This was a childhood friends to lovers/second chance romance with a twist - when Sam Leto returns to her hometown to visit her grandmother she comes across an old CD player that was gifted to her by her best friend Damon and playing those songs show her an alternate reality where she never left her hometown and got into a relationship with Damon. I liked the other books from the author but this one was a bit disappointing with the lack of chemistry between the leads. I did like the songs and playlists though - many of my faves 🎵 but not enough to keep me invested in the relationship.

I liked this for the nostalgia and 13 Going on 30 vibes but in reverse. As someone who regularly contemplates the what ifs and the butterfly effect, the plot of this romance intrigued me. I've recently been loving a bit of magical realism in romance and the concept of travelling back to an alternate version of your past by listening to an old mixtape was a lot of fun. Each song kind of foreshadows how the memory will play out and the flashback to 2000s pop culture will appeal to any millennials. There wasn't as much chemistry between the MCs as I expected and it's not my favorite of Erin's books but it's still a quick, easy read with its own charm. And I always support a second chance romance/childhood best friends falling in love!

Thank you Harlequin Trade Publishing | Canary Street Press & NetGalley for the digital ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I thought I was really going to like this one but it was a little too corny. I think it's going to attract a small niche of book readers. You would think I'd like it because it's music I was listening to in middle/high school & I love alternate reality books. I didn't like the whole Sam being an outcast because of the music & movies she watched. Everyone was reading & watching Twilight.... also the music was mainstream punk/pop that also everyone was listening to. I thought the Sam being a pilot was super cool so I give an extra star for that.

This story took me back to 2011 emo Wattpad times. The story follows Sam who left her small hometown the minute she could and became a pilot. Fast forward about 20 years, and she has to go back to her hometown to help her grandma move into a senior housing community. While helping to pack up her grandma's house, she finds a cd player with the last cd her childhood best friend/crush gave her. Sam always wondered what would have happened if she allowed her to date Damon instead of running away.

Somehow, when Sam turns on the CD player she finds out that it takes her to an alternate reality where she does end up sticking around in her small town and dating Damon. As she watches the things that could have been, she wonders if she made a mistake leaving the city of Tybee all those years ago.

The magical element of the story was really fun, and gave me Ashley Poston vibes. Also listening to some alternative rock songs I listened to when I was in high school was really cool. I kind of wish I got more scenes showing Damon and Sam as adults and seeing them kind of fall in love with each other again. I felt like even though they had history, we didn't get as much growth when they were adults, which made the story feel a bit insta-lovey. Overall though, I had a lot of fun with this story! 3.5 stars

Erin La Rosa’s The Backtrack is a charming contemporary romance that asks the question "what if"? When Sam has been asked to come home and pack up her childhood home to put on the market, She discovers many memories from her past. Old band posters, mix tapes that she spent hours on, Favorite clothes and even roll on glitter. When Sam plays her favorite mix tape, it rewinds time for her and she wonders what would of happened with her best friend Damon. Through these flashbacks, she sees what could of been and what could of happened if she had only taken a chance. The novel explores what it means to confront one's past while striving for a better future. For a trip down memory lane and the 2000's. I would definitely recommend you pick up a copy of this book!

Another book where they show you what life would be like if you had chosen a different path! I am on a roll with this trope this year, wow!

While I do genuinely love this trope, I didn't necessarily love this version of it. I couldn't buy in to the characters for some reason. I seriously have no idea why! I wanted so much to like Sam, but I couldn't stand her...and she's the main character. *sigh*

The only thing I liked a lot about this was that the quirky, spooky part of her being able to see her life if it was different was that it was an old cd player and just the nostalgia of the book. I grew up a couple years younger than Sam & Damon, but god that was such a vibe. I miss the emo-ness of my youth - it was never a phase mom!

Outside of that, I also really enjoyed that Damon also experienced the cd player throwing down some seriously fucked up views because otherwise Sam had to be in this alone, and that would've been majorly messed up. Everybody would've thought she was insane, and fair, but also not fair because she's not crazy and it's actually happening. That part was done right and it made me happy she wasn't alone in her experience. AND they get together in the end, yay!

