[ARC provided by NetGalley and HarperCollins. Thank you for the opportunity to read and review Not Another Love Song.]

Rating: 3.5/5

Having enjoyed Forget Me Not last year, I was excited when I saw that Julie Soto was bringing out a new spicy romcom featuring a focus on music that had me reminiscing about violin lessons from back in my high school days. But just as I realised violin was not for me, that quickly became apparent with this book. I so badly wanted to love this story and the characters that led it but I couldn’t connect with any of them and felt that the plot couldn’t strike the balance between dragging and rushing. But I feel like I may be in the minority with this opinion because there’s a lot to love with Not Another Love Song, and I’ve no doubt that this will become a favourite for many when it releases.

Not Another Love Song follows Gwen Jackson and Xander Thorne, two musical prodigy’s both carving out their own successful careers as they tackle the pressure that comes with it. Gwen has worked her way up from busking to being the first chair in the New York Pops Orchestra, whereas Xander hails from musical royalty and seemingly has never struggled to leave his mark on the industry. From their first proper meeting where Xander offers unsolicited criticisms to Gwen, their rivalry grows and continues to do so until lines start to blur, and as the music brings them closer together, various external factors strive to tear them apart.

So let’s start with the good; I really enjoyed the musical scenes (of which there are a lot of) because is there anything more romantic than heartfelt compositions overflowing with tender longing and new love? I may not be much of a musician anymore but I really loved those moments where the music was coaxing out the sweetest emotions from the two leads and it’s made me want to read more musically themed books asap. I also loved seeing Ama and Elliot pop up and it had me itching to jump back into Forget Me Not to reread my favourite scenes - I could also pick out a possible future romance featuring a certain male character that I’d be keen to check out!

The spicy scenes were also pretty top tier. (The cello scene in particular was amazing and that’s all I’m going to say on that). If you like a little more spice in your contemporary romance then this is the kind of book you’re after. I thought that it was pretty significant but not overwhelming which is generally what I look for with this kind of book.

Unfortunately, there were a lot of elements that didn’t hit the mark for me. For example, I just couldn’t connect with the characters and often felt frustrated or simply disinterested with what they were doing. I also didn’t enjoy how the story ended and felt that the resolution was rushed and didn’t answer a lot of the questions I had. This and a few other issues contributed to me feeling distant from what was going on which affected my overall enjoyment of the story.

Although Not Another Love Song wasn’t the perfect read for me, I’ll still recommend this to anyone who is looking for a spicy romance this summer. If you love rivals to lovers, forced proximity and musical themes then you’ll want to add this to you tbr.

Thanks to HarperCollins & Netgalley for granting me an advance copy of this book.

I just want to know how Julie Soto made playing instruments so sexy?! Like, HOW? I was shook. This book was sultry and surprisingly emotional - and I loved every second. One of the best romance books I've ever read!

Absolutely LOVED this book. I read the original fanfiction years ago and I was pleasantly surprised with how Soto adapted and grew the story for traditional publication. I also liked the way that the main couple's relationship was developed felt much more complete
100% recommend this for everyone

5 shining stars!

Thank you so much NetGalley and HarperCollins for this ARC.

I've been a long time reader of Julie Soto (I came from AO3!!) and I have to say this is probably her best so far. The way she wrote how they played music, I can hear it in my head. The writing was so immersive, the characters are so alive (and very likeable) and this story, THIS STORY!! It's everything.

I can't wait for everyone to read this book and I can't wait to have my grubby lil hands on it and recommend it to every customer who would listen when it comes out!!

PS: I never cared for cellos and violins before but good god what sexy instruments they are!!

ɪᴛ’s sɪᴍᴘʟᴇ ʀᴇᴀʟʟʏ. ɪᴛ’s ᴀʙᴏᴜᴛ ᴀ ᴄᴇʟʟᴏ ᴡʜᴏ ғᴇʟʟ ɪɴ ʟᴏᴠᴇ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴀ ᴠɪᴏʟɪɴ

Julie Soto is a genius in the most perfect way.
The way she incorporated music in this book and how it evolves at the same time as the feelings of the 2 main characters, was such a unique experience.

[Already tensely opposed, when Gwen takes the spot of First Chair in the New York Pops Orchestra – a position Xander has coveted for years – their hostility goes up a notch… and their chemistry on stage goes off the scale.
Forced to find a grudging respect for one another’s music, suddenly they are box office dynamite. And as the respect turns to admiration and then heated attraction, they must decide – will a note of discord ruin their perfect harmony or can this fragile romance reach its breathtaking climax?]

Did I love book 1? Yes
Did I decide to ask for an arc of this mainly for Ali Hazelwood praises ? That would be also a yes.

