I am undone, I am forever changed, I will never look at a cello without blushing again. Julie Soto makes every musical interlude feel as intimate and sexy as the pottery scene in Ghost.

4.75/5

I absolutely adore Julie Soto's writing style. I loved getting to see Ama and Elliot again plus a whole cast of new, fun characters.

Alex and Gwen are a beautiful couple that just fit. I had no trouble seeing them fall hard and fast. And I loved all the "compliments" from Alex that Gwen kept taking as criticism. 🤣

I've never really understood music at its core. I love to listen to all kinds and I can't carry a tune in a bucket, but seeing music and the process of creating it through the eyes of people who breathe for it was utterly amazing. More than once I listened to classical music while I was reading because I felt like I NEEDED to be hearing the music they were playing.

I will definitely be reading this one again

I'm a big fan of Julie Soto, and was really excited and grateful to get an advanced reader's copy of Not Another Love Song. Her first book blew me away, and those characters show up in NALS, which is always fun to see. Gwen and Xander, the main characters of this book, meet by chance at a wedding, but they have been working together for a quite a while. Gwen is a secret fan of Xander's work, but Xander doesn't know who Gwen is, and it is love and sparks at first sight for him. Their relationship builds slowly, mainly due to their own reserved, cautious personalities, but they find great happiness together, playing music and as a couple. Things fall apart, in their relationship and professionally, but all is resolved by the end.
I liked reading about the evolution of their relationship throughout this book, and I really loved seeing Gwen's character evolve into someone with confidence and determination to be her own advocate. I wasn't a fan of how Xander treated Gwen for most of the book. He was condescending and critical to her, and made a few apologies, but he didn't treat her with the respect that she (and anyone) deserves. I enjoyed reading about the professional challenges musicians face as they are navigating their careers, and also how Gwen's character was successful and her self-esteem and empowerment grew during the story. Her personal growth and professional success and decisions were my favorite part of this story. Overall, a really good read, I always love Julie Soto's work!

I finished this book in less than 2 days. I was mesmerized from the start. I recently listened to Julie Soto’s Forget Me Not, another wonderful unforgettable book. I was thrilled to see she had a new release coming out. I was so surprised and thrilled i actually was able to receive an ARC from Netgally. Her writing in this book is magical, the way you can feel the pull and chemistry between the MC’s and the romance is beautiful. I wish I was able to give this book the praise it deserves. I can’t wait to listen again when it is released on audio. Thank you for the ARC❤️

This was my first Julie Soto book & I immediately changed that the minute I was finished with this book! Oh my gosh the angst and tension in her characters was so good!

This story was made so much more interesting with the musical setting and story and I loved the sort of rivalry/admiration between the two characters as well. This was such a fast swoon worthy read and I can’t wait to read more from her.

I CAN NOT WAIT U TIL I GET MY HANDS ON THE PHYSICAL COPY !!! SO SO GOOD!! WHO would have known I would loveeeee these type of tropes!!

🎻🎻🎻🎻

Another entertaining read by Julie Soto!
I already pre-ordered this as soon as I heard about its release (July.16.2024) 🦋(iyk)

I have read Forget me not and throughly enjoyed it, so I couldn’t wait to get to read this one (especially hearing about the famous cello scene 👀)

I really loved the orchestral aspects of this book and how Gwen and Xander (Alex) connected through their shared love of music.

What I liked about this one was that you got to see more of their relationship play through in current time (where it was a little different in FMN). Also, the little dual pov moments of Alex and his Cello suites would come up.

Had a nice amount of spice between these lovebirds (more than I expected) and I also enjoyed the little moments of seeing the familiar faces from book 1.

Did it feel a little insta-lovey? Yes-(ish) but I still highly enjoyed it! And highlighted many little moments between them ☺️ I especially loved the little epilogue in the end and the final line of the whole book. Would highly recommend this book for a good time!



Many thanks to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for providing me with this e-arc!

THIS BOOK WAS SO GOOD!

The tension? chef's kiss. The prideful lovers who don't want to admit they've already fallen in love? ABSOLUTELY YES. The characters we can relate to and a story involving orchestra drama? yes yes yes and frankly, this was one of the best parts of the story. While I wished for more Xander POVs, it was an overall great story and I'm excited to see what comes next!

Julie Soto’s second book had me wanting to go watch a symphony for real. The way that she described the music being played made me really feel it. I can only imagine how amazing the audio book can be for this book. Alexander wasn’t the most likable MMC, but his chemistry with Gwen made up for it.

GNAWING AT THE BARS OF MY ENCLOSURE FOR ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING JULIE SOTO WRITES!!!

GOD!! THIS WOMAN CAN WRITEEEEEEEE!!!!!!

ok whew. had to take a breath there. if it wasn't glaringly obvious...read this book immediately. a talented violinist meets grumpy, arrogant cello player who falls first and harder and she's lowkey his fangirl and it turns into pure spice and scream giggling into my pillow. like truly i kick my feet and giggle at anything julie soto puts down on paper. put this on your lists right! now!

and of course, a very, very special thank you to the publisher and netgalley for providing me with an ARC of this incredible read!

Thank you NetGalley & Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for this arc in exchange for my honest review!

As someone who does not have a musical bone in her body, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Despite not knowing what to expect, I was HOOKED the moment I started reading. Who knew I’d be so interested in cellos and violins??? This book is a rivals to lovers with sooo much tension between the FMC and MMC.

I loved the snippets of Alex’s POV that were thrown in throughout the book since it was 85% from Gwen’s perspective. Although, I do wish there were a bit more from him to understand what he was thinking during some scenes. I also really enjoyed the side characters/found family aspect and hope the next book continues with one of their stories. Regardless, I can only imagine that Julie Soto will have more cameos from past characters in her next novel like she did this one (Ama/Elliot scenes were *chefs kiss*).

4.5 ⭐️ stars but rounded up! Not the full 5 simply because there were musical scenes that were slightly hard for me to picture while having no knowledge of that world at all.

Side note - Really wish there was an actual playlist of these songs to listen to while reading this book 😫🤘🎶

I think it’s safe to say that Julie Soto is 100% an auto-buy for me now.

Not Another Love Song blew me away. There is so much tension and chemistry between the main characters, Gwen and Xander. I had no idea cellos and violins could be so hot. Julie Soto is such a talented writer and you will not regret reading this one!

I really enjoyed this unique love story about two child musical prodigies, who came from very different backgrounds and end up playing in the same pop orchestra in NYC. I thought the tension and angst through the first two-thirds was absolutely impeccable. There was a generous amount of fairly tame spice, and the third act break up was, thankfully, resolved quickly. Overall, this was a fun, quick read!

Thank you NetGalley and Forever publishing with is book. This was my first Julie Soto book and I am proud to say that I am now a fan!

Gwen Jackson is an upcoming violinist who’s been offered the role of a lifetime for a Manhattan Orchestra. Xander Thorne is an arrogant and cocky cellist who seemingly doesn’t think Gwen deserves the position. These two start out as rival, but soon they realize that together they could be so much more.

I honestly didn’t know what to expect going in to this book. I am not a musical person, but let me tell you after reading this I wish I played the violin! Julie’s description of all the musical numbers was amazing! I may have had to look up what some of the terms meant, but I truly felt like I was listening to music! The story flowed so well with great writing and even better storytelling. The tension between Gwen and Xander in the first 1/3 is fantastic and the chemistry between them is magical. Julie created such beautiful characters in the two of them.

This may have been my first Julie Soto book, but it will not be my last. Thank you again #netgalley and Forever publishing but this book. I really loved it!

5⭐️

I had no idea what to expect going into this as it was my first Julie Soto book, but I loved every second of it. First off, let me just say that when there’s a movie that involves music especially violins or cellos, you can sure bet I’m going to watch it, and I’m going to LOVE it. Therefore, this was right up my alley. I felt like I was literally in one of those musical romance movies, and I ate every bit of it up.

Not Another Love Song is a love story, but not just any love story. It’s a love story sparked through a musical connection. Does it even get any better (or hotter) than that?

Also, can we talk about the chemistry, tension, and banter between these two characters?! 😫 INCREDIBLE. This is exactly what I seek for in a romance novel.

Alex’s character was beyond perfect, and he had me pleasantly surprised. I was a bit hesitant about him from the start, but the love and compassion he showed towards Gwen had me dazed (in the good kind of way). Not to mention he was incredibly hot in the way he handled himself. And you’re telling me he’s not even real? 😩

Not Another Love Song will have you FEELING something for the two main characters. Not just because their connection was so incredible but also because you’ll want to see them happy and get the ending they deserve. When you truly care about the characters is when you know a book is good. 😌💞

Read if you love:
- Rivals to lovers
- A MMC that is obsessed with the FMC
- Books based in NYC
- Musical romances
- Cello/violin
- Incredible banter

P.S. if you’re looking for a good musical romance movie to watch, I highly recommend High Strung. It’s one of my favorite movies ever, and Not Another Love Song reminded me of that nostalgic feeling I get every time I watch it. 🥹

Thank you for Netgalley and Forever publishing for the arc! 🫶🏼

This was an enjoyable book!. I found this was to be a fun, delightful read. I would read other books by this author. I would recommend this book to others.

THIS IS A LITERAL MASTERPIECE. I do not have one negative thing to say. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about Xander & Gwyn, they are living rent free in my mind and I never want them to leave. Seriously, where is Margot Robbie so she can produce this into the most incredible movie?! Julie Soto is absolutely fantastic, I will buy all her books forever. Thank you for the opportunity to read this novel!!!

A stranger to Julie Sotos' writing, I received 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗔𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗦𝗼𝗻𝗴, and was unsure what to expect. I never would have anticipated placing this book amongst some of my favorite reading experiences.

Popping in my earbuds and setting my phone to a continuous rotation of the 2 Cellos (I highly recommend reading this book this way), I found myself completely engrossed in one of the most sensual romance reads I have (quite possibly ever) experienced. From settling into a beautiful calm, to experiencing the feeling of my heart racing, I am not sure I will every fully be able to explain the connection I felt and the disappointment I had as I turned the final page. I didn't want it to end.

The most magical moment occurred when, to my utter shock, one of the songs that began playing in my ears was the exact song that was referenced during a pivotal point in the book. I had to rewind and flip my pages backward, just to experience it for a second (and a third) time.

This rivals to lovers romance is filled with beautiful friendships, complex family dynamics, and a unique connection forged between two musical prodigies. Xander and Gwen play off each other's strengths while supporting each other so perfectly through their own individual struggles, and I was cheering for them the entire time. I loved the energy and personalities of the sub characters, and I think they added the perfect amount of support to the storyline.

If you are a lover of instrumental covers particularly those created with strings or an orchestra, a dark and mysterious MMC, and the found family trope, I can almost promise you will quickly get lost within the pages of this love story. ❤️

Thank you to Julie Soto and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to Forever (GCP) for giving me an arc.

What a spectacular read! The characters in this novel were imperfectly perfect and carried so much depth. Julie did an amazing job at showing the challenges and growth, Alex, Ava, Gwen and Mabel all had to work towards throughout this story. I can say that the musical portion in the story was also phenomenal I felt entranced by the performances and it definitely brought back my musical passion.

I would recommend highly recommend 'Not Another Love Song' to anyone looking for their next read.

4.5/5 stars!

Gwen is a 22 year old violin prodigy living in NYC an entering her fourth season with the Pops, across from her rival and esteemed cellist, Alex Fitzgerald, also known as Xander Thorne- badass leader of the band “Thornes and Roses.” This book follows the pair as they go from rivals to lovers and navigate the world of music both together and apart.

I loved this story so much and found it to be the perfect blend of sweet and spicy.

I would have preferred first person POV as I found the 3rd person felt unnatural while reading. Additionally, I wish Alex and Gwen interacted more in the first 50% of the book and built their emotional connection up a bit more.

Overall loved the book and Julie Sotos stories!