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!

I loved loved this book! Erin knocked it outta the park once again with this fantastic book that took me right back to my middle school feels. Ah; the angst, the twilight, the mood. Childhood friends to lovers with the literal best soundtrack to boot? A five star win all around for me!

This is absolutely my favorite Erin La Rosa book - I loved the nostalgia, I loved the characters, I loved the magical realism.

I love the idea of creating a playlist about my life and every single song invoking a memory - but I also love even more the idea of a song showing me how life could have been different. And I loved that as Sam got through the playlist created by Damon, it showed her that life truly worked out for the best even though she wondered if she should have done things differently.

I realized that I want to read more books that bring about the nostalgia of the 90s and early 2000s. (Even though I will make a correction that Taylor Swift was not pop in the early 2000s but actually considered country/pop music 😆, especially compared to the other singers mentioned). It was such a fun trip down memory lane and such an enjoyable book to read!

Thank you to Canary Street Press and NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This book had the feel good nostalgia with a touch of magical realism that I really enjoyed. Lisa Frank notebooks, lip smacker chapstick, glitter eyeshadow? Loved it. Unfortunately the romantic aspect fell flat for me. I had no connection to our FMC Sam which made it hard to truly root for her and Damon. Grandma Pearl was fun and sassy which added something fun to the story- otherwise this one was just ok for me. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this one. Three and a half stars rounded up.

This was such a fun read! I’ve never read a book like this so I loved it! It was definitely different from anything I’ve read before

A second chance romance between two best friends and a small town setting all adorned with a touch of magic? Sign me up. This book felt like it was written for me.
Delightful and relatable characters and a beautiful nostalgic romance made for a great read. I really liked the themes the book touched and i highly recommend

The Backtrack is a nostalgia packed, friends to lovers, second chance dream set the idyllic beaches of Georgia. Erin La Rosa weaves an intricate plot that will resonate with the former emo kids of the early 2000s who grew up listening to Fall Out Boy and watched 13 Going on 30 as a teen.

Sam and Damon are a dreamy couple - who were inseparable as high schoolers but lost contact when Sam flew (quite literally) away after flight school. Now that she’s back in town helping her grandmother downsize, their friendship and feelings for each other rekindle. But with the help of an unheard playlist and a slightly magical cd player, Sam and Damon will have to learn to confront and recognize their past in order to move forward.

This story also revolves around the complexities of mental illness and family - and Erin La Rosa does a beautiful job capturing Sam’s feelings of abandonment and betrayal as this plot line unfolds. I think it’s so well handled and well done, giving what could otherwise have been a fun and fluffy book a depth that was unexpected but very poignant to read.

I’ve always loved Erin’s books, so I can’t wait to see what she writes next.

What a fun nostalgic read. Full of Emosongs , bad clothing and references to the Twilight movie brought back fond memories. Always off to the next destination, Sam realizes you can come home again. Happy reunions, harsh misunderstandings resolved and some funny old ladies made for an entertaining story. Thank you to NetGalley for this free advanced copy. I’m leaving this review voluntarily

The Backtrack was an incredibly sweet addition to the "magic" romance canon that I finished in one sitting! I loved the explorations of the 'what ifs' and I thought it was unique how both of the MCs were in on the magic aspect. I will definitely be buying a finished copy of this for myself and recommending it to others!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the gifted eARC!

Have you ever wondered what would have happened in high school if you had just gone for it? Well, now is your chance in a roundabout way if you want to live vicariously through Sam.

I enjoyed the book but did feel it was a bit juvenile at times, but I guess that makes sense because half of it was flashbacks from high school. Overall enjoyable and I’m glad Sam and Damon had excellent music tastes.

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC!

This book was great! Erin does not miss and I loved the nostalgia vibes of this one!!!! My entire middle school fantasies played out in this so perfectly!!! Excellent addition to her book discography