[3.5 Stars😊] Although Not Another Love Song turned the romantic tension up to a 10, ultimately, I had a lot of mixed feelings regarding Julie Soto's latest (first?) work that's basically a fan-fic mash-up of the musical duo 2Cellos and Reylo. But what upsets me the most about Not Another Love Song is that it was a strong enough story on its own without Reylo, and that's a damn shame.

First of all, this book had one of the best build-ups I've read all year--it's the kind of tension that alters your brain chemistry and will live rent-free in my mind for a long time!

However.

Xander's character had some of the most cringy dialogue and other attributes (soooooo much hair flipping while playing the cello) that I couldn't take his character seriously, while Gwen's character lacked dimension and personality. I loved the scenes where he pushed her out of her comfort zone by having her sight-read, but their romance was off-balance because of his treatment of her, and the fact that he NEVER explained himself or apologized for his behavior irritated me to no end.

I also hated knowing this was a work of fan fiction going into my read of Not Another Love Song because it forced my perspective, which upsets me as a reader. And, no, I didn't know it was fan fiction when I signed up for the ARC, but my stomach fell when I read the author's note at the beginning of the book. If she disclosed the Reylo angle at the end of the book, I wouldn't have cared, but I didn't like knowing beforehand. But in a way, I also understand why Julie Soto had to lean heavily into the fan-fic angle because there are a lot of classical music terms, composers, and orchestral dynamics included that only band people, musicians, and general music nerds like me will get without having to use Google for context.

While I wasn't a fan of Reylo, I did enjoy Julie Soto's writing and storytelling, and I hope she continues to publish books that showcase musicians and artists. Except maybe don't tell me it's fan-fic until the end next time, ok?

+As an aside, I wanted to say I'm not a hater of anyone who writes or reads fan fiction. But as a reader, I prefer to go into a book with an open mind and to color in the details with my imagination and not be told how I'm supposed to perceive the story and the characters. Next time I will do my research before signing up for a Julie Soto ARC!

+A huge thank you to Netgalley and Julie Soto for the ARC of Not Another Love Song. All thoughts in this review are my own.

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Details:
💘Contemporary romance
👔Workplace romance
👀Dual, third-person POV
⛈️Darker themes and elements
🎹Music
🥀Third act breakup

Characters and Tropes:
🌪Broody MMC
🎤Celebrity/rockstar
📍Forced proximity
💙He falls first
🏆Rivals-to-lovers

Spice:
🧨Slow burn
🔥Explicit content (hot)
____________________________________
Emoji Ranking System:
🤩Excellent to Fantastic (4.75-5.00)
😍Very Good to Great (4.25-4.50)
😊Good to Really Good (3.50-4.00)
🙂Just OK to Decent (2.75-3.25)
😒It's A No (1.00-2.50)
🚫DNF

I rate this 3.5 out of 5.

I want to thank NetGalley and Forever Publishing for a copy of this book.

Brief Summary: Gwen Jackson is a violinist who dreams of being the best since she first picked up the violin at 11. Xander Thorne is a brilliant cellist with his own rock band. That is why Gwen finds it hard to understand why Xander is working for the Pops Orchestra. However, as Gwen begins to unfold the mystery of Xander, she gets much more than she bargained for.

Thoughts: Soto is a great writer. I felt every emotion that she put on the page and I was invested in the characters. Also, the sex scenes were very hot and female gaze-driven which I enjoyed. If I was rating on writing alone 5 out of 5.

While I enjoyed this book, I did feel that I was a little more invested in the background characters of the story. For example, I wanted way more information on Gwen's roommate/best friend, Jacob, and his boyfriend, Declan.; Mei and the guy she started hate dating; and definitely more Mable and Ava. It just sort of felt like these characters were so central to the story but they were not entirely fleshed-out characters and I would have loved to read more about them.

I was also a little confused at the start of the book. Soto indicates that this is a book that she started writing as fan fiction. However, the finished product doesn't feel anything like the story she was referencing, at least while I was reading. If I step back I can see some similarities, but overall if I had been focused on comparisons while reading it would have felt forced.

Overall, I felt the warm fuzzy feelings that I want to feel when I read a romance novel, especially from enemies to lovers. I also really enjoyed the fact he falls first. However, I found Gwen a little annoying as a character. I'm not entirely sure that I am supposed to feel that way (probably not) and it is likely because I could see parts of my younger self in her (see Soto's great writing), but I just kept thinking "Please stop and think for a minute!". Especially after she and Mable talk. I was just like what evidence do you have for your side of the argument Gwen that indicates actual personal growth in the people you are discussing? That being said when Gwen finally got it together I was pumped.

