Okay, this was incredible!! I got an ARC of this book (my first ever) and I could NOT put it down!! It straight up had me giggling like a fool and hardcore swooning.

I also read it in less than 24 hours…and I am kind of sad about that. I will genuinely miss Gwen and Alex.

I really liked Forget Me Not, but this just truly blows it out of the park! I did love the callbacks and connections to Ama as Elliott and the whole Sacramento crew though, it all tied together so nicely.

Gwen is such a relatable, realistic character. I have exactly zero musical talent, but I actually feel like I can relate to her in a lot of ways. She is out there hustling to survive and figuring out what her dreams are. Alex is a little angel baby. He’s been lowkey manipulated by a lot of important people (cough, men) in his life and his mindset reflects that. And yet, he meets Gwen and suddenly everything makes sense for him and everything has a new meaning? Just absolutely *chef’s kiss*!

I also truly appreciated Alex’s POV here. It added so much to the story, and since it was interspersed it was a very pleasant surprise every time I got to one of his chapters.

Also, the conflict here was kind of perfect. It didn’t feel over the top or out of left field, you could see it slowly build up over the course of the story. It also had me boiling mad at the injustice of it all.

And let me just say, I love love love music. I never don’t have headphones in. But I have zero musical talent, and can’t read music and have no interest in doing so. Even though that is not something I enjoy, this book made me forget about all that. I was so in. I was like, should I learn to play the violin?? (I should not, but I really considered it for a minute).

I cannot wait to see what Julie Soto comes out with next (Mar and Dom??)!! She’s quickly becoming a must read author for me.

🎻Not Another Love Song by Julie Soto 🎻

Julie Soto is officially an autobuy author for me after her first two novels. This one was exquisite, written like a masterful symphony to be performed at Carnegie Hall. I loved it and it will surely be one of my top reads of 2024.

The interludes inside Alex’s pov were really standout moments for me when reading. They were perfectly placed at intervals where having insight into his brain would have the most impact. The final interlude left me in tears of both joy and wonder.

This is truly a magical love story, and if you’ve been sleeping on Julie Soto take this as your sign to stop that. Pick up Forget Me Not now, or Not Another Love Song on July 16.

I absolutely loved the first book I read by this author. Unfortunately, this one fell flat for me.
I really didn't care about the relationship. I didn't really care about the FMC getting the first chair because she was pretty and young. It made me feel a little dirty that this was the reason for her to get this first chair.

Magnificent. Absolutely unputdownable. All the stars.

A huge thank you to NetGalley for the e-ARC 🫶

I am swooning after finishing this book. Gwen and Xander are the cutest couple! They're really relatable as well. The spice was amazing as always with Julie Soto!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this arc in exchange for an honest review!

I loved this book so much. It quickly became one of my favorite reads of all time. Noone writes delicious tension like Julie Soto.
I screamed when we got the cameos of beloved characters from forget me not.
I loved how different this plot was too. As someone who's played the violin for 10+ years I loved all the references and the thought put behind the moments Gwen and Alex were playing together. I was fully invested into their story and rooting for the happy ever after they deserved.

This was a cute love story between two musicians. Pretty good (a little predictable) plot but the banter and the spice scenes make up for it. This is definitely NA romance (FMC acted very much like a woman in her mid twenties) but very enjoyable. I plan to put Forget Me Not on my TBR list.

I received an ARC from netgalley and the publisher.

I read Julie Soto's first book last year and loved it. I've been waiting for this second book since its announcement, so when I saw that it was available as a "read now" on NetGalley for one day, I downloaded it immediately.

I'll admit I was a little scared it wouldn't live up to my expectations, but it was better. I loved every second of this book; the chemistry between Gwen and Alex/Xander was a *chef's kiss*. The way both characters grow through the book and how they confront their own baggage was so well done. Julie Soto just became an automatic buy for me with this book. I cannot recommend it enough.

“Maybe she liked loved songs after all. As long as she was playing them with Alex.”

this book was such a magical experience. the music, the passion, the connection… all of it was incredible. (also the scene in chapter 10 in reference to the cover.. 🥵) this was so well written, I truly felt all of the emotions. i also loved the little Alex POVs in between. It made the book so much better. gwen and alex will truly always be loved by me. the epilogue was everything. i I am so looking forward to whatever Julie releases next! Thank you to Netgalley and Forever for this ARC!

I really enjoyed this author’s debut, Forget Me Not, which released last year. I will admit that the cover and blurb for her sophomore release really caught my attention and had me hitting that request button almost immediately. And holy smokes- I’m so glad I did. Rival string players in an orchestra is not a thing that I knew I needed in my life, but apparently my romance loving soul craved just that.

Not Another Love Song introduces Gwen Jackson and Xander Thorne. She is a violinist with the Manhattan Pops, working hard to move ahead in her career all while taking side jobs to stay afloat financially. A musical prodigy who began playing her instrument at the age of eleven, with tutoring from a wonderful, local music teacher. He is the son of a famous violinist, heir to the family orchestral legacy, and member of a rock band. Also, a musical prodigy, but his path was set before him from a much earlier age, and he had all the benefits of money.

