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Not Another Love Song
Two string players fight their attraction for each other as they compete for center stage in this spicy and emotional romance.
Gwen Jackson and Xander Thorne are both musical prodigies, but each has had very different paths to success. Xander was born into classical music royalty, while Gwen had a natural ear for music that was nurtured by a kind shop owner.
After Gwen performs at his friend’s wedding, she’s mortified when she realizes Xander has no clue who she is—despite having worked together for a year at the Pops Orchestra. But she’s more furious that he arrogantly critiques her performance.
When Gwen is offered the role of First Chair of the orchestra, something Xander had secretly coveted for years, their existing hostility goes up a notch. But their respect for each other's music is undeniable, and their onstage chemistry off the scale. As they begin to explore their feelings for one another, suddenly they're box office dynamite and the fragile romance that's growing between them is in danger of being crushed beneath a publicity stunt...
Gwen Jackson and Xander Thorne are both musical prodigies, but each has had very different paths to success. Xander was born into classical music royalty, while Gwen had a natural ear for music that was nurtured by a kind shop owner.
After Gwen performs at his friend’s wedding, she’s mortified when she realizes Xander has no clue who she is—despite having worked together for a year at the Pops Orchestra. But she’s more furious that he arrogantly critiques her performance.
When Gwen is offered the role of First Chair of the orchestra, something Xander had secretly coveted for years, their existing hostility goes up a notch. But their respect for each other's music is undeniable, and their onstage chemistry off the scale. As they begin to explore their feelings for one another, suddenly they're box office dynamite and the fragile romance that's growing between them is in danger of being crushed beneath a publicity stunt...
380 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 4, 2024
About the author
Julie Soto
4 books2,959 followersJULIE SOTO is a USA Today bestselling author, playwright, and actress originally from Sacramento, CA. Her musical Generation Me won the 2017 New York Musical Festival’s Best Musical award, as well as Best Book for her script. She is a musical theater geek, fandom nerd, and the author of many spicy fan fictions. Julie now lives in Fort Bragg, CA, with her dog, Charlie. She is probably drinking coffee as you read this.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,435 reviews
July 17, 2024
"It's simple, really. It's about a cello who fell in love with a violin."
I don't believe it's a bad book but it's definitely not for me. Am sure I'll be in the minority here but I really found this book to be boring. The first half was okayish for me but I wasn't able to connect with the characters and the story at all. The second half simply dragged for me.
The characters are okay. I think Xander/Alex is the same as Elliot when it comes to personality. I didn't see anything new. Gwen is likable but the girl can really make dumb decisions at times and it sort of bothered me. Also, the fact that Ama kept showing up in the first half was too annoying for me.
Julie Soto's writing is not for me. I don't think I'll read another of her books again simply cause I don't enjoy them. I picked this one up cause of a certain cello scene that was gaining hype. That scene delivered, along with the rest of the spicy scenes 👀 But it was a very dull experience for me.
~•~•~
Here for the cello scene 🫣
I don't believe it's a bad book but it's definitely not for me. Am sure I'll be in the minority here but I really found this book to be boring. The first half was okayish for me but I wasn't able to connect with the characters and the story at all. The second half simply dragged for me.
The characters are okay. I think Xander/Alex is the same as Elliot when it comes to personality. I didn't see anything new. Gwen is likable but the girl can really make dumb decisions at times and it sort of bothered me. Also, the fact that Ama kept showing up in the first half was too annoying for me.
Julie Soto's writing is not for me. I don't think I'll read another of her books again simply cause I don't enjoy them. I picked this one up cause of a certain cello scene that was gaining hype. That scene delivered, along with the rest of the spicy scenes 👀 But it was a very dull experience for me.
~•~•~
Here for the cello scene 🫣
July 30, 2024
i think personally we need more repackaged reylo fic
i’m serious, i fear
i’m serious, i fear
June 2, 2024
thanks to the publisher for the free review copy!
julie soto, i'm gonna touch your hand when i say this. this book should not have left AO3.
i was MASSIVELY excited for this as forget me not was my favorite book of last year. but as soon as i found out that this was her first book that she wrote and rewrote and was constantly rejected by publishers, my excitement started to falter. and by the time i was 30% into this book, i was desperate for it to be over.
i have so much to say about it that i can't sum up into bite sized pieces, but the gist of it is:
1. this main character is so naive and so many unrealistic opportunities are given to her just because she's young and ~special~, even though she doesn't have any outstanding qualities other than being a main character in a book
2. the love interest is SOOO manipulative and annoying?! i could go on and on about this alone but he's constantly putting the main character down and telling her she sucks at playing violin/cello (which i have a big problem with the fact that this book makes it seem like you can play both interchangeably??), but then he also uses her as a muse and demands he play her music and is constantly bossing her around on what to do and what not to do even though he's known her for like a week. he was SO obnoxious
3. the villains in this book are pointed out pretty much from the beginning to be bad people but the entire plot the characters just stick with them and hope for the best?! so it's really no surprise in the end when things go to shit and i have no sympathy for them
4. i reiterate: this book is SO unrealistic. i was never in an orchestra but i can guarantee they would never just hand first chair to a youngster because it would be good publicity. that and the amount of instrument switching these characters do and the sight reading and impromptu public performances they're forced to give? i just couldn't stomach how implausible it all was
5. i was hoping this would be a rivals to lovers plot but it really wasn't. you can really tell that this used to be a fanfiction because the pace of it is so meandering like it was written chapter by chapter instead of a full story arc. i could almost tell what the single inspiration scene and jumping off point was, so it didn't flow very seamlessly. and it uses SO many cheap, corny fanfiction-esque tropes like getting into a food fight, accidentally liking someone's old instagram post, and other groan-worthy shit i wrote when i was like 16. between that and the main guy wearing henleys and flipping his hair all the time (among other things like the main character really loving the song numb by linkin park), this book just exuded 2011 vibes.
i think the idea of musicians falling for one another has the potential to be so compelling, but it was so watered down by corny dialogue and weak plot and kind of an aimless story that it was hard for me to care about them. really the first sex scene was the only great part about this book, but not great enough to recommend it purely on that.
---
original review, pre-read:
I NEED THIS BOOK IN A WAY THAT’S CONCERNING TO FEMINISM
julie soto, i'm gonna touch your hand when i say this. this book should not have left AO3.
i was MASSIVELY excited for this as forget me not was my favorite book of last year. but as soon as i found out that this was her first book that she wrote and rewrote and was constantly rejected by publishers, my excitement started to falter. and by the time i was 30% into this book, i was desperate for it to be over.
i have so much to say about it that i can't sum up into bite sized pieces, but the gist of it is:
1. this main character is so naive and so many unrealistic opportunities are given to her just because she's young and ~special~, even though she doesn't have any outstanding qualities other than being a main character in a book
2. the love interest is SOOO manipulative and annoying?! i could go on and on about this alone but he's constantly putting the main character down and telling her she sucks at playing violin/cello (which i have a big problem with the fact that this book makes it seem like you can play both interchangeably??), but then he also uses her as a muse and demands he play her music and is constantly bossing her around on what to do and what not to do even though he's known her for like a week. he was SO obnoxious
3. the villains in this book are pointed out pretty much from the beginning to be bad people but the entire plot the characters just stick with them and hope for the best?! so it's really no surprise in the end when things go to shit and i have no sympathy for them
4. i reiterate: this book is SO unrealistic. i was never in an orchestra but i can guarantee they would never just hand first chair to a youngster because it would be good publicity. that and the amount of instrument switching these characters do and the sight reading and impromptu public performances they're forced to give? i just couldn't stomach how implausible it all was
5. i was hoping this would be a rivals to lovers plot but it really wasn't. you can really tell that this used to be a fanfiction because the pace of it is so meandering like it was written chapter by chapter instead of a full story arc. i could almost tell what the single inspiration scene and jumping off point was, so it didn't flow very seamlessly. and it uses SO many cheap, corny fanfiction-esque tropes like getting into a food fight, accidentally liking someone's old instagram post, and other groan-worthy shit i wrote when i was like 16. between that and the main guy wearing henleys and flipping his hair all the time (among other things like the main character really loving the song numb by linkin park), this book just exuded 2011 vibes.
i think the idea of musicians falling for one another has the potential to be so compelling, but it was so watered down by corny dialogue and weak plot and kind of an aimless story that it was hard for me to care about them. really the first sex scene was the only great part about this book, but not great enough to recommend it purely on that.
