This book stole my heart more than Forget Me Not. Gwen and Xander give so much angst and longing that when they finally come together it is a masterpiece.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

4.75 rounded up! This was such a delight!!!

My expectations for this one were incredibly high after how much I loved Forget Me Not and this did not disappoint! Gwen and Xander's dynamic is electric, with sparks flying every time they clash. Soto nails the tension between their rivalry and attraction. I absolutely devoured this and am already looking forward to the re-read.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and netgalley for the eARC and the opportunity to provide an honest review.

The MMC definitely gave off mean vibes in the beginning, which had me questioning if I’d like him. However, as the story unfolded, I understood his background, realized he was just very guarded, and ended up loving him for how he looked out for our FMC. Overall, Julie Soto made me fall in love with the characters and their story, and she even managed to make the orchestra sexy!

For some reason Julie Soto has a line directly to a part of my brain that is often in a dormant state -and that's the part that apparently likes a slightly predatory seeming hero that still seeks consent? He's an asshole but not quite? He's a little over-the-top obsessed?

It's fanfiction and it's proud which yes thank you. I only want to know.

I enjoyed this premise in particular, rivals in a pop orchestra, are you kidding me? Gold - and the respect that world is built in was also great.

I mean, this very hot cover is from a very hot scene that almost, almost doesn't make sense based on their interactions aside from panting after each other. And yes see here he's touching her neck/throat, in his apartment in their first intimate scene which is frankly "erm no" behavior that would absolutely have me grabbing my shoes and making a break for it... but here, in this book? that is very hot. Is the hero slightly creepy? Yes, but it works. Because so is she.

And so this went. We all know Alex was romantic but sometimes Gwen didn't which is a little off-putting and yet their chemistry still really worked for me and somehow this book was precisely what I needed when I needed it?


In the end though, the characters don't quite convince me they have depth. Never is it more clear than the in the villains and the conflict could've been resolved in 5 min (though I love 3rd act breakups) . Saving it despite these shortcomings is many of the scenes and sexual tension and lust that was palpable.

If this review has not convinced you to read the book, I don't blame you. I don't know what to think either!!

Julie Soto is quickly climbing the charts to become my favorite romance writer! Emily Henry might get dethroned!

Forget me Not was one of my favorite romances of last year and I may like Not Another Love Song even better. I never knew Cello could be so HOT!

Julie strikes the balance between realistic romance tropes/ trajectory of the novel and crafting such beautiful love stories without being trite or sticking to a script. I get annoyed often with “third act break ups” but Julie really seems to get it right every time in a way that makes sense for the novel as a whole!

5 stars again 💕

Julie Soto has firmly cemented herself as one of my favorite Romance authors. Before her, I was firmly a Sci-fi/ Fantasy reader. My last purely romance read was....over a decade ago. Now? If Julie's name is on it, I'm reading it.

Not Another Love Song is a lovely balance of humor, romance and steamy scenes. As we follow our rising star Gwen, we are swept right into New York and all its bits. I've never been, but it feels like I have after this book!

Gwen is a character who didn't quite appeal to me at first, but her growth from shyness to confidence finally endeared her to me. Musicians will likely have more to connect to than I, but that's true for much of the book. Most of the characters are musicians after all!

I loved Gwen and Xander's growth throughout the book. Watching them learn to accept love and use their voices to speak up for themselves was lovely, even as I kept wishing for them to hurry up about it already! For those wondering about the spice, fear not, Julie delivers and then some.

My biggest criticism of the book is that Mabel and Ava should have been a cannon pair and no one can change my mind. They felt so perfect for one another that I am dying for Julie to give us a bonus chapter of them finally realizing this too.

Anyone who is a fan of Julie Soto will find themselves loving Not another Love Song. I've already pre-ordered this one for myself and can't wait to see what Julie puts out next!

Never thought I'd read such a sexy musical romance, but here we are.

Xander is a black cat with golden retriever energy, while Gwen is a bit more doe-eyed and naive. I loved their chemistry, and how he was absolutely enamoured by her, and how they both respected each other's boundaries and were in absolute awe over one another's talent. It was a fairly wholesome romance, only strife by the toxic people they accidentally surrounded themselves with (read: naive).

I liked getting behind the scenes of music production and the different paths music can take you. I loved that neither of the MCs were classically trained, yet found ways to do what they love in a way that they love. Gwen's unstable childhood led her to seek out stable work, while Xander's childhood forced him into a box he never wanted to be put in so he seeks out ways to be free of it. Their dynamic works, and I liked how they both challenged and supported each other.

