When I hear the name Katie McGarry, I get excited. I don’t need to see a cover, I don’t need to read a blurb, I don’t need to know character names. I simply want the book. And this is how it’s always been when it comes to this author, because she’s not only one of my favourites, but she’s simply amazing at what she does and what she can create. So when given the chance to read Say You’ll Remember Me, of course I jumped on that opportunity.
I think Drix was a truly fantastic character. Sure, his time away would’ve definitely helped to develop this but he was aware of his issues and what triggered them. He knew what he needed to do to start over and gain access to the future he wanted. Plus, the relationship between his family and friends was so strong, it gave an excellent foundation. He worked extremely hard to become a better person, and it showed in all aspects of his life.

Opening this novel, he quotes creates an exciting dynamic between Drix and his family, leaving the reader unsure of what to think. From here we go into the Midway where he meets Elle, and it truly is a beautiful moment. You can see how unsure he is but what Elle brings out in him. This lays the groundwork for an exciting novel and it was fantastic to see how e characters grew throughout.

I love how Katie McGarry books have a strong theme attached and I feel like it’s always an important one. In Say You’ll Remember Me, the idea of second chances is explored. How your past doesn’t have to dictate your future and how people can change. It’s not an easy journey, and this story leaves no room for sugar coating. I liked how Drix had to work tooth and nail for everything he did achieve. But I think even the idea of giving people a second chance is one we don’t look upon enough as a society and it’s refreshing to see this pointed out. Drix can be better and so can we.

I will comment though that I thought the romance wasn’t as developed in this book as some of McGarry’s other work. There were a few moments that I loved, but others seemed to be lacking. And I get it, it’s a YA book with a lot of other things got in and that’s not the focus, but I felt like it was kind of pushed to the wayside and stayed there for most of the book.

One thing I did notice about Say You’ll Remember Me is that there were several ideas or thoughts that were extremely repetitive. Whether it was just the general gist or the actual words, many things were explained or told many, many times and I was over that pretty quick. I get the pipeline strategy and why it’s important, let’s move on. I understand that Drix is dealing with anger, but we don’t need to know what his therapist said to him every time he gets emotional. The drums and how it gives him a high that he can’t risk. Or even Ellison’s overbearing parents where all she was allowed to do was stand there and look pretty. I know this is all happening. But I don’t need to read about it four, five, or six times within the span of a few hundred pages.

Along with the repetitive stance, Elle’s parents really annoyed me. And it was even more frustrating that she couldn’t see how manipulative and controlling they were being. They were extremely overbearing, condescending, and overall not nice to their daughter. But she still worshipped them. Wolves in sheets clothing is the best way I can think of it. Plus the failure angle here was really strong. No matter what she did, her parents made her believe that she was either flakey or a failure, and she believed it. I think this took over a bit too much of the book and I couldn’t wait for these issues to be over.

The last ten percent or so of this book I though was really well done. It was fast paced and exciting all while being suspenseful and keeping the reader on the edge of their seat. Perhaps a bit more emotional than I would’ve liked (because OMG no!) but all in all its a good ending and I’m glad how the book was all tied together.

Well it’s not my favourite book by this author, all in all it is a good book. Really, any of her books are good. If you like young adult books with strong themes and morals, be sure to check this author out.



*An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review.

Katie McGarry is basically a queen of opposite side of the tracks, gritty, YA romance. This was not an exception to this rule, but another strong point in her favor. Possibly one of my favorites yet and definitely ones fans of her won't want to miss.

Say You'll Remember Me by Katie McGarry

1/25/2018

0 Comments
Picture
Synopsis:
"Doesn't matter who did it. Not anymore. I did the time. It's over."

When Drix was convicted of a crime--one he didn't commit--he thought his life was over. But opportunity came with the Second Chance Program, the governor's newest pet project to get delinquents off the streets, rehabilitated and back into society. Drix knows this is his chance to get his life back on track, even if it means being paraded in front of reporters for a while.

Elle knows she lives a life of privilege. As the governor's daughter, she can open doors with her name alone. But the expectations and pressure to be someone she isn't may be too much to handle. She wants to follow her own path, whatever that means.

When Drix and Elle meet, their connection is immediate, but so are their problems. Drix is not the type of boy Elle's parents have in mind for her, and Elle is not the kind of girl who can understand Drix's messy life.

But sometimes love can breach all barriers.

