Rafferty

Default Distraction #2

by A.S. Roberts

Chart topping U.S. rock band, Default Distraction, have everything money can buy...

But I don't.
I've got money, women, and the fans endless adoration.
But none of it's enough.

I have one distraction, and I can't forget her.
I shattered all our dreams, when
I walked away from our world,
to conquer the music world.

But now, I've got one fantasy,
One wish,
One desire.
Lauren.

And she wants nothing to do with me.
Those broken pieces I crushed,
she doesn't want mended.
But when a cruel twist of fate puts her back in my arms,
I'm not letting go.

He was everything,
everything I ever wanted and needed.

When he walked away, he took a piece of me with him,
a shard of pain that I never thought would heal.
But I worked hard, and piece by agonising piece, I almost rebuilt my life.

Now, he's back and wants only one thing.
Me.
He wants my forever.
Something I can't promise.
I won’t give in, I can’t cling to the past.

This time, there's more on the line, even more than my shattered heart at stake.
And forever isn't really that long anyway.

Genres: Second Chance, Contemporary

282 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2019

About the author

A. S. Roberts is a British author. Her loves include her soulmate their children and the family dogs. She has a quick temper, a sarcastic sense of humour and is a loyal friend. A lover of music and live concerts she can normally be found in London at the weekend. She loves to create any sort of romance story from suspense to rockstars. In every novel expect heart stopping moments and plenty of heat. Her ten published books can all be found on Amazon KU.

Reviews

[Dora Koutsoukou]

My main and only issue with this story was the 17 years of separation between the main characters, while through that period the hero got married and had a son but still loved the heroine.
It was very well written, however this second chance story and push and pull between the mcs didn’t work for me.
Dnf @ 24%

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding!

The descriptive writing has given me a glimpse of the tearooms and the beautiful country across the pond from me. A. S. Roberts was able to capture my heart with her imagery.

Lauren and Rafferty have a past. Can time and maturity create a future for them? Will outside influences make a difference? Rafferty is a page turner filled with hopes, dreams and disappointments. Yet, love is always and forever present.

A. Must. Read.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rafferty is book 2 in the Default Distraction series. This is the story of Rafferty and Lauren. They have a history of love and heartbreak. Their story gripped me from the very beginning. The push and pull between these two former lovers who are trying to get over the heartbreak and find their way back to each other was amazing.
Lauren had to protect her heart, because no one could hurt her again like Raff had in the past. Raff had an uphill battle to fight to get the only woman he ever loved to trust him again and realize they really were perfect for each other.
Theirs was not an easy story, but one that frustrated me as well as gripped me to keep reading because I always trust the process of Ms. Roberts’ writing. It may seem like there is no way the couple will get together, but when they finally do, it is so sweet, and worth every minute of the journey!
This install of the DD series can be read as a stand-alone, but I recommend reading Brody, book one first, as the other characters will have more meaning if you have already enjoyed their story.
There are 4 band members, so I will be waiting for the next two to meet the women of their dreams.

[Laura Furuta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rafferty (Default Distraction Book 2)
By: A.S. Roberts
5 out of 5 stars

The story Rafferty (Default Distraction Book 2) by A.S. Roberts is a contemporary romance book. It is a story that hooked me in and didn’t let me go until I had read the final page. I loved reading about the characters of Rafferty and Lauren. Lauren is a woman who owns a successful business. She is also a woman whose heart was at one time broken. She has worked hard at rebuilding her life. Then she once again faces the man that broke her heart, Rafferty. Rafferty is part of the rock band Default Distraction. He is handsome and is adored by fans. The only one he has adored is Lauren. She is still the one he wants. What does the future hold for Lauren and Rafferty? There is still a connection and chemistry between them. Will she take a second chance with him? Read this book to find out. This story does have steamy moments that make the temperature in the room rise. This is a story that had my emotions going up and down the entire time I was reading. I couldn’t help but care about Lauren and Rafferty and wanted them to find happiness. I also enjoyed reading about the other characters and how they interact with Rafferty and Lauren. There are both heartbreaking and heartwarming moments in this book. Highly recommended reading.

[Sara Oxton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rafferty by A.S. Roberts a five-star read that will make you see music. This is the second novel in the Default Distraction series, and it has gone from strength to strength, I would say you could read it as stand-alone, but don’t as you will fall in love so hard with the boys you will need to go back and read Brody. Rafferty will warm even the coldest of hearts, this story proves just how love can concur all, it may not be the right time or place, but you fate will play its turn in the end. I have long been a huge fan of the author and this just proved again how amazing a writer she is, Lauren was someone I warmed to immediately and her battle brought tears to my eyes more times than I care to admit. This was a compelling story and one I won’t forget anytime soon, I can’t wait for Cade an Luke, even if its so we see more of Flint, Brie and Biscuit. Thank you for being amazing and bringing these great characters to life.

