Julie Soto can write tension and longing and passion between two characters like no other, I swear. I loooooved Gwen and Alex together. They BELONG together. I know absolutely nothing about orchestra, so sometimes the descriptions felt drawn out and meaningless to me. I really knew next to nothing about the characters beyond their passion for music (and each other). We're given their backstories but EVERYTHING connects back to the violin/cello. But that one scene with the cello in Alex's home studio??? HOT HOT PIPING HOT. The third act conflict/breakup was silly. I feel like the conflict didn't have to break them up. I did thoroughly enjoy reading this book. Julie is very transparent about the fact that this is published fanfiction (as was her previous book, Forget Me Not). It feels original enough but you can definitely feel the fanfic roots. So this book obviously isn't for you if you consider fanfic ~lowbrow~ LOL (which I think is very narrowminded but whatever). I think if you enjoyed Forget Me Not, you'll also enjoy this book (there are some Ama Torres cameos!). It's written very similarly.

A big thanks to Forever and Julie Soto for the advanced copy of this book!

Oh hi Julie Soto. You changed my life with this book. It was actually incredible. Amazing. So good. So HOT!!!!!! The tension between the two of them had me actually biting my arm. Xander is a man down horrendously and I am LIVINGGGGG FOR IT! Like…… why was I searching up videos of men playing cello on YouTube at 9 in the morning reading this….

I was not anticipating to love it as much as I did, but I’m so happy I did. Honestly truly so good. I just can’t get over the chemistry between Gwen and Xander and the tension and just how much they both believed in each other? Idk this was just literally everything and more to me. Thank god for Julie Soto like fr. And thank god for the cello??????

4.5 ⭐️

Huge thank you to NetGalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review 💖

I absolutely adored this book! It took me quite a while to get through it, which normally means I'm bored and just pushing through for the sake of finishing. But that was not the case here! Even though it took me a while, I enjoyed every single second of it! Not to mention, even several days later, I actually remember what happened in the story and the characters and such (which doesn't happen often thanks to my book amnesia 😂)

I loved Forget Me Not, but Not Another Love Song really took the cake for me. The romance between Gwen and Xander was absolutely beautiful! The spicy scenes were well done, which was a nice change of pace from the amount of cringing I have been doing with other books as of late. I also really adored all of the side characters. This was a nice, refreshing breath of a story and I can't wait to see what Julie Soto has in store for us next.

I feel pretty similar to this one as I did about Forget Me Not: I don’t know if I can say this is ~good~, but I had a great time. Listen, it’s a predictable romance and there are a handful of things that I would have changed, but I don’t really care. The tension between of the two of them was so great and I just loved living in this world.

Julie Soto’s books remind of me of Ali Hazelwood, and in some ways this reminded me a bit of Check & Mate (if that book weren’t YA). Two people who live and breathe their shared passion and who are professional rivals (barely), plus a man who is immediately attracted to the FMC’s talent.

It doesn’t surprise me that Julie Soto is so open about this being fanfiction, but hey, I was into it.

Bury me with this book. That's it. That's the review.

Just kidding! Julie Soto truly knocked it out of the park with this one. It felt fresh, whimsical, and truly unique. Coupled with her beautiful writing and an intricate and well thought out storyline, I could not put this down. You'll read this and go through all the emotions. I laughed, I teared up, I giggled, my heart raced.

Now as for Gwen and Xander. The tension!!! The pining!!! The acts of service!!! The SPICE? These two were made for each other. AND she really ate with that cello scene, I'm not gonna lie.

Read if you love:
- slow burn
- rivals to lovers
- orchestra music
- tension
- pining
- found family

Also loved seeing some faces from Forget Me Not!!!

Thanks to Julie Soto, NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for this ARC!

“It’s simple really,” he said. “It’s about a cello who fell in love with a violin.”

Wow. I went into this book with high hopes because I had loved Julie Soto’s first book, Forget Me Not, with such a passion and guys…. She did NOT disappoint. LETS TALK ABOUT IT.

Not Another Love Song is about two musicians who have an enemies-to-lovers-esq arc and filled with music, life lessons, and delicious smut. As someone who had lived a life in music (former marching band player and lifelong dancer), I can attest that this is basically a musicians wet dream of a romance novel. The love between Xander/Alex & Gwen builds so beautifully & is so believable that I felt I was right there with them. Julie hit it out of the park with Not Another Love Song! Solid 5⭐️, 10/10 would recommend, definitely buying a physical copy for my trophy shelf.

