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For the Record
An electrifying rom com of rivalry and redemption, perfect for fans of Emily Henry and Daisy Jones and the Six, from New York Times bestselling author Emma Lord.
Once the most notorious rivals in the music scene, pop princess Mackenzie Waters and punk rockstar Sam Blaze electrified audiences as their bands clashed on stage. But behind the scenes, their simmering tension grew into something more — until suddenly both bands fell apart, and the idea of Mackenzie and Sam did, too.
Two years later, Sam has traded the rockstar lifestyle for a quiet life raising the son he didn’t know about. Meanwhile, Mackenzie is dealing with a postoperative change in her voice by only singing under a pseudonym. The only way to revive their public careers? A joint comeback album.
With fans over the moon and their futures on the line, Sam and Mackenzie face their biggest challenge yet: giving up the old rivalry and learning to work together. But as old sparks fly and new secrets emerge, they set off a chain reaction neither of them could have anticipated — one that proves that sometimes, the greatest hits are the ones yet to be written.
Once the most notorious rivals in the music scene, pop princess Mackenzie Waters and punk rockstar Sam Blaze electrified audiences as their bands clashed on stage. But behind the scenes, their simmering tension grew into something more — until suddenly both bands fell apart, and the idea of Mackenzie and Sam did, too.
Two years later, Sam has traded the rockstar lifestyle for a quiet life raising the son he didn’t know about. Meanwhile, Mackenzie is dealing with a postoperative change in her voice by only singing under a pseudonym. The only way to revive their public careers? A joint comeback album.
With fans over the moon and their futures on the line, Sam and Mackenzie face their biggest challenge yet: giving up the old rivalry and learning to work together. But as old sparks fly and new secrets emerge, they set off a chain reaction neither of them could have anticipated — one that proves that sometimes, the greatest hits are the ones yet to be written.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 12, 2025
214 people are currently reading
39885 people want to read
About the author
Emma Lord
10 books4,629 followersEmma Lord is an NYT bestselling author of rom coms for teens and adults, a BuzzFeed senior writer, and dessert gremlin living in New York City. She graduated from the University of Virginia with a major in psychology and a minor in how to tilt your computer screen so nobody will notice you updating your fan fiction from the back row. Her sun sign is Cancer and her moon sign is whatever Taylor Swift song is about to pop up on shuffle.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,762 reviews
August 1, 2025
1.5 stars
for the record, this had the potential to be interesting—fun, even—but it simply wasn’t. initially, i considered giving it two stars, but then i realized that was me being unnecessarily generous, considering how little i enjoyed any aspect of this book. a textbook case of me reading romance (most of the time)!! the rom-com didn’t rom-com. the banter didn’t banter. the “swoon-worthy” moments were nonexistent. but the cringeworthy moments were indisputably and aggressively prevalent!
my first emma lord book was a flop. not exactly shocking, frankly. every time i try to find a new comfort romance author, this happens!!
this was 283 pages, and while i would normally consider that a short read, it felt LONG. ARDUOUS. GRUELING. LACKLUSTER. i found myself asking when this was over. it just kept on dragging on, and there was no depth whatsoever.
this felt like reading half assed fanfiction—the kind with thinly veiled celebrity insertions and forced references. my favourite!! taylor swift was name-dropped on what felt like every four lines (i don't hate taylor swift. i used to be a swiftie, but it gets to a point)!! twyla (tyla)!! and ticktune!! every mention of ticktune shaved a year off my life!!
i’m also not sure what she thought she was doing with the incessant use of full names and unfunny uses of them. i'm probably just being overly fussy because i found no redeeming aspects that would make me blissfully ignore it, but i was IRRITATED (an understatement). mackenzie waters. sam blaze. we get it?? sam’s chapters were rough work. when he kept saying corny stuff like “i’m drowning in mackenzie waters.” “i’m in too deep with mackenzie waters.” and “i don't want to get out”. GET OUT. i half-expected mackenzie to say something like, “my soul is blazing hot because of sam blaze since he's so hot and sexy.” thankfully, she refrained. had she gone there, i would’ve hauled myself off a cliff.
though, for that matter, her inner monologue wasn't much better. she kept saying stuff like “sam blaze is mine.” “sam blaze is a bad boy.” “sam blaze is sexy.” sam blaze sam blaze sam blaze. girl, i’m about to set myself ablaze.
and i’m sorry but i cannot take a man seriously if he’s in a rock band called candy shard. that sounds like a fragrance from claires.
anyway, essentially i'm a victorian. i'm not big on spice. so perhaps you may think i'm being unreasonable, but to me the spice felt awkward and forced. one second they’re talking about their exes and family trauma, and the next he's shoving a finger into her?? it felt as if it was implemented merely to be categorized as an adult romance. sometimes i even forgot i was reading about grown adults. i got flashbacks from the cheat sheet.
admittedly, there were many objectively “emotional” scenes, yet i had no reaction whatsoever other than physically cringing from their dialogue and every time he called her sparkles. ABOLISH IT. i'm tired.
i did appreciate the intent behind the emotional arcs—the themes of family, friendship, identity—but it fell flat for me. i also didn’t care enough about anyone to be impacted.
maybe i just had a bad day. maybe i should just go reread you deserve each other before i spontaneously combust. maybe i will rate it higher in the future? (probably not)
-
pre-read
for the record, i've never read emma lord so i'm not sure what i'm getting myself into
-
tbr review
hopefully i can read this arc soon, the cover is very 90s rom com and i'm lowkey here for it
for the record, this had the potential to be interesting—fun, even—but it simply wasn’t. initially, i considered giving it two stars, but then i realized that was me being unnecessarily generous, considering how little i enjoyed any aspect of this book. a textbook case of me reading romance (most of the time)!! the rom-com didn’t rom-com. the banter didn’t banter. the “swoon-worthy” moments were nonexistent. but the cringeworthy moments were indisputably and aggressively prevalent!
my first emma lord book was a flop. not exactly shocking, frankly. every time i try to find a new comfort romance author, this happens!!
this was 283 pages, and while i would normally consider that a short read, it felt LONG. ARDUOUS. GRUELING. LACKLUSTER. i found myself asking when this was over. it just kept on dragging on, and there was no depth whatsoever.
this felt like reading half assed fanfiction—the kind with thinly veiled celebrity insertions and forced references. my favourite!! taylor swift was name-dropped on what felt like every four lines (i don't hate taylor swift. i used to be a swiftie, but it gets to a point)!! twyla (tyla)!! and ticktune!! every mention of ticktune shaved a year off my life!!
i’m also not sure what she thought she was doing with the incessant use of full names and unfunny uses of them. i'm probably just being overly fussy because i found no redeeming aspects that would make me blissfully ignore it, but i was IRRITATED (an understatement). mackenzie waters. sam blaze. we get it?? sam’s chapters were rough work. when he kept saying corny stuff like “i’m drowning in mackenzie waters.” “i’m in too deep with mackenzie waters.” and “i don't want to get out”. GET OUT. i half-expected mackenzie to say something like, “my soul is blazing hot because of sam blaze since he's so hot and sexy.” thankfully, she refrained. had she gone there, i would’ve hauled myself off a cliff.
though, for that matter, her inner monologue wasn't much better. she kept saying stuff like “sam blaze is mine.” “sam blaze is a bad boy.” “sam blaze is sexy.” sam blaze sam blaze sam blaze. girl, i’m about to set myself ablaze.
and i’m sorry but i cannot take a man seriously if he’s in a rock band called candy shard. that sounds like a fragrance from claires.
anyway, essentially i'm a victorian. i'm not big on spice. so perhaps you may think i'm being unreasonable, but to me the spice felt awkward and forced. one second they’re talking about their exes and family trauma, and the next he's shoving a finger into her?? it felt as if it was implemented merely to be categorized as an adult romance. sometimes i even forgot i was reading about grown adults. i got flashbacks from the cheat sheet.
admittedly, there were many objectively “emotional” scenes, yet i had no reaction whatsoever other than physically cringing from their dialogue and every time he called her sparkles. ABOLISH IT. i'm tired.
i did appreciate the intent behind the emotional arcs—the themes of family, friendship, identity—but it fell flat for me. i also didn’t care enough about anyone to be impacted.
maybe i just had a bad day. maybe i should just go reread you deserve each other before i spontaneously combust. maybe i will rate it higher in the future? (probably not)
-
pre-read
for the record, i've never read emma lord so i'm not sure what i'm getting myself into
-
tbr review
hopefully i can read this arc soon, the cover is very 90s rom com and i'm lowkey here for it
Read
September 20, 2025pre-read:
genuinely can’t believe i received the arc for this book! 💌 so so so excited to read this one with lorena bb! wish us luck 🌷✨
genuinely can’t believe i received the arc for this book! 💌 so so so excited to read this one with lorena bb! wish us luck 🌷✨
August 8, 2025
People loved to watch us hate each other. It was the greatest un-love story every told. For The Record written by Emma Lord was beautiful, emotional, deeply heart felt, raw, enchanting, heart breaking, musical induced, and inspiring. Emma has never failed to amaze me with her story telling and her beautiful writing, so when I saw she had a musical romance coming out, I knew I had to get my hands on it immediately. I have read many books by Emma Lord and she has never once left me feeling disappointed with her stories, I will continue to read anything and everything she writes. Musical romances are one of my many favorite tropes, so to get a book about music and romance by one of the greatest authors, I couldn't contain my excitement until I finally got my hands on this book. For The Record is for all of the music junkies out there who could never survive without music in their lives. What really caught my attention was the beautiful cover, I mean the characters are hot, the color of the cover, and the designs are just so stunning. I loved every single minute of this story, I cried, I smiled, I cheered for the characters, it was just absolutely phenomenal. If you are a music junkie like myself, you won't want to miss out on For The Record, so please do yourselves a favor and mark your calendars for August 12th, 2025 for the publication of this magical and enchanting book. I will constantly scream from a rooftop that everyone needs to read this book like right now, so please, don't walk, literally run.
THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY AND ST. MARTIN'S PRESS FOR AN ARC OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW!!!!!!!
"💘💯They say the definition of stupidity is making the same mistakes twice💘💯".
"❤Love sounds like the silence between two people who understand each other well enough not to need any words at all❤".
"💓💋I would rather chance fucking up a great thing with you than settle for a good one on my own💓💋".
"💔😭I spent so long crying over bad boys who didn't love me back that I never got to enjoy the thrill of having their attention in the first place💔😭".
"💝You can't see the pain at the bottom of yourself when you are standing at the top of the world💝".
Mackenzie Waters is a pop princess known as America's perpetually tragic sweetheart. Mackenzie has gone on a cliché bad boys dating parade made up of cheating Nepo babies and textbook narcissists while she was touring the world in her early twenties. Mackenzie was in a musical band with her best friends called Thunder Hearts which was a pop girl group, but they all went their separate ways in the music sense, but still remain friends with a little drama thrown into the mix. Mackenzie hasn't performed on stage in two years, but now she wants to relaunch a solo career, but the problem is that her current career is a black hole for many reasons. Despite going solo, Mackenzie will always be known as a "former girl band member" which just breaks my heart. I think if an artist wants to go solo, they shouldn't be known for their past talents, I think people should be more supportive of their new music. Mackenzie is best described as a shiny ball of chaos, she had so much sass and she was so full of spunk, this girl was just so beautiful. Two years ago, Mackenzie had surgery to remove a growth in her thyroid, which is known as Hashimoto's, the growth was pressed against her vocal cords, since removing the growth, the surgery has affected her voice but no one knows. After recovering, Mackenzie now writes music under the pseudonym- Seven, this isn't a new beginning, but it's a way for Mackenzie to mess around with her new voice. Seven is known for songs about all the men that have broken her heart, but one in particular is about Sam Blaze. Song writing for Seven/Mackenzie is a way of polishing scraps into something that shines bright.
Sam Blaze is a former bad boy who is too easy to turn into a villain. Sam is also a former band member, he was the front man of Candy Shard which is a punk rock band. After the band's last tour two years ago, Sam found out he was a dad, it was the biggest shock of his life, but his son Ben is his biggest blessing, being a dad is the best part of Sam's life. Ben is now six years old, but he was just four years old when his father found out he had a son which was held as a secret from Sam. Sam has a velvety voice like blinding sunshine spilling over the pavement after a rain storm. After two years off the grid with no performing, Sam wants to become an acoustic singer, but no labels want to take a chance on his new work without a tour and barely any press. Sam thinks Mackenzie hates his guts, but fun fact- Mackenzie despised him, you will just need to read this book to learn why. I truly feel so bad for Sam, his own father chose music over Sam before he was even born, like that's just so heart breaking to learn, I couldn't even imagine how Sam felt. It was damn near impossible not to fall in love with Sam, no matter how much of a bad boy he was supposed to be, Sam was just so lovable and just one of the sweetest characters I have ever met. No one could ever make me hate Sam Blaze, he was the best father to his son Ben, he had the biggest heart, he just wanted to see everyone else around him thrive in he best way possible no matter what his future looked like. No matter how much of a villain he was portrayed as, Sam Blaze was literally an angel with a heart of gold.
Mackenzie and Sam met through their managers- twin sisters- Twyla and Isla. Their bands toured together when they were both in their separate bands. Sam and Mackenzie had a forbidden star cross romance of "will they, won't they" which of course was a publicity stunt. They had an enemies to lovers trope onstage with their constant barbs and shenanigans, but when their bands broke up and went their separate ways, the romance between Sam and Mackenzie fell apart. Labels haven't relaunched either of them as solo artists because the labels think they are risks on their own, but now the labels want Sam and Mackenzie to relaunch as a duet which will be the biggest comeback ever. This time around as a duet, Sam and Mackenzie want to tell a different story as mature and mutually supportive friends, but there's just one condition, Mackenzie and Sam won't allow any love songs to be written. Their new album has to be about their favorite places, so they start the "Artistic Process" where they take pictures and visit places for their musical inspiration. As they write their new album together, there's the same damn unspoken and electric thing that keeps bringing them back together again and again. They decided not to write any love songs because Sam has never been in love enough to stay, and Mackenzie has never been good at staying loved. Their banter was so cute yet so funny, Sam to Mackenzie- "You're all glitz and no grit" and Mackenzie to Sam- "You're all punk and no damn fun", I couldn't help but love these two, they were just absolutely hilarious but so real with each other. I wish Sam and Mackenzie nothing but the best on their musical journey's, but I'll miss them.
THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY AND ST. MARTIN'S PRESS FOR AN ARC OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW!!!!!!!
"💘💯They say the definition of stupidity is making the same mistakes twice💘💯".
"❤Love sounds like the silence between two people who understand each other well enough not to need any words at all❤".
"💓💋I would rather chance fucking up a great thing with you than settle for a good one on my own💓💋".
"💔😭I spent so long crying over bad boys who didn't love me back that I never got to enjoy the thrill of having their attention in the first place💔😭".
"💝You can't see the pain at the bottom of yourself when you are standing at the top of the world💝".
Mackenzie Waters is a pop princess known as America's perpetually tragic sweetheart. Mackenzie has gone on a cliché bad boys dating parade made up of cheating Nepo babies and textbook narcissists while she was touring the world in her early twenties. Mackenzie was in a musical band with her best friends called Thunder Hearts which was a pop girl group, but they all went their separate ways in the music sense, but still remain friends with a little drama thrown into the mix. Mackenzie hasn't performed on stage in two years, but now she wants to relaunch a solo career, but the problem is that her current career is a black hole for many reasons. Despite going solo, Mackenzie will always be known as a "former girl band member" which just breaks my heart. I think if an artist wants to go solo, they shouldn't be known for their past talents, I think people should be more supportive of their new music. Mackenzie is best described as a shiny ball of chaos, she had so much sass and she was so full of spunk, this girl was just so beautiful. Two years ago, Mackenzie had surgery to remove a growth in her thyroid, which is known as Hashimoto's, the growth was pressed against her vocal cords, since removing the growth, the surgery has affected her voice but no one knows. After recovering, Mackenzie now writes music under the pseudonym- Seven, this isn't a new beginning, but it's a way for Mackenzie to mess around with her new voice. Seven is known for songs about all the men that have broken her heart, but one in particular is about Sam Blaze. Song writing for Seven/Mackenzie is a way of polishing scraps into something that shines bright.
Sam Blaze is a former bad boy who is too easy to turn into a villain. Sam is also a former band member, he was the front man of Candy Shard which is a punk rock band. After the band's last tour two years ago, Sam found out he was a dad, it was the biggest shock of his life, but his son Ben is his biggest blessing, being a dad is the best part of Sam's life. Ben is now six years old, but he was just four years old when his father found out he had a son which was held as a secret from Sam. Sam has a velvety voice like blinding sunshine spilling over the pavement after a rain storm. After two years off the grid with no performing, Sam wants to become an acoustic singer, but no labels want to take a chance on his new work without a tour and barely any press. Sam thinks Mackenzie hates his guts, but fun fact- Mackenzie despised him, you will just need to read this book to learn why. I truly feel so bad for Sam, his own father chose music over Sam before he was even born, like that's just so heart breaking to learn, I couldn't even imagine how Sam felt. It was damn near impossible not to fall in love with Sam, no matter how much of a bad boy he was supposed to be, Sam was just so lovable and just one of the sweetest characters I have ever met. No one could ever make me hate Sam Blaze, he was the best father to his son Ben, he had the biggest heart, he just wanted to see everyone else around him thrive in he best way possible no matter what his future looked like. No matter how much of a villain he was portrayed as, Sam Blaze was literally an angel with a heart of gold.
Mackenzie and Sam met through their managers- twin sisters- Twyla and Isla. Their bands toured together when they were both in their separate bands. Sam and Mackenzie had a forbidden star cross romance of "will they, won't they" which of course was a publicity stunt. They had an enemies to lovers trope onstage with their constant barbs and shenanigans, but when their bands broke up and went their separate ways, the romance between Sam and Mackenzie fell apart. Labels haven't relaunched either of them as solo artists because the labels think they are risks on their own, but now the labels want Sam and Mackenzie to relaunch as a duet which will be the biggest comeback ever. This time around as a duet, Sam and Mackenzie want to tell a different story as mature and mutually supportive friends, but there's just one condition, Mackenzie and Sam won't allow any love songs to be written. Their new album has to be about their favorite places, so they start the "Artistic Process" where they take pictures and visit places for their musical inspiration. As they write their new album together, there's the same damn unspoken and electric thing that keeps bringing them back together again and again. They decided not to write any love songs because Sam has never been in love enough to stay, and Mackenzie has never been good at staying loved. Their banter was so cute yet so funny, Sam to Mackenzie- "You're all glitz and no grit" and Mackenzie to Sam- "You're all punk and no damn fun", I couldn't help but love these two, they were just absolutely hilarious but so real with each other. I wish Sam and Mackenzie nothing but the best on their musical journey's, but I'll miss them.
July 31, 2025
Okay, let me gush about this book I just finished - "For the Record" by Emma Lord! You know those stories that just hit all the right notes? (Sorry, couldn't resist the music pun! )
So picture this: Mackenzie Waters and Sam Blaze, these two amazing musicians who used to be at each other's throats in the spotlight, but you just KNOW there was something more brewing underneath. Now Mackenzie's dealing with this huge vocal change that's turning her whole career upside down, while Sam's traded in his wild rockstar days to be a dad (which, honestly? Super sweet!).
