I don’t even know how to begin with how much I love this book. I love the fact that there is chemistry from the beginning, even when there is dislike between the characters. I love that he falls first, and he really pushes and pushes to make sure that they can be together. I love the behind the scenes of looking into the music world in a way that I haven’t seen it before. I love that I could not put down this book from start to finish.

4.5 out of 5 stars!

Two musical prodigies, one formally since a young age (Xander/Alex) and the other who picked it up at 11 years old (Gwen), meet and personalities clash. It doesn't help the Gwen is a big fan of the music group that Xander is in or that they have literally worked together for the Manhattan Pops and Xander never paid her any attention. She's offered first chair, which Xander thought would go to him. After all his family founded the Pops. But Xander plays the cello now and hasn't proven he is deserving of the role at all. Gwen discovers who Xander really is and she has a difficult time reconciling the two parts of the same guy until they get to know each other better. The secondary characters, Xander's mother and Gwen's violin teacher, had their own history. Uncovering their story added to the drama of the story, and the resolution of that conflict helped Gwen and Xander's story evolve. Their romance was whirlwind, and they somehow brought out the best parts of each other when they created music together and were together as a couple. Playing an instrument was a big part of my life growing up so I could relate to the characters. Plus, music plays a big part in my life so I enjoyed the story.

I received an advance copy of this book at my request and voluntarily left this review.

I don’t know why I do this to myself, but I should trust my guts. I knew that I was not going to enjoy this book as much as other people did. But I always want to give authors a second chance to redeem themselves. I should just trust that the first book that I read from the first author will be the same for their next. And I didn’t like Julie Soto's first book, and I don’t like her second book either.

Why you ask? Julie Soto doesn’t write a full romance story. It’s literally half-written. We basically have no character interaction until the very end. How is that a romance story? There needs to be communication between the characters in order to develop their relationship or interaction. So, tell me how this book is a romance book.

Literally, Gwen and Xander never interacted at all until the middle of the book, and they are so in love. How? Literally, how. They never talked or interacted. How do they form any feelings for each other? I just can’t.

Her books are just isn’t it for me.

Whew. I need a breather after finishing this book basically in one sitting.

Two passionate musicians come together to make music and then some. I adored this book. The tension built perfectly and the sex scenes were worth the wait.

I liked that book was mostly in Gwen’s voice. Her struggles of finding herself through music were very inspirational and then we got the taste of what was going on with Xander. I loved what the author did with it.

Thank you Forever Grand Central Punlishing and NetGalley for the ARC.

I want to start by saying that I LOVED Soto’s first book, Forget Me Not. But unfortunately, something about this one fell a little flat for me.

The storyline didn’t grab my attention and in some areas, it felt a bit forced. I noticed that I was forcing myself to root for the relationship and the characters. I would have liked a stronger storyline and more developed characters. Especially the relationship of the two MCs. I didn't quite believe in their love which made it difficult to continue reading.

I do think this book will find its right audience and will suggest it to specific readers that I think it may be a good match for.

Special thanks to Forever Pub and Netgalley for the advanced copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

Actual Rating: 2.5 stars

I loved Forget Me Not! I was very excited to read Not Another Love Song but unfortunately this one was a miss for me. I enjoyed the musical aspect of this book but I couldn’t see the chemistry between Gwen and Xander. Yes, they have a musical connection but the romance was boring and it was too insta love for me. I was skimming through 70% of it. There were a couple good spicy scenes. I think it’s time that I stay away from Reylo Fanfiction.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

When I saw that Not Another Love Song by Julie Soto was available to "read now" I immediately downloaded it. I had read Forget Me Not earlier this year and ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT so I had to read her next book. I was not disappointed AT ALL! Gwen is a violinist for the Manhattan Pops symphony and Xander is a child musical prodigy turned famous violinist for a classical rock band. I loved these two characters and the progress they both made throughout the book and how they leaned on each other to help overcome their struggles. I also loved how it included so many great tropes including "He falls first" and "found family". Mabel was such a wonderful mentor to Gwen and I loved their relationship! Julie Soto has definitely become an auto-buy author for me! Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Thank you Forever Publishing and Netgalley for the review copy.

I think it takes a truly talented author to make me want to read books about classical music, and Julie Soto rose to the occasion. Gwen and Xander have so much tension between them it could snap a cello string (I’m going to stop my music puns now…). They both see each other as obstacles in the way of their own success, but it’s not until they play together that they realize their partnership – both on the stage and behind the scenes – is so much more powerful as a duet than solo. I was so engrossed in this story that I read it in less than 24 hours. Not Another Love Song was a rollercoaster of romance and emotion and it’s definitely my favorite by Soto.

This is one of my favorite romance books I’ve read this year. From the first chapter, I was completely taken by Gwen, the female main character. I loved her quirkiness, and that she was written in a way that clued you in as a reader that she was going to be someone special.

And I love a good rivals to lovers, so when Xander came on the scene, it was hard not to immediately root for the two of them.

This book is sexy, poetic, and so incredibly musical. As someone with a music background, it tickled all of the right spots in my heart.

