If you read Julie Soto’s Forget Me Not, then be prepared to buckle up and enjoy Not Another Love Song. I don’t have a music background but I felt so deeply immersed in the musical writing along with the enemies to lovers trope through this story. Alex and Gwen’s chemistry, both musically and romantically, just make for a great read. I’m sure like many others, that cello scene will probably live rent free in my mind forever🔥🔥🔥🔥 Thank you Julie for another great book, and thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this arc in exchange for my honest review.

A Julie Soto classic! Charming, funny, and impossible to put down! I loved Gwen and her development over the course of the story as well as banter and fun relationships she has!

This book is very similar in feeling to Julie Soto’s debut (Forget Me Not). The characters are not the most unique but the orchestra backdrop is unique from the florist/wedding planners of the last one. I really appreciate the amount of background research that goes into this book! I am not musically inclined at all and I understood a lot of the context. I sped through this book and was very happy reading it. Although there is a sorta Rey-Lo vibe and insta-love, I could appreciate it. If you like her previous book and Ali Hazelwood Books, I think this would be up your alley.

Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for the honest review.

Not another love song was so fun! This kept me entertained and smiling through the entire story. Although I knew where it was going the entire time, I GOBBLED it up! I also love the Alma and Eli cameo in this one!

- Ama! Cameos are always fun
- Cello & violin are two different instruments for a reason?
- Booooo to Thorne & Roses, on multiple levels
- Have I mentioned that I hate knowing when books are based on Reylo fanfic
- All I can picture is Adam driver & he doesn’t really do anything for me
- I wonder if this is actually enemies to lovers or if they just fake hate each other for two chapters before getting in each other’s pants
- Xander does excel at being a raging asshole tho, I’ll give him that
- Wow shocking Xander is very large who could have possibly predicted this
- Now I just have to wait for how small Gwen is 🙄🙄
- Plot twist Gwen is tall!!
- Oh no Xander is a considerate asshole
- Those are the worst
- Oop maybe he’s just an asshole
- Yepp definitely a garbage person
- God forbid someone be pretty & talented
- Man I do not miss sight reading things
- Xander get a life my dude
- Oooooo Xander POV
- Bruh if you think she’s good just tell her?! What is your deal
- Interesting that they would give first chair to Gwen & not the next Fitzgerald
- I get nepo babies & all but he seems qualified? Not to mention tall dark & handsome can also sell tickets
- Found the Star Wars reference
- Why on earth is Xander playing a wedding?! He hardly needs the money
- Oh he’s just here to be an antagonistic little shit. That tracks
- Xander you utter fuckwit why r u like this
- Hmm… the plot thickens
- Xander the knight in shining armour
- I can get behind this
- Nathan gives skeezy vibes
- Why is the idea of a tall dark haired dude breaking violin strings weirdly hot?
- I probably need help
- AHA I KNEW NATHAN WAS SKEEZY
- Gwen my friend you need to form your own opinions & not just blindly follow skeezeball Nathan
- Someone needs to tell Xander how to talk to women because he is V bad at it
- Ughh but he’s right about the Pops & Nathan which makes this extra irritating
- I hate when men are right
- Mei 😂😂😂😂😂
- Oh Alex my dude you are down so fucking bad
- I don’t think I like how this book is written?
- It’s very choppy & jolting
- The Pops losing funding seems v fishy to me… fucking Nathan
- Not really an Ava enthusiast either tbh
- Imagine that, a wild Xander appears, with taco money to boot
- God these two are so fucking awkward it hurts
- Awhh Xander names his instruments
- What a lil’ nerd
- Not sure how I feel about the “being fingered while playing the cello” thing… it was weird
- You know, I’m not usually an advocate for this, but I think a good fucking would do Gwen well
- Okay now we’ve entered weird & confusing
- Why is this making me want to re-read the love hypothesis I stg
- The tension is killing me like my dudes can you just do the thing already
- Oh god Alex you need to cool your jets or Gwen is going to fucking run for the fucking hills
- “She watched his left hand move through the fingering” *snort-laugh*
- Betcha it’s not the kind of fingering Gwen wants to see him do tho
- Gwen my girl you’ve already fallen in love with Xander just give it up
- Xander you absolute little shit finish the fucking song
- Oh this is not going to end well…
- Again with the goddamn henleys that shirt needs to be banned from romance novels forever thank u
- Yeahh the writing of this book gives me whiplash
- « Let me make love to you on stage »
- VOMIT
- Honestly these two just need to fuck it out because they cannot function in each other’s presence & it is driving me BATTY
- Alright I will give Julie Soto credit for making me snort laugh on several occasions
- Ahh there we go
- Finally made it to the fucking
- Aaaaaand it got weird again
- I mean, whatever turns your crank, but playing violin to a naked woman who you asked to open her legs is a bit odd, no?
- Oh look they’re actually talking I didn’t think they knew how to do that considering the pair of them spoke 12 sentences to each other before all the fucking
- Ruh roh
- Oop the L word is out there already damn
- Maybe there is something to the weird naked music playing
- Yeahh Nathan is garbage
- Jacob cracks me up
- Damn that was fast to the I love yous but they are obsessed with each other I guess
- This third act breakup is going to be ~terrible~
- Methinks a Thanksgiving breakup is imminent
- Nathan. Fuck. Off.
- Oh no oh no
- I mean that was on both Mabel & Gwen but damn
- Nope I don’t like Gwen in Thorne & Roses this seems off to me
- Would you look at that I was right
- I don’t know if I hate Lorenz or Nathan more, although Alex is currently not doing himself any favours
- Like bruh do not answer the phone while balls deep in your girlfriend I feel like I shouldn’t have to say that
- Ruh roh
- God what is with this fucking skeezy men getting all up in Alex’s business I stg this dude needs to throat punch Nathan & Lorenz oh my god
- Alex you nitwit
- So Nathan needs to be stopped
- Damn Gwen deserves better than these shitheads
- Also
- Ava needs a backbone I’m sorry but she does
- God someone needs to take Lorenz out with a rusty crowbar I swear
- Oh no I am STRESSED
- Yes Gwen fucking get him
- Ahh hello Alex
- Welcome back you useless tool
- Alright I suppose Alex isn’t entirely useless
- Ooooo Ava found her backbone yes we love to see it
- Ha, a Scooter reference & a Taylor’s Version reference
- That was a weird, wild ride

