4.75 stars
I think this book currently takes the crown for my favorite romance I've read so far this year. There's just something about how Julie writes that has me in absolute transports of delight until the minute I turn the final page. This book just had some top notch and complex characters who had such immaculate tension and chemistry, and I was just eating up everything about their dynamics. As someone who's never been a part of the music world, there were plenty of elements of the orchestral scene that were lost on me, but from an outsider's perspective, it did all exist in a way that made it clear that Julie put a lot of time and research into portraying those elements.

The main reason this book was just shy of 5 stars for me is because in a lot of the early chapters, the thick amounts of tension between Gwen and Xander didn't feel equal to the actual amount of interaction they'd had. I think by the time they actually banged for the first time they'd had maybe two proper conversations, and at least for me, it felt like it was relying a bit too heavily on observed cello solos as a substitute for actual interaction.

I've been procrastinating writing this review for weeks now because I was hoping some really thoughtful and eloquent review would come to me so I could say many astute and meaningful things about how much I loved this book. But ultimately it all comes back to the fact that I adored this, I had the best time reading it, and absolutely everyone needs to get a copy of this book when it comes out in July.

I need Alex injected on my veins. This has been one of the few 5-stars read I have read this year. I loved every single aspect about this b0ok and more. I need more Gwen and Alex.

If you're craving a romance with a twist, "Not Another Love Song" by Julie Soto needs to be on your radar! From the get-go, Soto hooks you with her refreshing spin on love stories.
Join Mia on her ups and downs through the maze of modern relationships and self-discovery. This book feels raw and real, which sets it apart from other contemporary romances. Soto doesn't sugarcoat the messy parts; she dives deep, making Mia's journey feel like your own.
"Not Another Love Song" is a gem in the romance genre. Soto's voice is magnetic and authentic, making this a book you won't want to put down.

Julie Soto’s “Not Another Love Song” was originally fanfic in the Rey/Kylo Star Wars world. Ms. Soto states this in the beginning, so I don’t feel like that’s a spoiler. This book deals a bit with classical music and orchestras. I do feel that Ms. Soto did her research on those fronts. However, I had some fundamental issues with the storyline. I understand the orchestra needing money (hey, everyone’s hurting) and I even understand the “we need marketing to bring in the big bucks and sponsors” angle, but … it just felt all kinds of wrong to me and more of creating conflict than a thought out plot device. I’m not a fan of insta-lust and I felt that’s what the two characters had at first - yes, they both felt music beyond just playing the notes, but the relationship needed more than just the spice (and, wowzers, what spice!) Ms. Soto put on the page for me to believe it. Also, I realize that the two main characters are young adults, but this felt more like a teen romance (cue high school). I really wanted to overall enjoy this book more than I did … music, dueling violins, professional setting, but eh … maybe if the synopsis had said “Star Wars fanfic” I wouldn’t have requested it. If you like broody main male characters, professional orchestra settings, spicy (sexy time!) scenes, and Ms. Soto’s writing - this book may be up your alley.

SO INTIMATE and oh the pining!

JULIE!! HOW?! HOW DO YOU COME UP CHARACTERS AND SCNES LIKE THIS?! I cannot, will not understand!! Alex/Xander…so dreamy!! His presence itself is intense and charged! I’m melting into a puddle… And the scene on the cover… Phew!! I’m not ok! The tension… Ugh I’m definitely not ok.. You have a way of turning regular things into something unique. First it was flower tattoos and now string instruments?! Heck I’d never be able to look at a cello normally now 🫠.

Listen I’ve been raving about Julie’s books for a while now and if you still haven’t read them, this is me re-raving about them.. JULIE’S WRITING IS MAGIC! Let her sprinkle some of that into your life too.. You won’t regret!! Reading her first book really altered my brain chemistry.

Gwen is a girl dreaming about her future as a violinist and Xander aka Alex is our stunning MMC cellist. Both are musical prodigies but with unheard and unseen emotional turmoil. Together they create music that’s deep, enchanting and breathtaking. When you read the scenes they play together, you feel it! You feel the electrifying spark, the flames, the emotions…. You feel it all through Julie’s words. I had to take breaks to soak in the emotions at some places because of the intensity of them. Xander’s emotions made me weak! He initially made me mad for a second but I immediately forgave him because he’s that sweet and is now one of my favorite MMCs. He’s gorgeous, kind, talented and irresistible! Julie is good at many things including breaking hearts and I’m ready to get mine broken over and over again cause if that’s Julie, it’s worth it!!