---
original review, pre-read:
I NEED THIS BOOK IN A WAY THAT’S CONCERNING TO FEMINISM
July 16, 2024
Oh my god this was a DELIGHT of a book, 4.5 stars. Don't let the fact that I've waited more than a month since reading this book to finally put down a review for it fool you, this has been my favorite romance of the year so far by a long shot. These characters, their tension, THE CELLO???? The way music and musical appreciation is woven through every bit of this story deeply pleases my inner band kid (6 years of clarinet LET'S GO) and makes me very upset I never pursued that passing thought of man, I'd really like to try violin.
I think I liked this even more than I did Forget Me Not, and that takes place in my own city so I wasn't sure I wanted the NYC book to top the Sacramento book, but here we are.
I think I liked this even more than I did Forget Me Not, and that takes place in my own city so I wasn't sure I wanted the NYC book to top the Sacramento book, but here we are.
July 24, 2024
happy pub day…i guess???? i just like the review 💀
reylo fanfic: ✅
no character development: ✅
insta-love: ✅
jarring pacing: ✅
down and dirty scene on the COVER: ✅
i’m not surprised about this, i really didn’t like her first book either but this was practically a literary masterpiece compared to that sack of poorly packaged horse shit. idk if it was just too artsy fartsy for me or fanfic at its finest, but this is one of those weird ass books that makes me wonder how they get published. it FEELS like it came straight out of wattpad (sorry to diss wattpad like that). like i could search her username and find this story for sure. the way that violin made them horny was, BY FAR, the weirdest shit i’ve ever read. yes there’s boy obsessed but at what cost? for the first 30% of the book he is SUCH a dick to her while she quite literally runs away from him. every time. like she stormed out of rooms, away from conversations, his HOUSE for fucks sake 😭 nickname her “the bolter” atp (iykyk) i cannot make this up he just *edward cullens* her and they’re fucking like rabbits. like okay that came straight outta NOWHERE.
also the mustache-twirling villain was so fucking cringey. he might as well have mwah-ha-ha’d his way into the story the way he was SUCH a caricature. i also dont know shit about fuck when it comes to the classical music industry, but if it’s this fucking cringey, deuces im out ✌️him naming a song after her was my last straw. when i think back on this book, not one bit of the story made sense and it was all very fever dream-ish.
i will say the steamy bits are hot as fuck like she really delivered with those scenes ngl…but you wouldn’t DARE catch me rereading those chapters 👀
reylo fanfic: ✅
no character development: ✅
insta-love: ✅
jarring pacing: ✅
down and dirty scene on the COVER: ✅
i’m not surprised about this, i really didn’t like her first book either but this was practically a literary masterpiece compared to that sack of poorly packaged horse shit. idk if it was just too artsy fartsy for me or fanfic at its finest, but this is one of those weird ass books that makes me wonder how they get published. it FEELS like it came straight out of wattpad (sorry to diss wattpad like that). like i could search her username and find this story for sure. the way that violin made them horny was, BY FAR, the weirdest shit i’ve ever read. yes there’s boy obsessed but at what cost? for the first 30% of the book he is SUCH a dick to her while she quite literally runs away from him. every time. like she stormed out of rooms, away from conversations, his HOUSE for fucks sake 😭 nickname her “the bolter” atp (iykyk) i cannot make this up he just *edward cullens* her and they’re fucking like rabbits. like okay that came straight outta NOWHERE.
also the mustache-twirling villain was so fucking cringey. he might as well have mwah-ha-ha’d his way into the story the way he was SUCH a caricature. i also dont know shit about fuck when it comes to the classical music industry, but if it’s this fucking cringey, deuces im out ✌️him naming a song after her was my last straw. when i think back on this book, not one bit of the story made sense and it was all very fever dream-ish.
i will say the steamy bits are hot as fuck like she really delivered with those scenes ngl…but you wouldn’t DARE catch me rereading those chapters 👀
April 21, 2024
Whoa! My fellow book lovers, I’m about to make an announcement: I've found the best romance novel of the year, with a perfect 10-star rating for its spicy, high chemistry level!
Oh boy, I can practically hear the masterpieces composed by Alex & Gwen in my head! I never say no to rock songs that transform into marvelous concertos when performed with passion, intensity, and pure love pouring out from the depths of the musicians’ hearts.
This lyrical romance may start with tunes like “Rarara Bad Romance,” but slowly intensifies into “Addicted to Love,” and finishes with “Eternal Flame” notes! You absolutely cannot afford to miss this novel! It even exceeded my love for the author’s previous novel, “Forget Me Not” (by the way, we have cameos of Ama and Elliot in this novel, and I have a hunch that the third novel of the series might focus on Dominic-Xander’s bandmate, Mar; Ama’s photographer best friend from the first book, which is set to release in May 2025. Fingers crossed that I got the hint right and made a good guess!)
Anyway, let’s delve into the plot and introduce the characters, explaining why I loved them so much and what makes their passionate and sentimental, yet flawed, love story so captivating and emotionally stirring.
Gwen Jackson, an aspiring violinist performing with the Manhattan Pops, manages to keep her head above water as a musical prodigy at the age of 22, despite lacking formal education and being an orphan. Her life changes when she steps foot into Mabel’s music store, owned by a gifted musician. While performing in the subway station, she crosses paths with Ava Fitzgerald, a legendary musician and board member of Manhattan Pops, who holds the first chair. Ava’s connection with Mabel helps Gwen secure a spot at her workplace.
However, Gwen’s side gig, performing at a celebrity wedding with her roommate Jacob, leads to an unexpected encounter with the legendary Thorne & Roses star, Xander Thorne, who is also a member of Manhattan Pops. Despite his tardiness and arrogance, which irritate both Ava and her partner Nathan, Xander’s arrival shakes things up.
Their initial meeting doesn’t go as planned: Xander harshly criticizes Gwen’s performance, unaware that they are part of the same orchestra until the board decides to give Gwen the first chair that Xander had demanded to replace Ava. This leads to even more harsh comments from Xander.
Although Gwen struggles with her own insecurities, she has no intention of fighting for her place or working harder to prove her talent. Unbeknownst to her, Xander's true identity, as Alex, recognizes just how special and talented she is, even more so than himself. He can't stop thinking about this mysterious prodigy who takes his breath away, pushing him to cross boundaries and stay at Manhattan Pops just to be close to her and create more music together. When they perform together, they become the epitome of magic. Can Gwen trust this arrogant boy from a wealthy and powerful background without risking her heart forever?
Overall, I found myself sighing several times by the end. I reread some of the romantic parts repeatedly; they were poetically written! I absolutely adored this book, and I’m certain it deserves more than five stars! Don’t hesitate—just dive in and read it!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for providing me with this AMAZING book's digital reviewer copy in exchange for my honest opinions.
