Waiting On Wednesday ... Say You'll Remember Me

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pick is Say You'll Remember Me by Katie McGarry

Here is the Goodreads synopsis 

When Drix was convicted of a crime--one he didn't commit--he thought his life was over. But opportunity came with the new 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.

I love Katie McGarry books and I am thrilled that she has another coming out! This one sounds like her earlier books which were a mix of romance and gritty contemporary that I enjoyed a lot.

This one comes out early next year so not too long to wait now.

Expected release date - January 30, 2018

Walk The Edge by Katie McGarry

Walk The Edge by Katie McGarry
Release Date - March 29, 2016

Publisher Website - HarlequinTeen
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages - 384 pages
My Rating - 4/5
**received from publisher for an honest review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

One moment of recklessness will change their worlds.

Smart. Responsible. That's seventeen-year-old Breanna's role in her large family, and heaven forbid she put a toe out of line. Until one night of shockingly un-Breanna-like behavior puts her into a vicious cyber-bully's line of fire—and brings fellow senior Thomas "Razor" Turner into her life.

Razor lives for the Reign of Terror motorcycle club, and good girls like Breanna just don't belong. But when he learns she's being blackmailed over a compromising picture of the two of them—a picture that turns one unexpected and beautiful moment into ugliness—he knows it's time to step outside the rules.

And so they make a pact: he'll help her track down her blackmailer, and in return she'll help him seek answers to the mystery that's haunted him—one that not even his club brothers have been willing to discuss. But the more time they spend together, the more their feelings grow. And suddenly they're both walking the edge of discovering who they really are, what they want, and where they're going from here.

Katie McGarry has proven herself a force within the Young Adult contemporary genre. She manages to craft these wonderful characters that resonate with you in a very real way. Walk The Edge is no exception. She once again proves why her novels are so popular, and continues to solidify her voice and brand.

Razor is tormented. He's torn from the inside out. Raw and left exposed like a live wire. He's hot tempered, and quick to react. He holds a gritty, dangerous quality that I never quite got from Oz. This book had the gravity and stakes that I wanted to feel from Nowhere But Here. This instalment made it feel more like a series about a motorcycle club, and Razor was a big part of that. The danger felt more palpable, and the reality of this life and what it means to be part of a family in this way is explored in greater detail and I really enjoyed getting an overview into a world I've never experienced.

I felt a connection with Breanna immediately. She's someone who has sacrificed things for the good of other people, even when it may not be the best decision for herself. She's someone who wanted to blend in, until she didn't. We've all wanted to be seen, and to be the noticed by the cute guy or girl. We've all felt the strain and pressure from family in some form. It's easy to understand Bre, and that makes her story mean a little bit more. Her choices, and the reasons behind them are clear and concise. This is just another testament to how well Katie McGarry crafts characters, because I did feel like I got to know both Razor and Bre by the end of their story.

There is a strength that comes with trust, and there is a pride to be had in preserving. This novel examines what it means to trust those in your life, including your family. It's a theme that is felt in every single corner of this novel. There is a strength in continuing to try. It may be the hardest ting to do but it also could be the most rewarding and I love how that was explored with a delicate finesse. It may feel easier to give up when things get tough, but the reward waiting on the other side of working through the tough things is worth it. This novel tells you that no matter how dire things feel that there is always hope. I liked that this novel showed that you can fix mistakes, even if it feels like too much time has gone by. There is also the chance to heal, and start towards something new, even if you never recapture what you had before. If you love someone, you can work through it together. Katie's novels always have advice like this wrapped into it's pages, and for a teenager it could make all the difference.

This series, while technically companion novels, feel more like sequels. This novel feels like another building block on the one before it, and one that amps up the tension. There is something brewing and I anticipate that each subsequent novel in this series will only increase that feeling of free fall. I am expecting that tensions between the Riot and Reign of Terror clubs will only build and eventually blow. It keeps the reader on edge, and has me both excited for, and apprehensive of what is to come next.

The romance in this is classic Katie McGarry. It's sexy, sensual, and consuming. I was invested in the outcome of this novel and what it would mean for Breanna and Razor. Katie McGarry is at her best while writing romance. She makes you feel the connections being built and captures sexual tension effortlessly. It's easy to see why every couple she writes is beloved by fans, and it all comes down to the choices she makes in her writing.

Katie McGarry once again lures you into her world using her addictive style of writing. Fans will be happy to hear that they can expect more of the same from this novel - a engaging, romantic story that . Those who haven't read one of her novels shouldn't definitely start, particularly if you're a fan of Young Adult contemporary.

New To My Book Closet

It's that time of the week again. Time to show you what bookish goodies made their way into my home and book closet (to be saved from the evil book eating cat monster named Aria). This is inspired by the various "mailbox" posts out there (eg. In My Mailbox by The Story Siren, and Stacking the Shelves by Tynga's Reviews).

Lots of fun goodies made their way into my mailbox this week! Super excited for everything.

Cruel Crown by Victoria Aveyard (goodreads)

First up I received my pre-order goodies for Winter. The gloves are super cute and I intend to put some of the tattoos on my nieces.

