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Not Another Love Song
9 hours, 47 minutes
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...
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...
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First published July 4, 2024
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About the author
Julie Soto
7 books7,124 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 12,398 reviews
July 30, 2024
i think personally we need more repackaged reylo fic
i’m serious, i fear
i’m serious, i fear
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 🫣
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
August 14, 2024
✶⋆.˚ '𝐻𝑒 𝓌𝒶𝓈 𝓃𝑜 𝓈𝓉𝓇𝒶𝓃𝑔𝑒𝓇 𝓉𝑜 𝓌𝒶𝓀𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓊𝓅 𝓌𝒾𝓉𝒽 𝓂𝑒𝓁𝑜𝒹𝒾𝑒𝓈 𝒾𝓃 𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝒽𝑒𝒶𝒹, 𝒷𝓊𝓉 𝒽𝑒’𝒹 𝓃𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓇 𝓇𝑒𝓈𝒾𝓈𝓉𝑒𝒹 𝑜𝓃𝑒 𝓁𝒾𝓀𝑒 𝒽𝑒 𝒽𝒶𝒹 𝒾𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒹𝒶𝓎𝓈 𝒶𝒻𝓉𝑒𝓇 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝐵𝓇𝑜𝑜𝓀𝓁𝓎𝓃 𝓌𝑒𝒹𝒹𝒾𝓃𝑔. 𝐵𝑒𝒸𝒶𝓊𝓈𝑒 𝒾𝒻 𝒽𝑒 𝓌𝓇𝑜𝓉𝑒 𝒹𝑜𝓌𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓂𝑒𝓁𝑜𝒹𝓎 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓈𝓌𝒶𝓂 𝒾𝓃 𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝓋𝑒𝒾𝓃𝓈 𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓇𝓎 𝓉𝒾𝓂𝑒 𝒽𝑒 𝓇𝑒𝓂𝑒𝓂𝒷𝑒𝓇𝑒𝒹 𝒽𝑒𝓇 𝓅𝒶𝓇𝓉𝑒𝒹 𝓁𝒾𝓅𝓈, 𝒽𝑒𝓇 𝓆𝓊𝒾𝒸𝓀 𝑔𝒶𝓈𝓅𝓈 𝒶𝓈 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒷𝑜𝓌 𝓉𝓊𝓂𝒷𝓁𝑒𝒹, 𝒽𝑒𝓇 𝑒𝓎𝑒𝓈 𝒹𝒶𝓇𝓀𝑒𝓃𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒶𝓈 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓎 𝓈𝒶𝓃𝓀 𝒾𝓃𝓉𝑜 𝒽𝒾𝓈…𝐼𝒻 𝒽𝑒 𝒶𝒹𝓂𝒾𝓉𝓉𝑒𝒹 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝑒𝓃𝓉𝒾𝓇𝑒 𝓈𝓎𝓂𝓅𝒽𝑜𝓃𝒾𝑒𝓈 𝒽𝒶𝒹 𝓊𝓃𝒻𝓊𝓇𝓁𝑒𝒹 𝒾𝓃 𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝓂𝒾𝓃𝒹 𝓌𝒽𝑒𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓎 𝓅𝓁𝒶𝓎𝑒𝒹 𝓉𝑜𝑔𝑒𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓇… '
⠀:¨ ·.· ¨:⠀
⠀ `· . ୨୧⠀⠀
˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗ 2.5 𝓢𝓽𝓪𝓻𝓼 ˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗
╰┈➤˗ˏˋ 𝓠𝓾𝓲𝓬𝓴 𝓢𝓾𝓶𝓶𝓪𝓻𝔂 ˚ ༘ ೀ⋆｡ ˚
We follow Gwen our FMC , a woman who has worked to earn her spot playing violin for the city’s Pops orchestra. While supplementing her income playing music for a wedding, Gwen runs into Zander/Alex, the cellist for one of her favorite bands.
Though Gwen has loved Zander’s music for years, she’s not so enamored by the arrogant man in real life – he joined the Pops a year ago, and he doesn’t even recognize Gwen. But watching Gwen play at the wedding sparks something in Zander, and suddenly he’s everywhere.
