For The Record by Emma Lord
Genre(s): Romance
Release Date: August 12th, 2025
Genre(s): Romance
Release Date: August 12th, 2025
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Pages: 320
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: Steamy 🌶️🌶️
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: Steamy 🌶️🌶️
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. I chose it because I was looking for a really good love story and this did not disappoint.
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. I chose it because I was looking for a really good love story and this did not disappoint.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read this advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion and review.