Sam comes from a small beach town in Georgia, Tybee Island. Sam left after high school and she has not been back. She became an airline pilot and has a small apartment in Paris she now calls home. When Grandma Pearl calls to tell her she's moving to the 'raisin ranch', Sam has to return to pack up her things. That also means she has to see Damon who was her high school best friend.

Damon fell in love with Sam while they were in their emo phase in high school in the early 2000's. He has heard from Sam a couple times since she left but they lost touch for a bit. He has always loved her and when he finds out he's going to see her again, he has to play it cool somehow. The electricity between the two is more than palpable when the see each other. So much so that the electricity between them powers up Sam's old Walkman cd player. Did I mention it has no batteries but it works?

Have you ever wondered what if? What if you decided to stay somewhere? What if you took a chance on love? What if you admitted early in life someone was your soulmate? Sam gets this chance. The cd player contains an old mixed cd that Damon made her. When she listens to a track it pulls her back in time and shows her the answer to all her questions. But is it what she thought it would be?

I loved all the 2000's nostalgia and the play list is superb! How cool would it be to take a trip back in time to see what your life would be if you made different choices?! Sam definitely had some eye opening experiences and Grandma Pearl stole the show for a minute there. That's one wild and fun grandma! If you like magical realism this is the perfect book for you!

Thank you to @erinlarosalit , @harlequinbooks , and @netgalley for copy in exchange for my honest review!

This felt like a mix of women’s fiction and a bit of romance. I really enjoyed all of the growth the FMC went through. And I think this is a sweet story but also has a really sweet message. “Don’t get stuck here.”

I love books where a character gets the opportunity to explore different life choices. The Backtrack is such a book, and I liked that the alternate life showed a complete story instead of glimpses of different paths at different junctions. While I wasn’t exactly a fan of Sam and Damon, I adored the characters that populate Tybee Island, Georgia, especially Sam’s grandma. The romance was a bit more intense than I expected, especially since they haven’t seen each other in over a decade, but I really liked the way things worked out for them at the end as I thought it really balanced both of their needs and wants in a refreshing way.

The Backtrack is a fun story that opens with high school Sam and high school Damon on the precipice of a life changing event. Sam has a choice: kiss Damon and change their friendship forever or don’t kiss him and let nothing change. Of course she chooses the latter, and of course it does change everything. And yet Sam thinks she’s doing the right thing because she’s determined to leave Tybee Island just like her mom did (all because her mom said not to be stuck in that place) while Damon is incredibly close to his family and unlikely to leave. Years later Sam is back for the first time in over a decade because her grandma, who practically raised her, has decided it’s time to move into a nursing home, only Sam doesn’t agree with her. While cleaning out her childhood home and trying to convince her grandma it isn’t time for a nursing home, Sam finds her old CD player with a CD still in it. Made by Damon just for her way back in high school, it turns out to be the only thing the player will play, and it’s kind of demonic because she can’t skip or go back to tracks and must instead listen to each track in order. That’s not too bad, I suppose, but each track offers a glimpse into what could have been for the duration of the song. It tells an alternate story, one where Sam did kiss Damon and they did get together. Which, on its own, isn’t so bad. Except she also has to deal with Damon in the present, the same Damon part of her still knows is in love with him, and it’s clear he’s still in love with her, but the things that separated them then are still separating them now.

Right off the bat I’ll say I wasn’t a huge fan of Sam and Damon and their romance. There’s nothing wrong with them, exactly, but I felt like their reasons and excuses were more flimsy than solid and I never really felt they really gave each other a chance way back then. Of course, they were kids, and it clearly showed as the alternate history played out, but I found myself disgruntled with Sam for wanting so badly and not getting up the nerve to actually talk to Damon about it and her issues even after they’d grown up. Besides, they’re painted in a rather cardboard way with Sam being an airline pilot who lives in Paris and loves not being on Tybee Island and Damon being a hot and much cooler version of his high school self who co-owns a brewery and bar with his sister. They, of course, have amazing chemistry together even after more than a decade apart, but I wish the hurts from that time apart and Sam’s leaving left more of a scar. Instead, it kind of felt like they just picked up where they left, only Sam is very, very aware of how much she really wants Damon. Honestly, she kind of annoyed me because she kept wanting what she believed she couldn’t have and then did nothing about it. Damon, meanwhile, isn’t much more forthcoming, instead seemingly following Sam’s lead. I found it difficult to really get to know him outside of just how in love with her he is, which sometimes felt absurd because they’re now somewhere around thirty years old and all I really got was that he’s in love with her but seemingly unwilling to have a mature conversation about it with her.

