Review: The Perfect Distraction by Melissa Rolka

When Katherine “Kate” leaves for her freshmen year at college, a grounded and stable piece of her is missing. She pushes away the ghosts of her past, determined to start her college life single, carefree and distracted.

Throughout high school Kate was reserved and shy, with little experience. Now, on her own, with little holding her back, Kate is ready to branch out. She bonds with a tight knit group of friends and even starts casually dating. What starts out as innocent flirting on the tennis courts slowly turns into a friendship and eventually something more complex. Reed comes into her life giving her the distraction she craves more than anything; but is she ready to give her heart away so easily?

Things get complicated when Kate’s ex-boyfriend and first love continues to pursue her. Kyle deeply regrets breaking her heart when he left for college the year before and is now on a mission to reclaim her. Kyle’s persistence and relentlessness is nothing short of obsessive. He will stop at nothing to win her back and prove his love.

Kate finds herself torn between her past and the unknown of the future. Her determination to stay distracted may just be her downfall or the beginning of something new and wonderful.

***For Mature Readers 18+***

This is a great debut novel by author, Melissa Rolka. I was first pulled into the story by Kyle’s POV. He wants to get his ex-girlfriend, Kate, back. He made a huge mistake breaking up with her before going off to college, but wants a second chance. He knows that he is going to have to work for her and show her that he has changed.

The story then switches to Kates POV. She resisted Kyle’s charms over the summer and is now at college herself. She wants to move on from him and is determined to start her new life. However, he still has a hold of her heart, as all first loves seem to do. She wants to leave him in the past and learn who she is without him. I really liked seeing her gain confidence in herself. She really begins to come into her own. The problems with Kyle still being persistent isn’t the only thing she faces. During her senior year of high school, her mother just up and left the family. She is left with a broken heart from her as well. This is her year to heal and focus on herself.

Like any great college story, Kate has her pick of hot guys. But, there is really only one that totally catches her eye…Reed. He is a player and, to her, seemingly unattainable. However, the two slowly form a friendship over their tennis matches together. The major thing between them is Kyle. Yep, his persistence paid off and he finally wore her down. Little by little he chips away at her and she begins to lose herself and all the confidence that she gained. She knows that it’s wrong and she should end it, but she can’t cut him loose. She doesn’t know how to let him go, and Kyle wouldn’t let her if she tried. That is until she finally has a wakeup call.

Reed is sooo swoon worthy. *Sigh* He patiently waits on the sidelines until she is ready and then plunges head first into their relationship. The sweet things he says to her and the way he take care with her absolutely melted my heart. I do wish we could have learned more about his past, though. He keeps saying that he isn’t worthy of her, and it makes me curious. Is it his player ways that makes him unworthy or is there something deeper?

I really can’t wait for the next book, The Perfect Emotion. I’m anxious to see how Kate, Reed, and Kyle’s story turns out.

KYLE

I’ve latched onto Kate’s hand softer than I would like, but I strain my hand to comply.  Even though I’ve told her I’ll wait a little while longer for her to make a decision to try again with me I know that I won’t let her make any other decision.  It’s inconceivable to me.  We make our way into Johnny’s house passing through a couple messing around on the washing machine.  The house is packed with people I’m mostly familiar with.  I glance around and see a couple guys eyeing Kate’s entrance and I can no longer restrain myself from gripping her hand tightly.  Like always though, she doesn’t notice.  It’s part of her innocence that I’ve missed.  And just like always, it drives me mad with instant jealousy.  I remind myself though that I have to show Kate that I’m different.  Quickly, I skirt us around the predators to the counter with the hard alcohol.  After I make Kate a Captain and Coke I reach for the whiskey.  Ah, whiskey, this will calm me.

