This is not a love song...

Anti-love songs are always better (Numb, Creep). Gwen is a true musical prodigy. Truly. She's measured and intuitive. At first, I was confused, cuz she was supposed to be sixteen, then later, she was an adult in the first chapter. Once I got past that, I was very engrossed. Alex, aka Xander, is a tall, hot, cello player. Gwen already sort of knows him, as she plays violin in the Manhattan pops with him. He notices her at a wedding he is in and she has to play cello on the fly.

Gwen lives in her head with music and her best friend, Jacob.
Xander is in a string quartet that's sort of popular as well as in the Manhattan pops with Gwen.
I really liked that Gwen got first chair. I would have stopped reading if they gave it to Xander, who is arrogant and kind of a jerk. Everything comes easy for him, whereas, Gwen has to work for everything. Turns out, this is a love song, after all.
Recommend.

Some novels are pretty perfect, right down to the cover, and Julie Soto’s Not Another Love Song is one of those novels. Honestly, I could write a novel-length review detailing everything I liked about this book. But I will try to be as concise as possible.

Gwen Jackson is on the cusp of everything she’s dreamed of in her career as a self-taught violinist when she’s offered first chair in the Manhattan Pops orchestra. The only person standing in her way is Xander Thorne, the broody cellist and rockstar who also wanted the job. She’s noticed him for years, but he’s never seen her. Until now. Thrown into each other’s orbits, the music they create together surpasses their shared animosity. And the more time they spend together, the thinner the line between love and hate becomes.

From the beginning of the text, the energy between Gwen and Alex (Xander’s real name) is electric. In the author’s note, Soto writes about how these characters were born from Reylo fanfic. And this book is a fantastic example of how impactful the world of fanfiction can be, and why it shouldn’t ever be denigrated as an art form or seen as “less than.” Had I not known that this text was Reylo-inspired, I might not even have made the connection, even though there are certainly shared tropes.

“[He] realized that if she ever got out of her head long enough to play violin like that… [t]he rest of his life would be spent chasing her, trying to catch up.”

Not Another Love Song skillfully utilizes third-person dual POV throughout the narrative, though Alex’s perspective is seen much less and his chapters tend to be shorter than Gwen’s. This helps create a little mystery as to what he’s thinking and how he’s feeling which is effective for the story as a whole.

And, oh my goodness, the cello scene is going to live rent-free in my brain forever. I want to send the author a thank you note just for that, because, YES.

This book will be making my top 2024 reads list this year.

A solid sophomore work, even if it was originally written first and reworked from Reylo fanfic. This wasn't quite the rivals to lovers plot that I anticipated, but I still thoroughly enjoyed the story and its characters. While I would have preferred for the presentation to be more balanced between Gwen and Xander's perspectives, I liked how his fleeting chapters are scattered throughout the book and emerge at pivotal moments, providing insight into why she has such a huge effect on him and subsequently turned his world upside down. Although there are many satisfying steamy moments, the scenes that feature Gwen and Xander collaborating musically are perhaps even hotter and speak to their undeniable connection. My favorite feature here is the peek into the minds of musical prodigies as well as the complicated inner workings of orchestras, even if the plot beats aren't always realistic. The conflict in the third act is a little silly with the villains fairly obvious early on, yet for the most part I found this to be a worthwhile read and am curious to see what creative field Soto highlights next.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy. This book had potential. I loved the music and Carnegie Hall setting. At times, I liked Gwen and, at other times, I wanted to scream at her to grow a backbone. Xander/Alex was kind of an a-hole. I guess there were reasons for it and he redeemed himself in the end, but he was so rude throughout much of the book that it was hard to root for them as a couple. Overall, I think I would recommend this to music lovers and folks who don't mind somewhat annoying/unlikable main characters.

This had its moments when it was really good and then wham it brought up a subject that just took me out of the story. I did push through those moments and finished the story.

Ugh, so good. Can't get it out of my head.

I didn't love Julie Soto's debut novel Forget Me Not last summer, so I was hesitant to read this one, but how wrong I was! I devoured this one and a week after finishing, am still thinking about Alex and Gwen.

The chemistry between Alex and Gwen is out of this world and I loved watching their relationship develop. Alex is a complex character and I was fascinated by his story. I wish we could have gotten a little more into that.

I also loved the symphony setting, which I thought was really unique and so different from anything else I've read. Apparently this is fanfiction of Kylo Ren and Rey, which I definitely would never have picked up on if I hadn't read the author's note at the beginning. I know nothing about their story so knowing (or not knowing) that didn't have any effect on my enjoyment.

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever for the ARC. My review is honest and voluntary.