That opening wedding scene had me hooked instantly and I ended up reading this in a single sitting! My musical knowledge is limited to my clumsy attempt at playing baritone sax and trumpet in high school music class so any potential music knowledge inaccuracies went right over my head and did not shatter the spell of this story. I think my all time favourite trope in romance is when both leads get off on their partners respective talent/skill/genius. More books like this please. 2. 5 peppers.

I didn't think Julie Soto could top Forget Me Not, but I just loved this so much! It is full of so much tension and is just so....steamy. It's romantic and sensual and had me caught up in the pages. I truly couldn't put it down. I found the world of being in an orchestra quite fascinating as I knew nothing about it. It was the perfect setting for Xander and Gwen's story to play out. And like all my favorite contemporaries it has a plot moving it forward alongside stellar character development. I loved the fanfic origins of this story and loved that Julie called it out at the beginning! I truly can't wait for her next book and will definitely be adding this one to my shelf ASAP!

Julie Soto did it again!

To no surprise, I thoroughly enjoyed Not Another Love Song, which had been one of my most highly anticipated reads of the year.

Gwen and Xander, the MC's, were so beautifully written. They grow a lot as characters throughout the book, and the tension was *chefs kiss* wonderful! In my opinion, there's probably some of the best written tension I've ever read.

The one thing I was concerned about when I started reading the book was how much I would enjoy the musical aspect. In all honesty, I know nothing about violinists, cellists, or orchestras in general. But although I was unfamiliar with this setting, I never felt lost or confused and found it refreshing since it was different from anything I'd read before.

Thank you NetGalley & Forever Pub for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. An Easy 5 ⭐️ from me!

This was my first Julie Soto and certainly not my last. Really loved the steamy edge of this enemies to lovers romance, which follows a star cellist and an up-and-coming violinist. This was lacking a little bit in character development for me, especially re: their career futures.

