4.5 🌟 I could not put this down!!!! Rivals to lovers gold. There is something about Julie Soto’s romances that just keep me hooked. The writing is addicting, her mmcs are so broody and swoony, and they’re so fast paced. I started this on audio this morning and listened to about 40% then read the last 60% physically and literally could not stop. The tension between Xander and Gwen was literally coming off the page it was so intense. I absolutely ate up all the drama and the musician lifestyle. And can we talk about how Xander is a man OBSESSED? A man in LOVE? I didn’t expect to love this so much but I am soooo glad I did

I squealed and smiled and swooned too many times to give this less than five stars ✨

I absolutely loved the characters, especially Gwen and Xander, obviously. They were EVERYTHING! Gwen, the talented violinist, is offered First Chair, which infuriates Mr *aloof and arrogant* Xander, who’s been secretly wanting that position himself. The tension between them is palpable. Seriously, the sexual chemistry is off the chartsssss. THE CELLO SCENE? PLS 🥵🫠

Xander's arrogance is a fun contrast to Gwen’s sweet, wallflower nature. Because who doesn't love the grumpy x sunshine trope?!? The way their romance developed felt real and relatable, with misunderstandings that made sense rather than leaving me frustrated. THANK GAWD.

This story and romance is one of my all time favorites!

AND CAN I JUST SAY WE NEED MORE REYLO FANFICS!!!


some of my favorite moments-
“They’ve been keeping you hidden,” he said. “Ordinary. When you’re anything but.”

“Give this a chance. The two of us. I’m not good with words, I’m not good at speaking things. I’m good with notes on a page. I’m good at music— and that’s what I tried to tell you on that stage just now.”

“Go put your cello away properly, Mr. Thorne. That thing is worth almost a million dollars.”He curved his hands under her thighs and encouraged her legs to wrap around his waist. “I’m taking care of something much more valuable,”he murmured into her ear,

She thought it was maybe a second movement of the first song. And maybe it started that way, but as the bow pulled across the strings she knew in her blood that he was writing this, that very moment, staring at her.

Julie Soto is a marvel. Not Another Love Song was an intriguing book set in a musical environment that I have no experience with. I enjoyed learning about violin but also loved the relationships in the book.

Thank you to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and NetGalley for the early copy. I devoured this book and plan to buy a copy.

It took me forever to write this review cause I had such a hard time getting through this book. Julie Soto's first book “Forget me Not” felt nearly perfect to me. And so I was super excited for this one, especially since Xander was mentioned in the previous book, and he oozed main character energy from the few sentences we got to see of him.
Unfortunately this book just didn't deliver, and I struggled to connect with the characters, and I struggled to take Xander seriously when he seems so willfully obtuse about his work situation, obtuse in a way I have trouble buying. I guess it's a result of emotional manipulation and having been under someone's thumb, but still. I just didn't buy it.
I wished I could love this book, I really wanted to. But I just didn't care that much, it is well written, but didn't engage me in a way a romance should, my heart was not aflutter as they say.
It's too bad cause Julie is an excellent writer, and I'm excited for her next story, but this was apparently a retooled version of her original fan fiction, and I think it probably didn't quite work as well as a standalone book with the serial numbers filed off. As it did as a fanfic.

Wow, Julie Soto. I am so glad I picked this up. This book brought so much warmth to my heart - the romance, the characters, family. Great love story!

This book is spicy, funny and it made me squeal too! I quite enjoyed it all! I love that this began as a wrong instrument showed up, try them out anyway. It is also a classic we've been around each other, but you never noticed me or remembered me... to can't get enough undeniable chemistry!

Love anything by this author! Relatable characters and amazing storyline! I loved the music connection and returning characters.

I rated this a five-star before I even finished the book because it was already so enjoyable that nothing could diminish my experience.

It’s truly unique and beautifully crafted. This book exemplifies an outstanding romance, where the elements outside of the romantic plot are even more captivating than the romance itself. Everything flows together beautifully. The characters are well-developed, each with their own compelling storylines that intertwine seamlessly, adding depth to the narrative. The exploration of themes such as friendship, personal growth, and the challenges of pursuing one's passions enriches the overall reading experience.

