4.5 stars

I usually like books about music or musicians, but I didn't expect to love this one as much as I did.
I devoured this book. It was captivating.
The "music" scenes were amazing and so mesmerizing. It was poetry... very sexy poetry.
I love Xander. He is a cinnamon roll wrapped in a grumpy facade.
Gwen was wonderful, too. I love her the most by the end. She showed her strength there.
The romance was fantastic, and the "soft" plot was interesting.
I wanted more in the end, especially because the main conflict was basically resolved off-page, but overall, this was a great read.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

The instant connection between Alex, a renowned cellist, and Gwen, an often-overlooked yet immensely talented violinist, is palpable. From their first meeting, the chemistry between them is undeniable. It's a connection that transcends the physical and musical realms, encompassing every conceivable dimension of attraction, particularly from Alex’s perspective. There's something incredibly endearing about a man who falls deeply in love and isn’t afraid to express his feelings openly.

This love story captivates readers through its intense emotional bonds and well-developed characters. The sense of family, both biological and chosen, is beautifully portrayed, adding depth and warmth to the narrative. Each character's backstory is thoughtfully crafted, providing a solid foundation that makes their actions and emotions believable and relatable. The villains in the story are delightfully devious, adding layers of intrigue and conflict that keep the plot engaging. Their meddling only serves to heighten the drama, making the ultimate happy ending all the more satisfying.

Redemption plays a significant role in the narrative, offering a poignant exploration of forgiveness and personal growth. The story also highlights how music, especially at its highest level, can influence every aspect of life, infusing it with passion and intensity. One particularly memorable scene involving the cello stands out, illustrating the profound connection between the characters and their art. It's a moment that is both steamy and intense, perfectly capturing the raw passion that drives their relationship.

The novel's ability to weave together steamy romance, emotional depth, and musical excellence is what makes it truly compelling. The passion between Alex and Gwen is electric, their love story resonating with anyone who believes in the transformative power of love and music. This is a tale that stays with you, leaving a lingering sense of warmth and satisfaction long after the final note has been played.

I think music-based romances should become a genre, I would much prefer them to those with Mafia killers or Hockey players, but of course, that's my opinion. Anyway, Gwen and Alex have their ups and downs, some very low, but overall it's a story I enjoyed quite a bit, probably because I'm a failed musician.

Credo che i romance a base musicale dovrebbero diventare un genere, li preferirei di molto a quelli con la mafia o con i giocatori di Hockey, ma certo, sono gusti. Comunque Gwen e Alex hanno i loro alti e bassi, alcuni bassissimi, ma in generale é una storia che mi é piaciuta parecchio, probabilmente perché sono una musicista fallita.

I received from the Publisher a complimentary digital advanced review copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.

I adored this delicious book! I was leaning forward, reading as quickly as I could from the first page, and it played so well - I was wanting them to be together, then feeling a sense of dread, then hope hope hope they could navigate it all. So good 🥰

There’s an instant connection between Alex, a famous cellist and Gwen, an underrated violinist. It’s physical, musical, and pretty well everything-ical, at least initially on Alex’s side. I love a man who falls hard and isn’t afraid to show it!

This love story is compelling because it combines intense emotional connection, fully fleshed and found family, backstories that make sense, villainous villains who muddy and meddle and then a satisfying HEA we can trust. There’s a redemption as well. It also shows how musicality - at the highest level - can permeate every aspect of life. And the cello scene is that good 🤭 It’s steamy and intense 🌶🌶 and it’s the passion between these two that worked for me.

There are snippets of New York everywhere, from the subways to walking fifteen blocks home, and I can see them sparring in the pit at Carnegie Hall. For all their musical talent, and achievements in Alex’s case, they are both complicated. Alex is an Alpha, arrogant and critical, but he’s only 26 and has been/is being exploited by people in his orbit. There’s some toxicity there as well. Gwen is relatively alone, but she has a strong sense of her self worth, and while she's a people pleaser, she doesn’t always compromise. They are preyed on for their abilities and their potential and this is important for both the plot and for how they grow together.

It feels like there’s lots of winks to Ali Hazelwood. I can imagine Julie and Ali as besties, reading and supporting each other’s work and laughing like drains at their in-jokes. If you’ve loved Ali’s writing, especially the STEMs, try this! Musically It also reminded me of Helen Hoang’s The Heart Principle.

