"Look, I don't know what you want from em, but—"
"Anything." Black eyes look down on her, and he took a shaking breath. "Everything."

The LONGING in Not Another Love Song by Julie Soto was EVERYTHING.

I love a celebrity romance and this one is a bit unconventional because they are famous classical musicians.
Gwen is a hugely talented violinist who really wants to break out but feels more comfortable playing in the background. She's given the opportunity to be first chair in her POPs orchestra. This should be her dream come true until she meets Xander, a classically trained celloist turned cello rock star.
Gwen has idolized Xander since she picked up a violin. There are so many strings tying them together, including a mutual mentor. Xander is immediately smitten by Gwen and her talent. These two have incredible chemistry and the barely try to fight it. This book is hot but I love that it so full of longing.

The main conflict comes because of how hyper focused on their careers instead of what is right for their craft. Gwen and Xander (Alex) see each other for who they really are and it pushes them a part for a little bit because... artist egos, right?

Great book lots of depth. I'm looking forward to when this one comes out in July. Thank you to Forever and Netgalley for an eARC of Not Another Love Song by Julie Soto in exchange for my honest review. I honestly really liked it.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for early access to Not Another Love Song.

4.5 stars! I really enjoyed Julie Soto's first novel, Forget Me Not, and was thrilled to receive an early copy of her next novel. Believe me I squealed! This story did not disappoint with the plot, the steam, and teaching me more about orchestras and music composition. Gwen plays violin in the Manhattan Pops Orchestra, while Alex (also called Xander) plays the cello. They start with a bit of enemies to lovers tension as Gwen believes Alex doesn't take his role seriously, showing up to rehearsal late, being rude to others, things like that. Things change as they start to spend time together, especially writing music together (phew the cello scene). Each of them is navigating their own dreams and growth but doing it together puts all the pieces in the right places. I flew through this story and loved it so much. I already miss Alex and Gwen but am excited to see what this author puts out next.

~4.5~

Gwen is a prodigy violinist who wants to make a living and play her violin for everyone around her. She meets Xander Thorne, lead of Thorne and Roses, and there are sparks, but not the positive kind. Gwen is promoted to first chair and at the same time, can't seem to escape Xander, his gaze, his music.

I can definitely say I enjoyed it more than book one. Maybe I liked the rivals (ish) to lovers better than the second chance, but I just had more fun with this one.

I don't exactly know of this was based off of someone from AO3, but I'm choosing not to think about who. I loved this honesty, as someone who's played music, it's kind of fun to read about people so passionate about it. The third act breakup made me scream tho, I did not vibe with that, but I guess it was necessary for the plot...


Thank you Netgalley and publisher for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!

This is the first book I read by the author and over all it was a good read. I loved the premise of the story of two musical prodigies. The beginning of the story really drew me in with the first interaction of the main character and the musical components but as the story continued I felt it dragged and I lost the emotions I felt from the start of the story. I wish there was more time to see the romance between the two characters develop on a deeper level it felt rushed with the “I love you’s”. They did speak on a deeper level there was so much that they didn’t know about each other l. Their chemistry and romance started to feel forced and less organic or unrelatistic/unnatural in a way. I also wish their was more resolution of the trauma that both characters experience with their family dynamics

I absolutely LOVE Julie Soto! Her books are beautifully paced, perfectly angsty and so dang good. I completely devoured this book in 24 hours and will do it again on release day!! Gwen and Alex were easy to love as was their love story. And the cover!!!!!! IYKYK

Thank you! Thank you for this ARC! What an absolute treat!

If I had known that the orchestra could be this sexy, I wouldn't have given up the violin in the 9th grade.

Soto's writing works for me perfectly. I couldn't wait to get my hands on this story, and OMG, this book made me feel so many things. SO MANY THINGS!! The cello scene might be my new Roman Empire. The banter, the humor, the tenderness, the angst. Chef's kiss! The tension between Gwen + Xander was palpable. I am still thinking about them months later. I adore Soto's characters - even the unlikeable ones - and this one has many. The side characters were fantastic and added so much to the atmosphere. Fans of Forget Me Not might recognize a few cameos.

