Julie soto books are great for a specific audience. I tend to read a lot more clean romance but I have read some spice before. This is over anything I normally read however I loved the book and storyline. I loved the musical aspect as a I am a musician and just related to the characters a lot. If you don’t like overly spicy books this isn’t for you.

Sign me up for a NYC based story interlaces classic music, complex characters and SPICY love. I was so excited to read this book, and can say it exceeded my expectations. Julie Soto's writing is fantastic and seeing the love of Xander/Alex and Gwen bloom it is just chef's kiss!
Alex comes from a long line of outstanding musicians, and has suffered his entire life the pressure of such. Gwen found solace in music when tragedy hit her family. Together they navigate the complex feelings and traumas they both have and find in themselves what they both needed most.
I will read anything written by Julie Soto as this point, this is truly a gem!

Rating: 5 stars
Spice: 3

As soon as I started this I was obsessed! I've been yearning for a romance set in a band/pop-star setting and this, unexpectedly, delivered. The chemistry and romance was amazing. I loved how everything we discovered about Alex drove up the stakes a bit. It also felt very similar to an Ali Hazelwood book, and I adore Ali Hazelwood's books. When I started this I was sure it would end up being a 5 star read, but the pacing felt different than typical romance book. It felt less fiction and more like real life.

This was my first Julie Soto book, and it will definitely not be my last!

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the arc of this book.

I would like to describe the love in this novel as gentle. Careful, kind, and then completely engulfing. I’ll miss it.

Not Another Love Song is the story of two musicians walking different paths; one on the way to stability, the other to success. Somehow, somewhere, they find themselves tangled up in one another. It gets hard to tell which road leads where, and where they actually want to end up.

It’s thought provoking, emotional, and a fun time. If you appreciate Emily Henry you’d probably get along great with Soto’s books.

I don’t think I’ve had this much fun reading – and been this engaged – since I was about fourteen and staying up all night to finish fanfics. It’s good to be back.

I LOVED this book!!!!!

I was a huge fan of Forget Me Not when it first debuted last year. I instantly fell in love with Soto's writing and her storytelling and once I saw the cover announcement for this book i WAS SHOOK!!!! I kept refreshing netgalley to see if it had posted and would pout when it didn't. UNTIL IT DID

I devoured this. It was everything. Alex/Xander Thorne was grumpy, he was weird, and he would just make comments that were so out of pocket. Gwen is like... wtf is this guys problem? Meanwhile he's falling in love. It's not as dual POV as the last book---Alex maybe gets six total chapters in the whole book? And they pretty much all revolve or circle back to Gwen.

Gwen was a simple fmc for the story. I didn't find myself going crazy for her, but her circle of friends was fun and she wasn't annoying or weird. Plus plus!

Their relationship developed pretty slowly, similar to Forget Me Not, then just heats up! HOLY SHIT y'all that CELLO scene had me on my KNEES. My jaw was LOCKED open I could not believe what I was reading. Who knew a cello could get me going like that? Like seriously. Soto knows how to write mouthwatering tension and steam. Their first spicy chapter was twenty pages long. Thank the heavens! They then just melted into a relationship/situationship, and Alex was always wanting more. Asking her to write down the shampoo and soaps she used so he could get them for her. Asking her to stay, "yes always stay." making her breakfast, getting her lattes. hello?? the man of my dreams is that you??? not to mention he's a sexy rockstar/cello/violin hottie who wears leather jackets and is ~sooo cool~. it was stereotypical but i loved it anyway. And please--the way he literally composed something because of Gwen and he couldn't get it out of his head? Then literally had her PLAY IT to see how she would do it and then using how she played it as *THE* way to play it? Come on.

