This one was so fun and flirty and had such a great plot. It's not every day that I pick up a book with main characters in the music industry. While not traditionally my favorite, I also loved the single dad trope and the fact that he was still good friends with the mother. There were enough plot points to stay interested throughout.

A cute little romance! Emma Lord's books are always quick reads and, unfortunately, for me - a little bland. Nothing really stuck out from this that made me want more or made me want to continue to read. It was just... fine. But if you're looking for a sweet palette cleanser this may be the pick!

I didn’t expect to love this as much as I did. It was a quick read and I was easily swept into the storyline. Favorite moment,: when Sam saved Mack when the wardrobe malfunction happened at the fashion show - who moves that fast AND has technology cooperate at that speed?!?
Loved little Ben and the Mom Side, Dad Side apartments. And how we got a HEA.

Really cute story, and a good example of enemies-to-lovers where they aren’t insufferably immature the entire time. I liked that a lot of their earlier animosity was explained as playing up a will-they-won’t-they angle for publicity. That makes sense as a reason for them to be “enemies” without making them seem overly immature. There was sort of a second-chance romance vibe with this story, as they both tried to give each other a new chance. I think the two main characters and the main relationship in this book was really well done overall.

The problem for me came with a lot of the other side plots. For example, who actually leaked the news of Seven’s identity? Did I somehow miss that part? (Speaking of which, I’m not a fan of Rocket openly admitting to telling the press about Sam and his dad - and what was up with that part where he’s sort of a spy for Serena?! That was just weird).

I also felt like some scenes were missing crucial details. Especially the masquerade scene - the “rules” were a little confusing, which undermined the impact of that guy coming up and trying to undo Mack’s mask and pissing Sam off. And just the timeline of when Sam and Mack met, when they stopped talking, when they kissed, when Sam found out about his kid, etc, was a little confusing. I don’t really understand why finding out he has a son made Sam stop responding to Mack.

A lot of the conflict felt a bit overblown at parts, especially between Serena and Mack. I don’t fully understand why Serena didn’t just tell the others her issue from the beginning, beyond a very surface-level “oh she was ashamed”. I mean, yeah, I get feeling ashamed, but it felt like everyone was just making the worst choices, which was a little annoying.

And the final scene at the showcase was really fun, but I did have to hang on to my suspension of disbelief with a white-knuckled grip there, because really? Mack’s playing multiple songs with totally new arrangements for the very first time, and it’s all perfect?? Her band mates come up and harmonize perfectly with her even though it’s the first time they’re doing this?? Sam comes up and they do a brand new song together with no practice at all??!?? It was all just a bit too much.

My suspension of disbelief was also sorely tested by the scene where Sam claims his six year old son is totally still for 3 whole minutes for the first time ever while listening to a voice memo of his dad trying out a song to an acoustic guitar. Don’t get me wrong, I can totally see a little kid loving pop anthems and punk rock jams. But acoustic guitar ballad type song? Hmm.

Anyway, yeah, besides those issues, I still think this is a good book. Definitely recommend for anyone who loved enemies-to-lovers..

3 stars ⭐️. A cute romance with a good pretense. I struggled to get into it at the beginning (took until about 35-40%). I felt that there were a lot of small side plots going on that sometimes felt rushed to get through but overall I still enjoyed the book.

Sam and Mackenzie have a past from their years on tour together… as rival bands.
After both bands ending and moving on with there life the star crossed *not* lovers find that the only option they have to get back into the world of music is to duet together.
Both are determined to not get tangled up with one another but with the looming idea that their dreams are over, they give it a go but they have rules. No touching, no teasing, and no love songs. As time goes on the rules start to change as the feelings grow and they get lost what it all means.
Over the course of the book we get front road seats to them learning how handle their blooming feelings. We get to see their fun banter back and forth and how effortlessly they become one with each other.

For The Record by Emma Lord

3.5 Stars Rounded Up to 4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you Net Galley and St Martin’s Press for this ARC📖

This was my first Emma Lord book and I was super excited about it! There have been a few of hers on my TBR that I haven’t gotten to yet so this was a perfect introduction.

