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!

I went into this with extremely high expectations, having seen lots of praise on the internet, combined with the super high GR rating. I thought it was a beautiful story, with loveable characters who you root for and want to do well. It is firmly set in the world of New York orchestras and classical music, which are as much a part of the story as the romance. The reason it’s not hit a 5 for me is I don’t feel like it fully maximised its emotional moments, and embrace the highs and lows as much as it could, especially in the last 20% or so.

Am i listening to “jesu, joy of man’s desiring” since I’ve read this book?? Yes i am! Am i obsessed with this book?? Yes absolutely freaking lutely.
I was hooked from the very first page I don’t think i even moved for about 35% in the beginning, it’s been a very some time since a book hooked me like this, and FROM THE FIRST PAGES too.
The music references make such an enchanting experience for the readers, i felt like i was literally at the philharmonic listening to the greatest concert Ive ever heard.

The fact that the music parts had SO MUCH ANGST I WAS GIGGLING AND SCREAMING KICKING MY FEET, it was definitely an experience 🙂‍↔️🙂‍↔️

I ve read some reviews about how sometimes you wanted to shake the characters and their behaviour but honestly i feel like everything had a purpose and i was never annoyed with any of the character( this does not include you nathan)

Let’s talk about alex freaking fitzgerald, this man WAS THE ULTIMATE BOOK BOYFRIEND, he was so perfect I could’ve cried, WHY IS HE NOT REAL 😭😭
He was and is a complex character but this is all part of his growth and journey to finding himself again

Gwen was such a sweet character, almost a people pleaser ( aren’t we all sometimes??) and this made me love her, she was genuine and didn’t try to change herself for other people( yes Nathan still talking about you)

Absolutely loved the christmas scene from the store scene in the second to last chapter, THE FOUND FAMILY IS SO CUTE i was balling

yes you guys were right, those damn 🌶️ scenes are to die for 🤭💅🏼

There are no words to describe how much i love this book
Thank you so much for the arc Netgalley and HarperCollins Uk 🫶🏻🫶🏻💖

Not Another Love Song is music in book form. I didn't expect to fall head over heels in love with this book, but it grabbed me from the start and didn't let go. It sang to my soul and what a beautiful melody it was. I'll be thinking about Gwen and Alex for a while, I adore them.

This was my first book by Julie Soto, but it won't be the last. I loved her writing, it's so vivid, full of life and almost tangible. I could picture everything so well and there were several scenes that gave me chills or brought tears to my eyes because I could feel all the emotion behind the words. The way she describes music is breathtaking and now all I want to do is listen to Gwen and Alex play their songs.

In many ways I think music is also a main character in this story. I know next to nothing about violins and cellos and orchestras, but I love music with everything I am, so all the discussions about music were very interesting to me. When people are passionate about something, it's so nice to see how they light up when they talk about it, so it was very special to see how much it was a big part of Gwen and Alex's lives.

The characters are wonderful. This is written in third person (which I love) and we follow Gwen's POV, but there are some interludes, I think I can call them that, written in Alex's POV which were such a nice addition to the story.

Gwen is the definition of a people pleaser and although I was sometimes mad at her for not standing up for herself more, I honestly can't blame her. I would have done the same. She's so vibrant, there's something so beautiful about the person she is. I loved that she was a bit awkward, it added to her charm. She spent so much of her life trying to please others and looking for external validation, so some of her actions are understandable in that light. I was so proud to see her finally take control of her life at the end and focus on what she wanted instead of settling for something that was comfortable but didn't bring her much passion.

Alex (or Xander) is wonderful and I need him in my life, I'm so in love with him. At first he seems so arrogant and snobbish, like he thinks he's better than everyone else, but that's far from the truth. He's just a confident man who doesn't need anyone to tell him what he's worth. It's interesting how similar he was to Gwen when he was younger. Alex wanted to be good enough, he sought validation from other people as well. But when he became Xander, he realised that the only person he needed to impress was himself. And while he wasn't completely free, the new name allowed him to escape some of the limitations of his past life.

Gwen and Alex are perfect for each other and their romance lit up my heart. I love them, I love them, I love them. The slow burn was so good! There's great chemistry between them and lots of tension, the first time something physical happened between them I swear I could feel my soul levitating. The scene on the cover (iykyk) is one of the hottest scenes I've ever read! And honestly, all the other spicy scenes were just as fantastic. But their soul connection was the most beautiful thing, the way they spoke to each other through their music was stunning, they communicated without words, it was intimate and profound and so romantic.

Also the way Alex treated Gwen made me swoon. He treated her like a queen! The man was so in love that all he wanted to do was write songs about her, it was just so magical how he told her he loved her through his music.

There is a third-act break-up, but it made sense why Gwen and Alex acted the way they did. It wasn't out of character and although it broke my heart, I think it was just their insecurities and fears speaking louder.

