THIS BOOK! I swear to god, I INHALED this book. I could NOT stop reading. The tension was absolutely sizzling. Julie Soto does it again because what the actual **** is in this book? It's so addictive. I never thought classical music could be so hot. I am now absolutely 100% sure that I will love and adore anything Julie Soto writes until the end of time. Thank you so much for this advanced copy.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Full disclosure: I've been delving into Yan Wushi/Shen Qiao fanfics (from the Thousand Autumns danmei) and it got me in the mood for a romance novel. A romance that would captivate me completely. I loved the premise of this book, and I knew I had the eARC so it was perfect timing for me to read it.

While I read it, my thoughts went like this:

Where are the fanfics of this story?
Where's the movie?
Oh, I love them so much.
Can't wait to finish this so I can reread it again!!

Another full disclosure: I've already reread the first half, as I type this.

Gwen is a woman who has fought very hard in her life. No living family, no financial stability. She's a girl with a dream and a talent. She couldn't afford music lessons, not to mention a fancy music school. She didn't come from a renowned music family, either. But with the help of a music store owner and her talent, she made it into a famous orchestra. She climbed the hierarchy with no one to back her, and she did it on her own.

Xander is a man who had to reinvent himself to be able to breathe. The expectations and verbally abusive environment overwhelmed him. He dropped out off music school and became famous with his genius musical mind and performance skills.

I loved how different Gwen and Xander were, but also how similar they were. Both were plagued by others' expectations. They just handled it very differently. They rever music but they also rever it differently. I loved them as individual characters and their growth, and I loved them as a couple. They were stars on their own, but they shone brilliantly when they were together.

And let's be honest: I love the "he fell first" trope!!!!!!!! The arrogant, too confident cello player who never came on time turned into the guy who was shy to ask her out for coffee and even started turning up early for rehearsal.

I loved, loved, loved everything about this book. I'll never look at a cello or an orchestra the same way again. Julie Soto captured my heart forever with this story, and I'll be reading Forget Me Not as well as any other future book she ever writes.

Now, where are my fanfics and movie from this book?!

There are at least 3 new things I've learned from this story:

Firstly, I might need to start learning how to play violin and/or cello at the ripe age of 25 because who knew that these instruments could be so sexy?
Secondly, I fall in love with every character that is based on a famous actor who's name rhymes with "Badam Miver".
Thirdly, the consent in all of the steamy scenes might be even hotter than the instruments in this book.

In all honesty I did go into this one with huge expectations because I've heard nothing but good things about it and was THRILLED when i got to read this before the official release and Julie Soto did not let me down for one second.

I cried, laughed and screamed with these characters. I was so immersed in this story that I was ready to throw hands for Gwen and fight everyone that was trying to profit off of her talent and passion. Every last character felt so real and complex that I cared about their wellbeing (or their downfall, looking at YOU Nathan and Lorenz) and wished for them to be real more than once.
The romance was beautifully written with intimate scenes as well as steamy scenes that did contribute to the story and didn't interrupt the pacing or felt unnecessary at all.
And I am happy to announce that I actually liked the third act conflict, which is shocking for someone that normally rolls their eyes at it, but it all made so much sense and I felt like it just made Gwen and Alex grow closer together.

If you aren't a Julie Soto Fan, you definitely will be after reading this book!

‘Not Another Love Song’ by Julie Soto is a gorgeous, sensual novel that proves without a doubt that music is indeed the food of love. Gwen is a violinist in a popular music orchestra (“the Pops”) who supplements her income by playing weddings, and the book begins with her borrowing a cello from Pops colleague and wedding guest Alex “Xander” to satisfy a pushy bride. As she plays the less-familiar instrument from the heart with him looking on, she sets in motion a symphony of passion, awe, conflict, musical composition and adoration.

I found the book incredibly immersive, glimpsing behind the scenes of Manhattan’s glamorous music scene and feeling like a New Yorker. The themes of taking opportunities, avoiding being used and the commercialisation of art were interesting and compelling. The chemistry between the core couple sang from the pages, and I was joyously surprised by the amount of spice.

Gwen was a very likeable character, and although I absolutely don’t share her musical talents, I could relate to her ambition, loyalty and uncertainty. Alex was an enigma: a classical musician and a rockstar, emotionally open at times and secretive at others, simultaneously outgoing and introverted. I also liked some of the side characters, especially Gwen’s friend Jacob and her guiding light Mabel.

The third-person narration which zoomed in on Gwen and Alex somewhat sporadically may have been easier to read and connect with in dual POV first-person, but otherwise this book was wonderful.

Giving this four stars and will certainly seek out Soto’s other work. Top tip: read while listening to Vitamin String Quartet!