[Jes Bruno · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rafferty is the second book in the Default Distraction series by A.S. Roberts. This second chance rock-star romance was emotional from the first chapter to the last. It had a great build-up and kept you turning the pages.

As teenagers, Rafferty walked away from Lauren without a reason. After seventeen years apart, can Rafferty and Lauren have a second chance at love or are some things hard to forgive?

Rafferty and Lauren’s love is that “Forever & Always” type of love, one that consumes you and makes you want to find that special one in your life. It was great to see the other members of the band and I need to know who the next member is that will find his love.

[Anastasia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rafferty is the second book in the Default Distraction series and is a contemporary romance. I loved this one just as much as i loved the first one. It can be read as a standalone but falling for these guys is inevitable and i highly recommend reading Brody as well. The characters in this story are Lauren and Rafferty. Lauren is a successful business owner and Rafferty is a member of the rock band Default Distraction. These two have a past and sadly it isn't a good one. They still have so much chemistry between them but is that enough for Lauren to take a chance on a relationship? or is the heartbreak from the past still too painful that there isn't any hope for the future?
These guys were one of those couples that i couldn't help but love and root for from the very beginning and i was excited to see where the author was headed with their story. I didn't want to put it down. I am looking forward to reading more by this author and i would recommend this to a friend!

[Little monster · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book two in the default distraction series I loved the first book Brody so much and this one hasn't disappointed either.

We meet Rafferty and Lauren in this story and how there relationship started all those years ago former lovers to now where it has broken down there is nothing at all Rafferty broke Lauren's heart and up and left her. So to now and Lauren's moved on but still you can see the love and chemistry these guys both have for each other. Rafferty has everything he ever wants money, fame all the women he could want but he doesn't have the one thing he wants back so much and that's Lauren! The story is heartbreaking in some places and frustrating in others. But I just loved it and I can't wait to read the next in the series!!!

[FunUndertheCovers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I "met" the members of the band "Default Distraction" through A.S. Roberts book Brody and was looking forward to the story of Rafferty with great anticipation. Rafferty is the lead guitarist for the band, a father and the owner of a broken heart. He was forced to leave his first and only love, Lauren, seventeen years ago on the cusp of his career as a rock star. Lauren has never truly recovered from losing the love of her life and when he returns to England and the town where they grew up, she struggles to protect her fragile heart from him once more.

[Amo Thomson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh Raff,

In a world where Rafferty has everything that everyone looks for, money, fame, the lifestyle & everything at his feet he should be happy, Forever, right?

Lauren
My heart I felt Lauren’s pain & anguish through my kindle, I could connect with her feelings so much that when things were happening or about to lead up to something I was looking for her reactions. Happy in her job but missing the spark to bring her to life there was just that one guy who Always managed it before!


With so much tension between these two when they first see each other, everyone around them is just as wary, but could the barriers breakdown with the feeling you get when feel the beat of the music, the words in a song, that feeling in your stomach.

Sometimes when you meet that LOVE it is suppose to be forever but something just stands in the way, if you feel that joy and overcome the ache that was put on your chest, then fight for your forever, always!

4 beautiful 🌟

[Cassandra Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 in the Default Distraction series is as capitavating as book one! We get to know Rafferty and Lauren in this story. Theirs is a tough heartbreak story but Raff is determined to write a new happier ending! Oh but will Lauren let him? Her heart was once and truly broken by this guy. Why should she let him in again? Could she survive him again?
A. S. Roberts will capture and torture your heart and soul once more! Her writing never ceases to engage, your every emotion with terrific detail and dialogue! She’ll make you flip the book over hoping for more!! This second book has left me waiting (not very patiently) for more!!
5+ stars!!

[Carol Seymour · Rating 5 out of 5]

I "met" the members of the band "Default Distraction" through A.S. Roberts book Brody and was looking forward to the story of Rafferty with great anticipation. Rafferty is the lead guitarist for the band, a father and the owner of a broken heart. He was forced to leave his first and only love, Lauren, seventeen years ago on the cusp of his career as a rock star. Lauren has never truly recovered from losing the love of her life and when he returns to England and the town where they grew up, she struggles to protect her fragile heart from him once more.

