I really enjoyed Erin La Rosa's previous book, but I LOVED The Backtrack. It was such an engaging book, giving me the best of my favorite aughts TV - a combo of 13 going on 30 and Sliding Doors - two of my favorite movies. It has everything you could want - a VERY likeable and engaging leading couple, great emo music from the 2000's, time travel, and an adorable grandmother that you cannot help but fall in love with. I could not put this book down!

Recap:
Sam Leto and Damon Rocha are high school best friends in 2005. They are grungy. They love Fall Out Boy and Panic! at the Disco. They are social outcasts - and they love each other. Then, Damon, after making a very personal mixed CD with his favorite songs and gifts it to Sam, he tries to kiss her- and she turns him down. Sam knows she has to leave Tybee, GA and live a life bigger than a small town. Damon loves his hometown and wants to stay. They take different paths in life and have not spoken since. Now, Sam is back in Tybee to help her grandmother move and finds herself around Damon again. Sam finds the CD Sam once made for her in her old discman - which still magically works. Now, the discman is telling Sam what could have been if she would have kissed Damon all those years ago. Would they end up together and can Sam and Damon find a way back to each other?

Review:
Everything about this book was magical - from the way I was transported with the fantastic playlist, to the angst of being around your first love, to the anxiety of wanting to know the "What If". I was so into this I cannot even explain. The story was captivating. The characters were intensely likeable and you WANT to cheer for them. The angst was palpable. I loved every second of it! Honestly, five stars. No notes.

Read if you like:
Second Chance Romance
2000's Emo Music
Best friends to lovers

Thanks to Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

My absolute favorite genres for romance are: friends to lovers, childhood friends to lovers, and dual timelines/flashbacks. And this book hit every single one, and perfectly. It was a unique plot, full of nostalgia and memories. The main characters were relatable and sweet, grandmas was fun and sassy, and the old ladies were so fun too! I was living for all the emo musical references! This book is a new favorite! I can’t wait to get a physical copy.

The Backtrack by Erin La Rosa is like putting on your favorite playlist into your cd player and being back in summer of 2000's.

The premise and plot of this book is clever, witty and nostalgic. It's sweet, spicy, and a bit emotional. This book definitely felt like a throwback film, seeing shorts of alternate universes and scenes, what ifs, what had I done this, etc. I think all the millennials that grew up with the alt-emo, so much feelings and music era will love this book. This book revolves around a magical cd player that transports the main character to an alternate universe where she can see what her life would have been like if she had made just one big thing differently. It was such a fun millennial throwback that felt like a movie in the 90s and gives so much nostalgia and comforting feelings being back where playlists and cd players were the trajectory of your feels and life. It's such a fun and cute book, anyone that grew up in this time will love it.

It was cute idea. In a very 13 going on 30 way Sam goes back to her home town and finds an old cd player. When she listens to the songs she is taken back to and alternate version of her teen years if she decided to kiss her best friend instead of turning him down. It was interesting at first but then I found myself a bit bored and skimming a good chunk at the end. I wanted to love it but it just didn't hold my attention.

The Backtrack is a sweet, somewhat emotional, and nostalgic read. I loved the musical elements and the relationship between the main characters was a sweet one. The old ladies were by far my favorite!

Thank you so much to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

The 2000s emo girl in me is absolutely SCREAMING over this book. Every reference, especially the music because oh my gods this was my playlist as a teen, was so nostalgic and the whole thing felt like 13 Going on 30 but for the punks. And I ate. it. up.
This book follows Sam, a badass pilot who, just over a decade prior, left her small Georgian hometown and never looked back. And there, she left her home, her grandma, and the boy who she would always ask 'what if?' over. So when she is forced to come home to help her grandmother and finds an old mixtape from Damon, said boy, she listens and is transported into the past, where her questions are answered.

"They were constantly trying to impress each other through music- a kind of unspoken game of who could make the best mixes. And while Sam prided herself on finding obscure bands, Damon had the uncanny ability to put together songs that made her feel something."

There were so many things I loved about this book, from the sassy grandmother to the heartwarming character growth, and I think the author did an amazing job weaving humor and love and healing together in a book that I really couldn't put down. The brief flashbacks that you experience with Sam not only give a truly unique look at a second-chance/what if? romance book, but also have you questioning your own life, looking at moments when one decision could have changed everything. But the most beautiful part of this was the idea that even if you could have it all planned out, even if you think you know how the story ends, you are still the master of the present, and you can rewrite that which you want to.

"Having nostalgia is romantic... It's the ability to never forget something you love."

The chemistry between Sam and Damon was so palpable, and while the man is precious and lovable, there is an edge to him that I really appreciated. He was sure of himself, grew into his dreams- just as Sam did- and I really appreciated this idea of two people having to grow apart so that one day they could grow together. He was gentle and giving and had great taste in music (if questionable taste in hairstyles), and he is yet another book boyfriend to add to the list of favorites.

"Damon bent his head slightly, and she reached up toward him. Their lips met and Sam knew he would be her home, no matter where she went."

