⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫(4.25)

Gwen Jackson and Xander Thorne, musical prodigies from contrasting backgrounds, find their paths intertwined at the Pops Orchestra. After a mortifying encounter, Gwen is offered the coveted First Chair, intensifying their rivalry. Despite the tension, their undeniable onstage chemistry blossoms into romance, risking everything when a publicity stunt threatens their fragile relationship.

This story was just as mesmerizing as the music they played. The intertwine of their racing chemistry and angsty musicality was palpable on every page. I don’t know what kind of magic Julie put in her writing, but I was spellbound by how all-consuming their melodic romance was. As a classically trained pianist, I spent most of my adolescence wanting nothing more than to live and breathe the exhilaration you get from embodying the music in performance. If Julie isn’t a musician, I don’t know how she mastered that electrifying feeling only musicians know.

My main qualms are with the explicit romance content sprinkled throughout the entire book, not only in the open-door chapters (of which there were so many I had to skip several). I know she was trying to bridge the intoxicating feelings from both music and emerging romance, but she could have produced the same quality of attraction without it.

Nonetheless, this is a uniquely captivating romance with extremely well-developed characters and a premise that has given me new expectations for the tension rivals-to-lovers stories should possess.

Thank you @readforeverpub @netgalley for the eARC 💙 #netgalley

Perfect for you if you like:
Intense chemistry and angsty dynamics
Music or unique workplace settings
Passionate & well developed characters + found family

Similar to:
On-Star Romance by Laura Hankin
Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood
Savor It by Tarah DeWitt

⛔️chapters 10, 16, 17, 19, 21 & 25 contain explicit romance scenes (open door)
⚠️explicit language, previous death of parent, strained relationship with parents, previous emotional child abuse

Not Another Love Song by Julie Soto is my first book by this author and I loved it and am so excited to read more! This was an enemies to lovers romance with two main characters who are the best at what they do in their profession and were vying for the same position. When one is selected over the other, where do they go from here?

Gwen is excited to be chosen even as Xander feels it should have been his. She is more reserved while Xander is arrogant and confident. They each have things they are working to overcome individually and the tension between them was everything. Their journey was slow burning and the music in the story was an additional captivating character as well. I loved this story so much and am excited to read more from this author in the future.

Happy reading!

This was a slow go for me. It took me awhile to get invested into the story. I know nothing about music and I think that is why I struggled. I did enjoy the tension between Gwen and Alex. Loved how it built. The cello scene was fantastic. Overall it was a good story. Also loved getting some previous characters. Always a bonus.

Thank you NetGalley, Forever (Grand Central Station) and Julie Soto for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Characters from Forget Me Not appear in this book but it’s not absolutely necessary to read that first although it was a great book.

This was such a unique book. The story telling was intertwined with the music being made/played. You couldn’t hear the music but the book did a great job explaining it and the emotions behind it.

I have zero music experience and I loved this however I think if you have music experience/knowledge you may like it even more.

The third act breakup and resolution was rushed for me but I enjoyed the Christmas resolution.

I loved Julie Soto’s previous book, Forget Me Not, so I couldn’t wait to read Not Another Love Song. I didn’t like this one quite as much, but I thought it was good overall, in between 3 and 4 stars. The musical scenes were described so vividly, I could almost hear it. It also gave a great depiction of NYC. I cannot wait for Julie’s next book.

Thank you Julie Soto and Forever Publishing for the opportunity to read this early.

Not Another Love Song was one of my most anticipated reads after loving Forget Me Not. This was definitely a different pace from the other book for sure. I had the opportunity to meet Julie who had mentioned to me that Not Another Love Song is adapted by her Reylo Fanfic she wrote= which I am not apart of the community (so I am learning).