I enjoyed Xander a little more as a character, but I wanted therapy to be something he started on at the end of the book because he has a lot he needs to unpack. I did really appreciate his character arc and his "bad boy" rockstar attitude. It made the way things between him and Gwen unfolded that much sweeter.

This is a solid romance book. If you enjoy romance this book is not going to disappoint. It's heartfelt and emotional and ticks all the boxes for a good romance. Particularly if you like enemies-to-lovers, he falls first, steamy romances. I would recommend giving this book a read.

Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Gaslighting, Grief, Alcohol, Toxic relationship, Toxic friendship, Sexual Content, and Death of a parent
Moderate: Cancer and Infidelity

I am not sure how exactly to describe this but workplace abuse (via manipulation/gaslighting) from a superior is also pretty central to this book

"It's about a cello who fell in love with a cello."

"I knew from the moment I heard her play that I needed to make music with her"

I was hooked about 15% through.
The story of 2 music prodigies who want to play music but can't admit that there's something else going on.... between them. Xander and Gwen must face the fact that they now work/play together and they are two completely different players but have the same goal.

The tension, the banter, the music. There's something about how Julie wrote both of these characters that give you love at first sight, butterflies in your stomach, and rival to lover vibes.

This was she fell for him, he fell for her but he fell harder!! The romance in this made me smile so hard and make sure no one was around. The character development really picked up and you really got a sense of both characters about 50%. Their own stories made my eyes water and made me feel 10x more for them and what they went through. It was such a relief seeing how both were able to overcome so much + the effort and compromise both made for each other. This is definitely a book I will love for a long time.

I was on my way to a book signing for Julie and 3 more authors. I told her I was currently reading it and she was so excited for me. I had her sign my copy of Forget Me Not and asked her to write in the back of the book her favorite part of NALS and that I wouldn't read it until I finished it. She was so excited for me!

Thank you @Netgalley and @Foreverpub and @JulieSoto for sending me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Gwen and Xander are both musical prodigies at odds with each other while playing in the same orchestra. While they start out as rivals, they quickly realize they’re drawn to each other physically, romantically, and musically. Can their relationship survive when their romance is thrust into the public eye?

I was immediately drawn into Not Another Love Song. Julie Soto did an amazing job of building a world for Gwen and Xander to exist in. I don’t know much about the music world, but I found the musical aspects of the book so fascinating. The conflicts and drama that surrounded the main characters were so chaotic and fun. I loved Gwen and Xander together. Their romance was a whirlwind. Once they gave into their mutual attraction, they were utterly obsessed with each other, and I ate it up. Xander is also my type of grumpy man. While the book is mainly from Gwen’s POV, I enjoyed how Julie Soto sprinkled in Xander’s POV throughout the book. My only complaint is that I wanted more from him! If you liked Forget Me Not, I highly recommend Not Another Love Song.

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

This book shattered my expectations in the best possible way.

Gwen plays for the Manhattan Pops, and she's thrilled to be there. Unlike Xander, a mega-star cellist who's rarely on time. They're thrown together at a wedding where violinist Gwen has to play cello off the cuff, and she doesn't appreciate Xander's feedback. He's fascinated by her, however, and she's staying in the spotlight when the Pops offer her the first chair position for violin.

I don't know how to write a review that captures this book, but I'm going to try. Their chemistry is explosive, and while Xander certainly falls first, Gwen catches on and they are just so good together. This is a soulmate book ya'll, and not the fated mates type but just, these two are meant to be.

That doesn't mean there isn't plenty standing between them. We have drama in the music industry, family, and emotional baggage, not to mention the complications that come from fame. At the heart of it is love, though--for each other, and for music.

This is one of my favorite romances of all time, and it is also my favorite written depiction of music. If you are even one quarter considering picking this up, checking it out of a library, whatever-- do it! You'll be so glad you did, I promise.

Also, to the publisher-- loving the scene you put on the cover! Now I blush every single time I look at this book, and I'm not mad about it.

Can def feel the Reylo vibes of this one, and it's done really well. The writing is beautiful and I love all the music lingo that was used to describe things. Also loved how horny this book was.

“Look, I don’t know what you want from me, but—” “Anything.” Black eyes looked down on her, and he took a shaking breath. “Everything.”

No spoilers here but ugh Julie does it again. I was sooo very grateful to be able to grab an arc of this book from netgalley and I devoured it in a day! I absolutely loved this book so much. I wish I could hear the music they played. I’m a big fan of music even though I’m not musically gifted in any way shape or form. This made me wish I understood music the way Xavier and Gwen do. Such a beautiful story about family, friends, and love! I loved all the characters in this book so much! I hope we get more from them in the future! The way Julie writes falling in love is so beautiful and it makes me feel like I’m falling in love right along with the main couple!

“If you don’t want to be with me, together with me, I can understand,” he said, and she felt her knees wobble. “But, Gwen, please make music with me. I need you in my life. I need to be in your orbit in some way, and if you don’t want me to touch you and kiss you and fuck you, then let me make love to you onstage every night because it’s the most alive I’ve felt in ten years—”

The way Julie Soto writes through metaphors is truly UNMATCHED. Everyone's said it, but I'm floored by the book's pacing and flow. There's really nothing like it out there at the moment.

This book has one of the hottest scenes I have read with not one article of clothing removed. Julie Soto writes a rivals-to-lovers romance set in the world of music. Gwen loves her job as a violinist in the Manhattan Pops Orchestra. She is happy to be making a living for herself through music and feels pretty good about it until she agrees to step in as a last-minute musician for a wedding. She winds up not only having to play cello there but also having to do so in front of her teenage crush and master cellist, Xander Thorne. To her horror, he criticizes her playing afterward while she also comes to the realization that he doesn't even realize they are in the same orchestra. Soon after, the first chair of the Pops announces her retirement. Both Xander and Gwen want the job.

This was an addictive read. I could not put it down. Soto's writing flows. She has the ability to build tension between her characters with such skill. I could feel the respect, the yearning, the conflicted feelings between these two characters. I really enjoyed the setting in NYC. It was almost its own character. I loved getting to see it through Gwen's eyes. I loved the ideas around family and how that is defined in this book. The found family in this book was delightful. While this isn't quite coming of age there are aspects surrounding choices we make, especially with careers, that I found interesting. While I don't have a huge background in music, Soto does a great job of bringing the reader into the world without losing them.

I recommend this book to someone looking for a romance filled with tension and angst. This is a great follow-up to her first novel, Forget Me Not. I cannot wait to see what Soto puts out in the future.

I loved this book! Julie Soto did an incredible job writing the music in this book. I could practically hear it!

Pick this up if you like:
- spicy romance
- enemies to lovers
- famous MMC
- music

DNF @ 70%

I have come to the conclusion that this author just isn’t for me. After reading Forget me Not and it being so different from what I was expecting, I honestly thought I didn’t like it because I went in to that book in the wrong mood. Now I am coming to the conclusion that I am just not the target audience for this author.

This plot made very little sense, this couples’ tension and rivalry were non-existent, and the spice was mediocre at best.

I tried. I really tried with this book, but I just couldn’t take it. This was just not great writing covered up with this music is sex theme that just didn’t work for me. This is a book that is relying heavily on the “vibes” and a sexy cover to carry it, but it just fell flat in every way.

If you love this book I am jealous of you because I really wanted to love it, and now I’m sad

Thank you netgalley for the early copy

gwen and xander are circling each other as rivals in a nyc orchestra. he’s also the frontman for a band - thorne and roses - and is utterly unimpressed by everything. gwen is getting her footing after her promotion. but the two of them can’t stop coming back to each other.

I adored this book and ate it up in one sitting. gwen and xander were the angsty rivals I needed them to be!!! I loved the short additions of his pov and getting more in his head as he was straight falling on his face for gwen.

julie’s writing was stunning. from the nyc setting, I felt like I was walking the streets with these characters and on the subway (crying) with them. I know literally nothing about orchestras and music but julie’s writing let me feel like I wasn’t lost at all. it’s angsty, atmospheric and just so beautifully written.

my only complaint with this is the third act breakup. ffs why couldn’t they just HAVE A CONVERSATION. break ups because they can’t talk make me want to claw my eyes out. this one included. however the ending made up for it.

thank you so much to forever pub and netgalley for the arc!

read if you like
✨ rivals to lovers
✨ tension and angst
✨ broody obsessed mmc
✨ nyc setting

GOODNESS THE TENSION WAS HIGH!

I was high on adrenaline with this book. Xander and Gwen? Gorgeous, hot, talented geniuses. I adored seeing them in their musical elements and Lord, the cello scene that miss Ali Hazelwood kept raving on about, it's there, it lives up and exceeds any expectations I had. I was foaming at the mouth, screaming for more. How have I not read Julie's first novel, Forget Me Not, which we see those characters here! Will definitely be picking that one up soon!

I am absolutely a sucker for academic rivals to lovers, but competitive musical prodigies going for a spot they both want? FORCED to work together??? Babe, *slams my card down* I need more! Xander's so hot, he was an asshole for sure, but he certainly redeems himself. And the mouth on him?? I'm telling you this book was filled with high tensions that had me giggling and twirling my hair craving more. Also, a man who's so incredibly down bad that he can't think when his woman is around? Yes, give me ten more right now. Xander was enamored by how talented Gwen is, he was foaming at the mouth for an inch of her attention. He wanted any piece she'd give him. The way he was turned on because of her talent??? WHO HAS WRITTEN SOMETHING SO SPECTACULAR LIKE THAT? The angst in here *phew*. My girl Gwen is everything! Like yes, hold your ground, speak your truth! I think the aging in this book is perfect. It matched their way of thinking, their pacing, and the way they reacted to the environment they were put in. Julie truly wrote this book and got into their heads so well because every aspect of this book is perfection after perfection. Gwen is insanely talented and to be considered for first chair was something she deserved (and more of course) but when she starts to realize the intentions aren't what they first seemed and Xander is begging on his knees for her to believe him, things start to get rough. Why wouldn't you believe your mentors and employers? The naivety was there, but it made so much sense for Gwen to feel the ways she felt. I mean, I would too as a pathological people pleaser.

When Gwen and Xander started working together privately and composed music together, I had to take a lap around. What do you mean I-someone who has 0 knowledge of music-is out of breath from the tension seeping through my iPad??? Like that's physically impossible, but believe it happened!

Read these two musical prodigies who are affected by each other 2 weeks ago and I can not for the life of me let them leave my head. I truly adore them, Julie's writing, and NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for gifting me these beautiful people before the release day because I am obsessed.

"It's about a cello who fell in love with a violin." Okay, and what if I sob? (Side note: I did)

The sexual tension alone in this book made me feel parched. Julie Soto has such a way with words and writes complex, tender characters that get down and dirty when the time is write. I loved the rivals aspect and then him falling first, that is always *chef's kiss*. The music aspect of the book was intriguing. I am not musical and it's not something that interests me, so I was worried that I would get distracted throughout the story. While it still isn't for me, Julie's writing was still captivating and made me invested in her story and her characters. If you're an orchestra fan, this book will probably be everything you can ever want. If you're not a musical fan, I think this book still packs enough of a punch to keep you entertained throughout.

He's the grumpy famous professional cellist while she's the sunshine self taught violinist, both of them are part of the same orchestra and after a run in at a wedding.... a song has begun to be created between them. Gwen is a self taught professional violinist, she's kept to herself in the orchestra and enjoys playing music. Alex "Xander" Thorne is the complete opposite, he's the rock star cellist who is not only giant but is also grumpy and one could say, a bit of a jerk. When Gwen and Xander run into each other at a wedding, Xander begins to notice Gwen... and he can't seem to stay away. Gwen doesn't know why he's suddenly focused on her but he goes from giving her critiques on her technique to begging her for a coffee date. Things only escalate when Gwen is offered role of first chair, the one position that Xander has secretly coveted for years, their hostility only grows up.... but so does the chemistry. So when both of them are forced to work together they also begin to explore their attraction.... while composing songs and creating music together.... romance is beginning to be written out as well if only they could find a way to make the delicate song between them work without being crushed by everyone else's expectations of them. This was such a delight to read, as a musician I just adored this book so much. It gave me, if you've ever read it, La Corda De Ora vibes ( I was so obsessed with this manga when I was like 13). I had so much fun reading this one and I loved just how positively obsessed Alex is with Gwen, he fell head over heels for her music and was determined to have her as his partner. They were such a cute couple and I just had a smile on my face the entire time I was reading this and can't recommend it enough. I've been a huge fan of Julie Soto's writing for a while now and this one was just perfect, I can't wait to read her next book!

Release Date: July 16,2024

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Netgalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) | Forever for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

“ it’s about a cello who fell in love with a violin.” 🥹

This book is amazing & you will want to pick it up. I fell into the story & honestly forgot I was reading!

