For the Record by Emma Lord was such a delightful story about second chances. I loved the fact that it incorporated several relevant topics including the music industry and social media and built a love story around them.

The connection between Mackenzie and Sam was so special. Seeing them work together and the care they had towards each other made my heart happy. I also loved Sam’s son. What a perfect addition to the cast of characters as he brings a little more depth (and smiles) to the story.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio for the ALC of this book. Narrators Andrew Eiden and Jesse Vilinsky did a fabulous job of bringing the characters to life. This was a fun and cozy listen.

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audiob for this ALC.

Andrew Eiden is great to listen to as Sam. Jesse Vilinsky, who I usually adore just fell flat to my ears in her role as Mackenzie.

I was enjoying the food mentions, as Emma Lord is known to feature. I just could not finish the story and DNF’d at 50%. (I dislike DNFing with my entire heart)

For the Record 🎤🎙️🎶🎸
2.5 ⭐️
3🌶️

Thank you so much to SMP for the chance to read and listen to these advanced copies!

This book is like if a Taylor Swift fan and an AO3 writer had a baby, and I think that can say a lot about who would enjoy this book. It’s pretty clear that the FMC has a Taylor Swift vibe, and the MMC was giving Harry Styles at certain points. This entire book reads like fan fiction, except I read better fan fiction in middle school on my Chromebook.

The characters felt very two-dimensional despite their personal struggles and character development arcs, and I didn’t really feel a connection to either. I felt like they didn’t really work together, and that there wasn’t really any real chemistry between their characters. The spice in this book felt performative in the sense that it needed to be “added to be an adult romance” versus just following a natural relationship progression.

I really liked the premise of this book, and it is what initially drew me in. I saw it being compared to Daisy Jones & The Six, and that it was “for fans of Emily Henry” but it fell completely flat up against those skyscraper level of expectations. I am a fan of Emma Lord’s previous works, and For the Record won’t keep me from continuing to read her books, but it definitely is at the bottom of my list when it comes to favorites by her.

I did a dynamic read of partial e-book and partial audio, and I really enjoyed the chapters narrated by the female voice. The male voice kind of threw me off, and it felt like it didn’t fit. I know that these are split POV chapters, so a duet makes the most sense, but it felt disjointed to listen to and didn’t allow for a fully-encompassing experience.

I received this as an ARC and this was such a good audiobook. MacKenzie and Sam are everything together. Both were a part of popular musical groups who spent a lot of time together. Years have passed and both have changed until they reconnect and start working together again. The angst, the slow burn, and the second chance romance…this had a little bit of everything in it. The narrators did an amazing job conveying the emotions of both characters. I highly recommend!

Thank you to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio and Emma Lord for the opportunity to listen to this advanced copy.

This is the second Emma Lord book I have read, and I must admit, I struggled to get through it. I attempted to read it, and DNF'ed at 30%. Then, I listened to the audiobook and was able to get through it, but couldn't wait for it to be over so I could move on to another book that was more interesting. I am usually a positive reviewer, but I just had a hard time with this title...

The book is well-written. I think my personal issue was I didn't find the characters very interesting and I felt like the plot moved very slowly. One of the most interesting plot details to me was Sam's relationship with his father. I didn't entirely understand the Tic Tunes plotline or the fight between Mackenzie and Sabrina.

I like both of these narrators and have listened to them before, but I don't know that they "matched" well as a couple. The Sam character came across as much older than the Mackenzie character based on their voices.

Despite enjoying the other Lord title I've read, "The Break Up Pact", and having all of her other titles on my TBR, she might just not be the author for me. I won't give up on her other titles, but I don't think I will return to "For the Record."

I was lucky to be gifted with an early release of the audio. I loved Emma’s writing style, this was the first book I’ve read of Emma Lord. The audio of the characters were really well matched to what I was picturing they would sound like.

The story had me the entire time, I loved the little bits of the back story and the love story throughout was super sweet. Would recommend this book to anyone, seriously you don’t want to miss out!

2.75⭐️ mackenzie and sam had some cute moments, but it was very hit or miss for me and felt very rushed. outside of their relationship, i really liked the plot surrounding seven. it connected to multiple characters in different ways, both positively and negatively. i feel like with the themes and reasoning behind some things, it was supposed to be a little more emotional than how i took it but it was very flat so i wasn't able to connect with it as much. the conflict with serena could have also been done a little better at times, but i did really like their resolution!

the narrators for this were chosen very well, they were very fitting for the characters! they easily became mackenzie and sam and brought them to life!

