Reflex

Off the Record #1

by Madelynne Ellis

Trapped in a hell of heartbreak and self-loathing, rock guitarist Spook Mortensen wants only to be left alone. He’s determined to remain celibate forever. Better that than being a monster.

Sound engineer, Allegra Hutton can’t forget the mad chemistry that roared into life when the two first met. When their paths collide once again, the reckless energy that burns between them reaches new heights. Alle’s determined to get her man, even if that means digging into Spook’s past to break through the barriers he erects. Unfortunately, she’s not the only one out to expose him…

Reflex is the first full-length novel in a trilogy about Spook Mortensen, set in the world of goth rockers Black Halo. Turn up the volume and enjoy the rollercoaster world of hard rock.

Genres: BDSM, Romance, Contemporary, Erotica, Bisexual, LGBT, Amazon

337 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 29, 2020

About the author

Madelynne Ellis is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling author of over 50 erotic romance novels.

Madelynne lives in the UK, not far from the Welsh border with her partner, family, & assorted pets. She is currently sipping rapidly cooling decaf coffee, listening to loud music, & indulging her obsession for tattooed bad boys.

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Reviews

[Melanie THEE Reader · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars. RTC

So, I was interested in finishing this series until I found out that there are 4 books about this one couple, and I honestly cannot. The main couple was fine.....well I liked Spook, but I would like to tell Allegra that there is a thin line between knowing what you want and being straight up desperate. This book does end on a cliffhanger, so I am interested in how the series ends. I'll probably just skip to the final book at some point.

What I liked about the book: The rockstar vibes. I enjoyed the bromances (and romances) with the members of Black Halo. I loved that the author understood that BDSM requires enthusiastic consent from both parties (glares at a certain popular trilogy) I loved that Allegra was a music producer. I just think that's really cool. The steam also gave what it needed to give (Spook is celibate but there are plenty of ways to be intimate and let's just say that I was fanning myself lol) I think my favorite part of this book was Spook. He thinks he's a monster but he's really an absolute sweetheart. He's internalizing so much trauma and I hope that he sees a therapist at some point in this 4-book series. He initially pushes Allegra away because he thinks that's what best for both for them, but once he decides to try to be in a relationship, he’s in it 100 percent.

What I didn't like about the book: I feel like Allegra didn't really respect Spook's boundaries. He's been celibate for almost 10 years and Allegra just...doesn't take his celibacy seriously? After he's attacked by a "fan" and he's understandably shaken up about it, Allegra's concerned about his well-being, but she still REALLY wants to sleep with him?!? Ma'am IT'S BEEN TWO DAYS SINCE HIS ATTACK THE MAN IS TRAUMATISED BACK OFF. She also gets jealous when she finds out that one of his bandmembers, Xan, was the last person that Spook slept with. Girl that was 10 years ago please grow up!


CW: SA, biphobia, anxiety, trauma, grief, heavy drinking

[Judy & Marianne from Long and Short Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this, a lot. I can’t quite love it though, and let me explain why.

This is, from what I can gather, part of a much longer, larger collection of books about this group of people, this band. I have NOT read any of those. In that collection, Spook and Alle come together, a couple of times, at some point. I *think* maybe it would have helped ME (at least) to have read that book. I missed their first encounter! And I really NEEDED it, you know?

Spook is celibate, but has encountered Alle twice before. Those encounters were explosive, even if no actual sex was involved. Alle wants more, and Spook does NOT want more. Alle is a fighter, and she will fight Spook for everything he can give her. She will break his walls down, even if it kills her, and it is highly likely that it may well break her heart!

Spook is an interesting chap! He is closed off about a lot of things and some things he makes plain and clear. He wants Alle, just not in the way SHE wants. He has a lot to say here, and it only just scratches the surface of what’s behind his walls. He is keeping a lot close to his chest, but what he says about what he wants from Alle is dark. But Alle wants that darkness, she NEEDS it from Spook.

Alle and Spook both have a say, along with another band member (but I already forget which one, sorry!) I would like, maybe, at some point, to read all the other books in this collections, because there are some great guys and gals in this book!

There is a very short paragraph at the front of the book that sort of explains how Spook’s tale came to be. I’m so glad that he demanded three books, instead of the one the author promised him, really I am, because I have a feeling that Spook has an awful lot more to say that he has not even hinted at yet!

