Codename Ghoul: Operation Judas Book One

by Mavis Kemo

GHOUL is a dark military romance packed with emotional intensity, suspense, and forbidden connection.
Yasmine Pennington thought she had finally escaped the control of her narcissistic father. On the verge of earning her master’s degree, she’s determined to build a normal life. But when her father suddenly hires a bodyguard without explanation, Yasmine’s sense of safety starts to crack. Unbeknownst to her, someone is watching her from the shadows.
Ghoul, a battle-hardened Marine working in a covert black op’s unit, doesn’t do emotional attachments. Locked in a troubled past he believes he’s unredeemable and undeserving of a chance at happiness. His current job is simple; watch her.
Ghoul breaks protocol and risks everything to save her when she’s kidnapped. Hiding her away may keep her safe, but it also puts them in close quarters with nowhere to go. His mission changes when he is tasked to find out what she knows, but at the same time not get attached to her in the process. He thought he knew Yasmine while he watched from the shadows, but she isn’t what he expected and he struggles to remain detached.
Yasmine and Ghoul confront their pasts, all while not falling for each other because romance and danger don’t mix. Ghoul is left with the decision to do his duty or take a chance at a life with her.

379 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 10, 2025

Reviews

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saw this and thought it sounded interesting but was not expecting the emotional roller coaster that it ended up being.


Yasmine has been kiddnapped, but before she knows it, she has been rescued by a masked man, Ghoul. Ghoul went against orders rescuing her, but he takes her to his cabin to keep her safe. He needs to find out if she knows anything about her fathers operations. But what he finds out is how cruel her father is and all the trauma she carries. 


These two were perfect together, with the banter between the two perfect. With Yasmine coming out of her skin and finding someone to talk about her past and breaking through ghouls walls, making him connect with another person in a long time. The ending was not what i expected, but it was what was needed, and I can't wait for the next book.


I did find it hard to get into the writing style at first, with it being third person and switching between the two MC found it a bit confusing to start. But the more i got into it, the more I was hooked. It had me smiling and my heart breaking, so prepare yourself for all the emotions.

[Kayla Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

An All-Time Favorite! Don't Miss This One.
I had the immense pleasure of getting an early look at this book, and all I can say is: Wow. This is more than a good book; it's an instant all-time favorite that I'll be re-reading over and over again. It has it all: a swoon-worthy masked military hero, an emotional and fun romance, and a plot so full of twists and turns that it will keep you on your toes from start to finish.
The author masterfully crafts a story that's both fun and exhilarating. I found myself giggling, blushing, and audibly gasping at the countless jaw-dropping moments. The payoff is immense, and while we get a truly satisfying happy-for-now ending, I'm already counting the seconds until I can get my hands on book two to see what happens next.
If you love military romance, mystery, and characters you can't help but root for, do yourself a favor and add this to your TBR list. You won't regret it. I'm already clearing space on my trophy shelf for a physical copy!

[Genifer Eskue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and it is worth the read. Ghoul and Yasmine’s story is definitely unique, and the slow burn pays off—the spice fits seamlessly into the storyline and feels natural, unlike some books where it feels overdone or like the sole reason for the plot to exist. I also really appreciated the detail put into certain scenes, especially the confrontation toward the end, which was vivid and well done.

That said, I’m docking one star for a few reasons. At times, the dialogue felt a bit heavy and it felt like nothing was happening. There were also a few spots where the same word was repeated closely together to describe something, which pulled me out of the moment. And finally (and the lest important), the writing style comes across a little young—what you might expect from a debut author.

