From the beginning I was obsessed with the characters. Honestly, I thought the whole band thing would be a con for me, but I ended up liking the dynamic a lot. The back and forth between the main characters was incredible. I loved that they had a past & that we were able to see into it as the book went along. This is such an easy, fun read and the perfect rom com to read in a day! The ending was fantastic and the epilogue was a great way to tie up the story.

I also really enjoyed the side characters and how they were brought into this to show other aspects of the main characters' lives. Not only were they dealing with their careers and romantic relationship, they also had friends and family that they were balancing relationships with. That added a dynamic to this book that I really liked.

There were a few tears shed, which makes me love a book even more. Will 100% recommend this book! + the cover is so so good!

Ok was very excited for this one based on the blurb!! It definitely drew me in and I needed to keep reading. I finished it in one sitting! I loved the vibe of being old pop stars together with the tension they created for the public eye (but really it was real too). I loved how their love story played out. There were some cheesy things that were distracting (the snapchat/tiktok app she was posting music on) and the drama that came from it. The conflict was all blah to me but I'm glad it didn't really get in the way of their relationship.

Mackenzie Waters and Sam Blaze are both in famous bands and have a pretty “historic” rivalry. Years after they’ve returned to normal life, their labels suggest a way to return on the music scene but, this time, as a duo.

With each song they co-author, they learn something new about the other that makes them realize they never gave real friendship a chance. They didn’t know each other back then, but now, through the vulnerability and transparency, the real Mack and Sam have a chance to come out. No need to be scared—the water’s fine.

As a millennial who exclusively listened to punk rock music in high school, this is how I imagined our protagonists:
Mackenzie was somewhere between Avril Lavigne circa 2007 with the pink streaks in her blonde hair and Margot Robbie’s aesthetic in the Barbie movie. Some moments between Thunder Hearts reminded me of the Cheetah Girls too. I’m a girl’s girl, so if you give me GIRLHOOD, I am sat. I loved the storyline of the girls and their musical career!
Why did Sam remind me of Captain Hook from Once Upon a Time? It’s the charm and the ease and the cockiness that then turns into a really sweet, tender admiration for Mack. I love that he didn’t waver and knew what he wanted. There was only forward with him—no steps back! His honesty and transparency shined through the whole book. I love how clear he was—he didn’t play games.

This book is filled with:
⚡️ a smooth, former punk-rocker MMC
💖 a glittery pop-princess FMC
🧁 hilarious dessert abominations
✨ secret identities and sparkly outfits
🎸 a “Music and Lyrics” collab songwriting vibe
💖 enemies to lovers and second chances
🎶 a glimpse into the music world
❤️‍🔥 found family and emotionally-mature conversations
🪩 lower stress and super cute ending

While this trope isn’t one that I always reach for, I have been nothing but impressed with Emma Lord’s writing. This book wasn’t stressful and was just the perfect amount of “running away from reality” for me. Mack and Sam felt like they were made for each other and once they understood who the other was, their love instantly bloomed. Emma Lord paced their growth as a couple—but also as individuals—in a beautiful way.

I love that it was set in New York City, the magical place where former band members can own a bar and host runway shows. I loved imagining the buildings and city streets and the walks down the block. It made me nostalgic for city life!

Thanks to NetGalley and Rivka Holler with St. Martin’s Press for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I loved this newest book by Emma Lord!! It’s a sweet romance novel told with alternating chapters between the main characters Mackenzie and Sam. As their story unfolds, parts of their history are slowly revealed, allowing the reader to understand things that Mack and Sam don’t yet see for themselves.

There are multiple themes woven in involving family, friendship, and the complexities of the music business. The main theme is finding oneself and being true to your heart.

There weren’t as many descriptions of decadent foods incorporated into this novel, but Ben’s creations were entertaining.

Thank you to #NetGalley and #St.Martin’sPress for an eARC of #FortheRecord by #EmmaLord - 5 stars - unputdownable

This was good. The plot was fun and a cute second chance romance. It would make a good summer read. I liked the girl band background, and if you like celeb romances, you’ll enjoy this

Loved this book! Musical rivals , second chance, found family and yearning what else do you need 😩Emma Lord always does a great job at writing characters with substance will giving you all the feels and just enough spice.

There was a lot I liked about this book, especially in the first half. Mackenzie and Sam, the main characters, have interesting backstories that don’t feel rehashed. I often find myself not paying a lot of attention to or caring about side characters, so I was impressed with how this book really made almost all of them distinct, memorable, and relevant to the plot. The writing was good, but it feels like the book could do with quite a bit more editing. My biggest issue with the book is that the Serena/Rocket/Tick Tune plotline felt superfluous - the main relationship and the character development would work just as well if it was omitted or significantly reduced.

This cute rom-com follows two musicians as they rekindle their prior romance. With strong character development and awesome side characters, the story is a fun read. Absolutely loved the banter and chemistry between our main leads! This book touches on a couple of serious topics delicately, which Emma Lord handles exceptionally well in all her books. As always, I can't wait to listen to the audiobook!

Ruby, doesn't he love? She's okay, being by yourself, running her bookstore with her bestie and taking care of neighborhood star cat sampson rubies, roommate Sam and best friends, sense school dance. Unfortunately, believes in true love and believes in having a partner believes in the Fairytale. She uh unknowing to ruby signs them up for a singles cruise imagine rubies feelings when she gets on the boat and realizes what's going on forced to engage in the singles activities or deal with the lecturerous men on her own. And she goes all in and meets cameron, and they began a fake relationship, so they can get out of the singles nonsense they have a lot of missteps, and a lot of things calamity, that ensues, when in port and on the ship, in the end can Ruby let go of her past and her fears a d take the happiness or will she stay true to her belief she's okay alone, it was very cute.I enjoyed it definitely recommend. A very fun romcom

*** the main characters in the novel are from England not a big deal. But I like to know that when I'm going to read a book just because yeah, I can get ready for the slang and the different types of words that are used. So just uh, heads up.The main characters are from England

Thank you, net galley for the arc in exchange for an honest review

Two prior artist who have deep rivals, or so everyone is made to think.