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Oh boy, I can practically hear the masterpieces composed by Alex & Gwen in my head! I never say no to rock songs that transform into marvelous concertos when performed with passion, intensity, and pure love pouring out from the depths of the musicians’ hearts.
This lyrical romance may start with tunes like “Rarara Bad Romance,” but slowly intensifies into “Addicted to Love,” and finishes with “Eternal Flame” notes! You absolutely cannot afford to miss this novel! It even exceeded my love for the author’s previous novel, “Forget Me Not” (by the way, we have cameos of Ama and Elliot in this novel, and I have a hunch that the third novel of the series might focus on Dominic-Xander’s bandmate, Mar; Ama’s photographer best friend from the first book, which is set to release in May 2025. Fingers crossed that I got the hint right and made a good guess!)
Anyway, let’s delve into the plot and introduce the characters, explaining why I loved them so much and what makes their passionate and sentimental, yet flawed, love story so captivating and emotionally stirring.
Gwen Jackson, an aspiring violinist performing with the Manhattan Pops, manages to keep her head above water as a musical prodigy at the age of 22, despite lacking formal education and being an orphan. Her life changes when she steps foot into Mabel’s music store, owned by a gifted musician. While performing in the subway station, she crosses paths with Ava Fitzgerald, a legendary musician and board member of Manhattan Pops, who holds the first chair. Ava’s connection with Mabel helps Gwen secure a spot at her workplace.
However, Gwen’s side gig, performing at a celebrity wedding with her roommate Jacob, leads to an unexpected encounter with the legendary Thorne & Roses star, Xander Thorne, who is also a member of Manhattan Pops. Despite his tardiness and arrogance, which irritate both Ava and her partner Nathan, Xander’s arrival shakes things up.
Their initial meeting doesn’t go as planned: Xander harshly criticizes Gwen’s performance, unaware that they are part of the same orchestra until the board decides to give Gwen the first chair that Xander had demanded to replace Ava. This leads to even more harsh comments from Xander.
Although Gwen struggles with her own insecurities, she has no intention of fighting for her place or working harder to prove her talent. Unbeknownst to her, Xander's true identity, as Alex, recognizes just how special and talented she is, even more so than himself. He can't stop thinking about this mysterious prodigy who takes his breath away, pushing him to cross boundaries and stay at Manhattan Pops just to be close to her and create more music together. When they perform together, they become the epitome of magic. Can Gwen trust this arrogant boy from a wealthy and powerful background without risking her heart forever?
Overall, I found myself sighing several times by the end. I reread some of the romantic parts repeatedly; they were poetically written! I absolutely adored this book, and I’m certain it deserves more than five stars! Don’t hesitate—just dive in and read it!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for providing me with this AMAZING book's digital reviewer copy in exchange for my honest opinions.
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July 25, 2024
5 fucking stars ⭐️ Julie Soto’s best work!
“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.”
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ contemporary romance
✨ musicians falling in love
✨ he’s an arrogant, superstar cellist
✨ she’s a wallflower and talented violinist
✨ rivals to lovers
✨ he falls first
✨ insane sexual tension
✨ 3/5 🌶️
✨ found family
✨ dual POV (mostly FMC's)
✨ HEA
My Thoughts:
I am absolutely, positively, unequivocally obsessed!!!! Once I picked this up, I couldn’t put it down! I’m legit on safari in Africa and I was reading this in the damn car during game drives because I was so enthralled!
The MCs, Xander and Gwen are perfection! They are well developed characters with flaws and issues they learn to overcome in this story. And everything about their progression as characters felt natural. I really loved Gwen and wanted the best for her, and I was in love with Xander 💕
The romance was everything and the tension . . . holy shit! This is one of, if not the best, tension filled stories I’ve ever read! My stomach was fluttering and my heart was pounding during so many chapters! The romance was gripping from beginning to end! Bonus, it felt believable. I loved that while Xander and Gwen’s romance was hot and heavy, it was also beautiful and romantic. And while they had some complications, it wasn’t overly or unrealistically complicated. Just enough to make my heart hurt for a little with the knowledge everything will be just fine.
The spice was spicing! Good tension always makes the spice better. And that was the case here. Every single kiss had me hot and bothered. The way Xander plays Gwen’s body. . . the freaking cello scene!!! 🥵 And I loved that these spicy scenes really reflected their deep love and admiration and need for one another. It was intimacy on a whole different level.
I am obsessed with the music aspect. I don’t know if it’s because I played classical piano since I was 8 and sang in choir (I even performed in Carnegie Hall), but I understood the way music affected them. Gwen and Xander are the definition of soulmates and seeing their love story unfold through music was breathtaking. I just wish I could listen in real life to the music they wrote together. *Though, I do wonder, if I didn’t have such an intense music background, if I would have been frustrated with all the musical terms. Let me know in the comments if that’s the case for you.
I also adored the side characters, especially Jacob and Mei. Their friendships with Gwen added depth and layers to the story as well as comic relief.
Overall, Not Another Love Song is phenomenal! I honestly haven’t felt this obsessed about a book in a while, and it's instantly become my favorite book of 2024. Bravo Julie! I can't wait to reread it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review! As always, all opinions are my own.
Favorite Quotes:
Gwen Jackson was the first person he'd found who could actually do what he did. And possibly do it better. Only she didn't know it yet. And that - that - was the terrifying part.
_______
Bragging to Alex Fitzgerald about playing the violin was like bragging to Jesus Christ about walking in waves on a beach.
_______
"I've been watching you, Xander Thorne. You're no angel here."
_______
If he admitted that entire symphonies had unfurled in his mind when they played together. . . It felt like the music wouldn't be his anymore.
_______
"Don't let anyone tell you what you're capable of. Even if it sounds like a compliment."
_______
How easy it had been for him to find excuses to put his hands on her. How easy she'd made it for him.
_______
Xander. She was supposed to refer to him as Xander. What a stupid fucking name.
_______
"Extraordinary. Absolutely - fucking - gorgeous - like we were made for each other, Gwen."
_______
"I need to be in your orbit in 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 because it's the most alive I've felt in ten years-."
_______
"I want to be clear," he whispered, as she focused on the rose-colored smudges around her lips. "I want you. In every way." She swallowed, and he watched her throat move. "I want to see you. and fuck you. and play music with you."
_______
She listened as he came, sighing and gasping, shaking breaths into her skin. It was a melody she'd endeavor to chase for the rest of her life.
_______
"Just because you're good at something doesn't mean you have to do it for the rest of your life."
_______
"I don't have you stay at your place twenty-four-seven if you don't want-"
"I do. I do want."
_______
Maybe she likes love songs after all. As long as she was playing them with Alex.
_______
“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.”
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ contemporary romance
✨ musicians falling in love
✨ he’s an arrogant, superstar cellist
✨ she’s a wallflower and talented violinist
✨ rivals to lovers
✨ he falls first
✨ insane sexual tension
✨ 3/5 🌶️
✨ found family
✨ dual POV (mostly FMC's)
✨ HEA
My Thoughts:
I am absolutely, positively, unequivocally obsessed!!!! Once I picked this up, I couldn’t put it down! I’m legit on safari in Africa and I was reading this in the damn car during game drives because I was so enthralled!
