You know how sometimes ratings are based off of just vibes? The vibes of this book for me are immaculate.

While I sometimes don’t know how to feel about fanfic turned into novels (I would prefer not to know so I can imagine the characters on my own), it really did feel like reading fanfic of your favorite couple in your dorm until 4am.

I’m not at all interested in classical music, so my eyes kind of glazed over the technical parts and the politics of an orchestra. However the authors note sharing where the inspiration came from, the intimacy of section leaders, makes total sense. I completely felt the tension the entire book and it was DELICIOUS. I mean, chapter 15.

I wanted more of Alex’s pov!!! It’s actually very Edward Cullen, he barely speaks to Gwen but completely in love by their third interaction. Which is exactly up my alley!

In summary, god save fanfic writers, and I hope to read many more books from Julie Soto!

I have heard quite a bit of talk on Julie Soto after her release of Forget Me Not, so I was very interested in seeing what the hype was about when I saw her next book looking for ARC readers. I am so glad that I took the leap of faith. Not Another Love Song will be living in my brain of romances that I will no stop thinking about.

I could NOT put this book down, once I got started I just had to know what was happening next. Any time I could squeeze in reading during the day I would. There is so much sweet tension between our main characters, Gwen and Xavier, is TAUT. I love the development of rivals to friends to lovers, Julie Soto just knows how to create the more perfect build up and DELIVERS.

I will now be reading Julie Soto's backlog and immediately adding Julie to my must-buy authors list.

Thank you so much to Julie and Forever Publishing for this ARC!

“𝐈𝐭’𝐬 𝐬𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞, 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲. 𝐈𝐭’𝐬 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐚 𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐨 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐢𝐧 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚 𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐧.”

ugh, i really liked this one! Alex & Gwen are soo cute and their chemistry?? 😮‍💨 if they need a dog, i can bark. woof

i enjoyed that both pov’s in this book were present tense, which was different than julie’s first book. we see a lot more from gwen’s pov, but my favorites were alex’s. 🥹 he was so aggravating, but he also loves gwen sooo much!

while i would definitely recommend her first book more, i disagree with a lot of the negative reviews. this book is still fun & the steamy scenes are worth it 🤪

read this one if you like:
▫️he falls first
▫️enemies to lovers
▫️his rock star/band she secretly follows & loves
▫️found family
▫️dual pov

I initially received a free ebook ARC of Not Another Love Song from Forever, but ended up purchasing it in a B&N preorder sale since Julie Soto will be attending SLC. Despite mixed feelings about Forget Me Not, a few friends’ reviews convinced me to give this one a try.

Gwen Jackson and Xander Thorne (aka Alex), two musical prodigies from different backgrounds, whose professional rivalry intensifies when Gwen is offered the role of First Chair in the Pops Orchestra, a position Xander has long coveted. Despite their hostility, their undeniable musical chemistry and growing feelings for each other face challenges from external pressures and publicity stunts.

Not Another Love Song captivated me much more than Forget Me Not. The world of orchestra and musical performance was fascinating, especially since I have no musical talent and admire those who do. Gwen and Xander’s relationship develops into a sweet and sexy slow burn. While the villains are easy to spot from the beginning and some of the characters’ initial decisions seem dumb due to their age, these elements didn’t detract from the story. Mabel’s character was particularly enjoyable, and her backstory could easily have been a book on its own. Although a few parts dragged, the story remained compelling. I wished we got to have more of Xander’s POV as that would have added more depth to the story, given his complexity.

4.5

I loved this book. Gwen and Xander have electric chemistry that I couldn't get enough of. They made the cello and the violin sexy.

One thing I really liked about this book was Gwen's story. She had to struggle her way to success and despite being in a stable situation still experiences insecurity that comes from a life of barely making it by. It made her character feel so real and easier to connect with.

Xander on the other hand, comes from a life of luxury and privilege. At first I found him to be a bit abrasive with the condescending way he would speak to Gwen in the beginning but then we discover that it was all an act to protect himself from his own insecurities.

Despite growing up with wealth, he still experienced a life of inner struggle when it comes to identity and deciding who he actually wants to be. This made him a great character because he had a lot of layers to get through. Plus he is so fine. Still can't get over the cello scene...

Together, Gwen and Xander make an unstoppable pair. Both are brilliant musicians that only shined brighter once they accepted the love that was forming between them.

I loved their story and the last line of this book honestly made me tear up a bit.

I will definitely re-read this in the future.

"Not Another Love Song" by Julie Soto is a refreshing tale that weaves the intricate world of music with a compelling romance between two prodigious talents, Gwen Jackson and Xander Thorne.

The story sets off on a dramatic note when Gwen, after delivering a stunning performance at a wedding, is confronted with Xander's scathing critique. This initial conflict perfectly sets the stage for the ensuing drama, tension, and undeniable chemistry between the two. Gwen's journey from a naturally gifted musician nurtured by a supportive shop owner to the role of First Chair at the Pops Orchestra is inspiring. Her character is incredibly likable and easy to root for, as she navigates the challenges of her career.