This was my first Julie Soto book and if they’re all as good as this one, she’s going to make my auto-buy list for sure.
I was hooked from the beginning, and the best thing about this book was the off-the-chart tension and pining. The sexual tension between them was delicious and the way Soto uses music to amplify their emotions, the way music and feelings echo each other was incredibly hot and realistic at the same time.
While the heroine’s decisions are sometimes overly naive, she IS young and uncertain about what she wants in life. I liked that they both meet halfway in the end, that if she wants to sulk because she had a fight with a friend, he’s not pushing her to tell him every inner thought she has. Even the third-act break-up was not as annoying as they usually are. Yes, Alex is broody and bossy, but if you don’t like that kind of male character, then I really don’t know why you picked up this book in the first place.

🎵 NYC set—very specifically in the NYC music scene
🥵 Slow burnnnn
🌶️🌶️🌶️ Spice
🌟 Reylo fanfic-vibes
🎵 Tall, dark-haired, broody love interest
🎵 Talented main character
🎶 Lots of music-speak that made sense to me, who knows nothing about music
☀️ Grumpy/sunshine, probably?

I really enjoyed this book. The stakes felt high, the writing was quick, the spice was spicy, and the setting was fun. I flew through it, and absolutely recommend it.

Thank you to Netgalley and Julie Soto for the ARC!

Y'all this book ATE.

I love when an author is able to transport me into the story and Julie absolutely delivered on that end. I loved how unique the premise was and I immediately must go to watch my city's orchestra!!

The tension in this book was immaculate. I felt that the constant tie to music through prose was fantastic. Julie has such a way with words and it perfectly flowed throughout the novel!!! I was SO PUMPED that there were little chapters that gave insight to Alex's character and POV. Julie did that perfectly while still having Gwen's perspective as the main driving point in the book.

I LOVE ALEX!!! Please I NEED HIM. I loved the juxtaposition between his professional aura as Xander vs his little nerdy self as Alex. The spicy scenes were SPICING. There was a scene with a cello and I SCREAMED.

This book truly is just so much fun!!! There's drama, FANTASTIC SPICE, lovely musical moments, and amazing found family.

Just so so GOOD!!! Thank you Forever, Julie Soto, and Netgalley for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

I like Julie Soto's books a lot but they all suffer from a little too much plot. I'm glad that it's not just vibes but I wouldn't mind dialing back one or two subplots in favor of a little more character development. I have high hopes for her upcoming trilogy, but Xander/Alex of NOT ANOTHER LOVE SONG does suffer from too much Ben Solo-itis (again, not surprising).

Thank you to Forever Publishing and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I was quite literally in a chokehold from start to finish. Giggling, clutching my chest, kicking my feet, and squealing every single page. The tension between the two MCs was so magnetic I was unable to do anything else but consume this book.

I feel like I highlighted the entire book, but what’s new? I’ll have more to say tomorrow but today… this is as good of a review as it gets.

This comes out in 11 days (7/16), and read it the moment you’re able to!!!

CW: sexual content, gaslighting, toxic relationship

That. CELLO. Scene.
Overall, this book was fun. It had hot bits, angsty bits, and sweet bits throughout.

Unfortunately, I didn't think the pressure and passion of the music world translate to the relationship between Alex and Gwen. It was surface level, insta love. Maybe we should just believe the music and fate brought them together and that's enough.

The villians in the story were a bit of a caricature, but there was enough there to still have fun.

There is nothing that cures a slump quite like a book that meets all your comfort read checkboxes. Not Another Love Song is an absolute JOY of a romance novel. There was some addictive quality to this love story that had me waking up & reading at 3 AM.

If there is one thing about me, it’s that if you tell me a leading man is adam driver coded in any way, shape, or form—the credit card is out and ready. ALEX. MY SWEET BLUSHING BABY BOY. WAS PERFECT. LITERALLY HAD ME GIGGLING, BLUSHING, KICKING MY FEET. & Gwen was such a wonderful fmc who was humble & talented & deserving of love. & the music element of it???? The romance of it all???? My heart was PALPITATING. The tension that it created was so unique & executed with such precision, I was ENTHRALLED. I’m so thankful for Julie Soto becoming a published author & getting the love & praise that she 100% deserves.

This is an easy 5 star read for me. I haven’t had a new book that made me this feral in a MINUTE. God bless the reylos 🫡✨

Thank you so much to NetGalley & to Berkley Publishing for the opportunity to read this arc!

This might be the most passionate romance I’ve ever read. The tension built through the music alone was just incredible! The cover speaks volumes.

I loved these characters. Gwen and Xander are both gifted string musicians, but each had a very different path in obtaining a seat at Pops Orchestra. Xander was certainly a mystery at first with his unrelenting criticism towards Gwen, which only escalates when Gwen is offered first chair.

But the rivalry doesn't last long! And I don't mean that as a critique. Xander falls so endearingly, unequivocally hard. I loved the pure respect and sensuality surrounding their performances together. It was so edgy and beautiful.

