Julie Soto.. what kind of dr*gs did you put into this book?! Holy crap. I loved every second of it. I made all my friends preorder it. I even made my husband listen to me rant and ramble about it!

I had a great time reading Julie Soto's sophomore novel. Her knowledge of music is evident and the romance between the two main characters was sweet and lovely to read about.

When words fail, music does the talking. Xander and Gwen have a very frosty first meeting, and things don’t necessarily get better as fate keeps bringing them together. One moment though was all it took for these two to realize that they are more alike than they thought.

I loved the dynamic between Xander and Gwen. How they just let the music do the talking and the feeling. These two could read each other better than sheet music. I love stories that are original and bring something new to romance and Soto does that with each book.

This books shows the true depths of love.

📚 Not Another Love Song
✍ Julie Soto
📖 Contemporary Romance
⭐4/5
🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
➡ Struggling violin prodigy Gwen Jackson may have graduated from playing for cash in the subways of New York to playing in the Manhattan Pops but to make ends meet, she's still taking every wedding musician gig she can find. When she's offered the elusive first chair role in the pops over rock star/Cellist Xander Thorne, it's a dream she didn't even know she had come true.

Though every interaction they've ever had has been steeped in hostility, there's something about Gwen that Xander just can't let go of. Despite their rivalry, when they play together something magical happens and the more they lean into their musical chemistry, the more sizzling their connection becomes. As their budding relationship begins to hit the high notes, everyone around them attempts to control what's happening between their bows and strings and Gwen and Xander will ultimately have decide if their duet can rise above the background music to take center stage.
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🙏 Thank you to Forever (Grand Central Publishing), NetGalley and Julie Soto for the advanced copy of Not Another Love Song. All opinions are my own.
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🎯 What I loved: I adored the instrumental overlays of this book and how seamlessly music and composing fit into the love story. Julie Soto's writing is a dream and is so immersive- the story was sexy, heartfelt and had a perfect dramatic flair. Gwen and Alex's chemistry sizzled off the pages in strides and I was rooting for them to get together long before they even spoke to each other. For anyone who has read Soto's debut, Forget Me Not, you'll be happy to know that there are lots of Ama Torres cameos too!

🙅‍♀️ What I didn't: Soto invested a significant portion of the book in Gwen's experience before meeting Alex so they don't really interact much until you're almost 30% of the way into the book. This worked really well for character development but left me wanting a bit more flirting and back and forth- once they got together initially though, all was forgiven! I did finding the ending a little abrupt and would have liked to have seen the storyline extended through spring of the next year with an epilogue so that we got more of how everything came together/fell apart following the climax of the story.
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Read if you love:
*classical music
*golden retriever MMC
*rivals to lovers (kind of)
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See also: The Second Ending, Till There Was You, Roomies

I haven’t been this sucked into a book in awhile. This book was 5 stars in every category. I COULD NOT PUT THIS DOWN. The author’s note beforehand really set the scene of what vibes she was going for. The description of the characters as well as their character growth was amazing. Gosh I the ending was beautiful! Usually with these third act breakups, there’s a line authors balance on for when it’s “appropriate” to get back together, the author really couldn’t have written this any better. This is definitely a top read for me for this year!

The chemistry, enemies to lovers, and found family tropes were so beautifully written. There’s so many good things I could say about this book and will absolutely be buying this for my shelf as well as recommending this to my friends.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.

* I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this book. All thoughts are my own.

I was only a couple chapters in when I knew I was going to love this book. Julie Soto is such a wonderful writer; she can really pull you in and make you care about an orchestra (not one of my favorite things), its politics, and she creates characters that you can’t help but love!

I will very happily read anything that Soto writes and would absolutely recommend this book!

When I happened upon Julie Soto's previous novel, Forget Me Not, last year I was surprised I hadn't heard of it. The way she fleshes out characters is so realistic. This book was the same way.

I loved Gwen right away. I liked that she came from humble beginnings and was grateful for all that she had and what she'd accomplished. I liked getting snippets of her backstory. I especially loved the tension between Gwen and Xander. Grumpy/Sunshine is my favorite trope and though Xander wasn't completely "grumpy" he wasn't a wholesome cinnamon roll either.

The story line was a bit predictable but it was still very well done. I liked how annoyed I got with Gwen a few times -- that means the writing was good enough to get me upset.

I'll definitely be reading more from Julie Soto as she continues to write.

Obsessed. I loved this so much. It felt like a movie. Honestly I could really see this having a great screen adaptation with Netflix. It made me feel the same feelings I had when I was younger watching Raise Your Voice and August Rush with the young prodigy aspect but this was a more mature, romance forward story with beautiful music intertwined. Definitely one to check out!