Xander, on the other hand, is introduced as an arrogant musical prodigy born into a legacy of classical music. However, as the story unfolds, his arrogance is revealed to be a mask for deeper insecurities and a longing for validation that stems from a childhood of feeling unloved and unliked. This complexity makes him a character you can't help but sympathize with, even when his actions are frustrating.

The dynamic between Gwen and Xander is electric, both onstage and off. Their relationship evolves from hostility to mutual respect and eventually to romance, making for an engrossing read.

One of the standout aspects of the book is its vivid depiction of the world of music. Julie Soto beautifully incorporates musical elements and the emotions they evoke, enriching the narrative and adding depth to the characters' experiences. Whether it's the thrill and passion of a live performance or the quiet introspection that music can inspire, these moments are some of the most memorable parts of the story.

Overall, "Not Another Love Song" is a moving and well-crafted novel that will resonate with anyone who loves a good romance intertwined with the passion of music. Julie Soto has created a story that feels fresh and genuine, with characters that stay with you long after the final note.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of the book.

Julie Soto has done it again. The way she structures her stories is magnificent. I love the dual POV but with the MMC having just a snippet of a POV that enhances the story beautifully. I cried, I laughed, I swooned. The love story is so beautiful and raw. I loved that Xander expressed his love through music when he was unable to find the words to say. The way him and Gwen connected through music was beautiful. And the found family aspect of this story might have been my favorite love story of all. Thank you, Julie Soto for one of my all time new favorite books.

This is one of my favorite romances this summer. Gwen and Xander are musical prodigies who have different approaches to achieving their dreams. Xander tries to fight against those who would have him conform to their standards while Gwen is much more willing to follow the rules, going so far as setting aside her feelings at times. With both passionate about music, the book places an emphasis on Gwen and Xander going after the careers they want.

While they are portrayed as rivals, this tension quickly gives way to one of attraction. Their love for music provides the foundation for a palatable romance and their intense chemistry--the scene many point to is the cello scene. 😉 Gwen and Xander are great together, but I can’t deny that it was the chase I especially loved. It was fun to see Xander frustrated.

Read this if you love when music and romance are interwoven together.

This was my first Julie Soto book (thanks for the ARC from Forever) and it missed the mark for me. Either my expectations were just really high because of all the praise Julie Soto gets, or it wasn't the book for me. I had a hard time picking the book up or being motivated to read it, and almost DNF at 80% because I just wasn't pulled in by the story.
Dislikes: The character development felt a little lacking as did the chemistry between the two main characters. It just wasn't believable for me that they would go from rivals to lovers that quickly. Also, the "mentor" characters were all really unlikable. The manager was straight up controlling and abusive, the orchestra conductor manipulative, and even Mabel the music store owner was grumpy, judgmental and unsupportive. This made the reading of this book much less fun.
Likes: If you are a musician, you will probably really appreciate the descriptions of music, playing instruments and playing in an orchestra. The sex scenes were good (although I found one kind of unnecessary).
It was a miss for me, but others really liked this book and this author.

Included as a top pick in weekly July New Releases post, which highlights and promotes upcoming releases of the month (link attached)

⭐️ 4.5
🌶️ Open Door, Mild

🎻 Contemporary Romance
🎻 Forced Proximity
🎻 Enemies to Lovers
🎻 Workplace Romance
🎻 Opposites Attract
🎻 Celebrity MMC (Rockstar)
🎻 He Falls First
🎻 Dual POV (Third Person)

Not Another Love Song was so cute! I loved how the author connected the two main characters through their pasts and present. Julie Soto does a wonderful job at telling a dual timeline story. Xander and Gwen were adorable together and I loved that Xander was a grumpy hero with a secret heart of gold.

I truly enjoyed this story and highly recommend the audiobook narration!

Okay, this book is incredible, I couldn’t put it down. It’s made up of some of my favorite things, including fantastic writing, music, complex characters, and some great tension and angst. Gwen and Xander work for the Manhattan Pops, and I thought their connections to it and how they both got started was so interesting. I really loved how Julie Soto unraveled Xander’s story. Gwen is an amazing character, I just adored her and felt for her and her past, and the manipulation that surrounded her.
The passion these two had for each other and their music made this so enjoyable, I loved everything about it. I only wish I had gotten more of a feel for how he went from resenting her talent to falling for her so fast and wanting to help her, especially after not noticing her for a year. This isn’t a critique, but just something I was curious about, because I couldn’t get enough of them. But I also know how music can affect you from my own experiences. I felt like it was well paced and flowed nicely. I also have to shoutout the side characters, they added so much entertainment!!

Thank you to Forever Pub and NetGalley for this eARC!

Suddenly I want to go to a symphony and see what’s up with the cellist.