Alle and Spook’s tale ends in this book on a bit of a cliff hanger, and I didn’t see that coming, so I got all kinds of cross and angry and annoyed! *just be warned*

So, because of missing their earlier encounters, this one is 4 stars.

[Hemmel M. · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF at 20%. Too many characters to follow the plot.

[Janee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally Spook is unearthed. He is always been elusive. His story was one that been waiting to read. I feel he is going to be like pulling teeth for him to speak. It will be will worth it.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review:
I have not read the other books in the Black Halo Collection yet but after reading this one I look forward to going back and reading the others after I finish the Off the Record books. Many times Rockstar Romances can be very one dimensional, or the hero is just your blanket “bad boy.” Spook and Alle’s story has a lot of layers and really like how the band and their friends are supporting them to be together.  

You feel their frustration of what working with the media must like. There is a creepy sense of invasiveness that come from them and are willing to get a story at any price. 

Also Spooks interactions with his fans is horrific. It gives you pause to remember that celebrities are people too and just because they live in the public eye that does not give their fans license to treat them like an object.

Hero Rating: 🤴🤴🤴🤴
Hero Review:
I like Spook quite a lot. He is damaged but with Alle he tries to work through his issues to be with her. Normally I don’t like these sort of push pull relationships in romance novels but this author does a great job of helping you feel empathy for Spook and see his trying to work through his past trauma. He isn’t some idiot who is pushing away for some benign reson.

Heroine Rating: 💃💃💃💃
Heroine Review:
I ready romance novel for the spice and the hero, but rarely enjoy the heroine as much as I do Alle. She is smart and tenacious and willing to do whatever it takes to for a real relationship with Spook. She pushes him when she needs to but is always theming to meet him in the middle. It is clear she likes him for himself and not just because she is in love with his rock star image. I can’t wait to see how she develops through the series. 

Spice Level: ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥
Spice:
For a book with no actual penetrating sex this one is very spicy. I love how creative Alle and Spook are without crossing his boundaries. They have so much chemistry together.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spook is a wonderful man, but he thinks he's a monster. Allegra is a woman he's seen in person a few times, but they have a mostly text and phone call relationship since he has been on the road with the band (Black Halo) for months. When they finally meet up again, just as the tour ends, sparks fly and secrets are slowly revealed. His kinks and a very nasty woman got him into a lot of trouble when he was much younger, and he's afraid of something awful happening again. Things between them are sweet and mutually satisfying. Then Alle has to return to work in London, and things go horribly wrong again. All the other band members and their significant others are there, especially Xane, who pushes him almost as much as Alle. The nasty press of England is a substantial factor in their torment. Alle has missed out on working with the band because her brothers foisted the care of their dying father and an injured brother on her, which doesn't help either. We are left with a slight cliffhanger and must wait to see what happens next for these two. We feel all the wretched sadness and need that they both carry, even as they try to be good for each other. Their world is unforgiving, especially to the sensitive souls who can't just brazen it out.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read in this series and because of that I have missed out on some of the background information on Spook and Ally. This story revolves around Spook’s continued celibacy and the one woman, Ally who just might be able to reach him. There is a lot going on in this story and it appears to be continued into the next story at least. The story is well written and entertaining in how Ally is slowly breaking down Spook’s barriers. I enjoyed the book and would recommend it.

[Michelle Engel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gritty rock glam at its best!

Madelynne Ellis interweaves thematically-appropriate description with complex character development and dialogue that advances the story, while still sounding realistic and believable.

Spook and Allegra pop off the page as fully-formed, multidimensional people. Even the supporting cast receives generous treatment, each one possessing both vices and virtues.

I came for the rockstar hotness (and there is PLENTY of that!) but was wooed and won over again and again by the quality of the writing. Looking forward to learning more about Black Halo!

[Pebbles Lacasse · Rating 5 out of 5]

rockstar with a conscience

A woman & a rockstar have been chatting for a year and haven’t been intimate despite her pleas. His fears and conscience have taken hold of him deeming him celibate. Will he give in to her? I wish this book didn’t end where it did because I wanted more. :)

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars
It is hot and racy, with sizzling chemistry. With loss, secrets, lies, mistakes, wants, needs, judgement, pain, suffering, lost hope, self-loathing.
The characters are flawed warts and all some you will like, and others could be better.

[Vanessa Sumner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wow , couldn’t be more Insta Insta Insta love. Not much to work with. I wish this were a novel, with long drawn out chastity + teasing play. We get a singular, pretty tame scene. A decent scene! But should be longer.

