For the Record: A Novel by Emma Lord
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
**3.5-stars rounded up**
For the Record is a 2nd-Chance Adult Romance from beloved author, Emma Lord, following a former Pop Princess, Mackenzie Waters, and Punk Rocker, Sam Blaze.
Their bands used to work together on some collaborative endeavors. Part of the schtick was that Mackenzie and Sam were opposites and rivals, but there was no denying the chemistry, both off and on-stage.
Just as things were starting to progress into new territory for them though, both of their bands fell apart and they went their separate ways. Now, 2-years later, both are dealing with fairly heavy real life issues that have kept them out of the music scene.
Mackenzie is dealing with some postoperative changes to her voice, trying to find a path for her new sound, and Sam is working through successfully coparenting his young son.
Needless to say, both of them have a lot on their plate, but when they run into each other in NYC, the old sparks, and also grievances, reignite and with them, opportunity.
A comeback is pitched. A potential joint album, but will they be able to put the past behind them and learn to work together, or will old insecurities and frustrations keep them from rising to the task?
For the most part, I really enjoyed my time with For the Record. I felt both MCs were very well developed and I enjoyed both of them and their personalities equally. I also appreciated that we did get both of their perspectives.
While I could have used a bit more drama, I do always enjoy stories featuring music and musicians, so this definitely worked for me in that regard.
A bit Tay Tay-inspired, mayhaps…
Emma Lord is one of my go-to Contemporary authors, both in the YA and Adult space. I love the way she writes budding relationships, and the banter is always so good.
Mackenzie and Sam were both super likable. Additionally, the issues they were going through made them sympathetic. They were easy to relate to and I did enjoy watching their 2nd-chance play out.
Though not my favorite from this author, and I’m not sure how memorable it will be for me long-term, it was still really cute and I’m glad that I picked it up. I would def recommend it to other Emma Lord fans, and to people who enjoy reading about musicians, or celebrities.
Thank you, St. Martin’s Griffin and Macmillan Audio, for providing me copies to read and review. I’ll read anything Emma Lord writes. I hope she never stops!
