Say You'll Remember me

Surely I'm not the only one who reads this book title and has Taylor Swift singing "Wildest Dreams" in her head?

Confession time: I wanted to read this book because of the cover. I know, don't judge a book by it's cover. Thing is, I love Ferris Wheels and so a Ferris wheel with a purple/pink sky background? I'm seriously infatuated.

I haven't actually read a book by Katie McGarry before either, so I went in without any expectations. I gotta say though, I rather enjoyed it.

Drix pled guilty to a convenience store robbery in a deal that saw him take part in the Governor's Second Chance program. He becomes the face of the campaign and is dragged along to fundraisers and functions as an example of the program's success.
Elle is the daughter of the Governor, and has committed her summer to helping his election campaign. She's required to stand by his side in press conferences and fundraisers.
After a chance meeting the pair are drawn to each other, but any relationship is forbidden.

Drix and Elle were fun characters to get to know. The twists were a bit predictable, but it was still an enjoyable ride. I'm keen to check out some more books by this author.

**I received a copy of this ebook via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**

I got totally pulled into this story about Drix and Elle, two very different people from very different backgrounds. Drix has had to struggle all his life, whereas Elle has been given everything, but are either of them free to choose their own destiny. Drix is given a second chance at making a life after going through the governor's new rehabilitation project, but there are strings attached. A story of love, hope, opportunity and life, a story about taking control of what life throws at you and making your own decisions about where you are headed.

Thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin (Australia), TEEN / MIRA for an advanced copy in return for a honest review.

ay You’ll Remember Me is simply stunning. Incredibly powerful, emotive, and heartbreaking, with characters that slip into your heart and refuse to leave, Say You’ll Remember Me demonstrates the importance of grace and understanding in this story of family and love. Once again Katie McGarry delivers a wonderful book. I have come to expect nothing less from this extraordinary writer, but nevertheless, McGarry seems to pass all expectations. In my opinion, Say You’ll Remember Me is her very best book to date.

Elle knows she is blessed - good parents, a safe and secure life, endless opportunities - but still she feels trapped. Trapped by the expectations of a life in the spotlight thanks to her father’s political career. Trapped by her own feelings of failure to live up to those expectations. For Drix, fresh out of juvenile detention and a second chance program, life has been against him since he was born. Now he has been given a chance to start over, but he too is constrained by expectations. Elle and Drix are not supposed to meet, not supposed to build a friendship against everyone’s orders to stay apart, and not supposed to connect in such a powerful way. But sometimes, there is one person in life who can see past all the facades and lies, and who believes in you, no matter what, and they are worth fighting for.

Be still my beating heart. Drix and Elle are two incredibly powerful characters. They earned my love for their honesty, openness, strength, and determination. I loved their stories. With Drix, Katie McGarry raises the important themes of second chances, forgiveness, and fighting for survival. The reality of many systems failing our young men and women is a sad truth all too common the world over. Drix is a strong character who is easy to love and support. He is a fighter, and watching him turn that from self-destructive fighting to supporting his family, Elle, and finally himself, is beautiful.

Elle’s story reveals the dangers of the expectations of perfection, and the reality that emotional abuse and manipulation all too easily hide behind ‘success’ and ‘good family’ status. Elle’s hurt and the way she is torn between love for her family and the ways in which their expectations make her feel inadequate is very relatable.

Together, Drix and Elle form a strong and supportive bond, highlighted by McGarry’s emotive writing. Once again, McGarry creates a relationship that leaps from the page. But equally important in this book are the relationships outside of romance: family and friendship. Parents, brothers and sisters, brothers by choice, the family you make. There are so many beautiful characters in Say You’ll Remember Me, calling them secondary characters seems rude, and I hope to see some of them again in future books.

I did get a little annoyed by Drix’s emphasis on Elle’s beauty (blonde, blue eyed, blah, blah, blah), but fortunately they build a relationship on shared understanding, sweet moments, and mutual support, as well as physical attraction. And, despite the story being based in a political setting, the book does a fairly good job of navigating political landmines that might alienate some readers.

Overall, there were so many things I loved about Say You’ll Remember Me. Beautiful, heartbreaking, and ultimately hopeful, Say You’ll Remember Me is perfect for readers who enjoy strong young-adult contemporary with important themes.

The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.

"I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review"

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.

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.

I was so shocked how much I loved this book. I have never read anything from this Author before so I had no idea if I would like her writing style, but I loved it.
This story was a perfect coming of age story and learning lessons about life and mistakes. I came from a similar background to Drix (neglectful parents, bad area and no money) so seeing him turn is life around and try and create something better for himself was so amazing to read.
Drix's character was so well done, at times I forgot I was reading about a fictional person. My heart went out to him so much and I loved how loyal he was even though at times they did not deserve it.
Elle was harder for me to like at first because she came across as a typical rich girl, but it didn't take long for my feelings about her to change. She had a lot of growing to do and I think by the end of the book she really did.

This story was so well done and I am sad it is over. I ended up giving this book 4.5 out of 5 stars and I suggest everyone should read this book. I know I will be looking into the Authors other books now I have finished this.