I really enjoyed this one! Typical grumpy x sunshine that was swoon worthy. I felt immediately connected to Alex and Gwen. I was rooting for them from the start. The tension between them was palpable. Having to play directly across from each other and them or able to take their eyes off the other. Man… don’t get me started on the “jam” session. “Let’s do it together.” 🫣 so so good.

Gwen was a strong FMC that knew what she wanted (most of the time) but was not always able to speak on it or speak up for herself. Watching her figure out how to do that was amazing.

Alex was so broody but you could tell that he for sure fell first. He couldn’t stay away. *swoon* I just wanted more in his POV but I am glad we at least got little snippets of it!

This makes me want to go watch Star Wars knowing this was Renlo fan fiction. Fun fact: I’ve never watched a single Star Wars so not even sure who Renlo is 😅 Don’t @ me

I will read anything that Julie Soto writes, and this book is one of my favourites. It kept me so hooked, I read it in one day (which is impressive considering my short tiktok attention span). There are not a lot of books that keep me hooked so much that I can't put it down. I loved the characters, the setting. I felt like I could see the story playing in my mind, and couldn't stop thinking about it once I finished.
I can't wait to own my own physical copy!

I was interested in reading this because everyone had such good things to say about the author's other book and the plot centering around rival musicians sounded fun and different than the usual careers we see in romcom books. Of course, the careers of the main characters is not as important as their personalities or chemistry and happily this book featured 2 leads who not only felt like very real, distinct people, but their attraction and draw to one another felt real as well rather than forced together by the plot. They banter, they bicker, and while I was reading I was grinning and giggling at them together. The FMC does not fall into the trap of being 'quirky' in order to be relatable and while the MMC does have moments of being a real jerk, readers can understand why he says or does those things. These moments also make it more understandable when we can see the MMC has feelings for her but the FMC doesn't realize it. Rather than making her look like an idiot that doesn't realize what's obvious to us, it's understandable to see why she doesn't catch on right away.

The writing is very well done in this, with the plot never feeling too predictable, and while both leads are musical prodigies the narrative never treats their talent as something unearned. We learn about the ways they've both struggled to get where they are and see the hard choices they face in order to achieve what they want. With that, the 3rd act conflict felt like a very real and natural progression of issues that built up throughout the story finally coming to a head instead of forcing something near the end in order to create drama. Also, I liked that the FMC was allowed to have emotional reactions to things, while still responding like an adult. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and I'll definitely be checking out the author's other work!

I have not read any ARCs for a few months now and I'm glad it was this book, and that I didn't have to wait to be approved or not.
Thank you Net Galley and Forever for the opportunity to read this novel.
This is Julie Soto's second publication, but in the acknowledgements she comments that it was this story that launched her into the publishing world.
You may think at first that it's just another NY musicians romance story, but more than one reader has already declared that they stayed up late into the night (myself included) because you really get hooked on the book and don't want to put it down. I finish it in less than a week.
I really enjoyed Gwen and Xander's chemistry (I couldn't help but think of another character who also starts with X) and all the melodrama that can happen between two guys in their twenties in Manhattan, they are rivals in music, he doesn't know of her existence and she has been a fan for a long time, there´s a lot of family drama, music, tension, smut, sex and cello.
It would be great if the author can create a playlist to add to the book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

I loved Forget Me Not so much that I didn't think Julie Soto's next book would even come close to it, but I was dead wrong. Not sure what she put in this to make it so addicting, but whatever it was I need more of it. Soto is quickly becoming my favorite contemporary romance author.

This take on rivals-to-lovers is *chef's kiss*, and it's evident so much care was put into the research for this book. The way the musical scenes are written, you can feel the tension and music in the scene intertwined so beautifully.

The ending did feel a bit rushed, just like the ending of Forget Me Not. However, there was enough conclusion that I didn't even bother taking off a star for that.

Overall, it will probably be one of my top contemporary romance reads of the year. Can't wait to see what's next from Soto!

loved it! finding 4-5star reads have been difficult lately, and this one definitely will worth your time! i enjoyed characters and their interactions. the way music was used to describe feelings.
i truly liked the way characters overcome challenges and difficult decisions on their way to dreams.
The writing was incredible and in general i love Julie Soto’s writing. the only disadvantage (it wasnt a big disadvantage) the third person pov: at the beginning reading the book was weird but by the end i was used to it.
Also, decision questions? i don’t know who comes up with those but they are so interesting to think about. i have almost every question answered in my notes.
Can’t wait for next book! and definitely recommend this on!!!!

4.5 Star

Julie Soto can do no wrong in my eyes; she always delivers the perfect rom-com style book that is equal parts emotional, spicy, and cheesy without ever being cringey. I love her side characters - specifically Gwen's roommate Jacob.