Outside of each other though, they have their own relationships and friendships and I enjoyed getting to see the found families they carved out for themselves. I'm a sucker for supportive friends, and I honestly wish we got a bit more interaction between the MCs and their friends outside of their double dates. I feel like we needed a bit more foundation there, but I did enjoy their camaraderie, especially at the end.

As a whole, I loved the musical aspect because it's a world I know and understand. The writing was addictive and easy, but it felt like the characters' goals were always a bit blurred so it was hard to root for any particular direction or win outside of the romance. That being said, the romance was full of tension and super spicy, so if that's your thing, this is the book for you.

TW: gaslighting, manipulation, sexual content; mentions death of a parent, death of a relative

Plot: 4.5/5
Characters: 4.5/5
World Building: 5/5
Writing: 4.5/5
Pacing: 4.5/5
Overall: 4.5/5

eARC gifted via NetGalley by Forever in exchange for an honest review.

After being such a huge fan of Julie’s first book I was so excited to get this when it was read now and dive into more of her writing! I did struggle a little bit to get into it in the very beginning, but once I got into it, I was locked in and then binged it for the rest of the day! I looooove rivals to lovers and this book had a really addicting storyline. The chemistry and tension between the two main characters was electric, the romance was so good, plus he falls first!! I throughly enjoyed this one!!

Thank you to Julie Soto, Netgalley and Forever for an ARC of this fantastic book!

This is Julie Soto’s second book following Forget Me Not and boy it did not disappoint in the slightest. This book was so incredible touching, beautiful and smexy. While Soto has said she is not a musician, her descriptions of the music and the instrument playing inspired me to go looking for classical pieces to listen to while reading this.

This story follows Gwen Jackson, an amazing violinist, whose life collides with that of badass cellist Xander Thorne. This story had me on the edge of my seat as I couldn’t keep straight who was manipulating who and at what point. Was it double manipulation? Triple? Why is everyone in this music business so shady!!

If you loved the steam of Forget Me Not, and Julie’s other works 😉 you’ll love this one. Highly recommend. This one comes out July 16, 2024!

I liked this romance set among young musicians in New York! The female MC was endearing in the way she thought about herself and her future based on her loss of family as a child - the sense that she thought so little of her abilities and felt her options so limited (and she was fine with that). Mabel was a nuanced and interesting character. The male MC was also complex in his inner drive but also being hounded into being driven as a young person. I really got the sense of the vulnerability of young prodigies to jaded, greedy adults taking advantage of them.
I did not love the actual love story but I thought the incorporation of their making music together was really beautiful.
I would recommend this to readers of new adult romance.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC!

Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for granting me a free e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

I don’t know how but somehow Julie Soto managed to make Cello… sexy?? Never thought i’d say those words, but here we are!

All jokes aside, while I loved the author’s first book (Forget Me Not), this one was an absolute treasure. I mean?? The yearning?? The PINING, the tension????? Oh and did I mention the sexy cello playing??? I think I kinda did in the beginning but it deserves to be mentioned again.

To me this is what a romance novel is supposed to make you feel. The range of emotions I went through while reading is actually quite concerning. I laughed, I cried, hell I even yearned alongside those two.

Never thought my remark I made to a friend after finishing Forget Me Not would play out in this kind of way but i’m extremely glad it did. To vaguely quote myself it was something along the lines of ‘’hoping she writes a book about the broody cellist’’ and write about the broody cellist she did <3

5/5 stars!

This was such a great, engaging story. I loved Gwen and Alex so much. So much angst and pining. It was delicious. I also appreciated the commentary on the music industry.

Never did I think the violin could lead to such erotic encounters, but lo and behold, Julie Soto has shown me it's possible.

This book was unexpected. I felt it, I cherished it, I loved it. I found the romantic chemistry to be top-notch, the sex scenes to be both erotic and tasteful, and it was just such a delicious love story. I love when I am able to read a book that focuses on a very specific hobby or profession and it makes me fall in love with that world. This was my first Julie Soto book, but it certainly won't be my last.

Thank you NetGalley for the oppportunity to read and review this arc!

“It’s simple really”, he said. “It’s about a cello who fell in love with a violin.”

Synopsis:
Gwen and Xander are both musical prodigies, both with very different upbringings. They’ve been playing together at the Manhattan’s Pops Orchestra for about 2 years, but it’s not until they accidentally play together at Gwen’s friend’s wedding that she realizes he has no clue who she is. When Gwen’s offered first chair at the Pops, their rivalry steps up its game until their undeniable chemistry takes them to explore feelings with one another. Is it all real or is it all just for show?

