4.25⭐️

I’m going to be honest, I didn’t love forget me not by Julie soto but wanted to give her another chance and I am so glad I did! I absolutely loved this book!! I grew up learning how to play piano and so all of the musical talk in this made my heart so happy. I absolutely loved Xander and Gwen’s love story and just loved how much they loved each other. Am definitely going to be getting the physical copy of this book! Thank you net galley and forever publishing for an earc in exchange for my honest review.

I absolutely adored this book. The romcoms from Dramiome authors just hit differently.

I’m not much of a music afficionado but this book made me want to go to a concert or twenty. I could practically hear the music when reading this book. I liked the bts look at the concerts and how complicated and competitive and often predatory is the industry.

I loved the tension and the romance and the attraction between the main couple. I loved how ambitious but cautious was Gwen, she felt so real and alive. Alex was also a wonderfully fleshed out character.

I loved the cameo of Elliot and Ama, I hope we will see both couples in the next book as well.

First off, the cover for this book is so crazy stunning, I’m in love. It alone deserves all the ⭐️ for how gorgeous it is!!!

Aside from the Im*gine Dr*gons mention on the first page, the first half of the book had some really good bones to it. The premise had my attention from the get-go, and the tension between Gwen and Alex was HOTTTT! The build-up to the MCs getting together had me hooked, and it was so much fun getting to see different sides of their characters that we hadn’t seen before. In terms of writing, Soto definitely found their groove within the first few chapters!

The execution of the second half of the story [3rd act break-up (which isn’t always a negative!) and resolution] is where I felt the book’s previous efforts fall short for me. It was interesting to see how quick Alex & Gwen were to publicly share their relationship, full well knowing [START SPOILER] Alex’s boss would be on the prowl + how quick Nathan would be to capitalize off of them (— their viral duet moment aside (despite them getting together right after lol), Alex would’ve immediately clocked this). [END SPOILER] These points specifically made the plot feel so muddled. There was so much going on + so much that needed to be discussed, including [START SPOILER] why in the world Ava settled for Nathan + was complicit in how he treated Alex. Their family relationship/dynamic was the driving force behind Alex "becoming" Xander, etc. - Aside from Nathan being through with, where was the closure? Where was Alex and Ava's much-needed sit-down? [END SPOILER]

And their individual arcs!!! — Gwen’s especially! Queen was barely coming up to 23 + is crazy talented! She ended up right where she needed to be, but how things played out felt more convenient than true to her. Seeing her take the time to explore the different possibilities she had ahead of her + how they might've aligned with her passions and where she was in life felt resolved purely for the sake of A&G getting together sooner. In this case, more jam seshes/hangouts and (wedding) gigs between her and Alex before they got together honestly would've sufficed + added to their relationship (at least from our POV). The musical analogies also cranked up here but yolo I was living for it!!!!! #andante #allegro #musictheory

Despite everything I've just typed, I still had such a fun time LOL. I was entranced and couldn't put my Kindle down. Could this be due to its OG roots? Possibly! 💋

I enjoyed "Not Another Love Song" more than “Forget Me Not”, and will keeping a lookout for Soto's future releases! Would totally rec if you are into the emusic scene, and/or just want some fun and a guaranteed great time!!

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC!

I really liked the music concept of this novel- maybe because I’ve never read that trope/prompt before- but I really enjoyed it!!! There was slight miscommunication during the end that made my skin crawl but it worked itself out. The ending felt a bit rushed too, it felt like there were issues then poof, all gone and better which threw me off. Those two things are what brought it down to a 4 star to me. Overall though I really had fun with this book and would recommend! Excited for her other books in the future!

I loved this novel! I was somewhat hesitant given the ages of the protagonists, and how very clearly the characters echoed common tropes in Reylo fanfic (Gwen is an orphan just like Rey, Alex has a chip on his shoulder from his parents and goes by another name given to him by a Snoke-like manager). But overall, it was funny, warm, and the conflicts all made sense and were resolved in ways that didn't feel rushed. I also loved how classical music was woven throughout the story, and that the New York City details were on-point in a way that this New Yorker appreciated. And most importantly: the romance was hot, the banter was fun, and Gwen's happily ever after ending made complete sense.

I devoured this book and am absolutely in love with Gwen and Alex (Xander)! Their chemistry was so absolutely palpable throughout the entire story. Gwen certainly carries past trauma (which is completely fair!) and can really be a people pleaser. Alex also can be a people pleaser which is how Xander came to be. The way their paths intersect is pure magic and the music that flows between them really comes off the page. Their story had the perfect journey and a lovely ending with plenty of spice sprinkled throughout… or on the front cover ;) 5⭐️, 3🌶

Not Another Love Song is the musical romance, enemies-to-lovers book i've been looking for!