Thank you so much NetGalley, Julie Soto and Harper Collins UK. It was such a privilege to read. Opinions are my own.

Got this early from NetGalley, but I read her first one first. And it was fine. Just like that one was a lot about wedding planning, this one was a lot about playing in an orchestra. But I was OK with it this time. Because holy fuck.

Look, I’m not a musical person… never played anything, don’t particularly seek it out, couldn’t pick Beethoven out of a lineup… I mean, I guess I can recognize when something is good, but I don’t generally get passionate about it. Yet apparently if you use it to ratchet up the sexual tension, I’ll be the biggest music fan ever.

She’s an up-and-coming violinist and he’s a grumpy-ass cellist. Once again, he verges on asshole, but in this case it never went over that ok-this-is-still-hot boundary.

And again, I know nothing about music, but the orchestra girlies will go fucking apeshit for this. When they play together for the first time, it’s hot AF. And it just gets hotter.

TL;DR: Wedding planning: not sexy. Orchestra: sexy ay-effffffff.

Gwen and Xander are both great musicians. Put them together and their music is phenomenal!

I'm not giving too much away with this storyline but I will say that it was a sensual musical journey! I am not musically talented at all so this book was different to what I expected. I loved how we got to see how our musician main characters wrote their music with the other inspiring them. The love story was so intense with the chemistry off the charts. This book was steamy too so be aware if you're after something cleaner. It was a great romcom and a solid follow up to Julie Soto's Forget Me Not.

I really enjoy Julie Soto’s writing, this is the second book I have read of hers and it was great.

This story centres around Gwen, Gwen is a relatively young and talented violinist who plays in an orchestra. There she meets Xander Thorne - who is the frontman of her favourite band Thorne and Roses - who is playing cello in the orchestra.

Gwen learns there is more to Xander than meets the eye but they are both attracted to each other. Their individual hopes and dreams and their professional commitments throw up some interesting and unexpected obstacles.

I really liked this, the plot was much better than most romantic fiction which usually relies on specific tropes, this felt a lot more real and thought out. A lot of scenes took me by surprise and kept me engaged with the story, I liked how it moved and the pacing was great. Importantly, both characters were likeable too, as well as human, interesting and imperfect in their own ways. Secondary characters that actually add to the story. By far the standout was the writing generally was good, and I’m so excited to read more from this author as I really enjoyed “Forget Me Not” but I liked this even more.

There was a lot of music talk which is expected given the main characters’ professions and interests and my eyes did glaze over those parts, but it didn’t deter from the story and was appreciated.

ARC received via Net Galley.

one of the best books I've EVER read periodddd

I have no words, the emotions this book put me thru, since 80% I was reading with bated breath, waiting how it's all gonna be resolved and I'm still sitting with my cheeks red from all the feelings, staring at the wall in silence,

This book was so well written it literally pulled me into the story and didn't let go until I finished acknowledgements, i saw the movie in my head so vividly and felt every emotion, tears were shed a few times,

and omg the scene from the cover😚🤌
this book was literally perfect, I needed a violinist and cellist romance in my life

Gwen girl I feel you, the "I did it, because I was good at it" and Xander omg, the things that he said "anything" "everything" I can't, folded like a lawn chair

Thank you Netgalley for providing digital advanced copy in exchange for honest review.

Rating: 5/5
Steam: 3 out of 5

I am not a lover of musician romances. The Rockstar thing? Nah.. not for me. In Forget Me Not we got a little glimpse of the MMC in this book and he just exudes Main Character energy. And oh boy. This book may have become the exception to the rule of not liking Rockstar romances.
Another thing I really enjoyed about this story is the found family vibes all over. We see Ama and Elliot back and the couple that got married in Forget me Not.

The FMC was someone I related to a lot and I think she also might have ADHD (or at least be some kind of neurodivergent). I really felt for her and wanted to just give her a hug. Instead, Xander takes care of her in a way… OH BOY.
I have no words. This scene. How it was written. I was giggling, kicking my feet while sporting a huge blush on my cheeks. I have read a lot of steamy scenes. But THIS one is one for the archives and will be referenced and living rentfree in my head for ages to come.

Thank you to Netgalley and Forever for providing an ARC.