The MCs, Xander and Gwen are perfection! They are well developed characters with flaws and issues they learn to overcome in this story. And everything about their progression as characters felt natural. I really loved Gwen and wanted the best for her, and I was in love with Xander 💕
The romance was everything and the tension . . . holy shit! This is one of, if not the best, tension filled stories I’ve ever read! My stomach was fluttering and my heart was pounding during so many chapters! The romance was gripping from beginning to end! Bonus, it felt believable. I loved that while Xander and Gwen’s romance was hot and heavy, it was also beautiful and romantic. And while they had some complications, it wasn’t overly or unrealistically complicated. Just enough to make my heart hurt for a little with the knowledge everything will be just fine.
The spice was spicing! Good tension always makes the spice better. And that was the case here. Every single kiss had me hot and bothered. The way Xander plays Gwen’s body. . . the freaking cello scene!!! 🥵 And I loved that these spicy scenes really reflected their deep love and admiration and need for one another. It was intimacy on a whole different level.
I am obsessed with the music aspect. I don’t know if it’s because I played classical piano since I was 8 and sang in choir (I even performed in Carnegie Hall), but I understood the way music affected them. Gwen and Xander are the definition of soulmates and seeing their love story unfold through music was breathtaking. I just wish I could listen in real life to the music they wrote together. *Though, I do wonder, if I didn’t have such an intense music background, if I would have been frustrated with all the musical terms. Let me know in the comments if that’s the case for you.
I also adored the side characters, especially Jacob and Mei. Their friendships with Gwen added depth and layers to the story as well as comic relief.
Overall, Not Another Love Song is phenomenal! I honestly haven’t felt this obsessed about a book in a while, and it's instantly become my favorite book of 2024. Bravo Julie! I can't wait to reread it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review! As always, all opinions are my own.
Favorite Quotes:
Gwen Jackson was the first person he'd found who could actually do what he did. And possibly do it better. Only she didn't know it yet. And that - that - was the terrifying part.
_______
Bragging to Alex Fitzgerald about playing the violin was like bragging to Jesus Christ about walking in waves on a beach.
_______
"I've been watching you, Xander Thorne. You're no angel here."
_______
If he admitted that entire symphonies had unfurled in his mind when they played together. . . It felt like the music wouldn't be his anymore.
_______
"Don't let anyone tell you what you're capable of. Even if it sounds like a compliment."
_______
How easy it had been for him to find excuses to put his hands on her. How easy she'd made it for him.
_______
Xander. She was supposed to refer to him as Xander. What a stupid fucking name.
_______
"Extraordinary. Absolutely - fucking - gorgeous - like we were made for each other, Gwen."
_______
"I need to be in your orbit in 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 because it's the most alive I've felt in ten years-."
_______
"I want to be clear," he whispered, as she focused on the rose-colored smudges around her lips. "I want you. In every way." She swallowed, and he watched her throat move. "I want to see you. and fuck you. and play music with you."
_______
She listened as he came, sighing and gasping, shaking breaths into her skin. It was a melody she'd endeavor to chase for the rest of her life.
_______
"Just because you're good at something doesn't mean you have to do it for the rest of your life."
_______
"I don't have you stay at your place twenty-four-seven if you don't want-"
"I do. I do want."
_______
Maybe she likes love songs after all. As long as she was playing them with Alex.
_______
July 23, 2024
Hearing her play the cello part filled in all the gaps inside himself he’d been missing. “It’s simple really,” he said. “It’s about a cello who fell in love with a violin”🎻
This story is essentially about two musical prodigies in their own right (a cellist and a violinist) with a bit of a rivals to lovers arc going on as both characters are at odds upon meeting when Gwen is given a position at the orchestra that Alex feels entitled to. That is, until the music they’re composing sets the tone for their feelings to flourish into more.
I liked how this did feel like a love letter to music interwoven with the romance as the characters would delve into the confines of it strumming through their very essence with every intonation, movement, and all the musical terms used which heightened their connection each time they'd play. i actively felt the passion the characters did and thought it was quite beautiful. I played the flute for a brief time in school and remember going to a show and seeing the passion others had while playing and reading this made me think how many of them had this tension between them 😂
“A harmony in easy tempos, matching phrases and answering each other's questions. Just before they dropped into the storm, the agitation, she looked up at him for the first time. His eyes were on her fingers. His lips parted. And a flush stained his skin, spreading. She took a breath before the next section fell over them. He met her eyes. And they spun.
The romance and intimacy felt pleasing enough and thought both were well balanced. Gwen and Alex had some issues they’d slowly work through which felt relatable enough (she’s too in her head, he’s a perfectionist) and came to realizations along the way that allowed them to question their choices. the tension + chemistry was incredibly palpable. chapter 10 had a lasting impression and the spice was spicing lol who knew composing could be simultaneously hot and mesmerizing but me blushing was proof of that. the cover choice was such a genius move btw 🤭
“He thought back to last year, the melody that wouldn't leave him alone every time they ran into each other. The need to write it down immediately after playing with her for the first time as cherry blossoms fell over their skin.”
*this is a Reylo fanfic, told in third person, and is dual pov with 6 short povs from Alex.* I should mention how blatantly clear the admiration that he had for Gwen early on was before it materialized given his arrogance and difficulty expressing himself. He fell fast and harder whereas it was a bit push and pull at first with her. There was a third act which felt impending with the characters circumstances and surprisingly I wasn’t so mad at it and glad for the resolution
Overall, i enjoyed this, possibly much more than this authors debut novel despite little things that would maybe bother others more, so 4.25 stars it is. the premise here had me invested and I liked the intricacies of it. I ultimately appreciated seeing both characters understand their worth by the end and how in sync it left them, as it goes to show how conceding to external expectations and any form of validation when it comes to what we're most passionate about, offers no long-term satisfaction. dom and the photographer next 👀
Thank you dani for the br 🥹
happy pub day! and Many thanks to NetGalley and Forever publishing for this arc in exchange for an honest review
some quotes
“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.”
"But, Gwen, please make music with me. I need you in my life. I need to be in your orbit in some way, and if you don't want me to ———, then let me make love to you onstage every night because it's the most alive I've felt in ten years"
“Maybe she liked love songs after all. As long as she was playing them with Alex.”
Currently reading
August 1, 2024 The infamous cello scene has brought me here...
This one has a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to the reviews but I've never read Julie Soto and so- no time like the present. 🤸🏻♀️🤸🏻♀️🤸🏻♀️ Jumping in blind.
₊˚ ‿︵‿︵‿︵୨୧ ·♡♫⋆｡♪𝄞 · · 🤍 · ·𝄞 ♫⋆｡♪· ୨୧‿︵‿︵‿︵ ˚₊
This one has a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to the reviews but I've never read Julie Soto and so- no time like the present. 🤸🏻♀️🤸🏻♀️🤸🏻♀️ Jumping in blind.
₊˚ ‿︵‿︵‿︵୨୧ ·♡♫⋆｡♪𝄞 · · 🤍 · ·𝄞 ♫⋆｡♪· ୨୧‿︵‿︵‿︵ ˚₊
July 21, 2024
Happy publication day to Julie Soto’s Not Another Love Song!!
Everything is music; except music, which is sex.
As someone whose first language is not English and who has never played an instrument in her life - except for a butchered flute during middle school -, when I tell you this is the most complicated and easiest narration I've ever read, you have to believe me.
The way JS describes how Gwen senses the music, how she feels it running through her when she plays with Alex, all those terms that I don't really know what stand for (and I had to look up to be sure)… I FELT IT. I WAS THERE. I WAS PLAYING AND LISTENING AND FREAKING OUT WHEN THESE TWO LOOKED AT EACH OTHER.
But, unfortunately, two on two, she keeps losing me with the ending.
No one wants a happy ever after more than me, but there's a line between what it's plausible to happen and what we dream could happen.
