Where do I start?! I thoroughly enjoyed this book from the very start. The “enemies” to lovers to the friendships and relationships. Each character had a growth development that was well depicted…except Nathan that is or Lorenz which are two characters that is safe to say no one liked! The story itself had me smiling throughout and I can’t wait to see it displayed for others to enjoy!

This was one of my most anticipated books of the year, and it did not disappoint!

This was the perfect rivals to lovers romance, full of tension, tenderness and spice.
I couldn't put it down, I was so invested in Gwen and Xander's story and I also went on an orchestra listening binged trying to live out each scene! The musical elements are a central part of the story and they add so much to the reading experience.

I loved Julie's first book, but I think this one tops it if only for the cello scene.

If you like romance, you'll love this book.

Thank you NetGalley for the arc!

Thanks to the publisher, Forever, for providing me a digital review copy of this book!

I really enjoyed reading about the inspiration behind this book - and Julie's unabashed love for fanfiction.

This book was so fun and interesting. I learned a lot about the world of music! The romance was cute and well-developed, and the supporting cast of characters was lovely.

This book was beautiful. Even readers who know absolutely nothing about violins, cellos, or orchestra can feel connected to the way music is written so romantically. This was easily a five star read and I truly enjoyed Gwen and Alex's story. I also really loved how Ava and Mabel were brought together for Christmas and we got the family scene full of music and love.

If I had one criticism, it would be how many times Alex ran his hand through his hair! It wasn't bothersome in a way that took away from.the story or knocked the rating down, it was just an observation that it was called out in so many scenes.

This was a lovely read and I'm so excited for this story to be released to the public. Thank you NetGalley and Julie Soto!

5 ⭐️

Not Another Love Song was absolute perfection from start to finish!

Gwen and Xander both had traumatic childhoods (for different reasons), walls around their hearts made of the thickest concrete, and insane musical talents. Their chemistry was off the charts and just the descriptions of them staring at each other while playing their instruments was spicy, but the real spice was even better. The choice they had to make between love and their careers felt real and upsetting and uplifting all at the same time.

Jacob and Declan are some of my favorite side characters now, and I would happily read a whole book about their relationship because I just know they’re endgame.

Also, I have never wanted to crawl inside a book to hug a main character as much as I wanted to crawl inside of this one to hug Xander when he asked if he could bring Gwen her toothbrush after their fight. I don’t know why that hit me so hard, but I was tearing up for him.

I have less than zero musical ability (I wasn’t even allowed in my 5th grade band lol), but this book had me wanting to learn to play cello and violin and go watch every orchestra concert near me for the next 12 months.

This was my first Julie Soto book but approximately 25% through I went to get her first book from the library so it would be ready when I finished, and I’m starting it tomorrow because I think I’m addicted to her writing now. I can see why her and Abby Jimenez (my favorite contemporary romance author) are so supportive of each other’s books, because they both know how to write romance with a side of trauma like nobody else can. I can’t wait for this to be released on audio and get to relive it in a few months!! And I’m already rooting for the next friend that gets their love story in book 3, whoever it turns out to be (I hope it’s gonna be Dom!).

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the ARC! I received a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

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

I soooo adored this book omg. Ever since I read Julie’s debut novel last year, I’ve been dying for another story from her. I was sucked in and so entertained during the beginning and end of the novel. I literally couldn’t stop thinking about the book when I put it down and annoyed my friends by non-stop talking about it 😂 The chemistry between Alex and Gwen (esp on stage) and the connection they have through music was captivating, special, and so beautiful. Like him composing a song after seeing her- are you kidding me 🥹 It did lose me for a little bit once they got together and before the third act conflict (which might be a me problem bc I get bored when the couple gets together earlyish) but I enjoyed the rest so much that I would break my rule of only giving whole ⭐️s (it’s giving more of a 4.5!). I screamed when I saw another book from this author will be out in 2025 bc she now is definitely an auto-buy author for me! 🎻💗🎼

Julie Soto, I love you.
I love reading her work bc it always feels like home. It’s probably the fact that I absolutely devoured most of her fanfiction, but her voice is so familiar to me. I always feel like I’ve known the characters for years and that I’ve genuinely gone through an entire life time in one book. I love Alex and Gwen. I want to chew on him like a dog with a squeaky toy. I want to be friends with Gwen. I want to live inside this story. I tore through this book like wildfire and the only reason I didn’t finish sooner is because of work (how dare I be an adult with bills to pay.) To be truly candid, I was reading this at red lights and when traffic was at a standstill while I was on my way home from work. I wish this book didn’t have to end!!!!