As soon as we hit the basement I see Johnny and some of the other guys.  These are the guys I grew up with in high school.  I’ve known Johnny since grade school though and we are closer than the others.  One thing about Johnny is that he always has my back, but even I don’t trust him with Kate.  I know if he was ever given the chance with her he’d jump on her in two seconds flat.  Selfish bastard.  Every chance he gets he’ll push my buttons and that means flirting with Kate.  As expected, when he sees Kate he encases her in his arms with his hands roaming too much for my liking.  I try my best to brush it off, but I pull Johnny off her before he even says hello.  The guys all laugh and Kate releases from my grip locked hand to make her way over to the girls she played tennis with.  I mumble, “fuck” because I hooked up with one of those girls during the summer I was trying to get Kate back.  She looks my way and I don’t give her a second glance.  She had a tight body, but nothing compares to Kate, as I’m well aware of. 

Then Stacy a girl that was in my class comes over to say hello.  She’s hot with long brown hair, but it doesn’t distract me from keeping one eye on Kate.  When Kate’s eyes hit mine I see something that I don’t usually see from her.  She shows me her cup is empty and I make my way to her.  I’ve never really seen her like this.  She’s usually right at my side and she never used to drink.  I’m not sure if I like it or not, but I have to go with it.  I can’t risk pushing her away when I almost have her back.  The change in her is evident, but I’m just praying this change still includes me.  As I reach for her cup I kiss her cheek.  I hesitate for a moment because she’s already engrossed in a conversation with the girls from tennis.  That doesn’t bother me.  What bothers me is that a few guys that I don’t know have joined the conversation.  I practically growl at the sight of them, but instead I force my legs to make their way upstairs to fill her cup.

Once upstairs I set the cup on the counter and shake my hands out before refilling them.  A rage starts to boil in me at the thought of any guys even talking to her.  I can’t loosen up though.  If she sees me resembling my old self she’ll run.  I’m still pissed that I have to even work this hard to get her back, but it’s my fault and I know it.  How I ever thought going away to college single was a good idea is beyond my rationalization now.  Quickly, I fill the cups.  God knows who’s hitting on her down there right now.  When I turn around though I run into a friend of my brothers.  He’s here with a couple other guys my brother knows.  They are older, but if I know them they are here to check out the younger hotter ass floating around.

“Kyle, Kyle Ross, what’s up, little man?”  Doug says with a stumble in his step.  I laugh as I shake his hand.  Doug has definitely had more to drink, which is making the conversation a strain.  He starts talking about the old days and I’m stuck here longer than I would like.  All I can think of is Kate down there with some tool hitting on her.  Eventually, Doug gets pulled over towards another group and I tell him that I’ll catch him later.

I walk through the crowd towards the back and the first thing I see is Johnny grabbing Kate from behind by her waist.  Red.  I see Red.  My fists ball up and my jaw clenches.  Kate swats Johnny away and then her eyes see me.  I can see her fear and it reels me in sharply.  Still I don’t stop myself from ripping into Johnny, really the bastard is lucky I don’t give him a blow and leave him with a shiner. 

“What the fuck, Johnny?  I can’t even get her a drink without you trying to molest her!”  My tone is clipped, but really it’s much more calm than it should be.  Kate’s presence is enough to keep me in check.  I know she’s grading me, waiting to see how I’ll handle this. 

“Chill the fuck out, Kyle.  It’s your own fault for leaving her unattended looking like she does.  Plus, looks like someone beat me to the punch.”  Before I even glance in the direction Johnny is gesturing I look at Kate to see she’s embarrassed.  I’ll give Johnny this much that he is right that I should have made Kate come with me upstairs.  She’s hot and everyone notices, but she’s mine.  Or I hope that by the end of the night she will concede. 

She whispers, “Will you two stop it, please.”  She sees her drink in my hand and grabs it.  She swiftly takes a swig and holds a confidence to her I’m not used to seeing.  Her eyes stay focused, challenging me to step over the imaginary line.    

I move around Johnny, who is already heading over to some other girl.  Stepping closer to Kate I keep my hands to myself because the urge to grab her and move her away from this dick across the pool table is fierce.  I practically spit out, “What are you doing?”