Fighting against a society that can't imagine them together, Drix and Elle must push themselves--Drix to confront the truth of the robbery, and Elle to assert her independence--and each other to finally get what they deserve.
Picture
I started reading Katie's books back in 2015. From the very first book, Dare to You, she has been one of my favorite authors. She truly writes from her heart. For me, that is something super important. You can tell each and every word comes from the heart.

When I started reading this book, I immediately fell in love with Elle and Hendrix "Drix". They are two totally different people from two totally different worlds. Against all odds they are determined to make things work.

Elle is a privileged daughter of a senator. Her life is already mapped out for her. She has dreams of going to the college of her choosing. Ready to stick with somethings for once in her life. However, her family has other plans for her. With her life constantly on display, she shows huge character development in this book. She is one of my favorite female characters from any of Katie's books. Someone I could honestly relate to when I was her age. Her life is complicated and a little messy, but she is such a strong character.

Hendrix "Drix" comes from a completely different world. Former drummer and bad boy returning from rehab to prove to everyone, including himself, that he has changed. Ready to get his life back on track. When he meets Elle on the midway by chance, his life and story trust him into the spotlight. He is now the main focus in newspapers and magazines. The story of his past that was promised to be kept a secret is now coming out for the world to see.

"It’s like every time we try to dig out of a hole, someone’s shoveling more crap on top of us. There will never be a way out. " - Drix

Throughout the book I found myself laughing, even shedding a few tears. The obstacles that these characters have to overcome had me flying through the pages. Definitely emotional for me, but I loved every second of it. I was very emotionally involved with these characters. It makes me love it even more!

Katie writes true YA novels and they are all golden. This one is no different. I'm never disappointed and always left wanting another story. Her characters always come from her heart.

Really loved this book. The romance was so sweet and I couldn't get enough of it. Katie McGarry is seriously amazing.

If you haven't read Katie McGarry yet, what are you doing? Pick up any book and I can guarantee you that you will fall in love with these characters. Say You'll Remember Me tells the story of Elle and Drix. Elle is the governor's daughter and has her life set out for her. Drix is the boy who was convicted of a crime he didn't commit. Now because Elle's father has program that will help troubled youth not go back into the system again, Drix and Elle meet.

Right when I started to read this book I couldn't stop. I wanted to know more about Elle and Drix and their story. I'm a sucker for a Romeo and Juliet type of novel, which this book is. I enjoyed seeing the character development and how the drama unfolds at the end of the novel. If you are looking for a bad boy, who actually is a good boy, romance with a "perfect girl", then check out Say You'll Remember Me.

**Review can be found at https://smadasbooksmack.blogspot.com/ **

As with all Katie McGarry books, I knew that Say You'll Remember Me would be a great story with developed characters, real life situations, epic romance and emotional heart break. And I can happily say that I was not let down. Katie is the master of the emotional YA contemporary romances with hands down the best flawed characters that I can't help but root for.

"Drix turns away from me and walks toward the midway. I stay rooted to the spot because I don't want this moment to end. Some people live their whole lives for the past few minutes I just had, and I want to savor it a little longer."

This book introduced Ellison and Hendrix, two teens who could not be farther apart when it comes to living situations. Elle is the pampered daughter of the Governor, on display and sought after as if she was a celebrity. She may appear to have it all, but in reality she is lonely and controlled, rejected for who she really is until her personality and spirit was almost destroyed. My heart hurt for Elle and the fact she could not see the abuse she experienced, as subtle as it was, it was still abuse and brought her so low.

And then we have Hendrix, the poster boy for the Governor's new juvenile delinquent rehabilitation program, the boy from the wrong side of the tracks who was found guilty of a crime- a crime he admitted to to save someone else. Hendrix came from a broken home, where drugs, abuse, violence and criminal activities are a daily occurrence, but he fights so hard to be a good person and forget his past ways. Hendrix has the perfect example of a made family, with random people needing shelter and becoming part of his family unit- they may not have much, but what they do have they are willing to share. His brother is basically a saint and I loved every encounter with Hendrix's made family.

This had the most wonderful of endings (of course after the shattering heartbreak- Katie how could you??!!), with so much heart and feeling that I could not help but to tear up. Just thinking about it now to write this review makes me emotional. I will always be a fan of Katie's books and I can't wait to grab my next read by her.

