3.83 AVERAGE



I have to admit, it has been way too long since I've read a new book by Katie McGarry, (even though I currently have THREE of her books sitting unread on my shelf), but I just couldn’t resist reading her newest book, Say You'll Remember Me, the moment it landed in my mailbox. I've read Katie’s Pushing the Limits series a few years back, as well as the first book in the Thunder Road series, all of which I loved, so I knew this one would be great as well. And it was!!

Can I start off by saying that I’m a sucker for a good contemporary novel? It’s my favorite genre, and one of the reasons why I’m such a big fan of Katie’s books. Don’t get me wrong, I love almost all genres of books, but there’s just something about a good contemporary that always gets me, especially when it’s a love story. (I love those stories the most!) I expected this book to have the typical bad-boy-turned-good storyline, but there was really so much more to it than that. I appreciate how relatable it was, and a lot of things in the story, unfortunately, are actually happening in the real world right now. It was very realistic.

Another thing I really like about the story was the characters. Elle was a bit of a pushover in the beginning of the story, but I enjoyed watching her character grow into a much more confident person over the course of the book. It was, however, Drix that completely stole the story. Convicted for a crime that he didn’t commit, serving time and having that on his record, and having no one believe him… that was heartbreaking. And worse is, this actually happens. I don’t want to give too much of the story away, so read if for yourself to learn Drix and Elle’s story. It’s really sweet, and impactful as well.

Overall; I really enjoyed reading Say You'll Remember Me, and I'm so glad to have finally read something new by Katie. Now I need to finish the Thunder Road series soon, which, of course, will start with a re-read of Nowhere But Here, and I may just have to re-read the Pushing the Limits series as well, just because I love that series so much. *wink* If you're a fan of contemporary novels, or just of Katie's novels in general, do check out Say You'll Remember Me! I hope you enjoy it just as much as I did.

Happy Reading!!

I really enjoyed this book! This is a new favorite of mine from Katie McGarry. I’ve loved her books from the start and she gets better every time. I love that she talks about hard topics. Though her Thunder Road series, to me, dealt the least amount of tough issues. But I still loved it. And this book is no different. I loved both characters. While I wasn’t sure if I was going to like Elle because she reminded me of Rachel from Crash into You (this is my least favorite book from her). But as the book goes on we get to know Elle and she was such a great character. As was Drix, he is definitely a favorite of mine. The one thing I really loved about this book was that while yes it is a romance I felt like it focused more on both Elle and Drix’s life than the romance. And I love when that happens because I feel it adds more to the story. I loved seeing how each of them has their own problems and that while they help each other out with them, they work on them on their own. It’s shows that they are both strong on their own and together. I truly loved that and I’m glad that this story was much more than a romance it made both Elle and Drix’s story that much more emotional. I can not wait to see what Katie McGarry comes out with next because if this book is any indication of how she’s improved as a writer I think she will definitely have more great books on the way.

Drix and Elle are your wrong-side-of-the-track love story. He was wrongfully convicted of a crime and she is the governor's daughter. He knows he should stay away from her and she knows what's expected of her as the governor's daughter. The stars couldn't be any more unaligned. They're both so young, yet, the attraction between them is so real. I had a really easy time relating to them and found myself right there alongside them the entire book. Katie has a writing style that is easy to get through, yet, so captivating and has a way of holding you enchanted. The story is filled with the innocence of young love and the gut-wrenching emotions of teenage angst. A definite must-read if you're a Katie McGarry fan and, if you have never dabbled in her novels, you'll find this a perfect book to get a taste of it!

I loved this book. I liked Drix’s POV best. I think this is definitely an idealized view of how someone can change. But it was a sweet book. Elle’s parents were infuriating. I found that situation stressful.

I was provided an advanced copy of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
walokat2's profile picture

walokat2's review

2.0

First, this book had a ton of proofreading errors. Really took me out of the story. Missing words were a huge thing, missing end quotes, etc.

The story itself was good and emotional, but I really thought it was a romance, but the romance was backseat to Drix's and Elle's individual stories. Which was fine, I just wish I had known that going in.

Overall it was ok for me.

I keep saying I'm not a romance reader, but many of my favorite books do involve some romance. So, if you dig reading romance or it's not your thing, it doesn't matter. Here are 4 reasons you should read "Say You'll Remember Me".

1. Forgiveness, forgiveness, forgiveness.
This is a theme often missing from young adult/new adult novels. The freedom of forgiveness is the ultimate redemption in this book in every single relationship model. It's a notion that folks need more experience with in this harsh world: forgiveness doesn't "fix" things, but it does give you a place to go from there.

2. Healthy relationships vs. unhealthy relationships.
Both kinds of relationships abound in this book, with a stressor on the fact that there are no perfect relationships. Many relationship flaws are profiled as well as possible solutions or, in the case of habitual abuse, presenting the difficulties of walking away from unhealthy relationships. While Drix and Elle -the main characters- acknowledge that their relationship is not without its issues, they navigate a plethora of situations and model an overall healthy relationship. Familial relationships are also a point of focus - including that sometimes your family isn't the people you grew up in the same house with.

3. Steam but responsibly and with a side of consent. Yes, please!
I'm not normally a romance reader (someday, I will have to quit saying that!), but who doesn't enjoy a little steam now and again? This book was great for me because I could read it without feeling old and creepy and uncomfortable. It's also one I'd let my twelve year old daughter read. It's steamy and realistic and passionate while Elle makes if very clear that she doesn't want to go farther. Drix is exactly what a reader would hope. He understands and respects her decisions. He also makes it clear that, when they are both ready, it's on. It's a great example of a positive relationship and how to voice how far you want things to go.

4. It's just fun.
I know, it's not a deep takeaway. There were so many deep things to choose from in this book, but when I step back and look at the overall picture, what resonates and fills my reader soul is that it was really fun to read. I'm kind of sad it's over! I found myself excited to snuggle in my warm bed and open the book again.

"Say You'll Remember Me" was a bit of a dark horse for me. I'm normally exclusively fantasy and science fiction, but the popularity of Katie McGarry in my library had me curious. I'm glad I stepped away from my norm, and I'm insanely happy that I looooooved it.

I encourage you to take a chance and read something you normally wouldn't. Who knows? I may try a historical fiction next!

elletee's review

2.0

All you need to know is that the dog dies.

love.

Dual POV. Sheltered daughter and “convict” boy. Very slow and super predictable. 
emotional funny hopeful lighthearted slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

A cute little read to get you through the week. The dynamic between the two main characters is pretty cute but, it didn't have to be that long. I'm just glad it got a decent ending. A palette cleanser and a decent at that. Come for the banter, stay for the adorable dog 🐶