I received an advance Digital Review Copy of this book from the publisher Harper Collins UK via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

4.75⭐️

Y'ALL. DID. NOT. LIE. Julie Soto has done it again, a true masterpiece. I've never understood the hype for music in my romance books, but now I begin to think they were never done right. Because this one made me feel things. Lots of them (especially the cello scene, iykyk👀).
I might have loved it as much as I did because of the heavy Reylo vibe. Was it basically Star Wars in modern AU? Absolutely, and I dig that!! The hate-to-love, the simping, the found family - all the good Reylo stuff was present<3. I cannot tell you how much I loved the characters of this book. Like, a LOT. The whole story was truly beautiful and managed to make me cry a bunch. The way I could feel their love for music, even though I'm not a musical person myself... Pure magic.
The one little thing I didn't like: how the issue involved in the break-up was never addressed when they were making up? Just a minor plot hole, but it did make me confused.
"Not another love song" is making it into my favorite romances list as we speak.

Thanks to NetGalley for granting me early access to this book in exchange for an honest review✨.

Where do I start! This book feels like a dance, like the musical aspect and the love story fuses and takes you on a journey where you are waltzing on giddy highs and intense chemistry from the main characters. I am OBSESSED. This book is possibly my favourite romance book of 2024 so far. You get a smudge of old familiar characters but the exceptionally written characters in this book, just make for the perfect romantic story. Absolutely recommend reading this while listening to orchestral pieces on your headphones. 6 star read for me!!!

I was lucky last year to be invited to read Julie's Soto debut <b>Forget me not</b> and even more lucky to be approved to read this year release, which was not only one of my most awaited releases, but also the one I was convinced it would end my romance slump.

<b>Not Another Love Song</b> is a beautiful story about two musical prodigies, that had faced many challenges, and are lucky to find love, and companionship in each other.
The main characters are too young for my preference, particularly Gwen who is 23, and I'm a strong believer you should not make life altering decisions before 25, when the brain is fully developed. However, Gwen and Alex do belong together and read as they were made for each other, and I LOVED their romance.

This book reads like a symphony, with rhythm changes, tension and resolution. I can see Julie loves and understands music, and that passion was transcribed perfectly in this story.

I was very anxious while reading because I could feel the sheer amount of things that could trigger a 3rd act breakup, which I always hate, and in this particular case I knew it would break my heart almost irreparably. I made peace with it because, as I said before, the characters are very young, and stupid decisions are unavoidable at that age.

I do n0t always mention it, but in this case I absolutely have to: The spice was spicy, beautiful, and I loved it. THE CELLO SCENE... this book is HOT.

It was a privilege to read about this couple., I'll be waiting for more of Soto's books.

I liked forget me not by Julie Soto, so I was really excited to read this one.. Let me tell you wooow.. I was definitely not disappointed😄..I loved this book so much and couldn’t put it down.. A Cello & violinist to lovers story, they both work in the same orchestra and he is also in a popular band thorns &roses… dual POV, but mostly her point of view..so much tension…the spice scenes are so spicy once they hit.. the cover scene?? She’s insane for making it the cover but I’m so here for it….even though I got this arc by netgalley.. I’m definitely going to buy this book..!! You should definitely buy this book if you liked forget me not!! get it when it comes out July 16 2024.. 4,3⭐️

Synopsis: Gwen Jackson and Xander Thorne, both musical prodigies with contrasting backgrounds, find their lives intertwined in the Pops Orchestra. Xander, born into classical music royalty, and Gwen, with a natural talent nurtured by a kind shop owner, clash when Xander arrogantly critiques Gwen's performance, unaware they've worked together for a year. Their hostility intensifies when Gwen is offered the coveted role of First Chair, but their undeniable respect and electric onstage chemistry lead to a burgeoning romance. As they navigate their feelings, their relationship faces the threat of being exploited as a publicity stunt, putting their fragile bond at risk.

Review:☆☆☆☆

This was my first book by Julie Soto, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I loved the main characters, becoming instantly invested in their story and musical ambitions. Julie Soto skillfully wove music into the narrative, with engaging details about orchestras and string instruments. However, I found the third-act breakup to be out of character for Xander and felt the resolution was too quick. Despite this, it was a worthwhile read, and I would definitely recommend it.

Thank you NetGalley UK and the publisher for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for a review.

Whoa!!!!
Funny and sexy, tender and heart-filled, and addictive down to the word! I couldn't tear myself away from this story. I thoroughly enjoyed Gwen and Alex's story. As always, a third act break up is a no from me, but other than that, lots to enjoy!

3.75 ⭐

THIS IS A MASTER PIECE I HONESTLY CAN NOT WAIT TO HOLD THIS.

THE MUSIC. THE SEXUAL TENSION. THE PLOT WAS PLOTTING.