I almost wanted more of Alex/Xander's point of view, only to really dig deep into what it was like for him during childhood as a prodigy and growing up under the pressure of his step-father, Nathan. But, other than that, I thought this was great!

I highly recommend reading Forget Me Not beforehand because the characters from that book do make an appearance in here (one of my favorite things!) I miss Ama and Elliot so much.

Thank you to Julie Soto and NetGalley for providing a free ARC of this in exchange for an honest review!

5 start read! I stayed up until 2 am finishing this book. This is easily becoming an auto buy author for me. The writing reminded me a lot of Ali Hazlewood, in that the author makes the characters passions a big part of the story. It’s not just a romance where the characters happen to play instruments. The music is entangled with the romance in all the best ways.

4.5/5 Stars

Thank you to Forever Publishing, Netgalley, and Dana Cuadrado for providing me with an arc.

I have been following Julie Soto since Forget Me Not but I didn’t even read that until right before Not Another Love Song. Forget Me Not became one of my favorite books of this year already so I had high hopes for Not Another Love Song and I wasn’t disappointed. Ever since the cover reveal I have wanted to get my hands on this book so I was so excited when Forever sent me a widget to read. I recommend starting with Forget Me Not before reading Not Another Love Song, they are in the same world and it adds some fun easter eggs.

Gwen is a “self taught” professional violinist, she tries to stay out of the spotlight and loves her job at Manhattan Pops. Xander is the complete opposite, he’s a cellist and a rock star, he always draws attention especially with his attitude. When Gwen is offered the role of first chair of the orchestra, something Xander has secretly wanted for years, their rivalry goes up to a new level. Forced to work together their attraction grows until they can’t help but explore it. But when they perform together with an intense connection they suddenly get pushed into the spotlight as a publicity stunt testing their fragile relationship.

The tension in this book was absolutely off the charts. I thought the tension in Forget Me Not was good but this was even better. I loved the connection between Gwen and Xander and I loved how complex their story was even in ways I never expected. I really adored their romance and I especially loved the flow of them being rivals to lovers. It felt like a pretty natural progression and it didn’t feel rushed at any point.

I loved Soto’s very purposeful use of Xander’s POV. We get I think 6 chapters from Xander’s POV and they are used in a way I have never seen before, to give us backstory from his side and also to give a tiny bit of insight to his mind. Soto is a very talented storyteller. In both of her books she has used the male pov in ways I haven’t seen before, with the MMC in the first book mainly being flashbacks and in this book it being used so minimally to give us very little direct insight into Xander’s mind.

I can’t recommend Julie Soto’s books enough. Forget Me Not and now Not Another Love Song are truly amazing romances that give a new life into the genre. Her storytelling is already spectacular and I can’t wait to see how she continues to grow as a writer. If you love rivals to lovers, classical music, and forced proximity please give this book a try.

This book was surprising. I truly enjoyed the writing style and the setting. Music is always fascinating and I liked how it was depicted here.
I also enjoyed the characters and their dynamics with each other. The romance was good pace and development. The only reason i am giving it 3 stars is the 3rd act break up which I found unnecessary. Still would highly recommend because it was a unique and charming read.

*arc kindly provided in exchange of an honest review

You can tell this book was derived from Reylo fanfiction, like many popular books in the modern era, but I found this iteration to be more palatable than others. Alex is clearly Kylo Ren-coded; he’s brooding, over 6’4” (obviously), with shaggy black hair he can toss around. He’s the bad boy of the orchestra. At least Gwen, the female main character, is also tall, which is a change of pace from the usual size-difference trope that’s all too prevalent these days (coming from a tall girlie who wants more rep).

I wouldn’t call this an enemies-to-lovers or a rivals-to-lovers romance; though there is tension and miscommunication, it’s mostly musical geniuses teaming up. The pacing, surprisingly, is a little stop-and-go/slow burn, but the spicy scenes are A+. There’s one of the most romantic spicy scenes I’ve ever read (involving playing the cello, natch).

I will judge a book by its cover, and this one’s beautiful, much like the stunning one for “Forget Me Not”. I DNF’d “Forget Me Not,” but I love this book, so take that for what you will. I’m extraordinarily picky when it comes to contemporary romances, and I thoroughly enjoyed this one.

Thank you NetGalley, Forever, and Hachette Book Group for sending me this ARC!

I devoured this book! Oh my goodness! Julie Soto is one of my top romance authors now, because both of her books so far have been PHENOMENAL.

