I finished this a while ago but forgot to post my review here. I loveeee Julie solos writing so much. I read forget me not & immediately wanted to devour more of her writing. This was so unique & fun. The tension in this was insaaaane. I loved the musical aspect to this book, it was beautifully done. While this had a bit more smut than what I tend to read- the plot didn’t REVOLVE around the spicy stuff which I appreciated. The romance was beautifully done & captivating. 💜

I adored Forget Me Not and was thrilled to get the eARC. Unfortunately, for me, this book didn’t hit the same. The relationship felt very insta-love as it seemed to come out of nowhere (there wasn’t really any yearning, just unkind behaviour from the MMC and avoidance from the FMC). A lot of the plot points developed unrealistically and felt placed just for plot progression vs in depth connection to the story. Bummed out I didn’t love this more.

Julie Soto hits all the right notes, again. She somehow manages to create characters that get me so attached, I cannot put her books down- but then it’s over too quickly and I’m left lamenting that their story is over.

I don’t often buy books, but I so far have kindle AND physical copies of each one of Julie’s works- and the new ones are preordered in much anticipation.

I was so so excited for this book because I LOVED Julie Soto's debut. But unfortunately I really struggled with this one. I didn't enjoy the romance, or the main characters. All of it frustrated me. I could see the intention behind the story, but it sadly fell very flat for me. The main character seemed very naive, and that made it difficult to root for her sometimes. I wanted to love this. I truly did. But this one was not for me. I've heard other people loved it, but it's not one I would recommend.

3.5 Star Rounded Up

I received an advanced copy of Not Another Love Song by Julie Soto from the publisher Forever via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

What It’s About: Gwen Jackson and Xander Thorne are both musical prodigies, but the lives they have led are totally different. Xander grew up amongst musical royalty, while Gwen had a natural ear that was nurtured by a kind shop owner after the loss of her own family. The two of them are both part of the same orchestra. However, when Gwen performs at his friend’s wedding, it soon becomes clear Xander never took any notice of Gwen and to make matters worse, his first words are a critique. When Gwen is offered the role as first chair of their orchestra, a role Xander has always wanted, their hostility has been lit even more. Soon they find a respect for each other’s music, an undeniable performance chemistry, leading to a growing relationship.

My Thoughts: This romance felt super unique to me. This book is kind of a rivals to lover, our main male character is gruff to the extent he initially rubbed me the wrong way. The book starts off with Xander being very condescending to our female main character. I really liked Gwen and related to her, a lot, she’s lost a lot in her life, she was orphaned when she was young and music filled the gap, but while she is considered to be a prodigy, she has always valued the connections to people over her talent. This balance between being a prodigy and living up to your potential and the conflict with wanting things that might not be the best for your career was done so well. I really loved watching Xander fall in love with Gwen, because he grows so much as a character. The way Soto writes makes me sympathetic for an imperfect character and that’s an accomplishment. Some of the things that I didn’t love were the third act break-up, it was a bit ridiculous. The other thing that broke up the writing for me was showing the viewpoint of Xander, I didn’t feel it added anything. Overall, a solid romance.

Who Should Read It: People who love rivals to lovers books. People who love books about prodigies

Summary: Two musical prodigies find love with one another.

I really enjoyed Forget Me Not as an original novel, but if I hadn't picked up Not Another Love Song in the full expectation that I was reading a Reylo fic that exemplifies a lot of what was popular during the period in which it was published, I wouldn't have liked it as much as I did. Knowing that going in, however, it was definitely enough fun that I'd check out another of Julie Soto's contemporaries in the future! (Although not her forthcoming serial-numbers-filed off famous Dramione romantasy, because once was enough and there's no possible execution that will fix the premise enough to make me interested in ever revisiting that story again.) Recommended to fans of sexy, angsty romances starring classical musicians, with thanks to the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest if belated review.

Unfortunately this book was not for me. After originally DNFing I kept seeing great reviews online and decided to give it another shot. I absolutely loved Julie Sotos Forget Me Not so I was originally so excited for this one, however it fell really flat for me. Just because I didn’t like it though, doesn’t mean it won’t be a book someone else is obsessed with. Overall, nothing was sticking out for me personally and for that I give it a 2 stars.

Forget Me Not was an unexpected five star read for me last year when I read it so I was really excited to read this one.

I loved the cameos from the couple in Forget Me Not and getting to know the friend group and side characters. The romance was really sweet and I love when he falls first and falls harder I think its so so cute! I will be picking up all of this authors romances and could see myself dabbling in her other books as well.

Definitely recommend, just know that it is SPICY. 4.5 stars rounded up!

3.5 ⭐️
What a charming and heartfelt romance. It follows Lila, a woman caught between her dreams and the expectations placed on her. Set in the world of music, the story delves into themes of self-discovery, love, and finding one's voice. Soto’s writing captures the complexities of relationships and personal growth with humor and depth. The chemistry between the characters is real and engaging. It's a refreshing take on love, identity, and following your passion.

This is my second Julie Soto book. I loved Forget Me Not, so I was very excited to jump back into her storytelling. I really enjoyed the flow/ease of her writing, as well as the tension she built between the main characters. Unfortunately, this story fell very flat for me.