MOVE OUT THE WAY. THIS IS MY NEW ROMAN EMPIRE

✨ BOOK REVIEW ✨

Not Another Love Song - Julie Soto
🌟🌟🌟🌟

LIKES
☀️ This scored points with me immediately for being a romance with a clear music theme threaded through it.
☀️ Perfect pacing.
☀️ I could picture each and every character effortlessly in my mind.
☀️ Oozing with tension and chemistry.
☀️ Interesting side characters that actually served a purpose rather than feeling plonked in.
☀️ Gwen was a relatable main character with just the right amount of chaos to feel realistic.
☀️ How it taught me so much about orchestras, super interesting.
☀️ It genuinely made me wish I’d learnt a string instrument because the way their passion for music was woven into every page was so beautifully executed.
☀️ The fact that it didn’t have a big over the top ending.

DISLIKES
🌙 Xander could’ve done with a few more differences to Elliot (from Forget Me Not,!Julie’s first book). Their personalities were almost identical.
🌙 I wish we’d seen them develop more of an emotional connection before they fell for one another to make it feel even more convincing.

I highly recommend giving this a go in July when it releases if you’re a music fan 🎻

I’ve been a fan of Julie Soto since reading Forget Me Not and I was really looking forward to this book! I loved the musical side to it, which I haven’t really read about before. The tension and chemistry were so good and I loved the characters. I really want to learn a new instrument now!!

This is one of the best romance books I have ever read. Gwen and Alex have a chemistry that is out of this world. They got me giggling out loud and kicking my feed while reading. I literally couldn't stop reading because I had so much fun and was so emotionally invested in this story. The sexual tension was everything. Julie Soto also did a great job at writing about music in a way that's really exciting even for people who know nothing about stringed instruments. The whole musical aspect of the story really brought so much life into it and made it into the masterpiece it is. Who knew that a cello and a violin could be this sexy???

Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for the arc in exchange for an honest review!

I really enjoyed the start of this book, but I did get tired of the music. Like it was incredibly detailed any time they played any music and I just couldn't care less. Even the sex scenes were full of music related phrases and words.
I honestly felt at some points like I was just reading sheet music.

Anyway I did enjoy this book, I really enjoy when the fmc thinks the mmc hates her but then in his pov he's just obsessed with her.

Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
As soon as I saw the cover and then realised that it was Julie Soto's next book I knew that this was a must-read! It was fun, sweet, and spicy! I loved how the music was as much a character in the story as the actual characters, and how it flowed throughout the book. It was all so well described that I could just about hear Alex and Gwen playing together. Music was their love language. I was fully invested not only in Gwen and Alex's relationship, but also in the various friendships and family relationships that drove the story. Overall, this is a beautifully written romance that I enjoyed very much.

Thank you for sending me Julie Soto's new book 'Not Another Love Song'. I couldn't put this book down. I loved Forget me Not and was so happy to be able to read Soto's newest book. This book had me captivated right from the start and it was truly another breath-taking story from Soto. I can't wait to see what she does next.

This was very beautiful and I loved the musical element throughout this book. The MC’s in this book are competitive in different ways, there’s tension between them that builds and causes friction throughout. I couldnt put it down and encourage anyone whos a hopeless romantic who enjoys a build up to pick this book up!

I really liked the chemisty between the characters! the love story progressed in a really great way, but what i didnt like thought was, that the characters themselves felt a way too two dimensional, they were mssing their depth.
And i feel like i personally didnt like the big focus on music, i get that its a story about music as much as it is about love, but as someone with little to no knowledge about music, i feel like i didnt fully grasp the story and the authors intent. But i know that its a "its not you, its me"-situation, and i will for sure recommend the title to my romance readers at work!

Giggling and kicking my feet in the air. Swooning and blushing. Tearing up and sighing. All the feels 🩷
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I’m a complete goner for romances and this book was everything I expected and more. The universe conspired and put Gwen and Alex together in the same orchestra. She’s the self-taught violonist and he’s the cellist turned rockstar everyone wants on their team. He’s also the guy who falls first and starts hearing their love song before they even spend time together, so I don’t know what else I can say about them.
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‘He didn’t want to title it yet, but the file needed a name. He typed:

Not a Love Song.

And he believed it for a few weeks.’
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There’s insame chemistry which Julie Soto puts into words like no one else - page after page, I didn’t want the emotions to stop flowing. I know I’ll go back to this book often for a re-read and not just because of the cello scene 😳
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‘“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.”
[…]
“Tell me I can see you again,” he whispered, leaning into her. “For music or anything else.”’
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This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year - ever since I read Forget me Not (thanks @ladamelit) I knewwwww I needed more books from Julie Soto and thankfully she didn’t keep me waiting too much (thank you, ILY 💗). Thanks @harpercollinsuk and @netgalley for the copy! Now I need my physical copy as well, stat!