From the first day they meet Gwen always think that Xander is giving her criticisms about the way she plays when truly he’s just showing her how playing for no one but herself should look like.

He’s such a perfectionist in anything he does because of his “education” and after knowing Gwen better he starts to play and compose music again just because it’s what he loves.

The scene in the music room was 🥵 And really any scene where they play together was hot and a masterpiece.

Like the way He starts to hear a melody every time he sees her and he needs her to record it and have it saved. Because she’s making him feeling things that he hasn’t been able to feel before for anyone else.

I loved how the author treats the themes of finding their own persona and Gwen believing in herself and her potential.

🎻Arrogant MC
🎻Music Prodigy
🎻Classical Rock Star
🎻 Cello vs Violin
🎻 Iced Vanilla Latte
🎻 “Rivals” to lovers
🎻He falls first and hard
🎻Spicy Cello Scene 😈
🎻Standing up for themselves

Wow, this rivals-to-lovers rom-com was perfection. The tension between Gwen and Alex was incredibly well written. Who knew playing the cello could be so erotic?!

I know next to nothing about New York orchestras and classical music; however, I was completely swept away in their world of harmonies and symphonies. I loved how their shared passion and appreciation for music heightened their sexual chemistry.

I couldn't believe how quickly I got through this book. To say I was invested in their story is an understatement. This was an absolute joy to read.

"Not Another Love Song" by Julie Soto is a delightful rom-com that hits all the right notes, blending humour, romance, and music into a harmonious tale.

Gwen Jackson and Xander Thorne are both musical virtuosos, but their paths couldn't be more different. Gwen fought tooth and nail for her place as First Chair in the New York Pops Orchestra, while Xander, born into musical royalty, seemed to have everything handed to him on a silver platter. When Gwen snags the coveted position that Xander has long coveted, their rivalry escalates, setting the stage for a battle of egos and undeniable chemistry.

Soto skillfully weaves together the tension and sparks between Gwen and Xander as they navigate their newfound partnership on stage. As their animosity gives way to grudging respect and then fiery attraction, readers will be swept up in their electric chemistry and root for them to find their way to a harmonious relationship.

With witty banter, sizzling romance, and a backdrop of the vibrant music world, "Not Another Love Song" is a captivating read that will leave romance fans swooning. Soto's engaging storytelling and irresistible characters make this a must-read for anyone in search of a charming and uplifting love story.

I am obsessed with Not Another Love Song by Julie Soto! It’s sooooo good, I loved the plot, the characters and this book made me want to start playing an instrument again !!

Not Another Love Song is quite a slow burn romance with the chemistry and tension between Gwen and Alex making it all the sweeter when they do eventually get together. The way Julie Soto wrote their story in a way that is really beautiful and intimate.

The only negatives I have about this book are that I felt like the fight they have wasn’t really resolved on paper. Also, I just wish I could listen to the songs they wrote together because I know they would be bangers.

Summary: Gwen Jackson and Xander Thorne clash over music in the New York Pops Orchestra, but their chemistry onstage leads to unexpected romance.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC of this book, all thoughts are my own.

"Not Another Love Song" is a sensual masterpiece that will leave you breathless and yearning for more! Julie Soto's enchanting tale of love and music weaves a seductive melody that pulls readers into a world of passion, desire, and irresistible chemistry (seriously, it's palpable).

The dynamic between Gwen, the self-taught violinist, and Alex/Xander, the charismatic rock star cellist, is electric and completely enchanting. Their chemistry leaps off the page, infusing every interaction with palpable tension. Soto's prose is as intoxicating as the music her characters create, weaving a spellbinding tale that lingers in the mind long after the final chord has faded. Alex, with his brooding charm and wholehearted love, stole my heart from the very first page, his flawed nature only adding to his allure. And Gwen — she is a force to be reckoned with, a fierce and independent woman who isn't afraid to fight for what she wants, even if it means risking her heart in the process.

Soto effortlessly balances moments of heart-pounding, palm-sweating romance with poignant reflections on love, family, and the pursuit of happiness. As Gwen and Xander navigate the complexities of fame and the relentless pull of their hearts, readers are treated to a symphony of emotions that resonate deeply.
From the steamy musical performances (I know that sounds crazy, read it and you will understand!), to the tender moments of vulnerability, every scene is infused with raw passion and authenticity. Soto's ability to evoke such visceral reactions in her readers is a testament to her talent as a writer, making "Not Another Love Song" a must-read for romance enthusiasts and music lovers alike.
My only gripe? I feel like I could have done without the third-act breakup! It was handled well and didn't bother me enough to affect my rating but I just wish it hadn't happened as it took me out of the euphoric reading frenzy I had been lost to!

