Loved this second book from Julie Soto so much. Her characters are so real? and stick with you: The spice level is perfect. I love the banter between characters. Love love love this book!

I’m so mad at myself for taking forever to finally read Not Another Love Song by Julie Soto because, wow, this book absolutely blew me away! The chemistry between Gwen and Alex was off the charts, both musically and romantically, and every time their connection was described through music, it was overwhelming in the best way. It honestly felt like I was intruding on something deeply personal, and I loved that. The way Alex was just so enamored by Gwen had goosebumps showing up all over my body—you could feel through the pages that he had to have her, and no one else would ever do it for him. Soto captured that raw, intimate closeness perfectly, and it made for such an intense, unforgettable reading experience. This is definitely a book that’s going to stick with me for a long time.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Other: 💕🎶💄🎻🥞
Genre: Contemporary Romance
POV: Dual (the male POV is very minimal)

Julie Soto is nothing short of amazing. I read that this was actually her first book and Forget Me Not (despite being published first) was actually written after this one. I loved them both but this made sense to me as I personally felt like this one had just that little bit more heart. I was just smiling the entire read - wonderful. I need more from here - and like NOW!

There was a lot of music in this novel. I'm not a classical buff but it did not bother me at all. It is lovely to dip into their passions and watch as it helped to unfold their relationship. Gwen's friends were one of my favorite parts. It was so lovely to see her found family surrounding her with everything she needs and always supporting even when they didn't agree. And of course I loved seeing Ama and Elliot again. I will be looking for more in her next book - which I'll read the day it comes out. Soto is pre-order for life.

A story about two musical prodigies with interconnecting mentors who have strained histories. Their passion for music quickly turns into passion for each other. They must navigate through history to become the best they can for their selves and for each other.

Ever finish reading a book and then immediately want to re-read it again? This is IT! Obsessed is the word. I felt the tension between Xander and Gwen like the strings on their instruments. The chemistry was *chefs kiss*. The musical references divine. I could practically imagine being in Carnegie hall hearing the concert in full.

Well done Julie and thank you for the ARC! Can’t wait for the next book.

This was enjoyable but not as much as Soto's first book. The end felt a little rushed for me and I really wanted the people that deserved it to pay more for their actions. The chemistry between Gwen and Alex/Xander was undeniable. I was rooting for them the whole time because they were really perfect together. I once again did this listening to the audio and reading it and I did at times struggle with the narrator. All in all a solid reading experience with some minor flaws in my opinion. I look forward to more of Julie's writing.

*4.5 stars*
I absolutely loved this book. The characters were likable, the tension was crazy, and I really enjoyed the love story between Xander and Gwen! I appreciated the inclusion of music, it added even more to the story. Julie Soto hasn’t missed yet, I can’t wait to read more from her!

Absolutely incredible. Five stars. Romantic and beautiful. I still think about this book every day. I love it.

5 Stars

Who knew playing music could be so erotic? But for real? Like I swear it wasn't only the bedroom scenes that had me feeling like I was intruding on their "moments", but every time they took the stage together.

Julie Soto is also one of my all time favorite fanfic writers, so I knew the writing in this book was going to be sublime (it was), but what I really knew to expect was to have a beautifully written emotional subplot that helped drive the story through.

Not Another Love Song is truly a romance, but also is about family, and what we allow to define us. It was moving and entirely bingeable (much like Julie's fanfic). I cannot wait to devour all of her other novels!

I've read rom coms and I've read rom coms about music. But I hadn't read a rom com about classic music before so I didn't know what to think. While I didn't love the book because at times I didn't like either the hero or the heroine. I did enjoy reading it. And it has me wanting to read more rom com and fiction book in general that include classical music.

Another fantastic book from Julie Soto! I love how the story wove in the intricacies of professional musicians while still delivering on an epic romance.

3.5 stars. I thought this was a cute and sweet romance, and I definitely entertain me enough for a good weekend Read. At some points it did feel a bit trope-y and juvenile, a bit unrealistic. I think it’s easy to tell that this was one of her earlier pieces as her writing and some for newer books seems a bit more polished and mature.

I think I liked this one more than Julie Sotos other book - however, the miscommunication trope KILLS me! So many things would be so much simpler if the characters just talked to each other. That definitely brought the rating down a bit, but otherwise, it was a pretty fast paced read and enjoyable!

once again Julie Soto has written another incredible story between two characters who are at opposite ends of the music world and building the whole enemy to lovers dynamic! another fantastic read & can’t wait to read more of Julie’s work in the future!

Oh my gosh! I devoured this! I don’t have the orchestra background, but as someone who has been surrounded with all types of music my whole life, I was drawn in. It was beautiful and emotional and sexy. The burn during the first half of the book left me 🥵 Also, main characters who wait/ask for consent…yes, please, and thank you!

The way I ate this book up should be criminal! Julie Soto is hands down one of my favorite new-to-me authors and I cannot wait to read more.

Not Another Love Song was deliciously angsty and I loved every word

This book will give you all the vibes if you love spicy as well as sweet. Music lovers will love this book as well❤️ this author is also from sacramento so I love reading her work because she puts my city in her books.

This book pleasantly surprised me! A slow burn that actually kept me engaged and wanting for more. The tension? The spice? Just chef’s kiss! Also adored the music-specific references that interested me enough to figure out the technicalities for context. Xander and Gwen are amazing MCs that make you root for them individually and as a couple. The perfect read for the fall! I leave this book with both knowledge about music and a big smile on my face. I will definitely come back for more Julie Soto!

Favorite quote: “Just because you’re good at something doesn’t mean you have to do it for the rest of your life.”

This was a really pleasant surprise. I anticipated it would be a good read - I just didn't know quite how good.

This was a top notch enemies to lovers. I haven't seen one with musicians done in quite this way before. There was one scene that was more than a little bit steamy and it wasn't the only one - - it was just....let's just say...unique.

The characters were really relatable and very well developed. They had solid back stories that made them sympathetic characters with stories that really tugged your heart strings. Gwen and Xander were both talented but had gotten where they were via different paths. Gwen thought Xander had lived an entitled existence where things had been handed to him - - what she didn't realize was that his life was far more challenging than anyone else realized.

This story was a beautiful one about realizing what is rally important in life and letting go of what isn't. It's probably one of my favorite reads this year and I look forward to reading more by this author.

Thank you NetGalley for this early copy.

I’m so glad I gave Julie Soto another chance! I enjoyed this book so much! Literally from the music competent to the conversations the characters, I couldn’t put this down! Thank you to netgalley and Julie Soto for an eARC