I loved Alex and Gwen. They were both sweet characters, and their journey was so addicting to read. I physically couldn’t put the book once the plot started picking up. The beginning was on the slower end during the set up, but once it picked up it was so fast paced.

The tension was amazing. The payoff was even better. The sweetness of him wanting to be with her was so cute, and the coffee on the chair next to her (when you get there you’ll understand)?! The slow built trust with each other was perfect.

The plot was set up phenomenally. It contained perfect rising action and a very well executed climax and resolution. It was all so satisfying.

The only thing is I wished there were more conversations between the two main characters about their pasts. As the reader, I gathered a lot of information about both of their individual life’s and past hardships, but I would have loved to have more intimate conversations between Alex and Gwen where they share with each other and connect about something other than their shared love of music.

Overall, I absolutely LOVED this book, and I need more from Soto ASAP!!

It will be officially published on July 16th, so get your preorders in!!

Thank you to NetGalley, Julie Soto, and Forever Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I devoured this book. There is something about Julie's writing that keeps me wanting more and more. The pacing and structure of the book was impeccable and since I haven't read any books set in the music world before, I found the setting fascinating as well. The tension and the spice were on point as well.

That being said, I found Gwen and Xander/Alex somewhat one-dimensional. These two had literally nothing in their lives besides music. I'm no musician, but it seemed a little unhealthy to me the way they both did music as their jobs and in their limited free time.

The other thing that bothered me was that the supporting cast seemed slightly under-utilised and not particularly fleshed out, especially Ava.

Read this book. You definitely won't regret picking it up, because it was *chef's kiss*. I will never be able to look at a cello the same way as before.

“Entire symphonies had unfurled in his mind when they played together.”

Who knew stringed instruments were so hot? Probably a lot of people honestly, but it never occurred to me. Thank you to Julie for ✨educating me✨. Yes the cello scene is hot. BUT ALSO, this book is packed full of sexual tension and longing that is communicated with music. It’s seriously sooooo good. And this is coming from a person who is a chronic hater of rockstar romances haha. This book is h o r n y. Like, I was panting and giggling and kicking my feet the ENTIRE TIME.

*Thank you to NetGalley and Forever for the arc copy in exchange for my honest review*

What an amazing book! I absolutely devoured it, staying up WAY too late to finish the last few pages. Such a fun read, with characters that felt real. I cried my little heart out at the end. For sure my favorite book I’ve read this year!

Julie Soto has just become an instant-buy author for me. I have never read a book and felt so connected to every single character. The chemistry, the angst, the SPICE. This entire book was such a refreshing surprise.

Being a high-school band-geek, this hit me in a way I didn't expect. I felt very connect to the storyline, and found myself feeling very nostalgic to that past version of myself.

I couldn't put this down from the first page.

10/10 would recommend!

I seem to be in the dissenting opinion here, but wow I did not enjoy this. Please there needs to be a warning on books that are just repackaged Reylo fanfic because I am not interested in it and the publishing world seems to be infested with it. Tacky, overtly & unnecessarily sexual, insta lust/love (though I would argue on the love front that it was all physical) and my god what a dumb third act break up. I have nothing here to recommend.

I loved this book. Sitting down and writing the review a few hours after I finished it and I'm still so full of emotions and love for the Gwen and Alex. This isn't just a love story. Its a story of loss, grief and growing yourself up from those things. Alex and Gwen came from completely different lifestyles, but both face a large amount of grief. Gwen grieves for her family and the people she's lost and Alex grieves for the version of himself he was never allowed to be. They both learn to grow from that and love each other along the way. I've never been into classical music, but all of a sudden I'm buying tickets to see my local orchestra
(ps the spice...?? TOP TIER)

(pps coming from ao3 the acknowledgments had me tearing up)

4.5/5 | Okay, first of all can we take a moment to appreciate the cover?! It is absolutely gorgeous and captures the essence of Gwen and Xander perfectly.

Second of all, can a book be cute and sexy at the same time?! Because Not Another Love Song is both. There was a lushness to the writing that made this so enjoyable to read, in part because Julie’s writing embodied the musicality of the setting. The tension between Gwen and Xander was so good, not to mention the side characters who never once felt like an afterthought and added so much depth to the story. And that cello scene…hot.

Overall I had so much fun reading this and will 100% be picking up a copy when this book is out in July.

A huge thank you to Netgalley and Forever for this eARC; I feel so lucky that I got to read this prior to its release.

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever Publishing for a digital ARC of Not Another Love Song.

I devoured this in two days, totally enthralled in the story. The characterization was spot on, I felt like I was in the musical world, and the plot was well paced and didnt overshadow the romance. I was rooting for the characters and appreciated the way the story and their romance unfolded. I am a new Julie Soto fan and will read all her books!