I enjoyed this book but it is not my favorite- The first half of the book- was great- I loved the tension and the banter. And the way that Julie writes spice- so steamy, so sexy I am still in thinking about the Cello SCENE. I loved how she was able to tie in the characters from the last book (I thought that this was a separate book completely). What I struggled with was the connection- I couldn't connect with the two main characters. Both are essentially child prodigies- one has had formal training and the other training later in life. Alex (Xander) is recognized and Gwen is living under the shadows until she is given the opportunity to shine as "appointed" first chair (not earned). With her newly found popularity and she is having difficulty navigating who has her best interests at heart. Once the two main characters actually got together- It kind of fell a little flat for me- even the side plot involving Alex's Mom and Gwen's mentor (it was alluded multiple times but I was really waiting for the build up and it just was a miss for me).


Do I recommend it- Yes if you love spice, tension, and broody MMC.

4.75! Julie Soto does it again! I absolutely loved this book. I really liked the tension and chemistry between the two main characters. AND THE CELLO SCENE!?! The only reason this isn’t a five star for me is that I found how naïve the FMC was really irritating and the level of manipulation going on behind the scenes of literally her entire life. (I also think that this book would be better if you had any kind of understanding of classical music, which I do not. I didn’t factor that into my rating because it’s not anybody else’s fault that I don’t have an understanding of classical music.)

I had a good time with this story, but struggled to pick it up. I would have a good time while reading it, but didn't reach for it much mostly due to the pacing. I'm okay with slow burn and pining, those are some of my favorite aspects of romance books, but in this one it felt like we didn't get a view of that until 35-40% in which in my opinion is just too late. There was so much telling and not much showing of the outside factors leading up to it and what was supposed to be this underlying mystery element or drama just felt like a tease for so long. I think this story would've benefited from being written in first person POV so that we get some of Gwen and Alex's inner monologue to build the tension. If not a POV change, then maybe more interaction between Mabel and Ava.

Not Another Love Song is a sweet contemporary romance about two prodigious musicians who find each other. It was interesting to peek into the world of professional musicians at an elite level. The romance was rivals to lovers with a bit of a slow burn.

Obsessed with Gwen and Alex ! The tension in this book did not let me put it down ! I was obsessed with Forget me Not but Not Another Love Song is definitely my favorite ! Julie Sotos writing had me eating this up !

“𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘺’𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘬𝘦𝘦𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘩𝘪𝘥𝘥𝘦𝘯,” 𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘪𝘥. “𝘖𝘳𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘳𝘺. 𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘶𝘵.”

𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄:
What a sweet story! Alex and Gwen fully crept their way into my heart. Two people trying to find their place in the world; surrounded by people who told them where they belong instead of choosing that place for themselves. 

Gwen is a self taught violinist since she was 11 years old. Alex is a prodigy (mainly plays the cello) and in a rock band going on tour. Both have been playing in an Orchestra called the Manhattan Pops for two years. When Gwen is offered first chair (a position Alex has had his sights on) the hostility starts but this new found chemistry is too much to ignore.

I found myself rereading lines because I just wanted to savor these moments of them together. The tension had me screaming! Alex and his words had me completely swooning. If frustrated declarations is your thing and physical touch is your love language? He is your man. Big emotions but gentle and patient with his girl 🥹

The Cello scene aka OUR FRONT COVER…if you know; how are we doing? Bc im still thinking about it 😮‍💨 and if you don’t know..go find out right now 🤭

I LOVED the way the music really connected them to each other. I can’t imagine the emotion people have when they’re playing music but also playing it with someone you love. The way Julie wrote those scenes I felt like I was given a fraction and I ate it up!

The journey of choosing themselves, choosing their own path, and also choosing each other was beautiful.

🎻 Rivals to Lovers
🎻 He falls first and harder
🎻 Banter, Angst, Forced proximity
🎻 Musicians

Side note: It did take me about 15% of the beginning to find my momentum but once i did I was obsessed. Definitely will be picking up more from Miss Julie! I also now may be a 3rd person pov girlie finally 😅

If you’ve read this lmk, let’s discuss!

Thank you @readforeverpub and @netgalley for the arc! Glad I was able to love Alex and Gwen alittle extra early ♡︎

I will never stop thinking about this book. Over a week since I finished and I keep forgetting I’m done and think I have more time in this world. Gwen and Alex and two of the best characters I’ve read about. I don’t know how Julie Soto does this but I hope she’ll continue for years to come.

Julie Soto’s books fill me with serotonin. I am hydrated. I am confident. I am a better version of myself while reading them.