Thank you NetGalley for this Arc. When I read the synopsis about a rockstar and a violinist, I was sold. Although it followed the typical third act break up which I'm not a fan of, Julie Soto did a great job at making you feel the music and their epic love. My God did he love her !!! I fell in love with Gwen and want to marry ALEX/Xander!! There were a few moments that made the reader think there would be a twist of some sort in the story but that never really came. There was one revelation towards the end of the book that I thought could've been much more Monumental, but unfortunately, it wasn't and that made it feel a little anti-climatic. I felt the ending was a little rushed and I wanted to hear more about their happy ever after. I really liked this book a lot given that it's not your typical rockstar romance, but a cellist /rockstar instead. ALEX/Xander will be in my head for a long time. I also know that when I hear about Carnegie Hall or the New York Pops, I will always think of Gwen/ALEX/Eva/Mabel. I'm looking forward to reading more books from Julie Soto in the future well done.

Not Another Love Song tells the story of two string musicians who play in the same orchestra. Xander who is quite famous outside the orchestra. And Gwen, who is a rare talent, hidden in plain sight. It isn't until she plays at a wedding he's in, that their worlds collide.

This is my first read by the author, and I'll be honest I have some mixed feelings on it. I liked the MC's and their ultimate connection in the end. I liked how the author attempted to make this an enemies to lovers vibe with tension that builds. But I felt it lacked development. Especially in the beginning. I mean we get to this cello scene, and it is PURE LUST (and fabulous)... but I was also like wait, how did we even get here.. there was no build up.

There is a lot of music talk in this one, which will be a highlight for some. I personally could have done with more romance and less music talk. I just didn't feel the connection like I hoped. Maybe because it just felt much younger than I enjoy. But it also felt rushed, and the romance less of a focus. Overall, this was a unique story. I rooted for them. But aside from that cello scene, it's not going to be one that stands out for me personally. But I can see how it may for others!

*Thanks to Forever Pub for the ARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own and given freely.

Oh my gosh can we talk about how freaking good this book was?! I have really enjoyed reading Julie’s new book and getting to meet her at my local indie bookstore was also so fun! The emotional death that Julie brings to her characters is so good. I will be reading anything she writes!

2.5 stars rounded up

When I read the premise and saw the cover art, this book was quickly added to my highly anticipated reads list, especially after enjoying Forget Me Not last year. Rival musicians who fall in love, what’s not to like? I did really enjoy the premise and all of the detail that went into describing the music and the feelings that Gwen and Xander had playing. What I really struggled with was the pacing. To me, it was glaringly obvious that this was formerly a fanfic, just from the pacing alone. I feel like I guessed a majority of the major plot point before the halfway mark and was just waiting for the book to be over by the end. I really liked Gwen as a character but I wish we got to see her stick up for herself more, even with Xander. There were some moments where it felt like he was walking over her and not taking her feelings into consideration. I was disappointed that I didn’t love this book, but I’m really intrigued by Soto’s next projects so I am excited to check them out when they are released!

Thank you to Forever & Netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Not Another Love Song by Julie Soto was such a wonderful reading experience! If combined my love of books and music in the most magical and perfect way. We follow two string players, Gwen on violin and Xander on cello. After working together at the Pop orchestra for about a year Gwen’s “first” interaction with Xander happens at a wedding. Where Xander tells Gwen that her playing good basically have been better. So not good. Then Gwen is offered the position of first chair a position promised to Xander. Making them rivals. Not good at all. But is there more? Julie Soto did an incredible job building tension and growing their romance through music. It was such a fun and magical reading experience. I was hiked to every word, every glance, every time they payed together. This book also addresses how often talented people are taken advantage of especially when they truly love what they do. I loved this book! I know it’s one I will definitely reread and soon! 4.5⭐️

I really enjoyed Forget Me Not by Julie Soto when it came out last year, and I was super excited to read Not Another Love Song after seeing so many people rave about how good the romance was. They were absolutely right, because Gwen and Alex swept me off my feet! The tension between Gwen and Alex both on and offstage went CRAZY. I found myself highlighting nearly every page because this man is truly so in love and enamored with Gwen and her music. This book has been living in my head rent-free ever since I read the ARC and I cannot recommend it enough for romance readers.

