A passionate and beautiful romance! Not Another Love Song captured me from the beginning. I adored the callbacks to Forget Me Not and the way Julie Soto weaved characters into both books.
Gwen Jackson is searching for her place in the world where she can truly belong. After losing her family at a young age she has her violin and music shop owner, Mabel who taught her how to play.
Xander Thorne has it all but none of it feels right. He’s running from who he was supposed to be to create a new persona.
When Gwen and Xander’s worlds collide it’s a breath taking and heart racing romance that will leave your heart full, and your eyes a little teary in the best way possible.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. This is the first Julie Soto book I’ve read and for sure will not be the last. I know nothing about orchestras or playing any kind of instruments, and I still was fully immersed in the story. I felt Xander and Gwen’s chemistry through the page and was literally giggling and kicking my feet at their interactions. I would for sure would recommend this book to anyone looking for a great story about love, family, and believing in yourself.

4 ⭐️ This romance was so captivating and unique. I loved the meet-cute and relationship evolution from rivals to lovers. There was a subtle nod to Julie Soto's first book that made me smile. No knowledge of orchestral music required to enjoy this read. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC e-read.

“Romance Ideals vs Reality: A Tale of Love, Betrayal, and Musical Passion”

Shakespeare once wrote that “all the world’s a stage,” but in this case, it seems like he might have been full of shit. “Romance Ideals vs Reality” presents a compelling narrative that dives deep into the complexities of relationships, where love is not always the sweet melody we hope for, but often a discordant symphony of emotions.

The protagonist’s pursuit of romantic perfection is akin to attempting to compose flawless music, with each note perfectly aligned. However, reality hits hard when he attempts to intertwine his love life with his musical aspirations. Making love to a girl while she’s engrossed in playing a complicated piece may seem like a romantic gesture, but his criticism afterward reveals a darker truth – he used her, manipulating her passion for his own gain.

Falling in love is portrayed as akin to composing new music – an exciting journey of creation and discovery. Yet, as Alex and Gwen’s relationship unravels, it becomes evident that love is not always harmonious; it’s messy, unpredictable, and sometimes ends with a discordant note. Their reconciliation, symbolized by a finished song, highlights the cyclical nature of love – a continuous process of creation and resolution.

Nathan’s story serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of infidelity and deceit. His just rewards come in the form of a divorce, a fitting punishment for his betrayal of trust. Meanwhile, Ava and Mabel’s reconciliation offers a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos, showing that forgiveness and understanding can mend even the most broken of relationships.

At its core, “Romance Ideals vs Reality” is not just a love story; it’s a symphony of human emotions, with each character playing their part in the grand orchestration of life. And at the center of it all is the cello who fell in love with a violin – a poignant reminder that love knows no boundaries, not even those of different instruments. So, while Shakespeare may have had his doubts about love’s authenticity, this tale proves that even in the most unexpected places, love finds a way to serenade our souls.

100% YES this was incredible. Inspired artists. Rivals to lovers. Essentially insta-love from grumpy MMC who almost immediately acts (respectfully and dotingly) obsessed with our FMC. What more can you ask for?

Throw on the Vitamin String Quartet and enjoy the ride. This is just an all-around great romance.

[Thank you to Julie & Forever Publishing for this ARC]

This boooooook ugh it was actually so captivating. I was sucked in from the beginning and literally could not put it down. I could feel the tension between Gwen and Xander from the second they met. The spice was beautifully written, and I loved every aspect of this book.

While this is my first Julie Soto book, I loved the cameos from the characters in her first book, and I will be reading that next! You most definitely do not have to read that book first, so do not keep that from you reading Not Another Love Song.

The only reason it is not a 5-star read is because I was slightly disappointed by the ending. I wish the characters would have communicated a little bit more. Other than that, I am in love, and Julie Soto has become an auto-buy author.

5⭐️

If Julie Soto writes it, I will read it! I loved Forget Me Not and could not wait to read this one, and it was absolutely fantastic!

A musician rivals to lovers with ALL the tension and angst. YES PLEASE! I mean I know absolutely nothing about music, but man did Julie make it so sexy! I just couldn’t get enough of Gwen and Xander! Their tension and banter had me devouring this book. I was so invested in their relationship from start to finish!

Not only was I invested in their relationship together, but their individual stories and growth as well! And it was just done so perfectly. They were 2 completely different types of musicians (and people) but when they came together they flourished. As not only musicians, but as individuals and as a couple. THEY WERE EVERYTHING!

And can we please take a moment for the cello scene…. I mean 🥵

Also.. the cover is STUNNING!

What a book. This is one of the best books I've ever read. I don't mean this lightly. Not Another Love Story is a chemistry-filled and unforgettable romance. It's sexy, romantic and reminded me why I read this genre. The authentic and realistic representation of the passion of music mixed with the incredible romance makes up for one of the best books of 2024. I loved this from start to finish.

Julie Soto is an auto preorder author for me. I adored Forget Me Not and Not Another Love Song was on my most anticipated list for the summer. I squealed when it was available on Netgalley and it did not disappoint. My only regret is i finished it so fast and didn’t pace myself to savor it more.

Julie Soto is now a one-click author for me! I don’t know what kind of magic she puts in her books, but let me tell you… she has me under her spell! She’s now 2/2 for me with absolute bangers that will be making my 2024 top reads. If you loved her debut, Forget Me Not, I guarantee you will love Not Another Love Song!

This book captivated me right from the start and I didn’t want to put it down. I was a giddy school girl giggling throughout so many parts of this book. Julie knows how to write romance. She writes some of the best tension and passionate scenes I’ve ever read.