There were a lot of misses in the plot. I wished she would have given more in certain places (building the emotional relationship) and less in others (too many plot lines with little connection/development).

I had the privilege of reading an ARC of Julie Soto's debut, Forget Me Not, and it is still one of my favorite contemporary romance to this day. I was so excited to read her next book. While Forget Me Not is still a tiny bit above this one for me, I absolutely enjoyed Not Another Love Song. Musician rivals to lovers? Mysterious and broody MMC? He's obsessed with her in secret? So much tension you could cut it with a knife? Sign me up! I just loved when the two main characters have opposite personalities but complete each other perfectly, and this was the case with Gwen and Xander. The way he helped her get more confident and see how great of a musician she is and how she was able to ground him and help him see what really matters was so beautiful. I don't know that much about music, but Julie Soto wrote about it so lovingly, I couldn't help but care about it too.

I could not wait for the next Julie Soto book. The characters were instant hits for me. If you loved Forget Me Not, you will love this one!

Okay the PINING in this! So much tension. I loved that!

I will say…if you are a music person you will LOOOVVEEE this. I’m not totally a music person so I do think there were things I didn’t fully get. It’s VERY music (specifically orchestra) heavy. But even with my lack of knowledge, I loved it.

I think this would have been a 5 star but the third act breakup felt weird to me. I wasn’t even sure if they were broken up. And Lorenz SUCKS. And then they got back together so easily. I could have used a little more explanation and communication.

Overall though, I enjoyed this! Read it in just a few hours. And I loved the cameos from Forget Me Not!

I absolutely adore Julie Soto and her books always leave me wanting more. The characters are so real and relatable. The stores seem like something that would happen to your own friends, they're not out there making me think, 'yeah right, that didn't happen.' I can't wait for more by Julie in the future.

Not Another Love Song by Julie Soto is everything I needed and more! If you love rivals-to-lovers, grumpy/sunshine dynamics, and dating a celebrity with a side of insane sexual tension, this book is for you. Xander and Gwen had me hooked from the start!

Xander is an arrogant, superstar cellist who’s all confidence and charm, while Gwen is a talented, wallflower violinist who tries to keep her head down. But when these two are forced together, sparks fly, and the tension between them is next level—seriously, the tension had me clutching my book! The slow burn and aching longing were chef’s kiss.

And let’s talk about the pining. Alex’s journey was absolutely delicious, and his fall for Gwen was something I didn’t want to end. Their romance was hot, heavy, and so beautifully romantic—every spicy scene felt earned and reflected their deep connection. The way they needed each other made it all feel so intimate, like a whole different level of love and admiration. It’s one of the best slow-burn, tension-filled stories I’ve ever read!

This book kept my stomach fluttering and my heart pounding, and I loved every second of it. If you're into intense chemistry, complex characters, and a believable, swoon-worthy romance, Not Another Love Song is a MUST-READ!

Re-read "Forget Me Not" and finally cracked open "Not Another Love Song," because I needed more Julie Soto in my life--she has yet to steer me wrong.

"Not Another Love Song" is the story of a woman who struggles with self worth and a man who is confident in his own greatness, but just as confident in hers. I don't know anything about music, but reading this made me feel like I did.

Early reviews had me going in thinking this was going to be brimming with sex scenes, but I didn't find that to be the case. The physical intimacy felt like a very natural evolution of the emotional relationship.

Unfortunately, this story was riddled with factual errors. The male main character was absolutely insufferable. I needed more than five or six interlude chapters in order to justify his horrible personality. I didn’t really understand the trajectory of the romance further it is clear to me that this author has very little experience in the classical music world. My husband plays bass in an orchestra. I am a cellist. The inaccuracies were a little appalling. Overall, I really wanted to like this but I think I’m sick of Reylo fan fic.

I received an ARC of Not Another Love Song through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Julie Soto’s “Not Another Love Song” hits all the right notes for a delightful, enemies-to-lovers romance. June, a talented but jaded music producer, is forced to work with her former bandmate and rival, Jonah, on a project that could revitalize her career. The tension is palpable from the start, and the forced proximity trope is executed flawlessly.

Soto's writing is sharp and witty, with well-developed characters who feel authentic. June is wonderfully complex, balancing her ambition with vulnerability, and Jonah's charm and hidden depths make him incredibly endearing. The musical backdrop adds a unique and engaging layer to the story, and the chemistry between June and Jonah sizzles.

The pacing is excellent, and the emotional journey is both satisfying and heartwarming. While some could consider the plot points a bit predictable, the execution is so well done that it doesn’t detract from the enjoyment. If you're a fan of second-chance romances with a strong musical vibe and plenty of witty banter, "Not Another Love Song" is a must-read.

Thank you so much for the chance to read this book.

Rating: 5/5

I really enjoyed this story! The romance and the setting were top-tier and I loved how the story played out. The side characters were just as good as the main characters. Can't wait to read more by Soto!

the artful tension between these characters is chefs kisssss!!! This is my second book by Julie Soto and definitely will not be my last