The best part? Their record labels basically force them to make an album together - talk about awkward! But watching them navigate all that old tension while trying to make music together? It's like watching fireworks, I swear! Their chemistry just leaps off the page, and the way Lord writes their creative process had me completely hooked.
I really loved getting both of their perspectives too - it really lets you see what's going on behind those public personas they put up. Though I will say, sometimes it felt a bit young for an adult romance (not necessarily a bad thing, just unexpected!), and there were a few parts in the middle where I was like "okay, let's get moving!"
But honestly? The way they write together, the fantastic group of people around them, and that epilogue that just made my heart melt - it all totally makes up for any slow spots. I'd give it 3.5 stars, bumped up to 4 because it just left me with such a good feeling!
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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So picture this: Mackenzie Waters and Sam Blaze, these two amazing musicians who used to be at each other's throats in the spotlight, but you just KNOW there was something more brewing underneath. Now Mackenzie's dealing with this huge vocal change that's turning her whole career upside down, while Sam's traded in his wild rockstar days to be a dad (which, honestly? Super sweet!).
The best part? Their record labels basically force them to make an album together - talk about awkward! But watching them navigate all that old tension while trying to make music together? It's like watching fireworks, I swear! Their chemistry just leaps off the page, and the way Lord writes their creative process had me completely hooked.
I really loved getting both of their perspectives too - it really lets you see what's going on behind those public personas they put up. Though I will say, sometimes it felt a bit young for an adult romance (not necessarily a bad thing, just unexpected!), and there were a few parts in the middle where I was like "okay, let's get moving!"
But honestly? The way they write together, the fantastic group of people around them, and that epilogue that just made my heart melt - it all totally makes up for any slow spots. I'd give it 3.5 stars, bumped up to 4 because it just left me with such a good feeling!
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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August 8, 2025⋆˙⟡ 𝒫𝓇𝑒-𝓇𝑒𝒶𝒹: I'm nervous to start this, because the only reviews I've seen so far from my Goodreads friends have all been bad😭 I don't know what to expect yet but I'm praying this won't be the book that puts me into a slump after I feel like I JUST got out of one🥹🤞🏼🍀 This is also my first Emma Lord book and I don't know how her other books are so I'm hoping it's good🤞🏼
This is ARC 3/20 for my ARCgust reading schedule and lineup!
Thank you to NetGalley, Emma Lord, and St. Martin's Griffin for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review. For the Record will be officially published on August 12th, 2025!
This is ARC 3/20 for my ARCgust reading schedule and lineup!
Thank you to NetGalley, Emma Lord, and St. Martin's Griffin for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review. For the Record will be officially published on August 12th, 2025!
July 16, 2025
For the Record is a romance set in the world of music! Mackenzie Waters is a pop star, and Sam Blaze is a pop rocker who were 'rivals' on stage, yet they always had chemistry off stage. They both made sweet music separately, but will they make sweet music together when they meet years later? I enjoy Emma Lord's romance novels and was thrilled to dive into For the Record! Would this book be music to my ears or would it hit a flat note?
Two years have gone by, and Sam is helping raise a son he never knew he had while Mackenzie has dealt with a surgery which changed her voice. As a result, she has been singing under a pseudonym. Both are looking to make a comeback and are presented with an opportunity to make a new album together.
As with all romance books, it is all about the journey for me. Both characters have gone through their individual journeys and are continuing to do so. When they met up again, that same attraction and chemistry is still there. I enjoyed getting both of their POV's which was a nice touch as readers get to know each a little better!
While I found this book to be enjoyable and the characters well drawn, I didn't quite love it as much as I thought I would. What I did enjoy was how both characters were working on their own issues and how their issues affected their relationships. I also like how this book took on second chances in many forms - a second change in their musical career, and a second chance to see where their chemistry took them. This was just missing that little bit of something that I can't put my finger on that would have pushed my rating higher. Don't get me wrong, this is an enjoyable book with likeable couples dealing with real life issues. I enjoyed it, just didn't love it.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press | St. Martin's Griffin and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
Two years have gone by, and Sam is helping raise a son he never knew he had while Mackenzie has dealt with a surgery which changed her voice. As a result, she has been singing under a pseudonym. Both are looking to make a comeback and are presented with an opportunity to make a new album together.
As with all romance books, it is all about the journey for me. Both characters have gone through their individual journeys and are continuing to do so. When they met up again, that same attraction and chemistry is still there. I enjoyed getting both of their POV's which was a nice touch as readers get to know each a little better!
While I found this book to be enjoyable and the characters well drawn, I didn't quite love it as much as I thought I would. What I did enjoy was how both characters were working on their own issues and how their issues affected their relationships. I also like how this book took on second chances in many forms - a second change in their musical career, and a second chance to see where their chemistry took them. This was just missing that little bit of something that I can't put my finger on that would have pushed my rating higher. Don't get me wrong, this is an enjoyable book with likeable couples dealing with real life issues. I enjoyed it, just didn't love it.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press | St. Martin's Griffin and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
April 20, 2025
This was such a great second chance romance book 🥹 This was my first book from this author and I will definitely be checking out her other books. The FMC was quirky but not in an annoying way, there were so many sweet moments in this book along with some deep emotional ones between the FMC and MMC, they had me in my feels quite a few times 😭 I typically stay away from celebrity/popstar books as they tend to be cringy but this one was done well! Loved Mackenzie's journey of self-discovery and the female friendships in this book 🥹
If you enjoy any of the below, I highly recommend this book!
🎤second chance romance
🎤dual POV
🎤musicians (pop star and rock band member)
🎤self-discovery
🎤female friendships
🎤found family
thank you NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and St. Martin’s Griffin for the arc!
✩⁺₊✩☽⋆ follow me on tiktok ⋆☾✩⁺₊✩
If you enjoy any of the below, I highly recommend this book!
🎤second chance romance
🎤dual POV
🎤musicians (pop star and rock band member)
🎤self-discovery
🎤female friendships
🎤found family
thank you NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and St. Martin’s Griffin for the arc!
✩⁺₊✩☽⋆ follow me on tiktok ⋆☾✩⁺₊✩
February 9, 2025
this gave what needed to be given!! my first emma lord and certainly not my last!!
if you love music, entertaining characters, second chance, angst, fun plot, easy-to-read writing – this book is for you. i literally binged this so hard that i didn’t even realize time was passing. like i looked at the percentage on my kindle and was suddenly at 80% when i felt like i just started like two seconds ago. iykyk ... that’s the BEST feeling.
this wasn’t a five star simply because i feel like the characters lacked emotional depth at some points. their growth felt a bit stunted and could’ve been explored more/better imo.
thank you to st martins press & netgalley for the arc! all opinions are my own <3
if you love music, entertaining characters, second chance, angst, fun plot, easy-to-read writing – this book is for you. i literally binged this so hard that i didn’t even realize time was passing. like i looked at the percentage on my kindle and was suddenly at 80% when i felt like i just started like two seconds ago. iykyk ... that’s the BEST feeling.
this wasn’t a five star simply because i feel like the characters lacked emotional depth at some points. their growth felt a bit stunted and could’ve been explored more/better imo.
thank you to st martins press & netgalley for the arc! all opinions are my own <3
January 30, 2026
**3.5-stars rounded up**
For the Record is a 2nd-Chance Adult Romance from beloved author, Emma Lord, following a former Pop Princess, Mackenzie Waters, and Punk Rocker, Sam Blaze.
Their bands used to work together on some collaborative endeavors. Part of the schtick was that Mackenzie and Sam were opposites and rivals, but there was no denying the chemistry, both off and on-stage.
Just as things were starting to progress into new territory for them though, both of their bands fell apart and they went their separate ways. Now, 2-years later, both are dealing with fairly heavy real life issues that have kept them out of the music scene.
Mackenzie is dealing with some postoperative changes to her voice, trying to find a path for her new sound, and Sam is working through successfully coparenting his young son.
Needless to say, both of them have a lot on their plate, but when they run into each other in NYC, the old sparks, and also grievances, reignite and with them, opportunity.
A comeback is pitched. A potential joint album, but will they be able to put the past behind them and learn to work together, or will old insecurities and frustrations keep them from rising to the task?
For the most part, I really enjoyed my time with For the Record. I felt both MCs were very well developed and I enjoyed both of them and their personalities equally. I also appreciated that we did get both of their perspectives.
While I could have used a bit more drama, I do always enjoy stories featuring music and musicians, so this definitely worked for me in that regard.
A bit Tay Tay-inspired, mayhaps...
Emma Lord is one of my go-to Contemporary authors, both in the YA and Adult space. I love the way she writes budding relationships, and the banter is always so good.
Mackenzie and Sam were both super likable. Additionally, the issues they were going through made them sympathetic. They were easy to relate to and I did enjoy watching their 2nd-chance play out.
Though not my favorite from this author, and I'm not sure how memorable it will be for me long-term, it was still really cute and I'm glad that I picked it up. I would def recommend it to other Emma Lord fans, and to people who enjoy reading about musicians, or celebrities.
Thank you, St. Martin's Griffin and Macmillan Audio, for providing me copies to read and review. I'll read anything Emma Lord writes. I hope she never stops!
For the Record is a 2nd-Chance Adult Romance from beloved author, Emma Lord, following a former Pop Princess, Mackenzie Waters, and Punk Rocker, Sam Blaze.
Their bands used to work together on some collaborative endeavors. Part of the schtick was that Mackenzie and Sam were opposites and rivals, but there was no denying the chemistry, both off and on-stage.