First off, I would like to say thank you to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC. Secondly, I could NOT put this book down. I read it in just over 24 hours and the only reason it was not under 24 hours was because I fell asleep reading! I do not know how to play an instrument, but Julie’s writing and characters made me want to learn. The characters in this book are so beautifully and uniquely written, none fell flat and all had their own traits that made you love or hate them. The dynamic between the main characters was palpable off the page, and the SPICE was so well done. Again, I never have played an instrument, but how Julie wrote and described the musical aspects of the novel was so well done I felt like I could hear and see and feel all of it: the joy, anger, heartbreak, love, all the feels. Truthfully, this book took me a while to pick up because Forget Me Not did just not click with me. But I am so glad I picked up Not Another Love Song! I adore these characters and their loved ones, and will be continuing this series. Thank you Julie for writing a beautiful story and making people fall in love with music through your words!

I absolutely devoured Not Another Love Song - it was everything I wanted from an orchestra-setting rom com and more. Soto has a way of making you fall in love with even the minor characters as hard as you fall in love with the main two - I personally hope Mei has her time to shine, either through her own book or a short add-on story. Additionally, the spice was absolutely amazing --- I know it's not everyone's cup of tea but, if its your schtick, I'd give it 3/5 on the hot pepper scale. Overall, I give this book a solid 5/5, and would recommend it to fans of Ali Hazelwood and Ashley Poston. I truly loved it so, so much - it's easily made its way into my top-3 rom coms of all time.

As a side note - this book made me want to pick up my violin again after 10 years of not playing, something which is very difficult to make me want to do!

Thank you to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC.

It's not always guaranteed that the second book in a series you love will match or even exceed your love for the first book, but it was more than true in Not Another Love Song by Julie Soto! This book was a masterpiece just like the music created on its pages. Gwen and Xander are musical rivals in public, but behind closed doors, they each idolize the other. Gwen has fangirled over Xander Thorne and his band for years and quickly becomes Xander's muse after he hears her play. Their passion for music mirrors their passion for each other as their chemistry ignites into an incredible love story.

The writing was intoxicating, particularly when the characters were playing their instruments, which often acted as an extension of themselves. It's the kind of writing that hooks you and keeps you reading until 1am. Julie Soto did an amazing job describing the emotions that are felt by both musicians and audiences when listening to orchestras. When Xander and Gwen were playing, Soto captured the enthralling dance of a duet in her words, putting the reader right into the moment. Readers will fall in love with Xander and Gwen, the beauty of live music, and the need to create something incredible in Not Another Love Song by Julie Soto.

I cannot say enough amazing things about this book. I loved the background musical/orchestral elements. The chemistry between the two MCs was sizzling. Julie Soto has quickly become one of my favorite authors. Her writing style feels like a warm story told by a dear friend that turns into a spicy tale. Will be first in line to order all of her future publications!

I have loved Julie Soto since AO3 days. That being said I was a little devastated at how deflated Julie’s first novel Forget Me Not turned out. It just wasn’t how I expected it would go. However this book? ROUND OF APPLAUSE. The tension, the characters and the cello?! Beautiful I LOVED this love story. Genuinely loved how music appreciation there was in this (my inner band kid who played the flute was screaming). Love this book!

Fun, original characters, excellent emotions and spice, great plot arc and pacing, satisfying conclusion. A perfect romance read for summer.

Oh my gentle Jesus, WOW!! Just WOW!! I thought Forget Me Not was good, but Not Another Love Song absolutely blew me away!! This book was so captivating and engrossing, I almost forgot to eat for an entire day! I stayed up until the wee hours of the morning finishing this book because I could not put Gwen and Alex down! This book was so amazing, Julie Soto absolutely knocked it out of the park. And the cello scene?!?! Chefs freaking kiss!!!

"Not Another Love Song" by Julie Soto is a captivating romance that beautifully intertwines the world of classical music with the fiery passion of two very different musicians. The story follows Gwen Jackson, a professional and self-taught violinist known for her quiet intensity, and Xander Thorne, a larger-than-life cellist and rock star with a penchant for dramatic flair. The contrast between Gwen's subtle, controlled artistry and Xander's exuberant, sometimes abrasive style sets the stage for a compelling and tumultuous relationship.

