#not another love song

[bigdreamsandwildthings]

📚☕️🖤

[jessread-s]

✩🎻🎼Review:

*Thanks to the publisher and the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review*

I am so down bad for this book it’s not even funny!!!

“Not Another Love Song” follows Gwen Jackson and Xander Thorne,  two string players, as they fight their attraction for each other while competing for center stage.

From the moment Alex insulted Gwen’s form when she played the cello, I fell in love with them as characters and their dynamic. Gwen’s people pleasing tendencies struck a chord with me as someone who shares that same quality and enriched my understanding of her motivations for sticking with the Pops Orchestra when people were taking advantage of her. I enjoyed reading from her point-of-view and getting bits of Alex’s perspective throughout the novel. Soto is very intentional about her placement of chapters written from his perspective to add intrigue surrounding his past. 

Gwen and Alex’s romance is a perfectly paced, sizzling symphony and I was entranced by each movement: colleagues, rivals, duet partners, lovers. Their every interaction vibrated in my bones because their chemistry is that palpable! I adored Alex’s subtle gestures—like the way he made Gwen’s favorite drink for her, offered to buy her shampoo when she stayed with him, and attempted to make her pancakes—just as I adored Gwen for loving all of Alex and helping him become more in tune with himself. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the cello scene that is depicted on the cover. Julie Soto was not messing around when she wrote that scene! Her lyrical writing brought the music they made together to life and I could cut the sexual tension with a knife. It took my breath away. I didn’t want it to end because it hit so hard! This whole book does quite frankly. 

In conclusion, whatever Soto writes, I’m buying!!

Cross-posted to: Instagram | Amazon | Goodreads | StoryGraph

[ash-and-books]

Rating: 5/5

Book Blurb:

Ali Hazelwood promises “the cello scene in this book will change your life” in this Reylo-inspired grumpy-sunshine romance full of sharp banter, deep emotion, and irresistible humor.   When professional—and self-taught—violinist Gwen Jackson plays, she disappears into the peaks and valleys of each song, a quiet passion that never quite explodes into pure emotion. Xander Thorne is the exact opposite. A cellist and a rock star, he’s all about big emotion, but not even his six-foot-four frame can contain his skill, his genius . . . and an attitude that borders on jerkitude. 

Not only did it take Xander a year to notice that he and Gwen both play in the Manhattan Pops, but he also always seems to have the perfect cutting criticism about her technique. When Gwen is offered the role of first chair of the orchestra, something Xander has secretly coveted for years, their existing hostility goes up a notch. Yet, despite her best efforts, Gwen can’t ignore the sizzling chemistry between them. Forced to work more closely with each other, they can’t help exploring their attraction. As they begin to compose and play songs together, it’s clear that their powerful connection could make for a performance that would blow everyone’s minds. Suddenly, they’re box office dynamite, and the fragile romance growing between them is in danger of being crushed beneath a publicity stunt.

Review:

He's the grumpy famous professional cellist while she's the sunshine self taught violinist, both of them are part of the same orchestra and after a run in at a wedding.... a song has begun to be created between them. Gwen is a self taught professional violinist, she's kept to herself in the orchestra and enjoys playing music. Alex "Xander" Thorne is the complete opposite, he's the rock star cellist who is not only giant but is also grumpy and one could say, a bit of a jerk. When Gwen and Xander run into each other at a wedding, Xander begins to notice Gwen... and he can't seem to stay away. Gwen doesn't know why he's suddenly focused on her but he goes from giving her critiques on her technique to begging her for a coffee date. Things only escalate when Gwen is offered role of first chair, the one position that Xander has secretly coveted for years, their hostility only grows up.... but so does the chemistry. So when both of them are forced to work together they also begin to explore their attraction.... while composing songs and creating music together.... romance is beginning to be written out as well if only they could find a way to make the delicate song between them work without being crushed by everyone else's expectations of them. This was such a delight to read, as a musician I just adored this book so much. It gave me, if you've ever read it, La Corda De Ora vibes ( I was so obsessed with this manga when I was like 13). I had so much fun reading this one and I loved just how positively obsessed Alex is with Gwen, he fell head over heels for her music and was determined to have her as his partner. They were such a cute couple and I just had a smile on my face the entire time I was reading this and can't recommend it enough. I've been a huge fan of Julie Soto's writing for a while now and this one was just perfect, I can't wait to read her next book!

Release Date: July 16,2024

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Netgalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) | Forever for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

[bookishbethanyerin]

• arc review: not another love song •

Hello, ‘tis I, here to not so much review, but rave over Julie Soto’s Not Another Love Song.

Because I *loved* this.

The story follows Gwen, an orphan raised by her grandfather who began violin lessons at the age of 11 and plays professionally in the Manhattan Pops orchestra, and Xander Thorne, a rockstar of a cellist who joins the Manhattan Pops and has no idea Gwen exists – until she has to suddenly play the cello at a wedding he’s in.

To say he’s obsessed (and a little threatened by her) is an understatement, but things get complicated when Gwen is promoted to first chair violin of the orchestra – a position *he* wanted because, of course, it turns out he’s actually a violin prodigy who has been casually moonlighting as a cellist because he can.

So there’s a rivals vibe here, as well as a grumpy x sunshine situation, but mostly the chemistry between Gwen and Xander is off the damn charts. And Julie Soto’s writing is both a ton of banter-filled, easy-reading fun and gloriously beautiful as she masterfully weaves in musical terms – even in (especially in) spicy scenes.