Just as things were starting to progress into new territory for them though, both of their bands fell apart and they went their separate ways. Now, 2-years later, both are dealing with fairly heavy real life issues that have kept them out of the music scene.
Mackenzie is dealing with some postoperative changes to her voice, trying to find a path for her new sound, and Sam is working through successfully coparenting his young son.
Needless to say, both of them have a lot on their plate, but when they run into each other in NYC, the old sparks, and also grievances, reignite and with them, opportunity.
A comeback is pitched. A potential joint album, but will they be able to put the past behind them and learn to work together, or will old insecurities and frustrations keep them from rising to the task?
For the most part, I really enjoyed my time with For the Record. I felt both MCs were very well developed and I enjoyed both of them and their personalities equally. I also appreciated that we did get both of their perspectives.
While I could have used a bit more drama, I do always enjoy stories featuring music and musicians, so this definitely worked for me in that regard.
A bit Tay Tay-inspired, mayhaps...
Emma Lord is one of my go-to Contemporary authors, both in the YA and Adult space. I love the way she writes budding relationships, and the banter is always so good.
Mackenzie and Sam were both super likable. Additionally, the issues they were going through made them sympathetic. They were easy to relate to and I did enjoy watching their 2nd-chance play out.
Though not my favorite from this author, and I'm not sure how memorable it will be for me long-term, it was still really cute and I'm glad that I picked it up. I would def recommend it to other Emma Lord fans, and to people who enjoy reading about musicians, or celebrities.
Thank you, St. Martin's Griffin and Macmillan Audio, for providing me copies to read and review. I'll read anything Emma Lord writes. I hope she never stops!
August 17, 2025
▹My ⭐ Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
▹Format: 📱 eReader ARC
▹TL;DR Review: Fun cast of characters with witty writing. Tension-filled run-ins. Overall, a cute read with heartwarming moments.
─────────────────────────
○★○ What to Expect from This Book: ○★○
– FMC: Mackenzie. Sassy, Grammy-winning lyricist with secrets and a complex found family. Trying to pick up the pieces after a life-changing event. Loves all things neon and glittery. Doesn’t love emotionally unavailable, commitment-phobic men (specifically one man).
– MMC: Sam. Single-father, punk rocker who wants a second chance—both with his career and with Mackenzie (who he calls “Sparkles”). Flawed, but working on it. Figuring things out as he goes.
– POV: Dual first-person
– Spice: 1-2 open-door spicy scenes
– Tropes: second chance, hidden identity, forced proximity, single father, FMC has a medical condition, he teaches her to swim, they’re both musicians, found family, female friendships
– Triggers: estranged parent(s), life-altering medical condition
– Representation: Hashimoto’s, healthy co-parenting with ex
─────────────────────────
↻ ◁ || ▷ ↺ 0:30 ──ㅇ────── 3:47
Now Playing: Something to Talk About by Bonnie Raitt
─────────────────────────
★○ If You Like the Following, You Might Like This Book ○★
➼ Second chances, not just at romance but at life
➼ Snarky banter and loaded looks
➼ Romance between musical duos, books like Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid and Sounds Like Love by Ashley Poston
➼ Movies like Begin Again, Once and Jem and the Holograms
─────────────────────────
⍟»This or That«⍟
Character Driven———✧————————Plot Driven
Insta Love/Lust———————✧————Slow Burn
Sweet——————✧—————Spicy
Light/Fluffy————✧———————Heavy/Emotional
─────────────────────────
🎯 My Thoughts:
This is my first book by Emma Lord and I really liked it. The banter between all characters was funny without feeling like it was trying to hard, but it also had tender moments. The thing I love about second-chance is that you don’t get the “insta-love” feel because there’s built-in history. And the tension between these two! Chefs’ kiss.
The Good: The FMC was a pop star that recently had a surgery that changed her voice and she’s now trying to find her place in the music industry again. The journey through this is clever. The MMCs kid is also a cute addition. His mom is a baker and he hates sweets, so there are some very creative concoctions!
The (Maybe) Not So Good: The first 20%-ish felt like it was just one long scene. I also found the resolution of the duet arc confusing and a little frustrating.
Many thanks NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and St. Martin’s Griffin for the eARC! These opinions are my own.
▹Format: 📱 eReader ARC
▹TL;DR Review: Fun cast of characters with witty writing. Tension-filled run-ins. Overall, a cute read with heartwarming moments.
─────────────────────────
○★○ What to Expect from This Book: ○★○
– FMC: Mackenzie. Sassy, Grammy-winning lyricist with secrets and a complex found family. Trying to pick up the pieces after a life-changing event. Loves all things neon and glittery. Doesn’t love emotionally unavailable, commitment-phobic men (specifically one man).
– MMC: Sam. Single-father, punk rocker who wants a second chance—both with his career and with Mackenzie (who he calls “Sparkles”). Flawed, but working on it. Figuring things out as he goes.
– POV: Dual first-person
– Spice: 1-2 open-door spicy scenes
– Tropes: second chance, hidden identity, forced proximity, single father, FMC has a medical condition, he teaches her to swim, they’re both musicians, found family, female friendships
– Triggers: estranged parent(s), life-altering medical condition
– Representation: Hashimoto’s, healthy co-parenting with ex
─────────────────────────
↻ ◁ || ▷ ↺ 0:30 ──ㅇ────── 3:47
Now Playing: Something to Talk About by Bonnie Raitt
╰┈➤ ❝People are talkin’, talkin’ ‘bout people…they think we’re lovers, kept under covers❞
─────────────────────────
★○ If You Like the Following, You Might Like This Book ○★
➼ Second chances, not just at romance but at life
➼ Snarky banter and loaded looks
➼ Romance between musical duos, books like Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid and Sounds Like Love by Ashley Poston
➼ Movies like Begin Again, Once and Jem and the Holograms
─────────────────────────
⍟»This or That«⍟
Character Driven———✧————————Plot Driven
Insta Love/Lust———————✧————Slow Burn
Sweet——————✧—————Spicy
Light/Fluffy————✧———————Heavy/Emotional
─────────────────────────
🎯 My Thoughts:
This is my first book by Emma Lord and I really liked it. The banter between all characters was funny without feeling like it was trying to hard, but it also had tender moments. The thing I love about second-chance is that you don’t get the “insta-love” feel because there’s built-in history. And the tension between these two! Chefs’ kiss.
The Good: The FMC was a pop star that recently had a surgery that changed her voice and she’s now trying to find her place in the music industry again. The journey through this is clever. The MMCs kid is also a cute addition. His mom is a baker and he hates sweets, so there are some very creative concoctions!
The (Maybe) Not So Good: The first 20%-ish felt like it was just one long scene. I also found the resolution of the duet arc confusing and a little frustrating.
Many thanks NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and St. Martin’s Griffin for the eARC! These opinions are my own.
April 7, 2025
TBH, this book took me so long to finish that I forgot what I have to say as a review 😅 however, I can say that it's nothing special. It just made my belief that books about music are not for me resolute. I mean yeah, I liked that the ML is responsible enough to step up and get involved in his son's life once he knew about him. I liked that the FL friendships are very realistic and show that every relationship has its ups and downs.
⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚𝕮𝖑𝖔𝖘𝖊𝖉 𝕯𝖔𝖔𝖗 𝕸𝖔𝖉𝖎𝖋𝖎𝖈𝖆𝖙𝖎𝖔𝖓𝖘˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆
SKIP CHAPTER: 19, 24
⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚𝕻𝖗𝖊-𝖗𝖊𝖆𝖉˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆
I don't have the best history with books about music/rockstars but I'm willing to try again thanks Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with this ARC 🩷
Find my review on Instagram
⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚𝕮𝖑𝖔𝖘𝖊𝖉 𝕯𝖔𝖔𝖗 𝕸𝖔𝖉𝖎𝖋𝖎𝖈𝖆𝖙𝖎𝖔𝖓𝖘˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆
SKIP CHAPTER: 19, 24
⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚𝕻𝖗𝖊-𝖗𝖊𝖆𝖉˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆
I don't have the best history with books about music/rockstars but I'm willing to try again thanks Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with this ARC 🩷
Find my review on Instagram
May 1, 2025
This was my first Emma Lord book. The blurb said it was perfect for fans of Emily Henry and Daisy Jones and the Six, and I completely agree.
✨️dual pov
✨️enemies to lovers
✨️ second chance romance
Two former rival rockstars both trying to make a comeback. What a better way then to pair up two rivals together as a comeback album?
This book will give you all the feels.I instantly loved Mack and Sam. The character development was phenomenal. Sam's family was like a warm hug.
A big thanks to Netgalley and St. Martins Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Expected publication August 12,2025
✨️dual pov
✨️enemies to lovers
✨️ second chance romance
Two former rival rockstars both trying to make a comeback. What a better way then to pair up two rivals together as a comeback album?
This book will give you all the feels.I instantly loved Mack and Sam. The character development was phenomenal. Sam's family was like a warm hug.
A big thanks to Netgalley and St. Martins Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Expected publication August 12,2025
August 12, 2025
1.5 ★
I've enjoyed my fair share of celebrity romances, but maybe now I've read enough of them to admit how easy they can fall flat and drop the most unnecessary information and random pop culture references. Still, two ex-rivals in bands that clashed enough that everyone obsessed over their dynamic? Who have to reunite to save their careers and show the world the people they've become? Sign me up... or maybe not.