They meet when Gwen takes a job performing at a wedding with her bestie Jacob. A last-minute addition, she is surprised to find out that the wedding planner expected a celloist and not someone who plays violin. In a panic Gwen agrees to play the cello– and is surprised to find out the instrument she is borrowing belongs to none other than Xander Thorne, famous band member, and celloist first chair in the Manhattan Pops. Their first meeting does not go well, with him seemingly cold and abrasive, criticizing her performance and her insulted by his behavior.

It is instant dislike on Gwen’s part, but she also finds herself kind of entranced by his talent and persona. This carries on to their next few interactions. Gwen’s insecurities about her place in the orchestra lead her to be even more defensive when she perceives his behavior and criticisms as being personal. Little does she know that Xander has another identity, and his own issues. It all comes to a head when she is offered first chair, something Xander covets for himself- FOR REASONS.

Y’all, this book is so damn sexy. Like I was carried away with these two coming together and getting lost in each other and their music. I know absolutely nothing about the making of music, reading music, producing music, or instruments, but this author did an outstanding job of pulling me into the story and this romance despite that. Gwen’s POV is front and center, with Xander’s sprinkled in just enough to give readers insight into his thoughts and feelings. It worked for me. In fact, everything about this romance worked for me. I began this book before bed, staying up until 1 am, then finished before work the next morning. I devoured this love story.

If you’ve read this author’s debut, you’ll recognize a few of the side characters. Which made me smile. I love it when authors do this, makes me think they will continue to build a world where I’ll discover easter eggs and spy familiar characters in new releases.

The conflict, resolution, and HEA were well done. I kind of let out a happy sigh when I finished reading. Highly recommend.

Final grade- A

Content notes- mentions of Gwen’s mother and grandfather dying from cancer

As a lover of music and the arts this book spoke to me! 4.5 but rounding up because I’m still thinking about this book today!

Gwen is a violinist and Xander is a cellist. They sit across from each other in the pit and are competitive but when they make music together it is unforgettable. I wouldn’t call it an enemies to lovers as advertised because it’s more miscommunication/not understanding each other. They never really hated one another.

Their chemistry is amazing and I appreciated how the romance built. No instalove here! Truly get to see it build and build from both sides. Seeing their longing and unspoken words play out in music form was fabulous. Julie Soto took what some consider to be boring (orchestral music) and brought it to life, making it vibrant and sexy. This whole book from the music to the housing situation to the characters felt so real. I did not appreciate the third act break up but I never do so nothing new there. I would also say that we needed more when they got back together but nothing new there either I always say that with these tropes.

I truly loved the is book! It is fun, unique and steamy. If you love music especially orchestra music then you should definitely read this book!

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever for the arc of this book.

Thank you to Netgalley and Julie Soto for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

Gwen Jackson plays fifth chair violin in the Manhattan Pops orchestra. She also plays weddings, which is where famous cellist Xander Thorne sees her for the first time. Too bad Xander also plays in the orchestra with her and had no idea she exists. When Gwen is promoted to first violin in the orchestra, she and Xander start to realize their contempt for each other is actually respect and maybe some admiration.

I don’t know much (read: anything) about music, professional or not, but Julie Soto conveys the emotions that go into playing perfectly. Gwen describes the feeling she gets when playing no matter the setting. There are a few chapters from Xander’s perspective as well that capture the different emotions Gwen’s playing conveys (i.e. when she’s comfortable or in her head overthinking the piece). The scenes of Gwen and Xander playing for each other and together create this perfect harmony (see what I did there?) between musical emotion and romantic emotion. Xander is a child prodigy who’s been playing since he was 3 years old, Gwen has only been playing since she was 11, and it’s so impactful to hear Xander push Gwen in ways she didn’t know were possible in her playing.

I read this book in just over 24 hours. The story flows incredibly well and keeps you engaged through the duration. It was hard to put down - the angst, the desire, the intrigue, it felt like it never stopped but it was also never too much. Julie Soto really nailed it here, there’s not much else I can say. My only negative is that I wish there was a whole other book about Xander growing up with his mom, stepdad, and violin instructor (oh yeah, he and Gwen also had the same violin teacher when they were young, just constantly barely missing each other for a decade). I would 100% read a prequel book just about how Xander became who he was up until the moment he truly met Gwen at the wedding.

Zander and Gwen were a delight to read. This book is the perfect mix of angst and overt connection between the love interests. The former violin kid in me really appreciated the depiction of orchestra life, and that cello scene…absolutely my kind of shenanigans! I read the first book in order to read this one, and I look forward to more work from Soto moving forward.