I also love the way that this book dives into different parental type figures, the relationships they have with their children, biological or otherwise, and all of the side characters as well. This story felt so full in such a cohesive and beautiful way. It takes an excellent writer to do that for a reader.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5/5

Thank you, NetGalley, for this ARC.

This story is about a cello who fell in love with a violin. At one point in my life, band and orchestra was my everything. As a Bassoon player who fell in love with both the music and a Saxophone player 6 chairs over, this book spoke to every ounce of my past. I loved this story. While I was never as good at Bassoon as Gwen or Xander are at their instruments, there is something so personal about the relationship between a musician and their instrument, something that comes across so strongly within this story. This story is about two people falling in love just as much as it's about two people reconnecting to music and their instrument.

I recommend this book to anyone who's fallen in love with an instrument, as well as anyone who never as. This story is perfect in my eyes.

It was a fun book! Gave me wattpad/AO3 vibes but I was engaged the whole book. The tension made me giggle and kick my feet the whole way through!

Julie Soto has done it again, and I'd argue even better this time! The main characters shared a beautiful connection that was made even more intense by their shared love of music. Such a great romance!

Not Another Love Song is a delightful symphony of sharp banter, deep emotion, and irresistible humor. This Reylo-inspired grumpy-sunshine romance hits all the right notes!
Professional violinist Gwen Jackson and rock star cellist Xander Thorne are as different as night and day—Gwen’s quiet passion contrasts perfectly with Xander’s explosive genius. Their chemistry is undeniable, even if their relationship starts off with plenty of hostility and cutting criticisms.
The tension escalates when Gwen nabs the coveted first chair in the Manhattan Pops, a role Xander has long desired. Yet, despite their rivalry, the sizzling attraction between them is impossible to ignore. As they are forced to collaborate, their combined talent creates musical magic and unexpected romance.
The author's witty writing and the palpable chemistry between Gwen and Xander make this book a must-read. If you love a romance with sharp edges and sweet resolutions, Not Another Love Song hits all the high notes!
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

🎻M/F contemporary romance
🎻rivals to lovers
🎻grump x sunshine
🎻close proximity
🎻slow burn
🎻dual pov (primarily FMC though)
🎻standalone

More like 3.5 stars. The pacing was a little wonky, but I really enjoyed the setup and overall writing/characterization! The plot and conflict was very on par with Ali Hazelwood, so I feel like you’re either going to love or hate it. I thought the romance was a little too convenient at times, but I still thought they were a good pairing.

This definitely has one of my favorite romance covers of 2024 though!!

CWs for loss of a love one, cancer, misogyny, gaslighting/manipulation

Loved, loved, loved this one! I am becoming a huge fan of
Julie Soto’s work. The story was so inviting and I was immediately invested. Will forever recommend her books

This books was lovely. I enjoyed the musical elements a lot and felt they fit beautifully in with the sex scenes.

Not Another Love Song is a delightful blend of music and romance. Soto's characters are relatable and charming, and the world of classical music comes alive on the page. While the plot is predictable at times, the witty banter and sizzling chemistry between Gwen and Xander keep the story engaging. It's a light, enjoyable read perfect for fans of contemporary romance.

This started out SO strong for me. It was deliciously horny and hot. But, by the halfway point I started to sour. I super dislike the "magic peen....er fingers" microtrope, the characters started to grate on me, and there was this lack of consent culture vibe to the world that really bugged me.

Not Another Love Song

I am late to the party on the most recent Julie Soto release. My reading experience was a bit of a roller coaster ride. I was immediately invested, but then took a pause because my interest seriously waned. When I picked it up again, I finished it in a day with tears (happy ones).

My biggest takeaway is that the Rylo fan-fiction element was done expertly. If you are searching for that charged romantic dynamic, but where no one is a murderer, this would be my first recommendation. Soto does the broody, grumpy hero phenomenally well. For anyone who prefers cinnamon roll male main characters, this will not check that box.

The parts that I loved, I adored: hard-won familial relationships, style of spice, and the perspective of the classical music scene.

Thank you Julie Soto, Forever Publishing, and NetGalley for my advanced review copy. My opinions are my own.

Plot - 3
Writing and Editing - 4
Character Development - 3
Personal Bias - 3
Final Score - 3.25

As music lover, I was quite excited to pick this up. I really enjoyed Julie's writing, just like I did in Forget Me Not. I thought the musical aspect was written really well, it added such a different feel to the romance. And probably one I haven't read about before. Their instant connection was solid and you could definitely feel it, but I was hesitant about Xander. I absolutely didn't like how he came off in the beginning and he was just downright mean. And I was waiting for Gwen to send some whatever back his way.

I was hoping their communication would have been a little bit better as it would have helped their relationship more in the beginning. And it didn't really feel like Xander really understood Gwen, just the musical part of her. I wasn't super convinced.

I was hoping for a little bit more with Not Another Love Song, Soto's writing really brings you and keeps you hooked the entire time. Still looking forward to this author's work in the future.