[Johanna Sawyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gawd this man needs to get laid! Spook seems more scared of himself than anything else… he needs Allegra to shake his life up.

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

REFLEX is the first instalment in Madelynne Ellis’ contemporary, adult OFF THE RECORD erotic, romance series set in the author’s BLACK HALO world. This is Jan ‘Spook’ Mortensen, and Allegra ‘Alle’ Hutton’s story line. REFLEX can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the original Black Halo instalments for back story and history.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there WILL be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from three omniscient third person perspectives ( Spook, Alle, and Xane) REFLEX follows the building but struggling relationship between Black Halo guitarist Jan ‘Spook’ Mortensen and sound engineer Allegra ‘Alle’ Hutton. For approximately one year, Alle has tried everything to persuade Spook Mortensen to take a chance but Spook has sworn a personal vow of celibacy in the wake of betrayal and pain years before. Alle is desperate to learn the truth about what causes Spook to back away but as bits and pieces of information are revealed, Alle finds herself falling in love with a man so broken, he doesn’t trust himself or anyone else but all is not well when Spook continues to be the target of aggressive paparazzi, a target that is about to pay for the sins of the past. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Spook and Alle, and the fall-out as Spook, once again, finds himself at the mercy of someone else.

The world building continues to focus on the rock band Black Halo, but more importantly on the embattled guitarist Jan ‘Spook’ Mortensen.Spook’s past is dangerous and dark; a past that continues to haunt our hero both day and night but a past that is threatening any future with our story line heroine.

The relationship between Spook and Alle begins acrimoniously as Spook continues to push away our story line heroine. Alle doesn’t understand Spook’s need to reject but the heart wrenching truth is about to break Alle’s heart. The $ex scenes are intimate and erotic with some scenes of bondage and spanking.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, familiar and often intrusive secondary and supporting characters including all of the members of the band Ginny and Ash (Black Halo 1-3); Xane, Luthor & Dani (Rock Hard 1-3); Paul ‘Rock Giant’ Reed (Reckless Beat), as well as the contentious and virulent paparazzi, and Alle’s brothers Marshall and Ewan.

REFLEX is a thought provoking story of power and control, betrayal and manipulation, love and understanding. The dramatic premise is raw, gritty and haunting; the characters are broken, tragic and struggling; the romance is limited to our couple’s struggle to get beyond what was, and what will be. REFLEX ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.


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[Ingrid Vermeulen-Quakernaat · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story about a rock band, who hasn't read 1 before. And there is always something that makes the band member inaccessible. But as Spook is described in this story. Wow! He has been doing celibacy for almost 10 years for a reason. You wonder what happened in his young adolescent years. Here and there you get pieces when he is very stressed and hears the voices in his head. Allegra (Alle) just can't put him out of her mind. In the past year she has seen him twice and an erotic moment followed between them. However, Spook keeps pushing her away and Alle won't let that happen again.

An intriguing story where I sometimes had to swallow when I read the re-experiences that Spook has. A great build-up of excitement and raw love. The end of this book came too quickly for me and I definitely want to read a sequel. You cannot help but ask yourself: How does this continue?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Heather Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spook Mortensen is a guitarist for the band Black Halo. In Book 0.5 - Off The Record - a Prelude we learned that Spook has been celibate for the past 10 yrs. Spook hasn't ever confided in Allegra why he is this way. Allegra has gotten him to do more than kissing though. Spook has a few crazy fans at the beginning of the book who are trying to 'help' him with his celibacy. However, his band's security saves him from injury from the crazy fans.

Allegra Hutton is a sound engineer who works with Black Halo and also works with other bands. Allegra and Spook have gotten together, as a couple but seem to spend more time apart than they are together. Allegra is frustrated with Spook, who won't actually have s** with her. They have done everything except s***.

I feel this is a little drawn out with Spook being celibate. He wants to stay true to himself, but, at the same time he wants Allegra.

I did receive a free ARC copy of this book. I am freely leaving an honest review.

[Doris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Celibacy For a Rock Star?!

I am a fan of the Black Halo series so when I seen this was going to be Spook's story I couldn't wait to read it. Spook was determined to live a life of celibacy because of his past. It was only when Allegra came into his life that he felt his walls begin to come down. She had worked with the band on their last album and stayed in touch with Spook while he was out on tour. They had gotten close and Allegra wanted to take their relationship to a physical level but Spook was fighting her and himself every step of the way.