Everything else about this book was so perfectly written. The secrets of her new mentors, Ava and Nathan (btw f*** Nathan with a sledgehammer---and Lorenz too). Ama and Elliot cameos---elliot, the love of my life. I loved the snippets of Ava or Mabel's or Alex's past that would come to light, revealing information to Gwen that could NOT be ignored. I loved how it mirrored her current situation, but how could she say no? It was the opportunity of a lifetime. I love how at the end they didn't compromise their happiness. They both quit and came together, accepting that they were better as a team. And I love books that end as interviews. LOVE LOVE LOVE

Julie Soto keeps blowing me away. I can't wait for her next book! Thank you so much netgalley and forever publishing for the arc <3

I was really excited for this book because I read Forget Me Not by her. Unfortunately, I was a bit let down but the book was still somewhat enjoyable. I felt that the book was dragged on after 65% of the book. Also I don't get why authors feel the need to do a third act conflict or add such insufferable characters. I also didn't fully enjoy the music element but I think that was more of me problem. Overall, I am grateful to have received this ARC and had a good time. The book cover is so pretty though. Cheff's kiss.

I really love this authors first book. I loved the dynamic of the main characters and the history in “forget me not” so I was excited to read this new book. I liked the premise of the orchestra works but I thought the story went too fast for me. ….. I really really really wanted to love this book. And maybe it was the 3rd person point of view but Xander/ Alex whatever came off kind of predatory??? And I felt like Gwen had no voice/ thoughts in that head of hers. She just did what others told her to do and maybe I don’t like that because it’s what I do but I struggled to really dive in deep to this book. Again just personal preference. It gave a touch of Ali hazelwood where he’s obsessed with her! A good quick read comfy read but not my favorite.

I’m giving this a solid 4/5 for me, mostly due to the delicious tension between Gwen and Xander. Yep that tension totally sucked me in and I completely devoured this book! I also appreciated the orchestral backdrop of the story. I haven’t seen that done very often since usually musical world books are more rock and roll based. I loved how beautifully music was woven into their story and how that tension and feeling between the characters was translated into the language they spoke best, music.
This book is a rivals to lovers where he falls hook, line and sinker first which is one of my favorite tropes to read. I will say I wish Gwen hadn’t been so naive and over trusting of those around her and had stood up for herself a bit sooner. Overall though this was an engaging, enjoyable and steamy read that will be perfect for your next summer beach read!

Thank you so much NetGalley and Forever publishing for letting me read this one early!!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!!!!!!!!!!

I swooped up this ARC from NetGalley the other day and, oh my goodness, I’m glad I did!!! The tension between Gwyn and Alex was EVERYTHING. He is OBSESSED with her and I was eating it up!!!! Highlighting and giggling and kicking my feet but also anxious for them and the challenges they faced. I loved this one and am so excited to read more from Julie Soto!!

I really enjoyed this one! Typical grumpy x sunshine that was swoon worthy. I felt immediately connected to Alex and Gwen. I was rooting for them from the start. The tension between them was palpable. Having to play directly across from each other and them or able to take their eyes off the other. Man… don’t get me started on the “jam” session. “Let’s do it together.” 🫣 so so good.

Gwen was a strong FMC that knew what she wanted (most of the time) but was not always able to speak on it or speak up for herself. Watching her figure out how to do that was amazing.

Alex was so broody but you could tell that he for sure fell first. He couldn’t stay away. *swoon* I just wanted more in his POV but I am glad we at least got little snippets of it!

This makes me want to go watch Star Wars knowing this was Renlo fan fiction. Fun fact: I’ve never watched a single Star Wars so not even sure who Renlo is 😅 Don’t @ me

I will read anything that Julie Soto writes, and this book is one of my favourites. It kept me so hooked, I read it in one day (which is impressive considering my short tiktok attention span). There are not a lot of books that keep me hooked so much that I can't put it down. I loved the characters, the setting. I felt like I could see the story playing in my mind, and couldn't stop thinking about it once I finished.
I can't wait to own my own physical copy!

