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maggiementions's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
You will never look at musicians in a symphony or orchestra the same way again after reading this! 🎼
The only thing Gwen has ever found solace in during her lonely childhood is music. Since picking up the violin at the neighborhood music shop and taking lessons from the grouchy but loving owner, Gwen has only looked forward towards her musical career. When she decides to play violin for the Manhattan Pops Gwen can’t help noticing to cocky, arrogant cello player Xander Thorne. He’s also the frontman for her favorite contemporary string band Thorne and Roses. Xander finally notices Gwen while playing at his bandmate’s wedding. After that their interactions at rehearsals are thick with tension, especially after Gwen gets offered first chair. After a steamy impromptu recording session Xander and Gwen can’t deny their musical connection. The only way Xander can express how he feels is through his music and original compositions. As Gwen’s star rises thanks to Xander, the professional pressures from the Pops and Thorne and Roses seem to want to tear them apart. Are Gwen and Xander on different musical paths after all, or can they come together in perfect symphony?
Once again Julie Soto has written another banger, literally! Not only is the musical romance hot as hell but the characters are deliciously rich and complex. Grief, abandonment and extortion are just some of the main issues focused on and that make this book so real and enjoyable. You don’t want to miss out on this one!
The only thing Gwen has ever found solace in during her lonely childhood is music. Since picking up the violin at the neighborhood music shop and taking lessons from the grouchy but loving owner, Gwen has only looked forward towards her musical career. When she decides to play violin for the Manhattan Pops Gwen can’t help noticing to cocky, arrogant cello player Xander Thorne. He’s also the frontman for her favorite contemporary string band Thorne and Roses. Xander finally notices Gwen while playing at his bandmate’s wedding. After that their interactions at rehearsals are thick with tension, especially after Gwen gets offered first chair. After a steamy impromptu recording session Xander and Gwen can’t deny their musical connection. The only way Xander can express how he feels is through his music and original compositions. As Gwen’s star rises thanks to Xander, the professional pressures from the Pops and Thorne and Roses seem to want to tear them apart. Are Gwen and Xander on different musical paths after all, or can they come together in perfect symphony?
Once again Julie Soto has written another banger, literally! Not only is the musical romance hot as hell but the characters are deliciously rich and complex. Grief, abandonment and extortion are just some of the main issues focused on and that make this book so real and enjoyable. You don’t want to miss out on this one!
anotherwomack's review
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
rereadsromance's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Alex and Gwen are two musical prodigies and rivals who have it bad for one another.
Gwen is a self taught violinist and Alex a wealthy and brooding cello player who is instantly drawn to Gwen; even if she threatens to derail all of his plans.
While working together on the same orchestra, Alex and Gwen grow close through their mutual respect of each other’s musical talent and their undeniable attraction.
However, they are surrounded by people willing to destroy them in order to further their own personal agenda and must figure out how to overcome the obstacles placed in their way.
I like a tall, dark, and tormented hero and Alex certainly delivered. The third act breakup was a bit frustrating, but thankfully it didn’t drag on. The ending was HFN, but it was understandable when you consider the protagonists are 22 and 26 years old, respectively.
Not Another Love Song was a fun and surprisingly spicy romance (that cello scene) sophomore novel by Julie Soto and I loved it.
OT: Apparently this too started as a Reylo fanfiction; I am a reader of fanfiction, but as someone who has never read Reylo nor watched a single Star Wars film, I am intrigued.
Gwen is a self taught violinist and Alex a wealthy and brooding cello player who is instantly drawn to Gwen; even if she threatens to derail all of his plans.
While working together on the same orchestra, Alex and Gwen grow close through their mutual respect of each other’s musical talent and their undeniable attraction.
However, they are surrounded by people willing to destroy them in order to further their own personal agenda and must figure out how to overcome the obstacles placed in their way.