The two clash and bond over their shared love of music, until one day their fighting feels like something else entirely. Gwen can’t get a read on Zander, but she loves the glimpses of Alex she sees lurking under the surface. As they navigate their working and personal relationships, Gwen and Alex form an undeniable connection...
╰┈➤˗ˏˋ 𝓜𝔂 𝓣𝓱𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱𝓽𝓼 ˚ ༘ ೀ⋆｡ ˚
Ooof... I really wasn't a fan of this one. It's not that it's a bad book ... Well, let me start with the fact that I don't really have any interest in musical instruments, or cellos or violins or really the innerworkings of performing on stage- so yes, I basically set myself up for failure with this one but the FOMO was real ya'll. Try not to take any of my opinions too seriously on this one.
˚₊· ➳❥ I think that overall the story is written really well, I... however just didn't find the plot or our two main characters very appealing.
The constant alter ego-ing going on with Zander/Alex really annoyed me - might just be a personal thing but it really started to grate me.
I just never warmed up to him and didn't appreciate the way he treated Gwen. Speaking of Gwen, she really needed to stand up for herself more and not be such a pushover.
˚₊· ➳❥ The chemistry is there with these two but I just couldn't care enough to root for them. The cello scene was alright- though it didn't blow my mind. After that I really lost any initial interest I'd had.
⠀:¨ ·.· ¨:⠀
⠀ `· . ୨୧⠀⠀
˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗ 2.5 𝓢𝓽𝓪𝓻𝓼 ˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗
╰┈➤˗ˏˋ 𝓠𝓾𝓲𝓬𝓴 𝓢𝓾𝓶𝓶𝓪𝓻𝔂 ˚ ༘ ೀ⋆｡ ˚
We follow Gwen our FMC , a woman who has worked to earn her spot playing violin for the city’s Pops orchestra. While supplementing her income playing music for a wedding, Gwen runs into Zander/Alex, the cellist for one of her favorite bands.
Though Gwen has loved Zander’s music for years, she’s not so enamored by the arrogant man in real life – he joined the Pops a year ago, and he doesn’t even recognize Gwen. But watching Gwen play at the wedding sparks something in Zander, and suddenly he’s everywhere.
The two clash and bond over their shared love of music, until one day their fighting feels like something else entirely. Gwen can’t get a read on Zander, but she loves the glimpses of Alex she sees lurking under the surface. As they navigate their working and personal relationships, Gwen and Alex form an undeniable connection...
╰┈➤˗ˏˋ 𝓜𝔂 𝓣𝓱𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱𝓽𝓼 ˚ ༘ ೀ⋆｡ ˚
Ooof... I really wasn't a fan of this one. It's not that it's a bad book ... Well, let me start with the fact that I don't really have any interest in musical instruments, or cellos or violins or really the innerworkings of performing on stage- so yes, I basically set myself up for failure with this one but the FOMO was real ya'll. Try not to take any of my opinions too seriously on this one.
˚₊· ➳❥ I think that overall the story is written really well, I... however just didn't find the plot or our two main characters very appealing.
The constant alter ego-ing going on with Zander/Alex really annoyed me - might just be a personal thing but it really started to grate me.
I just never warmed up to him and didn't appreciate the way he treated Gwen. Speaking of Gwen, she really needed to stand up for herself more and not be such a pushover.
˚₊· ➳❥ The chemistry is there with these two but I just couldn't care enough to root for them. The cello scene was alright- though it didn't blow my mind. After that I really lost any initial interest I'd had.
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.
October 28, 2024
i adored this with my whole soul 😭
November 13, 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.
_______
August 18, 2025
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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December 3, 2025
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 👀
September 29, 2025
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!
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.”
March 10, 2025
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 Forget Me Not , the ending was just too rushed and lacked an explanation for the ones who didn't live inside the characters' heads, here it just 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.
↠ 4 stars
Thanks to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and NetGalley, who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.
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 Forget Me Not , the ending was just too rushed and lacked an explanation for the ones who didn't live inside the characters' heads, here it just 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.
↠ 4 stars
Thanks to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and NetGalley, who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.
