I am a huge fan of Julie Soto and Not Another Love Song was one of my most anticipated reads of 2024. I couldn’t help but compare this one to Julie’s debut novel, Forget Me Not, which was one of my favorite reads of last year. Not Another Love Song did not beat Forget Me Not in my ranking, however I did enjoy reading it. This book was very plot heavy, which I liked, focusing around fmc Gwen getting first chair at her orchestra. I thought the romance was rushed between Gwen and Alex, taking place over the span of about a month or maybe even less than that, and I didn’t really love Alex as the mmc. Overall I think it was a good read, but I couldn’t help but compare it to FMN the entire time, which I think made me enjoy it less than I should have.

All this book did was offer me yet more proof that the cello is the sexiest instrument and no one can tell me otherwise.
If you're in a reading slump and just need something light, fluffy, and spicy with rather little substance, this is the book I would recommend. I had a really good time reading it, and there were a couple of great, quotable moments from Alex when he figured out how to use actual language. The friend group banter was also very charming. Beyond that, there wasn't a lot of depth, but if you're one of those people (like me) who wanted to see more in that one scene of If I Stay by Gayle Forman (you know the one) then you'll love this.

If you’ve ever wanted to read a book that feels like a beautiful song, look no further! The book really feels like the love song of Gwen and Alex and it was so beautiful! A huge part of that is a testament to the phenomenal writing of Julie Soto! I don’t know if Julie Soto writes music, but this book gave me insight into what that sound be like and she’d be amazing at songwriting!

I really loved both main characters! Gwen felt relatable in her drive to be successful at the violin whatever means necessary. Without spiking anything, I think a specific professional relationship of hers proves that anyone can be taken advantage of and I was so proud to watch her overcome that and get herself out of a toxic situation.

Alex. Xander Thorne. Whatever you call him, I’m in love! He was very adorable, which may seem like an odd thing to call him, but if you reread the pages of him trying to ask Gwen out, that’s the only world that comes to mind! Like Gwen, he also had some toxic professional situations and I loved watching him learn to be himself and, more importantly, play music for himself! I also just loved how much he loved Gwen! He was infatuated with her from the beginning of the book (we can forget that phase when they worked together for a year before) and it was really adorable to watch him finally get the girl!

The side characters added so much to this book! Mabel proved time and time again that she’s the smartest person, possibly ever! I also loved the random side drama with Jacob and Declan. And it was great to see Elliot and Ama again!! Maybe we’ll get to see them in a future book for Mar??

Thank you for the eArc.

This book surprised me in the best way! I originally requested the arc because look at that cover (!!), but it really was such a cute story. It did have some wattpad/fanfiction vibes (it did originally start as a fanfiction), but I found them to be more charming than irritating in this book. It was also really interesting to have a romance focused on orchestra musicians, with the romance being predictable but also just really fun to read. Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone in a reading slump because it definitely got me out of mine and anyone looking for a cute and unique take on some traditional romance tropes!

3.5-4 ⭐️3🌶️

Was excited to get an early copy of this. Have heard great reviews about her first novel. Will definitely add that to my TBR.

Enjoyed the musical aspect of this. This was good, but it took a while for me to read and didn’t capture my interest as much as I thought it would.

Main female character was a bit naïve, and unbelievable at certain times. Nathan and Lorenz were the worst and my favorite characters were Jacob, Mabel and Dom.

After easily falling in love with forget me not, I was excited to read another book by Julie. Not another love song is that book!!! I was worried not being in band or knowing much about music If I’d vibe with this one, but Julie did such a good job it was all second thought to me. Xander had me swooning by 20% and I was sucked in from the start. Thank you Julie and NG for the arc!

What to expect:
Rivals to lovers
Violinist x cellist
Workplace romance
Reylo fan fic
🔥🔥🔥

Overall 4.5 stars!

This was my first Julie Soto book and my God. Perfect. Elegant and articulate and poetically written.