I loved the setting of the story (I love books set in New York), the supporting characters were all very good, I especially loved Jonathan and Mabel.

I don't know if this is the kind of book that everyone will love, but it touched me in a way that I didn't expect and I'm so grateful that I got an arc. I can't wait for it to come out so I can buy the actual copy and reread my favourite scenes.

- Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the e-arc.

This was my first Julie Soto book and I’ll definitely be reading more from her in the future! I knew nothing about this book going into it, I literally judged the book by the cover!

This book was really enjoyable! I’m a huge fan of rivals to lovers, so that had me sold from the start. There was so much tension, I loved it! And I really enjoyed seeing them compose music together.

I did find the music talk went over my head a little, but that was probably a me thing rather than the book. I’ve just never learned an instrument so I was a bit slower to get into it 🤷🏻‍♀️

I really wish this was full Dual POV. I find it so hard to get into Single POV books, because I feel like I’m missing out on half the story!

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

Tropes:
- Rivals to Lovers
- Cellist x Violinist
- Single POV
- He Falls First
- Forced Proximity
- Opposites Attract

After reading Forget Me Not, I thought this would be another mediocre romance, but I ate it up like chocolate. I don't know if it was me being in a slump, or craving something really easy but this just did it,

ARC via NetGalley

„I need you in my life. I need to be in your orbit”

🎻forced proximity
🎻love at first sight
🎻i will sacrifice anything for you
🎻she thinks he hates her
🎻dealing with trauma
🎻he’s her celebrity idol
🎻taylor swift reference

Title: Not Another Love Song
Author: Julie Soto
Pub Date: 4 Jul 2024
Rating: 4/5 stars

Not Another Love Song tells the love story of a violinist musical prodigy and a cellist musical royalty. It's told in third person, dual POV- Gwen, the independent perfectionist who worked hard for what she now has and Xander/Alex, the brooding musical genius who got everything handed to him. They are forced to learn to appreciate each other's music, which blossoms into an undeniable attraction.

The chemistry and tension between Alex and Gwen was so swoon-worthy. The rival-to-lovers romance is beautifully done and Julie Soto's writing style is so easy to dive into. Who knew violin and cello would be hot? (wink, wink). While I'm not very musically inclined, Julie made music come to life in these pages. You will be giggling, crying and anxious all at the same time.

Add this to your TBR right now!

Huge thank you to HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction and Netgalley for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

Absolutely loved this book, couldn't stop thinking about it when I wasn't reading, and couldn't put it down when I was. I wish the dialogue during the make up scene was a bit more in depth but other than that this was perfect

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the DRC!

Title: Not Another Love Song by Julie Soto

Release Date: July, 4th, 2024

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Stars

Gwen Jackson and Xander Thorne, both gifted string players, find themselves in a heated competition for the spotlight in this passionate romance. Despite their musical talents, their backgrounds couldn't be more different: Xander comes from classical music royalty, while Gwen's talent was nurtured by a kind shop owner.

Their paths cross when Gwen performs at a friend's wedding, only to realise that Xander doesn't recognise her, despite working together for a year. Their initial encounter is marked by Xander's arrogant critique of her performance, fuelling their existing animosity.

All bets are off when Gwen snags the prestigious spot of First Chair in the orchestra, a role Xander has been eyeing for ages. It's like adding fuel to the fire of their rivalry!

Talk about a musical showdown! These two string players can't deny the magic they make together on stage, despite their ongoing rivalry. Sparks fly as they navigate their complicated feelings for each other, all while trying to keep their budding romance under wraps amidst the whirlwind of fame and potential publicity antics. It's a symphony of emotions and drama as they find harmony in the midst of their rivalry.


Julie's storytelling takes you on a musical journey, painting vivid scenes that make even non-musicians want to pick up an instrument. Her narrative is like a captivating melody that lingers in your mind, leaving you curious and eager for more.

I found myself revisiting the romantic passages over and over again; they were like beautifully crafted poetry!

This book stole my heart, and if I could, I'd give it more than five stars without a second thought.


Thank you to The Publisher HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction | HarperCollins, The Author Julie Soto & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.

I really really loved Forget Me Not by Julie Soto. so I was so excited to read this new book from her.
He just writes romance so beautifully, love that feels real.
I really hope she continues writing these beautiful and romantic love stories.

I was originally interested in this for the classical music element, and I also wanted to try another book by this author because while I didn’t like the first one very much, I still thought the plot sounded promising.

It started out quite well, I was really intrigued by the orchestra aspect, and I think that part of the story was very well done. But the further I got, the worse it got for me, unfortunately. I did kind of like Gwen, her passion for her music and her friendship with Jacob were entertaining. But I really don’t understand what she saw in Alex. He was the definition of poor little rich boy, kept insulting her at every turn, and he literally didn’t care for anyone but himself.