While in her previous book, the ending was just too rushed and lacked an explanation for the ones who didn't live inside the characters' heads, here it really doesn't sit right. If your mother hasn't cared for you in the twenty-six years of your life, do you honestly think one day she’ll just see how subtly bad your stepfather is and leave him? Just like that, so she can finally have a relationship with you, and you're not even pissed at what she made you endure.
I'm gonna clarify it one last time, for the sake of it: I'm obsessed with her stories, her characters, her narrations, and the things she makes me feel, especially the ones I lack.
Julie Soto, if you don't have any fans that means I'm dead, and that cannot happen until your next book.
↠ 3.8 stars
Thanks to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and NetGalley, who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.
Everything is music; except music, which is sex.
As someone whose first language is not English and who has never played an instrument in her life - except for a butchered flute during middle school -, when I tell you this is the most complicated and easiest narration I've ever read, you have to believe me.
The way JS describes how Gwen senses the music, how she feels it running through her when she plays with Alex, all those terms that I don't really know what stand for (and I had to look up to be sure)… I FELT IT. I WAS THERE. I WAS PLAYING AND LISTENING AND FREAKING OUT WHEN THESE TWO LOOKED AT EACH OTHER.
But, unfortunately, two on two, she keeps losing me with the ending.
No one wants a happy ever after more than me, but there's a line between what it's plausible to happen and what we dream could happen.
While in her previous book, the ending was just too rushed and lacked an explanation for the ones who didn't live inside the characters' heads, here it really doesn't sit right. If your mother hasn't cared for you in the twenty-six years of your life, do you honestly think one day she’ll just see how subtly bad your stepfather is and leave him? Just like that, so she can finally have a relationship with you, and you're not even pissed at what she made you endure.
I'm gonna clarify it one last time, for the sake of it: I'm obsessed with her stories, her characters, her narrations, and the things she makes me feel, especially the ones I lack.
Julie Soto, if you don't have any fans that means I'm dead, and that cannot happen until your next book.
↠ 3.8 stars
Thanks to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and NetGalley, who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.
July 16, 2024
3 stars
This kinda had the same issues as the first book but overall it was slightly just slightly better for me. Like the beginning was kinda boring but it didn’t take me more than half of the book for things to be kinda interesting. The characters were more tolerable. We got a boy obsessed, kinda lost, but he’d do. A naive girl with principles. Their romance was better for me than the first couple. Overall I kinda enjoyed their story and it was better than the first book.
Huge Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing this copy.
This kinda had the same issues as the first book but overall it was slightly just slightly better for me. Like the beginning was kinda boring but it didn’t take me more than half of the book for things to be kinda interesting. The characters were more tolerable. We got a boy obsessed, kinda lost, but he’d do. A naive girl with principles. Their romance was better for me than the first couple. Overall I kinda enjoyed their story and it was better than the first book.
Huge Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing this copy.
July 23, 2024
4.5 stars
Is it too late to start learning violin at 32? Asking for a friend.
This was super entertaining. Violinists and cellists are near and dear to my heart, so it was really fun to read a book focused on those two professions. I was much happier this time around with JS's formatting. Forget Me Not was a little jarring with the FMC's POV in the current timeline and the MMC's POV in the past, so this was a much smoother read.
I really liked Alex, though I feel like he was whipped real fast and so they weren't "enemies" for very long. But it was still nice to see somewhat of a progression to his character throughout the book. For the most part, I thought both main characters were a pretty good match but their relationship seemed a little fast?
Wasn't so invested with Gwen; I feel like she was ignoring a lot of red flags once she was first chair, and that's always really frustrating to read, and because of all that, I'm not sure how I feel about the third act breakup, though I guess the way it was done made it easier for them to come back together because it was basically both of them admitting they were idiots for different reasons, so it felt a bit better after that.
So overall really enjoyable because I love the subject matter and then of course my personality for the foreseeable future is going to be Lindsey Stirling/Tina Guo music ❤️
Thank you NetGalley and Forever Publishing for this arc in exchange for an honest review!
Is it too late to start learning violin at 32? Asking for a friend.
This was super entertaining. Violinists and cellists are near and dear to my heart, so it was really fun to read a book focused on those two professions. I was much happier this time around with JS's formatting. Forget Me Not was a little jarring with the FMC's POV in the current timeline and the MMC's POV in the past, so this was a much smoother read.
I really liked Alex, though I feel like he was whipped real fast and so they weren't "enemies" for very long. But it was still nice to see somewhat of a progression to his character throughout the book. For the most part, I thought both main characters were a pretty good match but their relationship seemed a little fast?
Wasn't so invested with Gwen; I feel like she was ignoring a lot of red flags once she was first chair, and that's always really frustrating to read, and because of all that, I'm not sure how I feel about the third act breakup, though I guess the way it was done made it easier for them to come back together because it was basically both of them admitting they were idiots for different reasons, so it felt a bit better after that.
So overall really enjoyable because I love the subject matter and then of course my personality for the foreseeable future is going to be Lindsey Stirling/Tina Guo music ❤️
Thank you NetGalley and Forever Publishing for this arc in exchange for an honest review!
May 11, 2024
✩ ♬ ₊.🎻⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧ Maybe she liked love songs after all. As long as she was playing them with Alex.
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 it was such a beautiful melody. 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.
જ⁀➴ gwen jackson
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.
ˏˋ ꒰ "They've been keeping you hidden," he said. "Ordinary. When you're anything but." ꒱ ˎˊ
જ⁀➴ alex / xander thorne
Alex 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.
ˏˋ ꒰ "Give this a chance. The two of us. I'm not good with words, I'm not good at speaking things. I'm good with notes on a page. I'm good at music—and that's what I tried to tell you on that stage just now." ꒱ ˎˊ
જ⁀➴ gwen & alex
They 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.
ˏˋ ꒰ "If you don't want to be with me, together with me, I can understand," he said, and she felt her knees wobble. "But, Gwen, please make music with me. I need you in my life. I need to be in your orbit in 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 because it's the most alive I've felt in ten years—" ꒱ ˎˊ
Also the way Alex treated Gwen made me swoon. 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.
ˏˋ ꒰ She looked up at him. He was staring down at her like she was the sun. It was familiar. The same fascination she'd seen in him at the wedding, at the Plaza. Like she was an answer to a question he'd been asking his whole life. ꒱ ˎˊ
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 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.
ˏˋ ꒰ "It's simple, really," he said. "It's about a cello who fell in love with a violin." ꒱ ˎˊ
April 6, 2024
When I read a romance, I want it to steal my heart and make me feel all those feelings. And "Not Another Love Song" did all of that and even more! I'm totally obsessed!!
First off, let's talk about Gwen and Xander. Gwen, the self-taught violinist, and Xander, the rock star cellist—could they be any more different? But when they play together, it's like magic. Their chemistry is just off the charts!
And can we talk about the writing? Julie Soto seriously knows how to make music sound sexy. Like, I didn't think playing instruments could be steamier than actual sex scenes, but here we are! But it's not just about the romance and music; it's about love, family, and finding yourself. Gwen and Xander's journey is so beautifully written, it's like you're right there with them, feeling every high and low.
And let's not forget about the pacing—it's perfection! I seriously could not put this book down. Every chapter left me wanting more, and when I finished, I immediately wanted to start all over again just to hang out with Gwen and Xander a little longer.
Julie Soto is a total auto-buy author for me now. I will devour anything she writes, no questions asked. "Not Another Love Song" has stolen my heart, and I am not mad about it one bit. If you love romance, music, and characters you can't help but root for, do yourself a favor and grab this book ASAP!