NALS follows Gwen and Alex/Xander as they navigate the Manhattan Pop orchestra, pop stardom, and their unexpected feelings towards each other. You really see and feel them fall in love, you really see the respect and admiration they have for each other, the forces keeping them apart and their fight for themselves and for each other. I loved every single word of this romance.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Forever Gram Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to Grand Central Publishing and Julie Soto for an advanced copy of this title via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

I'm going to give a little backstory before going in to my full review; once I was approved for this title I immediately listened to Forget Me Not, so I could immerse myself in the universe before starting this title. I then fell in love with Soto's writing and the world she built in her debut romance novel. If FMN secured her a spot in my personal insta-read list, NALS blew up the list (in a good way). I am not being dramatic, though I am prone to dramatics, this book was so.freaking.amazing.

I kept putting off writing this review, I really don't feel like I can do the book justice. There was SO MUCH ANGST, so much PASSION, a creative story line and witty banter. I listened to interviews of Soto talking about the inspiration behind the book (after I read it) and I love the story behind where she got the idea for this book. I am so glad she was inspired to write it because it will be a definite yearly re-read.

I loved Xander's haughty attitude (especially because he could back it up with his skill), and how he just seemed to vibrate with a different energy every time Gwen is around. Gwen was so lovable herself, and the two of them together basically had me squealing the entire book. Their passion for their skills that bled into their passion for each other.... I could go on forever.

Read this, please. Then come talk to me about it.

The premise of this book is how musical prodigies fell in love with each other. Both played in the Pops Orchestra, but the hero doesn't recognize the heroine works with him. At his friend's wedding, the heroine played the cello and was criticized by the hero. Later on, the heroine is offered the chair position that the hero coveted, and the relationship between them sizzled. As hostility turns into something else, the connection between them becomes a public success. Will their romance survive the publicity or will it become embers...

This is a successful romance book by Julie Soto. With the author's iconic writing style and a great cover, this novel grabbed my attention and held onto it until the end. I enjoyed the musical setting of the book, a remembrance of my own musical endeavors in the past. I also enjoyed the chemistry between the hero and the heroine, from their individual growth and their coupledom. There were memorable secondary characters, some a bit unlikable in their actions whereas there were others that gave support to the main couple. It would have been nice for a bit more details in certain areas of the story, but my personal preference wasn't a detriment to my reading enjoyment. Overall, a great addition to this author's works.


** Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the review copy. All opinions and thoughts in the review are my own. **

Not Another Love Song by Julie Soto was a treat to read. I fell in love with the main characters, Gwen and Alex. The love story between two musicians who don't always see eye to eye yet share a passion for strings that truly bind them together was written seamlessly. I found the take to be fresh and interesting. The chemistry between Gwen and Alex is so palpable in every sense. The beginning was a little bit slow and took some time to set up, but overall it was worth it to keep reading.

SO. GOOD.

Julie Soto does not disappoint! The TENSION in this book had me giggling and kicking my feet, not to mention the steam..... I have no words, other than this is a MUST READ!

If you love enemies to lovers, angsty musicians, and forced proximity then don't walk, RUN to pick this gem up!

Not Another Love Song has me in a complete chokehold. I was enamored by Julie Soto's debut, Forget Me Not, but when I heard that her sophomore romance involved musicians? My excitement was next level. (I'm married to a man who plays multiple instruments--including cello.)

Gwen Jackson is a talented young violinist, and she catches the eye of Xander Thorne, dark, brooding, and a genius on the cello. Something about the way she loses herself in the music captivates him, and he can't stay away from her. They are opposites in almost every way, but when they play together, something magical happens. Their initial antagonism gives way to respect, and an unlikely attraction blooms between them.

I can't find the words to communicate how much I loved this book. As a musician and music lover married to another musician, there is something so absolutely authentic about that connection music can forge between two people. Singing with my husband is still one of my favorite things, even sixteen years into this crazy ride together. Gwen and Xander's story was just *chefs kiss.* 10/10. No notes. And that cello scene will forever live rent-free in my head.

THIS BOOK WAS PHENOMENAL. I binged it in under 24 hours and I never wanted it to end. Who knew that playing the cello and violin could be so sexual?! This book had tension, it had emotions, it had spice. This book had absolutely everything that I wanted. Perfection. Cannot wait to see what Julie Soto writes next because I have no doubt that I will devour it.

ARC REVIEW

This book follows Gwen and Alex (Xander) and their relationship. Gwen is playing for the Pops of Manhattan, when she is presented with an opportunity of First Chair..that's when she encounters Xander Thorne, and from there their relationship blossoms.