Fingers crossed for some improvement in some of the “filler” of the story. It’s obvious that the story is a vessel for the characters instead of the reverse—and I love that, I do. Genuinely no complaints. However, it felt a little hollow in that aspect. Instead of seeing certain things in Gwen’s life, we were told about them and then whisked away to the next Alex appearance (not complaining, I know what I ordered.) I think that little tweak would have definitely made this a 5 Star.
Anyway.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH

I could feel the tension in this book through my kindle!!! I loved it so much. It gave me early 2000s movie vibe, like Step Up and Save The Last Dane, Raise Your Voice kind of energy and I won’t be elaborating, it’s just the vibes lol.

Gwen and Alex had undeniable chemistry and I was unable to put this book DOWN

As a former band geek (7 years in middle/high school) it felt really nostalgic reading this one. It’s like I could feel the music through the writing and that’s absolutely beautiful, the talent Julie possess!!! It’s my first Julie Soto book and it won’t be my last

I loved the passion Gwen and Alex had for their craft, and you could really tell a lot care went into writing that. I also looked up electric cello and violins while reading this just for reference 😂

And let’s not forget the spice. Because I wasn’t aware that we could make cellos and violins smutty but here we are!! Spice was spicing!!! That first scene had me giggling lol

Overall I really loved this book, the vibes and plot felt like it was made for me!!

this book has the potential to be my favorite release of the year. i’m anticipating so many reads this year, but i’m afraid julie soto just blew everyone else out of the water.

it was ADDICTING reading this book, i read it so quickly and i’m fighting the urge and temptation to immediately reread it. gwen and alex are the most gorgeous characters and their love is so raw and true and powerful. this story had me gasping in awe, kicking my feet, and holding my breath to see what was happening next.

this book is truly a work of art and is so beautifully crafted with love, spice, angst, and spice. i will most likely reread before it’s even released in july, and then again once it’s officially published. thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read this work of art.

Julie Soto…you magical writing fairy. I love everything I read that Julie writes and this book was no different. A fan fiction of Rey and Kylo? Say less! This was lovely and I continually pictured this story in my head like a movie. I couldn’t put it down! The only negative is I wish there were more story of the two MC’s. I loved them together! The cover is *chefs kiss*. If you know, you know.

Forced Proximity, grumpy x sunshine, the arts, second chances - you’ll love this book!

I received this as an eARC for my honest review
I want to start off by saying I loved Julie's first book. I also want to say that I don't generally enjoy enemies/rivals to lovers for exactly the reasons I will list below.

Gwen is just trying to get by in life and get as far as she can in her music career. She has a solid position with the Manhattan Pops but silently dreams of a pop solo violinist career. When the cello player Xander Thorne of her favorite band Thorne and Roses shows up to play with the Manhattan Pops she is blown away, until he opens his mouth. At the same time, she is offered the opportunity to play first chair of the Pops only to find out that it was promised to Xander. But Xander can't seem to stay away from Gwen and they begin to make beautiful music together.

First, the thing I hate about most enemies/rivals to lovers is that the guy is an absolute jerk the whole time. It's not banter, it's not snark, it's him being the worst version of himself because he likes her. It's basically being told that it's ok that little boys hit girls, it's because he likes her. I don't mind when there is tension that comes out in heated words, but Xander treats Gwen HORRIBLY through most of the book.

Gwen on the other hand is a people pleaser. She lets everyone walk all over her life and drag her along without saying a word. She lets Xander say the most rude and untrue things to her and she just takes it, and worse, believes his criticisms. Then as soon as Xander gives her even the barest hint of kindness, her pants are off and they are dating.

It's gross. I absolutely hated it. The reason I gave this book three stars is because the romance of the music was absolutely extraordinarily beautiful and were I someone who actually likes enemies/rivals to lovers this would have been a solid five star.

It's a no for me, but would recommend it to others highly.

This was so good! I loved FORGET ME NOT, and I'm happy to say this was a solid follow-up. We follow Gwen, a violinist who gets first chair in the orchestra she's in with Xander; this causes a bit of animosity between the two, but it also leads to a budding relationship and to both of them discovering what's really important, both in life and in music. I'm not a big classical music fan, but boy oh BOY did this make me want to be one! Gwen's a violinist and Xander's a cellist, and I loved reading about them playing together. Their relationship progressed so well through the book and was so fun to read, gah I love them together!! The book was just a masterpiece and I highly recommend it; the only issue I had was that Gwen had some difficulty loosening up in the beginning with her instrument, and it was touched on a few times but never really "resolved"--I understand that Xander helps her relax when they play together and such, but we never really came back to it even though it did seem kinda crucial there in the beginning. Anyway!! Such a solid romance, highly recommend.

This book was incredible!! Julie has consistently been a five star writer for me and I would give this book over 5/5 if I could, I really don’t know how she did it. The way she was able to convey the music across the page was stunning and an absolute feat. I loved that this wasn’t too “simple” of story in the sense there were others characters with backstory as well that tied in. Loved the incorporation of the characters from Forget Me Not. As soon as I was done reading this book I wanted to re read which is saying a lot for me, because I never really read a book twice. I can’t wait for this book to come out on July to add to my bookshelf and read again !