And Not Another Love Song?! The tension between Gwen, who skyrockets from seventh violin to first for the Manhattan Pops, and Xander, first chair cello and rockstar, is delicious. The way music is described is incredible, making the reader feel the way Gwen experiences music and the way they play together, even though we can’t actually hear it ourselves. The story is also about the paths of these two musical prodigies from upbringings that couldn’t be more different - one raised in and jaded by the industry, the other hopeful and desperate to make her place in it. I love them and their stories and my biggest regret is that I can’t see them play together in real life.

This book made me want to start playing the clarinet again. I want to go to the symphony. I want to listen to and play music and I want to fall in love with a cello player.

Thank you to Netgalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for this arc!!

Not Another Love Song by Julie Soto 💕
Standalone, same universe as Forget Me Not

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Adult • Romance
ARC Review
384 pages
🗓️ July 16th

🎻 rivals to lovers
🎼 workplace romance
🎻 close proximity
🎼 NYC setting
🎻 celebrity romance
🎼 childhood prodigies

📌“Look, I don’t know what you want from me, but—”
“Anything. Everything.”

📌 “It’s about a cello who fell in love with a violin.”

My oldest daughter cries hearing music. She dances and moves and laughs. But she also cries like she can’t hold those tears inside, like the feelings caused by certain songs need to be let out. She got that from me. I would apologize to her but I find beauty in it.

So, I’ve cried listening to music. Not because I was sad but because it was something beautiful and powerful. What I never had experienced before was crying while *listening* to music on paper. The way Julie Soto describes that Christmas concert solo… my body cried. I cried. My heart cried. It was absolutely beautiful and I’m so jealous of all of you who have yet to experience it. I would love nothing more than to feel it all for the first time again.

I’m also not a big fan of December in the city. I mean, Christmas in the city is special. But… something is usually missing. I agree with Julie and Gwen. It’s so cold already but no snow. It’s like the main guest is running late and we’re just there waiting, stuck on a very cold limbo.

And while, there are countless books set in NYC, few relate to my own personal experience. No, I’m not a musician trying to make it in the city. But the vibe of this book aligned so perfectly with my mid-20s, freshly arrived to the tri-state area, roaming the fanciest parts in town, daydreaming… or maybe pretending… imagining.

This is not another love song. This is a love letter to New York, to music, to love itself. To two beautiful souls who were just a little lost, a little misguided but with plenty of time to make things right.

I loved this for me.
I will love this for you as well.

I think I may be obsessed with men who play instruments now. I would have never expected a cellist and violinist to have some of the BEST tension and pining I have read this year.

The beginning of this one is a little heavy on musician speak for someone who doesn’t know anything technical about it, but it wasn’t hard to follow, and once we hit the 25% mark, I couldnt put this down. Xander and Gwen really hit their stride here, and you are all of a sudden hit with this intense chemistry and sexual tension, and it was just delicious.

I was noticeably giddy and aching for them to give into the pining. Xander really falls hard and does these little acts of service that just made me smile. There are quite a few scenes that will be living rent-free in my head, including a certain cello IYKYK.

I did get frustrated with them at times, but it made sense for the overall arch of their story, and I was invested, I thought Julie did a phenomenal job of making you root for these two. I think the side characters and found family woven in should really be highlighted, too, because I absolutely fell for Jacob, Declan, and Dom, and the cameos of her characters from Forget Me Not were perfect.

Tropes:
- slow burn
- rivals to lovers
- forced proximity/ workplace
- tension & pining
- NYC setting
- found family
- musical prodigies
- he falls first

4.5 star | 2.5 spice

This book had me questioning why I was never in orchestra…I’m kidding but man Julie Soto makes you feel the music in this one. I do regret not reading Julie Soto’ first book beforehand because there are some cameos made! Gwen was such a good character with a good head on her shoulders. The decisions she made on her own were realistic and she definitely didn’t make me want to strangle her which is always a plus hahaha. The chemistry from Xander and Gwen is so real and you can feel it through the book. I didn’t even realize that it’s a reylo fan fic until I dug deeper haha. Which is good because if there’s one star wars character I can’t stand, it’s Kylo 😂

This beautifully written, musical story caught my attention and captured my heart.