In this Enemies to Lovers/Second Chance romance we’re introduced to beloved pop star, Mackenzie Waters and punk rocker, Sam Blaze. The two are no strangers to one another as they’ve grown up on stage in their respective bands captivating audiences with their talent and tension. Eventually, their bands fall apart but years later they find themselves having to work as a duo if they want a second chance at stardom.

One of the things I loved most about this book is how evident Mack and Sam’s chemistry was from the very beginning. Watching their love story unfold throughout the many challenges gave me a warm fuzzy feeling I always love in a romance. That being said, some of the music industry challenges that the book brought up almost seemed distracting? I appreciate what she was trying to do and totally understand how it was relevant when it involved Mackenzie/Sam…but the whole storyline relating to prior bandmates and their openers seemed unnecessary. I would’ve rather had more focus on Mackenzie/Sam and their character development.

Overall, this was definitely a cute & sweet romance read. Although this was my first Emma Lord novel I’ll definitely be looking to read more by her in the future. Keep your eyes out for ‘For The Record’ set to be published August 12th 2025 🎶🎤🎼🤩

I love second chance romances, and this book did not disappoint. Emma Lord has become one of my favorites so I was very excited to get my hand on For the Record. It was a great story, but I wish it was a bit “steamier.” I found myself completely emotional at the end which is a sign that it’s a great book!

I really liked this book. It's a storyline that seems to be popping up everywhere lately about a singer finding love, but I thought this was unique but realistic take on it. The characters & setting were believable and there wasn't a lot of angst about will they, won't they. There is swearing & 1 sex scene in case you or aren't into those things. Overall, a solid 3.5-4 star romance. I look forward to finding more from this author to read.

First just want to say thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc. I was really looking forward to this since I’ve enjoyed a lot of other Emma Lord books in the past. Unfortunately this was a miss for me. I struggled to get into it, then struggled to stick with it and push through it. I felt that the characters were very immature, and honestly acted very teenager ish. The whole continued use of tick tunes really was annoying. Again, leaning on the idea of it felt very immature. Being that Emma has written several YA novels, I feel this would’ve been better geared toward a younger crowd. Someone compared this to Daisy Jones & the Six and no. Just no. The plot was lacking, pacing was not great. It was unfortunately one I did not enjoy.

Unfortunately, I just don't think this book was for me. I liked the premise, but I didn't connect well with the characters. I did end up DNFing this at 50%, but to no fault of the author.

This book is exactly what it claims to be. Sam's story was a lot more compelling thank Mackenzie's whose felt a bit contrived. it satisfied, but didn't stretch any bands of story telling.

thanks to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for the eARC.

Mackenzie Waters and Sam Blaze are musicians whose careers were intertwined in a fake feud designed to build tension and drama for their fans.
Despite the playful rivalry, their undeniable chemistry simmered beneath the surface. Sam's relentless teasing and Mackenzie's tendency to choose the wrong guy created a bittersweet dynamic between them and unresolved feelings. They couldn't quite define what they were to each other—more than friends, yet never more than that.

Their lives took separate paths after their bands broke up but when fate brings them together again, their music label sees an opportunity to rekindle the spark by pairing them as a duo. Time has changed them, molding them into very different people. As they write songs together, they work through their past and quickly realize they’ve always wanted more with one another.

I really enjoyed this story. I loved that Sam affectionately calls Mackenzie “Sparkles” because she always used to wear a bright wardrobe and lots of glitter. Their chemistry was so sweet. They were both a little hesitant and unsure of themselves when they first began spending time together and were trying to figure out how to navigate their feelings. The weight of their shared history added layers to their relationship, and I really enjoyed the story as they worked through old wounds to grow closer. It felt so satisfying when they could no longer deny their chemistry and the love they had for one another.

The author did an excellent job weaving in some complex side stories and creating a solid backstory leading up to the novels present day. She built up the anticipation between Sam and Mackenzie that so could feel it through the pages. I was so invested in their story. I loved this book. I highly recommend it! It’s the perfect mix of a love story with a little steaminess to keep it extra interesting.

Really enjoyed this second chance romance! Emma did a great job of giving us all the first romance information, all while building up a great second romance. I couldn’t put this one down!

