When Catelyn Shea’s first love walks back into her life, she’s conflicted—torn between her heart and head.
Until they spend a forbidden night together. She’s always played by the rules, but he makes her want to break them all.
Lawrence Grier was never supposed to fall in love with Catelyn. He’s spent years trying to let her go—wishing he could turn back time.
When tragedy brings them back together, all those buried feelings quickly resurface. Fate has given him another chance, and this time, he’s not holding back. No matter the cost.
Once he wagers his heart, it begins to seem as if history is repeating itself.
Catelyn is questioning how big of a price she’s prepared to pay. But Lawrence is willing to risk it all for love— Even if that means being a little selfish.
Spent the better part of last night and this morning devouring Cat & Lawrence’s story. Selfish for Love is the fourth installment of the In This Moment series. They are all standalones and can be read in no particular order however I enjoyed reading them the way they were released. It’s always a treat to see past characters appear within new stories.
Okay, my thoughts on Selfish for Love. Firstly, I am all for this title. Sometimes in life you have to fight for your love and that’s just what Lawrence and Cat did. Reading a story with complicated and layered characters was just what I needed.
The story begins with Cat and Lawrence meeting after a long time. We soon learn their history is not as simple as two teenagers parting ways. The author gave us a generous flashback in which Cat and Lawrence’s truths are peeled back.
Now, I can’t end this review without talking about the writing. A.D. is definitely one of those writers who put effort into her characters’ inner dialogue. It keeps the plot moving forward and packs emotional punches.
This book had me entranced from the first few pages and I honestly did not know how it would end.
So beautifully written, I could fill Cats anguish. The author is so clever with her craft that whilst Cat is one of the characters that commits betrayal, I sympathise with her and even hope she still gets what she wants.
Even the side characters leave an impression on you.
This is the first book I’ve read by this a McCammon and will not be the last.
What a fabulous book. This is no ordinary romance story, the author has a unique talent in twists, turns and suspense.
It starts with Catelyn, in present time, with Lawrence in a carpark and him walking away from her. Then we jump back three weeks to Cat going to life long friends, Carolyn and Robbie's house because their father was dying. Cat had spent most of her child hood with this family. Cat sees Lawrence for the first time in ten years, Lawrence being her first true love even though she was in a relationship now with Steven. It sends her head into a bit of a spin.
The book stays in this time period for a while then jumps back 20 years to where it all began!!! Cat, Carolyn and Robbie were inseparable. Robbie has a huge crush on Cat which is not reciprocated by Cat as she saw him as a brother. Then Lawrence is added into the mix and sparks of emotion fly!!!! The book then jumps back less and less years from the present telling of the very mixed up teenage feelings of them all. Lawrence ends up moving away with his mother after the break up of his parents marriage, his mum was black and his dad was white. Cat is heartbroken and writes to him every day, then every month after receiving not one letter back she gives up. After so many years Lawrence ends up moving back and now had to face his friends and Cat.
There is so much in this book love, loyalty, suspense and betrayal. What everyone expects at the end of a romance story is a happy ever after, in this case you don't have an idea how it will all turn out to the very end!!!!!!!
Catelyn Shay is a straight up people pleaser, which makes her the perfect person to everyone in her life, but doesn't mean happiness for her. It kind of got on my last nerve to be honest, as it's very frustrating. She always had a thing for her childhood friend Lawrence, but they danced around it, until they gave in, but then he broke her heart, and that was it. Many years later, they come face to face again, while she was in a serious relationship, and guess what, all those unresolved feelings come back up. And this time, he's not going to let her walk away, but is she willing to put her happiness first this time? A.D. McCammon definitely wrote a story that pulled all kinds of emotions out of me with this story, and it wasn't just Cat & Lawrence who were affected in the making of it. There was a cast of secondaries who had big parts to play, so obviously they added a ton of depth, and some added a bunch of drama to the mix to boot. There were twists, which had my f-bombs dropping, flashback to the past, which had me ready to throat punch Lawrence & others, more of Cat's wishy washy nonsense, which had me ready to pull my hair out, and finally, all the questions answered. But are they answered like we wanted them to be?! You'll just have to read it to see....HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Wow! This story! Another beautifully captivating story by this truly talented author. I couldn't put it down. This series has become my favorite. All these characters have a special place in my heart. Especially the couple highlighted in this book, Cat and Lawrence. Their love is so addicting. I felt like I was in the relationship going through the push and pull and the indecision. They aren't perfect and that is what makes their story so raw and real. I love the message in this story, well the one of many. The one that really stuck out was that sometimes in life the person we need to worry about is ourselves. Our happiness does matter. And can we just talk about how swoon worthy Lawrence is? OMG! I can't express enough how everyone needs to get lost in this book, in this series. Get ready to have your heart gripped tightly. And you will think you have it all figured out and then this author will surprise you.