First off, let's talk about Gwen and Xander. Gwen, the self-taught violinist, and Xander, the rock star cellist—could they be any more different? But when they play together, it's like magic. Their chemistry is just off the charts!
And can we talk about the writing? Julie Soto seriously knows how to make music sound sexy. Like, I didn't think playing instruments could be steamier than actual sex scenes, but here we are! But it's not just about the romance and music; it's about love, family, and finding yourself. Gwen and Xander's journey is so beautifully written, it's like you're right there with them, feeling every high and low.
And let's not forget about the pacing—it's perfection! I seriously could not put this book down. Every chapter left me wanting more, and when I finished, I immediately wanted to start all over again just to hang out with Gwen and Xander a little longer.
Julie Soto is a total auto-buy author for me now. I will devour anything she writes, no questions asked. "Not Another Love Song" has stolen my heart, and I am not mad about it one bit. If you love romance, music, and characters you can't help but root for, do yourself a favor and grab this book ASAP!
May 13, 2024
5 stars WHATTTTT
this one of my favorite books of the year, hands down
rtc
this one of my favorite books of the year, hands down
rtc
July 6, 2024
Alex Fitzgerald had asked her to dance. His eyes were on her fingers. Her lips parted. And a flush stained his skin, spreading.
This could be a dancing scene, right? Two people in each other’s arms, attracted to one another, falling head over heels. But it’s not. Yeah, they’re falling for each other, but this scene is about playing the violin and the cello in an orchestra in front of all those people in Carnegie Hall.
Sensual. That’s the first word that comes to mind when I think about Not Another Love Song. A sensual composition about two people dancing around each other, pulling closer and closer and then pushing away, but never getting out of the other’s grasp, until drawing back even closer, over the strings of love to a crescendo ending in a passionate climax. In sync as if they are one. In their music. With each other.
I liked Julie Soto’s debut, Forget Me Not, but I didn’t love it. But Not Another Love Song is addictive, a masterpiece, a beautiful arrangement of highs and lows that made me read breathlessly. And, of course, I loved Alex (I refuse to call him Xander) since I have a soft spot for flawed, brooding men who love wholeheartedly and want to do good, even if it’s not in their best interest.
Like always, I could have done without the third-act breakup (which came quite late in the story), but it didn’t even matter because I loved Gwen and Alex’s love song so much! Their beautiful song about a cello who fell in love with a violin.
Thank you so much, Forever and NetGalley, for letting me (and all those people) read this story early. I'm sure this will become a huge bestseller!
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This could be a dancing scene, right? Two people in each other’s arms, attracted to one another, falling head over heels. But it’s not. Yeah, they’re falling for each other, but this scene is about playing the violin and the cello in an orchestra in front of all those people in Carnegie Hall.
Sensual. That’s the first word that comes to mind when I think about Not Another Love Song. A sensual composition about two people dancing around each other, pulling closer and closer and then pushing away, but never getting out of the other’s grasp, until drawing back even closer, over the strings of love to a crescendo ending in a passionate climax. In sync as if they are one. In their music. With each other.
I liked Julie Soto’s debut, Forget Me Not, but I didn’t love it. But Not Another Love Song is addictive, a masterpiece, a beautiful arrangement of highs and lows that made me read breathlessly. And, of course, I loved Alex (I refuse to call him Xander) since I have a soft spot for flawed, brooding men who love wholeheartedly and want to do good, even if it’s not in their best interest.
Like always, I could have done without the third-act breakup (which came quite late in the story), but it didn’t even matter because I loved Gwen and Alex’s love song so much! Their beautiful song about a cello who fell in love with a violin.
Thank you so much, Forever and NetGalley, for letting me (and all those people) read this story early. I'm sure this will become a huge bestseller!
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June 12, 2024
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.
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.
June 10, 2024
pre-read:
Someone needs to put Xander's book in my hands immediately
Ali Hazelwood promised the cello scene is gonna change lives
_______________________
➵ 4.5 ⭐️
“Hey, Alexa play Not Strong Enough (Alex's Version)”
I don't even know what to write in this review. I loved everything about Not Another Love Song, I have nothing to complain about.
This was such a sensual and sensuous experience.
People talk about the cello scene but I think it's all of Gwen and Alex's intimate scenes together that altered my brain chemistry.
Speaking of Gwen and Alex I loved them both so much—they're both relatable and fleshed out.
From their first scene together to their last, their chemistry was amazing, their connection — palpable, stunning.
I love how they complemented and challenged each other, how they were each other's match.
I love how obsessed Xander was with Gwen and I love how Gwen was his biggest fan.
And those spicy scenes... *fans oneself* the way that Julie wove the music between them within the intimate moments was *chef's kiss* I cannot even explain what she did, it needs to be experienced, words cannot do it justice.
I also loved the cameos–seeing what Ama and Elliot were up to was a rare treat. Oh and the side characters!! I looooveee Jacob and Declan with undying passion, they were so cute together—my fav couple after Alex and Gwen!
I'm so excited about the next book, I wonder if it's gonna be another character we've already met like Dom? I remember he was crushing bad on a *certain* photographer 😏
Can't wait to find out more but until then just read this, read this, read this!!
eternal gratitude to netgalley and the publisher for the arc
all quotes are from an advance copy and may differ in the final publication
Someone needs to put Xander's book in my hands immediately
Ali Hazelwood promised the cello scene is gonna change lives
_______________________
➵ 4.5 ⭐️
“It's about a cello who fell in love with a violin.”😭😭😭
“Hey, Alexa play Not Strong Enough (Alex's Version)”
I don't even know what to write in this review. I loved everything about Not Another Love Song, I have nothing to complain about.
This was such a sensual and sensuous experience.
People talk about the cello scene but I think it's all of Gwen and Alex's intimate scenes together that altered my brain chemistry.
Speaking of Gwen and Alex I loved them both so much—they're both relatable and fleshed out.
From their first scene together to their last, their chemistry was amazing, their connection — palpable, stunning.
I love how they complemented and challenged each other, how they were each other's match.
I love how obsessed Xander was with Gwen and I love how Gwen was his biggest fan.
And those spicy scenes... *fans oneself* the way that Julie wove the music between them within the intimate moments was *chef's kiss* I cannot even explain what she did, it needs to be experienced, words cannot do it justice.
She looked up at him. He was staring down at her like she was the sun. It was familiar. The same fascination she'd seen in him at the wedding, at the Plaza. Like she was an answer to a question he'd been asking his whole life.
I also loved the cameos–seeing what Ama and Elliot were up to was a rare treat. Oh and the side characters!! I looooveee Jacob and Declan with undying passion, they were so cute together—my fav couple after Alex and Gwen!
I'm so excited about the next book, I wonder if it's gonna be another character we've already met like Dom? I remember he was crushing bad on a *certain* photographer 😏
Can't wait to find out more but until then just read this, read this, read this!!
eternal gratitude to netgalley and the publisher for the arc
all quotes are from an advance copy and may differ in the final publication
July 19, 2024
I'm somewhere between a 3-3.5 and I probably will go back and forth on the star rating.
I get that JS is not for everyone, but I love her first books.
I think what I liked then is somewhat true here too. She picks something and makes you experience it. So in FMN it was flowers, and here it was music and I loved that.
The characters and story though have me divided. The smut was HOT and I'll fight you on that.
I loved that Alex was both a classical player and a rock star. I loved that Gwen had this tiny development of discovering herself through his encouragement. I get why Gwen is hesitant and untrusting given her past and all that, but I feel like it took so long for Gwen to understand who had her back and who didn't. I didn't like that no one (Alex/the mom/Mable) would just talk to Gwen and tell her what happened. I didn't like that Gwen was so loyal and maybe even blind to things because there were definitely signs along the way.