I am 32 and I love reading Katie’s books, even though they are mainly in the young adult category. That should say something right there about her writing. And Say You’ll Remember Me is no different. The blurb caught me eye immediately, but it was the dialogue that kept me turning the page. It was well thought out and realistic. And the storyline was well done.

Something I've always loved about Katie McGarry is how true to her books she keeps. She gives us such completely different characters and plots. But the heart of them are always still there. One kid from the right side of the tracks,one from the wrong, and how love can overcome all the obstacles that society and family can put in place sometimes.

And this book continued with that. It was just so good.

The right kind of sort of tragic and beautifully broken, with the right kind of overcoming the boxes people put us in.

And I just loved Drix and Elle.
they meshed so well together. And I loved some of the stark differences between them. It really brought out how those differences could bring them together and learn as well.

And prove that not every thing is quite black and white.

I just really enjoyed this story.

And give it 5 stars for sure!

Hendricks has lived a rough life, parented by his brother left to fend for himself and his siblings he fell into the wrong situations. On a particular night he went into a store after being coerced into committing simple theft and under the influence, only things went way wrong. He woke up and was placed under arrest with a weapon and other evidence laying around him after passing out near the store. He isn't sure what happened but is convinced someone he loves committed robbery and he will take the blame in order to protect them.
The Governor is taking wayward teens that have committed a one time offense and that could be influenced positively into a program to turn around their lives. The program is where Hendricks proves to flourish. When he exits the program he is made the example and follows the Governor and his daughter Ellison on the campaign trail. Sparks fly between Ellison and Hendricks and everything he gave up may now cost him the love of his life.
This novel addresses so many issues with the judicial system, the caste system, and pure politics. The author conveys a well thought out story and maybe one more prevalent than we want to believe. It was a read that took you on a rollercoaster of emotions as you feel for Ellison and Hendricks and I enjoyed the bravery shown and the way these characters were portrayed. Its worth a read and then maybe some reflection. *** Netgalley ARC***

Katie McGarry does great swoon worthy young adult! I read this in a few hours and really enjoyed it. It is a good girl and bad boy book but it didn't read as overdone at all, it was very fresh with likeable characters. I liked that the characters became friends and didn't jump into romance as well. Definitely recommend!

Ellison (Elle) and Hendrix (Drix) the main characters spend most of the time complaining. I get it, being a teenager is hard, but .... Anyways, the story was cute but moved slowly for me and the plot was very predictable. Seriously, Thor (the dog), I called it from day one. I guess I didn't buy into the whole going to jail but being innocent thing. I don't care who or what or why, no one goes to jail willingly if you're innocent. Bleh.

I have not read Katie McGarry before. I have been told to read her MULTIPLE times, by different people and after getting sucked in to Drix and Elle's story, I see exactly why!! Even though I don't usually read YA books, this was totally perfect for me!!

Hendrix aka Drix, is fresh out of juvenile detention and into the Governor's Second Chance Program - which is a rehabilitative program for juvenile offenders. While on his way to the press conference to announce his participation, Drix meets gorgeous Elle and helps protect her from a couple creeps.

Elle, as the Governor's daughter, has always done what she's been told and what is for the good of her father's campaign. When she meets Drix, she sees the good in him, even if he's part of her father's program.

And that's ALL I'm saying! You have to read this whole story and read about Elle and Drix and the events they go through.

This was an intense rush, eliciting so many emotions. Drix is a troubled teen who was given a second chance by the Governor’s program. Although he was convicted of a crime he didn’t commit, he knows he was on the wrong path, chasing girls and drugs. Elle is the Governor’s daughter. But this isn’t your typical good girl drawn to bad boy story. Nothing is as it seems on the surface. Drix has a rough past, none of his doing. Elle’s life as the first daughter of Kentucky is anything but the glamorous life the media portrays. Sparks fly at first sight, but it’s not instalove. Instead, the two build a friendship based on mutual respect while battling against everyone who wants to keep them apart. There’s a lot at stake for both of them and nothing comes easy. Drix’s suspicions on who really committed the crime drive deep wedges in his closest relationships and Elle’s relationship with her parents becomes strained as they attempt to mold her into someone she has no interest in being.

Plot
The main plot is Elle’s and Drix’s forbidden relationship. But they mystery behind who really robbed the convenience store and whether or not Elle will push back against her parents’ wishes are both strong subplots. There’s a lot of personal growth and character development throughout that drives the story forward. There aren’t many romances that I find difficult to put down, but this was definitely one of them. Katie McGarry tells a compelling story and I was hooked from the first chapter.