This book was a fun and relatively lighthearted romance based in the music world. Mack is a pop princess, but with a bit of edge in comparison to her two former band mates. Sam is a punk rocker and their bands had built up a tension/teasing vibe while touring before both brands broke up. Sam went to take care of his son he had just learned about and Mack later had to get vocal surgery, changing her singing voice. I really loved seeing the parenting vibe with Sam and how the co-parenting arrangement was set up. Hearing about his party days felt like it was throwing him into a major stereotype and his personality could’ve been a bit more nuanced. Mack is interesting seeing how she’s really close with one former bandmate but somewhat distant from the other. Sam and Mack definitely have chemistry and I enjoyed seeing that come to the front of the story as it balanced their pasts and presents. The Tick Tune side of the story didn’t feel necessary and the Serena (I think?) storyline really took away from time that could’ve been spent developing Sam and Mack a bit more. The audiobook was nice but sometimes the narrator sped up out of the blue and then slowed down at other parts - their pacing could’ve been more consistent. Overall, it was still an enjoyable romance, even while being predictable. 4.25⭐️, 2🌶

Celebrity romance
Second chance
Frenemies to lovers
Dual POV
Spicy

Dual narration - Andrew Eiden & Jesse Vilinsky

Great narration! Loved their voices giving life to these characters.

Swoony, flirty, fun, and well written rom com. This was very enjoyable.
Really enjoyed this audiobook. I liked the writing style and it was very easy to follow and captivating. My first book by this author and I can say I will be looking forward to more.

For the Record was a cute book about former “rivals” becoming working partners and friends. I enjoyed reading about singers/song writers Sam and Mac and learning about their pasts. I did think some of the friend drama was a little drawn out and unnecessary, but the romance between the two main characters redeemed it! The narrators were outstanding and it was a quick and enjoyable listen.

𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁:

This is a fun frenemies to lovers romance for all the music lovers. It’s full of forced proximity, facing the past, secrets, friendships and writing songs. Truly a swoon worthy read! If you’re looking for fun, flirty, second chance with a dash of spice this one’s for you. I really enjoyed it.

𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬:

Mackenzie aka Mac was once a pop princess in a band with her two besties. Then a medical scare required her to get her thyroid removed and took her dream away. It’s been two years and her voice is not the same. A fun app that keeps your identity a secret has allowed her to post songs under the name Seven, and she shocked that she’s become popular again. This is a big secret to keep.

Sam was a rockstar in a punk rock band, then he found out he had a 4 year old son and life changed. It’s been two years and he’s trying to launch back into the industry as an acoustic artist. But the label won’t take a chance on him. Then he runs into Mac at a bar.

Mac and Sam were in bands that were portrayed as rivals and behind the scenes they had a real enemies vibe. But the fans always loved to ship them together, so a partnership now 2 years later would be the thing that could launch his new career. Now he just has to convince Mac to write an album with him.

𝙁𝙖𝙫 𝙌𝙪𝙤𝙩𝙚:

“I thought—that woman’s either gonna change my life, or end life as I know it.”

𝑳𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒓𝒚 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝒀𝒐𝒖’𝒍𝒍 𝑭𝒊𝒏𝒅:

* Popstar vs Punk RockStar
* Second Chance - Previously in Rival Bands
* Frenemies to Lovers
* Single Dad to a 6yr Old Son
* Steamy Swim Lesson
* Revealing Secrets
* Hashimoto’s Rep
* Female Friendships
* Dual POV w/ Spice

💜🎶🎤💜💛🎤🎶🎤💜💛🎤🎶💜

=

For the Record follows two famous musicians, Sam Blaze and Mackenzie Waters who were both a part of musical groups under the same label who toured together. This isn't quite within the enemies to lovers or friends to lovers tropes, because each of them are holding their feelings back but maintain a rivalry both on and off stage. Both of the bands fall apart, but Sam and Mack are forced back together by the record label to co-create an album a few years after to revive their careers. The CHEMISTRY! The TENSION! AGHHHH! I really loved it. There was so much heart between all of the characters.

I loved this one. Definitely in the vein of Emily Henry or TJR. Highly recommend if you are looking for a romance with some heart (and sparkles).

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the advance access to this book in exchange for my honest opinions.

For the Record by Emma Lord
Pub Date: 8/12/25
Format: audio
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

Thank you to St Martins Press and Netgalley for this advanced ebook in exchange for my honest review!