November 22, 2024
ngl, this was pretty disappointing
---
This is my first Julie Soto read because I NEED to know what this cello scene is about 👀
Buddy reading with my pookie Buket 💖
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This is my first Julie Soto read because I NEED to know what this cello scene is about 👀
Buddy reading with my pookie Buket 💖
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.
November 21, 2024
“It’s about a cello who fell in love with a violin.”
more like a narcissist falling in love with a people pleaser🫠
it was kinda cute but also kinda meh. it didn’t hold my attention long and Paige and me were literally dragging our feet to finish it🤣
was the cello scene hot?yes🫦 was it worth to read this book? 🫣
~~~~
solely here for the famous cello scene🤭
reading with Paige 🩷💋
more like a narcissist falling in love with a people pleaser🫠
it was kinda cute but also kinda meh. it didn’t hold my attention long and Paige and me were literally dragging our feet to finish it🤣
was the cello scene hot?yes🫦 was it worth to read this book? 🫣
~~~~
solely here for the famous cello scene🤭
reading with Paige 🩷💋
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
August 14, 2024
✩ 2.75 stars ✩
“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:
➼ Grumpy x Sunshine
➼ Rivals to Lovers
➼ Coworkers
➼ Famous MMC
➼ He Falls First
➼ Found Family
➼ Third Act Break Up
➼ Third Person POV
I enjoyed this a little more than I expected to, but if I’m being brutally honest, everything about this book is unmemorable. I have very little interest in the musical aspects of this storyline and modeling a character after Adam Driver is a total mood killer for me. I know there is a whole sub-sect of people out there who ship Rey and Kylo, but I personally just don’t see the appeal and don’t understand why authors feel the need to insert them into completely unrelated romance novels. 🤷🏼♀️
There were two things I think this author did really well in this book. The first was that the FMC was leaps and bounds more likable than the FMC in her last book. The second was the way she wrote Xander’s grumpiness towards Gwen at the beginning. He seemed like a condescending jerk at first, but in reality the distaste he expressed had more to do with a belief that she was too talented not to be doing something spectacular. We all love that toxic tension, but it only works if there’s a logical reason for it in the end.
I was a little unclear on whether Gwen would be considered exceptionally talented or not. Sometimes it seemed like she was being given an unfair advantage because of her age, and at other times it seemed like she might truly be extraordinarily. What I landed on was that she was extraordinary but lacked confidence and that her bosses saw her potential but kept the truth of it from her to keep her under their thumb… Again, this is only my interpretation since it didn’t feel completely clear to me. All things considered, this explanation would make the most logical sense based on Xander’s instant fixation with her.
This book probably isn’t for everyone. If you read it because you actually feel drawn to it rather than for the FOMO like me 😅, I think you’ll probably enjoy it.
…Although maybe you won’t because the 3rd act break up was pretty annoying. 🙃 Shocking, I know. 😜
✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼
Pre-read: I will never understand the “Reylo” obsession… gonna go ahead and predict that this would have been better left as a fanfic. 🙃
Reading this one purely for the FOMO. 🫠🫠
“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:
➼ Grumpy x Sunshine
➼ Rivals to Lovers
➼ Coworkers
➼ Famous MMC
➼ He Falls First
➼ Found Family
➼ Third Act Break Up
➼ Third Person POV
I enjoyed this a little more than I expected to, but if I’m being brutally honest, everything about this book is unmemorable. I have very little interest in the musical aspects of this storyline and modeling a character after Adam Driver is a total mood killer for me. I know there is a whole sub-sect of people out there who ship Rey and Kylo, but I personally just don’t see the appeal and don’t understand why authors feel the need to insert them into completely unrelated romance novels. 🤷🏼♀️
There were two things I think this author did really well in this book. The first was that the FMC was leaps and bounds more likable than the FMC in her last book. The second was the way she wrote Xander’s grumpiness towards Gwen at the beginning. He seemed like a condescending jerk at first, but in reality the distaste he expressed had more to do with a belief that she was too talented not to be doing something spectacular. We all love that toxic tension, but it only works if there’s a logical reason for it in the end.