Thank you Readforever as always for my ARC. All thoughts are my own.

23 year old Gwen Jackson is selected as First Chair violin for the Manhattan Pops, a first in the history of the organization. Xander Thorne is the mercurial first cello of the Pops who has never noticed Gwen in their year working together - until she is offered first violin, a position he wants.

✅ Enemies to lovers
✅ workplace romance, the workplace is an Orchestra
🌶️: yes and before the halfway point. There’s a whole thing with an electric cello… you just have to read it.

Note: if you choose to read the beginning author’s note, it may give you a mental image of the lead MC that could be distracting. I recommend you let your imagination fancast Xander and read the note after.

I loved Forget Me Not. This was better. Maybe I feel that way because I love music and orchestras and string instruments, but this book was so cozy to me (which is a subjective personal feeling...not an objective trait of the book). Slightly more drama than I thought it needed, but it all tied together so well and resolved beautifully. I saw someone call it YA, but there is *spice* making this not YA. Julie does a great job describing the characters, their feelings, their conflicts, and the pacing really kept things moving.

I loved the book content but what stands out to me most now that I finished is from the acknowledgements...."This cover. I can't believe I said we'll we could do that scene, and then they let you do that scene, and now there's that scene on the cover." iykyk

Thank you to Netgalley for the early copy in exchange for an honest review!
(also reviewed on Goodreads)

The way I love this book. Absolutely loved the fact that she knew and loved Xander’s band but once she started to get to know Alex she loved him too. Their relationship, once it began, was fast, hot and heavy while also being playful and always having the music be important. The fact that he came back work solely so he could be near her after they played together (in all senses) for the first time made everything better.

once i hit the 24% mark i became obsessed! i was in the biggest slump EVERRRR this book took me right out! i've never been into music but i might just learn an instrument! i need that kind of love in my life 🫶
YALL READ THIS BOOK AS SOON AS POSSIBLE! You won't regret it!
JULIE SOTO YOU DID YOUR BIG ONE
This was my first julie soto book and i ate it up!
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC

ARC Received from NetGalley

Not Another Love Song by Julie Soto follows Gwen a 20 something year old violin player who got her start as a musician a little later in life and spent her teen years playing in the subway for pocket money, and Xander a former child prodigy, now professional cello player in a cover-rock band. The two are in a pops orchestra together in New York and it isn’t until he hears him play at a friend's wedding that he notices her…… and so the story goes. This story is Reylo fanfic, stated in the author notes before the story begins but it is also so trope-filled and easily identified as a fic due to the way it is structured but I loved it. I always love finding out books were originally fics becasue it normally means I am going to absolutely fly through them and have a fun time. Plus they just always have so much fluff.

One thing I really appreciated about this was that there was a lot of build-up to the characters' relationship itself. And Julie Soto really made this man work for it. I also really enjoy when the male character falls harder than the female, and then has to walk around like a lost puppy dog. I just enjoy it as a trope, but that is 100 percent what this has if it’s also something you're looking for. Gwen really made this man beg.

My biggest complaint with the story itself was the third act breakup. I just felt like it was a bit silly, and when it did come time for it to be resolved it was done in about 3 pages. I just thought the break up was unnecessary. But overall I thoroughly enjoyed the story and now will be reading Julie Soto’s other novel and looking out for her future releases.

The best April Fools was Julie Soto putting this book on NetGalley! I loved this book so much, the characters felt so real and relatable. Who doesn’t love a hot cello player? I could feel the angst and anguish of the characters and truly immerse myself in the story. I read it in one day!

3.5 stars rounded up
I LOVED the first half of this book! It was tension filled, angsty, and had some really hot scenes. Every person who’s ever played an instrument can find something to appreciate about this book. I loved the NYC setting and getting lost in the music with the characters. I think the “villains” of this story were frustrating and predictable, and I wish the 3rd act breakup was more brief. Once the 3rd act conflict happened, I had trouble picking the book back up, but I did like how it wrapped up overall. I will continue to pick up anything Julie Soto writes because I love the intensity of her books and her writing always gives me butterflies.

Julie Soto, WHAT are you putting in your books??? 😩

I loved “Forget Me Not” so much that I read it in like a day, so this was already a must-read for me this year. When an ARC became available on NetGalley without request, I pounced IMMEDIATELY. (Thank you NetGalley & Forever/Grand Central Publishing) I was glued to it during almost any free moment that I had.