Where do I start?! I thoroughly enjoyed this book from the very start. The “enemies” to lovers to the friendships and relationships. Each character had a growth development that was well depicted…except Nathan that is or Lorenz which are two characters that is safe to say no one liked! The story itself had me smiling throughout and I can’t wait to see it displayed for others to enjoy!

This was one of my most anticipated books of the year, and it did not disappoint!

This was the perfect rivals to lovers romance, full of tension, tenderness and spice.
I couldn't put it down, I was so invested in Gwen and Xander's story and I also went on an orchestra listening binged trying to live out each scene! The musical elements are a central part of the story and they add so much to the reading experience.

I loved Julie's first book, but I think this one tops it if only for the cello scene.

If you like romance, you'll love this book.

Thank you NetGalley for the arc!

Thanks to the publisher, Forever, for providing me a digital review copy of this book!

I really enjoyed reading about the inspiration behind this book - and Julie's unabashed love for fanfiction.

This book was so fun and interesting. I learned a lot about the world of music! The romance was cute and well-developed, and the supporting cast of characters was lovely.

This book was beautiful. Even readers who know absolutely nothing about violins, cellos, or orchestra can feel connected to the way music is written so romantically. This was easily a five star read and I truly enjoyed Gwen and Alex's story. I also really loved how Ava and Mabel were brought together for Christmas and we got the family scene full of music and love.

If I had one criticism, it would be how many times Alex ran his hand through his hair! It wasn't bothersome in a way that took away from.the story or knocked the rating down, it was just an observation that it was called out in so many scenes.

This was a lovely read and I'm so excited for this story to be released to the public. Thank you NetGalley and Julie Soto!

5 ⭐️

Not Another Love Song was absolute perfection from start to finish!

Gwen and Xander both had traumatic childhoods (for different reasons), walls around their hearts made of the thickest concrete, and insane musical talents. Their chemistry was off the charts and just the descriptions of them staring at each other while playing their instruments was spicy, but the real spice was even better. The choice they had to make between love and their careers felt real and upsetting and uplifting all at the same time.

Jacob and Declan are some of my favorite side characters now, and I would happily read a whole book about their relationship because I just know they’re endgame.

Also, I have never wanted to crawl inside a book to hug a main character as much as I wanted to crawl inside of this one to hug Xander when he asked if he could bring Gwen her toothbrush after their fight. I don’t know why that hit me so hard, but I was tearing up for him.

I have less than zero musical ability (I wasn’t even allowed in my 5th grade band lol), but this book had me wanting to learn to play cello and violin and go watch every orchestra concert near me for the next 12 months.

This was my first Julie Soto book but approximately 25% through I went to get her first book from the library so it would be ready when I finished, and I’m starting it tomorrow because I think I’m addicted to her writing now. I can see why her and Abby Jimenez (my favorite contemporary romance author) are so supportive of each other’s books, because they both know how to write romance with a side of trauma like nobody else can. I can’t wait for this to be released on audio and get to relive it in a few months!! And I’m already rooting for the next friend that gets their love story in book 3, whoever it turns out to be (I hope it’s gonna be Dom!).

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the ARC! I received a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I soooo adored this book omg. Ever since I read Julie’s debut novel last year, I’ve been dying for another story from her. I was sucked in and so entertained during the beginning and end of the novel. I literally couldn’t stop thinking about the book when I put it down and annoyed my friends by non-stop talking about it 😂 The chemistry between Alex and Gwen (esp on stage) and the connection they have through music was captivating, special, and so beautiful. Like him composing a song after seeing her- are you kidding me 🥹 It did lose me for a little bit once they got together and before the third act conflict (which might be a me problem bc I get bored when the couple gets together earlyish) but I enjoyed the rest so much that I would break my rule of only giving whole ⭐️s (it’s giving more of a 4.5!). I screamed when I saw another book from this author will be out in 2025 bc she now is definitely an auto-buy author for me! 🎻💗🎼

Julie Soto, I love you.
I love reading her work bc it always feels like home. It’s probably the fact that I absolutely devoured most of her fanfiction, but her voice is so familiar to me. I always feel like I’ve known the characters for years and that I’ve genuinely gone through an entire life time in one book. I love Alex and Gwen. I want to chew on him like a dog with a squeaky toy. I want to be friends with Gwen. I want to live inside this story. I tore through this book like wildfire and the only reason I didn’t finish sooner is because of work (how dare I be an adult with bills to pay.) To be truly candid, I was reading this at red lights and when traffic was at a standstill while I was on my way home from work. I wish this book didn’t have to end!!!!

Fingers crossed for some improvement in some of the “filler” of the story. It’s obvious that the story is a vessel for the characters instead of the reverse—and I love that, I do. Genuinely no complaints. However, it felt a little hollow in that aspect. Instead of seeing certain things in Gwen’s life, we were told about them and then whisked away to the next Alex appearance (not complaining, I know what I ordered.) I think that little tweak would have definitely made this a 5 Star.
Anyway.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH