After being such a huge fan of Julie’s first book I was so excited to get this when it was read now and dive into more of her writing! I did struggle a little bit to get into it in the very beginning, but once I got into it, I was locked in and then binged it for the rest of the day! I looooove rivals to lovers and this book had a really addicting storyline. The chemistry and tension between the two main characters was electric, the romance was so good, plus he falls first!! I throughly enjoyed this one!!

Thank you to Julie Soto, Netgalley and Forever for an ARC of this fantastic book!

This is Julie Soto’s second book following Forget Me Not and boy it did not disappoint in the slightest. This book was so incredible touching, beautiful and smexy. While Soto has said she is not a musician, her descriptions of the music and the instrument playing inspired me to go looking for classical pieces to listen to while reading this.

This story follows Gwen Jackson, an amazing violinist, whose life collides with that of badass cellist Xander Thorne. This story had me on the edge of my seat as I couldn’t keep straight who was manipulating who and at what point. Was it double manipulation? Triple? Why is everyone in this music business so shady!!

If you loved the steam of Forget Me Not, and Julie’s other works 😉 you’ll love this one. Highly recommend. This one comes out July 16, 2024!

I liked this romance set among young musicians in New York! The female MC was endearing in the way she thought about herself and her future based on her loss of family as a child - the sense that she thought so little of her abilities and felt her options so limited (and she was fine with that). Mabel was a nuanced and interesting character. The male MC was also complex in his inner drive but also being hounded into being driven as a young person. I really got the sense of the vulnerability of young prodigies to jaded, greedy adults taking advantage of them.
I did not love the actual love story but I thought the incorporation of their making music together was really beautiful.
I would recommend this to readers of new adult romance.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC!

Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for granting me a free e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

I don’t know how but somehow Julie Soto managed to make Cello… sexy?? Never thought i’d say those words, but here we are!

All jokes aside, while I loved the author’s first book (Forget Me Not), this one was an absolute treasure. I mean?? The yearning?? The PINING, the tension????? Oh and did I mention the sexy cello playing??? I think I kinda did in the beginning but it deserves to be mentioned again.

To me this is what a romance novel is supposed to make you feel. The range of emotions I went through while reading is actually quite concerning. I laughed, I cried, hell I even yearned alongside those two.

Never thought my remark I made to a friend after finishing Forget Me Not would play out in this kind of way but i’m extremely glad it did. To vaguely quote myself it was something along the lines of ‘’hoping she writes a book about the broody cellist’’ and write about the broody cellist she did <3

5/5 stars!

This was such a great, engaging story. I loved Gwen and Alex so much. So much angst and pining. It was delicious. I also appreciated the commentary on the music industry.

Never did I think the violin could lead to such erotic encounters, but lo and behold, Julie Soto has shown me it's possible.

This book was unexpected. I felt it, I cherished it, I loved it. I found the romantic chemistry to be top-notch, the sex scenes to be both erotic and tasteful, and it was just such a delicious love story. I love when I am able to read a book that focuses on a very specific hobby or profession and it makes me fall in love with that world. This was my first Julie Soto book, but it certainly won't be my last.

Thank you NetGalley for the oppportunity to read and review this arc!

“It’s simple really”, he said. “It’s about a cello who fell in love with a violin.”

Synopsis:
Gwen and Xander are both musical prodigies, both with very different upbringings. They’ve been playing together at the Manhattan’s Pops Orchestra for about 2 years, but it’s not until they accidentally play together at Gwen’s friend’s wedding that she realizes he has no clue who she is. When Gwen’s offered first chair at the Pops, their rivalry steps up its game until their undeniable chemistry takes them to explore feelings with one another. Is it all real or is it all just for show?

Gwen and Xander’s story is an enemies-to-lovers literary musical masterpiece! Do you picture a movie in your head while reading a book? I usually do, but this one felt more vivid than the rest. Julie’s writing transports you in the most exquisite way. If only there was an official soundtrack for this book. The musical appreciation was superb. If you ever thought “how can a violin a cello be sexy”? Think again Julie Soto is now an auto-buy author for me. I’m so excited to own a physical copy!

Enemies to lovers
The TENSION
Set in NYC
She used to fangirl over his poster on her wall.
Pancake batter fight
An IG hard launch post?!
Her violin’s name is Squeaky, and his cello’s Ruby.
“Alex’s version” - IYKYK
Found family

I love when an author thanks other authors in the acknowledgements. The bookstagrammers made the acknowledgement too, you guys!
Can we talk about the cover?! The fact that it’s a scene in the book is the cherry on top.

TW: Loss of a parent, grandparent

Thank you NetGalley and Forever for the ARC in exchange of my honest review.

Julie Soto’s July release is a great option for your next light read! I loved the musical descriptions and metaphors sprinkled throughout, and overall, it was very cute. I especially loved how the title tied to the story - that was exceptionally well done. There are a few explicit scenes that I thought enhanced the storyline nicely.

Even though I haven’t touched a string instrument since elementary school, my imagination filled in a lot of the imagery from the author’s descriptions. However, I’m sure the significance of some details went over my head, so I’m curious what those who had a bit longer string education thought. I would recommend this book to those with at least *some* musical background/knowledge, though I don’t think strings specifically is a must.

My biggest complaint is that I wanted more - more tension, more of the side characters, and a lot more development of the villain(s), who fell a little flat for me. It was also missing that little extra spark that some books have where you can’t put it down. These were the drivers behind the 3.5⭐️ rating - particularly the villain aspect.

Overall, I’d recommend this book to romance readers or someone looking for a light pallet cleanser, but readers who like that little something extra may be left wanting.

This book was amazing and I devoured this book in just a few sittings! I loved the character development and how the story progressed.

This is one of those books that really sucks you in and keeps you there. I loved the characters and watching them grow. This book is a love letter to music and New York City. I can only hope we get more from this world.


I voluntarily read an early copy.

I was so excited to read this because I loved Forget Me Not! I love a good rivals to lovers and had the best time with this one! I am not typically into books with music in it, but this one really surprised me. It was so unique compared to any other book I’ve read. This is a story where a violinist and a cellist meet and create beautiful music.

I loved seeing Gwen and Xander’s relationship grow. Xander was so down bad for her. The things he would say was so sweet… it totally made me swoon! He was in denial about his feelings for her at first. But when he came to terms with his feelings for her—that’s when the tension started. The tension was tensioning.

Also, the book cover? Just wait until you read THAT scene. IYKYK.

It started off a little slow for me but when it picked up I was fully invested. I unfortunately didn’t connect that much to the characters which is why it’s not a five star read. But I did love it and thought it was so cute! I highly recommend it. I feel like music lovers or orchestra fans could totally appreciate this one.

There’s a formula that guarantees I will love a book: spicy, based in New York City and a career choice I could’ve never imagined but immediately wish I had considered. Not Another Love Song captures all of these things and then expands on them with a beautiful tribute to the art of classical music.

Despite playing in the same orchestra for a year, Xander” Alex” Thorne doesn’t seem to know Gwen Jackson exists until Gwen captures his ears and heart with an impromptu cello performance. On the other hand, Gwen used to have a poster of Xander on her wall and remains underwhelmed by his arrogance and persistent tardiness. Alex and Gwen's rival-to-lovers romance was enchanting to read, and their combined musical talent left me feeling regretful that I cannot play an instrument. The cast of supporting characters was well-rounded and helped keep the plot fresh throughout the novel.

I loved the classical music references, the realness of the starving artist in New York City, and the instant chemistry between Gwen and Alex. While the novel is primarily from Gwen’s point of view, we get snippets of insight from Alex, which enable the reader to connect with both characters. Their tension is taut, and their literal and figurative music-making is electric! Soto has an evident love of the arts, and how she has woven music and the physical labor of creating art into this novel was heavenly.

I had two tiny obstacles while reading: I felt the family drama resolved too quickly, and I would have loved Alex’s POV on the conflict resolution. While the character’s insight wasn’t super deep (what was there worked for the context), both had enough growth to satisfy you with the ending. Overall, this type of romance leaves the reader unable to sleep because you must finish the book immediately. Therefore, I think this is a novel the majority of romance readers are going to love!

the emotion! the yearning! the sexual tension! this book was deeply romantic and with such a satisfying conclusion. at times, i found myself so angry with alex that i didn’t think there could be redemption, but the ending pulled it all together.

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

3.75 stars

so stinkin cute. i enjoyed forget me not, so i was so excited to start this! a romance between two musical prodigies is so interesting even if i have zero knowledge on any sort of music.

i really was enjoying this at first, i love the mysterious broody mmc who discovers the fmc's talents for the very first time and becomes inexplicably obsessed. their onstage chemistry along with the feelings def made this interesting, and there a good balance between plot and romance.

i do have some issues with this sadly, to keep this spoiler free all ill say is that the mmc does not know how to stand up for himself when it matters most and the fmc cannot stand confrontation, she rather just leave things than fix them! the third-act was so stoopid i don't know why they're still a thing in fiction. it somehow gave me a slight ick with the mmc yikes.

on a positive note i loved the side characters (talking about you jacob and declan) and the ending was saur cute. plus the cover scene had me blushing a lil hehe.

thank you to netgalley and publisher for this arc in exchange for an honest review.

I go to an orchestra performance and ask, "So what does the conductor actually do?" Julie Soto watches the orchestra and asks, "But what if first violin & first cello kissed?"

To that point, the romantic tension is some of the best ever written. The attraction between Gwen & Xander may be instant but the burn is deliciously paced. The explicit sex scenes are a dance set to the music they inspire each other to write or play.

Their chemistry as musicians is just as hot. Gwen is disciplined where Xander is uninhibited. Yet, together they balance and harmonize and share the push & pull of duets.

Through the very intense romance there is also healing happening. Xander and Gwen are both musical prodigies with very different beginnings. Born into a musical dynasty, Xander was never given the choice to be anything other than great. As a teenager, Gwen was too busy ensuring she'd be good enough to make a living wage and escape from earlier tragedies. They both put up masks when they play. Seeking validation, acceptance, and love they so dearly lacked in their early life.

Validation comes from their audiences. Acceptance from their peers. Playing music together opens their hearts to love.

I'm going to be thinking of NOT ANOTHER LOVE SONG for a very long time. Xander and Gwen are the soulmate ship of my heart. I'm full on the food of love.

Thank you Netgalley & Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for this advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

I lovedddd this book! I devoured it in about a day or two. Their banter was so engaging and I really appreciated how often Alex showed up for Gwen. I only wished that we got more POV’s from Alex.

Gwen is a talented Violinist with the Manhattan Pops. She meets Cellist Alexander Fitzgerald-who is more famously known as Xander Thorne. Xander fronts an electric strings band called Thorne and Roses. He also happens to have joined the Manhattan Pops newest season. Together they may prove to be more than partners in music as their undeniable chemistry blooms.

Julie Soto does it again! Soto’s ability to create such palpable tension between Gwen and Alex is unlike any author I’ve read. Not Another Love Song is a fun, sexy work of fiction that will have take you on a whirlwind of laughs and even some tears. Can’t wait for Julie Soto’s next work!

Five stars ⭐️!! I am OBSESSED with this book!! I know nothing about instruments and music but this book had me hooked. The characters were wonderful and I loved seeing characters from the author’s previous book. The spice level was great!! I loved how Gwen and Alex’s relationship developed through the story. Alex’s devotion for Gwen was so fun to read!

So nice I had to read it twice... no joke. As soon as I finished this, I immediately re-read it. It's that good! As a former musician, this book spoke to me on so many levels. There were several times I had the urge to go pull out my flute and start playing again. It made me miss playing in a concert band! Goodness.

But the characters are clearly the rockstars in this book (pun intended). Gwen is so utterly relatable in her awkwardness and inability to see how talented she is. She's so cute, I just want to put her in my pocket. For a rockstar, Alex is insanely sweet. There were so many soft moments between them that made me smile like an insane person, giggle, and kick my feet like a school girl. The way the tips of his ears would turn red in embarrassment was so freaking cute, too. Ugh. I just love these two. Being a huge Reylo obviously makes me love them more, but any person who is a fan of romance will adore these two.

I loved the ending and how all of the lose ends were tied up so nearly and in such a lovely way. But I ABSOLUTELY need more! What are they up to now? 5 years down the road? 10? 20? I NEED TO KNOW. That's how obsessed I am. If you read it, you will be, too.

P.S. I also loved the appearances of characters from Julie's other book, Forget Me Not (which I also adored. READ IT!).


Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read this wonderful book.

Sighs & Solos

Two musicians vying to advance their career team up for a duet, both on the stage and off.
Gwen wants to be noticed. After years of playing in the middle of a pop orchestra, she finally gets the chance to shine. Xander is already famous, but has his eyes set on a new prize. That's when he can tear his eyes off of Gwen. Can he slide their rivalry aside to make beautiful music together?

I loved this book! It felt like a love letter to music and musicians. Julie has done a wonderful job describing the setting, the stakes, and the drama that goes on in the music world. The tension between Gwen and Xander was absolutely delicious, strung tighter than Gwen's bow. I appreciated the rivals to lovers trope here, it was nicely written. Sometimes this can come across as reaching but not here, I believed in both of their desire for the position, and how it battles with their desire for each other.

I'll never look at a cello the same way again.

•YES•
-the ambition
Our heroine has goals and she's not afraid to fight for them
-the Rivals to lovers
-the setting

•EH•
-mild miscommunication that was frustrating, but worked out quickly

Five stars. Hot heat. Romantic gestures. I'll read anything Julie Soto writes!

**Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review**