I had high expectations for this book, and it did not deliver. It tells the story of Mac and Sam, both former famous musicians who during the peak of their fame had a will-they-wont-they PR stunt going on. Now, two years later, they reconnect and their feelings grow and grow.
Here are my issues with this book:
1. The break is 2 years long, which is not enough time for someone to go from biggest musician on the planet to a nobody
2. It had too many distracting stories - family drama, criticism of the music industry, friend drama, cancer scare - which were too superficial

I need to preface this by saying that I read this on my extremely long travel day back from Japan, so I was jet-lagged, exhausted, and over being on a plane. This is not my favorite Emma Lord book. Unfortunately, something was lacking for me. I found myself wishing this had taken place back when Sam and Mackenzie first met, rather than years later. I think the spark and banter would've been so much better. Lord often nails those aspects of her romances, so I was disappointed to not instantly fall in love with these two through their back and forth.

It was still a fun read, but it was a bit of a letdown because I had higher hopes.

I had so much fun reading For the Record! Emma Lord perfectly mixes music, romance, and second chances in this story about former rivals Mackenzie and Sam. Their chemistry jumps off the page as they reunite to make a comeback album, all while dealing with the messiness of their past and the changes in their lives. I loved the behind-the-scenes look at the music world and how real both characters felt, especially as they figured out who they are outside of fame. It’s the perfect pick if you love stories full of heart, humor, and a little bit of drama.

Emma Lord is a noted author of many enjoyable romance novels, so I was excited to discover that she has a new book coming out! "For the Record" is centered around Sam and Mackenzie, famous musicians who had people all over the country shipping them and rooting for a potential romance to bloom. However, as both bands fell apart, the possibility of a relationship between them fell apart as well. Now, years later, they run into each other and discover that the sparks between them have never gone away. Not only are they trying to negotiate the feelings between them, but also the likelihood of reigniting their musical careers as well.

As much as I wanted to like this book, I found myself skimming a lot and having a hard time deciding if I wanted to root for Sam and Mackenzie or not. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

This book caught my eye since I am a musician myself. This romance by Emma Lord is very satisfying, checking all the boxes of a good one. There were a few details regarding the main characters that are different from the typical romance story, which made it even better. I enjoyed the banter between the two main characters as well as their character development as they have aged since first meeting and touring together. The side characters provide some mystery to the situation as well. Thank you to Netgalley for this free ebook in exchange for an honest review.

Sam and Mack know each other from a few years ago. But then it was a right person, wrong time situation. Now they are thrown together to work as a vocal duet, and sparks fly. This book is a dual POV romance and getting the thoughts of both characters really helps with their development and making them more relatable. Mckenzie as a character feels a bit like a swifties attempt to give Taylor a happily ever after that she deserves after many heartbreaks... not complaining, just letting the reader know what they are in for. I honestly loved this story and these characters. They wanted to be better for the people around them and do good things. For me as a reader I only like romance if I like the characters and the were good ones.

It was a good book and really enjoyed it all and rooted for this couple to make it. Love it all. read it today you will not be disappointed.

This was my first Emma Lord book and I absolutely loved it. The characters were great and their growth through out the story were amazing. the heartbreak and longing were done perfectly.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
This story is one with a premise that feels like it should be very dynamic. They are both lead singers of bands with chemistry from their past so they should have interesting personalities and a lot of past to draw from. Sadly this book fell flat in that department. The characters did not have much in the area of growth and the story is very dialogue driven instead of plot driven so it feels very slow.

I've read most of Emma Lord's books and While I've enjoyed them all, I think I like her YA better. This took me weeks to finish, which is probably indicative my lack of attention span more than anything, but I just wasn't drawn in until the final 25% or so. I'm glad the big secret wasn't a big, dramatic wrench in their relationship - that was refreshing - but...ehhh. Maybe just not for me.

Emma Lord does it again! As an avid romance reader, there's just something about the flow of her writing that just drags me in. Add in a little music here and some second chance romance there and you have a hit!

Thank you NetGalley for the eARC. This book is as very cute! Loved the whole girl/ boy group omage the author was creating! The relationship growth between the characters was great and the banter was funny. I just wish there was a little more preface for when it flashed back to past scenes of there life. Sometimes I was confused because there was no real shift into a memory it was just happening and you have to catch up. Overall a good fun quick read!

Emma Lord strikes the perfect chord in For the Record, a vibrant, emotionally-charged second chance romance that blends the pulse of the music industry with the messy beauty of healing and starting over. If you’ve ever shipped two fictional musicians who were clearly destined to write each other’s greatest love song and greatest breakup ballad—this one’s for you.

