Julie Soto did it again!

To no surprise, I thoroughly enjoyed Not Another Love Song, which had been one of my most highly anticipated reads of the year.

Gwen and Xander, the MC's, were so beautifully written. They grow a lot as characters throughout the book, and the tension was *chefs kiss* wonderful! In my opinion, there's probably some of the best written tension I've ever read.

The one thing I was concerned about when I started reading the book was how much I would enjoy the musical aspect. In all honesty, I know nothing about violinists, cellists, or orchestras in general. But although I was unfamiliar with this setting, I never felt lost or confused and found it refreshing since it was different from anything I'd read before.

Thank you NetGalley & Forever Pub for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. An Easy 5 ⭐️ from me!

This was my first Julie Soto and certainly not my last. Really loved the steamy edge of this enemies to lovers romance, which follows a star cellist and an up-and-coming violinist. This was lacking a little bit in character development for me, especially re: their career futures.

Thank you NetGalley for this Arc. When I read the synopsis about a rockstar and a violinist, I was sold. Although it followed the typical third act break up which I'm not a fan of, Julie Soto did a great job at making you feel the music and their epic love. My God did he love her !!! I fell in love with Gwen and want to marry ALEX/Xander!! There were a few moments that made the reader think there would be a twist of some sort in the story but that never really came. There was one revelation towards the end of the book that I thought could've been much more Monumental, but unfortunately, it wasn't and that made it feel a little anti-climatic. I felt the ending was a little rushed and I wanted to hear more about their happy ever after. I really liked this book a lot given that it's not your typical rockstar romance, but a cellist /rockstar instead. ALEX/Xander will be in my head for a long time. I also know that when I hear about Carnegie Hall or the New York Pops, I will always think of Gwen/ALEX/Eva/Mabel. I'm looking forward to reading more books from Julie Soto in the future well done.

Not Another Love Song tells the story of two string musicians who play in the same orchestra. Xander who is quite famous outside the orchestra. And Gwen, who is a rare talent, hidden in plain sight. It isn't until she plays at a wedding he's in, that their worlds collide.

This is my first read by the author, and I'll be honest I have some mixed feelings on it. I liked the MC's and their ultimate connection in the end. I liked how the author attempted to make this an enemies to lovers vibe with tension that builds. But I felt it lacked development. Especially in the beginning. I mean we get to this cello scene, and it is PURE LUST (and fabulous)... but I was also like wait, how did we even get here.. there was no build up.

There is a lot of music talk in this one, which will be a highlight for some. I personally could have done with more romance and less music talk. I just didn't feel the connection like I hoped. Maybe because it just felt much younger than I enjoy. But it also felt rushed, and the romance less of a focus. Overall, this was a unique story. I rooted for them. But aside from that cello scene, it's not going to be one that stands out for me personally. But I can see how it may for others!

*Thanks to Forever Pub for the ARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own and given freely.

Oh my gosh can we talk about how freaking good this book was?! I have really enjoyed reading Julie’s new book and getting to meet her at my local indie bookstore was also so fun! The emotional death that Julie brings to her characters is so good. I will be reading anything she writes!

2.5 stars rounded up

When I read the premise and saw the cover art, this book was quickly added to my highly anticipated reads list, especially after enjoying Forget Me Not last year. Rival musicians who fall in love, what’s not to like? I did really enjoy the premise and all of the detail that went into describing the music and the feelings that Gwen and Xander had playing. What I really struggled with was the pacing. To me, it was glaringly obvious that this was formerly a fanfic, just from the pacing alone. I feel like I guessed a majority of the major plot point before the halfway mark and was just waiting for the book to be over by the end. I really liked Gwen as a character but I wish we got to see her stick up for herself more, even with Xander. There were some moments where it felt like he was walking over her and not taking her feelings into consideration. I was disappointed that I didn’t love this book, but I’m really intrigued by Soto’s next projects so I am excited to check them out when they are released!

