Not Another Love Song by Julie Soto
Contemporary Romance
July 16, 2024- Forever
ARC

Review by Angela

I really enjoyed this author’s debut, Forget Me Not, which released last year. I will admit that the cover and blurb for her sophomore release really caught my attention and had me hitting that request button almost immediately. And holy smokes- I’m so glad I did. Rival string players in an orchestra is not a thing that I knew I needed in my life, but apparently my romance loving soul craved just that.

Not Another Love Song introduces Gwen Jackson and Xander Thorne. She is a violinist with the Manhattan Pops, working hard to move ahead in her career all while taking side jobs to stay afloat financially. A musical prodigy who began playing her instrument at the age of eleven, with tutoring from a wonderful, local music teacher. He is the son of a famous violinist, heir to the family orchestral legacy, and member of a rock band. Also, a musical prodigy, but his path was set before him from a much earlier age, and he had all the benefits of money.

They meet when Gwen takes a job performing at a wedding with her bestie Jacob. A last-minute addition, she is surprised to find out that the wedding planner expected a celloist and not someone who plays violin. In a panic Gwen agrees to play the cello– and is surprised to find out the instrument she is borrowing belongs to none other than Xander Thorne, famous band member, and celloist first chair in the Manhattan Pops. Their first meeting does not go well, with him seemingly cold and abrasive, criticizing her performance and her insulted by his behavior.

It is instant dislike on Gwen’s part, but she also finds herself kind of entranced by his talent and persona. This carries on to their next few interactions. Gwen’s insecurities about her place in the orchestra lead her to be even more defensive when she perceives his behavior and criticisms as being personal. Little does she know that Xander has another identity, and his own issues. It all comes to a head when she is offered first chair, something Xander covets for himself- FOR REASONS.

Y’all, this book is so damn sexy. Like I was carried away with these two coming together and getting lost in each other and their music. I know absolutely nothing about the making of music, reading music, producing music, or instruments, but this author did an outstanding job of pulling me into the story and this romance despite that. Gwen’s POV is front and center, with Xander’s sprinkled in just enough to give readers insight into his thoughts and feelings. It worked for me. In fact, everything about this romance worked for me. I began this book before bed, staying up until 1 am, then finished before work the next morning. I devoured this love story.

If you’ve read this author’s debut, you’ll recognize a few of the side characters. Which made me smile. I love it when authors do this, makes me think they will continue to build a world where I’ll discover easter eggs and spy familiar characters in new releases.

The conflict, resolution, and HEA were well done. I kind of let out a happy sigh when I finished reading. Highly recommend.

Final grade- A

Content notes- mentions of Gwen’s mother and grandfather dying from cancer