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The Reflex: Consolidated Version
This is the journey of a working mom as her world and her truth collapses, after decades of deceit on her part, she still isn't prepared for her new dangerous reality and how her husband and children will be affected.
What happens when a suburban mom's perfect life is built on secrets? Chaos ensues.
Cara Bianco Andre seems to have it a thriving design and construction firm, a devoted husband, Nic, and teenage twins, Mia and Max. But when strange coincidences linked to the Duran Duran hit "The Reflex" begin to surface, Cara's seemingly ordinary world starts to crack.
Summoned to Washington, D.C., she reunites with her best friend-and former CIA handler-Connor "White Knight" Reed. That's when the truth Cara was once a top field operative, long believed inactive. Now, someone wants her dead.
Her search for answers takes her to Berlin, where she's hunted by Vlad "The Impaler" Chekov, a ruthless Russian mercenary.
Now, Cara must fight to keep her family alive as long-buried loyalties and betrayals collide, The Reflex becomes more than a song-it's the key to uncovering a deadly past that refuses to stay buried.
What happens when a suburban mom's perfect life is built on secrets? Chaos ensues.
Cara Bianco Andre seems to have it a thriving design and construction firm, a devoted husband, Nic, and teenage twins, Mia and Max. But when strange coincidences linked to the Duran Duran hit "The Reflex" begin to surface, Cara's seemingly ordinary world starts to crack.
Summoned to Washington, D.C., she reunites with her best friend-and former CIA handler-Connor "White Knight" Reed. That's when the truth Cara was once a top field operative, long believed inactive. Now, someone wants her dead.
Her search for answers takes her to Berlin, where she's hunted by Vlad "The Impaler" Chekov, a ruthless Russian mercenary.
Now, Cara must fight to keep her family alive as long-buried loyalties and betrayals collide, The Reflex becomes more than a song-it's the key to uncovering a deadly past that refuses to stay buried.
517 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 20, 2025
6 people are currently reading
6 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
January 4, 2026
Maria Denison delivers a story anchored by a truly badass female lead. Cara is funny, witty, rough around the edges, and nails that dry Gen-X deadpan perfectly. She’s the kind of protagonist who feels instantly real—sharp, flawed, and impossible not to root for.
Early on, we meet her best friend Jinx, along with Cara’s husband, Nic, and Jinx’s husband, Jake. The marriages in this book are refreshingly portrayed: hot, steamy, and grounded in the kind of long-term, comfortable love that’s still fueled by real passion. Jinx avoids every tired “best friend” trope, and neither relationship feels performative or one-dimensional—they feel lived-in and earned.
The book takes its time in the first quarter, carefully laying the groundwork and establishing the world and characters. That patience pays off. Once the foundation is set, the story hits you with twist after twist. It’s hard to say much more without giving things away, but nearly everyone harbors unexpected depth—hidden histories, skills, and layers you don’t see coming.
By Part Two, I was completely hooked.
What really sets The Reflex apart is its genre-blending confidence. It isn’t strictly romance, thriller, or mystery. It’s not fantasy either—but it carries a subtle supernatural undertone rooted in actual science and spiritual concepts, including collective consciousness theories. The web of the story is intricate, intentional, and genuinely impressive.
By the end, I was fully invested in Cara, Jinx, Nic, Jake, Reed, Sasha, Max, and Mia—and genuinely eager for what comes next. I cannot wait to read the next installment and see where this story goes.
Truly fantastically done.
Early on, we meet her best friend Jinx, along with Cara’s husband, Nic, and Jinx’s husband, Jake. The marriages in this book are refreshingly portrayed: hot, steamy, and grounded in the kind of long-term, comfortable love that’s still fueled by real passion. Jinx avoids every tired “best friend” trope, and neither relationship feels performative or one-dimensional—they feel lived-in and earned.
The book takes its time in the first quarter, carefully laying the groundwork and establishing the world and characters. That patience pays off. Once the foundation is set, the story hits you with twist after twist. It’s hard to say much more without giving things away, but nearly everyone harbors unexpected depth—hidden histories, skills, and layers you don’t see coming.