I like a tall, dark, and tormented hero and Alex certainly delivered. The third act breakup was a bit frustrating, but thankfully it didn’t drag on. The ending was HFN, but it was understandable when you consider the protagonists are 22 and 26 years old, respectively.
Not Another Love Song was a fun and surprisingly spicy romance (that cello scene) sophomore novel by Julie Soto and I loved it.
OT: Apparently this too started as a Reylo fanfiction; I am a reader of fanfiction, but as someone who has never read Reylo nor watched a single Star Wars film, I am intrigued.
mayscue's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Thanks to Net Galley for the chance to review this before it comes out!
[REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS]
I loved this book and liked the idea even more than Forget Me Knot. I do feel like the execution was a little messy. I never fully got on board with Alex. He seemed to never truly explain away how rude he was to Gwen and that was really disappointing. Maybe this is because the characters are in their early 20s and I'm in my 30s now, but I felt like they were low key toxic as a pair. I was rooting for them, but they never fully matured.
Mable's reason for not liking Ava was so weak? I thought I missed something so I went back and re-read. I mean it sucked, but it was hardly anything.
Pro: The surprise sheet music scene and the bathroom scene after were PERFECT. I was quite literally holding my breath for the entire scene.
Overall, I feel like with more thought and feedback, this could've been 5 stars.
[REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS]
I loved this book and liked the idea even more than Forget Me Knot. I do feel like the execution was a little messy. I never fully got on board with Alex. He seemed to never truly explain away how rude he was to Gwen and that was really disappointing. Maybe this is because the characters are in their early 20s and I'm in my 30s now, but I felt like they were low key toxic as a pair. I was rooting for them, but they never fully matured.
Mable's reason for not liking Ava was so weak? I thought I missed something so I went back and re-read. I mean it sucked, but it was hardly anything.
Pro: The surprise sheet music scene and the bathroom scene after were PERFECT. I was quite literally holding my breath for the entire scene.
Overall, I feel like with more thought and feedback, this could've been 5 stars.
thevioletpage's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
5.0
headcanonheadcase's review
5.0
If you liked Check and Mate and wished it had adult spice...read Not Another Love Song immediately. It's nerd rivals to lovers where he falls first, and they both end up completely obsessed.
Gwen is an accomplished musician just trying to make it. She's grinding away in the orchestra and taking gigs on the side. When a mix up leaves her scrambling to play the cello for a wedding (even though she really plays the violin), everything changes. Because the cello she borrows belong to Xander Thorne, rock star and fellow member of her orchestra. Suddenly the center of his attention, Gwen struggles with deciding what she wants for her career when everyone else around her has an opinion.
Reading about Gwen and Xander nerding out over music was an utter joy! I could feel the passion through the pages. It was electric and addictive. Their chemistry was impossibly hot and the third act had me wanting to throw my kindle at the wall (in the best way of course). Julie Soto will make you feel for these characters. The emotions will grip you and pull you in.
If you like:
-rivals to lovers
-nerds passionate about music
-he falls first
-driven FMC
-found family
...you'll love Not Another Love Song.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Gwen is an accomplished musician just trying to make it. She's grinding away in the orchestra and taking gigs on the side. When a mix up leaves her scrambling to play the cello for a wedding (even though she really plays the violin), everything changes. Because the cello she borrows belong to Xander Thorne, rock star and fellow member of her orchestra. Suddenly the center of his attention, Gwen struggles with deciding what she wants for her career when everyone else around her has an opinion.
Reading about Gwen and Xander nerding out over music was an utter joy! I could feel the passion through the pages. It was electric and addictive. Their chemistry was impossibly hot and the third act had me wanting to throw my kindle at the wall (in the best way of course). Julie Soto will make you feel for these characters. The emotions will grip you and pull you in.
If you like:
-rivals to lovers
-nerds passionate about music
-he falls first
-driven FMC
-found family
...you'll love Not Another Love Song.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
andreaaaoid's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
kassiereadsbooks's review
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
yeahimreading's review
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
cwhitney88's review
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0