Katie McGarry

Fighting against a society that can't imagine them together, Drix and Elle must push themselves and each other to finally get what they deserve.

Say You'll Remember Me

Becky

** spoiler alert **
           What can I say about this book? I mean, it's what I expected and I enjoyed it. I know when I'm reading anything by Katie Mcgarry I'm going to get angst and drama and there was plenty of that here. And that was what I was in the mood for so on that front I enjoyed it immensely. 

Elle and Drix were easy to grow attached to. I was invested in their lives from the start and wanted only good things for them when the world seemed set to give them the worst. Their romance was cute. Was there a little too much 'we can't be together because this is my second chance' angst for my tastes? Probably, but they got there in the end.

Honestly this was going to be a 4 star rating in Goodreads but in reality more of a 3.5 star read but then they had to go and kill the dog. I knew it happened, I'd been given the trigger warning in that one, but why? I am the person who Google's if the dog survives if it's a darker film. I totally understand why John Wick murdered all those people after they killed his dog. I get it! So why did Thor have to die? That bothered me. I knew there was going to be the OTT drama at the end that's crazy and ridiculous but totally sucks me in but why include the dog? I'm not happy and I will never be over it.

But if you can ignore the dog death then you are in for an enjoyable read that will pass a few hours. It also means one less unread book on my shelf which is a bonus for me.

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 initiative to get delinquents off the streets and back into society. Drix knows this is his chance to get his life on track. 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 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, if only Drix and Elle can push themselves--and each other--to finally get what they deserve.

Anna Agarwal

celeste

I flew through this one in a day and a half, that's how good this was. This book touched on so many relevant and important issues such as the injustices of the judicial system, societal views on juvenile delinquents and the possibility of being given second chances even when you have made mistakes in the past. I loved the characters, I loved Drix and how supportive he was of Ellison, I loved the consent shown throughout this book, which I know should be a given in this day and age, but unfortunately, it isn't. Overall, even if this wasn't a life changing story, it was an important and emotional one. I can't wait to read more from Katie, especially her Thunder Road series.

Clara hash

** spoiler alert **
           dear katie mcgarry,

I thought I loved you.
but you killed thor.

Lucille

There was some aspects of this book I really enjoyed and others I really didnt.

Celia Adams

Drix and Elle come from different backgrounds and different worlds. He was convicted of a crime he didn't commit; she's the governor's daughter. They try to find what connects them and break past the odds to, maybe, be together while finding their own independence from their pasts and their families' expectations.

Cath

McGarry's writing is UNREAL. So raw and gripping. Her writing captures each emotion so well. It's a much more slow-paced contemporary novel, and I really like that it's got that slow burn because it gives the story its own roots. Both characters in the story are people I can relate so much to. Their flaws, attitude, and even personal demons speak for my own, and it's crazy to see them being portrayed so accurately through writings. 

I love stories that explore the 'grey' in a 'black and white'. I personally find them really hard to project in written prose, but McGarry does it so easily. Such simple yet hard-hitting words. I personally wasn't the biggest fan of the romance that Drix and Elle had. I was still rooting for them, but I was just in it for the development, and most importantly the resolution. I was curious to find out how everything wraps up in the end, and I have to admit - how the author did broke my heart (in a good way!!) and made me shed tears.

Another thing I liked about the story was how the author constantly talks about the flaws of society revolving around social media. We live in a world where celebrity scandals come in the form of K-pop stars secretly dating one another. The hunger for new trends and scandalous publicity is just sad. People would claw and bleed just to make their way to the top, and McGarry moulds these contemporary issues into the story so well that the book can be said to be an accurate representation of modern society today. But besides the fact that McGarry is capable of projecting a powerful voice, the story also focuses on the coming of age themes of two teenagers. More specifically, the author explores the element of fear. It's not just about becoming a better, much wiser version of yourself that matters, it's how you learn to deal and overcome your fears that's most important. I'm amazed by how well the author pinpoints this theme to just one emotion (amongst many other that played a huge role, but fear was a major one). 

Overall it was an amazing, intense, and emotional read. A total rollercoaster ride. This has been the easiest 5/5 stars I've given in a while. I'd LOVE to read more of Katie McGarry's novels!

Thank you SO much Harlequin Teen for sending over a copy in exchange for an honest review!

Say You'll Remember Me

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