This was a gorgeous contemporary romance centering on two gifted musicians. We initially met Xander in Julie Sotos debut novel "Forget Me Not" and he meets his match in Gwen. The both delves into their initial rivalry for the post office First Chair of strings within their pops orchestra which brings them into each others orbit. Both characters have lush dialogue, growth within their music, and yes, the cello scene is as beautiful as everyone says. Stellar writing, amazing characters and I can't wait for Sotos' next book!

Two musical prodigies go from rivals to lovers

This book was getting a bit of buzz on social media, and had good early reviews, so I requested it. I found the start was ok, but the book quickly went downhill. On the plus side:
🎻 I learnt a lot about music and orchestras
🎻The sex scenes were hot
🎻As naiive as she was, I liked Gwen.

On the negative side:
🎵The characters felt really young, especially Gwen, and I didn't feel their connection. I really need to find some good romance with mature characters.
🎵There was too much music and musical terms, it was even in the sex scenes.
🎵It read a bit like fan fiction, then after I found out it started off as a Reylo fanfic so...
🎵There was a lack of actual romance, so once they got together, then my interest began to wane.
🎵The third act breakup was so unnecessary, irritating and wasn't really resolved.
🎵Alex was so awful! Rude, arrogant and really nasty to Gwen for a while, I felt like he was attracted to her musical talent rather than her?
🎵I don't know much about orchestras, but Gwen getting first chair because she's young and pretty to get publicity didn't ring true for me.
🎵Nathan and Lorenzo were awful characters and I didn't enjoy reading about the exploitation of young and naive artists (Taylor Swift anyone?)
🎵None of the characters had any real depth. The main character arcs didn't really show any real growth and some of the side characters were clearly added in for diversity but felt a bit stereotypical.

Look, lots love this and I guess if you're into Reylo and orchestras then read this. It just wasn't for me.

As a classical musician who does lots of orchestral playing I was so excited by this book! I’ve always thought a bunch of classical musicians and the orchestral world would be an excellent setting for a romance book. However this just didn’t hit the mark for me.
It seemed so focussed on Xander / Alex’s complicated past and he was quite mean for most of the book. It didn’t really read like a romance book - too much drama going on with side characters (Ava / Nathan) and the spicy scene came out of nowhere.
It was clear the author had done a good amount of research about orchestral playing (even a shoutout to the not well known female composer Amy Beach) but some things didn’t quite ring true. The main one being the actual orchestra - was it amateur or professional? How did Gwen get that job with zero training? Why did she resent that job when so many people would dream to secure a job in an orchestra? I could go on but I guess all books have a level of dramatic license.
But even putting that aside I found the characters mostly unlikeable and there was an odd feeling that none of them really liked Gwen.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read and review this one.

Julie Soto has just solidified herself as an auto-buy author for me. I loved her first book 'Forget Me Not', but I'm utterly obsessed with 'Not Another Long Song'.

Gwen and Xander are both musical prodigies - and it isn't until Gwen performs at his friend's wedding that Gwen realises Xander has no idea who she is, despite the fact they work together and she's been semi-obsessed with his band for years. When Gwen is offered the role of 'First Chair', a position that Xander has coveted for years, their relationship becomes a lot more hostile. Cue the sexual tension both on and off stage!

I stayed up way too late to read this, and even woke up early to finish it! I adored absolutely everything about this book. The writing, the plot and the relationship development. The tension between Gwen and Xander is phenomenal. Xander's pining was *chefs kiss* and that cello scene. THE CELLO SCENE. That'll be living RENT FREE in my head for a while. The book cover giving us a little tease *fans self*.

Potentially the book of the summer for me!

Book includes:
- Dual POV
- Rivals-to-lovers
- Tension & pining
- He falls first
- Musical prodigies

I received an advanced copy for free through NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

" She'd never felt music like this before. Like she was a part of it. Like it could do things to her body. Or maybe that was just being in his presence."

3.5⭐


Gwen Jackson has been playing violin for 11 years. Her day job is at the Manhattan Pops ' the largest popular music orchestra in the U. S'
She played 4th row on the aisle now.
Her love life has zero great love affairs BUT that's about to change when she gets offered first chair 'concertmaster'.

Xander Thorne is a cellist and a recording artist.
He is the frontman of Gwen's favourite band and one of the most accomplished musicians she'd ever watched.
He is also at the same orchestra she is but hasn't noticed her until an event comes up and she is playing there and he is invited from that moment Xander falls hard for Gwen she flips his world upside down.