I also purchased Cruel Crown by Victoria Aveyard which is a bind up of two short stories that take place in the Red Queen world. Very excited to read them.

I also was approved for some egalleys from the publishers.

Leave Me by Gayle Forman (goodreads)
26 Kisses by Anna Michels (goodreads)
The Winner's Kiss by Marie Rutkoski (goodreads)
Walk The Edge by Katie McGarry (goodreads)

A huge thank you to all the publishers for the chance to review these amazing sounding titles.

What books made their way into your mailbox this week?

Happy Weekend and Happy Reading!

Nowhere But Here by Katie McGarry

Nowhere But Here by Katie McGarry
Release Date - May 26, 2015
Publisher Website - HarlequinTeen
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages - 496 pages
My Rating - 3.5/5
**received for an honest review from publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

An unforgettable new series from acclaimed author Katie McGarry about taking risks, opening your heart and ending up in a place you never imagined possible.

Seventeen-year-old Emily likes her life the way it is: doting parents, good friends, good school in a safe neighborhood. Sure, she's curious about her biological father—the one who chose life in a motorcycle club, the Reign of Terror, over being a parent—but that doesn't mean she wants to be a part of his world. But when a reluctant visit turns to an extended summer vacation among relatives she never knew she had, one thing becomes clear: nothing is what it seems. Not the club, not her secret-keeping father and not Oz, a guy with suck-me-in blue eyes who can help her understand them both.

Oz wants one thing: to join the Reign of Terror. They're the good guys. They protect people. They're…family. And while Emily—the gorgeous and sheltered daughter of the club's most respected member—is in town, he's gonna prove it to her. So when her father asks him to keep her safe from a rival club with a score to settle, Oz knows it's his shot at his dream. What he doesn't count on is that Emily just might turn that dream upside down.

No one wants them to be together. But sometimes the right person is the one you least expect, and the road you fear the most is the one that leads you home. 

A sheltered girl. A bad boy. Add some sparks and it's a classic girl meets boy story. Katie McGarry has a tried and true recipe and her newest series proves that when something is working, you don't fix it. Opposites attract, hearts race, and Katie McGarry showcases why she is such a fan favourite among contemporary lovers.

Swoon worthy romance is a given in any novel written by Katie McGarry and this one is no exception. The relationship that grows between Oz and Emily feels organic and unhurried. It's definitely not a love at first sight scenario as both Oz and Emily have to overcome their initial reactions to each other before anything other than sexual attraction is sparked. Similar to a real relationship, this is not a perfect romance that is without issues, but it is one that both people feel is worth fighting for. There is a strong element of lust, and plenty of making out, but there is something natural about their interactions. They had entirely different upbringings even though they were both raised surrounded by love. Love and family are the heart of this story and it's woven into every interaction and every word of this story.

The secondary characters are the shining stars of this novel. Similar to Katie McGarry's other series, there will be companion novels told from other points of view. Creating and endearing these characters to readers seems to come naturally to Katie. They sometimes overtake the spotlight from the main characters themselves and that is what happened here. Razor, Violet, Chevy, in particular, all come with complicated back stories itching to be told. The brief teases shown of them in Nowhere But Here will more than ignite a hunger for their stories.

A rules and rigidity of motorcycle gangs are foreign to me. They are also foreign to Emily. She's not part of this world, and everything about it is strange, and alarming to her. I had a harder time connecting to the why behind such devotion as it's just not part of my world. Katie McGarry manages to believably link it to the idea of a family, and that bridges the gap enough that you can becomes submersed into this world. The expansion of the world itself, and the Reign of Terror group will be something I look forward to in further companion novels as I felt this was the largest missing piece of the story. The vital connection the world the characters inhabit just wasn't there for me the way I had hoped.

The motor cycle gang is also on the tamer side, at least when it comes to the Reign of Terror. The danger that is part of this world is quickly evident however, leading to a few intense scenes. The danger is pulse pounding and the very real possibility of this series having deaths is never far from the reader's mind.

Fans of her previous novels will undoubtedly devour this new series, as there is plenty for them to love within these pages.  A novel that builds it's foundation on family, love, and the secrets we keep in the name of both, it's a solid start to a new series.

No Where But Here Trailer Reveal!

We are absolutely thrilled to bring you the Trailer Reveal for Katie McGarry's NOWHERE BUT HERE! NOWHERE BUT HERE is a Young Adult Contemporary Romance being published by Harlequin Teen and is a part of Katie McGarry’s Thunder Road Series. It is being released on May 26th, 2015!!

NOWHERE BUT HERE Pre-Order:

Amazon ** Kobo ** BAM ** Barnes and Noble ** iBooks ** Indiebound

Add it to your Goodreads Now!

Also check out this amazing Pre-Order campaign that is now going on!

That's right, if you register your Pre-Order you’ll get the eBook you've been asking for, Abby’s Story, CHASING IMPOSSIBLE absolutely free! PLUS, you’ll also be entered to win a $500 VISA Gift Card! Register via this link http://bit.ly/1Mt8cjr.