Their present day romance is intense, even when Damon was seeing someone else. It felt like no time had passed since that almost kiss in high school. It’s impossible to not pick up on just how much they want each other, and only they seem to not get it. It felt a little weird since so much time has passed since they last saw each other and now hardly know much about each other, and yet they still somehow know everything about each other because all they’ve really done is get older? It did make the romance move at a decent pace, but I also felt like it was missing a few things. The most problematic thing, though, was Sam herself because she practically insisted on living in the past, letting her estranged mom’s words guide her entire life, completely ignoring the fact that her mother left her when she was fourteen. It was absurd and annoying how it ruled Sam’s entire life. Then again, I found it just as absurd that the reader doesn’t really get to know much about Damon. He’s clearly head over heels for her, but I have no idea why.

The alternate history was a fun diversion from the present, but it was predictable and sometimes boring. There are a lot of big events recounted in that story line, but, as the tracks wore on, I found some of it a little tedious, especially after the first few since so many interesting things happened during those. I think the pacing was off, and it might have helped if more than just a few years had been covered over the thirteen tracks. I feel like it was enough to follow them further past high school, but there didn’t seem to be much interest in showing much beyond the high school years. Things also seemed to go wrong way too early, so it became agonizingly predictable way too early.

What was fun, though, was how much from the 2000s was brought into this novel. Though I’m a few years older than Sam and Damon, so a bit past high school when they were in high school, I recognized just about all of the references, and it was fun to relive my own adolescence a little. I loved how well I could picture everything and how they used to dress and act because I’m pretty sure I had classmates like them in high school. These were fun details that absolutely delighted me, so I was glad to see just how much of it was in the present and the past.

The secondary characters were also fun. I loved how non-traditional Sam’s grandma is, though I wasn’t quite as fond of the story Sam, her grandma, and her mom had. That felt a little shoehorned in, and was flimsy at best. That part did not hold my attention and I found it was predictable enough that nothing surprised me; it just irritated me how much Sam let her estranged mom influence her. Her friend Rachel, though, was fantastic. I just wish she had a better role to play in this book. Her appearance felt a little forced and more dropped in for the sake of having a female friend than anything else. She was fantastic, though, and I really liked how she supported Sam, which was in a way I don’t think I’ve read before. I also actually really loved the woman Damon was seeing. The description of her was fantastic and I liked that she wasn’t villainized and was actually quite mature about everything.

The Backtrack was a fun novel, but predictable. I liked how Sam was shown an alternate life path that continued from track to track, and I loved the way she and Damon managed to work things out in the end. The hurricane was a fun touch, and Tybee Island felt like a tropical getaway locale. But Sam and Damon were not my favorite characters and their romance felt too intense after so much time apart. The pacing felt a little off, but I had fun reading this and found it to be a quick read.

Thank you to Canary Street Press and NetGalley for a review copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

Never been to the era but still gets to live in it?? Why not........
This book exactly does that and to know the era before you were born seems magical but it had its own disadvantages.
The grandma was hilarious and to bring our protagonists close was a cunning move to play!!!!
The song references made me go and listen to all of the songs in loop which made my go crazyy.
Loved this book and the writing was too good!!

I want to start off with saying three stars from me is never a bad thing -- three stars is a 'I thought it was a decent book, but I think it was meant for a different reader.'

The nostalgia in this book was everything; the music throwbacks were absolutely HITTING it. What was lacking though? The chemistry.

I was pretty disappointed with the chemistry between the two MCs. I still rooted for them, but because I felt I needed to.

The reason I gave this 3.5 stars and not just a solid 3 is because I feel the premise and overall feel of the book was absolutely there. Just a few things were not hitting how I was hoping they would.

