Not Another Love Song is a vibrant, passionate romance centered around two musical prodigies, Gwen Jackson and Xander Thorne, whose tumultuous journey from rivals to lovers is set against the backdrop of the competitive world of classical music. Gwen, a talented violinist from a modest background, and Xander, a cellist born into musical royalty, clash over a coveted role in their orchestra, but their mutual respect for each other’s talent and undeniable chemistry make their romance impossible to resist.

Julie Soto masterfully weaves music into the fabric of the characters’ lives, making it more than a backdrop but a language through which Gwen and Xander communicate their desires and vulnerabilities. The book delves into themes of ambition, self-doubt, and the complex dynamics of relationships, all while maintaining a slow-burn tension that makes the eventual romance feel earned and electrifying.

The characters, while flawed, are relatable. Gwen’s insecurities and Xander’s arrogance create friction that makes their romantic development feel authentic. Though some elements, like the depiction of the music industry, may stretch believability, the emotional resonance and sizzling chemistry between the leads more than compensate.

Overall, Not Another Love Song delivers a beautifully told romance that blends heart, heat, and harmony, making it an engaging read for fans of contemporary romance with a musical twist.

Not Another Love Song is a grumpy sunshine romance that introduces the reader to the world of professional music.

"When professional—and self-taught—violinist Gwen Jackson plays, she disappears into the peaks and valleys of each song, a quiet passion that never quite explodes into pure emotion. Xander Thorne is the exact opposite. A cellist and a rock star, he’s all about big emotion, but not even his six-foot-four frame can contain his skill, his genius . . . and an attitude that borders on jerkitude."

The reader goes from their first meeting into the relationship of Gwen and Xander as it ebbs and flows. Some of the turns seem a bit melodramatic, but it's an enjoyable romance.

Oh my gosh I love this book with my whole heart!!

The writing is so lyrical and I felt so connected to the characters. I felt every bit of tension and the romance was so beautiful and believable. The main characters had incredible chemistry.

I cannot recommend this book enough! I want to read every single word this author writes.

Another Julie Soto banger! I loved this book. She does such a good job making you feel so deeply for all of her characters. There were some aspects of the orchestra that didn't feel very realistic, but I think it's fairly easy to look past. Would absolutely recommend! Can't wait to see what she does next.

I love a man that falls first and would do anything for her. This gives me the same vibes that Ali Hazelwood gives me. Just makes me feels so warm and fuzzy inside. This was already on my list of must reads for the year and it did not disappoint.

Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Book Boyfriend: 🩷🩷🩷🩷
Tropes : He falls first - Coworker/Workplace - Musician/Rockstar

Thank you Forever Publishing and Julie Soto for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

BIG THANK YOU TO NetGalley, Forever and Miss Julie Soto for this ARC.
I´m very abashed because I didn´t send you this review on time, but believe me I wrote it on my Goodreads and I haven´t stop talking about this book. Last year Forget me not was my number 1 book of 2023, and this year, Julie Soto´s second novel is my number 1 of 2024.
I have no words to describe how much I enjoyed this book. Xander and Gwen live rent free in my heart.
Rating: FIVE STARS (a constellation)
FLAWLESS!!!
Only two books published (so far) but I can tell I love EVERYTHING Julie Soto writes.
I loved:
-The characters and their development.
-The plot
-The cameos
-The chemistry between Gwen and Alex
-The angst
-The banter
-EVERITHING
Seriously, I felt butterflies in my stomach all the time, and the cello scene!!!!!!!!!
Never going to stop recomending Miss Julie´s work <3
Thank You again Netgalley for the ARC.

I really liked this but not as much as her first book. Julie Soto really has a very of making me interested in things I never saw myself wanting to read about. In general this was very enjoyable, maybe a bit heavier on the smut than I would prefer, but overall very good!

Not Another Love Song follows Gwen and Xander, two rival strings musicians (cello and violin), as they battle for their places in the orchestra they both play in and their growing attraction for one another.

This book has stuck with me!! It’s honestly all I’ve thought about for days!

The way Xander falls first and hard.
The way Julie Soto created this beautiful universe with the side characters.
The way this books subtly but wonderfully captures class differences.
And the SEXUAL TENSION 🥵 Who knew cello could be so erotic!