Thank you to Forever & Netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Not Another Love Song by Julie Soto was such a wonderful reading experience! If combined my love of books and music in the most magical and perfect way. We follow two string players, Gwen on violin and Xander on cello. After working together at the Pop orchestra for about a year Gwen’s “first” interaction with Xander happens at a wedding. Where Xander tells Gwen that her playing good basically have been better. So not good. Then Gwen is offered the position of first chair a position promised to Xander. Making them rivals. Not good at all. But is there more? Julie Soto did an incredible job building tension and growing their romance through music. It was such a fun and magical reading experience. I was hiked to every word, every glance, every time they payed together. This book also addresses how often talented people are taken advantage of especially when they truly love what they do. I loved this book! I know it’s one I will definitely reread and soon! 4.5⭐️

I really enjoyed Forget Me Not by Julie Soto when it came out last year, and I was super excited to read Not Another Love Song after seeing so many people rave about how good the romance was. They were absolutely right, because Gwen and Alex swept me off my feet! The tension between Gwen and Alex both on and offstage went CRAZY. I found myself highlighting nearly every page because this man is truly so in love and enamored with Gwen and her music. This book has been living in my head rent-free ever since I read the ARC and I cannot recommend it enough for romance readers.

4⭐️
3🔥

Quick Breakdown

Workplace Vibes
Musical Prodigies
Rivals to Lovers-ish
Celebrity Romance
Quiet, Brooding Hero
He Falls First
NYC Setting
Ama & Elliot Cameos
Dual POV
Open Door - Moderate Detail

Gwen + Alex = 🫶🏻🫶🏻

I really, really, really enjoyed this book. Not Another Love Song was a highly anticipated new release for me. Partly, because I love the unique premise: a niche romance between two musical prodigies who work together at the Pops Orchestra, but also because despite not 100% vibing with Forget Me Knot, I still LOVED Julie’s writing. It’s filled with all the pining / tension, the right amount of angst, & still feels deeply romantic.

Not Another Song did not disappoint - I was addicted, one of those books that cause physical pain when I had to put it down. I loved being thrown into this musical world with the both equally complex, Gwen and Alex. They shared some of the most intense chemistry I’ve read in a long, long time. I couldn’t look away. It was a trope perfect storm: he’s the quiet & brooding tortured celebrity & she’s his incredibly talented muse. And the music they make together.. 💥😉 Watching someone’s hands while they play an instrument has never felt hotter.

I was not a big fan of the 3rd act break up, but it was one of those circumstances where it feels like you can’t be mad the MC’s are behaving the way they are.. Where despite not loving that / how it happened, the conclusion was still beautiful & so full of raw emotions, that I was crying right along with Gwen.

I personally loved this book, it's a 4 star read for me! I love a good love story. A little enemies to lovers type of story! Loved.

I won't lie, the beautiful cover is what drew me in to this book, but the story on the inside didn't disappoint. Not Another Love Song by Julie Soto is an adult contemporary romance that follows Gwen and Xander, two cello/violin players whose upbringings couldn't be more different. They find each other in close proximity and end up clashing; in a bad way at first, but in the best ways after. While it starts off as hate (maybe dislike) to love, it doesn't last very long, because the two of them can't resist the pull and they get close very quickly. I really enjoyed watching them fall in love and the themes of music connected to it.

As opposed to Julie Soto's previous book, Forget Me Not, this one isn't so much of a slow-burn, which I really appreciated. There's enough build-up and tension, but we don't have to wait the whole book for them to make out. It's an addicting, steamy and also sweet romance that got me so invested I basically inhaled the book in one sitting. The only thing I didn't like was some of the conflict in the 3rd act and the side characters at some points, but it didn't hinder my enjoyment.

I definitely recommend this if you'd like to read a fun light-hearted romance that centers around love for music and the way that it can connect people.

okay okay okay I get the hype!!🙂‍↕️ I loved Soto’s first novel + after seeing this next release getting early rave reviews my hopes were climbing high!! and well met!

✨rivals to lovers
✨for music fans 🎻 especially classical / orchestral!
✨NYC setting
✨two crazy talented musicians with two very different backgrounds!
✨spicyyy 🌶️❤️‍🔥
✨the tension!!😮‍💨 the pining! the mutual respect for their craft!! 🥵

I think this book was VERY well done + I can already tell that Soto’s writing has improved! One of my favorite tools here was the very clear distinction between Alex and Zander and who he was trying to be/impress/etc! So smart!! but I do think I enjoyed FMN better🤔 which just means they’re both fantastic and I highly enjoyed!!