Are you a fan of Forget Me Not?!

This is the newest book by Julie Soto, and she does not disappoint!!

This is a slow burn, contemporary romance about musicians! String players, Gwen and Xander both are musical prodigies from different lives. One has been classically trained and the other has learned to play by ear. Not to mention that they both play in the same orchestra. But when Gwen plays at a wedding is when she catches Xander’s eye. And when she gets offered first chair, something that Xander has been wanting for years.

There is tension and jealousy (within work), and the slow burn pays off!!

Thank you to Netgalley and publisher for the eARC!

Well done dramatic romance between a bad boy cellist and an up and comer violinst. The author builds the tension so well. I was impressed at the use of music to build the tension, almost as though you could hear the song. Definitely open door but each spicy scene furthers the story. Characters from the Soto-verse make appearances so you’ll recognize them from Forget Me Not. I actually preferred this story over Forget Me Not.

Thank you Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Julie Soto is climbing that fave-author list! This is a beautifully-written romance intertwined with music in the best (and spiciest!) of ways. I am recommending this book to my gal pals, but as I work in a high school library, I won't be purchasing this for my patrons (that spice level!).

“Not Another Love Song” by Julie Soto

5⭐️/5⭐️
3🌶/5🌶

“She looked up at him. He was staring down at her like she was the sun. It was familiar. The same fascination she’d seen in him at the wedding, at the Plaza. Like she was an answer to a question he’d been asking his whole life.”

-I’m going to try to keep my thoughts as organized as possible, but sometimes it’s the books you love the most that are the hardest to review. I read “Forget Me Not” last year and became an instant fan of Julie Soto’s writing. I’m not in the Dramione fandom, so while I know of the fanfics she’s written, I’ve never actually read them (nor the Reylo fic, despite belonging to that particular fandom). So consider this a disclosure if you’re interested in reading this story: this was originally a Reylo fic. Now, is distractingly influenced by Reylo? Not at all, and I actually found myself forgetting it was originally centered around Rey and Kylo. This is a romance that stands on its own.

-Julie Soto writes my favorite types of MMCs: quiet in a crowd but friendly once you gain their trust, intelligent, utterly obsessed with the FMC, broody, moody, and a bit of a sad boi overall. It didn’t take long for me to fall in love with Xander Thorne. To the outside world Xander is a total asshole, he arrives to rehearsal late, he’s rude, he’s dismissive, he’s overly confident. But then you get to know him, and you understand why he acts this way, and that he doesn’t act this way towards everyone. By the time Gwen figures out who Xander is, everything makes sense and I found myself looking forward to his ‘bad’ behavior.

-Gwen is an interesting character, and I really liked how she was written. She wasn’t a child prodigy, she picked up the violin when she was eleven years old and worked her butt off to get better. She’s not the absolute best, and she doesn’t present herself as that; she has dreams and aspirations beyond where she is currently. I love that she isn’t some genius violin player. She doesn’t play every song perfectly, she knows when she messes up and what she needs to do differently the next time she plays.

-There’s so much tension built between Gwen and Xander without them talking very much to one another. It’s a lot of looks from across the room, or secondhand revelations heard from secondary characters. So when it gets to the point where they’re forced to interact, it’s electric.

-I loved all of the music references, and how every facet of the story revolved around playing music.

-On the one hand I’m so thankful to have read this story early, but on the other I’m kicking myself for reading it in April when it comes out in July! This is definitely going to make my ‘top reads of 2024’ list at the end of the year, and I’m absolutely going to buy a copy when it’s released.

I was so happy to be able to read this early because it was one of my anticipated reads for the summer, it was really good. I did get lost a few times when there was talk about music and such but, nothing a quick google search couldn’t fix 😅 I think that was one of my favorite things about the story line, was the music and how it played into their love story.
Julie Soto really knows how to write sexual tension on paper cuz you can feel it between Xander and Gwen as you’re reading 😂 when you get the THE SCENE, the cover art makes sense 🫡🥵😂

Thank you NetGalley and Julie Soto for this ARC.

Who knew a Cello could be so sensual and sexy!

Not Another Love Song continues Soto's legacy of writing swoon worthy, sensual romances. The hottest scene in romances is in this book. Tension, longing play wonderfully throughout this love story. Gwen and Xander are misfits who find the right notes for love.

I think I'd enjoy having this read to me in audiobook format.

This novel is music on a page! Must read novel for the summer.

Thank you, Forever

This book solidifies that if Julie Soto writes it, I will read it. I could not put down this story. I was so involved in these characters and their struggles. As a past band nerd, I was living for how the music played a part in their stories and lives. I am absolutely obsessed and will be making everyone I know read this book!

I LOVED the cameos from the Forget Me Not characters<3

That you, NetGalley, for the earc!