... And Lorena has never suffered more than reading the ARCs she keeps getting her hands on 😔✋🏼. This book's divided into six parts (six parts too many), and I can only say I somewhat enjoyed one of those. I had to drag myself through the other five. The first three parts of the book had such horrible writing that I wondered if I'd accidentally gotten stuck in one of those interactive stories you see in ads for games you get tricked into downloading, only to later realize the story you saw in the ad doesn't actually exist in the app... I hope you get what I mean. I had to make fun of how terrible some scenes were because that was the only way I'd keep reading. I also had to remind myself I wasn't on Wattpad reading about 16-year-olds, and that I was instead reading a published book with characters in their late 20s and early 30s, because the conversations and actions they made were so juvenile it felt like a YA book. If I'd decided not to get the ARC and read this after its release date, I would've 100% DNF it after the first part.
The writing style is a big problem, but the plot and characters should've been able to save this book, even a little bit. Spoiler alert: they weren't. Mackenzie and Sam were so unmemorable that I had to check the synopsis to remember their names. They had potential, but the focus was all wrong. Instead of focusing on building a deeper connection between them, we got the most random details and unnecessary appearances of secondary characters, multiple secondary plots that were never developed enough for me to care about, and the most unoriginal and annoying name for an app: Tick Tune. That goddamn fictional app that's supposed to be a mix of TikTok and Snapchat gets mentioned forty-seven times (47!?!?). Like, c'mon, couldn't we have thought of a different name, or for it not to be mentioned every single chapter? 🙄 I know it's such a little thing to complain about, but it's not that little when it's constant enough to make me want to throw my Kindle out of the window.
I can appreciate some of the topics Emma Lord wanted to touch on here, like artists' rights, the downfalls of fame, having to pretend to be someone you're not, play to the way you're portrayed and liked by the media to keep your career, complicated family relationships, and the found family you find on the road. However, none of these topics were handled with enough care or given enough time to have the impact they should've. In the end, the little paragraphs we got on these topics were underwhelming and felt like a waste of time. The extra .5 is for the little I enjoyed, and for the adorable scenes we got with Sam's son.
Thank you to my angel rei for reading this with me. I'm sorry it took me this much time to finish it, but you understand why 😭. This is our first miss, but I know our next buddy reads are going to be so much better 💗
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for the ARC ♡
I've enjoyed my fair share of celebrity romances, but maybe now I've read enough of them to admit how easy they can fall flat and drop the most unnecessary information and random pop culture references. Still, two ex-rivals in bands that clashed enough that everyone obsessed over their dynamic? Who have to reunite to save their careers and show the world the people they've become? Sign me up... or maybe not.
“Sam has never been in love enough to stay, and I have never been good at staying loved.”
... And Lorena has never suffered more than reading the ARCs she keeps getting her hands on 😔✋🏼. This book's divided into six parts (six parts too many), and I can only say I somewhat enjoyed one of those. I had to drag myself through the other five. The first three parts of the book had such horrible writing that I wondered if I'd accidentally gotten stuck in one of those interactive stories you see in ads for games you get tricked into downloading, only to later realize the story you saw in the ad doesn't actually exist in the app... I hope you get what I mean. I had to make fun of how terrible some scenes were because that was the only way I'd keep reading. I also had to remind myself I wasn't on Wattpad reading about 16-year-olds, and that I was instead reading a published book with characters in their late 20s and early 30s, because the conversations and actions they made were so juvenile it felt like a YA book. If I'd decided not to get the ARC and read this after its release date, I would've 100% DNF it after the first part.
“Turns out I'm an everything person if it means I've got all of Mackenzie Waters in my arms.”
The writing style is a big problem, but the plot and characters should've been able to save this book, even a little bit. Spoiler alert: they weren't. Mackenzie and Sam were so unmemorable that I had to check the synopsis to remember their names. They had potential, but the focus was all wrong. Instead of focusing on building a deeper connection between them, we got the most random details and unnecessary appearances of secondary characters, multiple secondary plots that were never developed enough for me to care about, and the most unoriginal and annoying name for an app: Tick Tune. That goddamn fictional app that's supposed to be a mix of TikTok and Snapchat gets mentioned forty-seven times (47!?!?). Like, c'mon, couldn't we have thought of a different name, or for it not to be mentioned every single chapter? 🙄 I know it's such a little thing to complain about, but it's not that little when it's constant enough to make me want to throw my Kindle out of the window.
“People loved to watch us hate each other. It was the greatest un-love story ever told.”
I can appreciate some of the topics Emma Lord wanted to touch on here, like artists' rights, the downfalls of fame, having to pretend to be someone you're not, play to the way you're portrayed and liked by the media to keep your career, complicated family relationships, and the found family you find on the road. However, none of these topics were handled with enough care or given enough time to have the impact they should've. In the end, the little paragraphs we got on these topics were underwhelming and felt like a waste of time. The extra .5 is for the little I enjoyed, and for the adorable scenes we got with Sam's son.
Thank you to my angel rei for reading this with me. I'm sorry it took me this much time to finish it, but you understand why 😭. This is our first miss, but I know our next buddy reads are going to be so much better 💗
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for the ARC ♡
August 12, 2025
Mackenzie and Sam used to be the lead singers of famous bands and often performed on the same stage, but two years ago, both bands broke up. Since then, Mackenzie has undergone surgery and remains self-conscious about her voice, while Sam has settled into a quieter life raising his son. They both want to perform for the public again, but that’s only possible if they join forces as a duo.
I had such a good time with this book! I loved that the characters were mature and acted reasonably despite their messy pasts. There were also so many sweet moments—I couldn’t help but smile whenever Sam’s son, Ben, appeared. He’s such an adorable boy! I also enjoyed Sam’s storyline with his own father and how deeply he cared about being a good dad to Ben.
The ending made me so happy—the characters supported each other so beautifully! This is a cozy, heartwarming read that still touches on important topics.
The audiobook was great. It’s not a duet narration, but it is performed by two narrators.
𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬:
✓forced proximity
✓second chance
✓single dad
✓found family
✓slow burn
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press (St. Martin's Griffin) and Macmillan Audio for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I had such a good time with this book! I loved that the characters were mature and acted reasonably despite their messy pasts. There were also so many sweet moments—I couldn’t help but smile whenever Sam’s son, Ben, appeared. He’s such an adorable boy! I also enjoyed Sam’s storyline with his own father and how deeply he cared about being a good dad to Ben.
The ending made me so happy—the characters supported each other so beautifully! This is a cozy, heartwarming read that still touches on important topics.
The audiobook was great. It’s not a duet narration, but it is performed by two narrators.
𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬:
✓forced proximity
✓second chance
✓single dad
✓found family
✓slow burn
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press (St. Martin's Griffin) and Macmillan Audio for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
October 9, 2025
I’d never be able to express what went wrong with this story as good as @Ashley, so please go check out her review and enjoy.
But something I can do is tell you that there's a pattern here I've been seeing for years, and I'm utterly disappointed in the downgrade of EL’s need to be everything at once.
When she writes YA stories — such as The Getaway List or The Rival —, you can see the purpose behind it (the difficulties of finding your path in the world, parents' expectations, the things teenagers need to read and have as examples, with just the right amount of romance).
And then there’s her yearly romance release. If you think The Break-Up Pact was bland and kinda pointless, this one will feel like a draft of an unfinished mix of genres that want to go in too many directions at once.
In a few words: this is a second-chance romance — with a base of nothing since there was never a first, mind you — with the romantic aspect that comes out of nowhere, only to be stiff and cring-y every time these two open their mouth.
↠ 2 stars (DFN @52%)
Thanks to St. Martin’s Press, St. Martin’s Griffin and NetGalley, who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.
But something I can do is tell you that there's a pattern here I've been seeing for years, and I'm utterly disappointed in the downgrade of EL’s need to be everything at once.
When she writes YA stories — such as The Getaway List or The Rival —, you can see the purpose behind it (the difficulties of finding your path in the world, parents' expectations, the things teenagers need to read and have as examples, with just the right amount of romance).
And then there’s her yearly romance release. If you think The Break-Up Pact was bland and kinda pointless, this one will feel like a draft of an unfinished mix of genres that want to go in too many directions at once.
In a few words: this is a second-chance romance — with a base of nothing since there was never a first, mind you — with the romantic aspect that comes out of nowhere, only to be stiff and cring-y every time these two open their mouth.
↠ 2 stars (DFN @52%)
Thanks to St. Martin’s Press, St. Martin’s Griffin and NetGalley, who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.
August 13, 2025
For the Record by Emma Lord
Contemporary romance.
Pop singer Mackenzie Waters and punk rockstar Sam Blaze had a flirty and fan favorite chemistry playing onstage and directed by their publicity people. Offstage and behind the curtain, they didn’t talk much. They both wanted more but it never happened. Both bands fell apart and everyone drifted away.
Two years later, Mackenzie has had throat surgery and is secretly recording under an anonymous name about heartbreak. Running into Sam at a bar is unexpected, but delightful. He’s trying to break back into the industry with a bluesy vibe and once again producers are trying to pair them up.
Family, friends, and industry contract problems add stress and everyone has secrets and decisions to make. Can dreams still come true?
🎧 I alternated between an ebook and audiobook of this story. The performances of Andrew Eiden (an absolute fav!) and Jesse Vilinsky were fantastic with clear emotions making the characters come alive. The joy of making music is obvious as the two create and tentatively begin working together.
I did speed up the audiobook to 1.5 and slightly higher to more closely match my reading along on the ebook copy.
More depths of anxiety and uncertainty than expected from successful artists even if it is a few years later. Unresolved problems don’t just disappear.
The banter is fun between Mack and Sam and adding his son is heartwarming and darling.
Second chances can be sweeter especially when goals align.
4 bumped to 4.5 based on the audiobook performances
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and publisher Macmillan Audio.
Contemporary romance.
Pop singer Mackenzie Waters and punk rockstar Sam Blaze had a flirty and fan favorite chemistry playing onstage and directed by their publicity people. Offstage and behind the curtain, they didn’t talk much. They both wanted more but it never happened. Both bands fell apart and everyone drifted away.