I honestly was hesitant, how much would I understand about a book based on classical musicians? Turns out I didn’t need to know anything because I was immediately in Julie Soto’s beautiful world. I could feel the music through her writing which is not something one would think they could experience. And when I tell you with all sincerity I would do anything to learn to play the cello if Alex was my teach, I’m not exaggerating.

Gwen and Xander may both live in New York but they are two completely socioeconomic planets. The one thing they have in common though is music. Xander is an accomplished musician, teetering on rockstardom while Gwen is struggling to make rent. They both play in the same orchestra but he’s never paid attention to her, until an unfortunate run in at a wedding. After that, for better or worse he can’t seem to stop paying attention to her. Especially when she is promoted to first chair, a position he has waited his entire life to claim.

Your life honestly will be worse off if you don’t read this book, so just read it.

Thank you NetGalley and Forever Publishing for the advanced copy of this arc.

Book Review 🎻 🎵-
Is it too late to learn to learn the violin at 34?! Asking for a friend .😆🤷🏽‍♀️ I loved this one!

What I loved 🥰:
-The characters. I loved Gwen and Xander because they were real. Xander was flawed at times and could be intense and abrupt. Gwen was working through her own insecurities.
-Their chemistry! After their first few interactions, I wasn’t sure if it’s they were going to be believable as a couple but once they started playing together.. 🔥 👌🏽!! It made me ask myself questions like “Am I attracted to music? Why is this so hot?”
-The plot! I loved it!

What I didn’t like:
-honestly, not much! It does take a little bit of time to get into the romance aspect of this but that time is used to develop the characters and story so it wasn’t a waste!

I honestly don’t have any complaints and enjoyed this one a lot! Make sure to add this one to your summer TBR.

Not Another Love Song by @juliesotowrites comes out July 16, 2024.

I loved this book. I loved following Gwen as she discovers herself. I loved watching Xander transform. I love the found family Gwen has built around herself and the showcasing of showing up and apologizing being meaningful. I could happily spend more time in this world and following these characters.

The premise of this book initially caught my eye. A grumpy x sunshine musical romance. While I learned a lot about music and orchestra that I previously had no clue about, this book was a challenge for me. I found it to be slow and drag on.

Julie Soto’s writing is so poetic and beautiful. The romance just floats off the page. I loved the growth of each character.

At its core, Not Another Love Song is a workplace romance between Gwen and Xander, two musicians in the same orchestra. Xander is viewed almost as classical music royalty, and Gwen is a lesser known musician whose talent was nurtured by a shop owner. The background information for Xander bothered me from the beginning as well as his connection to the "villains" of the story. When it was just the chemistry between Xander (Alex) and Gwen, then I really got into the story, but as soon as the outside drama and all the other people were involved, I was ready to be done with them all.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for making this ARC available to download for 24 hours. I absolutely loved this book. Julie is a great writer with even better ideas. I loved the setting (even though it wasn't Sacramento this time) and I appreciated how much she made the setting such a huge part of the story. The music nerd in me was delighted in the deep dive into the world of Classical and Popular music. It was so cool to read how much it takes to make it and I loved how Gwen and Alex/Xander have the unique talent, history and drive to be at the pinnacle of their careers. I loved that their passion for music makes them very believable rivals and it makes their romance that much more believable as well. The cello scene is perfect, their chemistry throughout the book is exactly what I would expect from Soto - steamy and romantic. As much as I love audiobooks, I would recommend that this book be read with the Bridgerton soundtrack or Pops in the background.

Gwen Jackson is making ends meet, working for the Manhattan Pops during the week, and playing the occasional wedding gig to help cover rent and takeout. When a chance encounter at a wedding catches the attention of Xander Thorne, famed cellist and rock star, and her colleague at the Pops, Gwen worries about being the focus of his criticism. But when she is asked to be first chair and concertmaster, a position Xander has been reaching for years, she can't seem to ignore him, or the building chemistry between them.

OK. I adored this book so much! Julie Soto's writing is so easy to fall into, I read this book straight through in one sitting. I just could not put it down. The chemistry between Gwen and Xander is impeccable. You can't help but kick your feet reading this. He falls hard and fast for her, and she has no clue. While this is mostly written from Gwen's POV, we also get a few chapters from Xander's perspective which lend some depth to the story as readers see some of the more vulnerable parts he keeps hidden from the world. I also loved reading about two artists who are just incredible at what they do, seeing the difference between someone who is good at something, versus a person who truly excels at it. Gwen and Xander have very different musical backgrounds and that influences how they approach their skills and what they see as work versus art, which becomes a challenge for the pair as they progress in their careers and relationships. There are some fun cameos from the crew from Forget Me Not, which I loved, and a nod to Green Day, my favorite band of all time, so that was a fun little part for me. Overall, I love this book, and Not Another Love Song has definitely cemented Julie Soto as one of my auto-read romance authors.