I was a little unclear on whether Gwen would be considered exceptionally talented or not. Sometimes it seemed like she was being given an unfair advantage because of her age, and at other times it seemed like she might truly be extraordinarily. What I landed on was that she was extraordinary but lacked confidence and that her bosses saw her potential but kept the truth of it from her to keep her under their thumb… Again, this is only my interpretation since it didn’t feel completely clear to me. All things considered, this explanation would make the most logical sense based on Xander’s instant fixation with her.
This book probably isn’t for everyone. If you read it because you actually feel drawn to it rather than for the FOMO like me 😅, I think you’ll probably enjoy it.
…Although maybe you won’t because the 3rd act break up was pretty annoying. 🙃 Shocking, I know. 😜
✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼
Pre-read: I will never understand the “Reylo” obsession… gonna go ahead and predict that this would have been better left as a fanfic. 🙃
Reading this one purely for the FOMO. 🫠🫠
November 24, 2024
After obsessing over Forget Me Not, I had really high hopes for this one, but sadly it just didn’t really work for me. I didn’t connect with the characters in this book nearly as much as I did with the other. Both of these characters had moments where they were driving me nuts.
I really loved the first 100 pages or so, but then I really lost interest in the story later on. In Forget Me Not, I thought the steamy scenes were actually written so well that I was blushing and shit, but in this book unfortunately I thought they were kind of cringe-y and I don’t know why 😭🫠 I think I just had too high of expectations after how much I loved her other book, but this book isn’t bad, it just wasn’t exactly what I was hoping it would be.
I really loved the first 100 pages or so, but then I really lost interest in the story later on. In Forget Me Not, I thought the steamy scenes were actually written so well that I was blushing and shit, but in this book unfortunately I thought they were kind of cringe-y and I don’t know why 😭🫠 I think I just had too high of expectations after how much I loved her other book, but this book isn’t bad, it just wasn’t exactly what I was hoping it would be.
December 16, 2024
4/5 ⭐️
- Didn’t realize that a book could make playing music together SO HOT!! Loved the tension in this one along with all the musical elements included! Such a unique way to keep the story moving along.
- Rhis book was a spicy one compared to what I normally pick up, but I loved the balance between spice and getting to see the characters in action together! It really made me feel like they had a real connection with each other!
- This story was definitely giving insta love and that’s not usually my favorite but it worked for this story! Definitely will be reading more from this author in the future.
- Didn’t realize that a book could make playing music together SO HOT!! Loved the tension in this one along with all the musical elements included! Such a unique way to keep the story moving along.
- Rhis book was a spicy one compared to what I normally pick up, but I loved the balance between spice and getting to see the characters in action together! It really made me feel like they had a real connection with each other!
- This story was definitely giving insta love and that’s not usually my favorite but it worked for this story! Definitely will be reading more from this author in the future.
August 8, 2024
2.5 🌟!!!! Don't get me wrong when I say this book started out really good and for once I hoped that I would like a book from this author. Unfortunately I didn't end up enjoying this book. The first 50% was really good but then the book just fell kind of flat. Ngl the cello scene was really steamy and had me hot and bothered. But I just didn't care about Gwen and Xander as a couple and related to them in any way. The relationship between them was insta love and I hate that so much. One minute they were being super horny and having sex to instantly being boyfriend and girlfriend to each other. And then- boom!!! They're confessing their love for each other. LIKE WHAT THE FUCK???No thanks, I'd rather watch paint dry than read another book from that author.
December 9, 2024
Did you know that Julie Soto and Ali Hazelwood are besties? I think they bonded over writing Reylo fanfics. But this is the next level, it’s not Reylo anymore, this is The Love Hypothesis fanfic. There’s even a gay best friend/roommate and an Asian bestie with a boyfriend called Jeremy.
My expectations were not high since many friends didn’t enjoy this book, but I had to give it a shot, I have a soft spot for musicians. I’m so glad I did because it was exactly what I needed. There was music induced chemistry, a grumpy hero who falls first, a likable heroine and plenty of spice.
So if you like Ali Hazelwood, there’s a good chance you’ll like Julie Soto too.
———
*hey Siri, am I too old to learn cello?*
My expectations were not high since many friends didn’t enjoy this book, but I had to give it a shot, I have a soft spot for musicians. I’m so glad I did because it was exactly what I needed. There was music induced chemistry, a grumpy hero who falls first, a likable heroine and plenty of spice.