Characters
The characters are everything. Elle and Drix are deep, complete, with rich back stories. While Drix has more baggage than Elle, her life isn’t as perfect as it seems, and that shapes who she is in so many ways. Drix’s family and Elle’s family are just as well developed, adding so much to the conflict in the story. This is only the second book I’ve read by this author, but I’ll be reading more just for her ability to craft such amazing characters.

What I Loved About SAY YOU’LL REMEMBER ME
1. Elle. She’s utterly relatable as a teen struggling to find out who she is versus who she’s supposed to be based on parental expectations.
2. Drix. He’s one of the most authentic male characters in teen fiction I’ve had the pleasure of reading. There’s nothing stereotypical about him.
3. The realism. Nothing is wrapped up too neatly in sitcom fashion. Instead, there is a realistic ending that deals with issues in a way that feels so much more satisfying than if they’d been tied up with a nice neat bow.
4. First love. The author captures the intense emotions and that overwhelming rush that accompanies first love.
5. Social Injustice. The way in which the legal system doesn’t work for everyone the same way is highlighted throughout and is a real issue I’m personally passionate about. I loved seeing the way it was dealt with with such honesty and heart.

Bottom Line
An intense, moving, passionate portrayal of first love, finding out who you are, and fighting for what matters.

Dislcaimer
I was provided with a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

What a wonderful story from Katie McGarry.

Katie is one of my favorite authors to read, she always brings something special to her stories, I don’t really know how to explain it but I always connect with her characters and end up caring for them, way more than it’s normal.

In this book we get to meet Drix and Elle and it is sort of a falling for the bad guy story but not really because Drix is actually a pretty amazing guy with some bad decisions in his past but trying his best to be better and when that is happening he meet s Elle and together they both get to explore not only his feelings towards each other but also who they truly are. Elle was a character that I both loved and found rather frustrating, I could relate to her always expecting the best of people but it frustrated me at times that she wasn’t fighting for herself enough.

I truly enjoyed this book, the last few chapters were nerve wracking so I couldn’t stop until the very end, I have to admit to shedding some tears towards the very end, when you get there you will know what I’m talking about.

To be frank, I loved it so much I think I might be slightly biased. I love Katie McGarry's books to begin with. Her real life views of the dichotomies between the rich and poor. The two sides of the tracks.

I identified with Elle so much more than I had with Echo, or Beth or Rachel. Or really any of her other characters. Elle had this immense pressure on her and it definitely spoke to me about so much. Drix being a family man through and through also touched me in ways that Noah and Isaiah didn't. That's not to say that I didn't understand them, but it felt as though Katie put, maybe more heart and soul into this one than any other book she has written. I loved it.

I can't speak enough for it. And the unexpected characters that you fall in love with on the way will have you crying by the end. The issues that Katie touched on in this book is also something to keep our eyes on.

The school to prison pipeline is real. It does exist and some people will get so fixated on the past of someone that they won't take into account the present or their future. This issue is touchy as anything involving money can be. But Katie does a fantastic job of giving readers a glimpse into that world. Into both worlds.

I needed tissues by the end.

I recommend it to literally everyone. There is just enough of a little bit of everything for everyone.

Say You'll Rememeber Me by Katie McGarry is a full length, standalone YA romance novel.
Hendrix - Drix - was convinced of a crime he didn't commit. After some time behind bars he gets the opportunity to attend Second Chance Program. A programassisted by the governor. His daughter Elle - Ellison - has to attend her father's eveents and there she meets Drix. Both are like minded souls, only he's from the wrong side of the tracks. While the poster child for Second Chance Program, her father never will allow her a relationship with Drix.
They have to fight against society, push themselves to get what they deserve.
Say You'll remember Me is beautiful YA romance novel written in a dual POV and I liked the story, the writing and the characters. Both have a lot of grow up to do and they do it beautifully. I give 4,5 stars.

First of all, I would like to thank Katie McGarry and the InkSlinger PR team for this ARC.

As soon as I read the blurb, I wanted to read this book. I love Katie’ stories, there always interesting topics, raw emotions, compassion and beautiful romances.

We meet Hendrix Pierce and Ellison Monroe. Drix is an ex-con who integrates the Second Chance Program led by Governor Monroe. Elle is the daughter of the Governor himself, a lost girl who want to know who she is and who has a big heart.