By Part Two, I was completely hooked.
What really sets The Reflex apart is its genre-blending confidence. It isn’t strictly romance, thriller, or mystery. It’s not fantasy either—but it carries a subtle supernatural undertone rooted in actual science and spiritual concepts, including collective consciousness theories. The web of the story is intricate, intentional, and genuinely impressive.
By the end, I was fully invested in Cara, Jinx, Nic, Jake, Reed, Sasha, Max, and Mia—and genuinely eager for what comes next. I cannot wait to read the next installment and see where this story goes.
Truly fantastically done.
December 26, 2025
“That's the beauty of manipulation. If done well, the minds you're controlling truly believe they are acting of their own accord.”
This book was full of surprises and the secrets just kept coming from each character! It’s filled with undercover agents, heated moments, and a badass FMC, Cara. I loved the balance between the spy and family drama side of Cara’s life. But once they start to intertwine, the pacing of the story feels very much like an action packed tv show! I wasn’t expecting the twins, Mia and Maxs reveal. Definitely recommend reading The Reflex if you enjoy a romantic mystery filled with spies.
This book was full of surprises and the secrets just kept coming from each character! It’s filled with undercover agents, heated moments, and a badass FMC, Cara. I loved the balance between the spy and family drama side of Cara’s life. But once they start to intertwine, the pacing of the story feels very much like an action packed tv show! I wasn’t expecting the twins, Mia and Maxs reveal. Definitely recommend reading The Reflex if you enjoy a romantic mystery filled with spies.
December 3, 2025
The Reflex: Consolidated Version by Maria Denison
Rating:5/5
Review:
👉This book is a bold and addictive thriller that blends espionage, family tension, and emotional reckoning into one seamless narrative. From the outside, Cara Bianco Andre seems like a woman who has mastered the balance between career success and motherhood. With a thriving design firm, a steady marriage, and teenage twins to keep her busy, her life looks carefully structured. Yet beneath the surface lies a past built on secrets, and once those secrets start cracking open, the illusion of normalcy vanishes at lightning speed.
👉Denison crafts Cara with remarkable depth, allowing readers to experience the shock, fear, and fierce protectiveness that emerge as her former identity resurfaces. She is both a devoted mother and a woman trained to survive in the darkest corners of intelligence work. This duality makes her journey intensely compelling. Her interactions with her husband Nic are among the most heartfelt moments in the story, portraying a marriage rooted in loyalty and quiet gestures of love even as the world around them crumbles.
👉The turning point comes when Cara is called to Washington, D.C. and reunites with Connor “White Knight” Reed, a best friend who also served as her CIA handler. Their meeting sets off a chain reaction of danger that pushes Cara back into a world she thought she had escaped forever. The novel transitions from suburban calm to high-pressure espionage without losing its emotional center. Denison handles these shifts with confidence, giving each scene the right balance of tension and character development.
👉The international chase that follows, especially Cara’s confrontation with the ruthless Vlad “The Impaler” Chekov in Berlin, amplifies the stakes dramatically. The action is sharp and cinematic, yet the emotional threads remain intact. Cara’s fear for her family brings a deeply human layer to the thrilling sequences. The novel blends danger with humor, surprise, and moments of genuine warmth, creating a rhythm that keeps readers fully immersed.
👉Ultimately, The Reflex is a story about identity, resilience, and the cost of a life lived in shadows.
Rating:5/5
Review:
👉This book is a bold and addictive thriller that blends espionage, family tension, and emotional reckoning into one seamless narrative. From the outside, Cara Bianco Andre seems like a woman who has mastered the balance between career success and motherhood. With a thriving design firm, a steady marriage, and teenage twins to keep her busy, her life looks carefully structured. Yet beneath the surface lies a past built on secrets, and once those secrets start cracking open, the illusion of normalcy vanishes at lightning speed.
👉Denison crafts Cara with remarkable depth, allowing readers to experience the shock, fear, and fierce protectiveness that emerge as her former identity resurfaces. She is both a devoted mother and a woman trained to survive in the darkest corners of intelligence work. This duality makes her journey intensely compelling. Her interactions with her husband Nic are among the most heartfelt moments in the story, portraying a marriage rooted in loyalty and quiet gestures of love even as the world around them crumbles.