So if you like Ali Hazelwood, there’s a good chance you’ll like Julie Soto too.
———
*hey Siri, am I too old to learn cello?*
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!
February 9, 2025
So. This was an enjoyable and a painfully annoying ass two star read 😂. Call me confusing but let me melodically cook.
The good things - This book helped me get my orchestral music nerd on. Facts. Reading is art to me and I love delving into new things, making me feel all enlightened.
So having a book in my hand and learning about the deeply nuanced world of musical instruments where I discovered new terms that musicians use ( hey make sure you hit that Arpeggio, Legato and Fugue , okay? ) was fire for me. I now am able to flex these terms musically, of course. And as a music addict, which I’m sure most of us are, you appreciate these things more so🤌.
The OTHER great thing. That cello scene. Hot. Speaks for its own.
With that being said, this was hella insta lusty, not lovey, ya heard that right 💀. The romance was not a developed relationship and they both just wanted to fuck each other’s vocal cords out, fittingly so and I get it..
but the spice doesn’t hit when there is no lead up or tension behind it.
Therefore I got crazily bored halfway where I was actually looking forward to the end.
It’s not the worst, but it ain’t the best. I’ll still take up that violin/cello and actually try to play it though. Catch me with a bow 🎻🎶
And to end it with a wholesome ass quote from this book.
“But the second you get out of your head, you’re magnificent”
The good things - This book helped me get my orchestral music nerd on. Facts. Reading is art to me and I love delving into new things, making me feel all enlightened.
So having a book in my hand and learning about the deeply nuanced world of musical instruments where I discovered new terms that musicians use ( hey make sure you hit that Arpeggio, Legato and Fugue , okay? ) was fire for me. I now am able to flex these terms musically, of course. And as a music addict, which I’m sure most of us are, you appreciate these things more so🤌.
The OTHER great thing. That cello scene. Hot. Speaks for its own.
With that being said, this was hella insta lusty, not lovey, ya heard that right 💀. The romance was not a developed relationship and they both just wanted to fuck each other’s vocal cords out, fittingly so and I get it..
but the spice doesn’t hit when there is no lead up or tension behind it.
Therefore I got crazily bored halfway where I was actually looking forward to the end.
It’s not the worst, but it ain’t the best. I’ll still take up that violin/cello and actually try to play it though. Catch me with a bow 🎻🎶
And to end it with a wholesome ass quote from this book.
“But the second you get out of your head, you’re magnificent”
May 13, 2024
5 stars WHATTTTT
this one of my favorite books of the year, hands down
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this one of my favorite books of the year, hands down
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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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February 2, 2025
When the romance is so good the plot starts to not matter and then it flat out gets in the WAY 😩 (the third-act breakup rubbed me so wrong like he let his manager do WHAT) <<<<
It did cure my ten year long If I Stay hangover with considerably less death though so THANK GOD for that honestly. But now it’s probably given me the incurable condition of needing to purchase a cello…which is BAD for ye olde pocketbook. (I wish our local music store rented out cellos to adults like they did when I played in high school 😭)
I do think it could’ve been a bit more slow burn with a more drawn out falling in love / circling each other phase (and less annoying industry suits etc). The play-her-like-a-cello scene was HOT obviously but it happened at like 40% and that felt a bit early. Or maybe like showing your entire hand with the first sex scene, you know? I didn’t lose interest after the scene, but it was so hyped that I wanted to savor it? Idk idk the scene was still great I was just sad it was over so early. Plus, I loved the drama of him being obsessed from the start and her being like ???! and I kinda wanted to see him be in a bit more silent hand-flexing pain before they got together.
Oh also I wanted him to apologize with his WORDS to both Gwen and ME after that breakup because he pissed me off!! He murmured apologies into her skin etc etc but I wanted 🤌 grovel 🤌 — we did get make-up sex though so half points bc I am a relatively simple girl after all.
