For The Record
4.25 ⭐️

I think this is my favorite Emma Lord book yet! Spunky characters who show so much tremendous growth in the story? Yes please!

Mackenzie’s past life as a pop star is over after a surgery changes her voice. When she slowly gets back into the music industry she’s pushed towards a duet with her long time punk rock rival.

I loved the song writing scenes between these two. Both showed growth in their relationships outside of each other and I really loved that too. Also 😍 dual perspective!

Thanks to @netgalley for this ARC!

I read second chance romance.
I don't normally enjoy books by musicians but I am trying to broaden my reading tropes and this book did not disappoint.
Emma Lord definitely did her big one on building the characters of Sam and McKenzie and I loved that we got to enjoy both of the POV's
This is my first book by this author and I enjoyed every bit of it

For the Record is a second-chance, enemies-to-lovers romance set in the music world. Pop star Mackenzie Waters and punk rocker Sam Blaze—once fierce rivals turned almost-lovers—are reunited for a joint comeback album years after their bands ended. With their careers on the line and unresolved feelings resurfacing, they must navigate fame, fatherhood, and forgiveness in this emotional and witty rom-com perfect for Emily Henry fans.

Mackenzie and Sam’s playful banter and chemistry made this read enjoyable! The dual POV showed just how much they had both been pining for each other over the years. Sam’s genuine care and devotion to Ben truly shows the kind of man he is, and I found it incredibly endearing. I wish we had gotten more depth into their backstories, something that would’ve made them feel more real and relatable. Overall, it was a fun and emotionally charged read. It wasn’t perfect, but it was a solid performance and it was nice to read something a little different from Emma Lord. I hope she continues to write more books outside of YA.

Thank you, Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press, for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion!

I am a sucker for angsty musician romances and this book DELIVERED. Not that I expect anything less from Emma Lord 👑

When I read the synopsis and realized that this book was about a romance between a punk rocker and a pop star, I was already half sold, but the actual dynamic between the two was the icing on the cake!

This book has:
•The second chance romance, rivals to lovers, and celebrity romance tropes
•Close proximity 👩‍❤️‍👨 The leads reconnect when they are forced to write new music together (major Daisy Jones & the Six vibes)
•Plenty of on-stage shenanigans 🎤

Thank you to St. Martin’s Griffin and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Love love love this book! The switching between Mackenzie and Sam’s POVs really helped to show each one’s true character development throughout the story. Loved the slow burn enemies to lovers. Great read and can be binged in one sitting. I like how it’s fast paced but doesn’t feel rushed. Emma Lord you did an amazing job with this one and I can’t wait to see what else you have in store.

I just couldn’t get into this one. The characters chemistry was just not there. I loved the premise of the story, and there were definitely moments when I felt the passion, but overall this one was a miss for me.

A light, fun enjoyable read focused on two musicians who have an unresolved past, and an opportunity to create something new together. I found all of the characters likeable and relatable, and the plot focused on famous musicians, stardom and songwriting was right up my alley as a musician and music lover. I could live vicariously through them as they navigated social media, identities and songwriting together.

I did however, find myself searching for tension and yearning to make the romance feel big and suspenseful. I think that was partly due to the writing style which was nice and for the most part clear, but was missing that layer of tension for me. With a story like this where the overarching plot is a bit predictable, the energy and tension between characters is so important for me. I also think the writing was a bit difficult to follow here and there. Generally clear and I liked the emphasis on emotions, but I noted some typos and instances where writing felt unclear.

I would definitely try another book by this author to see how it lands. Generally, a nice, music inspired story.

*Thank you NetGalley for this arc!

I loved the breakup pact so I had high hopes for this one. Emma totally blew away my expectations. I. LOVED. THIS. BOOK. the characters had so much depth and the story was so real. I loved every minute of this and was sad when it was over. I need more Mack and Sam! I wish I was one of those people who could hear the soundtrack in their heads because I want the music! 10/10. A million stars.

I found this one to be just fine.

I appreciate the fun rivalry dynamic as well as the tension/mutual yearning. The premise is fun and immediately intriguing.
However, struggled with the amount of characters to track as well as the writing style. The writing makes it a bit hard to really connect with the character.