I know not a damn thing about cellos, violins, or entire orchestras, but you best believe I was invested, and also wondering how the HELL these things could be so… sexy?? The scenes of Alex(Xander) & Gwen playing together had me feeling some type of way 🫠 The tension was 😮‍💨

There was a lot going on with the many different characters, and all of the separate relationships, but I was satisfied with how everything tied up in the end.

This book comes out in July- Do yourself a favor & preorder it now if you haven’t already!

I loved this book! It brought me out of a reading slump I was having. I loved the relationship between Gwen and Alex. I actually giggled out loud multiple times while reading. The spicy scenes were great and seeing the cover after finishing the book?? 😌😌 I can’t wait to get a physical copy!

Not Another Love Song was the perfect romance read. It was short, sweet and moving. As someone who respectfully knows nothing about the violen, cello or orchestral music in general, I found all the music parts so fascinating. The couple had chemistry and the flow of the story was perfect. I can’t wait for the next Julie Soto release!

this book was so incredibly captivating in the way it was written, I couldn’t tear my eyes from the screen. I loved EVERYTHING about this book! I knew 20% in that this was going to be a 5 star read… and I was SO RIGHT!!! this is a rivals-to-lovers romance involving two musically-talented people playing in the same orchestra who seem to be trying to constantly prove themselves to people surrounding them, but mostly themselves.

I loved Xander and Gwen. two individuals who are cut from the same cloth but with very different upbringings. I’m a sucker for an underdog and Gwen is the perfect example of proving yourself because you put in the work. I loved the kindness and compassion she had for others and the way she cared for Mabel (who is the best character & the epitome of comedic relief). Xander, or Alex, had such a great character development. he completely re-designed his life not once, but TWICE trying to do what he loves with who he loves. plus the fact that he was inspired by adam driver is a plus 😎🫦

If I could describe this book in one word it would be ROMANTIC!!! this book was so damn romantic in the least cheesy way possible. the chemistry and tension was SO good and the build-up was perfect. you got to see the relationship develop before anything progressed. he definitely fell first and he fell HARD, him pining after Gwen the entire book!!!!! I had butterflies!!!! not only that, but it was funny and heartfelt in the right moments and it could switch-up the emotion perfectly.

plot and storyline aside, the musical components in this book were expressed so beautifully and written like poetry. I don’t have a musical bone in my body and I could very much appreciate how lyrical the writing was and how the author integrated emotion and vulnerability into the music.

I will be thinking about this story for a LONG time! I highly recommend this & can’t wait to read more books from this author. releases july 16th!! thank you NetGalley, Forever Publishing, and Julie Soto for the eARC 💖

This book was a captivating read! The chemistry and tension between the main characters was addicting. I finished this book quite fast because I was hooked from the beginning. The cello scene will live in my brain forever!!

If you liked Check and Mate and wished it had adult spice...read Not Another Love Song immediately. It's nerd rivals to lovers where he falls first, and they both end up completely obsessed.

Gwen is an accomplished musician just trying to make it. She's grinding away in the orchestra and taking gigs on the side. When a mix up leaves her scrambling to play the cello for a wedding (even though she really plays the violin), everything changes. Because the cello she borrows belong to Xander Thorne, rock star and fellow member of her orchestra. Suddenly the center of his attention, Gwen struggles with deciding what she wants for her career when everyone else around her has an opinion.

Reading about Gwen and Xander nerding out over music was an utter joy! I could feel the passion through the pages. It was electric and addictive. Their chemistry was impossibly hot and the third act had me wanting to throw my kindle at the wall (in the best way of course). Julie Soto will make you feel for these characters. The emotions will grip you and pull you in.

If you like:
-rivals to lovers
-nerds passionate about music
-he falls first
-driven FMC
-found family
...you'll love Not Another Love Song.

I know he is not Adam Driver, but he looks like Adam Driver, so in my head reading this it was just Adam Driver and I ain't mad at it. Sexy and intense chemistry, everything we love about fanfiction in an original story. Sign me up for more!

4.25 stars. I loved this story! Julie Soto writes love so beautifully, like a symphony. Gwen & Xander were so obsessed with each other I’M obsessed with them. The backdrop of NYC was so perfect. The main trope is she hates him but he’s obsessed with her (which i absolutely ate up)

The only thing i didn’t like was the amount of spice…once they finally got together it was like every other scene together they were hooking up lol. I think i would’ve appreciated a cut to black instead!

Thank you to NetGalley & Forever publishing for the ARC!