Soto knows how to make violins sexy. Seriously though, her use of music as a communication device is masterful. Despite the symphony playing a major role in the plot, it never felt weighed down by the music. I knew a lot of the terminology, and the rest I looked up because I am a nerd like that. I learned a lot reading this. However, you don't need to do this. The story makes perfect sense, even if you don't know what allegro means.

Not Another Love Song by Julie Soto is one of the best contemporary romances of the year - I don't see anything changing that for me. I already plan to listen to this as soon as I get my hands on the audio!!

Thank you to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Not Another Love Song by Julie Soto is a romance about two string players that are in competition with each other, but ending up falling for each other. I really enjoyed both the musical and the romance aspects of this story. Definitely recommend. Thanks to NetGalley for the free digital review copy. All opinions are my own.

Thank you to Netgalley and Julie Soto for a free e-ARC of this book.

I finished Not Another Love Song in one continuous, wonderful sitting. I read Julie Soto's first book and was so excited to receive an e-ARC of this book because of the premise and the author. WOW, WOW, WOW. This book is even better than the last and it seriously made me a fan of classical music and I could not help but put myself into the scenes she painted in this book. I loved the romance and the interactions between the characters. This was seriously one of my favorite romance reads of the year. Five easy stars and I cannot wait for her next book!

My goodness, I had so much fun with this book. I really enjoyed Julie Soto's first book so when she announced her musician rivals to lovers romance I was immediately in. Gwen and Alex have phenomenal chemistry and there is so much tension! I really don't know a lot about being a musician but really enjoyed everything related to that part of the story. I can't wait to read whatever Julie has in store for us next.

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Julie Soto is easily emerging as a new autoread author for me. It’s rare that a sophomore title lives up to how much I loved her debut, Forget Me Not, but this one absolutely did. From the beginning I was pulled in by the chemistry between Xander and Gwen and I loved seeing their story develop. The set up of an enemies to lovers, workplace romance taking place in an orchestra was great. And I loved the format with occasional glimpses from Xander’s POV at pivotal moments in the story.

Content flags: Parental death from cancer

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

This had me at the words "Reylo". Ever since the Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood, if you tell me something was inspired/was reylo fanfiction, I will probably get my hands on it and devour it.
Not Another Love Song was a fantastic read--in short about, Gwen, a violinist just trying to make a living in NYC, who gets thrown into a dance of back-and-forth banter and tension with Xander Thorne, fellow orchestra member and member of her favorite band.
This book had me right from the very first page, it was so hard to put down. It was an easy and fun read, that had me laughing throughout and had me entranced the entire time. The love for music and the writing had me practically hearing every note the characters played, and the rivals to lovers' story was executed perfectly.

I am absolutely OBSESSED with Julie Soto!! I didn't know if she could put out another book as much as I loved Forget Me Not (because I love that book A LOT!) and she absolutely delivered with this one. I feel the need to learn how to play a musical instrument now or attend an orchestra because wow she really transported me. Loved this romance, loved the writing, loved this story! Absolute 5 stars from me!

4.5 Stars

This book is so much more than a love song. It is a deeply intimate journey into the world of classical music from two different perspectives with the added complexity of an undeniable attraction.

Gwen Jackson is a self-taught violinist in the beginning stages of her professional career with the Manhattan Pops. Xander Thorne is a larger-than-life rockstar cellist who barely notices Gwen while playing in the same orchestra until she is given an opportunity that he thought was his. Xander quickly realizes that Gwen has the skills to surpass him while also realizing that she may be the only person who sees him for who he really is.

Their histories are more intertwined than they realize and soon their competition becomes more of a collaborative endeavor that leads to an intense passion. That cello scene will live rent free in my head for a long time.

The music created an even more intense level of emotion for me. My heart still aches thinking about the scenes where they play together. I will forever associate certain songs with this book from now on.

These two burn so brightly that a crash is inevitable, especially with outside forces at work. The conflict wrapped up a little quickly for me and I think the entire third act would have benefited from more chapters in Xander’s POV, but this was an amazing read.

I really enjoyed seeing Ama and Elliott in this story and hope we see more of all the characters in the next book.

I was excited for the opportunity to read this because I really enjoyed Forget Me Not and love interconnected standalones.