“Just playing a game of pool with Joe.  Is that a problem?”  She raises her eyebrows challenging me again.  It’s become a test, a game.  She’s forcing me to play and I’d prefer to force her to do what I want.  This is new because I have to check myself.  I never used to and it always went my way.  But I love her and want her all to myself again, so I comply to her challenge.  Back in the day I would already have been in that guys face.

“Ok, let me know if you need me.  I’ll be right over there,” I say and start to make strides in the opposite direction towards my friends.  I put both of my hands up palms facing her to show her she wins.  Before I turn around, I say, “Kate, please don’t give me a reason to be jealous.”   I’m trying my best to be cool and carefree, but the tension running through me has a grip on my emotions.   

REED

Marco is in the bathroom getting ready for his date with Kate.  We’ve bantered back and forth about her for weeks now.  He knows I have a crush on her and that I think she’s hot, but he thinks that I’d just play her.  That’s my usual story.  I don’t bother to change his view because to be honest I’m not so sure myself that I wouldn’t play her.  I know this is different I’m just not sure how yet.  We’ve gradually gotten to know each other a little more every time we play tennis and I like it. 

Marco comes out of the bathroom freshly showered and dressed up more than usual.  He stops by my door and l look up at him waiting for the smartass remark I know he’ll make.  “You jealous, yet?”  I laugh and question myself on jealousy.  It’s foreign to me and I can’t be sure.

“Nah, I’m not out of the race yet, man.  There’s still time,” I say, egging him on.  In all reality Marco’s a great guy and would probably be a good fit for Kate... but I’m not willing to completely step out of the way.  I wouldn’t try to steal her from him or at least I don’t think I would.  Then I remember the promise I’ve made to myself.  I’ve had years of an extremely unhealthy relationship, commitment being the biggest issue.

“Dude, you’ve never even asked her out, so I’m not too worried,” he chuckles lightly.  I just shake my head and chuckle too.  I don’t bother to tell him that I just played tennis with her hours ago or that we play every Saturday. 

******

I’m in the dining area playing poker with Quinn to the one side of me and Reese on the other.  Things aren’t awkward with Quinn like I thought they might be, but she still flirts.  I’ve come to realize though that is just how she is.  Actually, it’s nice because I’m pretty sure Matt is taking an interest in her.  It’s allowed me to ask her more about Kate too.  Reese on the other hand is another story.  It’s my own fault though.  She’s made herself available to me and I’ve taken advantage in the past.

I hear the front door open and I notice a twitch in my breathing.  Then I hear Marco’s voice echo through from the family room.  I pick up a card and try to keep the escalated rhythm of my heart in check.  When I hear her voice replying to Marco I practically bite through my cheek and draw blood. 

I try to focus on my cards, but then I see Marco holding her hand leading her into the kitchen.  Something foreign spreads through me and seeps into my veins.  The urge to maneuver myself between them crosses my mind.  Before I can linger too long on that thought Kate is out of sight and I feel Reese’s hand move to my thigh.  I shift in my seat not all that uncomfortable with the contact.  I glance over at Reese and she gives me a seductive smile while cocking one of her eyebrows.  Her hand snakes further up and a jolt of excitement begins to press against my jeans.  She’s hot and can turn me on, but there’s nothing else there.  It’s a shitty thing to do, but she is always the one to come on to me.  I just don’t turn her away.  But I know that she likes me more than the quick fix I treat her like and so I don’t sleep with her.  I don’t have any other attraction to her other than physical.  Reese’s hand starts to snake up even further, but then Kate begins to walk back in with her coat off and a cup in her hand.  My eyes hit hers and I take her in.  Damn, she’s beautiful.  Without a second thought I move Reese’s hand inconspicuously from me.  I notice her disappointed look and pray that Kate didn’t notice. 