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Lauren and Rafferty’s story. It shows that sometimes second chances are possible when love is strong enough. You can fight it but eventually love will win.

[Krystal gaston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rafferty by A.S. Roberts is Book two in the Default Distraction series. This is Rafferty and Lauren’s story and I hope you are prepared for an emotional ride. With the devastation of their past relationship along with the need to be near her how can Raff make things right after so many years. Lauren and Raff have a lone complicated history, they were each other’s first love and heart beak but it’s Soo much more with them. Add in a failed marriage and a 14 year old son, Raff has a lot to make up for when it comes to Lauren. You feel for Lauren throughout the whole story, and Raff you want to see him work for it and prove himself but at the same time you want to throat punch him for being so stupid. Will Raff finally tell the truth as to why everything happened, because no one knows his reasoning for leaving all those years ago. When Lauren needed him the most.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Raff, swoon!! I absolutely fell in love with Lauren and Rafferty’s story. I was dying to know what happened ever since meeting them both in Brody (book one). There was drama, angst, secrets, lies and betrayal but there was also some sweet pull on the heartstrings times, great banter, laugh out loud moments and some super hot chemistry! To put it simply this story had a bit of everything and I loved it so much. It’s safe to say I’m a die hard Default Distraction groupie and I can’t wait to see what happens next between the boys and the girls. Amazing read!!

[Mrs S · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly great love story. Lauren and Raferty Always and Forever x A real page turner. I couldn’t wait to find out how their story ended. Now I can read it again and enjoy it a second time.

[Ann (Literary Lust) · Rating 5 out of 5]

December 2025 reread -

This second-chance romance brought out all the feels. I absolutely loved rereading Rafferty and Lauren's story. It had been several years since my first read, and I'd forgotten so many of the finer details, which made this reread even more special. Raff and Lauren are perfect for each other, and it breaks my heart that they wasted so many years apart.

Lauren is such an easy character to adore, and I loved her close-knit circle - especially her cousin Amy and her best friend Winter. Their support adds so much warmth to the story.

It's been so much fun reconnecting with the Default Distraction band members, too. I've reread Brody and Rafferty this week, and Cade is up next. I do love spending Christmas rereading rock star romances, and this series is reminding me exactly why.

March 2019 read -

Having read all of this author's previously published work and rated them all outstanding, I opened my kindle at the first page and kept everything crossed that this story would live up to my high expectations. It did. I need not have worried at all. I found I was hooked from the very first chapter. The emotions that the story brought out in me were everything I hoped for and expected... and more.

This is a second chance romance and there are obviously reasons why two people who are in a relationship go their separate ways and these need to be addressed and worked on when trying to rekindle that lost love. The love and attraction between Rafferty and Lauren was there more than ever but not only did they have to work on the reasons why their relationship didn't work in the first instance, they also had to address what had happened in their lives whilst they had been apart, and that is not easy for anyone to do.

I think I spent much of my time reading with my stomach in knots. I adored the characters. I wanted everything to fit into place for them. Lauren is such a remarkable woman who hasn't had it easy at all. She is incredibly strong and has achieved so much over the years and yet she has her own struggles to overcome every single day. She has been hurt and quite rightly doesn't ever want to go down that path again and I totally understand why she puts barriers up to reduce the risk of being hurt again.
Rafferty has stolen my heart. A.S Roberts has a knack of writing the most incredible leading men that you cannot help fall in love with. I could say so many things about this man but then I risk going into spoiler territory and to be honest I want you to discover everything about Raff for yourself.

This is a fabulous story of love, loss, heartache, joy, sadness and hope. I could feel the emotions that the characters experienced throughout the story and also the connections between them. I don't just mean Raff and Lauren - I felt that all the characters played an important role in making this book amazing.

This book can be read as a standalone but it is part of the Default Distraction series with Brody being the first book already released. If you haven't read that yet, you are missing out on a treat and you need to rectify that. I'm assuming that the author will write books featuring the other band members and I for one cannot wait! I hope you enjoy Rafferty as much as I have.... I'm certain you will.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

AS Roberts knows how to write a love story that is intense and close to reality. Second book in the series, Lauren and Raff were childhood sweethearts but circumstances pulled them away from each other. Does life give them a second chance and their happy ever after ending. Love the characters and their friends that look out for them. Some heart warming moments that bring you to tears. Well done Andrea! Loved the story line and everything about the book. Looking forward to the next one.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fabulous 2nd book in the Default Distraction series. With so much history between them Lauren and Rafferty still have that everlasting sparkle or should i say electricity running between them. After a short explosive reunion and a shock proposal there past is about to catch up with them, a past that nearly rips them apart. I loved the build up of tension i felt throughout this book. This book has it all and reading between the lines I'm sure there's more to come from this series and this author. I was given this ARC to read for an honest and unbiased review.