Soto skillfully navigates the tension and chemistry between Gwen and Xander. Their initial hostility and Xander's cutting criticisms create a palpable friction that only intensifies when Gwen is offered the coveted first chair in the Manhattan Pops orchestra—an opportunity Xander has long desired. This professional rivalry adds a delicious layer of complexity to their interactions, making their eventual romantic connection even more satisfying.

The author excels at depicting the world of classical music, capturing the dedication, discipline, and intense emotions involved in the craft. The scenes where Gwen and Xander collaborate on compositions are particularly enchanting, showcasing their growing emotional and musical synergy. These moments are imbued with a sense of magic, as their combined talents create something extraordinary and transformative.

Gwen's character is relatable and endearing, as she navigates her insecurities and strives to find her voice both as a musician and as a woman. Xander, despite his initial jerkitude, reveals layers of vulnerability and passion that make him a compelling and ultimately likable character. Their romance is a slow burn, with plenty of tension and sparks, culminating in a deeply satisfying connection that feels both inevitable and hard-won.

The story also delves into the pressures of public life and the potential pitfalls of mixing professional and personal relationships. The looming threat of a publicity stunt adds a layer of suspense, keeping readers on edge about the fate of Gwen and Xander's fragile romance. Soto deftly balances these elements, ensuring that the central love story remains front and center while also exploring broader themes of ambition, artistry, and personal growth.

"Not Another Love Song" is a beautifully written, emotionally resonant romance that will appeal to fans of contemporary love stories with a strong musical element. Julie Soto's nuanced characters and rich, evocative descriptions of music and performance make this novel a standout. It's a story about finding harmony in the most unexpected places and learning to embrace both the quiet moments and the grand, sweeping gestures of love.

You get five stars you get five stars you get five stars. round of a freaking applause. so so good. Such a special book by a new to me artist.

Julie Soto is quickly becoming one of my favorites. Much like in FORGET ME NOT, she manages to pull together an unlikeable character (sorry, Ama and Gwen both were somehow relatable and also just unlikeable) and an absolutely compelling story! The banter and the TENSION was amazing, and, again, much like the first book, I somehow got sucked into a world I hadn’t previously been very interested in (orchestral musicians) and could not put this down! Cannot WAIT to read more from this author!

Loved it!

This book was so beautifully done! I am, by no means, a classical music enthusiast. I know about as the much as your average person does, but this book made me want to listen to classical music on repeat (particularly electric covers of pop songs). As someone who has seen an orchestra maybe once in her life, I have a fairly poor grasp as to how it all works with chair hierarchies and such. Knowing this, I was a little hesitant to start reading a romance where it was all about this tension between certain "chairs" and different sections of instruments. Turns out, my worry was completely unfounded. The author did an amazing job at explaining how the orchestra worked and the life of a musician. It's not all glitz and glam, but sometimes eating ramen in your tiny apartment so you can live your passion of music. I wasn't confused or lost for a single moment. By the end, I had a very unfounded confidence that I was a music snob...if only for a moment.
Outside of the music element, the real heart of the book for me was the characters and their connections to one another. Gwen's commentary was truly entertaining and refreshing. Some of her thoughts were ones that I have had a hundred times. One aspect that really drew me to Gwen's story was the element of confidence that this book addressed. Gwen struggled with knowing her worth, and it wasn't done in this traditional, Hollywood way. It was realistic. Its the small things that build up to make you think that you are worthy of accepting less because you think you aren't "as good"...even though you are. It isn't always a "shy" girl hiding behind her hair, but a woman trying to do her best but taking the safe route. It really resonated with me in a way that I think a lot of people would appreciate. Xander, the male lead, is also about as loveable as you can get for a guy who is as subtle as a semi-truck. He pulls no punches on his words, and I loved it. He also played his cards close to the vest most times, but when his feelings peeked out...OH MAN! It was amazing! Talk about a man obsessed. We love! I appreciate the fact that while this book was mostly from Gwen's perspective (as it should be as the FMC!), I also got a small view of Xander (or should I say Alex's) perspective. You could really feel where the misunderstandings went wrong seeing it from each character's side. I also really loved how you got both viewpoints without having to re-hash the entire scene again.
Speaking of love, I can't talk about a romance book without mentioning the romance. It was very tension-filled in the best way. There were points went I felt ready to burst from their conversations. Their showdowns (excuse me...conversations) were legendary. SO MUCH TENSION! It made the romance parts that much more explosive and, let's be honest, downright steamy. This was a perfectly executed modern "Enemies to Lovers" trope.
I cannot recommend or sing this book's praises enough. I read the other author's book (that was semi-connected), and I loved it, but this one...this one has it beat. Something about the tension and the characters in this cutthroat world of classical music really hooked me.