👉The turning point comes when Cara is called to Washington, D.C. and reunites with Connor “White Knight” Reed, a best friend who also served as her CIA handler. Their meeting sets off a chain reaction of danger that pushes Cara back into a world she thought she had escaped forever. The novel transitions from suburban calm to high-pressure espionage without losing its emotional center. Denison handles these shifts with confidence, giving each scene the right balance of tension and character development.
👉The international chase that follows, especially Cara’s confrontation with the ruthless Vlad “The Impaler” Chekov in Berlin, amplifies the stakes dramatically. The action is sharp and cinematic, yet the emotional threads remain intact. Cara’s fear for her family brings a deeply human layer to the thrilling sequences. The novel blends danger with humor, surprise, and moments of genuine warmth, creating a rhythm that keeps readers fully immersed.
👉Ultimately, The Reflex is a story about identity, resilience, and the cost of a life lived in shadows.
November 23, 2025
The Reflex is one of the most compelling books I've ever read. The details were interesting, the story is unique and it is full of danger, spies, espionage, humor, love, hope, and so much more!
I identified with Cara immediately. She's a sleepy mom, navigating school drop off and kids while balancing everything else in her life and I absolutely loved the dynamic between Cara and Nick. Their interactions were perfect, it was clear they were in love with each other and I loved the little bits that they did for each other.
When things go awry, this story gets extremely interesting and I was sucked into the fast-paced storyline anxiously trying to figure out what was going to happen. There were moments where my heart was pounding and others where I was cracking up laughing.
The audiobook narrator, Tara Langella did such an incredible job that I just uttered to myself "seriously, this was only one narrator?" I seriously thought this was a full-cast narration. I'm even more impressed with the immersive experience that she created and I am wow'ed that she voiced all of those characters so distinctly that I never caught on that it was only one narrator. Stunning work!
If you're into mysteries, secrets, spy networks, and so much more, this book is for you!
Thank you to Maria Denison for the ALC.
I identified with Cara immediately. She's a sleepy mom, navigating school drop off and kids while balancing everything else in her life and I absolutely loved the dynamic between Cara and Nick. Their interactions were perfect, it was clear they were in love with each other and I loved the little bits that they did for each other.
When things go awry, this story gets extremely interesting and I was sucked into the fast-paced storyline anxiously trying to figure out what was going to happen. There were moments where my heart was pounding and others where I was cracking up laughing.
The audiobook narrator, Tara Langella did such an incredible job that I just uttered to myself "seriously, this was only one narrator?" I seriously thought this was a full-cast narration. I'm even more impressed with the immersive experience that she created and I am wow'ed that she voiced all of those characters so distinctly that I never caught on that it was only one narrator. Stunning work!
If you're into mysteries, secrets, spy networks, and so much more, this book is for you!
Thank you to Maria Denison for the ALC.
December 14, 2025
The Reflex by Maria Denison completely surprised me with how fast it pulled me in. At first, Cara Bianco Andre feels like the ultimate working mom—successful career, loving husband, teenage twins, the picture-perfect suburban life. But the cracks appear so subtly that I felt the tension building before I even realized what was wrong. When coincidences tied to The Reflex start surfacing, the story shifts from domestic drama into full-blown psychological and espionage suspense. Watching Cara’s carefully built world collapse under the weight of her own secrets was intense, emotional, and honestly heartbreaking at times. 💔🎶
What I loved most was Cara herself—strong, flawed, terrified, and fiercely protective of her family. Her reunion with Connor Reed and the revelation of her past as a CIA operative adds depth and danger, while the Berlin chase and the presence of Vlad Chekov kept my heart racing. This book balances motherhood, marriage, betrayal, and survival so well that it feels deeply personal despite the spy-thriller stakes. The Reflex isn’t just about action—it’s about identity, consequences, and how far a woman will go to protect the life she loves. Gripping and empowering. 🔥📘
What I loved most was Cara herself—strong, flawed, terrified, and fiercely protective of her family. Her reunion with Connor Reed and the revelation of her past as a CIA operative adds depth and danger, while the Berlin chase and the presence of Vlad Chekov kept my heart racing. This book balances motherhood, marriage, betrayal, and survival so well that it feels deeply personal despite the spy-thriller stakes. The Reflex isn’t just about action—it’s about identity, consequences, and how far a woman will go to protect the life she loves. Gripping and empowering. 🔥📘
December 9, 2025
Maria Denison’s The Reflex delivers a tightly woven blend of domestic life and covert chaos, creating a thriller that feels both grounded and cinematic. Cara Bianco Andre begins as a relatable suburban mom, exhausted yet dedicated, making her sudden plunge back into a world of espionage all the more impactful. The contrast between her present life and her hidden past adds a compelling emotional depth.
