerous job that makes them targets of a group of terrorists. When the terrorists attack, Kit Westcott is the only survivor, as well as the only witness, sending the grieving hacktivist on the run for her life. Castle Kinkade, an operative for the secret government agency Gray Box, which is working to stop the terrorist group, is assigned to protect Kit. But Kit doesn't trust the government, not even the handsome, tough-as-nails former Navy SEAL Castle, and he isn't prepared to handle the beautiful spitfire who challenges his every move. Kit and Castle grow closer as he protects her from attacks, going so far as to jeopardize his career for her safety, but she's still keeping secrets that could jeopardize Gray Box's mission. Action, heat, and a strong cast round out the story, but the fast pace, multiple points of view, and relentless drama leave little room for emotional connection. Instead, this romance is based more on physical attraction and adrenaline. Readers will enjoy the ride but long for some quieter moments. Agent: Sara Megibow, KT Literary. (May)