Not Another Love Song is a sweet, humorous and spicy romance between two musical prodigies who don't believe in themselves but begin to realize their potentials when they begin to believe in each other while finding sweet harmony amongst their clashing worlds (he is a boy band classical music star and she is a wall flower orchestra member). She has humble beginnings and he comes from a well-to-do family, but these opposites attract and they mend a rift in those closest to them that they didn't realize existed. I was fascinated by the orchestra life and music! I even looked up online to listen to some of the unconventional weddings songs that were listed, and I was amazed at how gorgeous they were in a classical arrangement. All of the details like this, really added to my enjoyment of the story.

Fun writing, but maybe not the healthiest portrayal of romance? Really wanted to love it. Won’t be a reread for me.

This is the first book I’ve read by this author but certainly won’t be the last! The tension between Gwen & Alex/Xander was so delicious it kept me turning the pages. Then when they finally realize that they have more in common than they thought - whoa the chemistry just ignited!
Solid 5 stars for this beautifully composed masterpiece!

Not another love song follows Gwen as she finds herself in her music while of course falling in love. It starts off very humorous as she shows up to play at a wedding and has to change instruments at the last minute. She makes it through, having to play for one of her coworkers she’s a huge fan of., Xander. Some things are expected like him helping her gain confidence and broaden her music. Other things are unexpected like finding out how their pasts and futures come together.

I absolutely loved this book. I will admit I don’t play any instruments and I’m not musical, but the world the author created was very interesting to me. I don’t know if it’s accurate or not, but I thought the emotion and anxiety surrounding whether the FMC should take a chance was very well done. I live every day with imposter syndrome so I can really relate to her not always having the confidence. I’m never big on the third act break up but I understand it’s such a staple and I didn’t completely hate it. I will definitely be looking at more of her books!

A gorgeously written and unique romance! I will definitely keep an eye out for the next Julie Soto book!

Absolutely phenomenal character development through the tension and I loved how music was a central theme from start to finish

This book was absolutely unputdownable! I usually listen to the audio versions of books, so sitting to read a text edition for hours just isn’t a thing for me very often. I was totally drawn in and immersed in the world of Gwen & Xander. Soto’s descriptions of the orchestra transported me back to my youth as a student cellist, with the addition of a spicy storyline unlike anything I experienced. I was there refreshing my audio library on publication day to relive the story again (and again) with narration. This has become a book I return to for a re-listen, not unlike my favorite romcom movies!

Julie Soto has done it again! This was one of my favorite romances this year. Gwen and Xander's love story was angsty and captivating. Soto beautifully intertwines music while making the reader fall in love with Gwen and Xander. I can't wait for Soto's next book!

Oh this book!! I read this one before reading Forget Me Not by the author, and immediately went out to get that one after finishing. There are a lot of musical terms, so that might throw you off of you don't play an instrument. It's spicy without feeling like that takes over the story. Julie Soto has become a go to for me.

I love rivals to lovers almost as much as I love NYC, so I knew this book would be a winner for me. And in true Julie Soto fashion, she didn’t let me down.

I loved FORGET ME NOT and couldn’t wait to dive into Alex (Xander) and Gwen’s story. Alex was a grump on the outside but really such a soft boy at heart who fell so hard for Gwen. Gwen was understandably guarded and I loved watching her journey of self-discovery. This book made orchestra sexy and romantic. The author utilized music as a love language between the MCs, and I was here for it. I’d never read a romance with musicians before and would love to see more of it!

If you liked FORGET ME NOT, you’ll definitely want to pick up NOT ANOTHER LOVE SONG.

I loved this book. The main character was relatable and didnt get on my nerves. I do like book 1 a little bit more but the music references really made this one.

I read Julie’s first book, Forget Me Not and loved it so requesting her second book was a no brainer! It was different as I did her first book as an audiobook and not a physical/online one. I really enjoyed the banter of Gwen and Xander and their chemistry was amazing! The spice was great, wished there was more… ;) I was so lucky to have found this book in Barnes and Noble and it was signed too!!! I loved being able to read Not Another Love Song on Netgalley early and look forward to her next book!

This was a beautiful story about love, family, and music. I thought the premise was unique, and unlike anything I have read. I appreciated the romance pace, and I always love a romance that speaks to experiences beyond the relationship. I thought this story really highlighted the power of family (especially found family/chosen family). Overall, I really enjoyed this book and recommended it to multiple people in my life.

Such a lovely story. So well written. The words just flowed and I didn’t want the book to end. I thoroughly enjoy Julie’s writing style. It was romantic but not full of smut, if you will. I love how she incorporated characters from her first romance novel into this story. It made things comfortable and familiar for me. It also made me happy because I didn’t want Forget Me Not to end and alas here the characters were written into her second book.

Can’t wait for another Julie Soto romance novel!

Loved this second book from Julie Soto so much. Her characters are so real? and stick with you: The spice level is perfect. I love the banter between characters. Love love love this book!

I’m so mad at myself for taking forever to finally read Not Another Love Song by Julie Soto because, wow, this book absolutely blew me away! The chemistry between Gwen and Alex was off the charts, both musically and romantically, and every time their connection was described through music, it was overwhelming in the best way. It honestly felt like I was intruding on something deeply personal, and I loved that. The way Alex was just so enamored by Gwen had goosebumps showing up all over my body—you could feel through the pages that he had to have her, and no one else would ever do it for him. Soto captured that raw, intimate closeness perfectly, and it made for such an intense, unforgettable reading experience. This is definitely a book that’s going to stick with me for a long time.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Other: 💕🎶💄🎻🥞
Genre: Contemporary Romance
POV: Dual (the male POV is very minimal)

Julie Soto is nothing short of amazing. I read that this was actually her first book and Forget Me Not (despite being published first) was actually written after this one. I loved them both but this made sense to me as I personally felt like this one had just that little bit more heart. I was just smiling the entire read - wonderful. I need more from here - and like NOW!

There was a lot of music in this novel. I'm not a classical buff but it did not bother me at all. It is lovely to dip into their passions and watch as it helped to unfold their relationship. Gwen's friends were one of my favorite parts. It was so lovely to see her found family surrounding her with everything she needs and always supporting even when they didn't agree. And of course I loved seeing Ama and Elliot again. I will be looking for more in her next book - which I'll read the day it comes out. Soto is pre-order for life.

A story about two musical prodigies with interconnecting mentors who have strained histories. Their passion for music quickly turns into passion for each other. They must navigate through history to become the best they can for their selves and for each other.

Ever finish reading a book and then immediately want to re-read it again? This is IT! Obsessed is the word. I felt the tension between Xander and Gwen like the strings on their instruments. The chemistry was *chefs kiss*. The musical references divine. I could practically imagine being in Carnegie hall hearing the concert in full.

Well done Julie and thank you for the ARC! Can’t wait for the next book.

This was enjoyable but not as much as Soto's first book. The end felt a little rushed for me and I really wanted the people that deserved it to pay more for their actions. The chemistry between Gwen and Alex/Xander was undeniable. I was rooting for them the whole time because they were really perfect together. I once again did this listening to the audio and reading it and I did at times struggle with the narrator. All in all a solid reading experience with some minor flaws in my opinion. I look forward to more of Julie's writing.