I was interested in reading this because everyone had such good things to say about the author's other book and the plot centering around rival musicians sounded fun and different than the usual careers we see in romcom books. Of course, the careers of the main characters is not as important as their personalities or chemistry and happily this book featured 2 leads who not only felt like very real, distinct people, but their attraction and draw to one another felt real as well rather than forced together by the plot. They banter, they bicker, and while I was reading I was grinning and giggling at them together. The FMC does not fall into the trap of being 'quirky' in order to be relatable and while the MMC does have moments of being a real jerk, readers can understand why he says or does those things. These moments also make it more understandable when we can see the MMC has feelings for her but the FMC doesn't realize it. Rather than making her look like an idiot that doesn't realize what's obvious to us, it's understandable to see why she doesn't catch on right away.

The writing is very well done in this, with the plot never feeling too predictable, and while both leads are musical prodigies the narrative never treats their talent as something unearned. We learn about the ways they've both struggled to get where they are and see the hard choices they face in order to achieve what they want. With that, the 3rd act conflict felt like a very real and natural progression of issues that built up throughout the story finally coming to a head instead of forcing something near the end in order to create drama. Also, I liked that the FMC was allowed to have emotional reactions to things, while still responding like an adult. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and I'll definitely be checking out the author's other work!

I have not read any ARCs for a few months now and I'm glad it was this book, and that I didn't have to wait to be approved or not.
Thank you Net Galley and Forever for the opportunity to read this novel.
This is Julie Soto's second publication, but in the acknowledgements she comments that it was this story that launched her into the publishing world.
You may think at first that it's just another NY musicians romance story, but more than one reader has already declared that they stayed up late into the night (myself included) because you really get hooked on the book and don't want to put it down. I finish it in less than a week.
I really enjoyed Gwen and Xander's chemistry (I couldn't help but think of another character who also starts with X) and all the melodrama that can happen between two guys in their twenties in Manhattan, they are rivals in music, he doesn't know of her existence and she has been a fan for a long time, there´s a lot of family drama, music, tension, smut, sex and cello.
It would be great if the author can create a playlist to add to the book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

I loved Forget Me Not so much that I didn't think Julie Soto's next book would even come close to it, but I was dead wrong. Not sure what she put in this to make it so addicting, but whatever it was I need more of it. Soto is quickly becoming my favorite contemporary romance author.

This take on rivals-to-lovers is *chef's kiss*, and it's evident so much care was put into the research for this book. The way the musical scenes are written, you can feel the tension and music in the scene intertwined so beautifully.

The ending did feel a bit rushed, just like the ending of Forget Me Not. However, there was enough conclusion that I didn't even bother taking off a star for that.

Overall, it will probably be one of my top contemporary romance reads of the year. Can't wait to see what's next from Soto!

loved it! finding 4-5star reads have been difficult lately, and this one definitely will worth your time! i enjoyed characters and their interactions. the way music was used to describe feelings.
i truly liked the way characters overcome challenges and difficult decisions on their way to dreams.
The writing was incredible and in general i love Julie Soto’s writing. the only disadvantage (it wasnt a big disadvantage) the third person pov: at the beginning reading the book was weird but by the end i was used to it.
Also, decision questions? i don’t know who comes up with those but they are so interesting to think about. i have almost every question answered in my notes.
Can’t wait for next book! and definitely recommend this on!!!!

4.5 Star

Julie Soto can do no wrong in my eyes; she always delivers the perfect rom-com style book that is equal parts emotional, spicy, and cheesy without ever being cringey. I love her side characters - specifically Gwen's roommate Jacob.

I almost wanted more of Alex/Xander's point of view, only to really dig deep into what it was like for him during childhood as a prodigy and growing up under the pressure of his step-father, Nathan. But, other than that, I thought this was great!

I highly recommend reading Forget Me Not beforehand because the characters from that book do make an appearance in here (one of my favorite things!) I miss Ama and Elliot so much.