They don’t have much in common, live in completely different worlds and yet they will just fall in love with one another. But their history will be fraught with difficulties, because of their social classes, the power of the media, political games…

What I liked in this book is above all the characters. I got attached to Drix and Elle as soon as I met them. I followed their romance, their struggles to be together no matter what. I liked their relationship, their honesty, their hearts. I was moved by their story.

In brief, Katie gives us a breathtaking story that fights prejudices, puts love in the foreground, crosses frontiers of appearances. A story that opens your eyes to certain injustices and makes you want to fight them, just like her characters. If you like that kind of stories, you must read it!

* * * * * * * * * * *
Avant toute chose, je souhaite remercier Katie McGarry et l’équipe de InkSlinger PR pour ce service presse.

Dès que j’ai lu le résumé, j’ai eu envie de lire ce livre. J’ai adoré les précédents livres de cette auteure, elle a cette capacité de rendre ses histoires réelles, touchantes en sortant des sujets classiques de la romance.

Nous faisons donc la connaissance de Hendrix Pierce et Ellison Monroe. Lui est un ex détenu a qui on propose d’intégrer un programme de « seconde chance » dirigé par le Gouverneur Monroe. Quant à Elle, en plus d’être la fille du Gouverneur, on découvre une jeune fille avec un cœur énorme mais qui se cherche.

Ils n’ont pas grand-chose en commun, vivent dans des mondes totalement opposés et pourtant ils vont tombés amoureux. C’est un peu un coup de foudre d’ailleurs. Mais la vie va les rattraper et ils vont se retrouver comme deux marionnettes dans des jeux politiques et des manipulations médiatiques.

Ce que j’ai vraiment aimé dans ce livre ce sont les personnages, principaux comme secondaires. Katie a ce souci du détail, cette façon de créer des personnages plus vrais que nature, qui font qu’on s’attache à eux tout de suite. Suivre leur romance, les difficultés qu’ils traversent, a été un pur bonheur. J’ai été touchée par leur honnêteté, leur compassion et leur force.

Ils se battent contre des préjugés bien réels dans la société d’aujourd’hui et ils nous donnent envie de faire la même chose.

En bref, si vous aimez la plume de Katie, foncez ! Et si vous ne la connaissez pas encore, c’est un roman parfait pour la découvrir car il illustre son talent à raconter de magnifiques histoires.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2223542156?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1

It's been quite awhile since I've read a book by McGarry and even longer since I was so captivated by her work. I absolutely loved her Pushing the Limits series, but I had lukewarm feelings about her Thunder Road series. I can tell you right off the bat that while this has a slow, somewhat bland beginning, after the first few chapters, I was hooked!

At first, while I was intrigued by the concept of the bad boy with a good heart and the stifled good girl, it's been done before and usually brings, again, lukewarm feelings when I read about it. I don't hate it, but I never really love it. This is not the case with this book. McGarry's writing is just so amazing, which I was scared she had lost since I didn't really like her second series, and she brought her A-game with these characters. I totally fell for Drix and felt for this boy. I just wanted to hug him and fix things for him. As for Elle, I actually genuinely liked her, which was surprising for me, as I tend to dislike how naive this type of girl is and how much of a pushover they tend to be, even if they redeem themselves in the end. For some reason, it just worked for Elle, her character, her personality, and her life. Yes, both characters are pretty formulaic, but McGarry adds her flair and turns these characters into such interesting ones that I easily connected with them and seriously wanted them both to have their HEAs.

It's been awhile since a book has stirred emotions in me, particularly this year so far. I felt myself scared for Drix and Elle at the times the author wanted me to and swoon for them as a couple when she wanted me to. The book was just plain good. Sure there were times I wanted to throttle certain characters and I couldn't wait for Elle to see the lies and reality of her world, and that can often bug me and make me hate the main character, but for some reason, McGarry just executed the story so well, I ended up really enjoying the pacing and how it all played out. I think I went into this kind of BLAH because it's been so long since I've read a genuinely amazing book, so I didn't expect it. Then, when I started to really get invested in the characters and the story, I couldn't stop reading.

Again, if you're a seasoned reader within this genre, it's nothing you haven't see before, but just know that the way McGarry writes it makes it stand out as a cut above the rest. I really hope McGarry considers creating companion novels within this world, because I would LOVE to read about Drix's siblings and watching them fall in love. Their family dynamic was truly one of my favorite parts of this book and one I would love to revisit in the future.