✨”I want to see you. And fuck you. And play music with you.”✨

I LOVED THIS. Soto is officially a one click author for me, like the chick knows how to write. As a former band nerd (tenor sax & percussion wasssuppp) this book spoke to me deeply lmao there’s one scene that I’m pretty sure is what the cover is based on & it’s so beautiful & hot & perfect. I’m truly obsessed with Gwen & Xander. I’ve noticed several new romances kind of copy & pasting certain phrases & lines, I get it there’s only so many ways to dirty talk but it gets boring. Soto managed to have some lines that were so good & literally had me squealing & kicking my feet. This story felt fresh & new, especially in such an oversaturated market. The only reason this isn’t five stars is because there was not enough description for me. When I read I see everything in my head, like a lil movie. This is hard to do when the characters are not described, like I realize this was a reylo fanfic at first so physical description wasn’t necessary but now they’re different people & i swear Gwen was not described at all. I didn’t even know what color her hair was. It ruined my movie lmao other than that this was nearly perfect. Highly rec!

This enemies to lovers story was quite literally a symphony of passion, tension, heartbreak and healing. I loved how Alex and Gwen complimented each other both musically and personally, lifting each other up as talented musicians while helping each other grow and figure out what they really wanted out of life.

As a former music nerd, this book spoke to a piece of my soul. I felt like the descriptions of the compositions were musical in themselves. Similar to how I felt reading Ali Hazelwood’s romance about Chess, I am truly impressed by Soto’s ability to make cello playing so hot. I have to conclude that there is simply nothing sexier than two talented people fusing their passions and creating something new together (and then banging it out afterwards 😉🎻).

The only thing I would have liked to have a bit more of would have been Gwen and Xander discovering more about who they are outside of music, but the way the story ended left me satisfied enough that they were headed in that direction.

I really enjoyed Forget Me Not, but I have to say I think I enjoyed this even more. I loved the premise of them playing in an orchestra and nothing like a grumpy MMC to make me happy. There is a wonderfully addictive quality to Julie Soto's writing. She has easily become an auto-buy author for me.

4.75 stars ⭐️, rounded up

I really enjoyed Forget Me Not, so I got super excited when I saw that Not Another Love Song was available as a Read Now option!

This is a musician rivals-to-lovers Reylo fanfic. Do I know even a single thing about Reylo? Absolutely not. Do I know anything about playing or composing music? That’s a big nope.

BUT I DEVOURED THIS ANYWAY. Truly, this book had no business keeping me up half the night because I literally could not put it down. Which took me by surprise, because seriously, who thought classical music, orchestras, and string instruments could be THIS sexy? Not me. I will never see a cello or violin the same again.

Not Another Love Song was such a fresh and unique romance. I mean, we have seen rockstar romance done before, but this was on a whole new level, especially with the musician rivals-to-lovers.

Plus, Julie Soto’s writing is incredible, her prose fully immersing me in the story. It was well-written and expertly paced. And the descriptions used are so visceral and poetic. You could also tell how much research went into crafting this story. While I don't know much when it comes to music, she brought the music to life from these pages. I could easily hear and imagine how magical the compositions would sound in real life. And I'm feeling left with even more respect for the art of music. This would be amazing on audio, especially if there is background music supporting it.

The characters were phenomenal (mmm, maybe other than a select few). While I did not personally relate to Gwen or Alex, Julie Soto has this magical way of making you care deeply for and become so invested in her characters. Even the side characters had depth to them!

The chemistry between Alex and Gwen was positively immaculate. So explosive and swoon-worthy. The tension between them had my skin tingling, and some of the descriptions of said tension had me feeling like I was the one Alex had his eyes on—another testament to Julie’s impressive writing. The spice was delicious as all hell too. I think the cello scene altered my brain chemistry (iykyk). And I loved watching them learn, grow, and discover themselves together.

Were there a few things I didn’t absolutely love about this? Yes. But I was so deeply invested in this beautiful story, so it's still getting nearly 5 stars.

I legitimately want to reread this already, and I cannot wait to purchase a physical copy in July.

