I was very keen to read SAY YOU'LL REMEMBER ME, as it would be my first Katie McGarry book and it also promised the "juvie kid meets the governor daughter" romance trope that can't get old! It reminded me of Letters to the Lost, but without entirely the emotional impact I was hoping for. Honestly, I think the book came apart for me slightly for two reasons (1) there were so many characters that it didn't forge deep enough bonds with them all, and (2) it was really long and not a lot happened.

I think it used some good ol' cliches, but really well! Like if you leave me with found-family and innocents-accused-of-crime tropes, I'm definitely here for it. Drix and Elle's relationship was easy to root for. He was trying to do better, even though the crime he went down for wasn't his fault. And Elle was just trying to be herself even though her parents were slowly crushing the joy out of her.

The book is a study on faults too. Falsely accused faults, but also the "perfect" people, hiding behind their toxic beliefs in order to force people to think they're blameless. My heart broke for Elle as she's manipulated by her governor parents into being part of their campaigns, even to the point where they were changing how she looked and making her "fall in love" on camera for a boy of their choosing. They were toxic and yet pretended to be so nice. The whole "we're controlling your life because you just can't make good decisions, honey!" thing was terrifying. Because it's real. I'm glad the book explored this, although I don't think the parents comeuppance was enough.

Drix's home life was definitely my favourite part of the book to read. He has such a rag-tag family, with an older brother taking care of him and his half-sister, who is going off the rails while her brothers gently try to reign her in but without being toxic about it. I was worried about Drix though, because at times he came across as being really washed out, bordering broken-spirited? But he was written as just "having changed from being bad". I loved that he had an arc and a chance to reinvent himself. But turning into Mr. Perfect kind of left him without a personality, so I would've liked to have seen him be more dynamic as well as a messy person trying to get better.

I do admit I struggled with the level of toxic masculinity in this book (there is so much ownership over Elle) and it's never called out. I also am always disgusted when books kill off the dog for the emotional manipulation of the readers. It was unnecessary here and I hated it.

Apart from a few things that tipped the scale for me, I did think this was a solid and wholesome read. It features such an unlikely pair who, underneath, have so much in common. Their souls were made of similar things, of the yearning to be free and make decisions and control their lives to the best of their abilities. It really was a sweet book.

This book broke my heart and fixed it anew. It was beautiful and fun and I would do anything to read a book this wonderful again. I could not put it down, I insist that all and any please pick up this novel and give this fantastic contemporary a shot!

I give this a 3 star rating, I did find this book cute and i really enjoyed the characters, especially Drix and Ellison. I was really into it for the first half of the book and then i kind of lost interest.
I am glad how it ended, over all i really did like this book, however it kinda fell flat for me towards the middle

Say You’ll Remember Me is Katie McGarry’s latest release and is a compelling contemporary romance about second chances, redemption and the importance of taking control of your life and of your choices.

Hendrix Peirce has just spent a year in juvie for a crime he didn’t commit. Believing he was protecting someone he loves, Drix pled guilty. The chance to change his life came in a reform program he didn’t see coming and he has now found himself the poster boy for the Second Change Program, the governors new pet project to help turn around the lives of wayward teens on the fast-track to a life in and out of prison. Drix wants to use his experience to help others, but there’s only so much life in the public eye he can take. As the daughter of the governor, Ellison Monroe is used to reporters and the public having a say in her life. Yet it has gotten to a point where the pressure and expectations placed on her may be too much. All Elle wants to do is forge her own path. When Drix and Elle meet, the attraction between them is immediate, but with everyone telling them they can’t be together, will Drix and Elle find the strength to fight for what they really want? Or will they continue to be puppets in their own lives?

Katie McGarry is one of those authors you automatically know that when they release a new novel it’s going to be good. Their calibre of writing and storytelling is consistently above standard and they never fail to leave you breathless—something that is one hundred percent the case with Say You’ll Remember Me.

Beautifully written and told through the dual POV’s of both main characters, Say You’ll Remember Me is an irresistible story full of friendship, family and adorable romance. Drix and Elle are powerful personalities and tell a genuinely heart-warming and romantic tale. It’s impossible not to like Drix who is determined to change his life and let go of the hurtful person he once was as well as Elle who simply wants to make her own decisions as she tries to determine what she wants out of life.

McGarry does what she does best with this novel; introduces characters of different backgrounds, histories and status within society and weaves them together romantically as they change the lives of one another. We saw it with her Pushing the Limits series and then again with Thunder Road and I can only hope that Say You’ll Remember Me is only the first in a long line of tales featuring those within Drix’s life we had the pleasure of meeting including his brother Axle, sister Holiday and friends Dominic and Marcus, as well as potentially Elle’s cousin Henry.