[Raven Daegan C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book, its a slowburn dark military romance. The characters are loveable and it is such a good read i couldn't put it down. Ghoul is definitely a grumpy sunshine and Yasmine is a spitfire.. they go through some stuff together and it keeps you on the edge of your seat. Definitely a good read. I cant wait for the sequel

[Angela Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! When I first started reading it I wasn’t sure how I was going to like it. I don’t know that I’ve read many military romance books. I was surprisingly pleased and honestly can’t wait for the follow up book to see how the story plays out. There wasn’t a whole lot of spice and it didn’t really kick in until about 60%of the way through, so definitely a slow burn. But when it did….. 🔥. I could feel the passion coming off of the pages. The action was good, the banter was there and the connection between Ghoul and Yasmine 🤌🏼.

[A.T. Geiger · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not typically the genre I would consider reading, but as an ARC reader for this book, I can say that I may have become a new fan of dark military romance! Who knew!
Codename Ghoul: Operation Judas Book 1
does not disappoint. This author’s debut novel absolutely blew me away. For a new writer, her writing speaks as though she has been doing this for years! She also connects her characters in such a profound way that it makes one believe in things like fated destinies. The right place, the right time, unique circumstances, and a love that holds no boundaries.
This suspense romance book features close proximity, broken pasts, flawed characters, a slow burn, and a forbidden love trope.
Bravo to author, Mavis Kemo and her first published book.

[Mrs Holm Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this captivating military romance, the story unfolds slowly with an air of mystery as Yasmine, a military brat, is kidnapped from her safe environment. Her rescue comes at the hands of a masked man known as Ghoul, whose enigmatic presence is both thrilling and alluring. As they navigate the aftermath of her abduction, the chemistry between them ignites amid playful banter and emotional highs and lows. Their connection deepens during their time together, leading to a passionate first night that seals their bond. This tale masterfully weaves together elements of suspense, romance, and intrigue, making it a compelling read..

[Stephanie Armijo-Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has so many pros, it’s hard to find any cons! The MFC is a hot mess with parent issues, so obviously very relatable (ha!). In all seriousness, the development of the MFC is done very well, it’s like really getting to know a friend after we’ve had a little too much tequila and allllll the dark secrets come pouring out…but in a book. I could totally be besties with her IRL. The MMC is very mysterious and also super hot. The story line and how the author adds detail to each event makes it so easy to read and to feel like you’re right there with them. I am dying to find out what happens in book two!

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good slow burn with it leading up to well timed spice. It was refreshing to read a dark military romance (dark romance) where the plot wasn't solely based on spice and that there was actually a story with the romance developing naturally. The banter is good. There are parts where I was laughing, crying and kicking my feet. I appreciated the humor and how real the characters felt.

For an indie author and being her first book (there are issues with it for being a new author), it was good and I want the second book!

[Clarissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my 2nd dark military romance so I wanted to be transparent on that.

I liked Yasmine and her spirit; I appreciated that.

Ghoul, I think was the classic grumpy MMC lol

Yasmine and Ghoul were fine but I felt like there was too much dialogue? Or just a tad bit too much of non needed stuff in it. I think if that was taken out, it would've hit more.

But I don't hate this book. Like I said, I love Yasmine and Ghoul so they definitely helped.

I would read book 2 so there's that lol!

[Shay Kent · Rating 5 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed this book. There were a few darker elements, but overall I had fun reading the interactions between the FMC and MMC. They were sharp and witty. The chemistry was wonderful. The ending leaves so much open and I can't wait for book 2! 4.5/5!

[Fireball · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first military romance. I enjoyed the thrill and suspense behind it all! I cannot believe she left the ending like that!

A good and enjoyable read. The writing could be better, and there was a moment during the "romantic" scene where she almost lost me, but overall I liked it.

[Kendra C Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

gosh I loved it so much for all the trigger warnings I damn near lost mind when he casually folded a page in a book but it made him real and e
relatable can't wait to see what is next

[Harley · Rating 3 out of 5]

it was alright

Like I liked the idea of the story and it started out ok but for me it was hot and cold and I did not find myself fully invested.

[Aubrey Posch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m in love

I hope there is more because I couldn’t stop reading. I will impatiently waiting for the next book. There has to be more!