How has music become so sexy suddenly ?????? Wow this was hot! The tension was a 10/10. I never would’ve thought someone playing cello would’ve been so hot but here we are. It also did help when i imagined Adam Driver as the main guy of course. I really liked how the relationship was built and oh my god that ending i could’ve cried. The third act break up did make sense but i think it was just a tad too long but I liked how they got back together. Anyways, a word to describe this book : sexy

Alex Fitzgerald was a child prodigy on the violin. Gwen Jackson, in a difficult family situation, hung out at Mabel's music store in Queens and with Mabel's recognition of her talent and encouragement, became a professional musician at the New York Pops orchestra, which was started by Alex's grandfather, and where his mother, Ava Fitzgerald, was the first violinist. And yet Alex rebelled at the family pressure, changed his name to Xander Thorne and became part of the musical group Thorne and the Roses, where he played cello, leaving his violin--and his family--behind. And yet he comes back to the Pops, where he meets Gwen, and that's where the action(and attraction) begins. Both are extremely talented musicians, but approaching it from completely different directions. So they recognize the talent in the other, but have issues with how that talent is dealt with. And of course the chemistry between them only complicates matters further. How these differences and complications are resolved makes for a very satisfying story. All the characters enhance the end result, much like a good orchestra frames and enhances the soloists. And the descriptions of the music play as much of a role in character and plot development as does the heat that develops between Gwen and Alex. This story sings.

One friend told me that this is based off Soto’s fanfic about Kylo Ren and Jedi Rey and honestly that’s all I needed to know this was the book for me!
I ADORED this book! My favorite contemporary romance to date. It was a quick read with lots of angst, pining, heated moments, and competition.

Gwen has lost both her parents at a young age and stumbles into a music store where the owner takes pity on her and teaches her the violin. Xander is the front man of a rock and roll band where he plays the electric cello. He is a musical prodigy born into an influential musical family.
How much more Reylo can you get?!

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Forever Publishing for this e-ARC. I will be buying the physical copy the moment it becomes available!!

I devoured this book. It was mt first of Julie Soto's books and as soon as I finished it I immediately went to read her debut. The characters, the back story, the chemistry are all phenomenonal. Receiving this ARC was such a treat, and this book is a treasure.

Grumpy/Sunshine! Rivals to Lovers! Obscure (and not) music references! Julie Soto, thank you for publishing your Reylo fic! A++, 10/10 stars.

Never in my life did I think I would like a contemporary romance as much as this one. I love my books with some fantasy or dark elements that give it that ‘out of this world’ vibe but I could not for the life of me put this down. Love that this was plot driven and not just a book smothered with smut. The two characters were fleshed out well. There was rivals to lovers, found family…and maybe billionaire romance(?). (Reluctant to call it rich vs. poor)

This made me really want to go experience The New York Pops at Carnegie Hall or rewatch the anime ‘La Corda D’oro’.

I also loved that 2 antagonist were added where they held the same weight but didn’t overwhelm the story, if that makes any sense. There wasn’t a jealous female villain!! That’s another plus.

The reason I didn’t give it a full 5 stars though was because the resolution felt very rushed. They just disappeared into the background, out of the MMC and FMC’s life. I wish it wasn’t so realistic where karma wasn’t delivered. It’s just a personal preference. I felt unfulfilled. I also found it odd that the Asians were the only one’s described by their race or ethnicity, like Mei (the wiry Chinese girl) and Jackie (the cute Asian girl). I already figured Mei was Asian based off her name, could have left it as is or given her a full name like Ama Torres. And with Jackie being Hazel Renee’s wife but introduced her as the cute Asian girl that was holding her hand. She felt more like she was the model’s adopted child if not for emphasizing that Hazel Renee is gay, married and will be coming in with said wife before her reveal. Mabel was described as a Puerto Rican woman but only after her character was fleshed out as her own person and Gwen’s motherly figure. Even then it was only used to describe Gwen’s first impression of her as a child. I guess being southeast asian, I’m more aware when an asian character is introduced and the characters just struck a nerve, like their defining factor is their race and that’s all that matters. Just a token. But aside from that, the inclusiveness whether it being race or sexuality was still a nice touch.

A big thank you to Netgallery and Julie Soto for an eARC!

Absolutely perfect enemies to kind of friends to lovers romance. The characters, the tension, the angst, the spice - the author absolutely nailed it. I totally got the Reylo fanfic but it in no way distracted from this story. Gwen & Xander's chemistry was off the charts from their very first scene together. I felt like Xander was exactly what Gwen needed in her life to push herself and her music to the next level. Their collabs were scorching hot & they just made complete sense as a couple. Regardless of their night & day different musical background, they were clearly perfect for each other. I never knew I could find music composing or cello practice so spicy, but hey- new kinks and all that. There were a few slow spots for me AND a third-act break up (BOO) but I enjoyed this book so much I didn't even care.

