If Gwen and Xander have no defenders I am dead. I loved basically everything about this book, Gwen and Xander were both so flawed but so easy to root for I found myself itching to get back to reading whenever I had to take a break.

I know the cello scene is the one that is said to change lives but honestly the tension between Xander and Gwen for the entire book changed my life. One thing about me, I'm gonna eat up a man who is kind of mean and arrogant because he's in love with her! I know people say Gwen was naive and I will not say they're wrong but I do think her character arc was really well done. She was just a girl who wanted to believe people who make music do it only because they love it and not because of the profit, that people were inherently selfless and good, there will be Gwen slander allowed on my watch!!!

Xander is my favorite type of MMC in a romance. He was so jaded and arrogant and kind of mean but my man was down so bad. I ate it up!!! Watching him learn to speak for himself and not let people tell him what he wanted was one of my favorite parts of this book. I genuinely needed to hug him so bad. Xander you will always be famous!!!

I had some issues with the pacing of the book, it felt like it took a hot minute to get into the bulk of them interacting but honestly I enjoyed everything else so much that it was so easy to overlook. I wanted more of them for longer but every part of them I got genuinely made me giggle or swoon or scream or kick my feet. Julie Soto is so good at writing characters who are down bad and characters who you simply cannot get enough of!

Thank you so much to the publisher and netgalley for this eARC!

I absolutely loved this book. Julie Soto writes in a way that draws you into the story and leaves you wanting more. I know nothing about the technical side of music, yet the way she weaves it into the story was flawlessly executed.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for granting me this ARC in exchange for an honest review. This book is set to be published July 16, 2024.

Not Another Love Song by Julie Soto is a stunning romance about a violist and a cellist who fall for each other while playing in the same orchestra. Gwen is a sunshiny violin player who is granted the position of first chair in the orchestra (the youngest in history) and Xander is a grumpy cellist who has secretly coveted the position for years but is also the lead in a famous band (that Gwen might just be obsessed with). Their relationship starts incredibly tense but as they play music together and get to know each other, their relationship blooms into something beautiful.

I really, really enjoyed this! I will be honest and say that I didn't love Julie Soto's debut novel so I was hesitant going into this. Although this was technically her first novel, I think this is much stronger. The romance is believable and the chemistry is off the charts. Xander is a freaking dreamboat (who bears a striking resemblance to Adam Driver...). And the cello scene. HELLO!? Ali Hazelwood hyped up that scene so hard and let me just say, it lives up to the hype.

I will say that I struggled with the main character, Gwen. She is young, naive, and very insecure. And I do think these things make sense for her character but I tend to prefer a bit of an older/more mature lead. The final conflict also resolved a little too quickly. I think some of the strongest parts of this novel are the descriptions of music. I'm no musician but the way Soto equated the way the played music together with their physical intimacy was STUNNING.

Overall, I really enjoyed this! I think if you are a fan of Ali Hazelwood, you'll love this. And characters from her other novel pop up throughout this one and it was nice to get a sneak peek in on their lives.

The sexual tensions in this book is like nothing I have read yet. I think me being a recovering band geek made the musical elements of this story even more enjoyable. Grumpy sunshine is one of my favorite tropes to read and this one was a delight. I also will immediately love any story that has found family.

I really enjoyed this book and was surprised at how into it I got despite having no musical talent or knowledge. Who knew classical instruments could be so sexy?! Definitely a book to swoon over.

I devoured this book. The tension between Alex and Gwen was so so so so good and I will still think about that cello scene on my deathbed 🫠

I loved the musical aspect of the story and I’m very happy people get to see how hot classical instruments are. It’s the kind of book that makes me regret never picking up a violin.

The rival to lovers, but he’s actually obsessed with her was exactly what I wanted to read. I actually liked that Alex had no idea Gwen existed before the story started and then went absolutely crazy for her.