Gwen and Xander’s story is an enemies-to-lovers literary musical masterpiece! Do you picture a movie in your head while reading a book? I usually do, but this one felt more vivid than the rest. Julie’s writing transports you in the most exquisite way. If only there was an official soundtrack for this book. The musical appreciation was superb. If you ever thought “how can a violin a cello be sexy”? Think again Julie Soto is now an auto-buy author for me. I’m so excited to own a physical copy!

Enemies to lovers
The TENSION
Set in NYC
She used to fangirl over his poster on her wall.
Pancake batter fight
An IG hard launch post?!
Her violin’s name is Squeaky, and his cello’s Ruby.
“Alex’s version” - IYKYK
Found family

I love when an author thanks other authors in the acknowledgements. The bookstagrammers made the acknowledgement too, you guys!
Can we talk about the cover?! The fact that it’s a scene in the book is the cherry on top.

TW: Loss of a parent, grandparent

Thank you NetGalley and Forever for the ARC in exchange of my honest review.

Julie Soto’s July release is a great option for your next light read! I loved the musical descriptions and metaphors sprinkled throughout, and overall, it was very cute. I especially loved how the title tied to the story - that was exceptionally well done. There are a few explicit scenes that I thought enhanced the storyline nicely.

Even though I haven’t touched a string instrument since elementary school, my imagination filled in a lot of the imagery from the author’s descriptions. However, I’m sure the significance of some details went over my head, so I’m curious what those who had a bit longer string education thought. I would recommend this book to those with at least *some* musical background/knowledge, though I don’t think strings specifically is a must.

My biggest complaint is that I wanted more - more tension, more of the side characters, and a lot more development of the villain(s), who fell a little flat for me. It was also missing that little extra spark that some books have where you can’t put it down. These were the drivers behind the 3.5⭐️ rating - particularly the villain aspect.

Overall, I’d recommend this book to romance readers or someone looking for a light pallet cleanser, but readers who like that little something extra may be left wanting.

This book was amazing and I devoured this book in just a few sittings! I loved the character development and how the story progressed.

This is one of those books that really sucks you in and keeps you there. I loved the characters and watching them grow. This book is a love letter to music and New York City. I can only hope we get more from this world.


I voluntarily read an early copy.

I was so excited to read this because I loved Forget Me Not! I love a good rivals to lovers and had the best time with this one! I am not typically into books with music in it, but this one really surprised me. It was so unique compared to any other book I’ve read. This is a story where a violinist and a cellist meet and create beautiful music.

I loved seeing Gwen and Xander’s relationship grow. Xander was so down bad for her. The things he would say was so sweet… it totally made me swoon! He was in denial about his feelings for her at first. But when he came to terms with his feelings for her—that’s when the tension started. The tension was tensioning.

Also, the book cover? Just wait until you read THAT scene. IYKYK.

It started off a little slow for me but when it picked up I was fully invested. I unfortunately didn’t connect that much to the characters which is why it’s not a five star read. But I did love it and thought it was so cute! I highly recommend it. I feel like music lovers or orchestra fans could totally appreciate this one.

There’s a formula that guarantees I will love a book: spicy, based in New York City and a career choice I could’ve never imagined but immediately wish I had considered. Not Another Love Song captures all of these things and then expands on them with a beautiful tribute to the art of classical music.

Despite playing in the same orchestra for a year, Xander” Alex” Thorne doesn’t seem to know Gwen Jackson exists until Gwen captures his ears and heart with an impromptu cello performance. On the other hand, Gwen used to have a poster of Xander on her wall and remains underwhelmed by his arrogance and persistent tardiness. Alex and Gwen's rival-to-lovers romance was enchanting to read, and their combined musical talent left me feeling regretful that I cannot play an instrument. The cast of supporting characters was well-rounded and helped keep the plot fresh throughout the novel.

I loved the classical music references, the realness of the starving artist in New York City, and the instant chemistry between Gwen and Alex. While the novel is primarily from Gwen’s point of view, we get snippets of insight from Alex, which enable the reader to connect with both characters. Their tension is taut, and their literal and figurative music-making is electric! Soto has an evident love of the arts, and how she has woven music and the physical labor of creating art into this novel was heavenly.

I had two tiny obstacles while reading: I felt the family drama resolved too quickly, and I would have loved Alex’s POV on the conflict resolution. While the character’s insight wasn’t super deep (what was there worked for the context), both had enough growth to satisfy you with the ending. Overall, this type of romance leaves the reader unable to sleep because you must finish the book immediately. Therefore, I think this is a novel the majority of romance readers are going to love!

the emotion! the yearning! the sexual tension! this book was deeply romantic and with such a satisfying conclusion. at times, i found myself so angry with alex that i didn’t think there could be redemption, but the ending pulled it all together.