Gwen Jackson is a violinist with the Pops Orchestra, though her path there was unconventional. At 22, she is very naive, despite her mentor, Mabel, trying to encourage her to be careful. To make ends meet, Gwen pairs up with her friend, Jacob, to play music at a wedding. A miscommunication about the instruments requested, Xander Thorne provides his cello for Gwen to use. She had to dig deep into her memory bank to play the cello. While performing, Xander Thorne critiques Gwen and she gets upset because they're both members of the Pops and he didn't even recognize her!

Xander Thorne belongs to a popular band and plays the cello. For all appearances, Xander seems cocky and stuck up. After meeting Gwen and then realizing she is also part of the Pops, Xander can't seem to get the melody out of his head. They start on a journey to get to know one another, but with both of their lives being so different, will they ever end up together or remain apart?

4 out of 5 stars.

Forget Me Not is one of my favorite books of all time and I thought that I would never like any of Julie's books more. This book came damn near closer than I ever thought possible. Like hot musicians with sexual tension that is hotter than fire?? Are you kidding me?? A slay, for sure.

I knew I would love this book and was saving it for the right time. Julie has a way of writing that keeps you engaged the whole time. I read this in one sitting. I loved how Alex and Gwen’s musical training was so different and yet they collaborated and fell in love so beautifully. The subplot with the whole publicity stunt with Nathan and Ava had me tuned in because the tea WAS HOT! In Julie Soto we trust!!

i loved loved loved this book this book. from the music scenes to the arguments, i was ENTERTAINED. i literally wrote in my first goodreads review ‘♾️ ✨
I LOVE THIS BOOK. LIKE SERIOUSLY ITS SO GOOD WHAT THE HECK’

this is my first Julie Soto book and now i know i understand. her writing is so enthralling that i didn’t notice that this book was in 3rd person the entire time.

thank you for making me regret not joining an orchestra (this could have been my story:( )

Gwen is officially part of my top fmcs because the way i was just in awe of her the entire time needs to be studied. she could literally do not wrong to me.

I really enjoyed this! I think Julie Soto may be an auto buy author after these first two books she’s put out. I loved the tension around the dislike for one another but also how much it made sense, them coming together in the end. Great book! 4.5 ⭐️s

4.5 ⭑ so unique + so, so hot!!

this was such a good book!! I love julie soto’s writing, and this felt so inventive for the romance genre. we get the typical boy meets girl, they fall in love, etc., but instead of this being a love story told by sweet nothings, this was a love story told by music.

alex and gwen felt everything and spoke everything through the music they wrote, played, and performed. their love was also described in a musical way that gave this book such an elegance that I don’t think I’ve ever seen before. even the spicy scenes were impacted by music, and it was everything!!! the tension that unfolds in these pages is felt by every character in this book because of how creative and musically gifted these two are.

I highly, highly recommend this book!!! reylo vibes are always hot, but alex makes it even hotter.

4.5 stars
My first NetGalley book! I downloaded this book after I finished my first Julie Soto book, Forget Me Not (fantastic read by the way), and I completely forgot about the book until this last week. I remembered I had the book and devoured it in just a couple of days. I would have finished it in one evening if I didn't have a 9-5. The dedication had me in tears "For mom, who wouldn't let me play violin. Good call."

This book was the perfect amount of enemies to lovers. I loved the banter that Gwen, Alex, and Xander Thorne had, it was well-written and was not cheesy or over the top. There is a balance that you have to maintain that the main characters don't just turn into bitter and annoying a**holes. The storyline follows Gwen as she navigates her time as a musician in New York specifically with the Manhattan Pops orchestra that plays at Carnegie Hall. Xander Thorne is an arrogant and grumpy cello player who has a problem with Gwen becoming the first chair of the orchestra at such a young age.
"But bragging to Alex Fitzgerald about playing the violin was like bragging to Jesus Christ about walking in waves on a beach."

Without giving away too much, I think the end of the book could have been dragged out. The ending felt almost rushed compared to the build-up of the enemies to lovers. The beginning of the book had me kicking my feet and giggling like a schoolgirl. (At the end of the book Julie Soto mentioned that the development of this story started on A03 which makes so much sense LOL.) I loved the story and would 100% read it again. I was a Julie Soto fan after her first book but now I know that I am so convinced.