Julie Soto's writing is both lyrical and engaging, pulling me into the world she created from the very first page. The witty dialogue and relatable moments made me laugh and reflect, making this book a joy to read. I found myself invested not only in the romance but also in the characters’ journeys, celebrating their victories and empathizing with their struggles.

Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone who loves a romance that goes beyond the surface. I loved Julie Soto's past work and this one lives up to the hype as well. I can’t wait to see what else Julie Soto has in store!

I liked Forget Me Not, but I love Not Another Love Song. Julie Soto just has a way of describing romance that you experience hiraeth and joy simultaneously.

Not Another Love Song is a sweet, humorous and spicy romance between two musical prodigies who don't believe in themselves but begin to realize their potentials when they begin to believe in each other while finding sweet harmony amongst their clashing worlds (he is a boy band classical music star and she is a wall flower orchestra member). She has humble beginnings and he comes from a well-to-do family, but these opposites attract and they mend a rift in those closest to them that they didn't realize existed. I was fascinated by the orchestra life and music! I even looked up online to listen to some of the unconventional weddings songs that were listed, and I was amazed at how gorgeous they were in a classical arrangement. All of the details like this, really added to my enjoyment of the story.

Fun writing, but maybe not the healthiest portrayal of romance? Really wanted to love it. Won’t be a reread for me.

This is the first book I’ve read by this author but certainly won’t be the last! The tension between Gwen & Alex/Xander was so delicious it kept me turning the pages. Then when they finally realize that they have more in common than they thought - whoa the chemistry just ignited!
Solid 5 stars for this beautifully composed masterpiece!

Not another love song follows Gwen as she finds herself in her music while of course falling in love. It starts off very humorous as she shows up to play at a wedding and has to change instruments at the last minute. She makes it through, having to play for one of her coworkers she’s a huge fan of., Xander. Some things are expected like him helping her gain confidence and broaden her music. Other things are unexpected like finding out how their pasts and futures come together.

I absolutely loved this book. I will admit I don’t play any instruments and I’m not musical, but the world the author created was very interesting to me. I don’t know if it’s accurate or not, but I thought the emotion and anxiety surrounding whether the FMC should take a chance was very well done. I live every day with imposter syndrome so I can really relate to her not always having the confidence. I’m never big on the third act break up but I understand it’s such a staple and I didn’t completely hate it. I will definitely be looking at more of her books!

A gorgeously written and unique romance! I will definitely keep an eye out for the next Julie Soto book!

Absolutely phenomenal character development through the tension and I loved how music was a central theme from start to finish

This book was absolutely unputdownable! I usually listen to the audio versions of books, so sitting to read a text edition for hours just isn’t a thing for me very often. I was totally drawn in and immersed in the world of Gwen & Xander. Soto’s descriptions of the orchestra transported me back to my youth as a student cellist, with the addition of a spicy storyline unlike anything I experienced. I was there refreshing my audio library on publication day to relive the story again (and again) with narration. This has become a book I return to for a re-listen, not unlike my favorite romcom movies!

Julie Soto has done it again! This was one of my favorite romances this year. Gwen and Xander's love story was angsty and captivating. Soto beautifully intertwines music while making the reader fall in love with Gwen and Xander. I can't wait for Soto's next book!

Oh this book!! I read this one before reading Forget Me Not by the author, and immediately went out to get that one after finishing. There are a lot of musical terms, so that might throw you off of you don't play an instrument. It's spicy without feeling like that takes over the story. Julie Soto has become a go to for me.

I love rivals to lovers almost as much as I love NYC, so I knew this book would be a winner for me. And in true Julie Soto fashion, she didn’t let me down.

I loved FORGET ME NOT and couldn’t wait to dive into Alex (Xander) and Gwen’s story. Alex was a grump on the outside but really such a soft boy at heart who fell so hard for Gwen. Gwen was understandably guarded and I loved watching her journey of self-discovery. This book made orchestra sexy and romantic. The author utilized music as a love language between the MCs, and I was here for it. I’d never read a romance with musicians before and would love to see more of it!

If you liked FORGET ME NOT, you’ll definitely want to pick up NOT ANOTHER LOVE SONG.

I loved this book. The main character was relatable and didnt get on my nerves. I do like book 1 a little bit more but the music references really made this one.