I loved this book so much. 1st time reading Julie Soto this was a really good romance. The main characters were likeable. It was really different. Im never read any other romances where the mcs were classical musicians. Rivals to lovers is a favorite trope od mine as well

Heartfelt and intense, this story follows two prodigy musicians facing the struggles of finding their actual identity beyond their instruments. It tells a deep story with a fulfilling ending.

The perfect read. A sweet, sexy, grumpy and complicated story of family and music and romance. I loved how well these characters are written and how beautifully their romance is handled. Another great read from Julie Soto.

I loved this story so much! The romance was amazing and the characters chemistry was off the charts. I loved the music incorporated into the story as well. Thank you for allowing me to read in advanced

Wow, wow, wow. I haven't read many romances written as well as this one. I don't read fanfic and I'm so glad I didn't read THIS as fanfic. The finished product is spectacular. One of the best books I've read all year—and I've read a lot of good books this year. What I'm looking for is passionate characters done in an intelligent way—not smutty, but mutual attraction and admiration. I really got that feeling here—in Alex's penetrating gaze, the way he taught Gwen to really feel the music and be swept away and soar with the intensity of it; the way she learned to let those higher level emotions touch upon her most primitive feelings—unfiltered—and it introduced her to new ways of thinking about it. It took Gwen a while to understand music as self-expression, not just a skill for making a living, but little by little she overcame that.

This was a really atmospheric story—the world building regarding music and orchestral culture was rich and perfectly described and her descriptions of the music performances were completely absorbing. I could actually hear the music in my brain as I read. So expertly done, and I know that few other authors could translate that onto the page the way Ms. Soto did.

I found this to be really enjoyable. I was pulled in from the start and never lost interest. The orchestra details were interesting and made me want to go see a performance.

I first read the ARC (Thanks Netgalley and Forever), then listened to the audiobook after release. The reread was just as good as the first time.

I absolutely loved this book by Julie Soto! Her writing style is so impressive. She had me completely entranced by the characters and the plot. It even inspired me to realize that it's never too late to learn a musical instrument. I especially loved how vividly she described the experience of music. Her attention to detail made the emotions behind the music feel so real. I highly recommend it!

I started this book very into it…and then lost interest. I couldn’t finish it. I tried. I got to 75% and just didn’t care at all.

I appreciate the musical aspects but it was so much I didn’t even care about the story anymore. I’m sorry. I adore this author but this wasn’t for me.

It's a late review for me as a read this book a couple of times already. I have a thing for books related to music and this one did not disappoint at all. Julie Soto is one of my all time favorite author, her style of writing is great, her characters are likable and interesting. I just got the audio version of the book and I can't wait to listen to it!

*I have to mention that I received an ARC for this book, so thank you NetGalley (I did purchase the audio version)!

This was such a unique take on a rivals to lovers romance! It was such a fun read and I LOVED these characters! Julie Soto’s fanfic to traditionally published pipeline is something that needs to be studied!

This line is everything you need to know about this book!

“Look I don’t know what you want from me, but ——“ “Anything.” Black eyes looked down on her, and he took a shaking breath. “Everything.” 😮‍💨😮‍💨😮‍💨

You’ll love this if you enjoy:
🎻 Rivals to Lovers
🎻 Violinist and Cellist
🎻 Workplace
🎻 Found Family

Not Another Love Song is ultimately a soaring, emotional melody of contemporary romance. It beautifully captures the intensity of two musical souls finding harmony in a world that often pits them against each other. With its strong characters, innovative setting, and memorable passion, this book isn’t merely a read—it’s an experience.

Perfect for fans of slow-burn romances, music-driven storytelling, and character-driven emotional arcs. Whether you’re a classical music lover or just love a story that sings, Julie Soto’s latest strikes all the right notes.

Loved this book. Enjoyed the musical aspects of it a lot. It was fun, cute, quick read. Can’t wait to see what else Julie comes out with!

Not Another Love Song is a fun, music-filled romance with a lot of chemistry and energy between the main characters. If you love stories where music plays a big role and enjoy emotional highs, this book could be a great pick. But if you're into slower, more emotional builds, or want more realistic musical details and a deeper resolution to the conflict, this one might not hit the mark for you.

Orchestra string instruments always seemed conservative and er, boring?…until now. Who knew a cello and violin could be so sexy and spicy? An enemies-to-lovers romance, Gwen and Xander fight their attraction as they compete for first chair. Their chemistry is undeniable and then banter limitless. There definitely was a great build-up to their “moment” that kept my interest in this slow burn romance.

Not Another Love Song by Julie Soto
📖 Genres: Contemporary Romance, Enemies to Lovers, Music Fiction
“It wasn’t just a duet. It was a battle, a confession, a love story in every note.”
Julie Soto has done it again—Not Another Love Song is an absolute symphony of slow-burn tension, heartfelt vulnerability, and electric chemistry. If you're into rivals-to-lovers with intense creative energy and just enough spice to make your heart race, this one is for you.
Gwen Jackson is a self-taught violinist with something to prove. Xander Thorne is a grumpy, world-famous cellist with the kind of attitude that makes you want to slap him and kiss him. Their clashing styles create friction from the first rehearsal, but it’s the kind of friction that builds... and builds... until you’re practically begging them to admit what’s been brewing all along.
Soto blends humor, heat, and musical passion in a way that feels fresh and cinematic. The behind-the-scenes look at the orchestra world was fascinating, and the musical metaphors throughout? Chef’s kiss. 🎶
It’s giving Ali Hazelwood with instruments, a little Abby Jimenez heart, and a whole lot of swoony moments that made me hug the book when I was done. Gwen and Xander's story feels like falling in love to your favorite song—unexpected, a little messy, and unforgettable.
✔️ Grumpy/sunshine
✔️ Rivals-to-lovers
✔️ Forced collaboration
✔️ Musical genius + emotional healing
✔️ Angst with payoff
✨ Favorite Quote:
"Sometimes the most beautiful pieces are the ones that start off out of sync."
Highly recommend for fans of Christina Lauren, Tessa Bailey, and anyone who thinks music and love are the perfect duet. 🎻💘

This did, in fact, sit on my tbr for wayyyyy too long.

The way music played a role in this was so interesting and really made the story itself stand out. I do think this fell a little into the rut of “we found sex and now we do that always”, but it did manage to pull itself out of that hole (pun intended).

I like Gwen and Alex together, and I really liked the growth they had together, especially towards the end. I liked how they were both adults that had worked through some things, but not absolutely everything, since it made them feel much more realistic.

The cameos!! From Forget Me Not!!! Love a cameo, felt very Ali Hazelwood in the way they were just there with no fanfare.

Thank you to Forever and Netgalley for the advanced copy! (sorry it took me so long)

4.5/5.
I really loved this book. I love the MMC and the MFC. They were definitely stupid at times but sometimes it just happens that way. I loved their connection and I loveddd how his tattoos were apart of the book. I’d definitely recommend this story to anyone who loves complicated enemies to work friends to lovers/anything along those lines

This book is one of my long overdue ARCs from when I moved. I read half of this on audio and the other half on my kindle. It was so good!! Gwen and Xander are musicians at a Pops Orchestra. Only Xander doesn’t realize this when he runs in to Gwen when she is performing at his friend’s wedding. And it doesn’t help that he is critical of her performance.

Later on, Gwen is offered First Chair of the orchestra, which is a position Xander had his eye on too…kicking off the rivals to lovers scenario. These two have such good chemistry. As they get to know each other we learn of overlap between their worlds. And I love that she calls him Alex.

I really enjoyed this book and am annoyed that our move put me behind on reading this. It was so good! This is a stand alone book but we do get to see the characters from Forget Me Not in this one.

Read this if you enjoy:
🎻 Grumpy x Sunshine
🎻 Rivals to Lovers
🎻 He falls first
🎻 Open Door Romance

Gwen and Xander “Alex” were both string players, and they both wanted first chair in Pops Orchestra. When Gwen was chosen, Xander was not pleased, and he made sure Gwen knew it.

This had a bit of enemies to lovers in it, though Gwen never really hated Xander. And honestly, he never truly hated her either.

When they spent more time together, Xander fell hard and fast. He was still grumpy, but he had a soft side. And the chemistry between them was so strong, especially when they were making music together.

There was angst, drama, and even some heartache. But this was a beautiful story, and I enjoyed it.

Thanks to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The tension in this !? Yeah I ate this book UP. I loved the characters, I loved the story. I would’ve loved even more if I’m being honest.