As the story unfolds, the tension increases with each chapter. Cara’s reunion with her former CIA handler, Connor Reed, and the dangerous coincidences involving the song “The Reflex” slowly reveal a past she can no longer outrun. The chase through Berlin and the threat of Vlad Chekov create an atmosphere of urgency and danger.
Despite the high stakes, the warmth in Cara’s family life remains a steady anchor. Her bond with her husband and children provides the novel with heartfelt moments that emphasize what she stands to lose. Denison balances action, emotion, and mystery in a way that keeps the story engaging from start to finish.
December 9, 2025
The Reflex introduces readers to Cara Bianco Andre, a mother and business owner whose world collapses the moment her past catches up with her. Denison skillfully portrays a woman who once lived a life of secrets but now desperately wants normalcy. This contrast between who Cara was and who she is now forms the emotional spine of the narrative.
The thriller elements escalate sharply, drawing the reader into a web of espionage and betrayal. From Washington to Berlin, the novel follows Cara as she confronts enemies she thought she had left behind. Every revelation brings her closer to danger while exposing layers of deceit that span decades.
One of the story’s strongest elements is the authentic portrayal of Cara’s relationships. Her connection with Nic feels grounded and real, reminding readers that her family is her greatest strength and vulnerability. These emotional stakes make the thriller moments hit even harder.
The thriller elements escalate sharply, drawing the reader into a web of espionage and betrayal. From Washington to Berlin, the novel follows Cara as she confronts enemies she thought she had left behind. Every revelation brings her closer to danger while exposing layers of deceit that span decades.
One of the story’s strongest elements is the authentic portrayal of Cara’s relationships. Her connection with Nic feels grounded and real, reminding readers that her family is her greatest strength and vulnerability. These emotional stakes make the thriller moments hit even harder.
December 9, 2025
Maria Denison crafts a captivating story in The Reflex, blending the familiarity of suburban life with the high-stakes world of intelligence work. Cara’s morning routines and business responsibilities make her instantly relatable. The sudden cracks in her peaceful existence create a sharp shift that propels the narrative into thrilling territory.
The espionage plot is layered with tension and surprises. Cara’s reunion with Connor Reed reveals a world she once mastered but hoped never to revisit. The presence of the ruthless Vlad Chekov heightens the sense of danger as she races to uncover the truth behind the resurfacing threats.
Alongside the action, the novel explores loyalty, sacrifice, and identity. Cara’s struggle to protect her family while confronting the remnants of her past makes her a compelling protagonist. Denison’s storytelling blends emotional stakes with suspense, creating an engrossing reading experience.
December 9, 2025
The Reflex stands out as a thriller rooted in the complexities of personal history and family life. Cara’s seemingly normal world is drawn with striking detail, making the intrusion of her past even more jarring. Her life as a mother and entrepreneur feels authentic and lived in.
The novel’s pace quickens when Cara receives the summons to Washington. Her partnership with Connor Reed reveals a history filled with covert missions and unfinished business. The reappearance of threats tied to “The Reflex” adds an intriguing and unusual thread to the mystery.
Denison’s strength lies in her ability to balance high tension with emotional realism. Cara’s love for her family fuels her every move and deepens the impact of every twist. The result is a story that feels both thrilling and emotionally resonant.