A relationship was not in the cards when they were younger as they feared they would lose their best friends. After years apart and running into each other and have all those feelings flooding back Cat and Lawrence can finally be together. It isn't as easy for them to just pick up where they left off as Cat is currently in a relationship, but a moment of weakness to allow what the heart desires brings them that much closer. Even after others tell them it's a bad idea their love overcomes all and they are able to live the life they should have been living together all along.
I can relate so much to this story. Maybe not the long time between running back into each other but other than that it hits pretty close to home. I love the way the story is told and when it comes to love you can't worry about what others think you have to go with what your heart desires.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Cat meets Lawrence at her bestfriend’s house when she is 13 and even at such a young age the chemistry between them is undeniable. With her bestfriend’s brother being “in love” with her and her not wanting to hurt anyone’s feelings she tries to avoid what they both secretly know is inevitable. Cat and Lawrence become close friends over time, but even they know without labels they are and always will be so much more that friends.
Over the years not having contact with one another didn’t fill their love. Now it’s time for them both to make choices. Lawrence is dead set on not letting her get away again and Cat is too worried about everyone’s feelings but her own. Can she finally be Selfish for Love, or finally walk away from the love her life for good?
I highly recommend Selfish for Love to those who love an emotion filled romance with a HEA.💜
When Cat and Lawrence are brought back together after almost a decade, it soon becomes evident their feelings for one another are still as raw as ever. But Cat is now with Steven, and he is everything she wants on paper.
Feeling conflicted, she tries to fight and deny how she feels about Lawrence but they have history one which never really found closure.
It’s far from easy following your heart, especially when there is a third person involved. However, Amber manages to tell this story with delicate decorum. With added angst and tension she manages to evoke all the feels.
"For those who give until it hurts. Sometimes it's okay to be a little selfish."
I have now read all 4 of the books in this series and I've loved them all. I honestly can't fathom how A.D. McCammon has managed to write yet another showstopper that can absolutely stand alone but also fits perfectly with the other 3 books. The storyline fits seamlessly while also unfolding a whole new aspect to the series. Cat has been a bit of a mysterious character throughout so I was super excited to read her story and I was not disappointed at all. Seriously people, read this author! I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.
This is Cat and Lawrence's story and how they have had to struggle. This book takes you in right from the first page and doesn't let you go, a real page turner. Cat and Lawrence have a history but there are so many twists and turns that you don't see coming, a really true love story that they have to fight hard for. This is the first book that I have read by this author but definitely not the last as it is well written. I definitely recommend you read this book as it is well worth reading. I Voluntarily Reviewed an ARC Copy Of This Book.
Cat and Lawrence reconnect after almost a decade, and their feeling for each other has not changed in any way, no matter how much they try to deny themselves. This is a beautifully written flawless story, which is filled with angst, secrets, emotion, and is raw, gritty, powerful, and a realistic story. I was totally captivated throughout and I cannot wait to read more from this extremely talented author, whose work I highly recommend for all readers.
This is my first book from this author and now I'm going to have to rush to read her others. I loved this book! Cat and Lawrence's story had been sucked in from the first page and I couldn't put it down until I was done. I felt so bad for Cat and her struggles with trying to be perfect for her family and wanting to be who she feels she should to be happy. Lawrence is totally worth it for her and I fell in love with him! Such a good book!