The sexual tension of this book is hot and you are left turning page after page as to why Spook was living a life of sexual induced celibacy and would he ever allow his walls to come crumbling down.

I can't wait to read the next installment of Spook's story!! I need questions answered!!

[Heather in FL · Rating 4 out of 5]

*** This book was provided as an ARC by the author in return for a review. Opinions are entirely my own. **

Spook has been that elusive member of the band. Quiet, celibate, but integral. In this first book of Spook's trilogy, he's fighting his attraction to Allegra HARD. He's certain he's a monster and he doesn't want to ruin her. But she's persistent, and she ensures Spook understands that she's into what he wants to do to her (he's a sadist). Little by little she gets under his skin, and little by little, we learn more about why Spook is so "spooked" to give into his urges. And then right at the end, something happens that neither of them could control, and things appear to be in a tailspin. So, yes, it ends on a bit of a cliffy, but it just makes me want to read the next one when it comes out!

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spook Mortenson is a haunted man! Haunted by his past, his preferences, his choices all while living life in the very public eye, one which is unrelenting, often cruel and without empathy for the human behind the rock star edifice. His relationship with Allegra is complex and causing his struggles to come closer to the surface.
This book has a really strong cast, though some are less than pleasant! Allegra has a lot to contend with as far as her family is concerned and the band, given their success, seems strangely bogged down with unsupportive management!
I really felt for Spook. The build up to the next book worked well and I look forward towhat happens next! Sure to be dramatic! 💖💖💖💖

[Karen Galloway · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Fantastic, Engaging, Must Read Book
I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book. I liked this really enjoyable, entertaining book by Madelynne Ellis. “Reflex” has a great, interesting, well written storyline that kept me engrossed from beginning to end. I really liked and enjoyed reading about the lovely, engaging characters, their super chemistry and interaction really kept me interested in this book. I loved their story. This is another fantastic book from Madelynne and I can’t wait to read the next book

[Giofab21 · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars
Madelynne has a unique ability to write tortured and broken men who need someone who won't give up on them. I guess we're all trying to find that. Spook and Allegra's story is unique, hot and so deep in denial and intrigue that you spend half the time wondering why and the rest asking why not? A great addition to this intense series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dee · Rating 1 out of 5]

ABSOLUTELY NOT ROMANCE OR EROTICA!!!!!! A waste of time and money.


UNBELIEVABLE! The reason you have to pay for this series because NO-ONE WOULD READ IT! I CAN NEVER GET BACK THE 11 HOURS OF MY LIFE WASTED ON THIS BLOODY STORYLINE! You do realise that life is hard and sucks for most people. We read to ESCAPE our situations AND/OR to FANTASIZE. We do not read books like these when we could just turn on the news! Sorry not sorry ....just a shame because I used to LOVE M Ellis!

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Calling all Black Halo Fans this is a book you don't want to miss! I have waited so long for Spook's story and this book didn't disappoint me! Allegra has really liked Spook since she first met him. Spook has been intrigued by her and the feelings she invokes in him.

I can't wait to read the next book to find out the rest of his story. I received an ARC in exchange for a honest review.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 1st book I've read written by Madelynne Ellis; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.

The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.

I loved the chemistry between the characters.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

He has many secrets and he has decided not to have sex ever again. She wants him and she will do anything including his secrets. She is not the only one trying to uncover them. What are his secrets? Who will find them? Follow them to see how they all get on

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spook is not your usual rocker.

Nope. He’s celibate. He refrains from getting intimate with anyone.
Until Allegra upends his comfort zone.
Steamy.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Black Halo series and have become bewitched by the characters, I was very keen to get my hands on Spook's story. The story was addictive immediately, Spook has been a mystery but each little clue to his personality reveals so much more. I can't wait to find out what happens next.

[Fer · Rating 1 out of 5]

I couldn't even finish this book. It's a whole mess, there were parts full of bs, it didn't submit anything to the story and I wasn't expected too much for a free book but this, somehow, disappointed me.

And yeah, for the smut and kinky parts...couldn't get there. I got bored. Sorry.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting plot themes that develop the characters on a slow burn basis. Language is a bit cliche, as if written to be deliberately super brittish which is honestly a bit cringe but not without it's charm

[Brenda Kuhfeldt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Looooved it!

[Taylor · Rating 2 out of 5]

The constant push and pull and stringing along was way too much. I’m committed now so I have to see the series through.