Oh.. he also has a motorcycle. So there's that.

Overall, this book was amazing, definitely something to pick up if you are looking for a dose of romantic, heartwarming, beautiful 2000s nostalgia. Absolutely recommend and I cannot wait to have this one on my shelves!

This book revolves around a magical cd player that transports the main character to an alternate universe where she can see what her life would have been like if she had made just ONE critical decision differently.

Does this description sound ridiculous? Definitely. Did I absolutely love this book from beginning to end? YES! This gets all the stars from me. A fun, millennial romp. This would make a fantastic summer read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Canary Street Press for the advanced copy.

Sam and Damon were close friends in high school; Damon wanted to be closer but Sam was afraid of breaking his heart when she inevitably felt compelled to leave town just like her estranged mother. Now she's back home to help her grandmother move out of the family home, and Sam finds her old CD player with the last mix tape Damon made for her inside. Turns out it is a time-travel/possessed/haunted CD player showing Sam an alternate timeline with Damon. (Suspend disbelief, please, you'll have a lot more fun than over-analyzing why or how this is happening, especially since it's never explained.) Over time and as Sam is shown various stages of their alternate timeline romance, she realizes that she may have had a happier life if she'd made a different choice with Damon back in high school. But is that really true, and is it ever too late for happiness? I'm sure we all have those things or people we wonder "What if?" about, and I absolutely loved this concept! I also loved the idea of music being the vehicle of choice for showing the alternate timeline, and the author captured the feel of the early 'aughts very well. The childhood friends to lovers trope is my kryptonite, and it works well here. And while this isn't a second chance romance in the traditional sense I think it was close enough to make this a wonderful redemptive romance. Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC of this story in exchange for my honest review! I gave it 4 stars here but it's really more like 4.5.

This book was so up my alley, it’s a bit ridiculous. The music used in The Backtrack was exactly what I listened to in high school. The nostalgia was so real.

Sam fled her hometown after high school, not wanting to get stuck there. Unfortunately, that meant leaving her best friend Damon behind. Now she has come back due to her grandma preparing to sell her childhood home. And Damon is still there. She finds an old CD player in her room. There is also a mix that Damon had made for her. When she plays the CD, an alternate version of her life starts to take place.

It was so interesting to read what was gonna happen next and which songs would be featured. I really enjoyed this book.

Thanks as always to NetGalley for the ARC.

this book was insanely good. it was nostalgic, emotional, sweet, and spicy. i had no idea how much i needed to read this book!

thank you so much to netgalley and HTP for the arc <3

When I read the description of this book I knew I had to snatch it up. Fall Out Boy references and other emo/punk rock references from my teen years? Yeah, I’m totally there. It also had serendipitous timing as I started it on the eve of the FOB concert.

This was a really fun nostalgia romp. I loved how she didn’t have the characters grow up and become “corporate sell outs” like we would’ve cringed over as teens. They stayed true to who they were at heart. The red tips may grow out, but the emo soul runs deep. Sam and Damon were very sweet and I loved the second chance romance while also having Sam deal with her own family issues and generational healing. It’s everything you could want — nostalgia, magical elements, fantastic music, questionable fashion choices, second chances, and best friends to lovers. The perfect little millennial romcom.

I enjoyed how each song correlated with a plot point in both the present time and the alternate universe. Excellent music choices! The only part I wasn’t a huge fan of was the repetition of the entire track list and Sam’s notes as she discovered the playlist. Now I can definitely see how this is helpful if you’re taking a lot of breaks while reading this, but when you’re zooming through the last dozen chapters, it just felt a little tiresome to read the same list over and over when there wasn’t any new insight added.

Overall, the characters were fun and lovable and the plot was realistic and sweet with just a bit of mystical elements through that magical little cd player. If you want something light and fun with a the perfect hint of emotion and baggage, this is a great choice.

Thank you to Net Galley and Canary Street Press/Harlequin Trade Publishing for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Nostalgia is a hell of a drug.

I've been a big fan of Erin La Rosa ever since I came across her book For Butter or Worse earlier this year. So, I was really excited to finally get my hands on The Backtrack. La Rosa is an expert at crafting relatable, imperfect characters, and Sam and Damon are no different.

What I loved:
-Nostalgic emo music is woven with teen angst for a deliciously fun fantasy "What if" plot. As a chronic overthinker who often wonders what would have happened if I made different choices in my youth, I related to Sam.
- A feet-kicking, giggling, good love story. If you ever had a crush on an emo myspace boy, you will for sure be in love with Damon. Especially now that he's all grown up and running a brewery with his badass sister.
- The Horny old ladies are a shining sunspot. I loved every single time they appeared on the page. I never knew what Pearl would say next.
- A heartfelt, genuine story about family. It's hard as a kid to see your parents as actual people; when exposed to their flaws, it can be challenging to accept. I really appreciated the journey the Leto ladies went on together.