I really wanted to love this. The premise sounded great but the storyline and writing fell flat. The pacing and timelines were a bit confusing. The story would made more of an impact for me if there was chapters dedicated to what happened in the past. Sam and Mack had some moments and fun banter however I was left feeling disconnected emotionally. The push by the label for their duet felt forced and unrealistic. The band and music related content also just left me cringing. I kept imagining Disney Camp Rock rather than Daisy Jones.

If you’re looking for a music driven, quick read you may enjoy this one how you may want to skip if you want more of an emotional read.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the e-ARC.

I loved “For the Record.” It was easy to jump right into the story of Mack and Sam, 2 friendly “rival” musicians who secretly have had feelings for each other for a long time. This book has the perfect amount of rom-com-ness. Just a heads up, it isn’t a YA book like some of Emma Lord’s other books, in my opinion. #netgalley #fortherecord

This was my first Emma Lord book but definitely not my last. This book has you hooked from the first page I love the strong friendships in this book as well as the second chance romance. This story features MacKenzie and Sam who were in different bands who toured together a few years prior. Sam finds out he has a son and is navigating fatherhood and co parenting. Mack had a health issue that changed her voice and she is trying to rediscover herself. Their agents propose that they write and perform new music together. This story is told from both Sam and MacKenzie’s perspectives both past and present. It was a feel good heartwarming story that made me smile laugh and cry while reading. If you want a hooked from the first page easy read then I recommend For The Record by Emma Lord.

Thank you Netgalley and St. Martins Press for the ARC copy

2.5 stars rounded up to 3

I think it's time I just admit that I've out-grown Emma Lord. This book had no sparkle or, honestly, any life to it at all.

I was looking forward to witty dialogue and a compelling story. Instead, the dialogue could have come from any booktok popular book written in the last two years. The entire plot could have been resolved in about 20 pages if the characters just talked to each other. Seriously. Mack, our FMC, just needs to actually talk to people instead of waiting for the right moment.

Speaking of the plot, it's just a disaster. There's about 5 different plots going on and Lord does not manage to make these converge at all. This book would have benefited from some serious editing and revising - the plot definitely needed to be tightened, and honestly, at least one of the plot lines should have just been dropped.

The characters aren't horrible (besides their complete inability to talk to each other), but there's nothing special there. Sam, our MMC, calls Mack "Sparkles," but nothing about her personality is sparkling. I feel like any of these characters could have been replaced by a rock (or a different character from an entirely different book), and no one would have noticed the difference.

I used to love Emma Lord. She was an insta-buy for me. However, this and her last adult novel were just disappointments. I think it's time for me to move on.

Emma Lord delivers another heartwarming YA novel with For The Record, a story filled with music, self-discovery, and all the signature charm her readers love!

🎶This novel is perfect for fans of a musical romance such as Daisy Jones & The Six. Two old rivals who once toured together with thier respective rock & roll groups, come together to create music as a duet while focusing on self-identity and healing from the past. As the reader gets further along, the enemies to lovers trope become prominent.
The storyline is entwined with the protagonist Mackenzie, and her lifelong friendships with old bandmates, sprinkling in a found family trope.

What I Loved:
🎶Compelling Charcter Growth: Both Mackenzie and Sam’s journey’s of self-identity are relatable and inspiring.
🎶Music Industry Setting: Lord captures the highs and lows of fame in a way that feels authentic & fresh.
🎶Romance and Friendship: A sweet, slow burn romance and strong friendships that make this a well rounded story.

🎶Minor Critique: At times, the pacing slows a bit in the middle, but the emotional payoff at the end is worth it.

Emma Lord does it again! For The Record is a must read for music lovers, dreamers, and anyone finding thier own voice 🎤✨

⭐️THANK YOU SO MUCH NetGalley & St. Martin’s Press for this amazing ARC! ⭐️

I've always been a sucker for a good second chance romance, and this one was great! A fun, quick, easy to read story that had me finishing this one in no time! Mackenzie and Sam were entertaining main characters and I enjoyed getting to know them and hearing all their banter. Told from dual POV, which I love! If you are looking for a quick, fun read, pick this one up! Thank you St. Martin's Press for early access to this book in exchange for my honest review!