If you are a Reylo person, the dynamics and backstories here will likely seem very familiar (😉), wonderfully reimagined for a contemporary setting, and perfectly executed, and if you read Forget Me Not, then you’ll be very very delighted by a few cameos in this book. But if you have no idea what a Reylo or Forget Me Not is, then no worries at all, you will not be lost!

I absolutely loved this book – it’s an extremely satisfying romance read that’s packed with emotion and a but if angst, that sizzles with delicious tension, and that absolutely delivers on all fronts.

🎻An enormous thank you to Forever and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review an advanced copy!💕

[mujhekyamaitosojaaungi]

THE CELLO SCENE WTFFFFFF

[chanelslibrary]

🌙𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰🌙

Not Another Love Song by Julie Soto

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Gwen Jackson has always had a knack for the violin, and though she wasn’t educated at top musical schools her talent has landed her at the NY Pops Orchestra. Working along side her, is reclusive, arrogant Xander Thorne who is a master on the cello and a musical prodigy. Xander is not pleased when Gwen is offered the role of First Chair, especially since he has been wishing for it for years, so he takes his anger and criticisms out on Gwen! Their hostility towards each other has ripples throughout the orchestra, but the beautiful music they make together is undeniable (and so is their chemistry!).

This was a cute story. I had never read a rivals to lovers romance before, so I liked seeing how their relationship played out. And of course, Julie Soto is the queen of spice! The cello scene alone is enough to get anyone interested in a string instrument 🥵😂 While I will say her first book, Forget Me Not is still my favorite, (Elliot Bloom for life!) I did come around on Xander/Alex after I remembered that he is/was based on Kylo Ren and that’s why he’s such an a**hole the first half of the book and he still deserves love lol.

Read if you love:

💙 Rivals to lovers

🌶️ Spice

🎻Orchestra setting

🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒 Found family

[kensatou]

i'll let phie-san say it:

[romancebooksrecs]

[goodbooksonly]

My current read and it is 🤌🏻 so far.

🤗🤗

Edit: Update. Just finished and 🥹. It was so good. I just love Julie Soto and cannot wait to read more from her.

[bigdreamsandwildthings]

Weekend book haul 💙

[flaviathebibliophile]

Not Another Love Song by Julie Soto (Review)

Title: Not Another Love Song Author: Julie Soto Type: Fiction Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Romance Publisher: Forever Date published: July 16, 2024 A complimentary physical copy of this book was kindly provided by Hachette Book Group Canada in exchange for an honest review. Gwen Jackson and Xander Thorne are both musical prodigies, but each has had very different paths to success. Xander was born…

[whatcha-reading-today]

Not Another Love Song | Julie Soto

This is my second Soto book and there's a lot to love about it. First, I loved the musicality of each character--and absolutely learned some stuff about music. Soto is such an amazing writer and I'm consistently impressed by her writing style, and the way she makes her characters feel like people. Overall, this is a deeply romantic tale of two musicians which I think is an interesting framing. I also liked that the characters from Forget Me Not show up. That's fun!

However, this book has one of my least favorite tropes, that being--the man is baffled why he likes a woman who is hot and also good at stuff. Perhaps, like in this case, the same stuff he is?! Every time our boy Xander's on the page he just keeps going, ooh why girl so hot AND good at stuff? But if hot why good at music?? I must only like her because good at music? And make constipated faces. Then his brain just explodes.

This was fun, but that simp trope is just not my favorite. If it's yours, then this will be sooo up your alley. I also didn't know this was a Reylo fanfic until I started reading so if that's something that would hold you up or drive you to read it, here's your heads up.

Format: audiobook

Read in: August 2024

[bookishbethanyerin]

• mid-year reading check-in •

We are halfway through 2024 (😵‍💫), so it’s time to take stock of what I’ve been reading!

For me, the first half of the year has been chock-full of huge releases – the final Zodiac Academy book, new stuff from perennial faves Emily Henry and Ali Hazelwood, and the second book in the Nightshade Crown series from Hannah Whitten. There have also been some fantastic new-to-me author discoveries with Jen Comfort and Katelyn Doyle, who have gone straight to the auto-buy list.

Though there are been some disappointments along the way, thus far 2024 has been a great reading year!

What are your fave books of 2024 so far?

[angstidote]

I am reading "Not Another Love Song" by Julie Soto, and not only is it a fantastic adaption of the Star Wars sequels drama if you enjoyed the character dynamics in those, but I can't help but seriously wonder if she was, in fact, a fan of Fujimi Orchestra as well?

This book is fantastic. (⺣◡⺣)♡*

[kimberlyy]

july reading wrap up

books read:

★ not another love song by julie soto

i’m obsessed with this book 🎻 o.O

★ the ex vows by jessica joyce

i will never shut up about this book!! i made a whole post already which yall can definitely check out but just so you know THIS BOOK WAS EVERYTHING TO ME, it quite literally touched my soul, Georgia and Eli were the best characters 🥹

★ love unwritten by lauren asher

nico was lowkey hilarious, i loved that little dude

★ one year ago in spain by evelyn skye

this one had dual timelines and it honestly kept me on my toes and i was SO EMO 😭(in a good way)

★ yours, forever by leonor soliz

max was down bad and i lived for that

★ dating dr. dil by nisha sharma

I LOVED KAREENA and i need to read the rest of this series ASAP

★ unbearably yours by elodie colliard (arc, pub date: 09/03/24)

the slow burn was slow burning and i loved every second of it, oliver and charlee were lovely, there’s history, tension, angst, the connection between them just never left and i loved seeing it all come together 😌

full post on instagram