I loved their romance though. How he kept asking her questions, gave her chances, was direct about his intentions, supported her, and was a little protective. I mean this line? "... I need to be in your orbit in some way..." COME ON
I get that JS is not for everyone, but I love her first books.
I think what I liked then is somewhat true here too. She picks something and makes you experience it. So in FMN it was flowers, and here it was music and I loved that.
The characters and story though have me divided. The smut was HOT and I'll fight you on that.
I loved that Alex was both a classical player and a rock star. I loved that Gwen had this tiny development of discovering herself through his encouragement. I get why Gwen is hesitant and untrusting given her past and all that, but I feel like it took so long for Gwen to understand who had her back and who didn't. I didn't like that no one (Alex/the mom/Mable) would just talk to Gwen and tell her what happened. I didn't like that Gwen was so loyal and maybe even blind to things because there were definitely signs along the way.
I loved their romance though. How he kept asking her questions, gave her chances, was direct about his intentions, supported her, and was a little protective. I mean this line? "... I need to be in your orbit in some way..." COME ON
April 18, 2024
It was so f*cking good.
The most gorgeous, addictive, and enlivening romance I've read in ages, NOT ANOTHER LOVE SONG is on a brand new level of entertainment. Gwen and Xander's story is a flawless mix of tenderness, angst, and incendiary heat.
Julie is an artist and has me interested in picking up an instrument (I have no business doing that) anyway go buy it or you'll regret it for all of your days!!!
The most gorgeous, addictive, and enlivening romance I've read in ages, NOT ANOTHER LOVE SONG is on a brand new level of entertainment. Gwen and Xander's story is a flawless mix of tenderness, angst, and incendiary heat.
Julie is an artist and has me interested in picking up an instrument (I have no business doing that) anyway go buy it or you'll regret it for all of your days!!!
July 9, 2024
⭐ for their love for music and the way they feel it inside them (music I mean)
⭐ for that cover scene🥵 gosh it'll stay in mind for months to come at the least. The steam was perfect!
⭐ for well writing this book. It was fun but a bit boring for me. maybe it's my reading slump. But I was skipping through it after a certain point.
Xander(Alex) and Gwen had great chemistry and I wanted to care about more things apart from that. But I did not. All the side characters were boring and I couldn't care less about them. I might go back for the violin scene though. What perfection!! 🤭
⭐ for that cover scene🥵 gosh it'll stay in mind for months to come at the least. The steam was perfect!
⭐ for well writing this book. It was fun but a bit boring for me. maybe it's my reading slump. But I was skipping through it after a certain point.
Xander(Alex) and Gwen had great chemistry and I wanted to care about more things apart from that. But I did not. All the side characters were boring and I couldn't care less about them. I might go back for the violin scene though. What perfection!! 🤭
May 8, 2024
I am changing my rating to 5 stars after a few days because I can't stop thinking about this book!!!! 😭😭😭 I LOVED IT SO MUCH
4.5 ⭐️
This was wonderful and soooooo sexy!!!!
4.5 ⭐️
This was wonderful and soooooo sexy!!!!
June 7, 2024
3.5-3.75 🌟
I regret not writing a review immediately after finishing this because I did forget most of what I wanted to say but what I do know is that this was one of the better romances I’ve read in a while. I have been going through one of the worst reading slumps of my life and this is the first book I’ve enjoyed and was actually able to finish for quite some time now so that says a lot! The writing, the tension, and romance development were all great. I honestly had very few complaints which included the fact that the mmc was quite experienced (sexually and romantically) whereas the fmc only had bad sexual experiences and no relationship experience whatsoever. I hate this double standard trope so much 😩 literally how do I stop authors from constantly writing this. also the fact that the fmc was pining and a fan of the mmc was not for me, especially since he didn’t know of her existence until the beginning of the book despite working with each other for like 4+ yrs. There was also a third act and although I was able to overlook it pretty easily, I also thought it was kinda stupid? that is coming from someone who usually loves them so I know a lot of people will take issue with it.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
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please don’t be mad at me 🥺
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br with taz jan, this better save reading for us 🤞🏻
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that man on the cover looks like adam carlsen (not driver), i’ll be reading just for that
I regret not writing a review immediately after finishing this because I did forget most of what I wanted to say but what I do know is that this was one of the better romances I’ve read in a while. I have been going through one of the worst reading slumps of my life and this is the first book I’ve enjoyed and was actually able to finish for quite some time now so that says a lot! The writing, the tension, and romance development were all great. I honestly had very few complaints which included the fact that the mmc was quite experienced (sexually and romantically) whereas the fmc only had bad sexual experiences and no relationship experience whatsoever. I hate this double standard trope so much 😩 literally how do I stop authors from constantly writing this. also the fact that the fmc was pining and a fan of the mmc was not for me, especially since he didn’t know of her existence until the beginning of the book despite working with each other for like 4+ yrs. There was also a third act and although I was able to overlook it pretty easily, I also thought it was kinda stupid? that is coming from someone who usually loves them so I know a lot of people will take issue with it.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
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please don’t be mad at me 🥺
- - - -
br with taz jan, this better save reading for us 🤞🏻
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that man on the cover looks like adam carlsen (not driver), i’ll be reading just for that
June 9, 2024
I am the first to admit, I maaaaayyyy have a reylo-fanfiction-to-trad-publishing-pipeline bias, but I do not see a world in which this isn't in my top three books of this year. I fell head over heels in love with Forget Me Not last year. This is better. This is hotter. He is hornier, grumpier, more feral, down right obsessed with her. All things I did not think was possible but HERE WE ARE and I couldn't be happier.
Julie Soto (along with Ali Hazelwood) is on another level when it comes to pining men and the degree to which they are FERAL over a woman. This book was literally the definition of screaming, giggling, kicking my feet. I wanted to throw my kindle across the room and also inject them into my veins.
Something very important to me about this book is that it gives me the same feelings as some of my all time favorites likes Check & Mate and From Lukov With Love in the sense that its a book about two people so deeply passionate about the same thing and who are the very best at what they do so finding each other is like finally finding the ONE person in the entire world who understands you fully and completely. It's intoxicating. It's like they're speaking their own language and it makes me incredible emotional to watch these characters be seen and loved and understood. I think this is my favorite niche type of romance.
Can confirm the cello scene will change your life.
BUT the bathroom scene will also change your life. Justice for her.
Julie Soto (along with Ali Hazelwood) is on another level when it comes to pining men and the degree to which they are FERAL over a woman. This book was literally the definition of screaming, giggling, kicking my feet. I wanted to throw my kindle across the room and also inject them into my veins.
Something very important to me about this book is that it gives me the same feelings as some of my all time favorites likes Check & Mate and From Lukov With Love in the sense that its a book about two people so deeply passionate about the same thing and who are the very best at what they do so finding each other is like finally finding the ONE person in the entire world who understands you fully and completely. It's intoxicating. It's like they're speaking their own language and it makes me incredible emotional to watch these characters be seen and loved and understood. I think this is my favorite niche type of romance.
Can confirm the cello scene will change your life.
BUT the bathroom scene will also change your life. Justice for her.
April 4, 2024
Ya… you’re going to want to pick this up. 4.5 stars rounded up and miss Soto DID IT AGAIN.
