This has been one of my absolute favorite romance books I have read all year. The set up for this plot with a rivaling cello and violin player in the same orchestra was something that I haven't seen yet in the book market and filled a void I didn't even know I had. It hit in all the right places and I really enjoyed the writing and flow of the book. The chemistry and angst in this were insane and so palpable it came off the pages. I am already so excited to reread this.

Wow this enemies to lovers fan fic was everything I didn't know I needed when I started page 1. Wow. I loved the steamy scenes SO much. The rivalry set in a musical setting? Genius! However the end didn't do much for me as well as the third act breakup.

Julie Soto knocks it out of the park once again! She writes amazing angsty, dark-haired MMCs and Xander Thorne might just be my new favorite. Gwen is a violinist for the Manhattan Pops where she plays across from the one and only Xander Throne, the lead cellist for the orchestral rock band Thorne and Roses. When partnered together to perform at a wedding, both Gwen and Xander realize that when they play together, they create magic. Can they work together without falling apart or are they doomed to ruin their careers before they even start?

Every time I read one of Julie Soto's books I'm reminded of how much I love good writing and character-building. She makes you like (or dislike) each character because of the depths of her story-building and character development. The characters aren't 2 dimensional and actually have personality to them. I'm a huge metal/rock fan so for Xander to be a rockstar heart-throb, I obviously fell for him fast. Julie's contemporary romances are some of the only ones to make me truly emotionally connect with the characters and the story without getting easily bored. I become teary-eyed every time.

Please understand when I say I am obsessed with this book, I mean I am OBSESSED WITH THIS BOOK. I absolutely devoured it within two days and enjoyed every single second of it. The characters, the drama, the plot, the setting, the spice. And the way everything connected to music? Perfection.

Gwen and Xander are both members of an NYC pops orchestra and have become a bit of rivals after Gwen plays cello (not her usual instrument) at a wedding that included Xander in the bridal party, and then proceeds to get first chair violin, something Xander has wanted his entire life. Xander also happens to be the cellist and frontman for the band Thorne and Roses, a band Gwen loves, and he has the reputation that goes with it. They spend much of the book circling each other in the music world and soon find there is something special that comes when they work together.

I absolutely adored both of their characters and ate up every scene they were in. Gwen is trying to prove she belongs there and Xander knows that both of them do. I loved their angst and chemistry and thought Soto did such an amazing job in creating their dynamic. They were so hot and can we take a moment for the cello scene? 🥵

My favorite thing about the book is how big of a part music played. Not only is it the basis of the setting and plot, but Soto literally wrote it into the spice scenes and weaved it throughout everything within the book. As a former (terrible) strings player, I adored how this made you feel the crescendos, arpeggios, climax, and tonic. It was so beautifully incorporated and I need more.

Julie Soto has firmly placed herself in my auto-read author list and I can’t wait to see what she comes out with next!

4.5/5 Stars

Not Another Love Song follows Gwen through the ups and down of a beautiful duet and partnership she finds herself in.

Through the music and relationships, Not Another Love Song tells a beautiful story. I loved the growth that is seen through both Gwen and Xander.

Overall I loved the story (and the way that music was used to help tell the story too). I think Julie Soto’s writing and storytelling was phenomenal and I can’t wait to read what she writes next!

This was a solid two-sit book. Granted, I was sitting and reading on the beach (and at a beach condo) for most of it, but I could have finished it in a day if I had been slightly more awake for the last 6 chapters. I really liked the way music was woven into the story (though, on occasion, it felt like Julie Soto was just throwing all kinds of music terms at the story, whether or not it made sense), and the way music and instruments were woven into the spice was HOT. I liked the character development, and there was a good journey for Xander from asshole to not-asshole. But the third act break-up was dumb and drawn out, and the villain characters were a little too villain-y for my taste. But, overall, I absolutely devoured this book and really did enjoy it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever for providing me with an eARC of Not Another Love Song in exchange for my honest review.

This is the best romance book I’ve read this year!
As a preface, I have zero knowledge when it comes to music talk, so anytime they were getting really specific about the pieces they were playing all I could hear (in my head) were the little kids from Little Einstein’s. However! That did not take away from my experience with this book at all! I really loved every minute of reading this book. Gwen and Xander were messy and hot and so perfect for each other.
Not Another Love Song was such an emotional read. I was bereft when I had to put the book down and go to work because I wanted to stay with the characters. This has easily become a book that I will read again and again. When I was finished reading I already knew that this book was a new comfort read for me. There’s nothing in life that an AU Reylo story can’t fix. I’m currently trying to figure out how to recommend this to all of my friends without coming across as absolutely obsessed (even though I am).
Than you so much to Netgalley and Forever Publishing for the opportunity to read this book ahead of release.

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.