But overall a solid summer read.

For the record, I loved this book! It's a fast-packed, page-turning romcom featuring two former rock star rivals forced to work together. Both Sam and Mackenzie have their struggles, demons, and secrets. The secondary characters were well-drawn, especially Mackenzie's former bandmates and Sam's family. I think this is perfect for any romcom lover as well as people who love to read "insider" books about the music industry. I had read Lord's The Break-Up Pact a few months ago, and loved this one even more. Can't wait to see what she does next.

Full review:
I went into this book with a touch of worry. Mostly because I'd read other reviews before starting this one, but also because this year has been so hit or miss for me with romcoms. And that's exactly what this book is: A RomCom.

Thankfully, it delivered in all the best ways.

"That's the problem with Mackenzie Waters -- whether she's breaking rules or breaking my heart, I'll never get enough."

Y'ALL!!! This man is down badddd for this girl. It's adorable to watch the two of them be oblivious to it all, though the third act had me in shambles. I was up way past my bedtime trying to figure out what would happen next.

The premise: Mackenzie Waters and Sam Blaze used to be the world's most talked about "almost" couple. They didn't really date, yet the tension was palpable. As musicians with huge fanbases, people followed them constantly for updates.

When life throws them both curveballs that has them leaving the music behind, everything changes. Normal becomes a new thing for them both to relearn.

At least, they try to. But old habits die hard and all that jazz.

Both want back in the music world. Their label won't let them do anything solo without enough buzz. A well timed photo of them starts back up the fan craze about their relationship status, which then leads to a whirlwind music writing, memory tracking, heart racing romance.

Things I loved in this book:
☺️ The way the past and present was woven together smoothly
☺️ How the tension and buildup felt natural
☺️ The supportive friends/side characters
☺️ The son (he's such a cutie)
☺️ Queer rep - side characters
☺️ While we do hear about his "playboy" ways, it's not overwhelming.
☺️ Banter galore
☺️ Steamy steamy goodness
☺️ Easy read. I FLEW through this.
☺️ The resolution felt realistic
☺️ Epilogues that make me grin

This is definitely a book I'll be getting in PB once it's out. The cover is adorable, and the story inside matches.

Big thanks to St. Martin's Press, Emma Lord, and NetGalley for the early ARC. It was a pleasure to read this one!!

Review in my delirious middle of the night state (lol):
Amazing. Wonderful. I need this in Pb now.
Full review tomorrow because it’s super late and I’m tired but ugghhhhh I needed to say something after this masterpiece!!

I just fell in love with Sam and Mackenzie. Both felt so real and relatable, and I found myself rooting for them to make it work together. When they decided to write songs as a team, I was completely sold. I also really appreciated the way Sam’s joint custody arrangement with both sides of his family was woven into the story—it added so much depth and heart. This book was a perfect blend of charm, music, and genuine emotion.

3.5 stars—This was a great and unique second-chance romance. I loved the lyricism of Sam and Mackenzie's relationship and the songs they wrote together or about each other. Additionally I appreciated that there was not a 3rd act breakup. This was my first book by the author, and I plan to check out others.

Thank you for the arc!

Reading For the Record felt like slipping into the kind of story that balances heartache and healing with just the right amount of backstage chaos and romantic tension. I’ve always loved stories that dive into creative partnerships, especially when there’s a romantic past tangled up in the present — and Emma Lord absolutely delivers on that front. Mackenzie and Sam are both flawed, resilient, and trying so hard to protect the softest parts of themselves. I was especially drawn to Mackenzie’s storyline — her struggle with losing (and redefining) her voice felt like such a sharp, emotional metaphor for identity, control, and reinvention. And Sam? I didn’t expect to feel so much for a former punk frontman turned unexpected dad, but his quieter moments — especially with his son — really hit me. What made this book stand out for me wasn’t just the music industry setting (though that was immersive and fun), but how real the emotional stakes felt. Lord doesn’t shy away from the complexities of forgiveness — not just between exes, but with yourself. Their chemistry had all the tension you’d expect from ex-rivals, but it’s the tenderness that surprised me most.