What I didn't love as much
-I was expecting the spice level of Plot Twist. However, it was a closed-door romance. I understand the closed door when there is an alternate teenage reality, but I thought the spice could've been a little spicer when they are adults. It's not a deal breaker, but it was a bummer for sure. La Rose writes *chef's kiss* level spice, so if you're looking for that, check out Plot Twist.
-Honestly, that's it. I had an amazingly fun time reading this book.

If your idea of a good throwback playlist contains Fall Out Boy or Blink 182, and you love a romance with a side of family drama, pick up The Backtrack!

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I really loved this book. It was cute and I am glad they found their happy endings. As someone who is around the same ages as them and had a similar high school emo phase, I really enjoyed the back in time aspect and how that has shaped them today. The storyline progressed very nicely. The music choices from the CD were truly the best. As a certified Twihard, I also loved the conversations (because I never resist to bring it up!). I will be reading more by the author in the future because it was everything that I wanted and more.

This book was so adorable! It dealt with family themes on the side of the romance which I liked (shout out to Grandma Pearl). It was so midnight library, reverse thirteen going on thirty, but she wasn't stuck anywhere it was more of a transport temporarily situation. I thought the book was very well written and honestly had a really great lesson in it about regrets as well.
It definitely exceeded my expectations from the synopsis and I would recommend it to anyone who asks!

I really enjoyed this one. It's a little 13 Going on 30, a little A Christmas Carol with classic misunderstandings and hidden truths. Sam is a likeable character, as is Damon, but oh man, did I feel Damon's heartbreak. Leave it to a magical cd player and a few of my favorite songs to lead the narrative. Sam and Damon see each for the first time in a decade and there's lots of feelings. Sam is feeling all sorts of things. She has abandonment issues from her mom. She has feelings for Damon after all this time, never acting on them to not ruin the friendship and get stuck in her hometown. She's worried about losing her grandma. The ghosts of the past come through via the playlist Damon made Sam while they were in high school. Sam learns a lot experiencing the play list and it comes together once she hears things that she should have heard years ago from her mom and grandma. Luckily, the story flows well and you get immersed in this lovely story. Well worth the read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for providing this book, with my honest review below.

The Backtrack is a highly recommended nostalgia read that will appeal especially to those of us who remember our trending music and worst fashion mistakes from up to 20 years ago.

Sam is an international pilot (and a REALLY good one at that) who has to reluctantly come back home to Tybee Island, GA to help pack up her grandmother and her memories. With a fraught relationship with her mother who is the crux of the reason why she left, Sam is eager to see her old high school friend (and love that never was) Damon. Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately) a ‘demonic’ CD player that somehow works without batteries keeps flashing her back, mixed CD song by song, to an alternate timeline had she only taken action on her feelings for Damon. But you know what they say, be careful what you wish for…

I loved how this took me back, and even without that connection this was an emotional romance, made complex by family ties and dynamics and with humor from neighbor Jessie, grandma Pearl, and the dynamic between Sam and Damon. I enjoyed every page and thought the concept with the songs was unique and enjoyable on so many levels! I found myself looking up songs I couldn’t remember and even when I did listening to them as I read. I also loved the authors usage of songs in her acknowledgments.

Once again, highly recommend. Any opportunities with the writing and plot are overshadowed with the way this was so excellently laid out and the unique premise.

Sam has been gone from her hometown for 20 years, but she's headed back as her grandma is selling her childhood home. Once there, she finds a mix CD (one of my greatest loves, so this plot point was so endearing to me) that her best friend Damon once made for her. Listening to each track literally takes her back to the past, except in this version it's a vision of what might have been. And it's these reflections that make her think about where she is now. I will say that I wanted more of the nostalgia times because I love a throwback. However, I did still like how these flashbacks centered Sam and her story (while also involving supporting characters) throughout. Thanks to NetGalley for the look at this July 2024 release!

This was the emo throwback I didn't know I needed. it also got a little dark at times, but I think that was the beauty in it. Sam and Damon'a relationship was not perfect by any means, but that's what made it good. It really gave me emo 13 going on 30 vibes in all the best ways, with a haunted CD player to boot. Jessie was so funny and eccentric, and Sam's relationship with her grandma and her non existent relationship with her mom were as painful as they were refreshing to see.

So, this was a super interesting read. I did not know what to expect going in but I was pleasantly impressed and entertained. It was funny and steamy and enticing!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me an arc of this book in exchange for my honest feedback.

I am a huge Erin La Rosa fan so I was so excited to read this early copy of The Backtrack and I was not disappointed! I didn't know what to expect since this was a bit of a departure from her other contemporary romances and I thought it was going to be a full timeline change vs what it was (seeing short visions of an alternate life). I kept trying to guess what the next song would be or what that alternate timeline would show based on the songs. I was always wrong but I still really enjoyed it! I loved being able to see the results of the "What if?" and how it may look amazing at some points but that doesn't mean it would have been the right decision in the long run. That maybe the decisions you made may have hurt then but were for the best overall. As an elder-emo I loved reliving the music and fashion of high-school too!

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and Erin La Rosa for this ARC!