Not Another Love Song follows a violinist and a cellist with two very different paths to success in their music careers who fight their attraction for each other.

The musical element of this book was fascinating and I couldn’t stop reading for the first half of the book. I really liked Gwen as a character!

Unfortunately, the romance didn’t work for me in this book. It felt like it went from him being really rude to her while they were rivals to suddenly being obsessed with her. There was no tension or build up.

I loved Forget Me Not, so it’s disappointing that I didn’t love this book as much, but I just prefer more of a slow burn. I think a lot of people would still like this book, it just wasn’t for me!

My goodness.... can i be obsessed with ink and paper? Yes, yes I can. I didn't think I could like a book more than forget me not and this proved me wrong! This was sexy and so fun. Julie is a master at her craft and I cant wait to read more of her amazing smutty writing

I enjoyed Alex and Gwen. I loved the concept of them being musicians and that they play the cello and the violin. Do I think that it was cliche and unrealistic? Of course. I wasn't asking for it to be any other way, honestly. I did really dislike the fight at the 80% mark. I think both characters were very childish during it, which was infuriating to read.

I really love Julie Soto's writing. Everytime it switched to Alex's POV, I was giggling in excitement. His parts weren't in abundance, but when he gave his thoughts, they felt necessary. We got glimpses of his personality, his own feelings for Gwen. This is the first of Julie Soto's books that I've read and I'm going to give more of them a read because the writing is wonderful! And that cello scene! Ah! Don't even get me started. The pair of them are perfect and I LOVE the choice of using a mixture of music when expressing how they feel about one another.

I also just love a good "'He hated me at first sight' but really he's falling to his knees in love with her' trope" As I said, giggling and kicking feet. It's a cute and fun book overall!

Not Another Love Story by Julie Soto was so good. If you like he falls first, found family, grumpy x sunshine, enemies to lovers, angst, slow burn, and spice then you will love this book.

Gwen Jackson grew up an orphan and learned to play the violin, playing in subway stations. She masters her violin and is given first chair in the New York Pops Orchestra. Xander Thorne comes from music royalty, but changes his name because he wants to find his own way and not use his families fame.

Soto wrote a love story that had drama, lies, and music…I loved it. Their romance is a slow burn, but are drawn together by music. Gwen Jackson and Xander Thorne may not have gotten along, but they respected each other’s talents. Thank you to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and NetGalley for letting me read this ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts and opinions.

Gwen Jackson plays fourth chair violin in the Manhattan Pops. She watched broody Xander Thorne, cellist and part of the rock band Thorne and Roses from a distance. When their paths cross by chance at a wedding, he finally takes notice of her. But perhaps not the way she always wanted. And Xander might not be who she thought he was. But they can't stay away from each other.

This was such a fun romance. I love that it was set in New York City, my hometown. Don't be fooled by the cartoon cover. It was spicy!! This one exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend this to fans of RomComs.

In this book, we follow Xander and Gwen both members of the Manhattan Pops orchestra. Xander does not know of Gwen until he meets her one day at a wedding. Gwen then gets the orchestra's first chair, which sets off Xander and makes them "enemies". As hard as they try to avoid each other, it seems fate keeps bringing them together. The first half of this book was entertaining and the tension was off the charts. But sadly, by the end, I was bored and felt the relationship was rushed. I wish there was more time spent on the romance and less on the sex as it was hard for me to truly root for their happy ending. I liked that Gwen stood her ground when it came to her music career and her independence. I just felt Xander needed time to come into his own before they got back together. If you are interested in romances with a lot of sexual tension and a hint of enemies to lovers, then this will work for you.

I could not have asked for more from this book! Julie Soto did it again — a rollercoaster of emotions, tension, angst! All of the great elements I look for in a romance novel were present. Xander and Gwen have my heart fully. I’ve been recommending this read to anyone that will listen. I absolutely cannot wait to see what is next in store for Soto!

Julie Soto has seriously outdone herself with this one. I adored this story so much and loved how they played music together. The battles of playing each other music and the fact that both can pick up an instrument and play. This needs to be a must-read for everyone.

Tropes:
-Dual POV
-Violin X Cello
-Family Drama
-Rivals to Lovers