[Kirsty Adams - Kindle Freak Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

My heart will ’always and forever’ be in love with this story. Second chance romance at its best, my eyes flowed effortlessly across the words, soaking every detail of Rafferty and Lauren’s story. So much pain had been endured and when Rafferty reenters Lauren’s life, the past proves damn hard to forget.

Lives move on but that piece in the jigsaw has always been missing for both characters, causing much anguish and sadness. I could not put this beautifully crafted story down. It's one of those tales that will have you daydreaming about the characters when real life interupts and steals you away from your reading time. Highly recommend!

[Beckie Winter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rafferty and Lauren’s story is so beautiful and will keep you on your toes from start to finish. It’s a brilliant second chance story for two people looking for ‘forever and always’ and it doesn’t disappoint.

[Heather Bass · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read a couple of books from this author and she continues to blow me away. My two favorite genres are rockstar and second chance romance. This book has both and I absolutely loved it. This is the second book in the Default Distraction series.I was so excited when this book came out I dropped everything and started it right away. I was hooked on the first page. These characters grabbed me right from the start. It only took me a full day to devour this incredible book.

Rafferty has it all money, cars, and women all over him. He is a member of a number one band called Default Distraction. Raff had it all when he was younger but he let her go. Now he can’t get her out of his head. He still can’t get over Lauren. Raff is off to his hometown to relax but he can’t because he can feel her. He is shocked when he runs into her unexpectedly. She is even more beautiful than he remembered. Raff is so excited to tell her that he wants another chance but Lauren wants nothing to do with him. Will Rafferty be able to tell Lauren the real reason he left or will she walk away from him for good?

I absolutely loved this book. The storyline has it all romance, heartache, forgiveness, and love. You can not help but to fall in love with these characters. Rafferty is rich and famous but he doesn’t take it for granted. He loves his job. Raff wants Lauren back and he will anything to make it happen. Lauren is a beautiful woman that is very independent. She was heartbroken over Raff and she never wants to feel that pain again. These characters have some steamy scenes that will make your temperature rise. I can’t wait to see what will happen next in this incredible series.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was actually a tad sideswiped with Rafferty. But in all the perfect ways!

It is the second book in the Default Distraction series from A.S. Roberts, and really it truly was quite different from the first. I actually enjoyed this one and connected with the characters, Raff and Lauren, on a much better level than I did so with book one, Brody. Both being good however, I would still go back and read that one if you haven't had a chance and enjoyed this one. They are definitely different enough that the order would not make much of a difference in my opinion. Raff and Lauren were such a sweet couple to read about. For seventeen years they are lovers, and yet they still find that love not capable of surviving the the separation caused by illness. This is is their second chance at love. Will they be able to get it right this time?

I can’t wait to find out what we will get with the next book in the Default Distraction series, I can’t even begin to imagine what A.S. Roberts has up her sleeves with the way this one turned out. All I know it I am going to be first in line to grab my copy.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rafferty (Default Distraction Book 2) by A. S. Roberts is a beautiful second chance romance story and one that will keep you thinking about the book long after you have put it down. This is the second story in the series and I have been waiting with baited breath for it to come across my lap. A.S. has written another winner with her amazing characters and vibrant details that make the story pop off the page. Trust me you will want to read the first book in this series Brody as it is a series written about a rock band and each of its members. It’s the little things that A.S. does so well her characters ooze sexy and broody like no one. I mean who doesn’t love a Rockstar, who is sooooo sexy and steamy. Trust me ladies you do not want to miss this series.

[Karen Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was every bit as good as the first if not better, the story had you gripped from the start till the end, it's one of those books that you don't want to end.

Totally different to book one, this one the main characters Raff and Lauren had been lovers 17 years ago, but with her falling ill they got separated, but Raff had a second chance at their "always and forever", for both of them their love was their only love, and after all they went through they found a way back together, Raff had money, fame but the only thing he wanted in his life was his first and only love Lauren.

A brilliant book highly recommended! well done Andrea

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rafferty (Default Distraction #2)
By A.S. Roberts
Rated 5 stars

This is so heartwarming and uplifting! A story of overcoming obstacles and long lost love. This book is one that will keep me coming back to read over and over. I love how it slowly uncovers all the problems, the passion and the reasoning. So so much history here. Hearts have been crushed, relationships have been cut off and tears have been cried. It’s amazing how much the past dictates the future and you don’t even realize it until your older. Then one day BAM!