4⭐️
3🔥

Quick Breakdown

Workplace Vibes
Musical Prodigies
Rivals to Lovers-ish
Celebrity Romance
Quiet, Brooding Hero
He Falls First
NYC Setting
Ama & Elliot Cameos
Dual POV
Open Door - Moderate Detail

Gwen + Alex = 🫶🏻🫶🏻

I really, really, really enjoyed this book. Not Another Love Song was a highly anticipated new release for me. Partly, because I love the unique premise: a niche romance between two musical prodigies who work together at the Pops Orchestra, but also because despite not 100% vibing with Forget Me Knot, I still LOVED Julie’s writing. It’s filled with all the pining / tension, the right amount of angst, & still feels deeply romantic.

Not Another Song did not disappoint - I was addicted, one of those books that cause physical pain when I had to put it down. I loved being thrown into this musical world with the both equally complex, Gwen and Alex. They shared some of the most intense chemistry I’ve read in a long, long time. I couldn’t look away. It was a trope perfect storm: he’s the quiet & brooding tortured celebrity & she’s his incredibly talented muse. And the music they make together.. 💥😉 Watching someone’s hands while they play an instrument has never felt hotter.

I was not a big fan of the 3rd act break up, but it was one of those circumstances where it feels like you can’t be mad the MC’s are behaving the way they are.. Where despite not loving that / how it happened, the conclusion was still beautiful & so full of raw emotions, that I was crying right along with Gwen.

I personally loved this book, it's a 4 star read for me! I love a good love story. A little enemies to lovers type of story! Loved.

I won't lie, the beautiful cover is what drew me in to this book, but the story on the inside didn't disappoint. Not Another Love Song by Julie Soto is an adult contemporary romance that follows Gwen and Xander, two cello/violin players whose upbringings couldn't be more different. They find each other in close proximity and end up clashing; in a bad way at first, but in the best ways after. While it starts off as hate (maybe dislike) to love, it doesn't last very long, because the two of them can't resist the pull and they get close very quickly. I really enjoyed watching them fall in love and the themes of music connected to it.

As opposed to Julie Soto's previous book, Forget Me Not, this one isn't so much of a slow-burn, which I really appreciated. There's enough build-up and tension, but we don't have to wait the whole book for them to make out. It's an addicting, steamy and also sweet romance that got me so invested I basically inhaled the book in one sitting. The only thing I didn't like was some of the conflict in the 3rd act and the side characters at some points, but it didn't hinder my enjoyment.

I definitely recommend this if you'd like to read a fun light-hearted romance that centers around love for music and the way that it can connect people.

okay okay okay I get the hype!!🙂‍↕️ I loved Soto’s first novel + after seeing this next release getting early rave reviews my hopes were climbing high!! and well met!

✨rivals to lovers
✨for music fans 🎻 especially classical / orchestral!
✨NYC setting
✨two crazy talented musicians with two very different backgrounds!
✨spicyyy 🌶️❤️‍🔥
✨the tension!!😮‍💨 the pining! the mutual respect for their craft!! 🥵

I think this book was VERY well done + I can already tell that Soto’s writing has improved! One of my favorite tools here was the very clear distinction between Alex and Zander and who he was trying to be/impress/etc! So smart!! but I do think I enjoyed FMN better🤔 which just means they’re both fantastic and I highly enjoyed!!

Not Another Love Song follows a violinist and a cellist with two very different paths to success in their music careers who fight their attraction for each other.

The musical element of this book was fascinating and I couldn’t stop reading for the first half of the book. I really liked Gwen as a character!

Unfortunately, the romance didn’t work for me in this book. It felt like it went from him being really rude to her while they were rivals to suddenly being obsessed with her. There was no tension or build up.

I loved Forget Me Not, so it’s disappointing that I didn’t love this book as much, but I just prefer more of a slow burn. I think a lot of people would still like this book, it just wasn’t for me!