Two years later, Mackenzie has had throat surgery and is secretly recording under an anonymous name about heartbreak. Running into Sam at a bar is unexpected, but delightful. He’s trying to break back into the industry with a bluesy vibe and once again producers are trying to pair them up.
Family, friends, and industry contract problems add stress and everyone has secrets and decisions to make. Can dreams still come true?
🎧 I alternated between an ebook and audiobook of this story. The performances of Andrew Eiden (an absolute fav!) and Jesse Vilinsky were fantastic with clear emotions making the characters come alive. The joy of making music is obvious as the two create and tentatively begin working together.
I did speed up the audiobook to 1.5 and slightly higher to more closely match my reading along on the ebook copy.
More depths of anxiety and uncertainty than expected from successful artists even if it is a few years later. Unresolved problems don’t just disappear.
The banter is fun between Mack and Sam and adding his son is heartwarming and darling.
Second chances can be sweeter especially when goals align.
4 bumped to 4.5 based on the audiobook performances
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and publisher Macmillan Audio.
August 12, 2025
4 / 5 Stars
This was a sweet, surprisingly deep, second chance romance between two famous musicians which I really enjoyed, even though I found that there were a few plot and character elements that felt a little bit disjointed. Pop star Mackenzie Waters and punk rocker Same Blaze (yes, their names end up as puns) were notorious music rivals, but it’s been two years since they’ve seen each other. In those two years, Sam found out that he had a son that he didn’t know about and Mackenzie had surgery that altered her singing voice. They’re different people now yet the electricity between them is still palpable when they see each other. Their managers pitch them as a duo to their record labels (neither one has enough interest on their own) and while Mackenzie and Sam may not like each other as people, they can’t deny their musical abilities together. As they work together, their old “will they, won’t they” is as hard to ignore as the secrets they’ve kept from each other.
You will probably like this book if you like:
🎸 Pop star FMC x Rock Star MMC
🎤 Second chance romance
🎸 Rivals to lovers
🎤 Single Dad with a great co-parenting relationship
🎸 Reformed playboy
🎤 Found family
🎸 Autoimmune condition representation (Hashimoto thyroiditis)
Mackenzie and Sam had palpable chemistry that I really enjoyed. Their banter was snarky in a sexy way. Reading about their past made it easy to understand why they would have the delicious tension. And truly, there are only so many times you can almost fake kiss each other onstage before the lines get blurry. And you could really tell that they respected each other’s talent which made the relationship feel deeper than just a charged, physical attraction.
And look, I am a second chance hater. I think it is the hardest trope to pull off because if nothing about the couple changes, I will never buy that their relationship will work the second time around. Being emotionally stunted, famous people definitely didn’t make it easy for Mack and Sam to create something that could last so it made total sense why they stopped talking to each other two years ago (though Sam did pull one of my least favorite tropes with his “I’m just no good for her.” Uh, have you asked her, Sam? Maybe don’t decide for her, you silly man child). And they were constantly playing a game of chicken: who would break their almost kiss first, who would push the line further first, and who would push the other one away first? But when they meet back up two years later, they are different – bless you therapy and being responsible for a child. They still have their insecurities and miscommunications but I genuinely did believe that they had changed enough to make it work.
And there was a ton of character depth. I said surprising depth in my description above because I didn’t expect to see that in a romance about rich and famous people, but it was done in a layered, nuanced way. Both Mackenzie and Sam had complicated family relationships, a complex relationship with fame, deep feelings about the power of music, and deep insecurities about being enough. My one wish for Sam was to see him with a support system. He says that the mother of his child is his best friend but he doesn’t really rely on her for emotional support in any capacity in the story. Mackenzie has rich friendships with her bandmates (her relationship with Serena is complicated, but it is filled with love) and it would have been great to see the same for Sam, especially a rich, deep male friendship because men need friends too.
There were pieces that felt a little out of place. For example, there were a few times in the very start of the book where the plot relied on Mackenzie being kind of clumsy so that Sam could come to her rescue (the fashion show scene with her robe was the wackiest one) but that didn’t come back up again in the rest of the book. It wasn’t a character trait for Mack so it just felt a little ungrounded, which was unfortunate because a story about two famous people needs all the grounding it can get to be believable and to make me care. And Mackenzie and Sam’s third act conflict felt bullheaded in ways that didn’t feel true to their characters anymore while also being confusing (I genuinely could not figure out what they decided by the end of that chapter). The stuff with Tick Tune (a mix of Snapchat and Tik Tok, I think?) sometimes felt just like a plot device instead of an integral part of their character growth.
Overall, I really enjoyed the story. And bless Emma Lord for having to come up with so many band names, song names, app names. It is not an easy feat and 99% of them were great, though I don’t know if I will get over “Candy Shard” as a band name because shard is not a word that I want to read over and over. 🤣
Thank you St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for providing the eARC! All opinions are my own.
Publication Date: August 12, 2025
______________________
Pre-Read Thoughts: I was pleasantly surprised to look and see a bunch of friends who read it and liked it! I need a good rom-com, preferably with a swoony MMC.
This was a sweet, surprisingly deep, second chance romance between two famous musicians which I really enjoyed, even though I found that there were a few plot and character elements that felt a little bit disjointed. Pop star Mackenzie Waters and punk rocker Same Blaze (yes, their names end up as puns) were notorious music rivals, but it’s been two years since they’ve seen each other. In those two years, Sam found out that he had a son that he didn’t know about and Mackenzie had surgery that altered her singing voice. They’re different people now yet the electricity between them is still palpable when they see each other. Their managers pitch them as a duo to their record labels (neither one has enough interest on their own) and while Mackenzie and Sam may not like each other as people, they can’t deny their musical abilities together. As they work together, their old “will they, won’t they” is as hard to ignore as the secrets they’ve kept from each other.
You will probably like this book if you like:
🎸 Pop star FMC x Rock Star MMC
🎤 Second chance romance
🎸 Rivals to lovers
🎤 Single Dad with a great co-parenting relationship
🎸 Reformed playboy
🎤 Found family
🎸 Autoimmune condition representation (Hashimoto thyroiditis)
Mackenzie and Sam had palpable chemistry that I really enjoyed. Their banter was snarky in a sexy way. Reading about their past made it easy to understand why they would have the delicious tension. And truly, there are only so many times you can almost fake kiss each other onstage before the lines get blurry. And you could really tell that they respected each other’s talent which made the relationship feel deeper than just a charged, physical attraction.
And look, I am a second chance hater. I think it is the hardest trope to pull off because if nothing about the couple changes, I will never buy that their relationship will work the second time around. Being emotionally stunted, famous people definitely didn’t make it easy for Mack and Sam to create something that could last so it made total sense why they stopped talking to each other two years ago (though Sam did pull one of my least favorite tropes with his “I’m just no good for her.” Uh, have you asked her, Sam? Maybe don’t decide for her, you silly man child). And they were constantly playing a game of chicken: who would break their almost kiss first, who would push the line further first, and who would push the other one away first? But when they meet back up two years later, they are different – bless you therapy and being responsible for a child. They still have their insecurities and miscommunications but I genuinely did believe that they had changed enough to make it work.
And there was a ton of character depth. I said surprising depth in my description above because I didn’t expect to see that in a romance about rich and famous people, but it was done in a layered, nuanced way. Both Mackenzie and Sam had complicated family relationships, a complex relationship with fame, deep feelings about the power of music, and deep insecurities about being enough. My one wish for Sam was to see him with a support system. He says that the mother of his child is his best friend but he doesn’t really rely on her for emotional support in any capacity in the story. Mackenzie has rich friendships with her bandmates (her relationship with Serena is complicated, but it is filled with love) and it would have been great to see the same for Sam, especially a rich, deep male friendship because men need friends too.
There were pieces that felt a little out of place. For example, there were a few times in the very start of the book where the plot relied on Mackenzie being kind of clumsy so that Sam could come to her rescue (the fashion show scene with her robe was the wackiest one) but that didn’t come back up again in the rest of the book. It wasn’t a character trait for Mack so it just felt a little ungrounded, which was unfortunate because a story about two famous people needs all the grounding it can get to be believable and to make me care. And Mackenzie and Sam’s third act conflict felt bullheaded in ways that didn’t feel true to their characters anymore while also being confusing (I genuinely could not figure out what they decided by the end of that chapter). The stuff with Tick Tune (a mix of Snapchat and Tik Tok, I think?) sometimes felt just like a plot device instead of an integral part of their character growth.
Overall, I really enjoyed the story. And bless Emma Lord for having to come up with so many band names, song names, app names. It is not an easy feat and 99% of them were great, though I don’t know if I will get over “Candy Shard” as a band name because shard is not a word that I want to read over and over. 🤣
Thank you St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for providing the eARC! All opinions are my own.
Publication Date: August 12, 2025
______________________
Pre-Read Thoughts: I was pleasantly surprised to look and see a bunch of friends who read it and liked it! I need a good rom-com, preferably with a swoony MMC.
July 25, 2025
The banter really did it for me in this one. The dynamic between Sam and Mackenzie was really fun to see play out. I enjoyed seeing how their relationship developed, both in past and present.
I thought the backstory for Mackenzie was a touch confusing - specifically regarding the relationship between her and her previous band-mate. I never QUITE understood why there was such a huge problem.
Other notes:
• The relationship between Sam, his son, and his son's mother (ex-hookup?) was great and really added to Sam's character.
• Sometimes I felt like the plot was doing too much where it didn't need to.
The narration was top tier, as is usual for anything Andrew Eiden works on. Jesse Vilinsky is new to me, but I enjoyed her narration just as much.
Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for providing me with this ALC.