The story kicks off with pop princess Mackenzie Waters and punk rocker Sam Blaze—once the fiercest rivals (and most electric almost-couple) on the music scene—reuniting for a high-stakes comeback album. Their bands imploded, their maybe-romance combusted, and now, years later, they’re both different people navigating different realities. Sam’s a single dad who’s left behind the chaos of tour life, while Mackenzie is battling a vocal injury that’s forced her to hide behind a stage name. Fame may have faded, but their chemistry? Still chart-topping.

What makes this book sing is how Emma Lord captures that tension—creative, romantic, nostalgic—with the finesse of someone who gets the chaotic magic of music, fame, and complicated feelings. Mackenzie and Sam’s banter is delicious, their shared past is angsty in the best way, and the behind-the-scenes look at album creation adds an irresistible layer for fans of Daisy Jones & The Six.

The romance unfolds with a slow burn that feels earned. There are moments of vulnerability that had me rooting for both of them—not just as a couple, but as individuals trying to rebuild something real from the ruins of their youth and ambition. There’s also a secret or two that ups the stakes without feeling overly dramatic.

So why 4 stars instead of 5? A few of the side characters and subplots didn’t quite get the spotlight they deserved, and the pacing dipped a little in the middle—but overall, this was a hit I’ll have on repeat.

If you love second chances, musical rivals-to-lovers, and emotionally satisfying romance that hits all the right notes, For the Record deserves a spot on your playlist (or bookshelf).

Perfect for fans of:
• Emily Henry’s Happy Place
• The emotional angst of Daisy Jones & The Six
• Fake band reunions that are definitely not just for publicity

Final verdict: Emma Lord has written a love story that’s as catchy as a pop anthem and as raw as an unplugged ballad. Encore, please.

For the Record, by Emma Lord, is a cute, second-chance romance set in the music industry. Rivals Mackenzie (Mack) and Sam work together to make a comeback after different life events disrupt their paths in the music industry. Heartache, angst, and laughter kept me on my toes while reading, and I couldn't help but pull for the success of the main characters. Lord has done it again with this one!
I appreciate NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the ARC ebook I read and reviewed. All opinions are my own.

this was so much more emotional than i thought! the last few chapters got me sobbing, i was touched beyond belief. the characters — sam and mackenzie, truly are the most adorable. i loved the elements about the music industry and the discussion of rightful rights and ownership to artists’ records. however, it was a tad bit long and i felt as if i was at little bit of a standstill in the middle. i still adored the flow of the story, getting bits and pieces of their past fused with the present to give more context.

I wanted to love this book but unfortunately I did not. It had potential but I just couldn’t connect to the characters or the story and I don’t think popstar/rockstar romance is for me, sadly. :(

I tried so hard to finish this book, but I just couldn’t.

I love music, but these characters goobed me out. Like the guy who brings out his guitar during a party and sits there strumming and singing Jack Johnson with his eyes closed.

I’ve enjoyed Emma Lord’s other books, but this one was not for me.

Thanks NetGalley for the ARC. These opinions are my own.

Second chance romance between 2 former l musicians, Mackenzie Waters and Sam Blaze. Members of rival bands - Mack was a pop princess, Sam was a punk rocker. Years later both bands have dissolved. Sam is a father, no longer in the industry. Mack is still writing music, but hidden behind a pseudonym. When their label brings them together to try and reignite their careers by releasing new duets, it also reignites feelings that were long hidden.

I liked the idea of the book - enemies to lovers, second chance romance but it just fell a bit flat for me. I would have liked to read more about the two rival bands and the shenanigans on their tour, less about the aftermath / second chance.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of “For the Record” by Emma Lord.

This was a decent second-chance romance with a fun music industry backdrop and some real emotional depth. Mackenzie’s journey through identity, recovery, and rediscovering her voice stood out as a highlight, and the dynamic between her and Sam had some sweet moments, especially when it leaned into vulnerability rather than drama. The dual POV gave a fuller picture of their individual growth, and the female friendships added nice support.

That said, not everything landed. Some of the banter felt a little forced, and the romantic dialogue didn’t always hit the mark. A few references tried a little too hard to feel current, which may not age well. And while the story had heart, the pacing dragged in places, especially in the middle.

Still, if you're into musicians, emotional arcs, and second chances, there’s enough here to make it worth your time—even if it doesn’t quite reach “greatest hit” status.

Thank you Netgalley for my ARC of For the Record by Emma Lord. This story is a blend of the excitement of the music world with a compelling second chance romance and a touch of enemies-to-lovers tension. I especially enjoyed the girl group aspect, which added a unique and lively energy to the story. While the themes and characters were engaging, it didn’t quite surpass some of my favorite Emma Lord novels. Still, it’s an enjoyable read for fans of contemporary YA romance and anyone who loves a backstage pass to drama and heart.