A gorgeous book and a perfect summer read. ♾️/⭐️

I. am. OBSESSED.

I need to learn violin and find me a hot cello player, who kind of hates me (not really) and is kind of obsessed with my talent. right fucking now. I want this book to be injected into my veins. I think about it daily since I finished reading. The cello scene?? Good god. The title mention?? I died.
The fact that she has a nickname for him that no one else uses?? I love that shit.
Sorry if you were expecting any coherent statements from this review, because I don't have any. What I can tell you though, is that the vibes of this book are IMMACULATE. I was laughing, I was giggling, I was swooning, I was sweating. And mostly, I felt the music and the passion that the characters have for their music. I will never again be able to listen to string music or see a violin or cello without thinking about Gwen and Xander. And I'm grateful for it.

10/10 stars and don't expect me to be available anytime soon, I'm gonna be busy reading everything else Julie Soto has written so far.

4.25!

Who knew classical music was so sexy? Actually, I did.

I love Julie Soto's debut book and was HIGHLY looking forward for her second book. I was afraid the "second book curse" was going to get her, but truly, Not Another Love Song may be even better than her first book.

This follows Gwen, a mostly home trained Violinist who is making her way up the Manhattan Pops symphony. As she moves to First Chair Violin and Concert Master, she comes to conflict with Xander Throne - musical prodigy cellist with a secret.

This book was honestly SO fun to read. I may be biased because I've played the violin for 10 years (very proud to be one of two 7th grade violinist in section in my junior high orchestra) but I didn't realize how badly I needed a book that took place in an orchestra. First and foremost, I loved the characterization of both Gwen and Xander. Their passion for music was RIVETING and made me consider picking up my violin for the first time in years. I loved seeing them compose music together and the use of musical terms to describe their relationship and emotions. Also the studio scene? With the cello? Deceased, thank you very much.

I did knock a few pegs on the point because I felt like I wanted relationship building. These two burn FAST once they got together and I would have love to explore that more.

All and all, this was a GREAT read. As always, I look forward to whatever Julie puts out.


Thank you so much NetGalley and Julie Soto. for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

I need to still read Julie's first book, but I enjoyed this book. I could see the elements of fan fiction that inspired it while reading, but felt like it was it's own story and characters. The plotline was a little predictable, but the villains in the book were sly about what they were doing until near the end when everything came to a head.

I thought the plotlines with the orchestra and making music together quite enjoyable. I used to play in orchestra and it almost made me want to dust off my old violin and give it a whirl after 20+ years. I think that Gwen and Alex meshed well once they finally started communicating together. It took a bit to get used to Alex and his way of voice his opinions, but I think he did a good job trying to get Gwen to relax and really feel the music.

This book was one of my most anticipated reads and Julie Soto did not disappoint!! The way that you could FEEL the angst and the chemistry between Xander and Gwen was so beautifully written. He was so obsessed with her and wanted her SO bad

The scene where they create music together the first time was EXPLOSIVE (in more ways than one 🥵)

💙Rivals to lovers
🩷Forced proximity
💙Grumpy X Sunshine
🩷 He falls first

Overall rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Julie Soto can do no wrong, she’s sooooo good with tension and buildup it actually drives me crazy (in the best way). This was so binge-able and sexy. Need more books from Julie asap

book rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
&& yes i did mean to put 6 stars hehe

mini book review:
i just finished not another love story a few days ago && i still cannot formulate sentences for a full in-depth review🙈 let me tell you…i GOBBLED it uppppp!! literally my new personality!! if you ask me what my favorite romance book is right now, i would 1000% say not another love song by julie soto because wowowowowowowow!!! literally need to figure out words to say how invested i am with this story & these characters!! the tensionnnn in the book could not have been cut with even the sharpest of knives as it was so thick!!

also, i was a music major for most of my college career & i have always been heavily involved with music…so when i tell you that i feel like this is such a great depiction of the music scene, i mean it. literally didn’t realize how much i craved a rivals/disdain to lovers from a first violin & first cellist pov. wowowow i looooved it. also, yes…this is a reylo fanfic i believe. anyyyywaaayyyyy…

pls pls pls do yourself a favor & read this book when it comes out july 16!! mark. your. calendars!!

4.5 stars

Another adorable win from Julie Soto. Her brand of funny + emotional + medium-stakes drama really works for me, apparently. (Even if I'm getting pretty tired of the 'published Reylo fanfiction' element of romance books these days.)