₊ ⊹<i>”he was staring down at her like she was the sun. like she was an answer to a question he’d been asking his whole life.”</i>₊ ⊹

<b>*:･ﾟmy thoughts┊</b> oooh i really enjoyed this one! a lot better than julie soto’s first book, which i finished just before this one.

i’ve never had any musical talent whatsoever and yet, after i finished this book, i literally got sucked into orchestra tiktok and checked once to see how much a violin was. that’s how invested i got into this story, these characters.

gwen was such an interesting fmc; she really struggled with feeling confident in her musical abilities even though she was consistently praised by others. xander has faced similar struggles, yet he’s forged himself into this confident persona so that he can stop obsessing over pleasing everyone. their relationship started off rocky, but they both had so much in common and really hit it off! their relationship was really strong and genuine. gwen brought out the side of xander he’s been pushing away, and he helped her feel more confident in her abilities.

i thought the plot was really entertaining, and it sucked me in from the beginning. i really loved the writing and the structure of the story. julie soto’s writing just really allows the reader to get fully immersed in the story, and i adore that!

i think my biggest gripe is that i wiish this had been dual pov’s so so badly. i think that could’ve really helped move the plot along, as well as really build up their connection and relationship as well. we did get a few chapters from his perspective sprinkled throughout, which i loved and found so interesting, but i think it could’ve really helped further the development of the romance if it had been more often!

but besides that i loved this one. i teared up at the end, and my heart felt so full after i finished the story. i absolutely cannot wait for this to be published so that i can snag a physical copy! there are so many moments i want to reread and annotate! <3

<i>huge thank you to netgalley and forever publishing for providing me with an arc in exchange for a honest review!</i>

I've read fanfic published online by Julie before and really enjoyed it so it was a no brainer requesting this title, HOWEVER, when I started reading and it was stated to be basically a Reylo fanfic I had concerns as I've recently tried to read another book described the same way and it was not good! I needn't have worried anyway as the fact that pairing was the foundation for the story I felt was long forgotten underneath the layers of story and characters that were woven through this story. Gwen is an excellent violin player - she is part of the Manhattan Pops orchestra and lives with her gay best friend and wedding musician partner Jacob. She's been a massive fan of Xander Thorne for years and then he ends up in the orchestra with her abut when they spend time together outside of work he actually notices her. I loved this book. The side characters I thought were all well rounded and fully fleshed out, there are people to root for and against and I had my fingers crossed at moments, then wanted to throw my kindle against a wall at others. The sex scenes were well written and believable. All in all an easy to get drawn into story with loveable characters.

Who knew all we needed in a romance novel was a violin and a cello?

Not Another Love Song is a beautiful symphony of love and music. I was captivated from the very first interaction with Gwen and Xander. Gwen is a self-taught violinist, who has made her way in her musical career with little help from anyone. Xander was born to be the next musical prodigy. Gwen has admired Xander from afar for sometime, and they formally meet when Xander swoops in when Gwen least expects it. Julie Soto did it with this tribute to the transformative power of music and love.

This is the second book I've read by Julie Soto. In spite of some of the ridiculous and more cliché moments of physical intimacy sparked by music, I thoroughly enjoyed the book. I did fall in love with the characters, which is no surprise given how much I love a grumpy/sunshine. There were a few scenes that felt a little "much" for me (I'm looking at you, Ghost-pottery-scene-but-for-musician), but even so I kept rooting for the characters & their relationship. I even fell in love with the side characters, which doesn't happen often for me! When I thought she had written Declan out of the story...whew! More Declan & Jacob content, please! Overall, I would highly recommend this for readers of adult contemporary romance who enjoy having some spice in the romance alongside the grumpy/sunshine trope. 4.25/5 stars on Storygraph for me!

Thank you NetGalley and Forever for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

5/5 stars

Wow! I devoured this book. I loved learning about the Violin and Cello and music world! As someone who has only dabbled a little in music this was a fun read to lean into!

Gwen was good at music but her own fears held her back. I loved exploring her background and watching her become engulfed in celebrity life. She had to watch out for herself and make sure she picked the best choice for her. I enjoyed that she took criticism and used that to her advantage. I also enjoyed how much she made Xander grovel.