It’s rivals to lovers musician edition! She holds nothing back with the spice either!

So freakin good!

If you had told me before that reading a book about enemies to lovers violinist and cello player will get me all hot and bothered and absolutely crazed so much so that I had to read this whole thing in one go, forgoing food and bathroom breaks I would have told you that you were crazy. And yet here we are and SURPRISE! I'm the crazy one because this book made me crazy.

This is the moodiness that I live for in a guy. Xander was everything I knew I needed and wanted but was sure I wasn't going to find anytime soon in a book boyfriend. (Honestly, I think he reminds me a lot of Edward Cullen and I'm a big fan) And Gwen, sweet sweet Gwen. I loved seeing her go from quiet and not sure about her talent to full blown rock star mode. What a character arc! Go girl power! And lest we forget that cello scene.... HOTNESS PERFECTION.

Honestly I don't want to say too much about this book. I think you should just go and buy it and read it, I promise you won't regret it. it was a 10/10 from me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the eARC in return for my honest review. My opinions are my own. Not Another Love Song is out now!

Not Another Love Song by @juliesotowrites is a lyrical and swoon worthy romance about a cello and a violin (IFKYK)! 💖

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Remember how I said Forget Me Not was the one of the best contemporary romance books in recent years??!?! Not Another Love Song is RIGHT UP THERE alongside it, hands down!!! As a former cellist, who hopes to play again, this book made me want to pick up my cello and whip out Viva La Vida (2Cellos version, of course). Side note, yes that is my senior year HS picture with my beloved cello, Bianca del Rio. 😜

Xander and Gwen’s chemistry is absolutely off the charts and the enemies-to-lovers vibe is IMMACULATE!!! They are honestly couple goals, and the spicy scenes are muy caliente. I about combusted while reading!!! Also, I was impressed by Julie’s immense knowledge of the music world and the terminology involved. She additionally weaves a story that is both deeply romantic and heartbreaking. The best part of all?!?! Julie including little references to both Reylo and StormPilot. It made my Star Wars heart incredibly happy!!! 💫

Not Another Love Song easily became one of my favorite romance reads of 2024!!! This book will CHANGE YOUR LIFE forever, no joke. I cannot wait to meet Julie this coming weekend and gush over Gwen and Xander’s musical love affair! Please read Not Another Love Song when it debuts tomorrow, July 16th. 💕🎻✨

A HUGE thank you to @readforeverpub and @netgalley for the opportunity to read/review this ARC! 🤩📚

🏷️: #notanotherlovesong #juliesoto #review #bookrecommendation #bookstagram

Not Another Love Song
By: Julie Soto
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Gwen is a musical prodigy. Xander is musical royalty. They meet both wanting the first chair spot in the New York Pops Orchestra. Their rivalry soon requires professional respect as they learn to work together, discovering along the way the various ways in which they have chemistry.

I enjoyed this book. I loved the way Soto uses music in Gwen and Xander’s story. Even for those who are not musicians themselves, I feel confident they would be able to feel the emotion woven in in the way the music is portrayed. Similarly to Forget Me Not, this book didn’t do anything particularly new or profound, but I also didn’t need it to do so.

I will say, there were elements of the story that felt thin and I suspect that’s where we can tell it was fanfic first - in fanfic she had character backgrounds/emotions she didn’t have to build. The pieces were there, just not particularly rich.

Also, having read the story, the cover art is *chefs kiss*.

I just loved the tension of this book. It was such a unique premise and it always felt like so much hinged on each decision that was made by the characters. Gwen and Alex / Zander have so much in common and yet are so different. Not only in their approach to music, but in their appreciation of it.

I loved how Zander was the bad boy of the orchestra and Gwen was the wallflower, and yet he was so in awe of her talent. It was amazing how he knew just what to do to bring out the best in her playing, and truly wanted the best for her.

The time jumps were an important aspect of the storyline because these two are definitely products of their upbringing. It really showed us how desperate their relationships with music truly are Gwen with her passion and love, while Alex was forced into it. These two were definitely meant to be together and make something beautiful together, because boy did they have chemistry both with their instruments and without! Uhm, that cello scene had me sweating, not gonna lie.

But the building blocks of their relationship seemed to be mostly physical, so when trust issues came up, they didn’t have the solid foundation to stand on. But I did enjoy how that issue was resolved.

This was such a great story and I really enjoyed it so much. Totally recommend.