
Member Reviews

I loved this book so much more than I thought I would. Our two main characters are musically gifted rivals who fall for each other in a lyrical manner. There were quite a few moments in this book that gave me full body shivers in the best way possible. Julie Soto steps up her game in this book and you won't want to miss it!

Just devoured a stunning novel where talent sparks professional competition tension. Alex and Gwen's love story is beautifully penned, with characters so real you'll feel their dreams and struggles. There's something special about the way the characters experience music; they don't just hear it, they see and feel it, and it's fascinating to see how this translates to their emotions. The author has a magical way with words that brings the story to life in such a vivid way.

more in depth review to come, however Julie soto has knocked it out of the park once again. I devoured this book SO quickly that I need some more time to gather my thoughts. This was absolutely beautiful.

I read her previous novel and was so excited for this one! It was such a great story and I love this author's writing. I will defintiely be recommending this one!

4.5/5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley, Forever Publishing, and Julie Soto for a copy of this book.
As someone who studied music for years and has a hard time "feeling" it, I absolutely loved this book and the struggles that Gwen had when it came to being a musician and getting caught up in the way that you think you should be. Alex and Gwen's love story was beautiful, and I love how completely gone for Gwen Alex is as soon as he truly hears her play.
Julie Soto has quickly become an auto-buy author for me. Her characters are rich and I instantly feel connected to them, their struggles, their hopes, and dreams. I wish that the third-act breakup had been explored a little more, as I feel like Gwen has some baggage around quick goodbyes that needs to be discussed, and I thought the final interview was the slightest bit cheesy. All around a great book, and if Soto wants to write this exact story from Alex's POV, I'll shove everyone over to be first in line.

I loved this one from Julie Soto! I already loved Vitamin String Quartet and I love them even more now. I imagine Gwen and Xander when I'm listen to VSQ now! Also I need a Thorne and Roses to go on tour with Julie so I can see them together. I loved getting to see Ama again too. I am a Julie Soto lover and I can't wait for her next one!!!

As someone who has never been to a symphony or even listened to much composed music, this book inspired me to do expand my horizons. I was intrigued by the way the characters could hear, see and feel the music and how that translated to their emotions. And, to be frank, a pretty sizzling love scene. I was rooting for each of them to realize where their best interests truly were and capitalize on that. After I finished this book, I immediately put another Julie Soto book on hold at the library so I can read more or her books.

As an avid music lover, this book is everything I ever wanted and more. The witty banter between the couple was everything to me and I can’t wait to buy a physical copy of this when it releases

Even though I'm not musically inclined AT ALL, I couldn't put this book down. The way the characters' stories all came together gave me all the feels, and I totally understood why they did what they did. My sweet Alex who is really just a cinnamon roll and totally gone for Gwen. And that ending? It left me with the warm fuzzies. Definitely giving this one four stars—it's a must-read for anyone who loves a good love story!

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!
Cello sex, betrayal and big life decisions. Not Another Love Song written by Julie Soto is a story about two VERY different string players resisting their chemistry to compete for the same goal. First chair in the Pop’s Orchestra. This novel has everything you want in a romantic drama. It was almost like I was watching a novella!
The themes in this novel can get a little heavy at times so I encourage you to read with that in mind. The main character, Gwen, deals with parental death but not in present times. Honestly, there are mommy and daddy issues all over with this book. Julie Soto wrote this novel with such care and it translates incredibly with the depth of these characters. They felt real and that’s all I ask for in books.
I would say, since this book is written from the third point-of-view, that at times it’s difficult to know who’s talking in the dialogue. Now, that could just be me because I'm more of a first pov girlie.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
4 Stars!

"Forget Me Not" was my favorite romance of 2023, so I have been excitedly awaiting "Not Another Love Song" since it was announced. It lived up to all my expectations! The angst, the spice, the humor; everything was perfect. I actually felt like I learned a little about music too! Another great romance by Julie Soto. I will continue to recommend her to everyone I meet.

Without giving away too much these two have tiptoed around each other in every setting. It’s not really enemies, but it’s you’re so talented you could steal my spot vibes. I absolutely adored the setting of this book. I’ve never read anything about an orchestra before let alone a romance within it. The way Julie Soto described their mannerisms while performing was the highlight of this book for me. Her descriptions told me so much about how they felt and how the story would play out. As far as characters, I think both Gwen and Xander were a little behind in figuring out what they want. In a sense that they kind of exchanged one controlling situation for another. Gwen, from Mabel to The Pops. Then Xander, from his adolescence into his career. I’m not saying they were equal in the amount of restrictions they had but it was always there in some ways. In Xanders case it led to him always wanting to be somebody. Even though his new persona didn’t have to impress anyone, deep down he always needed to be known for something outside of his last name. Gwen, her upbringing made her have a deep desire to belong. She makes relationships and holds them tight, oblivious to those who sometimes don’t have the best intentions. Long story short, I could write essays to all the discussion questions in the back. However, I’ll save everyone the time and reading, (if you skipped to the end of this review, I don’t blame you) Not Another Love Song is a symphony of found family, renewed relationships and limitless dreams.

I loved forget me not. This one didn’t make me quite as feral, but I really enjoyed it.
It did feel like there were a few too many moving parts sometimes, lots of relationships to keep track of.
As someone who played an instrument for most of my schooling, I loved that aspect. And it made for some 🥵🌶️🔥!

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!! There’s only one way that I can start this review. Alex is SUCH A SIMP. I loved this book just as much as I loved Forget Me Not and it was really fun to get to see this characters again as well. I think it’s actually just as much of an art to make me DESPISE characters, just as much as it is to make me love characters. Julie Soto easily does both in this book. I loved Gwen right from the start, she hooked me in right away. I don’t want to give too much away about the villains but OOOOH they made me so mad! Not Another Love Song has so much character growth, music that I wish I could listen to in real life, real families and found families and most importantly, a whole lot of heart. Definitely pick up a copy on 7/16!!

I adored this so very much! The tension between Gwen and Alex quite literally had me squealing and kicking my feet.
I loved Forget Me Not but this confirmed that Julie Soto is officially an auto-buy author for me. I haven't been able to get over this story and the chemistry between all these characters. Also loved the little cameos we got of Ama and Elliot.

I didn't think I could love a book more than Forget Me Not but here we are. 10/10 recommend. Amazing. Absolutely loved it.

Another excellent romcom from Julie Soto! I didn't love it quite as much as Forget Me Not, but it was a close second. I will definitely read her future books!
I loved the details about music amd instruments that she included. They made the story feel authentic and more realistic. Very steamy too!

Very rarely am I at a loss for words when reviewing a book. I have no notes. One of my favorites of the year. So so thankful that NetGalley and the publishing company gave me access to this arc. Thank you, Julie, for writing this. I loved it.

Julie Soto knocked it out of the park once again and I must say she is becoming one of my favorite contemporary romance authors.
What I love about Soto's work is how real the characters seem. Her analysis and development of each character's personality and intricacies makes the book so much more vivid and realistic. She is a fantastic writer!
I also like how the stories are set in places where I am unfamiliar. I'm reading and learning all at the same time and I love every minute of it!
You will have to get your hands on this one; it's fantastic!

I really enjoyed this - the main characters were the perfect balance of enemies to lovers! Having both spice AND knowledge about music in one book is such a neat concept. Thank you so much for allowing me the opportunity to read this ARC, NetGalley!