Thank you to Forever Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book.
If you wondered if Julie Soto could top her debut novel 'Forget Me Not', this novel proves that she is not a one hit wonder, but an author that is on track to be on everyone's annual must read list

Julie has a way of writing that completely engulfs you into the idealistic world that she has created. Her pacing is perfect and she leaves just enough mystery surrounding her main characters that her books aren't overly predictable.
If you were a fan of her debut novel, we do get a visit from some of those characters which was a lovely surprise and not a forced cameo.
This is the story of a violinist and cellist who become enemies to lovers. The tension that Julie builds for these characters is everything. I had to pause several times to get my bearings and they weren't even touching! This novel is both sexy and smart. You can tell that Julie did her due diligence in framing the world of orchestra.
Both characters had depth in their stories, their sense of belonging, and what drives them to be the best. I loved the conflict of owning the art that you create and fighting for what matters the most. It was all very Taylor Swift- Scooter Braun and I loved it.
100%, absolutely would recommend. Will be screaming from the rooftops on how good this book is.

5 Stars Wow! Not Another Love Song by Julie Soto is absolutely going down as one of my favorite books of the year (and maybe of all time?)!

Gwen Jackson and Xander Thorne are both musical prodigies, but with different paths to success. Cellist Xander was born into music royalty and studied at Juilliard; violinist Gwen had a natural talent that was nurtured by her mentor but with no formal training. Xander aggravates Gwen with his arrogance, critiques, and chronic lateness to rehearsals at the Manhattan Pops. When Gwen is offered and accepts the position of first chair of the orchestra, a role that Xander has coveted for years, the animosity between the two comes to a head, as does their attraction to one another. Their intense feelings for one another give way to a burning passion that extends beyond the music they make together. The duo are box office dynamite and suddenly their relationship is being used to push sales. Will their fragile relationship handle the weight of a publicity stunt or will it all come crumbling down?

I loved Julie Soto's debut novel, Forget Me Not, and she outdid herself with Not Another Love Song. The chemistry between Xander and Gwen was 🔥 🔥 🔥 and I genuinely could not put the book down because I had to know when they'd give in to the crackling tension between them. The plot was excellent and completely different from any other book I've read. The sprinkling of chapters from Xander's POV had me melting from how absolutely gone he was for Gwen. I'm already ready to re-read this one. Highly highly recommend!

Thank you to Forever and NetGalley for the ARC!

I devoured this one! Lately, it takes me longer than a week to finish a book but I read this in like, 3 days. I have to say I didn’t love it as much as Forget Me Not, but the romance had me so obsessed that I just wanted to keep reading until they got together.

I wouldn’t call this an enemies to lovers romance, if anything, I’d say rivals to lovers, but not even that, to be honest. They just didn’t know each other. The little miscommunication at the beginning had me on edge for them to finally talk about the real reasons behind Xander’s attitude towards Gwen, and I absolutely hated Nathan since the beginning. I could smell he was a snake. The ending was very rewarding. I also loved how it all ended when it came to Mabel and Ava.

Anyway, back to the romance. As I said, I was obsessed. Their chemistry was big and obvious, and I screamed when the cover turned out to be a real scene in the book… and a steamy one! No wonder why we can’t see his other hand. I wished Xander’s POV was more frequent and longer, but I also loved how it was written. Both of their backstories made me sad, so I was super happy they found each other.

I can’t wait for whatever’s coming next from Julie. I hope it’s Mar and Dominic! I might be completely wrong but I love a MMC called Dominic so one can dream.

Rating: 4/5
Steam level: Open door, 4-5 scenes, high level of detail

ARC provided by Forever and NetGalley. Opinions are my own!