Thank you to Julie Soto and NetGalley for providing a free ARC of this in exchange for an honest review!

5 start read! I stayed up until 2 am finishing this book. This is easily becoming an auto buy author for me. The writing reminded me a lot of Ali Hazlewood, in that the author makes the characters passions a big part of the story. It’s not just a romance where the characters happen to play instruments. The music is entangled with the romance in all the best ways.

4.5/5 Stars

Thank you to Forever Publishing, Netgalley, and Dana Cuadrado for providing me with an arc.

I have been following Julie Soto since Forget Me Not but I didn’t even read that until right before Not Another Love Song. Forget Me Not became one of my favorite books of this year already so I had high hopes for Not Another Love Song and I wasn’t disappointed. Ever since the cover reveal I have wanted to get my hands on this book so I was so excited when Forever sent me a widget to read. I recommend starting with Forget Me Not before reading Not Another Love Song, they are in the same world and it adds some fun easter eggs.

Gwen is a “self taught” professional violinist, she tries to stay out of the spotlight and loves her job at Manhattan Pops. Xander is the complete opposite, he’s a cellist and a rock star, he always draws attention especially with his attitude. When Gwen is offered the role of first chair of the orchestra, something Xander has secretly wanted for years, their rivalry goes up to a new level. Forced to work together their attraction grows until they can’t help but explore it. But when they perform together with an intense connection they suddenly get pushed into the spotlight as a publicity stunt testing their fragile relationship.

The tension in this book was absolutely off the charts. I thought the tension in Forget Me Not was good but this was even better. I loved the connection between Gwen and Xander and I loved how complex their story was even in ways I never expected. I really adored their romance and I especially loved the flow of them being rivals to lovers. It felt like a pretty natural progression and it didn’t feel rushed at any point.

I loved Soto’s very purposeful use of Xander’s POV. We get I think 6 chapters from Xander’s POV and they are used in a way I have never seen before, to give us backstory from his side and also to give a tiny bit of insight to his mind. Soto is a very talented storyteller. In both of her books she has used the male pov in ways I haven’t seen before, with the MMC in the first book mainly being flashbacks and in this book it being used so minimally to give us very little direct insight into Xander’s mind.

I can’t recommend Julie Soto’s books enough. Forget Me Not and now Not Another Love Song are truly amazing romances that give a new life into the genre. Her storytelling is already spectacular and I can’t wait to see how she continues to grow as a writer. If you love rivals to lovers, classical music, and forced proximity please give this book a try.

This book was surprising. I truly enjoyed the writing style and the setting. Music is always fascinating and I liked how it was depicted here.
I also enjoyed the characters and their dynamics with each other. The romance was good pace and development. The only reason i am giving it 3 stars is the 3rd act break up which I found unnecessary. Still would highly recommend because it was a unique and charming read.

*arc kindly provided in exchange of an honest review

You can tell this book was derived from Reylo fanfiction, like many popular books in the modern era, but I found this iteration to be more palatable than others. Alex is clearly Kylo Ren-coded; he’s brooding, over 6’4” (obviously), with shaggy black hair he can toss around. He’s the bad boy of the orchestra. At least Gwen, the female main character, is also tall, which is a change of pace from the usual size-difference trope that’s all too prevalent these days (coming from a tall girlie who wants more rep).

I wouldn’t call this an enemies-to-lovers or a rivals-to-lovers romance; though there is tension and miscommunication, it’s mostly musical geniuses teaming up. The pacing, surprisingly, is a little stop-and-go/slow burn, but the spicy scenes are A+. There’s one of the most romantic spicy scenes I’ve ever read (involving playing the cello, natch).

I will judge a book by its cover, and this one’s beautiful, much like the stunning one for “Forget Me Not”. I DNF’d “Forget Me Not,” but I love this book, so take that for what you will. I’m extraordinarily picky when it comes to contemporary romances, and I thoroughly enjoyed this one.