This was a 5 star read for me!

This was everything I wanted and more. This was a highly anticipated read for me and good golly I read it in almost one sitting.

- MUSICIANS
- the CELLO SCENE. nuff said.
- Gwen and Alex are two strong characters who pull their strength from very different places but it WORKS.
- The detail in the writing of the scenes involving the orchestra, handling of instruments, and the overall allure of music in its many beautiful forms. MY HEART ♥️
- Alex was down so bad for Gwen and the way he showed it was beautiful. (Although, to be real, I was not a fan of Alex’s introduction and the way he talked about Gwen even understanding the context/reasoning)
- Okay, yeah there were a few times that had me wanting to yell at my book because of the way Gwen and Alex handled conflict. Running away is NOT the answer.
- But like the way my whole heart was invested in things turning out well, truly I had the greatest time.

Oh my goodness!
Talking about hot and steamy!
First, special thank you to Forever Books-Grand Central Publishing via Netgalley for the ARC provided in exchange of my honest review.
I will never look at a violin or a cello the same way again. Music prodigies Gwen Jackson and Xander have just the right amount magic to make this romance book one of a kind. I love the banter, the witty exchange and the sharp humor between the two. The chemistry was quite irresistible, and I am all here for it!
It literally took me a total of 6 hours to finish this book from start to finish and I was wanting more! I am searching for more Julie Soto after this book and I know I will be entertained! I highly recommend this read!

I loved the world of professional violinist/celloists and the orchestra/POPs/band dynamics. I really enjoyed this book and the characters although maybe not as much as the first one. I found the third act breakup really frustrating and devoid of personal choice with the interference of the director and agent. The rest of the love story was top notch!

Wow I really enjoyed this one!! A rivals to lovers between a violinist and cellist! This book was fast paced filled with delicious tension. This book read like a beautiful orchestra score! I just loved the dynamic between Gwen and Xander (Alex) and seeing how their relationship grew in so many ways and their story coming together like one beautiful piece! This was such a fun read and I loved every minute of it!

I loved this book so much! It’s such a fun romance read and it was such a good book to read in between the fantasy that I typically read. I will definitely check out more of Sotos books in the future! I’ve already bought a physical copy! As a former violinist this one spoke to my soul!

Thank you to the publisher for a free copy! I was anticipating reading this book because I really enjoyed the authors other works. I just did not connect with this book or the characters and had a hard time finishing.

4/5 Stars ⭐️
What a surprising read for me!

Short summary:
This follows Gwen and Alex who both play musical instruments. They both bond over their love for music and are able to cheer each other on.

My thoughts:
One of the things I loved the most was the way that Alex was truly a supporter of Gwen no matter what, and that despite his character being painted as arrogant he never once acted that way towards her. It was refreshing to see!
I truly enjoyed this one and i loved the musical elements of it a lot. However there was quite a bit of spice and so I wish that had been left out but other than that the story was beautiful!

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

4 stars!
my first musical romance did not disappoint! a fun story with great tension between the characters I was engaged the entire time! knocking a star because he was a lil mean at the beginning and I feel like the attraction was pretty physical at first but overall great read! also LOVED the cello scene!!

Thank you for this arc!!

WOOOOW Obsessed is barely a good way to put how much I loved this.

First musician romance.

Sorry I just really disliked this :( And the author’s other book slapped but this just read as amateurish, with a weak plot, a terrible love interest/relationship, and a lot of nonsense. No!!!

4.5⭐️, rounded up. I really really loved this one! My first Julie Soto book, and I will definitely be reading more.

I was a little hesitant with it being centred around musicians and orchestras etc, because they can end up being very snobby spaces sometimes, but this book has the perfect balance of the elitist nature of that level of performance and the absolute passion the musicians have.

The professional rivals-to-lovers was such a vibe for me, and I really liked how Gwen wasn’t a “not like other girls” character. She worked her butt off to get where she was, and she wasn’t letting anyone take that away from her.

Thank you so much to Forever and NetGalley for the arc.

Julie Soto has crafted an emotionally charged, beautifully developed love story between two passionate musicians. I loved this book so much that I bought a hard copy. A top read of 2024 for me.