I thought the backstory for Mackenzie was a touch confusing - specifically regarding the relationship between her and her previous band-mate. I never QUITE understood why there was such a huge problem.
Other notes:
• The relationship between Sam, his son, and his son's mother (ex-hookup?) was great and really added to Sam's character.
• Sometimes I felt like the plot was doing too much where it didn't need to.
The narration was top tier, as is usual for anything Andrew Eiden works on. Jesse Vilinsky is new to me, but I enjoyed her narration just as much.
Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for providing me with this ALC.
July 10, 2025
firstly, thank you to the publisher for an arc and an alc!
3.5 stars — especially because it reminded me of warped tour and tumblr back in 2014 (although the book does not take place in 2014 but in present day)
this was my first book by emma lord and i had such a blast! there was obviously a lot of nods to singing and i hope that the audio has a narrator that will sing similar to books written with a musical background like kennedy ryan’s reel!
as for the audio, i always love a dual narration; i loved sam's narrator
overall this was a fun romp of life after a pop punk girl/boy group and trying to get back into the music scene!
3.5 stars — especially because it reminded me of warped tour and tumblr back in 2014 (although the book does not take place in 2014 but in present day)
this was my first book by emma lord and i had such a blast! there was obviously a lot of nods to singing and i hope that the audio has a narrator that will sing similar to books written with a musical background like kennedy ryan’s reel!
as for the audio, i always love a dual narration; i loved sam's narrator
overall this was a fun romp of life after a pop punk girl/boy group and trying to get back into the music scene!
November 7, 2025
Singers Mackenzie and Sam are famous for their rivalry and “will they/won’t they” dynamic. It’s partially contrived. Their bands tour together and they are very much encouraged to lean into their play-fighting. But behind the scenes, they’re the only members of their bands with a genuine animosity toward one another. Mackenzie’s still pissed about a YouTube interview Sam did where he slammed her band’s first album—which she wrote.
Fast forward two years and both are out of the industry. Sam has become a single dad and wants to be there for his kid while keeping him out of the spotlight. Meanwhile, Mackenzie’s voice sounds different after a medical procedure and she’s self-conscious, so she only releases music under an anonymous pseudonym. But their managers have an idea to help them take their careers in a new, mature direction. They’ll record a new album—as a duo. Writing music together stirs up feelings and they begin to realize the chemistry between them might not be so fake after all.
This was a very sweet romance with likeable main characters. Mackenzie is a Taylor Swift-like lyricist with Jennifer Lawrence’s awkward charm. Sam is a former emo boy whose biggest priority is his family. The spark between them feels authentic. This was a happy book about good people falling in love with one another, with a bit of the enemies-to-lovers trope to keep the sparks flying. If that’s your preferred romance vibe (it’s mine!), you’ll like this a lot.
Fast forward two years and both are out of the industry. Sam has become a single dad and wants to be there for his kid while keeping him out of the spotlight. Meanwhile, Mackenzie’s voice sounds different after a medical procedure and she’s self-conscious, so she only releases music under an anonymous pseudonym. But their managers have an idea to help them take their careers in a new, mature direction. They’ll record a new album—as a duo. Writing music together stirs up feelings and they begin to realize the chemistry between them might not be so fake after all.
This was a very sweet romance with likeable main characters. Mackenzie is a Taylor Swift-like lyricist with Jennifer Lawrence’s awkward charm. Sam is a former emo boy whose biggest priority is his family. The spark between them feels authentic. This was a happy book about good people falling in love with one another, with a bit of the enemies-to-lovers trope to keep the sparks flying. If that’s your preferred romance vibe (it’s mine!), you’ll like this a lot.
July 30, 2025
4 stars
For the Record is Emma Lord’s newest release about two rival musicians. I had such a good time reading this book. I loved Mac and Sam together. They had the best chemistry, and the music aspect was great. I also loved seeing Sam as a dad. I usually love Lord’s YA books more than her adult romances, but I truly enjoyed this one. The narration was top-notch.
For the Record is Emma Lord’s newest release about two rival musicians. I had such a good time reading this book. I loved Mac and Sam together. They had the best chemistry, and the music aspect was great. I also loved seeing Sam as a dad. I usually love Lord’s YA books more than her adult romances, but I truly enjoyed this one. The narration was top-notch.
Audio book source: Netgalley
Story Rating: 4 stars
Narrators: Jesse Vilinsky & Andrew Eiden
Narration Rating: 4.25 stars
Genre: Romance
Length: 9h 55m
Want to read
August 29, 2024Emma Lord 🤝 Being on my TBR
August 11, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for access to this title. All opinions expressed are my own.
2.5 stars
I can never resist a romance novel featuring a singer-songwriter, or in this case, two. Our main protagonists are pop princess Mackenzie Waters and punk rockstar Sam Blaze. They were known to the music world as clashing on the stage, but now, both embarking on solo careers, perhaps it is time to confront those simmering tensions.
This was good. Not great. I felt the author dragged out the getting together when it was so obvious that the two should be together. But maybe that is my impatience shining through- hahaha! We get the story from both protagonists' perspectives, and there are also storylines where Mackenzie and Sam appear to confront the baggage each is holding onto. I thought that made for a good balance with the romance plot.
Expected Publication 12/08/25
Goodreads Review 11/08/25
2.5 stars
I can never resist a romance novel featuring a singer-songwriter, or in this case, two. Our main protagonists are pop princess Mackenzie Waters and punk rockstar Sam Blaze. They were known to the music world as clashing on the stage, but now, both embarking on solo careers, perhaps it is time to confront those simmering tensions.
This was good. Not great. I felt the author dragged out the getting together when it was so obvious that the two should be together. But maybe that is my impatience shining through- hahaha! We get the story from both protagonists' perspectives, and there are also storylines where Mackenzie and Sam appear to confront the baggage each is holding onto. I thought that made for a good balance with the romance plot.
Expected Publication 12/08/25
Goodreads Review 11/08/25
February 6, 2025
2.5 stars
While I appreciate what the author was trying to do here with the characters' emotional journey but it fell flat to me. This wasn't terrible or great kind of mid. Also, it's a quick read, so there is that.
While I appreciate what the author was trying to do here with the characters' emotional journey but it fell flat to me. This wasn't terrible or great kind of mid. Also, it's a quick read, so there is that.
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Want to read
June 16, 2025got the arcccccc
July 14, 2025
Am I crazy, or did I keep seeing Taylor Swift lyrics written into the book?
They were members of two popular bands—turned into rivals for PR—but they secretly loved every second of it… until said bands fell apart. A few years later, Sam and Mackenzie reunite to write a joint comeback album as solo artists?
For the Record sounded good, even though I’ve grown to dislike celebrity romance books.
And you know what? I freaking loved this one.
It was full of angst—the kind where the MCs have that delicious unresolved tension. I loved the flashbacks to their band days the most.
There were a lot of side plots—like, thinking back, maybe too many?—but I didn’t care. I was having way too much fun listening to the audiobook, which was narrated deliciously.
A HUGE Thank You to Macmillan Audio for providing me with early access to the audiobook!
*I came back to rant about how I felt like I knew the MMC’s narrator—I even went and checked his other works, but none matched my list of reads.
Turns out, Andrew Eiden IS Teddy Hamilton! I KNEW I WASN’T CRAZY!
˙⋆.˚୨ৎ tropes ୨ৎ˙⋆.˚
🎤 Rival musicians to lovers
📝 Second chance
🏃🏻♂️ Single dad
˙⋆.˚୨ৎ ria’s romance rating scale ୨ৎ˙⋆.˚
• plot 81/100
• writing 75/100
• characters 83/100
• giggle & feet-kick-ability 78/100
• general enjoyment 85/100
• cringe -0/-100
1/5 🌶️
total: 402
*500-451 - 6 stars
450-401 - 5 stars
400-341 - 4 stars
340-201 - 3 stars
200-101 - 2 stars
100-0 - 1 star
They were members of two popular bands—turned into rivals for PR—but they secretly loved every second of it… until said bands fell apart. A few years later, Sam and Mackenzie reunite to write a joint comeback album as solo artists?
For the Record sounded good, even though I’ve grown to dislike celebrity romance books.
And you know what? I freaking loved this one.
It was full of angst—the kind where the MCs have that delicious unresolved tension. I loved the flashbacks to their band days the most.
There were a lot of side plots—like, thinking back, maybe too many?—but I didn’t care. I was having way too much fun listening to the audiobook, which was narrated deliciously.
A HUGE Thank You to Macmillan Audio for providing me with early access to the audiobook!
*I came back to rant about how I felt like I knew the MMC’s narrator—I even went and checked his other works, but none matched my list of reads.
Turns out, Andrew Eiden IS Teddy Hamilton! I KNEW I WASN’T CRAZY!
˙⋆.˚୨ৎ tropes ୨ৎ˙⋆.˚
🎤 Rival musicians to lovers
📝 Second chance
🏃🏻♂️ Single dad
˙⋆.˚୨ৎ ria’s romance rating scale ୨ৎ˙⋆.˚
• plot 81/100
• writing 75/100
• characters 83/100
• giggle & feet-kick-ability 78/100
• general enjoyment 85/100
• cringe -0/-100
1/5 🌶️
total: 402
*500-451 - 6 stars
450-401 - 5 stars
400-341 - 4 stars
340-201 - 3 stars
200-101 - 2 stars
100-0 - 1 star
August 5, 2025
This is my favorite Emma Lord book to date!!