When I gesture for her to sit across from me I pull my attention back into the game.  The game continues and we all start to lay our cards out on the table.  It’s quiet and then Quinn yells out, “Whatever!”

Kate starts laughing and it stops me from moving all my winnings to a pile in front of me for a split second.  That’s a sound I want to hear more.  The way her smile hits her cheeks only emphasizes her beauty.  I look over at Quinn and say, “Better luck next time kid.” 

When Quinn asks Kate how dinner was I raise my eyebrows in curiosity and I can see it makes her uncomfortable.  Hmmmm… I think I like that.  I’m still in the game.

We all stare at Kate wanting details of the evening.  I’m hoping I’ll be able to hear that she had a shitty time and doesn’t want to go out with Marco again, but I’m sure Marco charmed the pants off her.  He’s good like that and the thing is he’s genuine.  The smart ones can always tell when you are playing them.  Kate’s answer is simple and she doesn’t elaborate even though we all continue to stare.  Then Marco makes his way in.

I start to deal the cards again for the next round of Texas Holdem and figure I might as well push my luck a little more.  “How did the packing go?”  I ask Kate while giving Marco a cocky look.  Marco’s gaze goes from me to Kate with a look of shock.

“Good, I’m all set,” she answers with a shy smile.  She avoids the questioning gaze from Marco and I almost feel guilty for making her feel distressed.

Marco shakes his head at me, but it’s playful.  He one ups me quickly though when he moves in closer to Kate telling her they should play as a team since she’s never played before.  Again, I feel this need to wedge myself right between them.  I give him a look and he mouths, “Take that.”  I shake my head and snicker before I mouth back to him, “Game on.”

I’m mesmerized watching how quickly Kate picks up on the game.  She learns the terms and starts winning a few hands.  She’s taking our money and we all give her crap.  Marco and her joke that it’s beginners luck, but she’s a natural.  While I don’t like seeing her with Marco, I can’t help but find myself more and more attracted to her.  It’s not just a physical attraction either.  It’s new and unfounded.  The only other girl I’ve ever been attracted to more than physically is Jessica.  Jessica always could create more than one feeling out of me and it usually wasn’t good.  Thinking of her usually reminds me of the torment we put each other through.  One thing that strikes me is that I don’t ever remember being mesmerized by Jessica.  Or intrigued… and am I ever intrigued as I stare at Kate.

I have to force myself to stop staring at her.  The way her hair hangs around her face framing it perfectly and showcasing her heart shaped lips is spellbinding.  Every so often she looks at me and I make sure that my eyes are there to grab her gaze.  I don’t ever remember a pull towards a girl like this before. 

She rises from her seat to head up to the bathroom and when Marco asks her if she remembers where it is I hold my breath that she heads up alone. 

There’s her laugh again and she answers, “Yes, I’ve only had a few this time.”

Once she’s out of the room Quinn looks at Marco with bright eyes and practically squeals out, “Soooo, how’d it go?  Did you kiss her?”  Shit.  Kiss her.  That never even crossed my mind.  I practically kick my chair out hearing Quinn.

“It was great, but she can give you details if she wants.  I don’t kiss and tell,” he says with a smirk looking at me.  I just shake my head and chuckle.  I grab my cup and get up deciding that I’ll show him how to play this game. 

“Where you going?” Marco asks.

“Refill,” I say, but he continues to eye me skeptically and I show him my empty cup as I walk out of the room into the kitchen to head up the back staircase.  Along the way I toss my cup in the garbage.

When I get to the top I see Reese and another girl making their way towards the front staircase to head down.  I stand outside the door waiting.  I’m not really sure what I’m going to say or do, but I just want to push the limits with her a little further.  I have to see if there is something more here.  When I see her eyes I’ll know or at least that’s what I’m hoping.

She opens the door and I lift my head slightly looking at her through the strands of hair hanging in my eyes. 

“Hey Kate,” I say, keeping my tone low.