I love how Alex was so gone for Gwen the whole time, and didn't deny his feelings for her. I loved reading this book through the lens of a professional musician. As someone who used to play instruments, this was a fun call back to that part of my life.

This was an easy 5 starts for me, as I kept thinking about the book and wanting to keep reading, even when life was getting in the way.

Definitely pick this one up if you haven't already!

I enjoyed this book so so much! It was everything I wanted in a romance and more. The writing was divine, the characters delightful, and the spice, banter, and tension were absurdly delicious. Xander & Gwen’s love story was tender, emotional, and beautiful. I already can’t wait to reread it. Thank you so much for the ARC, NetGalley!

Workplace romance
Rivals-to-lovers
Angsty slow-burn
Found family
NYC setting

I fell in love with Julie Soto's writing when I read Forget Me Not last year. I was very excited about her new book, Not Another Love Song. In this book, two rival musicians, Xander Thorn and Gwen Jackson, compete for the coveted role of the First Chair of an orchestra while battling their chemistry and growing feelings for each other. I loved Xander and Gwen's slow-burn, rivals-to-lovers romance. They have a sizzling chemistry, the book is steamy, with one particular scene involving a cello is super hot.

However, Not Another Love Song is not just a steamy romance, the book touches on some heavy topics, and Gwen and Xander's relationship has a lot of depth.
I loved Gwen's relationship with her music mentor, Mabel, and her best friend, Jacob. And I was excited about the guest appearances by Ama and Elliot, the couple from Forget Me Not.

Not Another Love Song is one of my favorite reads of 2024, and I cannot wait to read another book by Julie Soto.

I didn’t love the first book of this interconnected series and I was willing to give this second one a chance. But I did not enjoy it as well. I feel like this author may not be for me.

Immediately need more book recs where the main characters make music together because DAMN 🥵

Knowing that this was previously a fanfic made me nervous at first. I haven’t read a ton of fanfic and didn’t know what to expect. Happy to report that I frequently forgot the story’s origins and just enjoyed it as the full novel it is now.

This was a really fun, cute, and HOT read. Any scene where they were playing together was just absolute perfection.

5⭐️ 3🌶️

I read Forget Me Not earlier this year and was surprised how much I loved it but, this was even more surprising on how much I loved this! I could not put this book now and I felt myself really feeling for Gwen near the end.

Tropes:
🎶 contemporary romance
🎶 found family
🎶 rivals to lovers
🎶 he falls first
🎶 tension 🥵
🎶 musicians

“I want to be clear. I want you in every way. I want to see you. And fuck you. And play music with you. Tell me you want even one of those things.”

“A few of them, yeah.”

Gwen and Alex “Xander” will capture your heart from the beginning. He’s a superstar cellist who knows what he wants and isn’t afraid to go after it. Gwen is more of a wallflower, stand in the back and go unnoticed type of gal. She isn’t really sure what she wants but she knows she loves playing violin and is pretty good at it.

There was a lot of musical references that I didn’t know, but that didn’t deter me or make it hard to understand the book.

The character development in this story was written beautifully. They are both characters with several flaws and things they each needed to work through, which they continued to do throughout the book.

The tension was 🔥! This was probably one of the best tension filled stories that I’ve read in a long time! The tension lead up to giving us some 🌶️ that was not disappointing! The cello scene 🥵 and it wasn’t just spice okay, it was so beautifully written that it really fed into their love and romance together. They used music in a way to progress their romantic relationship that I haven’t read before.

Xander and Gwen were literal soulmates. That’s all I have on that one because you’ll need to read it to truly understand!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Julie Soto for providing this eARC. I truly loved this book and can’t wait for more of your work! ❤️

Julie Soto has officially made her way into my auto-buy list. I love her writing and storytelling so much. And her spicy scenes are top notch.

I haven't read many books with an instrumental aspect in it so this was a very fun read for me. I enjoyed the romance and both of the main characters were great. This book definitely made me want to leave how to play an instrument even though I know I don't have a musical bone in my body. Highly recommend checking this one out if you're looking for a fast paced romance!

Thank you so much to Forever Pub and NetGalley for the e-arc!