And check out the amazing trailer for NOWHERE BUT HERE

NOWHERE BUT HERE Synopsis

An unforgettable new series from acclaimed author Katie McGarry about taking risks, opening your heart and ending up in a place you never imagined possible 
Seventeen-year-old Emily likes her life the way it is: doting parents, good friends, good school in a safe neighborhood. Sure, she's curious about her biological father—the one who chose life in a motorcycle club, the Reign of Terror, over being a parent—but that doesn't mean she wants to be a part of his world. But when a reluctant visit turns to an extended summer vacation among relatives she never knew she had, one thing becomes clear: nothing is what it seems. Not the club, not her secret-keeping father and not Oz, a guy with suck-me-in blue eyes who can help her understand them both.

Oz wants one thing: to join the Reign of Terror. They're the good guys. They protect people. They're…family. And while Emily—the gorgeous and sheltered daughter of the club's most respected member—is in town, he's gonna prove it to her. So when her father asks him to keep her safe from a rival club with a score to settle, Oz knows it's his shot at his dream. What he doesn't count on is that Emily just might turn that dream upside down.
No one wants them to be together. But sometimes the right person is the one you least expect, and the road you fear the most is the one that leads you home.

About Katie McGarry

Katie McGarry was a teenager during the age of grunge and boy bands and remembers those years as the best and worst of her life. She is a lover of music, happy endings, reality television, and is a secret University of Kentucky basketball fan.

Katie is the author of full length YA novels, PUSHING THE LIMITS, DARE YOU TO, CRASH INTO YOU, TAKE ME ON,  BREAKING THE RULES, and NOWHERE BUT HERE and the e-novellas, CROSSING THE LINE and RED AT NIGHT. Her debut YA novel, PUSHING THE LIMITS was a 2012 Goodreads Choice Finalist for YA Fiction, a RT Magazine's 2012 Reviewer's Choice Awards Nominee for Young Adult Contemporary Novel, a double Rita Finalist, and a 2013 YALSA Top Ten Teen Pick. DARE YOU TO was also a Goodreads Choice Finalist for YA Fiction and won RT Magazine’s Reviewer’s Choice Best Book Award for Young Adult Contemporary fiction in 2013.

Website ** Twitter ** Facebook ** Goodreads ** Pinterest ** Tumblr ** Instagram **

Pushing The Limits by Katie McGarry

Pushing The Limits by Katie McGarry

Release Date - July 31, 2012

Publisher Website - Harlequin Teen
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages - 392 pages
My Rating - 4/5
**received in exchange for an honest review from the publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

So wrong for each other …and yet so right.

No one knows what happened the night Echo Emerson went from popular girl with jock boyfriend to gossiped-about outsider with "freaky" scars on her arms. Even Echo can't remember the whole truth of that horrible night. All she knows is that she wants everything to go back to normal. 

But when Noah Hutchins, the smoking-hot, girl-using loner in the black leather jacket, explodes into her life with his tough attitude and surprising understanding, Echo's world shifts in ways she could never have imagined. They should have nothing in common. And with the secrets they both keep, being together is pretty much impossible. 

Yet the crazy attraction between them refuses to go away. And Echo has to ask herself just how far they can push the limits and what she'll risk for the one guy who might teach her how to love again.

There are some books that you can't get away from. Those books that constantly pop up on your radar, and it seems like everyone is talking about them. Often, if I am being honest, those books scare me. Especially if I am late to the party. What if I am the odd person out? What if I simply don't love it the way everyone else seems to?  My hesitation before starting Pushing The Limits could easily fall into this scenario. Luckily, after finally succumbing to it's unavoidable presence, I ended up seeing exactly what everyone loves about this novel so much.

Echo is the type of character that grows on you. She, and every single one of her emotions, linger with you. She's broken, and damaged, and yet is trying so hard to hold herself together. You want her to succeed, and even want to protect her if you could. It's easy to see where Noah would feel the same, and that's when the story clicks. The characters and their motivations, and the chemistry between them all combine to create an addictive read. I would put the characters as the element that surpassed everything else. As easy as it would have been, they never come across as cliche, instead they seem all too real.

The secondary characters, particularly Isaiah and Beth, are fascinating. They make you want to know THEIR story, and get inside their heads. They both have issues of their own, and seeing them unravel, albeit briefly, made me anticipate the sparks that could result from their stories. It's immediately clear why their stories continued; the characters demanded it.

The unflinching truth that some events change you forever is seared within these pages. Echo will never be that girl she was before. No matter how desperately she tries. Noah, too, can never go back to the life he had before. It's this stark, clawing realization that these characters struggle with. The brushstrokes of hope that are throughout the story are just as powerful a message, and ultimately you see that even if you can't go back, you can move forward.

Katie McGarry's approach to the topic of teens and sex was a refreshing, and needed change from the usual. Kudos to her for presenting an actual safe sex talk between the characters, and making it seem authentic. This aspect is often glossed over, and sexual health is something teens need to discuss. It's a choice that I applaud her for making, and respect that it was organic to the story.

A story of two broken people coming together in a beautiful way to help each other heal. A sexy, heart crushing, but ultimately hopeful read that definitely made me see what the hype was all about it. To say that I am looking forward to continuing this series would be an understatement.