What I loved about the book:
1. I loved that when Sam found out he was a dad (several years after his son was born), he did everything he could to be with his son, Ben. He had such a lousy hand in the dad department, that he definitely stepped up and was a fantastic dad even without having a role model in that area. I loved how he was still best friends with Ben’s mom, Lizzy and her wife Kara, even having an adjoining apartment that had a “moms’ side” and “dad’s side”. I loved that in an area there could have been so much drama, there wasn’t. It allowed Ben to truly shine as the fun and unique six-year-old who he was. Speaking of which, I loved how Ben was a big fan of Mackenzie’s band, as that was just a little bit of extra salt on the feud wound for Sam 🤣
2. I loved the Hashimoto’s rep in our FMC. I had never heard of this before, and I’m so glad I was able to learn about it and have light shed on it for more people to learn about with me.
I also loved that Mackenzie was so worried about her singing voice after her throat surgery that she didn’t want to sing anymore as herself, BUT SHE STILL WANTED TO SING! Hence creating her secret identity, Seven. Nothing was stopping our girl from singing!! I loved what Seven was built on and I loved how that seventh song changed with time (IYKYK). Furthermore, I loved how Mackenzie ultimately became comfortable owning up to being Seven AND WHY! DAMN THE MAN!!
3. I loved these two together so much. Their back and forth was fantastic, but Sam also trying to prove he could be the man she needed now was fantastic to watch. This man rearranged all her old songs so she could sing them in her new vocal range!!! That’s book boyfriend energy to the max!!!
4. I loved the added fun fact that their separate managers were twin sisters who were quirky but knew their stuff! It made the connection and the communication between their groups make sense to a whole other level, and it really made their “rivalry” work from the beginning.
Thank you to NetGalley, SMP, and Emma Lord for the opportunity to read this book. The opinions above are honest and my own.
What I loved about the book:
1. I loved that when Sam found out he was a dad (several years after his son was born), he did everything he could to be with his son, Ben. He had such a lousy hand in the dad department, that he definitely stepped up and was a fantastic dad even without having a role model in that area. I loved how he was still best friends with Ben’s mom, Lizzy and her wife Kara, even having an adjoining apartment that had a “moms’ side” and “dad’s side”. I loved that in an area there could have been so much drama, there wasn’t. It allowed Ben to truly shine as the fun and unique six-year-old who he was. Speaking of which, I loved how Ben was a big fan of Mackenzie’s band, as that was just a little bit of extra salt on the feud wound for Sam 🤣
2. I loved the Hashimoto’s rep in our FMC. I had never heard of this before, and I’m so glad I was able to learn about it and have light shed on it for more people to learn about with me.
I also loved that Mackenzie was so worried about her singing voice after her throat surgery that she didn’t want to sing anymore as herself, BUT SHE STILL WANTED TO SING! Hence creating her secret identity, Seven. Nothing was stopping our girl from singing!! I loved what Seven was built on and I loved how that seventh song changed with time (IYKYK). Furthermore, I loved how Mackenzie ultimately became comfortable owning up to being Seven AND WHY! DAMN THE MAN!!
3. I loved these two together so much. Their back and forth was fantastic, but Sam also trying to prove he could be the man she needed now was fantastic to watch. This man rearranged all her old songs so she could sing them in her new vocal range!!! That’s book boyfriend energy to the max!!!
4. I loved the added fun fact that their separate managers were twin sisters who were quirky but knew their stuff! It made the connection and the communication between their groups make sense to a whole other level, and it really made their “rivalry” work from the beginning.
Thank you to NetGalley, SMP, and Emma Lord for the opportunity to read this book. The opinions above are honest and my own.
July 25, 2025
1 ⭐️. Thank you NetGalley for this eARC!
I just did not enjoy this at all. I’m not sure if it’s just me, or if I missed something, or what, but it was an absolute struggle to get through this book.
We follow Sam and Mackenzie, two former rival stars and their journey to get back into performing/singing. There isn’t much I can really touch on about either characters because I honestly didn’t really enjoy them. They both fell flat and (to me) didn’t have much of well…. Anything? It was hard to grasp their personalities in general. Their connection was just not there for me. I didn’t really see the enemies or the lovers part.
A lot of this book was corny to be honest. The names, the outfits, “ticktune” (just say tiktok or create a completely different name). I was not in love with the author’s writing and everything felt extremely fast.
I just did not enjoy this at all. I’m not sure if it’s just me, or if I missed something, or what, but it was an absolute struggle to get through this book.
We follow Sam and Mackenzie, two former rival stars and their journey to get back into performing/singing. There isn’t much I can really touch on about either characters because I honestly didn’t really enjoy them. They both fell flat and (to me) didn’t have much of well…. Anything? It was hard to grasp their personalities in general. Their connection was just not there for me. I didn’t really see the enemies or the lovers part.
A lot of this book was corny to be honest. The names, the outfits, “ticktune” (just say tiktok or create a completely different name). I was not in love with the author’s writing and everything felt extremely fast.
August 1, 2025
ARC Read: 2/12/25-2/13/25
ALC Listen: 7/16/25
Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with an electronic ARC and ALC of this book.
4/5 ⭐️
1/5 🌶️
Read this story if you like:
🎵 Rivals to Lovers
🖤 Books with Rockstars/Musicians
🎵 Single Dads
🖤 Female Friendship
🎵 Second Chances
🖤 Saying goodbye to your wild and crazy 20s and welcoming your 30s with open arms.
This book follows past rival lead singers of a girl group and punk rock group. They toured together and had a will-they-won’t-they going on, as requested by the label. *Some stuff happens* and both groups break up. 2 years later, these lead singers (our FMC and MMC) want to restart their careers as solo acts. The labels don’t go for it… but put them together and rekindle the will-they-won’t-they and they’re on board. The story follows as they are forced back together to write songs to showcase to the label in order to get a record deal. They learn a lot about themselves and each other along the way. 🖤 There’s also a who crew of side characters that I’d love to see get their own stories!!
If you happen to listen to the audiobook (which I’d highly recommend), it is narrated by 2 veteran narrators: Andrew Eiden (you know him best as Teddy Hamilton) as Sam and Jesse Vilinsky as Mackenzie. They both always do a fantastic job. While this book has 2 narrators, it is not done in duet. I always prefer duet with multiple narrators. I feel like it takes you a bit out of the story when the narrator has to do a voice for the other character.
ALC Listen: 7/16/25
Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with an electronic ARC and ALC of this book.
4/5 ⭐️
1/5 🌶️
Read this story if you like:
🎵 Rivals to Lovers
🖤 Books with Rockstars/Musicians
🎵 Single Dads
🖤 Female Friendship
🎵 Second Chances
🖤 Saying goodbye to your wild and crazy 20s and welcoming your 30s with open arms.
This book follows past rival lead singers of a girl group and punk rock group. They toured together and had a will-they-won’t-they going on, as requested by the label. *Some stuff happens* and both groups break up. 2 years later, these lead singers (our FMC and MMC) want to restart their careers as solo acts. The labels don’t go for it… but put them together and rekindle the will-they-won’t-they and they’re on board. The story follows as they are forced back together to write songs to showcase to the label in order to get a record deal. They learn a lot about themselves and each other along the way. 🖤 There’s also a who crew of side characters that I’d love to see get their own stories!!
If you happen to listen to the audiobook (which I’d highly recommend), it is narrated by 2 veteran narrators: Andrew Eiden (you know him best as Teddy Hamilton) as Sam and Jesse Vilinsky as Mackenzie. They both always do a fantastic job. While this book has 2 narrators, it is not done in duet. I always prefer duet with multiple narrators. I feel like it takes you a bit out of the story when the narrator has to do a voice for the other character.
March 1, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Former music rivals Mackenzie Waters and Sam Blaze once clashed on stage, but behind the scenes, their tension turned into something more—until their bands fell apart. Now, years later, Sam is a single dad, and Mackenzie hides behind a pseudonym after a career-altering surgery. Their only shot at a comeback? A joint album that forces them to confront old wounds, reignite buried feelings, and navigate secrets that could change everything. Will their reunion lead to a chart-topping success—or a final curtain call?
For the Record is a fun, easy read with an engaging premise. Told through dual points of view, the book gives insight into both characters’ journeys, which adds some depth to the story. The characters are entertaining, and the epilogue was delightful!
However, the book fell a bit flat for me. While enjoyable, some parts felt slow, and the emotional depth of the characters was lacking at times. Their personal growth could have been explored more, making their arcs feel somewhat stunted. I never quite reached the level of excitement that makes a romance truly swoon-worthy—no kicking my feet or giggling moments here.
Overall, if you’re looking for a light, low-drama romance with a satisfying (but predictable) happily ever after, For the Record might be worth picking up. But if you’re hoping for deeper emotional stakes and a more dynamic journey, this one might not hit all the right notes.
Former music rivals Mackenzie Waters and Sam Blaze once clashed on stage, but behind the scenes, their tension turned into something more—until their bands fell apart. Now, years later, Sam is a single dad, and Mackenzie hides behind a pseudonym after a career-altering surgery. Their only shot at a comeback? A joint album that forces them to confront old wounds, reignite buried feelings, and navigate secrets that could change everything. Will their reunion lead to a chart-topping success—or a final curtain call?
For the Record is a fun, easy read with an engaging premise. Told through dual points of view, the book gives insight into both characters’ journeys, which adds some depth to the story. The characters are entertaining, and the epilogue was delightful!
However, the book fell a bit flat for me. While enjoyable, some parts felt slow, and the emotional depth of the characters was lacking at times. Their personal growth could have been explored more, making their arcs feel somewhat stunted. I never quite reached the level of excitement that makes a romance truly swoon-worthy—no kicking my feet or giggling moments here.
Overall, if you’re looking for a light, low-drama romance with a satisfying (but predictable) happily ever after, For the Record might be worth picking up. But if you’re hoping for deeper emotional stakes and a more dynamic journey, this one might not hit all the right notes.
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