Xander, my poor child, was constantly looking for a place to fit in. He was always striving to achieve greatness while everyone just watched from the sidelines and took credit. Gwen really got under his skin and it was enjoyable to watch him flounder.

This book also showed appearance of Ama and Elliot! Which was a nice throwback to her other book! I also loved the new friends we got to meet. Mabel and Ava’s storyline was just as satisfying as Gwen and Xander!

Overall I loved watching Gwen and Xander fall in love through music. On top of that, I enjoyed watching them both figure out things for themselves. In the end their relationship made them stronger and helped them realize what was important.

4! Not Another Love Song is Julie Soto’s sophomore novel that follows the story of a cellist and a violinist. Gwen Jackson is a violinist in an orchestra however after playing at a wedding she catches the attention of Xander Thorne. Xander is a cellist who is a musical prodigy and plays in a band called Thorne and Roses. They do not get off on the right foot but slowly tensions begin to rise and they can’t deny the chemistry they have.

This was such a good read just like Forget Me Not. Gwen and Xander had an undeniable connection. A connection that ran so deep it could be seen through their musical playing. I loved the scenes where Soto details their performances because they are so raw and detailed; it makes you feel like you're personally experiencing it. Both allowed the other to discover what they truly wanted in life. They drove each other's ambitions and gave each other the courage to do what makes them happy. I only wish there would’ve been a bit more development between them before they became a couple but otherwise it was all amazing. Especially the cover of this book!! It portrays their relationship perfectly and is one of the most beautiful covers I’ve ever seen.

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever Grand Central Publishing for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Are we surprised that Julie is now an auto-buy author? Anyone? No? Me either. Her debut was incredible and this one is no different. I was smiling, giggling and properly angsty from the perfect amount of angst.

If you’re looking for a romance with romance, humor and Julie’s perfect touch, preorder this now. I’m already counting down the days until her next release!

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the ARC.

Thank you for the advanced copy of Not Another Love Song!

Julie Soto does it again! What a wonderful romance! Alex and Gwen had perfect chemistry and I am glad that they found their way back to each other in the end. I love that they are working together and both getting the credit that they deserve for their musical talent. I felt all the feelings in the book and read it within 24 hours. I will definitely be recommending this to all of my romance reading friends.

As a follow-up to her debut novel, Forget Me Not, Not Another Love Song is a marked improvement in character work, particularly in the case of the MMC, Xander/Alex. The book is primarily Gwen's POV, but we do get glimpses into Alex's motivation and thoughts through short, vignette-like chapters. In many ways, I felt like although this book should have been Gwen's, Alex overtook the story; his was the character that went through the most profound changes and faced the greatest personal challenges.

I appreciated the way these characters came together, not necessarily enemies, not necessarily rivals, but feeling a magnetic pull toward each other that eventually took them both over. I think my favorite part of this book was the middle where they were in a love bubble together, before the third act conflict broke them up.

I appreciated the love story in this book and the way music and New York City played significant roles as secondary characters, but there were a few points where I felt distracted by the text, or I felt the author had missed an opportunity. My biggest point of contention is the author's repeated description of the musical pieces the characters were playing/creating as "songs" despite them not containing lyrics or vocals. Second, I felt like there was a sapphic tone to Ava and Mabel's past; I wished they had been more than collaborators, and at the end, that there would be a potential romance for them hinted in the future.

Thank you to Netgalley and Forever/Grand Central Publishing for an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

WOW!!!

Thank you so much to Julie Soto and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ARC.

I loved Julie's debut last year, Forget Me Not, and this was one of my most anticipated releases of 2024. This book is full of passion for music, to where I could hear and feel the swells of the music. Julie has a talent for telling an emotional tale with so much insight into a world I'm not familiar with. While I have a music background, I do not have any understanding of string instruments and yet I still felt the emotions and the note themselves. Everything leapt off the page in a wonderful way. Alex and Gwen are finding their way in their chosen paths when they meet each other leading them down a road of inspiration and passion. I will highly recommend this book to everyone. Bravo Julie. I cannot wait to read your future releases.