Mackenzie and Sam have toured and played together for year as their bands were made to look like big rivals in the public eye.. After taking a break from the scene for a bit both have decided that they would like to jump back into the fray but not with their prior bands. As they write their new songs emotions from before start to come to the surface for the two stars. Little do the two know that their prior feelings will affect their current ones and the future of their careers.

Mackenzie and Sam are rivals with their respective bands.... Their band falls apart and they move on with their separate lives.... They decide to revive their careers together with a joint album two yrs later....

Love the sass... so much fun and humour. Enjoy their chemistry too. The banter is top-notched. So many LOL scenes. A fun romance.

Thanks to the publisher for the arc.

Give me all of Emma Lord’s Books! This might be my favorite book yet. Honestly I don’t think there’s a book that I haven’t loved but this one is probably my favorite. Rivalry, music, love. Give me it all. Yes please!

OK I actually loved this one! This was my first read by Emma Lord and I'm looking forward to reading more! This book was cute, funny, romantic and had just a touch of spice! Can't wait to read more books by this author! Thank you NetGalley for my ARC! 4 stars!

"For the Record" by Emma Lord is a charming and heartwarming YA romance. It follows Natalie, a high school journalist with big dreams, as she navigates first love, demanding editors, and the complexities of staying true to herself. Lord's writing is witty and engaging, and the characters are relatable and endearing. It's a delightful read perfect for anyone who enjoys a sweet and funny story with a touch of journalistic flair.

This book was a total winner. Mackenzie and Sam's chemistry is undeniable, and their emotional journey together is beautifully written. The supporting characters, especially Ben, add humor and heart, with moments like the hilarious Christmas underwear scene standing out. The growth of both their personal and musical lives is wonderfully done, and the music element brings an extra layer of depth to the story. The banter is spot-on, keeping the tone light while still diving into the heavier themes. No third-act breakup here—just a realistic, satisfying resolution. A perfect 5-star romance with humor, heart, and some seriously touching moments.

For the Record is a fun romance with a clever premise of two successful musicians rekindling a spark from several years earlier. Mackenzie and Sam made a sweet couple, with plenty of clever banter, and the book had enough character development (including addressing some serious topics) to make it a satisfying read. There was a delightful array of side characters, with their own charms and quirks. I appreciated that while the book had plenty of ups and downs, there was no formulaic third act breakup. While I felt this was an enjoyable read, I'm not sure it had the "wow" factor for me personally.

This book was EVERYTHING. 5 stars from start to finish.

The story picks up with Mackenzie and Sam two years after their band careers, and watching their personal and musical growth is simply beautiful. The way they navigate their past hurts, misunderstandings, traumas, and fears is so raw and real. Their rivalry evolves into something more, and the dual POV makes the mutual pining absolutely delicious.

Music plays a central role in this book, which enhances the emotional impact. They write songs together at their old haunts and seeing how they view each other through the lens of their music is beautiful. I really enjoyed that there wasn't a third act breakup - there’s a hiccup, but it feels realistic and manageable, leaving you confident that they can work through it.

And finally - the BANTER in this book? Epic. It kept moments lighthearted and genuinely funny at times (like the christmas underwear experiment). Sam and Ben’s relationship is so heartwarming, and Ben’s wild food creations/abominations were the best. How could you not love this book?

Thank you Netgalley and St Martin's Press for the advanced review copy.

What a pleasure this was to read! This was my first book by Emma Lord and definitely will not be my last.

Must read if you enjoy:
***Second chance romance
*** Rockstar romance
*** Miscommunication trope
*** Music industry
*** Dual POV

Mack and Sam have a chance at a second chance romance, and the chemistry is off the charts. I loved this novel! The premise, the swoon worthy moments, the backstory. Just loved it.

Definitely a must read!

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC of this novel; all opinions are my own.

This was a very heartfelt romance, but the comedic part didn't shine as much. While entertaining and humorous, it's a bit heavier with themes of health problems, parental abandonment, and some exploitative business practices pushing this more toward the romance than rom-com space. I loved the dynamic between Sam and Mackenzie, but I also really loved the relationship Mackenzie has with Hannah and that Sam has with Lizzie and Ben.

The history between Mackenzie and Sam is well fleshed out and sprinkled in over the course of the book rather than a big information dump to start the book.

The conflict made sense and was believable and the relationship that unfolded between Mackenzie and Sam was just so, so tender. Read this if you want a swoony musical celebrity romance.

This is a story about Mackenzie and Sam. They are former pop and rock stars who want to make a comeback after two years. They were in “rival” music groups when younger, but their managers want them to make a duet, to play their rivalry. The thing is, Mackenzie and Sam once caused each other heartbreak. Working through this while trying to maintain a professionnal façade might be harder than they think.

I liked the pop/rock stars aspects of the book, how popularity was not romanticized, the drama behind music groups breaking apart and the friendships. However, I did not like that Mackenzie and Sam’s attraction was so much noticeable at the beginning because it made the love story seem too easy. Not that it was not cute, it was just too insta-lovey which I did not like. I would have liked their story to be slower, making the characters realize their attraction is still there after a while, not the first time they see each other.

I would recommend this book to people who like fast-paced love stories mixed with celebrity drama.

Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book.