Gwen, a violinist, and Xander, a cellist, both play in the Manhattan Pops orchestra. When Gwen is offered the position Xander has been wanting for years, they are forced to work closely together. The tension is through the roof and they can’t fight their attraction. Let’s just say they make beautiful music together! 😉

This book was magical! I loved everything about the music! I was in concert choir in HS so it was speaking to my soul. And Gwen and Xander are so hot, y’all.

I won’t ever stop thinking about them or this book! Please go read it on release day! 🫶🏻

Another home run from Julie Soto. Not another love Song was not another enemies to lovers rom com. Gwen and Xander were well written and relatable and they lived in a world that you would think would not be relatable. But they wasn’t the. Case at all. Their talents were e optional but their insecurities, feelings of loneliness and anger are familiar to us all. This was a sweet, slow burn love story. Pick it up on July 16th!

4.5/5
I loved Forget Me Not so I was so excited to get an ARC of Not Another Love Song and it did not disappoint!
Thank you to Netgalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Expected publication: July 16, 2024

I absolutely love this book! An amazing rivals to lovers story. I had a hard time putting the book down and never wanted it to end. This was my first Julie Soto book and will be starting her other one as soon as I submit this review!

Julie Soto is officially an autobuy author. After devouring and loving her debut Forget Me Not I had high hopes for this sophomore release. And it did not disappoint.

I honestly loved this, the New York Orchestra scene was original and had me craving some brass and string melodies. But beyond the setting I adored our two MCs. Alex officially is my new book boyfriend and Gwen was such a talent, strong, courageous and wise beyond her years.

The side characters chefs kiss. The steam was steaming and I devoured it all in 24 hrs.

Highly recommend.

“Not Another Love Song” is the story of two people, coming from very different backgrounds, but sharing the same love of music. Gwen is an orphan who found solace in the violin, while Xander Thorne is an arrogant celloist, who doesn’t seem to care about anything.

I loved watching Gwen and Xander collide and attempt to fight their attraction to each other. The banter was top notch, as was the sense of found family. I especially loved the supporting characters and how they contributed to the story.

The one aspect of the story that I found a bit disappointing was how quickly the ending was resolved. I felt rushed through and wanting a bit more time to explore the scenes.

Overall, I loved this story and can’t wait to read more of this author.

The tension and angst in this book was so good. Julie Soto outdid herself. Even though I don’t know much about music I thoroughly enjoyed it. Xander and Gwen are musical prodigies who grew up totally different. They go from musical rivals to lovers. And let’s not forget about cello scene. Hot!!! I also like that we got Xander’s point of view every few other chapters because it helped understand and know him better.

I seriously enjoyed reading this book and would totally recommend!

After the success of her debut last year, Julie Soto’s sophomore novel NOT ANOTHER LOVE SONG is surely to be one of this summer’s hot read. Once again the author has penned simultaneously cute and spicy enemies to lovers romance that will make you hear the music lift of the page.

Some of my favorite things in the book 👇🏻

🎶 highly picturesque passages of music
🌸 cameos of Forget Me Not characters
💙 found family
🎻 the cello in apartment scene 🔥
😍 love ☺️
🔐 Taylor Swift reference (Alex’s version)

Not such a hot thing👇🏻
👎🏻 third act brake-up

A whole another thing that is clearly working for Julie Soto: THE COVER!! Once again she (and the cover artist) slayed. And scene 😮‍💨

This has some of the best tension and chemistry between the main characters that I've read in SOME time, but I didn't love the 3rd act break up in this one, which is what kept it from being five stars for me.

I adored the original fic, and I was a little surprised by how Julie managed to include so many of the original scenes in this (complimentary, because I LOVED those scenes then and now). I really feel like Julie did the work to make these characters feel original and all their own. I was highlighting lines the whole time I was reading. Her prose is unmatched!

3.5 stars

I really hoped to like this book more than I did but unfortunately it missed the mark. I felt like we were missing a lot of connection between the characters. Gwen starts off hating Alex (I’m not entirely sure why?? I feel like it wasn’t super clear) but then after a few 2 sentence interactions shes like, meh he’s hot I’ll date him. I just felt like we didn’t have any character development leading up to that point and it didn’t make any sense.
The plot was also just kind of bland. About 60% of the book was just them practicing for the concerts and not in an interesting way.
The conflicts came out of nowhere and were poorly explained and poorly resolved. I know this was Reylo fan fiction (which was another problem I had with it but that’s more personal opinion) but it definitely read like bad fanfiction instead of a published book.

I really enjoyed Forget Me Not so I was surprised by how much I didn’t enjoy this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever for the Arc!

Thank you to NetGalley and Juli Soto for the eACR of this book, the receipt of which does not influence my review.

First thing's first: I enjoyed this book WAY more than Forget Me Not. Alex had depth and complexities I personally didn't find in Elliott, and while I enjoyed Ama as an FMC, I felt more connected to Gwen.

I have a fascination with niche communities, their politics, and celebrities, so this book was right up my alley. If I'd lived in this universe, I could have met Ava Fitzgerald and thought "she was nice" or "I liked her hair," meanwhile someone who is into classical would have tripped over their own feet to have the privilege of pulling toilet paper off of her shoe.

I'm not a fan of the miscommunication trope, which made a minor appearance in this book, but the ANGST absolutely made up for it. The way Soto uses music as an aphrodisiac is absolutely masterful. It made the intimate scenes so sensual and delicious. I can't wait to see what she writes next!

This review was also shared on my Goodreads account: www.goodreads.com/kaylapearce