For the Record by Emma Lord (August 12, 2025) Thank you, @macmillan.audio and @youhadmeathea for the #gifted advanced listening copy of this book that is now definitely my favorite rock star romance! #macaudio2025
Pop princess Mackenzie Waters and punk rock frontman Sam Blaze clashed on stage as their bands performed together to the delight of audiences, but off stage their dynamic was different. A simmering attraction, a begrudging respect for each other’s songwriting. And there was ALMOST something more – until everything changed. Its now 2 years later and Sam has transformed his life to focus on racing a son he never knew he had while Mac has been out of the spotlight after a surgery that changed her voice. But now they have a unique opportunity to write a joint album. The fans are thrilled, the record company is thrilled. They just need to put aside their past rivalry and find a way to work together. And then all they left on the table in the past comes back and there may be something bigger than the songs they are writing between them.
For the Record is more than a second chance romance – it’s a moving exploration of grief, healing, reinvention, and the power of vulnerability. There’s found family, heartbreak, redemption, and the kind of slow-burn, we-should-hate-each-other-but-we-don’t chemistry that will have your heart racing. I really loved the complexity of this story – both Sam and Mac have so much they are dealing with and wonderful arcs to get to their HEA. There is an intense focus on found family, how our parents let us down, how hiding from our truths doesn’t make them go away, and that risking your heart can sometimes be what makes you whole. It was also just an incredibly fun read!
🎧 Audiobook Thoughts 🎧 Andrew Eiden and Jesse Vilinsky are absolute fire in this dual narration book! It is the kind of audio experience you just MELT into. The emotional depth, the banter, the longing – it’s all there. This is one of those audiobooks that completely pulls you in and doesn’t let go. I really loved it. (9h 55m)
⭐Book: 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫
🎧 Audio: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🔥 Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Book Smart Kate 