Pilot Sam has worked hard to leave her Tybee Island childhood behind her. But when her Grandmother needs her help Sam reluctantly heads home where she runs into her old best friend Damon who is far from the early 2000’s awkward teen she remembers. When Sam discovers an old mix CD Damon made her while sorting through things at home she decides to take a listen. Sam is then transported to an alternative life, a life that could have been if she and Damon had gotten together. Each song a new flashback of love, hurt and growth. But how will these flashbacks affect the current Sam and her relationship with Damon?

I enjoyed the early 2000’s music nods and the Tybee setting. I have to confess I didn’t really like Sam’s character and the alternative timeline has been used many times and didn’t distinguish this book from the others.

The Backtrack
By: Erin La Rosa
Review Score: 3 Stars

The Backtrack was kindly provided as an ARC by Netgalley and Harlequin Trade. Thank you for allowing me to read this book!

I really had high hopes for this book. I was definitely an emo kid, and know how powerful music can be. So I loved the concept of a CD player that plays a song and shows you how your life could have been if you did things differently.

Unfortunately, the story just fell flat for me. There were parts that seemed unnecessary, or too long. And ultimately, there is nothing wrong with wanting to leave where you grew up to experience new things. Her desire to go off and do her best in life isn’t a bad thing, but it felt like her family acted like it was.

At the end of the day, this book is a pass for me. It was fine, but I think there are other books that work the alternate ending/time jump angle better.

Loved this book, it was very Sliding Doors-ish. I love books with the plot being what if? I enjoyed reading the dual plot lines and the ending was sweet. Great quick beach read/vacation read.

I did not know that we needed an emo romance novel, but if you wanted to read one, this fits the bill. There are times that the volume of references to early 2000s culture are overwhelming, and a few characters that don't really make sense/end up being coherent between versions of the past, but the main characters are fun and the story is engaging.

I received a free ARC of this novel from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Backtrack offers a nostalgic dive into 2000s emo culture, with a soundtrack of nostalgic music references that fans of the era will appreciate. The premise, revolving around Sam’s return to her hometown and her reconnection with her childhood friend and crush, Damon, holds promise. The flashbacks, which explore alternate life paths, add an intriguing layer to the narrative. Unfortunately, the execution leaves much to be desired. The chemistry between Sam and Damon feels lackluster throughout, and the characters' interactions fail to capture the depth needed to drive the emotional stakes of the story.

Despite its engaging musical references and an interesting premise, the novel falls short due to its bland writing and a lack of compelling character dynamics. The latter half of the book, though more engaging, isn't enough to redeem the overall experience. The handling of mental health themes feels superficial and tacked on, further detracting from the story's impact. The Backtrack might resonate with those seeking a nostalgic trip through emo culture, but it struggles to deliver a memorable or satisfying romantic journey.

What a fun, magical book full of nostalgia! This book is absolutely perfect for punk-rock fans of the 00's.

When Sam returns to her hometown, left with a question of "What If" from her teenage years, she discovers her old CD player has magically become capable of showing her an alternate version of her life, answering her "What Ifs", one song at a time.

I really enjoyed the concept of this book, and thought it was well-executed as well. I highly recommend picking this up if you are a fan of magical realism.

This was a bit of a miss for me. I think I just wasn't the intended audience. I'm sure this will find it's perfect readers with those who can appreciate the song references.

Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for an arc. All opinions expressed are my own.

This felt love a love note to elder emo millennials. I really enjoyed the throwback songs and in all the flashbacks I literally felt like I was reliving my own teen years. (Even though I still listen to this music on the daily, it really wasn't a phase)

The love story fell a smidge flat for me though. I just couldn't get fully invested in the story, characters, or writing style. I really enjoyed the nostalgia factor, the what-if's, and the fact that Sam is a pilot (you go girl). Everything else felt a little dry and not full of any one real emotion. Just a TW but we do get a glimpse into mental health struggles, depression, and the after effects of abandonment.

Ultimately, this wasn't a super memorable read for me but I really loved the "what-if's" and nostalgia feelings I was left with. If you're a fan of 2000's nostalgia, magical realism, and second chance romance/friends-lovers books you may really enjoy this!

Thank you to Netgalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing & Canary Street Press for the opportunity to read and review this book!

⭐️⭐️⭐️.25

Here for the 90s and 00s nostalgia! Definitely unlike any book I've read before. Thank you to the publisher for the gifted copy of this book!