December 9, 2025
In The Reflex, Maria Denison offers a story filled with unexpected revelations and a protagonist caught between two worlds. Cara Bianco Andre begins the novel as a woman focused on family and work, unaware that her past is about to explode back into her life. The quiet stability she built serves as the calm before the storm.
Once Cara is forced back into the shadows of intelligence work, the narrative becomes fast and gripping. The connection to the Duran Duran hit is an inventive touch, adding mystery and intrigue. The chase sequences and confrontations across Europe heighten the stakes dramatically.
Amid the action, what stands out most is Cara’s unwavering determination to protect her family. Her strength comes from love rather than training alone, making her journey both powerful and relatable. Denison blends action and heart with impressive skill
December 9, 2025
Maria Denison’s The Reflex is a compelling character-driven thriller that examines how one woman’s buried past collides with her carefully built present. Cara’s life appears polished and stable, but subtle oddities soon signal the return of secrets she hoped were long gone. This slow unraveling creates a captivating opening.
The narrative gains momentum as Cara reconnects with her former handler, Connor Reed. Their dynamic adds layers of history and trust, deepening the emotional stakes. The introduction of Vlad Chekov as a relentless adversary intensifies the danger that follows Cara across continents.
What anchors the story is the genuine warmth of Cara’s family ties. Her devotion to her husband and children makes every risk feel heavier. Denison’s ability to weave domestic tenderness with international suspense results in a memorable and engaging novel.
December 9, 2025
The Reflex blends espionage and family drama in a way that feels fresh and dynamic. Cara is not portrayed as a typical spy reactivated into service but as a mother who left that life behind with intention and hope. This creates a unique tension as her two identities collide.
The plot unfolds with precision, weaving coded messages, dangerous encounters, and unresolved betrayals. The deeper Cara digs into why she has been targeted again, the more perilous her world becomes. The Berlin sequences add a rich and atmospheric backdrop to the chase.
Denison grounds the action with moments of humor and sincerity, particularly in Cara’s interactions with her husband Nic. Their partnership feels genuine and supportive, adding emotional depth to the danger surrounding them. The balance between heart and suspense makes this novel stand out.
December 9, 2025
In The Reflex, the quiet routines of suburban life are shattered when Cara’s hidden past resurfaces. Denison draws readers into Cara’s world with vivid details that make her day-to-day life entirely believable. This foundation sets the stage for a dramatic shift into espionage.
As Cara discovers that someone wants her dead, the tempo of the story rises sharply. Her history with Connor Reed and the mystery tied to the song “The Reflex” create a suspenseful and intriguing narrative. The global chase and presence of a ruthless mercenary add constant momentum.
Despite the constant threats, the emotional heart of the story remains Cara’s family. Her love for Nic and her children gives every decision weight and urgency. Denison’s ability to intertwine emotional truth with sharp action results in a compelling thriller.
December 9, 2025
Maria Denison crafts a rich and engaging thriller in The Reflex, driven by a protagonist who feels both strong and relatable. Cara’s life as a business owner and mother is portrayed with warmth and authenticity. This makes the sudden reappearance of her past life all the more striking.
The story unfolds with a steady buildup of tension. Cara’s connection to the CIA and the cryptic significance of “The Reflex” create a multilayered mystery. The threats intensify as she travels to Berlin, pursued by a dangerous figure whose motives are deeply personal.
Cara’s devotion to her family adds emotional grounding to the narrative. Her marriage to Nic is depicted with nuance, reinforcing the stakes as the danger closes in. Denison successfully merges action, intrigue, and heartfelt moments into a satisfying and memorable thriller.
December 9, 2025
The Reflex captivates from the beginning with its portrayal of ordinary life tinged with the shadows of a secret past. Cara’s interactions with her family are warm and believable, making her a protagonist readers can immediately connect with. The early cracks in her routine set the stage for the tension to come.
Once Cara is pulled back into the world of covert operations, the story accelerates. The return of her former handler and the haunting clues tied to the song create a suspenseful chain of revelations. The presence of a dangerous Russian adversary keeps the stakes high and the tension constant.
Cara’s emotional strength anchors the entire narrative. Her marriage and family life add layers of humanity that balance the danger surrounding her. Denison delivers a thriller that is both pulse-pounding and deeply personal.
