"Not Another Love Song" is a romance written by Julie Soto. A sizzling, quick and fun novel characterized by effervescent prose and short chapters. I love books that involve music and this one absorbed me completely! Alex and Gwen, the two main characters with their respective third person povs (Alex only has a few here and there, most are Gwen's) won me over! Yes, I almost forgot, the story is written in third person! And I, usually, don't particularly appreciate romance written in third person! But "Not Another Love Song" convinced me in this aspect as well, engaging me totally! Anyway, back to Gwen and Xander, I loved them! Gwen is a violinist of the New York Pops Orchestra. A musical prodigy, a girl with a difficult life who has always had to fight to achieve everything. Xander, on the other hand, is a cellist of the New York Pops Orchestra. A musical genius, coming from a rich and well-known family in the music field, who has always had everything at her feet. Gwen has always observed Xander from her hidden, reserved position, while Xander has never noticed her. That is until an unexpected encounter prompts them to interact, sparking a strong tension, which increases even more when Gwen receives the role of First Chair of the orchestra, a position Xander has coveted for years. What can I say?! I found them simply amazing! They are two complex, tormented figures, character opposites, but at the same time united by their love of music. Both are brilliant, both aim for perfection, and because of this they find themselves in competition with each other. A rivalry that soon becomes fiery when, between one argument and another, a burning attraction intrudes. And what a powerful attraction gosh! Sorry, but these two made me swoon hard! Their chemistry is sizzling, their interactions are enthralling, and the spicy is really hot! Seriously, in certain scenes my hormones started doing cartwheels and I melted badly! I enjoyed the whole development of their relationship, full of funny and tender scenes, and I enjoyed the secondary characters as well!

All in all, "Not Another Love Song" is a sizzling, quick and effervescent romance that I recommend to lovers of the genre!

Thank you to the Publisher and NetGalley for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[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 your tbr.

This was such a fascinating plot line for a romance story and I knew I wanted to read it as soon as I saw it announced. It also helped that I loved the author's first book also.

We meet Gwen and Alex as they come together in an orchestra they’re both a part of. Alex was such a complex character and I loved everything about him. From the pressure he felt as a musical prodigy forced into situations he didn’t want to be in to suddenly recreating himself as Xander Thorne to start again.

I loved how Gwen was able to get to the heart of him and bring both of the personas into one person. I just loved Gwen anyway. I was rooting for her the entire book. I wanted her to come into her own and realise how amazing she was without someone telling her what she needed to do.

The relationship was a bit insta-love but I didn’t hate it. The relationship felt genuine and you could see how much they loved each other and they helped with their own battles. I also love that they came out of the other side and remained together.

Thank you netgalley for a chance to review this book.

I loved reading Forget Me Not last year, so I was super excited to return to Julie Soto’s writing, and Not Another Love Song did NOT disappoint. This was a compulsively readable romance - I literally could not put it down, reading into the early hours of the morning. I was utterly drawn into the musical aspects of the story - my little Mozart in the Jungle loving heart had the time of its life! I loved the characters who felt so real it was like they could step off the page at any moment. The love story was stunning - sweet, tender and so, so sexy. All the stars!!!!

Oh my god. I loved this book so much.

Gwen and Alex were magic together. I was completely hypnotised by their romance, I found myself sighing a million times when I devoured this masterpiece.

The music, the characters, the tension, their chemistry, the connection, the cello scene??? I have no words, just 🥵🥰😩🔥🥹🤩✨

The writing was straight up poetic and I am genuinely sad that I can’t hear the breathtaking music the two were playing.

I absolutely adore this book and Julie Soto is now an auto buy author. I highly recommend this book!!! I am ashamed to say that I have not read Forget me not, but I’m off to start that rn 🫡🏃🏻‍♀️

.Rivals to lovers
.Mutual pining
.He falls first and hard
.Slowburn
.Professional musicians

Yup, I think I have a new favourite author. This was soooooo good. I couldn't put it down.

It's a hard book for me to describe, so I'll break it down into topics. First, the romance. It's angsty yet somehow uplifting and encouraging. The way Gwen and Alex saw and understood each other deeply was beautiful. The tension and mutual pining at certain points of the story, their rivalry morphing into a partnership, and the effort Alex puts in is everything I look forward to in my books.

Their connection through music and how it was described was also beautiful. It made me wish I had studied music when I was younger. The book is very technical, and many of the musical details went over my head, but it made the story feel more realistic. I wish it came with a full soundtrack and hope it gets turned into a movie that brings the words to life through image and sound.

The characters shine, not just Gwen and Alex. They were all well-developed, leaving me unsure of whom to believe, who was right or wrong. Each character had their aims, resentments, opinions, and interconnected stories that only fit together by the end of the book.

If you know me, you know I read a lot of smut, but it's been a while since I connected this deeply with the spice in a book. The consent, the constant checking in, the tenderness, the hotness of it all; chef's kiss. Really spectacular. There's no shortage of it, but a particular scene in Alex's home studio will be forever burned in my memory.

I can't wait for this book to hit the shelves and see everyone's reactions.

This was such a quick, easy and very enjoyable read.
And the spice was…. Well in my personal opinion enough, but not too much. I love a good enemies/rivals to lovers story. At first I was a little confused about what Xander’s issue with Gwen was…. But when it became obvious to me that he was battling his inner competitor and perfectionist and it was really admiration I was all for it.
The characters were mostly really likeable (or served their purpose as the “big bad” well). Though maybe not always very relatable or realistic I do enjoy a story about people who are just skilled and superior in their respective fields, which seemed to be the case with our two lovers here.
I don’t know a lot about music, but when I was reading it I felt like the author had a fair knowledge of musical theory and had done some good research.
The chemistry and the tension between the characters was well executed and I enjoyed witnessing them struggle to face their own feelings and meet each other and become stronger/more vulnerable for/with the other person.

I have no regrets spending time reading this book and will likely read other works by Soto.

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.