My musician heart is so full after reading Not Another Love Song. A Reylo fic, turned traditional romance, focused on two overachieving musicians is precisely the book I needed. Throughout the story, I was obsessed with Gwen’s growth as a person and musician. Alex’s encouragement of Gwen was exactly what anyone should seek in a partner. Every element of the story worked so well together and I could not put the book down. The music, the character development, the spice…. Everything was perfect! I have already encouraged all of my friends to pick up a copy as soon as they can.

I’ve been reading Julie’s writing for a loooong time (iykyk). I was so excited to hear she received a traditional publishing contract and I can tell you, she has exceeded expectations continuously. I will always read her work and cannot wait to see what we get next!

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever Publishing for access to the eARC!

A really terrific follow up to her debut. Enemies to lovers at its finest with a healthy side of spice. I loved how ReyLo this was coded but it wasn’t overtly so. Really fun read!

I absolutely adored the musical aspects of this book. The cover is absolute perfection and that scene in the book is even better!!! This book had me totally hooked and I could not put it down. Really great message about finding your own path and not letting other's desires and perception of you define your happiness. I loved how straightforward Xander was! He was out spoken about his feelings and went after his girl. The miscommunication trope actually did feel necessary. Gwen and Xander are both flawed and scarred from difficult childhoods and it didn't go away overnight. There were a few things i didn't love. The last 1/4 of the book felt so rushed. I also would have like a few on page interactions between the two that wasn't about the music.

The writing in this is good, especially intertwining the musical terminology in Gwen and Alex's relationship. This is a compulsively readable book. That being said, it also feels deeply unserious. Take this line for example- “Her legs were full of air, the oxygen in her lungs slowly draining into her thighs”, what does this mean? or "The bride walked down the aisle to Elton John, and Gwen held Xander's gaze the entire time, neither of them needing anything but each other. When the ceremony began, Gwen's heart was pounding, and she couldn't catch her breath. She felt like she'd run miles. Or like she'd...well." ... was saying she was about to orgasm from nothing more than eye contact and playing music during a wedding precession necessary.

Anyway, I know that this is a Reylo inspired book, but inspired doesn't even feel like the right word. It is the exact story of Kylo Ren and Rey. Her parents are dead, his mom is famous and he's living in her shadow, the agent is Snoak, Mabel is Luke. I really believe that this book will be great for people who don't know Star Wars. But for me, it didn't veer enough from the original story to be meaningful. The nod at the end to Taylor Swift and re-recordings and "Alex's Version" was just the cherry on top for a fully pop culture inspired book.


Thank you to Netgalley and Forever Publishing for this eARC.

Oh my god this book was amazing! I read this so quickly because I couldn't put it down. I usually am not a big fan of third POV but in this case, I didn't mind. I loved the tension/chemistry between Gwen and Xander. I loved the character growth both of them go through and how they push each other to be the best versions of themselves. I love a good enemies to lovers and this book is it. Do yourself a favor and read this when it comes out because you will not be disappointed!

The problem with Reylo fic is that if you have parent characters, then I have no choice but to see them as Han and Leia. When they turn out to be terrible, I’m off the ride.

Endless thanks to NetGalley and Forever Publishing for the advanced copy of this book!

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

Ugh, I ADORED this book. I flew through it, and it was incredibly tough to put down. While the story is simple and the plot was rather predictable, the chemistry between Gwen and Alex is palpable, sweet, sensual, fueled by desire and fire, and all the more engrossing. I couldn't get enough of their chemistry - how they constantly push each other to do and be better, how they see the best in one another, how they are their truest selves when they're together. This was just such a beautiful story all around, and I loved every minute. It's an instant favourite romance of the year and I highly, highly recommend it.

This book is pure gold. Julie Soto’s best yet! I could not put down Alex and Gwen’s story. If you love romance with delicious tension, this is the book for you.

While I think the authors first book is still my favorite this was a great follow up. The classical music world was an amazing setting and the connection the two leads have was amazing. I really loved the ins and outs of the orchestra and all the other elements and their growing connection. I docked a star simply because I found the conflict very minor and easily resolved. The stakes of this book just weren’t that high for me. But a very enjoyable and engrossing read. Can’t wait for her next book!

I have always been a lover of the arts. I played lots of instruments (violin was my first!), sang, was in musicals, can’t dance to save my life but love to watch those who can - so the idea of a love story centered around musicians who play instruments like the violin and cello was speaking my language! I don’t think I realized how invested I was in these characters, until I finished reading and could finally take a real breath! Talk about tension!

Gwen is a mastermind on the violin. She is plays for the Manhattan Pops, and can’t believe when she lands first chair and has to stare at her cellist crush, Xander (frontliner for Xander and the Thornes). There is an energy between them - she thinks he hates her, but really all he wants is Gwen. Both Gwen and Xander go on a journey as they fall in love with each other, and themselves. Can they choose doing what’s right for them?