Overall, I definitely got most of the hype and enjoyed it more than the last book! I liked that one fine, but the writing was stronger here imo and cellos are just hotter. I could've listened to several more hours of them just existing in the same room together or eye fucking while playing concerts, but the external plot was a bit meh by the end. The narrators were great, and I loved the little pops of his POV throughout. It was a very quick listen and got me staying up past my bedtime.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Spoilers: I think a breakup made sense in the book but for her grand gesture to get shot down in the way that it did…MADE ME ANGRY!!! Like I wanted them to have that breakup moment, followed by her going to LA, then they’d make up, and then they’d take on the bad guys together!!! Don’t listen to the villains!!! It was too cartoon villain for me. Also he let his manager delete and block her phone number??? I’m sorry but that was so wrong of him. Just the more we got of Nathan and his manager the less I was invested. Plus the grovel was severely lacking like I stated above.
PS luckily I can’t visualize things in my head or his hotness would’ve been severely impacted by the fact that it’s literally Adam Driver’s face on the cover of this book and I find that weird and icky to do (to any celebrity). Also just a bit more icky bc I am NOT into Driver’s whole ✨thing✨ except in that one movie with Daniel Radcliffe but your honor I can’t explain that one I really can’t. Oh and I did love his glasses in the previews for House of Gucci (no I did not watch the movie)…he can rock some glasses. But then I remember I am nothing if not a Han Solo fan and get angry all over again.
It did cure my ten year long If I Stay hangover with considerably less death though so THANK GOD for that honestly. But now it’s probably given me the incurable condition of needing to purchase a cello…which is BAD for ye olde pocketbook. (I wish our local music store rented out cellos to adults like they did when I played in high school 😭)
I do think it could’ve been a bit more slow burn with a more drawn out falling in love / circling each other phase (and less annoying industry suits etc). The play-her-like-a-cello scene was HOT obviously but it happened at like 40% and that felt a bit early. Or maybe like showing your entire hand with the first sex scene, you know? I didn’t lose interest after the scene, but it was so hyped that I wanted to savor it? Idk idk the scene was still great I was just sad it was over so early. Plus, I loved the drama of him being obsessed from the start and her being like ???! and I kinda wanted to see him be in a bit more silent hand-flexing pain before they got together.
Oh also I wanted him to apologize with his WORDS to both Gwen and ME after that breakup because he pissed me off!! He murmured apologies into her skin etc etc but I wanted 🤌 grovel 🤌 — we did get make-up sex though so half points bc I am a relatively simple girl after all.
Overall, I definitely got most of the hype and enjoyed it more than the last book! I liked that one fine, but the writing was stronger here imo and cellos are just hotter. I could've listened to several more hours of them just existing in the same room together or eye fucking while playing concerts, but the external plot was a bit meh by the end. The narrators were great, and I loved the little pops of his POV throughout. It was a very quick listen and got me staying up past my bedtime.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Spoilers: I think a breakup made sense in the book but for her grand gesture to get shot down in the way that it did…MADE ME ANGRY!!! Like I wanted them to have that breakup moment, followed by her going to LA, then they’d make up, and then they’d take on the bad guys together!!! Don’t listen to the villains!!! It was too cartoon villain for me. Also he let his manager delete and block her phone number??? I’m sorry but that was so wrong of him. Just the more we got of Nathan and his manager the less I was invested. Plus the grovel was severely lacking like I stated above.
PS luckily I can’t visualize things in my head or his hotness would’ve been severely impacted by the fact that it’s literally Adam Driver’s face on the cover of this book and I find that weird and icky to do (to any celebrity). Also just a bit more icky bc I am NOT into Driver’s whole ✨thing✨ except in that one movie with Daniel Radcliffe but your honor I can’t explain that one I really can’t. Oh and I did love his glasses in the previews for House of Gucci (no I did not watch the movie)…he can rock some glasses. But then I remember I am nothing if not a Han Solo fan and get angry all over again.
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.
October 7, 2024
"Look, I don't know what you want from me, but-
"Anything." Black eyes looked down on her, and took a shaking breath. "Everything."
Oh my goodness my SOUL!!
I LOVED this book so much. This was my first book by Julie Soto and let's be real I'll read her grocery lists!!