Gwen is a violin player that got her dream job (at the time) playing for the Pop's orchestra in New York. She is given first chair at the young age of 22, but is met with distrust and an odd obsession with the first cello player, Xander Thorne.

The tension between the two of them is satisfying and it has one of my favorite tropes - he falls first.

LIked:
. I played classical piano for 15 years, it was nice to read a romance book about people who play classical music
. Enemies-to-lovers
. He falls first
. Satisfying slow burn

Disliked:
. The pacing - it seemed rushed between them being absolute enemies to lovers - seemed like it only took days instead of months or years

Wow, this was surprisingly excellent: the tension, the slow burn, the steam (the cover scene, iykyk 🥵). Julie Soto's sophomore novel is an agitation-to-lovers slow burn between classically trained cellist, Xander, and violinist Gwen, who both play in the Manhattan Pops.

Xander is cocky, late to practice, and often has a bad attitude; but he's also a prodigy and a Rockstar with his band Thorne and Roses. Gwen is always on time and grateful to have a stable full-time job playing music. She likes to fade into the background, that is, until the symphony's first chair, Ava, retires and asks Gwen specifically to try out for her seat.

Gwen and Xander's tension persists throughout the book. He's constantly pushing Gwen to be her best musical self. But due to his brooding quiet persona, Gwen has no idea what to think. I absolutely adored the tension, the deep dive into musical theory and performance, and seeing how the industry had exploited Xander and how he tried to keep Gwen from the same. I will happily be placing this one on my favorites shelf!

Thanks to Forever Pub and NetGalley for the e-ARC, all thoughts my own.

DNF at 45%

Thank you NetGalley for providing this EARC in exchange for my honest review

I really tried with this book but I just could not power through it after they had an “intimate encounter” where it involved his fingers you catch the jist. Anyways they proceed to have this encounter while she is PLAYING THE CELLO? Also she resolves herself WHILE THE SONG ENDS?! And then the next morning she uses the fingers again but to herself to THE MEMORY!? This is not “spicy” this doesn’t make no sense. Also both of them could not have fit in that chair they had that encounter in. No hate to the author I’m sure you have a great audience who will love this but it is NOT me. Also I feel bad for the poor cello who had to interact in this which is also named RUBY 😭

This was SO!!!GOOD!!!!
Julie Soto's writing is just so refreshing to me in a way I cannot quite put into words. I love the way she paces her stories, the way she creates such intensity between her characters, and the way she sets such a rich backdrop and interesting plotline and story for them to live in. I loved the premise of this book, and it was so entertaining. I really loved the character of Gwen and the way she moved through the world. Not knowing anything about violin or cello, Soto's words really made me feel the music and I loved all the times where the music Gwen and Alex were playing was described, and when they played music together. The romantic tension was sensual and crackling and did not leave me wanting in the slightest. Overall, I loved this book, and am really excited for the continued works of Julie Soto!

It has taken me awhile to write this review because I don’t believe I can do this book justice. I loved it! Gwen and Alex have my heart! I can’t recommend it enough! Anyone who has been obsessed with Stevie Nicks performance of Silver Springs in 1997 (iykyk) then this is the book for you! Now I’m going to listen to some classical music and pretend it is Gwen and Alex playing it to me.

I loved the first half! I really enjoy Soto's writing style generally. The second half unfortunately fell apart for me. It seemed like the characters no longer developed and their relationship didn't seem to have a lot of depth beyond initial chemistry. I will still follow and read Soto, I think she has good ideas and a lot of talent as a writer, this one was just a miss for me.

Thank you for the ARC. I really enjoyed this book. It was spicy, enemies to lovers. I loved learning about the music aspect and how they had so many things and people in common while trying to keep their distance. The booked slowed down for me a little in the middle but overall I really enjoyed it.

This was my introduction to Julie Soto, and hi, hello - consider me OBSESSED. I loved so much about this story - the pacing, the slow burn and the spice. As a New Yorker I also absolutely loved the journey through different parts of the city, and it felt like a love note to different neighborhoods. I think Julie Soto balances a myriad of topics well and then does a great job of circling back to be sure that nothing slips through the cracks. All in all, I couldn't put it down and will be immediately picking up Forget Me Not! Thank you so much for a copy of a digital ARC!

𝓘𝓽’𝓼 𝓼𝓲𝓶𝓹𝓵𝓮 𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓵𝓵𝔂. 𝓘𝓽’𝓼 𝓪𝓫𝓸𝓾𝓽 𝓪 𝓬𝓮𝓵𝓵𝓸 𝔀𝓱𝓸 𝓯𝓮𝓵𝓵 𝓲𝓷 𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓮 𝔀𝓲𝓽𝓱 𝓪 𝓿𝓲𝓸𝓵𝓲𝓷.

To say I loved this book would be an understatement. I am OBSESSED! It's been awhile since I binge read a book, but I found myself unable to put this one down.

Julie Soto is one of my favorite authors and the stories she writes never fail to hook me. How she turns a budding romance between a violinist and a cellist into a passionate, steamy, tension-filled love affair is on a whole other level. Gwen and Alex's connection with music and how they play both their instruments was beautifully described that I can hear their euphonious duet come off the pages.

𝘈 𝘧𝘭𝘶𝘳𝘳𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘤𝘳𝘰𝘴𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘣𝘢𝘳𝘴. 𝘏𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘦𝘺𝘦𝘴 𝘥𝘦𝘷𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘨𝘦, 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘴𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳𝘴, 𝘣𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘥𝘺, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬𝘦𝘥. 𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠𝙚𝙙.

I loved both Gwen and Alex individually and together. The chemistry between them was nonstop. And the spice was incredibly spicy, like cover worthy spicy! 😉

I cannot wait to get a physical copy once this hits the shelves! Thank you to NetGalley and Forever for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

𝘌𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘺𝘮𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘶𝘯𝘧𝘶𝘳𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘺𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳.

Read if you like:
🎻rivals to lovers
🎼workplace romance
🎻orchestral music
🎼he falls first & harder
🎻cello + violin romance
🎼spicy scenes 🌶️😉

Julie Soto can write tension and longing and passion between two characters like no other, I swear. I loooooved Gwen and Alex together. They BELONG together. I know absolutely nothing about orchestra, so sometimes the descriptions felt drawn out and meaningless to me. I really knew next to nothing about the characters beyond their passion for music (and each other). We're given their backstories but EVERYTHING connects back to the violin/cello. But that one scene with the cello in Alex's home studio??? HOT HOT PIPING HOT. The third act conflict/breakup was silly. I feel like the conflict didn't have to break them up. I did thoroughly enjoy reading this book. Julie is very transparent about the fact that this is published fanfiction (as was her previous book, Forget Me Not). It feels original enough but you can definitely feel the fanfic roots. So this book obviously isn't for you if you consider fanfic ~lowbrow~ LOL (which I think is very narrowminded but whatever). I think if you enjoyed Forget Me Not, you'll also enjoy this book (there are some Ama Torres cameos!). It's written very similarly.

A big thanks to Forever and Julie Soto for the advanced copy of this book!

Oh hi Julie Soto. You changed my life with this book. It was actually incredible. Amazing. So good. So HOT!!!!!! The tension between the two of them had me actually biting my arm. Xander is a man down horrendously and I am LIVINGGGGG FOR IT! Like…… why was I searching up videos of men playing cello on YouTube at 9 in the morning reading this….

I was not anticipating to love it as much as I did, but I’m so happy I did. Honestly truly so good. I just can’t get over the chemistry between Gwen and Xander and the tension and just how much they both believed in each other? Idk this was just literally everything and more to me. Thank god for Julie Soto like fr. And thank god for the cello??????

4.5 ⭐️

Huge thank you to NetGalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review 💖

I absolutely adored this book! It took me quite a while to get through it, which normally means I'm bored and just pushing through for the sake of finishing. But that was not the case here! Even though it took me a while, I enjoyed every single second of it! Not to mention, even several days later, I actually remember what happened in the story and the characters and such (which doesn't happen often thanks to my book amnesia 😂)

I loved Forget Me Not, but Not Another Love Song really took the cake for me. The romance between Gwen and Xander was absolutely beautiful! The spicy scenes were well done, which was a nice change of pace from the amount of cringing I have been doing with other books as of late. I also really adored all of the side characters. This was a nice, refreshing breath of a story and I can't wait to see what Julie Soto has in store for us next.

I feel pretty similar to this one as I did about Forget Me Not: I don’t know if I can say this is ~good~, but I had a great time. Listen, it’s a predictable romance and there are a handful of things that I would have changed, but I don’t really care. The tension between of the two of them was so great and I just loved living in this world.

Julie Soto’s books remind of me of Ali Hazelwood, and in some ways this reminded me a bit of Check & Mate (if that book weren’t YA). Two people who live and breathe their shared passion and who are professional rivals (barely), plus a man who is immediately attracted to the FMC’s talent.

It doesn’t surprise me that Julie Soto is so open about this being fanfiction, but hey, I was into it.

Bury me with this book. That's it. That's the review.

Just kidding! Julie Soto truly knocked it out of the park with this one. It felt fresh, whimsical, and truly unique. Coupled with her beautiful writing and an intricate and well thought out storyline, I could not put this down. You'll read this and go through all the emotions. I laughed, I teared up, I giggled, my heart raced.

Now as for Gwen and Xander. The tension!!! The pining!!! The acts of service!!! The SPICE? These two were made for each other. AND she really ate with that cello scene, I'm not gonna lie.

Read if you love:
- slow burn
- rivals to lovers
- orchestra music
- tension
- pining
- found family

Also loved seeing some faces from Forget Me Not!!!

Thanks to Julie Soto, NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for this ARC!