Gwen plays violin for the Manhattan Pops, and she has been offered the role of first chair, the youngest first chair in their history. Xander Thorne plays cello in the Pops, and when the pair play together, they create musical magic. That chemistry translates into a physical relationship, and they begin to explore that attraction while composing new songs.

The sections describing their music were my favorite parts. The author shows so beautifully how music can be everything from a dark storm to an enchanting harmony as Gwen and Xander pour all of their emotions into their playing. She clearly knows her music terminology and her instruments, and the rush of perfectly playing a song, and these sections were just incredible. Throw in an insanely hot spicy scene with the music and I’m all in!

While I did enjoy the storyline, I felt like the pacing was a bit off at times, where I would fly through some sections and then took forever to read others. I grew frustrated with some of the actions of the characters, though on Gwen’s part that could just be her youth and inexperience showing.

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever for the arc. All opinions are my own.

There's something about Julie Soto's writing that sweeps you into a story. I truly don't think anyone can write angst like her, and as someone who infamously failed recorder and can't read a sheet of music to save their life, I was swept away in this novel.

We have Gwen who's fought for everything she has and uses music to survive and happens to love it, and Xander who has had music twisted into a weapon and become something he can not find the balance with. They both have that spark and find the other infuriating and captivating while navigating the NY Pop's Orchestra. Their banter was fun and engaging, but much like string music this whole story ebbed and flowed and swayed through the plot, I truly could not put it down.

I'm so happy to have read this. I've read reylo-inspired novels before but this rises above them all by creating my favorite new trope: old protégé vs new protégé. The craft in Julie Solo's world building is phenomenal. Layer by layer, the personal histories and grudges are revealed in a way that deepens the story.

Anyone who grew up in the 2010's will slip back easily into the Lindsey Sterling and Glee-powered era of mixing pop and classical music. I was fondly reminded of all the hours I spent watching youtube videos of The Piano Guys and Peter Hollens mash ups. A time when you used to send your favorite covers to your friends and compete to see who had 'discovered' the best talent.

Xander Thorne is the old protégé in this novel and he took the internet by storm with his cello covers of rock anthems. But when a self-taught violinist Gwen stumbles into his circle, she discovers his best kept secret: Xander is the heir of classical music royalty. Less of a secret - Xander is a total ass. He's late to everything and constantly critiques her playing. But when Gwen is offered the chance to play first chair instead of him, the rivalry officially begins.

Practicality would have you believe that they can't fall in love. But that's the thing about the incredibly gifted - they're the two people in the best position to understand the most important part of each other. Xander may be a bit of snob and Gwen may be a bit too trusting. But it also means that he pushes her to expect more from life, and she challenges him to give intimacy another chance. I also fan-casted her gay bestie immediately as Ncuti Gatwa.

The reviews were not kidding when they said there a Patrick Swayze moment like the cover teases. It goes from zero to ten real quick! But I loved the spice and very domestic relationship that follows. The finale is layered and a gratifying conclusion to several story lines. I definitely recommend picking this one up.

Only one question remains: Is Mabel meant to be Luke or Yoda?

Oh my goodness how I loved this! A musical rivals to lovers with AMAZING tension & chemistry, I loved the musical references throughout the story & the love for music was so evident in the characters & plot (as someone who’s been singing her whole life & also did chorus in school, my heart was happy 🩷)

Gwen & Xander’s interactions were filled with amazing banter & sexual tension, I was GIGGLING like a fool the whole time! And the cello scene??!! When the cover of the book clicked??!! My jaw was on the floor!! Like she really did that & I love her 🤭

I don’t normally like books in 3rd person POV’s but this was written so well & her witting is just truly so good. I was fully engaged & fully invested in this story!

Tropes:
- Musical rivals to lovers
- Forced proximity
- He falls first (& harder)
- Lots of tension, angst & mutual pining
- Dual POV (3rd person)

Final rating:
4.5 ⭐️
2.5 🌶️

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC, this is my honest review! ✨