These characters made me smile one minute then turn around and be sad the next. I kind of admire Rafferty. Once he realizes how much he has missed and loves Lauren he vows to never give her up again. His comment at one time is how she was not a fleeting thought through the missing years. She was a monthly, daily and every second thought. Awwww! He is a man who goes after what he wants!

The secondary characters usually help make a book in my opinion. In here we have the rest of the band members (Brody, Cade, Luke)as well as the other besties (Winter and Amy). They all did wonderful but I have to say one of the BEST ones was Flint. He added his own brand of UMPH! to the story. I really just loved everything about this character. His scenes were unforgettable!

Not my first read by this author and it won’t be the last. I enjoy her stories. In this series
The author intermixed scenes from the last book (Brody) and this one. Same scene just from another characters POV. I have read this before (in other books) and find it Interesting what the characters are thinking and reacting to from previous books. So I would highly recommend reading Brody first as it is amazing as well! I eagerly look forward to Cade’s story.

[Karyn Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rafferty is the 2nd book in the fantastic Default Distraction series by A.S. Roberts. This book runs along the same timeline as Brody, the first book in the series. We are introduced to Rafferty and Lauren is the first book and by the snippets we got of their story, I knew that their book was going to be awesome. I was so right. I loved this book, so much.
Raff and Lauren were childhood sweethearts but Lauren was left devastated when Rafferty walked out on her. 17 years later they meet again. Although 17 years have passed, both are still in love with each other and Raff plans to do everything possible to get the woman of his dreams back.
Although still in love with Raff, Lauren can’t face her heart being broken again so does everything possible to keep Raff at bay but the man just isn’t taking no for an answer.
This is a beautiful second chance romance that will have you gripped from the very first page (or if you are like me, from the previous book in the series!) The characters are very well written and as the story is written from both points of view, you get a deep look at what’s inside both of their heads. You can see the emotions and anguish that both are going through.
Technically this book can be read as a standalone, but as the previous book in the series ‘Brody’ is also fantastic, I’d recommend that you read them both. And like me, I’m sure you will be excited to see what the author has in store for the other 2 DD boys.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rafferty (Default Distraction #2)
By A.S. Roberts
5 stars

This is the 5th or 6th book that I have read by this author now and I always think maybe this will be the one that won’t be quite as good as the one before, she can’t possibly write another 5 star book but I am SO glad that I was wrong because it WAS just as amazing and it WAS another 5 star read!! A.S. Roberts is by far one of my favourite authors, her fated series is still my favourite to read over and over again and the Default Distraction series is shaping up to be just as amazing! Rafferty was just an outstanding read! From beginning to end I was completely captivated and blown away by what I was reading. Rafferty and Lauren were just simply amazing characters to read about, I felt like I was with them every step of their heart breaking journey – I was willing them to be together, I was hoping Lauren would get past what had happened between them previously and I was shouting at Raff to do something to win Lauren over! I was fully invested in their story and more!
I honestly cannot wait for the next book in the series! I just know it is going to be as amazing as this one is!!
Well Done Ms Roberts on another outstanding story!!

[Robin Rankin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rafferty by A.S. Robert's is the second book in the Default Distraction series. It took me a minute to remember all of the characters from the last book since it had been a while, but once I did it was like I was with a group of friends.

Rafferty and Lauren had an amazingly deep love at a very young age and knew they were it for each other. Things happen and several years later they reconnected. So much of both of their lives are different but one thing that hasn't changed is the way they feel about one another no matter how much in denial one can be.

I loved Brody's story which runs concurrently with this story but there was something intense with Raff and Lauren.

This could be read as a standalone but I would recommend reading the first book before getting to this one. I don't think you will be disappointed.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

“It was almost better this way, we had found each other at a time in our lives when we could truly appreciate exactly what we’d been denied and what we’d been missing.”

Roberts has continued the Default Distraction series with Rafferty. This book can be read as a stand- alone but there are some references to the first book, Brody, which will make you want to read it anyways. So just start at the beginning and enjoy!

Rafferty and Lauren were teenage best friends, lovers, and soul mates. However, illness, rock stardom and life gets in the way of love and these two are separated for all the wrong reasons. Many years later they are reunited, hopefully it’s not too late for them. There are a lot of secrets to be revealed and truths to discover.

I loved this story and the characters in it. I love the flow of the story line itself. Roberts writes a story that I can believe and escape into, making me look forward to the next story she writes!