Writing: ★★★★★
Characters: ★★
Plot/Pacing: ★★★★

Not Another Love Song is for us musician girlies. You know, the ones who were too involved in their high school band or orchestras—or maybe even those of us who made it to college-level bands or orchestras too, or even beyond that.

If you don't love the lifeblood of being a concert musician, I don't think this novel will hit you quite the same. But for those of us who remember those days...

Gwen Jackson is a early 20s violinist for the Manhattan Pops, an orchestra group that plays non-classical orchestra arrangements. She's be a respectable member of the violin section, never standing out yet never flopping, for years. So when she is unexpectedly given the first chair / concertmaster seat, Gwen's floored.

Xander Thorne is the bad boy of the Manhattan Pops, arriving late and barely practicing each piece. He's a musical prodigy and the headliner for a popular rock-strings ensemble (think Vitamin String Quartet) that tours the world. He's too good for the minor leagues, and the worst thing is he knows it.

Obviously, Xander and Gwen are going to butt heads with Gwen's recent promotion and Xander's absolute fixation on Gwen's performances. There's something about Gwen's raw sight reading that calls to Xander in his blood, and he must know what it is. (Gwen has no idea what he's talking about, but she's pretty obtuse in this arena.) And the two of them find themselves fascinated by the other for various reasons.

Fans of Ali Hazelwood and other "Reylo" fanfiction tropes will automatically recognize the arcs of this story. Aloof yet smart, hulkingly large dark-haired man with tiny, smart yet seriously situationally stupid pretty girl fall in love with the miscommunication trope. I'll be brutal, that's what this—and apparently every other Reylo story in the canon—is at its basic level. It either works for you or it doesn't, and for me, I'm in the "it works" camp for at least a little longer.

I look forward to more Julie Soto—but I'm keeping my fingers crossed that her next read freshens up the tropes a bit. (Even someone who enjoys the Reylo archetype gets tired of it.)

I can't even put my words together other than I just don't picture Adam Drive as this character lol It was sexy, well done and the conflict made sense for once. Even though it drove me crazy, the miscommunication trope was handled better than most romance novels these days

First thank you to Netgalley and publishers for this arc, seriously thank you.

The first Julie Soto work I read was Forget Me Not. She instantly became a favorite author. I kept thinking how much like Abby Jimenez her writing was and that's a huge compliment. Julie is an auto buy at this point.

The sexual tension between Gwen and Alex was palpable. The way Julie is able to make the reader feel the emotions and tensions is next level. I loved this book. I loved this story. I want more.

Gwen and Alex both gifted musicians, drawn to each other. The pushed and encouraged the other. They only wanted what was best for one another. They want to see the other succeed in life. They make it through miscommunication, and people close to them who try to sabotage their relationship and use them for personal gains.

It's a fantastic book.

I loves the easter eggs and small connections to Forget Me. It was really fun to get a peak into the continued happy ending of those characters.

So, Julie, Dom and Mar next? ;)

5 🌟 all day
🌶🌶🌶

I absolutely look forward to her next 5! books in the works.

♾️⭐️

This is the most magnificent book I’ve ever had the privilege of reading. Julie Soto’s writing captures the beauty, the pain and the passion of classical music in a way I never thought previously possible.

As a classical violinist of twelve years, this book spoke to my soul in a way only those who have an intimate relationship with music can. This book deserves to be enjoyed and appreciated, please do yourself a favor and buy a copy on release day.

Thank you Julie Soto and the publishing team for the ARC - I am so grateful. Thank you for my new all-time favorite book!

I’m just a girl, standing in front of a dark, brooding boy with floppy hair and furrowed brow asking him to sit behind me on a small chair, press his thighs around me and teach me to play cello.

Alex says it best, “It’s about a cello who fell in love with a violin.”

Do I need to say more?

Ok, ok, I’ll say more.

Ladies and gentlemen, prefer to swoon. Ms. Soto knows her spice and she ain’t afraid to use it.

Gwen Jackson is a talented violinist who attacks music methodically. She plays because she loves it, yes, but also because it’s a job, stability, a place to belong. She’s meek and understated, doing her best to keep food on the table and a roof over her head after a childhood of insecurity.

Xander Thorne is the opposite. A gifted cellist who plays for no one but himself, he doesn’t need to belong, doesn’t crave stability. He’s brazen and bold, and, consequently, rich and famous, after a childhood of insecurity.

Their paths begin to cross, first at random functions, and then at the Manhattan Pops Orchestra where Gwen finds herself being offered the most coveted position: first chair.

A position she accepts.

A position Xander wanted.

The two find themselves in each other’s way, drawn together, the tension like a string on his cello, ready to be plucked.

They begin experimenting, making music together (literally and metaphorically if yanno what I mean) and find their tender relationship being put to the test by people who want to exploit them.

What I loved most? Xander falls first, falls hard, but is that dark and broody, fists clenched, squinted eye, confused sort of guy who you just know is going to melt into a puddle at Gwen’s feet.

And 👏🏼I 👏🏼am 👏🏼here 👏🏼for 👏🏼it.

There’s a lot more to this one, including a bunch of Easter eggs from her first book, Forget Me Not.

Totally enjoyable romance in which playing an instrument never seemed so sexy.

Thanks to @netgalley and @forever for the eARC. This one comes out July 16, 2024.

If you thought Julie Soto would be a one show pony with Forget Me Not, let me reassure you that is not the case.

In her sophomore novel, Julie Soto tackles a pops-centric orchestra in NYC as her setting between a violinist and a cellist, both musical prodigies in their own right. Who knew playing a cello could be so sexy!! I couldn't put this book down and faked a nap when visiting a friend so I could finish it. I also went down a rabbit hole for Vitamin String Quartet, who do the pops music for Bridgerton, while reading this too.

I am a fan of orchestral music so intrigued me right away besides loving Julie's writing. She is an auto-buy author for me since Forget Me Not. I don't think she can do any wrong and she didn't with Not Another Love Song.

I personally did want a little more from the ending, but with an appearance by characters in Forget Me Not, we might see snippets of Gwen and Xander in the future.

Thank you to Forever and Netgalley for a copy in exchange for review consideration.

I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Not Another Love Song by Julie Soto is a third person dual-POV contemporary romance focused around two members of a New York pop orchestra. Gwen is a talented young violinst who picked the instrument up a bit later in life (eleven) and still has a few weak points. Despite this, she attracts the attention of cello first chair and rising star Xander, who notes her potential and finds it both maddening and enticing.

I would love more romances set in situations like this: orchestras, dance groups, artist circles. There's a lot of fun that can be done with how art is both a community and a private activity and Julie Soto explored those aspects quite a bit. How he participates in the musical world is very private to Xander, particularly in relation to his famous violinist mother and his history as a child prodigy while Gwen’s relationship with music is intertwined with her status as an orphan and how she used music to buy groceries and pay bills. The orchestra and the demands of the higher ups definitely play a part and add tension.

The pacing and voice both kept me engaged. Xander’s occasional chapter shed light on his decisions and how he views Gwen, which adds further complexity to his attraction to her. I'm personally a big fan of dual-POV romance novels and always want to see more of all parties’ inner worlds so it was much appreciated to get those insights.

Rivals-to-lovers is one of my favorite tropes in contemporary romance and I liked how it played out here, with Gwen and Xander being rivals but for completely different reasons. Xander sees Gwen as his competition because of her raw talent, realizing that if she honed her skills, she could be better than him which he's never dealt with before. Gwen believes Xander is after the first chair position of the Pops’ orchestra and is determined to keep her position as the youngest first chair in America.

I would recommend this to fans of contemporary rivals-to-lovers, readers looking for a romance set in an orchestra, and those who want a sexual tension-filled romance novel

I was super excited for this book, and it didn’t disappoint at all. The connection between Alex and Gwen was beautiful. I loved seeing their relationship develop throughout the book. And the musical aspect seriously brought me back to my younger years when I was a musician for 9 years. Everything was spot on and it made me miss it! This book seriously gave me all the feels. I also loved the subtle nod towards characters from the earlier novel Forget Me Not. This book is one of the only 5 stars I’ve given all year. I highly recommend this book to anyone needing a truly moving love story!