In conclusion, "Not Another Love Song" is a breathtaking masterpiece that will leave you breathless and yearning for more. Julie Soto has crafted a timeless love story that transcends the page, reminding us of the transformative power of love and the magic of music. This book is an absolute gem and a true delight to read - I will be recommending to all of the romance readers in my life!

I am absolutely in love with this story.

The way that Julie Soto writes about music is just incredible. She really made me, a person who knows little to nothing about professional musicians, feel so connected to the art her characters were making.

The relationship between the two main characters was just lovely. The combination of their feelings for one another and their shared artistry made reading them feel so intimate that it was almost intrusive. And that CELLO SCENE....

I absolutely loved Forget Me Not when it came out last year, I have already read it 2 times. I was so excited when the second book was announced and was itching to get my hands on it. Not Another Love Song follows Gwen who is a violinist playing for the Manhattan Pops. During a wedding where she performed with her roommate she has an unexpected encounter with Thornes and Roses star, Xander Thorne, who is also a member of the Pops, but doesn’t recognise who she is. Their meeting here doesn’t go as planned as he criticises her cello performance. Xander’s criticism doesn’t stop here when Gwen is offered the position of first chair, which is something that he wanted. As they start to get to know each other, Xander recognises how extraordinary and talented Gwen is and helps to showcase her talent, while they create music together.

Reading this was such a delight. Julie Soto is one of my favourite auto-buy authors for me now. Her writing is just so exciting and I was swooning while reading this. Gwen’s and Xander’s chemistry was so hot and if you read the scene that is on the cover art you know what I’m talking about. I know nothing about orchestras, but I was so interested and investing while reading this.

»Not Another Love Song« was my first book by Julie Soto but it certainly won’t be my last because I really enjoyed her writing.

As someone who doesn’t play an instrument books about music can be really hit or miss for me because sometimes I feel like I just don’t get it but that was not the case with »Not Another Love Song«. I loved the way Gwen and Alex talked about playing violin and cello and what music means to them.

Not gonna lie, I wasn’t 100% sold on their attraction at first. They hadn’t had that many interactions before hooking up but I did enjoy their relationship a lot after they got together and - never thought I’d say this - I even liked the third act break up?? Weird, I know.

While I really liked reading about Gwen and Alex together, some of the subplots and secondary characters fell a bit flat for me. I wish we would have seen a bit more of Gwens friend/roommate, Alex’ bandmates, their violin teacher, the whole relationship with his mother… there were quite a lot of things I wanted more of. But without these things this book was still 100% a very enjoyable read, I just felt like something was missing.

4.5 ✨

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

This was a SLOW BURN & I wasn’t expecting it to be! I really enjoyed the first book I read by this author and was really expected to read this one too & it didn’t disappoint.

I find the characters really add to the story and that includes the accessory as well as the main. There are some complex themes that run through this regarding family and it’s really interesting to see how it’s resolved.

I’ve not read a book that is so music centred in the plot so I didn’t necessarily understand the references and at the same time I didn’t feel like it was essential to. I think maybe if I did I would’ve understood some things a little more. I’ll also add that I felt A LOT happened at the end so the pacing seemed faster compared to the beginning.

A moment for the spice too - Xander knows what he is doing 😮‍💨🔥. It felt like it took a while to get to this but when you do it comes thick and fast!

If you’re reading my review & wondering whether to give this book a go I do recommend!

Presenting my favourite book for the year! This is going to be on my top reads for the year and right on top for the romance books for 2024! I'm completely in love with this book. The characters, storylines, chemistry, dialogues... everything is just magical and hits the right notes!

I loved the theme of music. It's so well written that even without knowledge of the instruments I didn't feel lost or disconnected for a second. I also loved the choice of the instruments. The connection between music, ambition, love and success is so well done. I also found it to be relatable with characters you would root for.

Speaking of characters, they are so well written. I found them, their ambitions and struggles to be relatable. Their situations and characteristics are extremely well written. Some of the scenes made me smile and giggle, especially the ones between the leads. The supporting characters are well written too and add to the story.

I wish I could read this fresh again as this book makes you feel all the emotions as it jumps out of the pages. It made me feel for the characters and you know it is a good read when you feel the emotion along with the characters!

Absolutely recommend this one! This is the book you should read if nothing else! A 5 star read! Adding Julie Soto to my auto buy list!

Thank you HarperCollins UK, Harper Fiction and NetGalley for this e-arc in exchange of my unbiased review.

I am absolutely feral for this book. I don't know what Julie Soto put in this book, but I am so literally obsessed and I haven't been able to get it out of my mind since I read it. I suspect this will be one of my favourite reads of the year.