Once Cara is pulled back into the world of covert operations, the story accelerates. The return of her former handler and the haunting clues tied to the song create a suspenseful chain of revelations. The presence of a dangerous Russian adversary keeps the stakes high and the tension constant.
Cara’s emotional strength anchors the entire narrative. Her marriage and family life add layers of humanity that balance the danger surrounding her. Denison delivers a thriller that is both pulse-pounding and deeply personal.
December 9, 2025
The Reflex opens with an inviting look at Cara’s ordinary life before swiftly pulling readers into a web of danger and espionage. Her role as a mother and entrepreneur feels real and relatable, giving the story a strong emotional foundation.
When old secrets resurface, Cara’s past collides violently with her present. The involvement of her former handler, Connor, and the cryptic clues tied to a popular song create a layered mystery. The chase through Berlin and the threat of a remorseless mercenary maintain a fast, engaging pace.
While the action is compelling, the true heart of the story lies in Cara’s relationships. Her bond with Nic provides moments of warmth and sincerity that elevate the narrative. Denison’s ability to fuse emotional depth with intense suspense makes this novel particularly impactful.
When old secrets resurface, Cara’s past collides violently with her present. The involvement of her former handler, Connor, and the cryptic clues tied to a popular song create a layered mystery. The chase through Berlin and the threat of a remorseless mercenary maintain a fast, engaging pace.
While the action is compelling, the true heart of the story lies in Cara’s relationships. Her bond with Nic provides moments of warmth and sincerity that elevate the narrative. Denison’s ability to fuse emotional depth with intense suspense makes this novel particularly impactful.
December 9, 2025
In The Reflex, Maria Denison tells a story that balances espionage thrills with the complexities of motherhood and identity. Cara’s quiet routines and family moments create a strong contrast with the hidden life she once lived. This duality forms the core tension of the novel.
The pacing shifts dramatically as Cara is drawn back into the world she tried to escape. The mysterious significance of “The Reflex” and the appearance of enemies from her past create a compelling mystery. Every new clue raises the stakes and pushes the narrative forward.
Even amid danger, Cara’s love for her family remains constant. Her determination to protect them makes her an emotionally resonant character. Denison’s storytelling blends action and heart with a confident and engaging voice.
The pacing shifts dramatically as Cara is drawn back into the world she tried to escape. The mysterious significance of “The Reflex” and the appearance of enemies from her past create a compelling mystery. Every new clue raises the stakes and pushes the narrative forward.
Even amid danger, Cara’s love for her family remains constant. Her determination to protect them makes her an emotionally resonant character. Denison’s storytelling blends action and heart with a confident and engaging voice.
January 8, 2026
This book is fast paced, action packed. It is full of drama (every day and out of the box).
Intrigue at CIA/KGB levels.
There are so many plot twists and turns. It keeps you guessing at every corner. It is not one of those books that you already know what's going to happen before the end. It kept me on my toes.
I was so happy to have a physical copy of this so I could tab pages. You'd come to a clue/hint and think Oooooh this tidbit is gonna be important later. I'm going to want to come back and reread this part.
Intrigue at CIA/KGB levels.
There are so many plot twists and turns. It keeps you guessing at every corner. It is not one of those books that you already know what's going to happen before the end. It kept me on my toes.
I was so happy to have a physical copy of this so I could tab pages. You'd come to a clue/hint and think Oooooh this tidbit is gonna be important later. I'm going to want to come back and reread this part.
January 17, 2026
Such a great book! It kept me wanting to keep reading. I felt connected to the characters even more as the story progressed. The ties of supernatural but yet realism was definitely on point. It was different, and I like different. It had a little bit of spice but not overwhelming. Definitely a solid 4 star read.
January 11, 2026
A truly amazing story. I loved every minute of the chaotic rollercoaster of Cara's life. The twists and turns that kept me up way too late reading just to find out what was going to happen next left me on the edge of my seat. This will be one story that will stay with me for a long time and I'm very glad it is not over yet because I need so much more from these characters. This book was so worth the 5 stars I gave it and more.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews