The way I devoured this book. Julie writes her characters in a way that makes you feel like you know them, love them, and would die for them. The chemistry makes me physically anxious sometimes and I wish I could just shove them together and make them work it out already. Loved this book and will be recommending to everyone

Very rarely do I read a book that I feel was written for me, specifically (because obviously I'm not that narcissistic), but this is it! I've been playing violin off and on since I was 8 years old, and the way the writing captures the feeling of playing music brings me so much joy. The morning after I started the book, I picked up my violin for the first time in over a year and played Vitali's Chaconne in G minor (poorly, but still).

Music aside, the two leads were compelling, with enough drama to keep me hooked but not so much that I stopped caring. The chemistry between Gwen and Xander is absolutely sizzling, and the way their relationship develops is full of tension but like in the best way. (Just like music!)

I think I remember seeing an IG comment from Ali Hazelwood that said "the cello scene will change your life" and can confirm, it absolutely did.

I had been in the middle of reading Julie Soto's other book, Forget Me Not, and went back and finished that after. I love the cameos and characters that cross over between the two books.

Easily the best contemporary romance I've read this year!

When I read the introduction and found out it was a Raylo fanfic turned novel, I wasn't sure I was going to be interested. BUT I was hooked from the beginning. It made me remember why I love to read fanfiction - because the writers are amazing and even though they are using exisitng characters, they are taking it and making it something completely their own. I am also a sucker for enemies to lovers stories. Throughout the whole book, I completely forgot that it ever started out as a fanfiction. I was in the story for Alex and Gwen. I was invested in making sure their love story played out the way it was supposed to. I loved every minute of it.

Julie Soto did so good (again). Just like she nailed it in Forget Me Not, the tension, banter, and build up in Not Another Love Song were incredible. The chemistry between Gwen and Alex was burning up!

This book made orchestras and string instruments hot and fascinating to me. I've never read a romance set against the backdrop of an orchestra before, and it made the plot feel really refreshing!

Loved it!

A unique pair of characters for a unique story. Even those who are not well versed in music themselves will enjoy and understand the plot. The romance is sizzling and the tension between them is palpable throughout the whole book.

I read Forget Me Not at the beginning of the year and absolutely could not wait to read more by Julie Soto! All I knew going in was that Not Another Love Song was a rivals to lovers romance centered around two string players and it hooked me from the very first page. The romance! The classical music! One of my favorite things about this book was how well Julie's love for classical music was portrayed through her writing. I found myself looking up the music that was being played and it really enhanced the whole reading experience for me. I adored Gwen and Alex, I could not get enough of them. The only thing that I struggled with in this book was the pacing - I felt like the build up between Gwen and Alex was so well done until about 60% in and then the book seemed to have a big focus on the physical aspect of their relationship. Things just seemed to move really fast from then onwards. I loved Gwen and Alex as a couple and would've loved to have seen them continue to build their relationship and get to know one another without all of the physical moments.

Not Another Love Song had the best tension (pun intended) I have read in soo long! If that one scene from If I Stay has stuck with you all these years, this is the book for you. It’s about Gwen and Xander, who are both part of a pop music orchestra. There’s forced proximity and definitely some hostility between them (and tons of chemistry!) I highly recommend checking this out when it comes out in July!

LOVE LOVE LOVE! I absolutely loved everything about this! As someone who has played in a variety of local orchestras, it was so fun to read a romance set within the world of classical musicians. Julie Soto truly made orchestras hot and I love her for that.

I loved Gwen and Xander's relationship, especially how they helped and supported each other through their own struggles, but gave each other space to confront what they needed to confront. I also thought the way the book approached complicated familial relationships was done really well too!

I wish there was more of Xander's POV, but I did like the format of how his POV was incorporated into the story.

Overall a great read, highly recommend!

This was a very engaging read, I got my eyes glued to the book as soon as I got it.
Julie Soto has a way of describing mood en emotions that is very compelling and reaches to your heartstrings.
The characters are well developed and it's great to learn about them just as they learn about themselves. She manages the reveals and exposition delicately, giving it in little pieces that answer questions and create more at the same time.
And not only is the romance aspect deliciously lovely, I was also very interested in seeing the main character's music career develop.

Julie Soto's second book is just as fun and spicy as her last. I will definitely be keeping an eye out for her next one!

This is definitely a solid 4.5 stars! This was my first Julie Soto book to read (I owe Forget Me Not, but I haven't read it) and it definitely won't be my last. She has a way of intertwining romance with behind the scene aspects of symphonies. Gwen has been working for the Manhattan POPS symphony for 4 years and may have been eyeing the lead cello, Alex. Once the two interact and realize the beauty the other has with creating music, they knew they needed to be together. Although this book is told solely in Gwen's perspective, I loved how you got snippets of Alex's perspective scattered throughout book. I not only enjoyed as they characters fell in love but the music they created as well. I cannot wait for this book to come out and add it to my bookshelves!!

Holy moly I LOVED this so much!!! This was my first book written by Julie and it absolutely won’t be my last. I want to go and sit in a room with classical music playing while staring at a wall and then pretend that Gwen & Alex are both serenading me with their instruments. Not Another Love Song has characters you’ll love but also has characters that you’ll be annoyed with. The spice was perfect. The banter and chemistry between both main characters was amazing. I loved every bit of this book.

Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for an eARC in exchange for my honest review! This reads like an Ali Hazelwood book and that is my highest compliment.

⇢➤ Plot: Gwen is a talented violinist in the heart of New York City. A quiet and quick learner, she’s discovered at a young age and welcomed into an orchestra out of high school. Four years later, she’s offered the opportunity of a lifetime. The problem? Xander Thorne, hot boy cellist prodigy, has been vying for the same position. The two are suddenly thrown together with more tension building between them. Gwen isn’t sure if he wants to kill her, lecture her, or… well. She doesn’t know what he wants. But I’m sure, fair reader, you can guess.

*This book ties into Soto’s debut, “Forget Me Not.” While it isn’t necessary to do so, I would recommend checking it out to get better insight into the side characters. I’m a sucker for a romance multiverse.

⇢➤ Pros: REYLO FANS, WE ARE SO BACK. Soto captures the arrogance, the natural talent, and the silent intensity of my favorite male protagonist archetype. I fear I was kicking my feet and giggling! At my grown age!

This book is fun to read. If you are looking for a light-hearted romance where he falls first, I would be tapping this title at the bookstore 10x over. The orchestral romance, the character dynamics, and the high stakes all blend well together. There is a strong cast of found-family side characters. Mabel, you deserve the world. Ava, learn to support your son or eat dirt.

⇢➤ Cons: I do not like the title. From a marketing and publishing point of view, I absolutely get it. But I cannot get behind it. Also, I don’t know how the cover art of non-Adam Driver looks more like Adam Driver than Adam Driver, but I just can’t look at him.

This is a very by-the-book, to-the-tee fanfiction. While I have accepted that I must suspend my disbelief with this style of romance, there are moments on stage where it truly reads like a Y/N Harry Styles Wattpad story. If Gwen's mother was still alive, I fear she would have sold Gwen to Xander Thorne's boy band on page 1.

⇢➤ Recommended for fans of: Ali Hazelwood, Tessa Bailey

This one is 🔥🔥🔥!!! So much fun to go on the Gwen Jackson & Xander Thorne tour. I love how lively and fun this one is. The Ava & Nathan story was predictable to me and frankly so cliched - I wish she had done more to stand up for herself. Overall this was a great enemies-to-lovers romance! I appreciated all the references to classical music, orchestra, and violin/cello duets. I loved looking up Pop groups and listening. The only thing I think this book needs is a Spotify playlist.

-- update, I finished it
I never thought I could love Julie Soto's writing even more than in "Forget Me Not", but here I am, at the end of "Not Another Love Song", feeling speechless at the absolute beauty of her writing and her characters.

Also, 10/10 for the very deserved Scooter Braun and Taylor's version reference.

TWs - death of parent/grandparent by cancer, abandonment/estrangement from a parent, person of authority taking professional advantage of a newbie to the field

-- update at 27%
(I mean, I already know it's gonna be a 5 star read)
I love Gwen and Alex so much as individual characters and their borderline snarl-y interactions have been >>>>

Also, I have to put the book down and scream into the pillow at every Ama Elliot crumb this book is giving me 😭

-- ty to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for an advanced copy!

This book is the embodiment of why I love romance books so much!

I LOVED this book! Like every second of it. I could not put it down and I wish it didn’t have to end. Everything about this book was perfect!

I felt all the feels reading this book. This is one of those books that makes you kick your feet and squeal because of how cute and swoon-worthy it is.

I absolutely adored Xander and definitely need a cello player of my own now. I loved seeing both Xander and Gwen grow throughout the book and realize they wanted more in their careers and in their lives. There were so many great moments between Gwen and Xander and I wish we could have even more.

Highly recommend to romance readers and fans of Julie Soto’s previous book!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this book! Julie Soto beautifully respects the musician aspect whilel giving you delicious tension between the two lead characters. Swoon! I enjoyed her previous book Forget Me Not but this book really blew it outta the water.

"Not Another Love Song" was a delightful read, especially for someone like me who loves stories centered around violinists and cellists.

While I enjoyed Alex's character development, his quick change of heart towards Gwen felt rushed. Nevertheless, their chemistry was palpable despite the speed of their relationship's progression.

However, Gwen's tendency to ignore red flags was frustrating, making the third-act breakup somewhat forced. Nevertheless, with both characters admitting their mistakes, the resolution redeemed the story.

Overall, "Not Another Love Song" was an enjoyable read that perfectly captured the essence of the music world.

Thank you, Net Galley, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely love anything Julie Soto writes! It was a great insight into the world of classical music and the spice was immaculate! Praise to you Julie!

Thanks Forever Publishing and Julie Soto for this Arc in exchange for an honest review.
This book is about Gwen and Xander who are musical rivals to lovers. The tension was intense between them and the writing was easy to read.
I did find it hard to get into, I think it was maybe because of all the music talk. I also found their was a lot of spice which is not my personal preference. But I do think this is a cute fun and fast read if that's what you're looking for. Also the cover is amazing!