Beyond the romance, I also enjoyed the details behind their careers as a cellist and violinist. The pressure, the commitment, the competitiveness, the manipulative forces attempting to shape their decisions—it all added some really fun drama to the story!

Gwen is a violin prodigy who is entering her fourth season with the Pops Orchestra. Xander Thorne is a bonafide rockstar cellist, whom Gwen is obsessed with. She's confused when he seemingly randomly joins the Pops Orchestra, but when she's offered first chair when the great Ava Fitzgerald decides to retire, many long hidden secrets emerge. Gwen also learns that she has a magnetic pull with Xander, especially when it comes to making music with him. Will they be able to stay together when secrets are revealed?

I would have rather read this NOT knowing it was yet another Reylo fanfic originally but I was a big fan of Julie Soto's debut novel and I enjoyed this one once I was able to push that bit of knowledge out of my head!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

I adored this book. If I could give it ten stars, I would. Julie Soto did such a great job with the character development through the dual POV. Even though the story was primarily told by Gwen, Xander was sprinkled in throughout the novel. There were also great plot twists throughout the book that I didn't see coming.

Even though I don't have much knowledge about music or instruments, Julie wrote this book so that it was still easy to understand. This was my first book I have read about classical musicians and it makes me wonder why there are not more. Music is a love language in itself, and it makes sense that it would make a book so beautiful.

There was the perfect amount of spice and romance for me and it had a beautiful ending. I finished this book weeks ago and it is still on my mind. I will definitely be pre-ordering this novel and you should too!

Will post on my blog, chapterswithchan.com and Instagram on Pubday!

Gwen is a 22 year old violinist, tutored from the age of 11 at a Queens music shop, and in the running for first chair at a NYC pop orchestra. Alex/Xander has performed since he was 3 and now a cellist in a famous string rock band, and also vying for first chair. They meet at his friend's wedding where Gwen has subbed last minute and requested to play cello, having to translate the violin music on the spot. Alex is drawn to her, recognizing raw talent and becomes fixed on seeing what Gwen can do, how far she can progress if she can just break out of her shell.

You can expect:
Grumpy-Sunshine
Rivals to Lovers
Rock Star Romance
Workplace Romance
Music as a Love Language
He Falls First
She is his Muse
Found Family
NYC music scene
Mid-20s MCs
Dual, 3rd Person POV

I love fantasy books that include music as an element of magic, and while this isn't a fantasy, the music is definitely magical. The author's note says she imagined Reylo but with bows instead of light sabers, and I love that take on the prodigy rivals to lovers dynamic So many Reylo fanfics are being published now, and I have to say this is my favorite.

This is written mostly from Gwen's perspective, but we get some chapters sprinkled in from Alex's POV, which was a nice touch.

I read Forget Me Not right before this, and so glad that this ARC finally pushed it to the top. I loved both so much. NALS is a follow up stand alone, and while it is not necessary to read FMN first, Xander does show up and there are some characters cameos here that are fun to see. I hope that there is a third book, and suspect that it will follow the photographer.

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever books for providing an eARC for my honest opinion.

I really enjoyed the story and getting little glimpses of Julie’s previous characters. I really enjoyed the different story line of the orchestra/classical music piece but I had to do some refreshers on the terminology.

3.75 ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

Thank you to NetGalley, Forever, and Julie Soto for this ARC! I truly enjoyed this book! It took awhile for me to warm up to Alex, but I actually love him by the end. He was such a sour patch kid. At first, he was so sour and just said rude one-liners. Once he started to open up, it was beautiful. He was so passionate about his love for Gwen and was so in awe of her. It was actually so adorable.

Gwen was so frustrating at some points but she came around in the end. She just always wanted to see the best in people when the red flags were all there. I admired her for being so nice to people when they did not deserve it. I loved reading about her relationship with Mabel and her friendship with Jacob. It was really sweet to see how things turned out in the end for them.

This is spicier than my preference but WOW. I could sense the tension and the passion in those aspects of the book. I will definitely be reading from Julie Soto again. 💙

4.5/5 rounded up

OMG this was exactly the book I needed to get me out of my reading slump. It had everything I look for in a romance. A perfect trope (which enemies to lovers is one of my favorites), spicy scenes, likable MCs and just a storyline that keeps me on the edge of my seat.

I don’t know if this book would be for everyone but I’ve seen the New York Pops perform a couple of times and I just imagined myself sitting in Carnegie Hall, watching this story play out as I read it. I think having had that experience I was like this is such a great idea for a book! I have also read a little fanfiction here and there which I enjoy but I never felt like this read like a fanfic so I appreciated that as well.

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for an ARC of this book in exchange of my honest review.