Not Another Love Song was beautifully written, and I devoured it in a day. It’s about found family, and love, and finding ourselves, and letting what moves you, move you.

Things to look forward to:
- Grumpy/Sunshine
- Enemies to lovers
- Spice
- Serious tension
- A strong desire to listen to Lindsey Stirling

Many thanks to Julie Soto, NetGalley, and Forever Publishing for the ARC!! Save the date for July 16, because you’ll want to read this immediately!

I really enjoyed this book. Julie Soto will become an auto-buy author for me in the future. As a former band member, I really loved the music aspect of this book and thought that it made love the book even more. I thought that Gwen and Alex were super sweet in choosing each other in the end and creating their own paths in music. I really enjoyed their rivalry and could feel the tension between them. I really enjoyed the development of their relationship.

Thank you for the chance to read this ARC!

Oh my goodness Julie Soto has made me want to start learning to play the violin or cello after reading this book. This was the perfect amount of spice and Julie can write! I was a little skeptical about a Star Wars fanfic, but this book did not disappoint. Alex is mighty fine. You need to add this to your TBR like yesterday. Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for this ARC. All opinions are my own.

Got the chance to get an early copy or this arc!!!!

I can’t even explain what Julie Sotos writing does to me. The connections she forms. The banter. The chemistry is beyond what anyone can say. She truly does her characters justice. She develops them into what we love and then reminds us what’s the meaning of it all. I’m obsessed as a fellow music nerd this book pulled at the strings of my heart.

Golly. This book is GOOD. The back stories are well developed and really help drive the plot forward. The attraction between the two is palpable and kept me turning pages long after I should have been asleep. And that CELLO SCENE.

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

🎻”There was a long held note that sounded so wrong, completely out of key, and Gwen was certain she’d played it wrong. And then he flipped the bow around his fingers, pulling against the strings again, and suddenly it fit back together. Like she’d been drifting off without him, and he’d found her.” 🎻

My oh my! This was my first book by Julie Soto and it certainly won’t be the last. This was a brilliant story that highlighted the careers of two orchestral musicians.

Alex/Xander had great character development, though I would say he became whipped so fast. But it flowed well with the story.

Gwen did seem to have a lot of unrealistic luck, mainly because she was young and talented. But then again, sometimes it can happen!

4.5/5⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️ (that cello scene😍)

I loved Julie’s writing style and I can’t wait to read more of her!
“Not Another Love Song” releases on July 16, 2024 and you’re not going to want to miss it!🎻

I loved this story. I love the characters, I love the vibe
I loved everything about it. This was great and the musical focus really brought things together.
4.5 Stars

This is hands down my favorite book of the year. Immediately after finishing it, I wanted to re-read it again (and I did). When the audiobook is released, I will absolutely be first in line for my 3rd read of this book!

I received an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I read Soto's debut romance book and adored it. Not another Love song was just *chefskiss* to me. You have to be patient, though, because Alexander did not impress at first.

Gwen Jackson is a violinist for the Manhattan Pops Orchestra and only 22, 23 years old. She's an orphan with no family left except her music tutor, Mabel. She was discovered by Ava Fitzgerald, 1st chair at the Pops, while playing for tips in the subway. Xander Thorne is a celloist for Thorne and Roses, a popular band. He's a groomsman at his friend's wedding where Gwen and her best friend and roommate are playing a duet, Jacob on piano and her on violin, only she's asked to play cello.

While I played piano for 8 years, some of the music technicalities were beyond me, but I just went with it. Gwen tries to fight her attraction to Alex. He may have initially been grumpy and mean, but his demeanor changed, and then, it was just like poetry or.. a love song. The obstacles in their relationship were related to career aspirations and goals.

I enjoyed seeing a little glimpse of Ama Torres from the 1st book. I liked the side characters, including Mei, Declan and Mabel. I highly recommend this book when it comes out July 16th.

TW for death of a parent from cancer.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing the ARC, and these are my honest thoughts/opinions. This might be one of my favorite romance reads of the year thus far! The tension, chemistry and spice of this book!!! I couldn't put it down and I now think Julie Soto is one of my favorite authors. I am excited for whatever she writes next!

Gwen and Xander now hold a very special place in my heart, and I love how they push each other to try new things. Together they earn each others trust and heal through music. I also loved that they included the characters from the first book as well! It was a fun cameo and it put a smile on my face. Overall an amazing read and I would highly recommend this book to everyone!

I requested this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Strengths:
- the erotic music sessions btwn Gwen and Xander as they sight read are chef's kiss

Weaknesses:
- this isn't remotely hiding the fact that this is/was KyloRen fanfiction; it's so bizarre to me that this was traditionally published

Opportunities:
- I hope that Soto can grow as a writer and write some original characters
- pieces of both this book and Forget Me Not (also KyloRen fanfic) are really great and I'd love to see her develop as a writer

Overall, I'm happy I got to read this. Although I couldn't forget that I was watching someone play dolls with Adam Driver and they were making their Adam Driver doll f*ck...