That was my first novel that tackled 2 characters in the music world, and I found it very nice to go into that place especially coz I love the violin and the cello so much and I always wished I could play them both.
I loved the book but for me, something was missing that I can't pinpoint. There was of course a raging chemistry between the two but something off for me honestly.

I also loved all the talk about music and their passion for it and that Cello scene in Xander's apartment was mind-blowing, to say the least.
All in all, it was a nice read and I would recommend it.
Thank you to @netgalley and the publisher for granting me an ARC of #NotAnotherLoveSong in exchange for my honest review.

Xoxo💋

3.5 stars

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I wanted to take some time to articulate my thoughts after reading Julie Soto's 'Not Another Love Song.' I really loved "Forget Me Not.' I read that book in anticipation of the upcoming book.

I think Soto's upcoming book is good and I had a lot of expectations because of how much I loved her previous book. I wanted to feel the same chemistry and romance as Ama and Elliot had in 'Forget Me Not.' The romantic buildup and chemistry were somewhat lacking. I think Gwen and Alex didn't have enough depth or it was just missing. Alex reminded me a lot of Elliot. Honestly, I didn't see a difference between their characteristics.

Another aspect that I loved about 'Not Another Love Song' is the music element. I don't have that much music knowledge and it was interesting to read how things worked behind the scenes. Although, I think the music element was explored more than in Gwen and Alex's romance.

Not to say that the book was unpleasant to read. I enjoyed it! But I think my expectations were too high and ended up disappointing myself.

Nevertheless, I will still read the next Julie Soto book!

I absolutely loved Not Another Love Song, it was the fast paced romance that I needed!

I enjoyed the musical elements and the way the music was written, the cello scene was hot too. I didn't like how overly 'evil' the bad characters were written, that could've been a bit more subtle.

But I had a lot of fun reading this book and it was generally a great time - just what I needed. I also loved seeing Ama and Elliott! I really like it when romance books connect and their cameo was perfectly done.

Whew. This is one of those books that dragged me in and refused to spit me out even though sleep should have been a priority. Xander and Gwen have a connection from the start: Xander is first attracted to Gwen's musical ability and then everything else, and the tension and chemistry are layered on beautifully. I'm not sure how realistic the orchestra depiction is, but quite honestly I don't care, because the scenes where they play together are almost hotter than the actual spicy scenes. The third-act breakup was kind of predictable, but mainly because it was clear something was going to snap, and I liked the way it ended up playing out. Definitely one I'll read again, although possibly not until 2am next time...

I'm going to need all of my romance girlies to read this one ASAP.

As a former violin protege myself (I mastered Twinkle, Twinkle) I was super excited about this book, and boy, oh boy... it exceeded alllll expectations.

Gwen was everything to me. Like, I am truly her number one fan. Watching her relationship with music grow and change throughout the book had me in shambles. More than once, I cried during her performances because I was so proud of her. It was That Serious.

Then there was the insane chemistry between Gwen and Alex. I'm talking feet kicking and giggling to the MAX at every interaction. The fact that she went from having this man's poster on her wall to having him on his knees in a public bathroom - it spoke to the fangirl within me. Plus they're just terribly Invisible String coded and I'm gonna eat up anything I can relate to a Taylor Swift song.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the ARC of Not Another Love Song by Julie Soto. On reading this book I struggled a little through the first third of the book. I wasn't sure if I liked the FMC and MMC. From 30% on, I was hooked and couldn't put it down. I adored the backstories of both the main characters. I loved the sexual tension and spiciness throughout the book. The third act break up had my heart breaking for both characters. They just wanted to be each other's first choice! The ending had me beaming from ear to ear! I will be thinking of this book for a while. 4.5 stars for me - taking half a star off for the first third of the book.

This was an amazing book!
I always love when an author has the ability to take you into a world you knew nothing about (classical music, instruments and orchestras - I have like zero musical talent unfortunately) and make you feel at home in it.
There is musicality and sensuality in almost every aspect of this story and you cannot separate those here, which I loved (like the cello scene…?! 🔥).

It’s fresh, it has tension, there is unexpected humor in this, we have rivals to lovers and lovable side characters. It was perfect :)