This is somehow the first book I’ve read by Emma Lord and it was fun! As a music lover and recovered band kid, I love a romance that revolves around the music scene. It provided a great backdrop for this contemporary romance!

I really enjoyed the first half of this book, but the second half just fell a little flat for me. There was a bit too much going on and it was just a little tough to stay engaged because I wasn’t sure which stakes were supposed to hold our attention or be our main priority. Was it Serena? Was it the music execs? Was it Sam and her romance with him? Her career? Her secret about being Seven?

I really did like the relationship between Mackenzie and Sam and thought this was a fun, quick read…but I think keeping it a bit more simple would have worked better for me.

All of that said, the audiobook was wonderful and the narrators did a great job. I would still recommend checking this one out!

I have been a fan of Emma Lord's work ever since Tweet Cute, which was the ultimate romcom! 

Two music stars in different industries cause a stir by joining forces. When things go awry, they lose touch. When they meet again two years later under very different circumstances, they can't deny the chemistry they have together. But will things work out this time?

I adored this book! The second chance romance between the two main characters was electric and it was easy to feel their connection through their banter and interactions. I was lucky enough to listen to the audio (which was extremely well done) while I read along with my ebook - one of the best ways to read! If you're after an easy to read and get lost in music romcom, definitely pick this one up.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
For the Record by Emma Lord completely wrecked me in the best way. This book is a full-on emotional rollercoaster — and I felt everything. The starting heartbreak, the tension of a past rivalry, the slow mending of friendships and relationships, the gut-punch heartbreak all over again, and finally, that healing moment where it all comes back together… it was perfection.

Emma Lord crafts a story that’s equal parts angsty and tender. Once the most notorious rivals in the music scene, pop princess Mackenzie Waters and punk rocker Sam Blaze had fans watching their every move. Their bands clashed on stage while their simmering off-stage tension turned into something real — until it all imploded. Fast forward two years, and Sam’s living a quieter life raising the son he didn’t know he had. Mackenzie’s trying to find her voice again after surgery, performing in secret under a different name. Their careers are stalled, their history is messy, and the solution? A joint comeback album. What could go wrong, right?

Andrew Eiden and Jesse Vilinsky bring Mackenzie and Sam to life with so much heart. I can’t imagine anyone else narrating this. The way they embody these characters — the rawness, the chemistry, the vulnerability — is unmatched. Every scene, every argument, every quiet moment hits that much harder because of them.

If you’re into second chances, complicated history, emotional healing, and a love story that sings, For the Record is one you’ll want to hit repeat on.

I really enjoyed this second chance romance, rivals to lovers story. Sam and Mackenzie's dynamic was fun and complex. I enjoyed their chemistry. I also really enjoyed the side characters, even Serena eventually grew on me. I listened to this as an audiobook and really enjoyed both narrators especially Teddy Hamilton but the woman narrator was fantastic as well. They both made it really entertaining to listen to.

I enjoyed this audiobook so much. I thought both the female and male narrators sounded exactly how I pictured the characters to talk. They both had nice voices that kept me intrigued in the story. This follows Mackenzie and Sam who used to be rival musicians. Mackenzie was the pop princess while Sam was a rockstar. After a hiatus happens they must come together to make a joint album.

For the Record was such a fun and light second chance romance. I love a good rockstar romance, and this one checked all the boxes for me. The main characters were lovable, and their chemistry was palpable from start to finish.

Having some knowledge of the music industry myself, I found it fascinating to read about the intricacies and struggles that musicians face when releasing music. Emma Lord approached these topics with authenticity and described them so well, adding depth to the story without ever bogging down the romance.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and the narrators did a fantastic job of drawing the listener in and bringing the characters to life. If you’re looking for a sweet, entertaining romance with a glimpse into the music world, For the Record is definitely worth picking up.

Thank you NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and Emma Lord for granting me access to this ALC.

Honestly I normally do not like the second chance trope. But this is so great and how much working and growing they do in their own prior to getting together is perfect!

The narrators are 10/10

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC. Narrators: Andrew Eiden and Jesse Vilinksy.

An easy read for those that are into second chance romance/enemies to lovers vibes. Pop Musician Mackenzie Waters and rockstar Sam Blaze are both likable but also flawed. It's like the book tried to give us some depth and background, but it's still a very light / easy read. I'm a sucker for good banter, and these two have it.

Shoutout to whoever does Emma Lord's covers, because they just grab you and I honestly would pick up any of her books for that reason alone.