“Hey,” She says with a small smile.  Her eyes lock on mine and I feel it.  She feels something just like I do.  I know it.  The lightness that rages through my body at the thought of her being closer to me is unlike anything.  God, I want to kiss her. 

“Did you enjoy your time alone with Marco?”  I ask her with confidence and take a step closer to her.  She squirms in the doorway, but it’s not out of fear or awkwardness. She’s enjoying this and its evident in her eyes and expression.

“Yea, are you enjoying poker with Quinn?”  She says and I have to give her some credit on her quick come back.  I scoff at this and run my hand through my hair. 

I move closer with my arms on both sides of the doorframe to the bathroom.  She’s trapped just like I want her.  Her mouth is parted and her breathing has become erratic.  I lick my top lip and move to the right side of her ear.  My lips hover hairs away from actually touching her and then I whisper, “Hmm, is that what you think…”  I let out a breath in her ear and slowly move her hair off her shoulder.  “You can breathe, Kate; I’m not going to kiss you… yet.”  Then I move around her into the bathroom and close the door forcing her all the way into the hallway. 

******

Throughout the night I find myself eager to catch her gaze, but it seems she avoids it at all costs.  I worry I’ve scared her off all together now.  Maybe my bold flirting was too much.  Even when I’m speaking to her during our card game she avoids my eyes.  It hits me then that I’m going to have to take my time with her and try to figure her out.  Hell, I don’t even know if she is really into Marco or not yet.  I’m pretty sure Marco is on to me though.  Does he realize that I’m not looking to play her?  Every chance he has he is touching some part of her and it doesn’t happen without a mocking look in my direction. 

After one in the morning Quinn and some of the other girls are ready to head out.  Kate tells Marco that she is going to leave with them and the disappointment on Marco’s face peeks my attention.  I’m glad he’s not taking her back to her dorm.  Maybe that means he won’t kiss her.  She heads back to the dining room and Marco is distracted talking with the others.  I make my way back there to catch her alone.  When she turns around to head back to the front I confront her.  Her eyes flit past mine, but I see something in her expression that leads me to believe she feels something too.

“Have a good trip.”  A small smirk spreads across my lips before I says, “I look forward to seeing you tan.”

“Thanks…”  This time she shies away from my flirting and again I’m questioning my emotions for her.

“I’ll be at tennis the Saturday before school starts.”  Instead I change my direction and hold my confidence like always.

“Ok, see you then.  Bye Reed.”  She seems skittish and eager to leave from the room, but our eyes lock one more time causing my pulse to race.

“Bye Kate.”  As I say goodbye I regret not asking her out on a date and wish that I could have been the one to take her out before she heads home for break.  It makes me wonder how different things could have been tonight… and down the road.

The girls head out and Marco trails behind with Kate.  I move myself to the front room sitting on the couch with a perfect view of the porch.  When Marco’s hands snake around her waist and he moves in closer I pause from breathing.  The familiar feeling from earlier rises in me again.  Jealousy?  I’m guessing that’s what it is since I can’t be sure because I don’t recall feeling it before.  It’s obvious when their lips meet.  She willingly leans into the kiss and I swear I feel a knifelike pain through my heart.  I try to pull myself away from staring, but I can’t.  It’s right then and there that I realize if I ever get a shot with Kate I won’t hesitate.  I’ll jump at the chance. 

KATE

I don’t even care that there are now three different girls talking to Reed.  I sneak up behind him and tap him on the shoulder.  He turns around and the look of shock and surprise on his face causes me to start giggling.  He turns completely around with his back to the other three girls and gives me a smile that touches his blue eyes.  His squared jaw highlights his smile perfectly.  In this instant of a moment I decide I want to kiss Reed even if it’s just for fun and to forget.

“You’re kidding me.  Wow!  I can’t believe you came here.”

“I told you we would.  You didn’t think I would do it, did you?”

“Honestly, no, but I was hoping.  I never see you out on the weekends anymore, so this is a great surprise.”