For the Record by Emma Lord is basically what would happen if Hayley Williams joined Atomic Kitten and got tangled in a swoony, slow-burn romance. I loved every second of it.

Mackenzie Waters is a glitter-dusted pop star with the heart of a punk rocker, and her internal monologue is chef’s kiss—equal parts chaotic, heartfelt, and hilarious. When she’s forced to work with her former rival, Sam Blaze, the tension is so thick you could cut it with a guitar pick. Their banter? Perfection. The angst? Just the right amount.

This book is full of second chances, self-discovery, and all the messy, wonderful emotions that come with chasing your dreams. If you love music, romance, and characters who feel like your best friend, this one needs to be on your TBR!

**Thank you NetGalley and Avon for the eARC! All opinions are my own.**

This book definitely reminded me of Daisy Jones and The Six, I loved that book and this book was no different. The characters were all so lovable and relatable and the love story didn’t overshadow the other aspects of the book.

Okayyy… yeah I DNF’d this at 65%. I really, really wanted to love it, but the execution just wasn’t it for me.

We’re dropped straight into Sam and Mackenzie's story with no idea what their relationship was supposed to besides the "enemies but actually super into each other” trope that give me the ick in this book. I felt like I was reading a situationship with no spark and way too much page time. I also found both Sam and Mackenzie to be really annoying and flat and not at all creative, just what fit the mold in the story while also being very very immature. I didn’t get why they’re supposedly so in love but refuse to admit it?? Like. You guys are adults??

Nothing about it really pulled me in or made me want to keep going. It just wasn’t doing anything for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC, this is my honest opinion.

I really loved watching this story unfold. It was that not quite enemies to lovers, second chance (though they never really took the first one) that can be so hard to do without it feeling tired and cliche. For the record was a light, slightly angsty read that I know I’ll go back to time and time again

This was the first book I’ve read by Emma Lord, but it definitely won’t be the last. I really enjoyed her writing style—so much so that I ended up reading the whole book in one sitting.

The story felt interesting and different from most of what I’ve read recently. I loved the second chance trope—it was written perfectly. I also really liked how the book was divided into sections named after songs Mackenzie and Sam wrote together. I haven’t seen that before, and it felt original and sweet. The idea of revisiting places that were meaningful to them in order to write new songs also really appealed to me. I especially enjoyed the flashbacks and getting a glimpse into their past.

I genuinely liked both main characters. I thought the chemistry between them was strong, and their banter was fantastic. I also appreciated that both of them had emotional depth—that’s always a big plus for me. The side characters were great too. The only one who truly irritated me was Serena—she really acted like a villain for most of the book, especially the scene where she pushed Mackenzie onto the runway in just her underwear. I’m not sure I could personally forgive everything she said to Mackenzie, but I’m glad they made peace in the end.

So why did I give it four stars instead of five when everything I’ve said sounds so positive? At times, the pacing felt slower than I would’ve liked. It gave me the impression the book was much longer than it actually was.

Other than that, everything was genuinely great. I highly recommend it!

Emma Lord is such a delightful author, and I’m so glad to get more adult fiction from her!

What I liked:
- I expected Taylor Swift vibes, based on the cover and knowing the author also loves her, and I feel like that was delivered in how honest Mackenzie is in her lyrics. It also brings up so much of the double standards and other BS that Taylor has been subjected to, and which I feel gave a lot of context for Mackenzie as a character.
- the female friendships, as always, are as important as the romance and I love that Emma Lord gets that! The girl group comradarie that connects Mack with her friends, and the grace that they give each other is lovely to read.
- the message of uplifting artists (and people) who are less privileged than you! Also reminded me a lot of Taylor with the Apple Music situation.
- Sam’s relationship with his kid - so sweet, and really added to his character.

What I didn’t like:
- I could have used more romance, to be honest. Their scenes together were great, and they were giving Daisy and Billy from Daisy Jones and the Six in the scenes from their tour days which I LOVE, and wish I had gotten more of that dynamic versus the present day “I am learning to forgive you” part of their relationship