Not Another Love Song
Julie Soto
★★★★

Thank you to NetGalley, Forever, & Julie Soto for an ARC in exchange for my honest review <3

Trust me when I tell you that anyone who loves music NEEDS to read this book! The violinist x cello player rivals to lovers trope had me giggling and kicking my feet the entire time. This book confirmed that Julie Soto is 100% an auto-buy author for me. The use of music to express passion and yearning was so unique and beautifully done. This book is perfect for you if you like tension and found family.

Yeah, it's in third person, but don't let that stop you from checking out one of the best romance novels of the year!

So, I came across Julie Sotto's writing in "Forget Me Not," but honestly, that book didn't quite hit the spot for me. I was hoping for more action (or maybe dialogue) from Elliot, but hey, that's a whole other discussion for another review.

Now, let me tell you about "Another Love Song" – I absolutely LOVED it! The writing just flows, and the romance? It's a slow burn that hooks you right from the start. I was totally hooked by the characters' passion for music and the chemistry between them.

Julie did a fantastic job fleshing out Alex and Gwen's pasts and motivations, and how, despite their differences along the way, they managed to find each other, understand each other, and fall in love.

And yeah, there are moments when we get HIS point of view too!!

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Forever Publishing for the ARC.

Gwen is a self taught violinist playing for the Manhattan Pops orchestra. She’s damn good at it but she’s missing that final burst of emotion and passion that would take her to the next level. Xander is the exact opposite, a cellist, rockstar and natural talent to convey emotions thru music. With that talent comes a big attitude. It took him a year to finally notice Gwen when she was offered first chair the position he’d coveted his entire life. Their existing hostility towards each other goes up a notch and their entire relationship starts to shift. Despite her best efforts Gwen can’t ignore the sizzling chemistry between them.

This was one of my most anticipated 2024 releases and I’m beyond thrilled that I got an arc. Forget me not set the bar high, it’s an iconic debut novel and Julie Soto did it again! I LOVE everything about this.

It was so fun getting to know the inspiration behind the plot beforehand. More authors should include that as well as potential triggers in the first couple of pages.

The characters have a lot of depth and a compelling story to tell. The musical genius who rebelled but wants to get back in touch with his family versus the young woman who’s still working to find her footing in the business. They learn a lot from each other and by the end they’ve considerably grown for the better.

Xander is the driving force, the one pursuing something with Gwen whether that’s a relationship or simply working together is up to her. We love a man who knows what he wants and isn’t afraid to go after it. Book boyfriend goals! The scene with them in his music studio is one I’ll never forget.

There is a third act breakup which is not ideal but it’s what makes sense considering the meddling antagonist’s actions.

I don’t hand out 5 stars to just any book so trust me when I say Not another love song has that special something. Romance readers get ready to run to the bookstore on July 16th to get your copy.

5/5⭐️ Soto has done it again! I devoured this book in less then 24 hours and when I say I laughed, cried and kicked my feet the whole time I couldn’t help it. There were even points I had to break the fourth wall with a Kindle down, slow blinking out loud reaction. The spice in this is spicy 🌶️ but this story will also break your heart but I promise it will put it back together stronger. Can’t wait for this to be released and get my hands on a physical copy. Thank you to NetGally and the Publishers for this ARC!

I love Julie Soto!!!
She has quickly become one of my must read authors.
I met her in 2023 and she was the kindest soul!

This book did not disappoint.
The chemistry is like a rock guitar solo and I found myself completely entranced by their entire relationship.
Who knew music could be so .... Sexy?

The spice is high and right on target for JS.

The want (to read more pages) was all consuming for me.

I am forever a Julie Soto fan!!!!

This book is a joy to read and re-read again. Julie Soto's Not Another Love Song is delightful and a perfect romantic escape that takes readers into the world of classical music. As someone who grew up reading fanfiction, there's a special place in my heart for writers who honed their storytelling skills with fanfic. In the best kinds of fanfiction, there's an emotional accessibility and deep love for the characters themselves and I find all of that in Not Another Love Song.