Do yourself a favor and pick up this book asap! Absolutely delicious tension between these characters. I loved Julie's first book and loved this one just as much🤌

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75

thank you to netgalley, forever, and julie soto for this e-arc!

It has been a minute since a romance has captivated me as much as this one did. this book was my certified slump-breaker. I don’t know what crack julie soto put in this book, but I was addicted. as a classical musician and music teacher, I ATE THIS STORY UP.

this story flows effortlessly. it doesn’t lull and it is so fun! the main characters are complex and well-developed, but also young and make mistakes because of it. the tension was electric and the chemistry was PALPABLE. while I think the romance could be seen as moving rather quickly, I think it makes a LOT of sense for musicians. it is not unlikely for a classical musician to rapidly fall in love with another musician that challenges them and enraptures them with their musicianship.

I love Gwen and Xander/Alex. As a duo, but as individuals as well. Gwen is kind and a lovable character, but she’s young and she acts it at times. Xander/Alex is just down bad for sweet Gwenny and I love that for her.

my ONLY issues with this book:
- some of the music terminology was overused and it started to take me out of the story. for example: “arpeggios” was used 20 times. “legato” was also used quite a bit. I would’ve loved to see more diversity in terms when describing the music. or at least more diverse ways of saying these things. ex. “arpeggiating notes”, “arpeggiation”, “legato line”. there’s also nothing wrong with describing music with non-musical terminology.
- might get some flack for this but there was just a tad too much smut for me in this book. I’m not anti-smut, but I also don’t NEED it in a book. while I think some of these scenes progressed the story, not every one felt necessary/needed to be in full detail. I give it a 🌶️🌶️🌶️ rating personally.

I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK SO MUCH!! PLEASE READ THIS WHEN ITS PUBLISHED!!

I finally have a book I can reference for what I've been saying for years: men who play the cello are hot. This cover says it all really.

I immediately fell in love with this book. The tension was incredible. Tighter than a cello string. The pining and longing was top-notch. The damage to my heart cannot be undone.

The way Soto wrote about the music and they way each character played their instrument was so visceral, I felt like I was actually hearing it. I don't know if Soto plays the violin or cello, but if not, she must have done her research. That's coming from someone who doesn't play either instrument though so take that for what you will.

Xander Thorne is the biggest simp in the world. This man had me giggling and kicking my legs throughout the entire book. He would look at her and I would combust. Me, the reader. I really don't know how Gwen was holding it together because I was a hot mess. I want to tattoo my entire body with his words from this book. This is what I mean when I say my fictional men set my expectations too high. I'll truly never recover.

Read this book at your earliest convenience and inconvenience. You too will fall in love with men who play the cello and frown a lot and *might* look like Kylo Ren. 10000/10 recommend!

You NEED to pick up this book.

When I say I am so obsessed with these characters I am not kidding. This story follows two classical musicians fighting their attraction while being forced to play alongside one another in the New York Pops orchestra. My god the banter, the TENSION, the CELLO SCENE.

I am still unwell from this book and a lot of it probably has to do with the fact that I was a band kid and this was my literal fantasy!!!

Regardless, Miss. Julie Soto knows how to do the damn thing, and wow did she ever do it.


*Thank you to Netgalley for the early review copy!

4.75 ⭐️

This is my first ARC (thank you thank you net galley) and I fear I’ve started with the very best 🥹

I could not read this fast enough. It has been a LONG LONG time that I have stayed up past 1 am reading a book (I did this two nights in a row, rip to me). I think I fell in love with this book faster than my boy Alexander fell in love with Gwen playing the cello. I LOVED the musical setting of this story and the way that their love and life of music brought these characters together on such a deep level. A lot of romances tend to feel like lust as opposed to love, but you could see my boy Xander down bad with Gwen’s soul.

Side note- these characters gave me instant Mia and Sebastian vibes. They each had their own musical struggles and were on a journey to find their happiness and build a name for themselves. I loved the rivals turned co-writers aspect of their musical career. The reader gets to see their love for each other blossom as they are writing this love song together. I also loved the whole storyline that Xander has been Gwen's idol for so long. Some of my favorite chapters were when Gwen's obsession with Thorn and Roses is seen played out when she interacts with them at various house parties.

I want to give this book infinite stars and it very nearly is for me. The one issue I had was with how spicy it was. I’ve become a pro at skipping through explicit scenes because I don’t prefer to read them, but it was still a little much for me. Having read her last book though, I was aware of this going in.

I still thought this was an insanely beautiful romance read and can’t wait to see people’s reactions to it.