She was already an autobuy author for me but this book solidified that even more if possible. When you read a lot of romcoms as I do, some of them start the blur together a little. That is NOT the case with Not Another Love Song. There is a scene in here that is imprinted onto my prefrontal cortex. When you get to that scene, I’ll buy you dinner and let’s chat.
It’s clear that Soto knows how to write a romance, but what she also knows how to do, is deliver a completely fresh story in the romance genre which can often feel like a ceaseless rotation of tropes and conventions. I’ve read rivals to lovers but I’ve never read rivals to lovers quite like this… a la rival musicians style. But truly the music aspect of this book, the research clearly put into it, made this story TRANSCENDENT. This is a story about music through love and this is a story about love through music. And I don’t care if that doesn’t make sense to you yet.
Why did I hold my full five star after consuming this skin tingling read in a matter of hours? Mostly due to the last 25%. I have some QUALMS. Most are spoilery but also I just couldn’t read any more chilli pepper scenes. I don’t think anyone else will have a problem with that though…I just get bored.
Piece of advice - read her debut Forget Me Not before you read this. The cameos are divine.
Another piece of advice - have not a doubt that violins and cellos are the sluttiest things to ever exist. I’ll never look at those instruments the same.
Thank you NetGalley for this earc <3
She was already an autobuy author for me but this book solidified that even more if possible. When you read a lot of romcoms as I do, some of them start the blur together a little. That is NOT the case with Not Another Love Song. There is a scene in here that is imprinted onto my prefrontal cortex. When you get to that scene, I’ll buy you dinner and let’s chat.
It’s clear that Soto knows how to write a romance, but what she also knows how to do, is deliver a completely fresh story in the romance genre which can often feel like a ceaseless rotation of tropes and conventions. I’ve read rivals to lovers but I’ve never read rivals to lovers quite like this… a la rival musicians style. But truly the music aspect of this book, the research clearly put into it, made this story TRANSCENDENT. This is a story about music through love and this is a story about love through music. And I don’t care if that doesn’t make sense to you yet.
Why did I hold my full five star after consuming this skin tingling read in a matter of hours? Mostly due to the last 25%. I have some QUALMS. Most are spoilery but also I just couldn’t read any more chilli pepper scenes. I don’t think anyone else will have a problem with that though…I just get bored.
Piece of advice - read her debut Forget Me Not before you read this. The cameos are divine.
Another piece of advice - have not a doubt that violins and cellos are the sluttiest things to ever exist. I’ll never look at those instruments the same.
Thank you NetGalley for this earc <3
June 1, 2024
“It’s about a cello who fell in love with a violin.”
3.75 stars
so stinkin cute. i enjoyed forget me not, so i was so excited to start this! a romance between two musical prodigies is so interesting even if i have zero knowledge on any sort of music.
i really was enjoying this at first, i love the mysterious broody mmc who discovers the fmc’s talents for the very first time and becomes inexplicably obsessed. their onstage chemistry along with the feelings def made this interesting, and there a good balance between plot and romance.
i do have some issues with this sadly, to keep this spoiler free all ill say is that the mmc does not know how to stand up for himself when it matters most and the fmc cannot stand confrontation, she rather just leave things than fix them! the third-act was so stoopid i don’t know why they’re still a thing in fiction. it somehow gave me a slight ick with the mmc yikes.
on a positive note i loved the side characters (talking about you jacob and declan) and the ending was saur cute. plus the cover scene had me blushing a lil hehe.
thank you to netgalley and publisher for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
3.75 stars
so stinkin cute. i enjoyed forget me not, so i was so excited to start this! a romance between two musical prodigies is so interesting even if i have zero knowledge on any sort of music.
i really was enjoying this at first, i love the mysterious broody mmc who discovers the fmc’s talents for the very first time and becomes inexplicably obsessed. their onstage chemistry along with the feelings def made this interesting, and there a good balance between plot and romance.
i do have some issues with this sadly, to keep this spoiler free all ill say is that the mmc does not know how to stand up for himself when it matters most and the fmc cannot stand confrontation, she rather just leave things than fix them! the third-act was so stoopid i don’t know why they’re still a thing in fiction. it somehow gave me a slight ick with the mmc yikes.
on a positive note i loved the side characters (talking about you jacob and declan) and the ending was saur cute. plus the cover scene had me blushing a lil hehe.
thank you to netgalley and publisher for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
July 19, 2024
I suspected pretty early on that this would end up being a 5-star read, and I was not wrong (I also stayed up way too late finishing the book, but what's life without a few bad decisions?)
The tension was delicious, delectable, unputdownable. I honestly love everything about this. The characters leaped off the page, and maybe it's the fact that I have a little musical background myself, but I felt every imaginary note down to my core. What do you mean, none of this is real? Yeah, I refuse to believe that.
I'll be very, very surprised if this book doesn't make it into my 2024 favorites.
Thank you, NetGalley and Forever for the ARC.
The tension was delicious, delectable, unputdownable. I honestly love everything about this. The characters leaped off the page, and maybe it's the fact that I have a little musical background myself, but I felt every imaginary note down to my core. What do you mean, none of this is real? Yeah, I refuse to believe that.
I'll be very, very surprised if this book doesn't make it into my 2024 favorites.
Thank you, NetGalley and Forever for the ARC.
March 19, 2024
Review to come closer to publication but rest assured this is brilliant and an easy five star romance I adored every word
Give me a rivals to lovers romance with amazing smut and I am a happy gal
Give me a rivals to lovers romance with amazing smut and I am a happy gal
July 24, 2024
Not Another Love Song by Julie Soto
Contemporary romance. Same world as the first book, Forget Me Not, but only the opening scene in common.
Gwen Jackson is hired to play at a wedding but before she can start, the coordinator says she needs to play a cello instead of her regular violin. Since that’s not what she brought with her, she gets a loan from member of the wedding party, who just happens to be an idol of hers. Xander Thorne is the leader of her very favorite band, and he watches her closely the entire night. Turns out that he’s amazed she was able to play immediately converting violin music to cello and that she seems to play instinctively.
Gwen and Xander end up playing together at the Pops Orchestra but she’s takes his comments as criticism. Only after they spend time together and he writes a piece of music do they start to become closer.
Both are musical prodigies, but each has had a rocky path. They will need to what they really want.
Another book that I read slower as I progressed - because I loved it, I was stalling, re-reading paragraphs and pages over and over again, in the first read. Making the book last but then missing the release date because of my procrastination.
I loved Xander but he does have some emotional issues. Grand gesture had my heart.
Romantic, an emotional roller coaster of feelings, often amusing, gifted naïveté, being in love, family. So much. So good.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
Contemporary romance. Same world as the first book, Forget Me Not, but only the opening scene in common.
Gwen Jackson is hired to play at a wedding but before she can start, the coordinator says she needs to play a cello instead of her regular violin. Since that’s not what she brought with her, she gets a loan from member of the wedding party, who just happens to be an idol of hers. Xander Thorne is the leader of her very favorite band, and he watches her closely the entire night. Turns out that he’s amazed she was able to play immediately converting violin music to cello and that she seems to play instinctively.
Gwen and Xander end up playing together at the Pops Orchestra but she’s takes his comments as criticism. Only after they spend time together and he writes a piece of music do they start to become closer.
Both are musical prodigies, but each has had a rocky path. They will need to what they really want.
Another book that I read slower as I progressed - because I loved it, I was stalling, re-reading paragraphs and pages over and over again, in the first read. Making the book last but then missing the release date because of my procrastination.
I loved Xander but he does have some emotional issues. Grand gesture had my heart.
Romantic, an emotional roller coaster of feelings, often amusing, gifted naïveté, being in love, family. So much. So good.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
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