I also felt like a part of this story was missing. Alex and Gwen go from never really even having a whole conversation and him insulting her in every single interaction they have, to him getting her off out of nowhere. And then they just act familiar with each other in a way that’s not earned at all.

In the end, this didn’t work for me. I need some built up, chemistry and connection between the characters for the romance to work, which is non-existent here, sadly.

But I will say that it was an easy read, it's nicely paced, and I wasn’t bored reading it, just annoyed.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

Not Another Love Song by Julie Soto
Rating: 5/5
Release Date: 4 July 2024

Gwen Jackson and Xander Thorne, both gifted musicians, have traveled vastly different paths to achieve their musical prowess. Xander, born into a family of classical music elites, has enjoyed a life of privilege and opportunity. In contrast, Gwen's musical talent was discovered and nurtured by a compassionate shop owner, shaping her journey in a unique way.

Their worlds collide when Gwen performs at a friend's wedding, only to realise that Xander, despite having worked together for a year at the Pops Orchestra, doesn't recognise her. To make matters worse, Xander's critical remarks about her performance fuel Gwen's fury.

Tensions escalate when Gwen is offered the coveted role of First Chair of the orchestra—a position Xander had secretly coveted for years. Their already strained relationship intensifies, but beneath the surface, a mutual admiration for each other's musical abilities simmers. Their on-stage chemistry becomes electric, drawing attention and admiration. Yet, as their feelings for each other deepen, they find themselves navigating a delicate romance amidst the glare of the public eye, with the looming threat of a publicity stunt threatening to overshadow their genuine connection.

"NOT ANOTHER LOVE SONG" is an absolute gem of a romance, brimming with beauty, allure, and pure excitement. Gwen and Xander's journey is an exquisite blend of passion, heartache, and sizzling chemistry that will leave you utterly captivated.

Julie's masterful storytelling not only draws you into the lives of these characters but also ignites a newfound interest in music, thanks to her vivid portrayal of their musical world. Even if you've never considered picking up an instrument, Julie's narrative will inspire you to do so.

This was an absolutely captivating read and I highly recommend it!

Thank you so much to NetGalley, HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction, and the author, Julie Soto, for providing me with an ARC copy in exchange for an honest and fair review.

Thank you Harper Collins and NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I have been a fan of Julie Soto's work for years, and the original fanfic from which this book is based is a huge favourite of mine. I was a little worried that "Not Another Love Song" would not have the same effect on me as "The Food of Love," but I'm happy to say I was not disappointed.

Gwen is a highly-skilled, self-taught violinist who has worked for the Manhattan Pops for years, and finds herself thrust into the role of first chair violinist and concertmaster to help financially aid an ailing orchestra when the donations start to dry up. Xander is a musical prodigy, and the son of an accomplished violinist. He is taciturn, quick to anger and stubborn, but he falls in love with Gwen the first time he hears her play.

"Not Another Love Song" is a charming, sexy, unforgettable book with incredible characters and a chemistry that is off the charts. I am very much looking forward to Julie's next novel.

Gwen Jackson plays violin for the Manhattan Pops orchestra and plays at weddings to supplement her meagre earnings. One day a last minute wedding at a huge mansion creates a drama - the bride wanted a cellist, Gwen has played cello (a very little) but wouldn't call herself proficient, and her music is for the violin. To add to the disaster, one of the guests, Alex, lends her his cello - Alex is none other than Xander Thorne, first cello in the same orchestra and member of the hugely successful electric strings band Thorne and Roses, who Gwen may have had a crush on, until he joined the Pops orchestra where his contempt for the other musicians and the musical arrangements made his look like a jerk. But here he is, watching her butcher the music on his cello.

Xander can't believe his eyes and ears, this woman admits to not being a cellist but is sight translating the violin music into cello music, and doing a pretty good job, when he hears that she is also in the Pops orchestra he can't believe he hasn't noticed her before.

After the wedding Gwen seems to see Alex/Xander everywhere, she can only think he is mocking her, trying to get her to embarrass herself so that he can expose her somehow. But the truth is, Alex is mesmerised by someone who is truly a musical prodigy, not just the product of intense training since he was three years old. Dominated by controlling father figures, Xander has lost interest in composing, until the day he met Gwen, since then there's a melody running through his head which he can't get rid of. But when professional rivalries spill over and lines are blurred will their burgeoning romance be able to withstand the truth?

I loved Forget Me Not so when I saw this cover and realised it was by the same author I jumped at the chance to read it. Whilst being a totally different story it had the same vibe, or maybe its just the FMC struggling while the MMC is hugely successful. Anyway Ama and Elliot also make an appearance, they are involved in the wedding where Alex meets Gwen properly.

Loved it, loved it, loved it. Rock star meets pop orchestra, meets poor little rich boy meets poor musical genius.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.