If there's one thing about me, it's that I will always eat up a rivals-to-lovers romance, and Not Another Love Song was no exception. AND THE FACT THEY'RE MUSICIANS TOO?! Ugh I'm just far too consumed by this book. The way Julie Soto wove the tension and chemistry between Gwen and Alex had me DYING. The slowburn was absolutely phenomenal and when *the moment* finally did hit, I was lying on the ground (literally, at the beach), kicking my legs and giggling like a school girl. I am so freaking obsessed with these two it's ridiculous.

I would also like to say, the things I'd do to be playing an instrument and have Xander Thorne/Alex Fitzgerald sit behind me....iykyk.

She has done it again. Julie Soto has written what may well be my favourite book of the year, which is difficult cause I thought I’d found it twice over already.

Gwen Jackson is the youngest violinist named the first chair of the Manhattan Pops at 22. Though she struggles to see her own talent, others around her don’t have that problem, and one of those people is none other than Xander Thorne, cellist from Thorne and Roses, and unbeknownst to most, son of the previous first chair of the Pops, Ava Fitzgerald.

Xander Thorne was born into classical music royalty, and while his career with his band has been steadily gaining in fame, Xander has been coveting first chair for years, only for it to be handed to a woman too preoccupied with how she’s perceived to truly let herself be great.

When the two perform together at a wedding, their music twists, and plays, combining and separating, dancing, and there is nothing Xander can do after that point to get Gwen out of his head. But can Gwen trust this man who speaks to her through his music with her heart?

Every single page of this book drips emotion, like the book has been submerged in wanting and desire. It’s addictive and passionate, captivating and beautifully flawed. You can feel music underpinning each poetic sentence, every romantic word. It’s beautiful, and if that doesn’t convince you, I leave you with this.

“If you don’t want to be with me, together with me, I can understand … But, Gwen, please make music with me. I need you in my life. I need to be in your orbit some way, and if you don’t want me to touch you and kiss you and fuck you, then let me make love to you onstage every night”.

I unfortunately didn't connect with the characters or storyline of this book which made it very hard for me to keep reading. I think that is more my issue than the actual book itself, but I ended up just not loving it.

When somebody talks about an attractive musician, the first picture that comes to mind usually isn’t a cellist or violinist. This book… Have you heard of those jokes about going to an ice hockey game to date an ice hockey player after reading one of those romances? This book makes me want to go back in time, never stop playing the cello, and make music into my career so I can connect through music the way Alex and Gwen do.

This is a truly incredible romance. Julie Soto’s writing is excellent. The tension, emotional (and sexual), that she can paint by describing how Alex and Gwen play music is astounding. I love that this explores a slightly different music angle from most romances, going into strings and orchestras instead. Alex is definitely a new favourite leading man of mine. He was an adorable pining man who has his way with words (at least down the line) and music. He drops many romantic two liners. I also love how the book is almost exclusively from Gwen’s PoV with a couple of short Alex chapters in between. It adds to the uniqueness of the book (usually I feel it’s either one PoV or relatively equal) and there’s something great about only getting clarification of what he’s thinking every 50 pages. You get all the tension of the single POV not knowing what’s going on but you also the beautiful pining inner monologues. This was my first Julie Soto book and I will definitely pick up everything else she writes now that I’ve read this. Cannot recommend enough.

Thank you so much to the author and Netgalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book

Have you ever had that experience where you delay reading a book because you don't feel emotionally prepared, only to find yourself completely engrossed once you start? That's exactly what happened to me with this book. It took me on an emotional rollercoaster that I couldn't get enough of.

If I am honest, I had read Julie before, and although I enjoyed her book, it didn't move me like this one did. I was nervous because I thought it would feel like just another romance book, but I can safely say this has become one of my favorite romance reads of 2024.

I loved this story so much, starting with the enemies-to-lovers vibes and the super grump with the sunshine trope, but I mostly loved Gwen, our MFC, because she is a damsel NOT IN DISTRESS, and she is just plain badass and I love a strong female character in a romance book.

Xander... what can I say, he is the bad boy who will do anything for our female lead and although he is hidden behind a grump, we see him shed those layers and open up because of love and it's just beautiful.

I have been obsessed with the cello since I was a teenager and discovered Bach's Cello Suites and Apocalyptica. Thorne & Roses reminded me so much of them that it had me grinning and playing my old playlists.

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Collins for adding yet another book boyfriend to my collection, I can't wait to get the paperback to re-read it and annotate the hell out of it like it deserves.

Be sure to add this book to your TBR. You will thank me in July when it is released.

Julie soto has done it again!

I feel in love with these characters and really enjoyed the storyline. It's a story yat kept me interested throughout.

I have now gone on the hunt for a violin/ cello duet because I need to know what this would have sounded like!

If Julie soto writes it I will read and devour it!