Perfectly paced with plenty of angst and desire, Say You’ll Remember Me is a lovely romantic story with a true message within its pages. I’m looking forward to whatever Katie McGarry has in store for her readers next!

*I received this ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Actual rating: 3.5 stars

So this was my first Katie McGarry novel and it was everything I thought it was going to be- fun, devourable, and a lil bit trashy-YA.
I have read this story SO. MANY. TIMES. Like legitimately out of the past half dozen books I've read this year alone, this would have to be the third time I'm reading a book about a politician's daughter and her boy from the wrong side of the tracks. It seems to be a hot topic right now and they kinda all follow the same narrative. But this, as with all the others, is something that I eat right up because I thoroughly enjoy trash YA.

The 'My Life Next Door' vibes were strong with this one which is probably why I enjoyed it, and I was also a big fan of both Elle and Drix's voices in each POV. Lots of shipping etc and now I may have to go read McGarry's other novels.

Oh my, this was an amazing & emotional read. I loved following the main characters and their lives, it was a very refreshing story I thought, it is definitely up there with most of McGarrys other books!

Lots of drama and tension, Drix shines the most when thinking about others and dealing with his own conflicts. I just wish the story had more character development for Elle.

In true Katie McGarry fashion, she has created a novel so real that I found myself crying on multiple accounts. Tears of joy, of sadness, of greif and of success. A novel that can make a reader cry is something powerful. Not only is McGarry's writing amazing, she has the knack of creating characters that you want to know more about, that you genuinely care for and wish they were real people that you know.
This novel has been waiting to be read for a long time, it touches on teen recidivism, a subject so often overlooked due to its sombre tone. McGarry takes this theme and flies with it, showing teens in this situation that life is what you make it, that there is that chance for happiness just around the corner if you are willing to work for it.
I also love that the female protagonist "Elle' comes to find herself within this novel, her character growth is perfect, it shows us that we are all the same, just people flailing through life, trying to work out who we are and what we stand for.
An amazing novel!

*This book was received via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

*Actual Rating 4.5/5 stars*

Wow what a great read! I loved both of the main characters Elle and Hendrix, or Drix for short, as they were likeable and realistic. At times Elle did come across as a bit spoilt, and could be annoying, but all in all she came across as an authentic teenager albeit a privileged one. The glimpse into American society and the intricacy of politics was also intriguing especially since many people, myself included, live a sheltered life hidden from the brutal reality many people who are disadvantaged face. The exploration of family was also really well executed with the author not only questioning how family is defined but also the lengths that we would go to protect our loved ones. Finally, on a lighter note, the romance was really sweet and Drix and Elle's development as a couple was fun to read about.

All in all this was an exciting read with some plot twists, a cute romance and dealing with some contemporary issues.

Review: 4 out of 5 stars

Katie McGarry is an author that consistently delivers a great story so I was more than eager to get started on her latest YA contemporary, Say You’ll Remember Me.

Our MCs are Drix, a boy convicted of assault and robbing a convenience store and Ellison the daughter of the Governor. They couldn’t be more different, but when their paths cross there is an instant connection.

Drix spent a year in Governor Monroe’s Second Chance Program, a new program to help young criminals enter back into society and he is now the face of his campaign but what they don’t know is he didn’t commit the crime but still did the time not knowing who it actually was. Elle is forever at her parent’s sides, she attends the fundraisers and the press conferences praising the benefits of the program but the pressures and their controlling expectations are more than what she can handle at times.

I adored Drix and Elle together, their interactions were wonderful and despite their relationship being forbidden and a lot of sneaking about they made it work. They live very different lives, Elle is the daughter of a politician, Drix lives with his court appointed guardian, his 26 year-old brother Axle; they came to form a supportive connection which I loved with the support of many wonderful side characters.

Katie McGarry writes about realistic teen troubles; her characters are flawed and struggle with real life relatable issues and Say You’ll Remember Me was about forgiveness, fighting to survive, the love between not only family but also friends and also heartache.

Katie McGarry’s writing was poignant, I was hooked from the very beginning and couldn’t help but hope for a HEA for both characters.

Thank you to Harlequin Teen Australia via Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review 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.

Very sweet romance with plenty of darkness & reality to keep it grounded. I always enjoy the protagonists in Katie McGarry's books and this is no exception.