I enjoyed Cat and Lawerence’s story. There’s something about that first true love that pulls at my heart. Their love story is one of a kind. It’s pure and heated. Almost like a love hate relationship. AD did a great job with their back story leading up to the present. I look forward to reading more of her books!
This was a fun book, easy to read and hard to put down. I liked the characters and their love story. I really liked the way we went back in time to hear the full story and learn more about them. Can’t wait to see what comes next from this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was an incredible story. It definitely shows us that love is blind. Catelyn is in hard place. The story has three parts and all three parts are incredible gripping. I won't give away any spoilers, you need to read this story for yourself. Amazing.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I absolutely loved this book! It is likely tying up all the loose ends of all the characters. It is great to get Lawrence's point of view; his emotions and thoughts behind his and Cat's relationship. I'm so glad Cat and Lawrence finally got their HEA!
The love story that lasts the test of parents, friends, miles and time. Exploring the full range of emotions. You will find yourself rooting for Catelyn Shea as she navigates loves waters. Not to be missed!
This was such an emotionally moving story. I really felt for both Cat and Lawrence. The writing was incredibly gripping. I was so involved with this book and became so attached to these characters. I would highly recommend this book and the others in the series.
Another inspiring book by AD McCammon! What you first think is a simple, "first love" love story - is SO much more! I am continuously astonished by Amber's writing style; her depth of the characters; their strengths and more importantly, their flaws. I SO rooted for Cat and Lawrence from the start - and just when you think you know the next predictable moment, she throws a curveball! This is definitely a book that gave me a book hangover - one that i can easily pick up again next week - and will find another "hidden" story within her pages. Needless to say, i'm enamored by this author and will continue to stalk her!
The love between Cat and Lawerence is intense and to the core. Their push and pull throughout the years and the heartache they go through definitely keeps you turning the pages for more. This is a must read!
Sometimes love at first site is true, but life gets in the way. Lawerence and Cat both felt a spark when they first touched. But obstacles kept them apart. They never stopped loving each other. When a death brings them together years later, destiny finally wins. So sweet
Life is complicated, life is messy and then there's matters of the heart.
Hes the perfect guy, kind hearted and wonferful, but he's not exciting he's safe and dependable.
Her heart was broken into a thousand tiny pieces by a love that was fierce and full of passion.
Now she has to choose between safe or dangerous once again. Fire or luke warm water.
She was always a beauty to him from a teenager to a woman, from the past to the present and he knows in the future she will be too.
Catelyn or Cat to those who know her is a spitfire but conforms to walk the easy line to keep the peace.
Lawrence he's passionate, persuasive, suave and sexy. A real catch.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book as I have a the previous ones in the series, but I must admit because of that, alot of the book was repeating what I already knew just from a different persons perspective.
The backstory was fantastic, a glimpse into the past and how things came about. It was the here and now that let it down a bit, but still a solid 4 star read.
The characters are so loveable for different reasons. Their guilt and loyalty to one another is very endearing and not always a quality you see much of.
Cats passion and pain tore at my heartstrings, and although I didn't want to like her, I did find myself sympathizing with her predicament.
Beautifully written, a true love story that will make you swoon and tear up as fate deals it hand.
The author had a nice writing style and the way she divided up the plot into three parts. It was nice to get the chance to read the characters' past together to get a sense of their bond.
However, I found myself pretty quickly going from starting to like the protagonist Catelyn to disliking her, and some of the other characters, quite a bit.
I understand the idea of being selfish for love, not always putting others before your chance at true love. However, some of Catelyn's actions and reactions are hurtful to those around her. She at times felt selfish in a bad way.
I do think, though, that despite my dislike of the character and cheating that she and other characters do, she is written in a realistic way. Not everyone knows how to handle things well when confronted with difficult things in their relationships and things can get messy as a result.
Also, despite this book being a standalone in a series, I think I might have felt different while reading it if I had read the other books. Especially Lori's book which was released earlier this year.
Despite this one not being for me, I really did enjoy the author's writing style and would like to try another one of her books.
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.