We stand there for a minute and then he orders me a beer.  I take it, but nurse it.  I’ve had a bit much already and don’t want the spins.  He asks me and Quinn to play a game of pool with him and Matt.  Matt wants to play girls against guys, but Reed says no way that he wants me on his team.  I warn him that I am not that good, but alcohol may help my case. 

We play the game and I actually do pretty well.  Reed touches me every chance he gets and is very flirty.  It’s my turn and I have to bend over to make a shot, but to be honest I forget that I have a dress on. 

“Shit, Katherine,” he lets out in a bit of gruff tone and walks up behind me to cover me. 

I laugh at him.  “Oops, I forgot about my dress.”

“You look good enough as it is and now with a dress on.  Jesus, I don’t need to get in a fight.”  He is still pressed behind me as I continue to make my shot.  I miss completely because to be honest I’m completely distracted.

“I doubt anyone noticed, but thanks for protecting me.”  He steps back and I turn around.  I decide to be bold and kiss his cheek.

“Trust me, you were noticed.”  He moves a piece of hair from my face and the touch sends a chill through me.  “God, you are so beautiful.”

These are songs that I listened to while writing and made me think of the characters.

Somebody That I Used To Know by Gotye (Kate to Kyle)

Redneck Crazy by Tyler Farr (Kyle to Kate)

Agape by Bear’s Den (Reed to Kate) s (some of the lyrics are quoted in the epilogue)

Closer to You by Wallflowers (Reed to Kate)

Goodbye To You by Michele Branch (Kate to Kyle)

Wicked Game by Phillip Phillips (Reed to Kate)

Wanna Feel It by the Olms (Reed to Kate)

Give It All We Got Tonight by George Straight (Reed to Kate)

Come On Get Higher  by Matt Nathanson (Reed to Kate)

You Got Me by Ashley Monroe (Kate to Reed)

Everlong by Foo Fighters (Reed to Kate)

Keep Your Head Up by Ben Howard (Kate)

Apologize by One Republic (Kyle to Kate)

Backtrack by Rebecca Ferguson (Kate to Kyle)

I Knew You Were Trouble by Taylor Swift (Kate to Kyle)

Melissa Rolka grew up in the Chicagoland area all of her childhood and has always had a love of writing. She started by keeping a journal at a young age and then in high school she started writing poetry. A couple poems were published anonymously. Then in college she majored in Philosophy, which required lots and lots of writing. After graduating from Marquette University she traveled west to Los Angeles. There she worked for the Writers Guild of America and found herself submerged in the writers world. She worked on small writings, but never pursued them. On the side she became involved with a small theater group. Eventually she made her way back to the Midwest, where her heart belongs, and worked in business for several years. She found love, got married and has two beautiful children. Being at home has allowed her to keep following her love of reading and writing.

The Perfect Distraction is her first full length novel. A second continuation of this story is in the works with hopes for a third. When Melissa is not writing she is caring for, playing with and loving her two kids. In between taking care of her family and writing she almost always has her nose buried in her Kindle.

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AMAZON

AMAZON UK

The story of Kate, Kyle and Reed continues in this second novel of The Perfect Series.

Kate (Katherine) Monroe is finally coming to heads with the decisions she’s made in the past to keep herself distracted at any cost. Learning to move on and forward with the conflicts in her life is harder than she expects though. With Kyle continuing to attempt reconciliation and Kate’s mom back at home, avoiding and running are no longer an option. 

All along Kate’s mind and heart are consumed with Reed, but she fights to push her feelings and desires to the side. Despite the obvious pull and connection she has with Reed she finds it difficult to let him in… and trust in herself. However, Reed’s perseverance and patience never wavers and eventually he uses the one thing that had always brought them together… tennis.

As Reed and Kate begin to embark on a new relationship they face the past and the present head on. Along the way, new challenges and emotions arise testing the direction of their future together.

Can Kate forgive herself and trust Reed in order to latch onto the one emotion she needs most… love?