I've never been a musician type of girl but HOLY HELL I'm definitely a fan now. I also was not expecting to love this book as much as I did. I also shed tears.... not once but THREE times.
beau
Soto's writing is something I haven't come across in a long time. Her writing flows across the pages with such elegance and beauty. I've found a certain part of myself as a reader that I think only other readers will understand... but Soto's writing honestly just makes me cry thinking of it. You come across certain author's where their books just become you and this book I felt in my soul and my core.
I absolutely fell into the world of Gwen and Xander Thorn. The relationship has so much depth and I couldn't get enough of their chemistry. It was HOT..... that scene with the CELLO.....holy damn I went back to read it twice.
Easily probably my favorite romance for 2024.
I can't wait to read Forget Me Not and so EXCITED to see she has a new book coming out in 2025.
5/5 stars
Out now :)
"Anything." Black eyes looked down on her, and took a shaking breath. "Everything."
Oh my goodness my SOUL!!
I LOVED this book so much. This was my first book by Julie Soto and let's be real I'll read her grocery lists!!
I've never been a musician type of girl but HOLY HELL I'm definitely a fan now. I also was not expecting to love this book as much as I did. I also shed tears.... not once but THREE times.
beau
Soto's writing is something I haven't come across in a long time. Her writing flows across the pages with such elegance and beauty. I've found a certain part of myself as a reader that I think only other readers will understand... but Soto's writing honestly just makes me cry thinking of it. You come across certain author's where their books just become you and this book I felt in my soul and my core.
I absolutely fell into the world of Gwen and Xander Thorn. The relationship has so much depth and I couldn't get enough of their chemistry. It was HOT..... that scene with the CELLO.....holy damn I went back to read it twice.
Easily probably my favorite romance for 2024.
I can't wait to read Forget Me Not and so EXCITED to see she has a new book coming out in 2025.
5/5 stars
Out now :)
September 26, 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 cello 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 cello scene though. What perfection!!🤭
November 3, 2024
This could have been rather wonderful. A love story between two musicians and a love story about the instruments and music itself. But it wasn't. It REALLY WASN'T.
I'm LIVID. Honestly. I don't know if the author ever played an instrument but my best guess is: NOPE! And that's fine, really. Authors often write about stuff they don't know about. Which is where research comes into play. In my opinion, when you write a book, you have a responsibility to be as accurate as possible. This book wasn't. It's like having an author describing the sound of a scream in fucking space.
*deep breath*
OK, a little context here:
I, myself, play cello. My sister plays the flute. Sadly, when I was little, there wasn't enough money and my favorite instrument was too expensive for me to get lessons. So I started late in life so to speak. My sister is almost 10 years younger though and her instrument way more affordable (if you don't go buying an antique). So she played in our town's orchestra, went on competitions and concerts and whatnot, and yes, I was right there with her almost every time. Thus, I know a little about music, you could say, and also about the life of a professional musician (I also learned tons from my teacher over time, who records CDs, plays for Straßbourg's Philharmonic Orchestra and guest-performs for other cities as well).
So when I say this book is unrealistic, I think I'm decently qualified to back that up. Let's get into just a few of the things that made me stark raving mad:
While the violin and cello are both string instruments, they are two very different beasts. Not only considering size, but also considering how they are played. It's not just the different muscle groups (important when considering fatique, which was at least mentioned in half a sentence at the very beginning) but the simple fact that you play in different keys (violin vs. bass) and the violin is basically played "the other way round". Oh and then there is the fact that the strings aren't the same for violins as for cellos (cello strings are A, D, G and C while violin strings are E, A, D and G).
The female MC is booked, along with her piano-playing duo partner, for a wedding. Apparently, while this is a rich-person's wedding, they only get tips. Not really usual at all (only non-profit places "only" pay you in tips) but OK.
They arrive and find out that the wedding planner hired the wrong duo after the first had to cancel due to an injury - the bride wants a cello/piano duo, not a violin/piano duo. BUT NO PROBLEM! Because our female MC simply plays a fucking cello as if it was nothing!
Supposedly, this is possible because as a small child, before starting her lessons, her teacher had let her play both the violin and cello to see which suited her better.
Stuff and nonsense! 99.9% of teachers can't play both instruments themselves and unless your parents are your teachers and there are both instruments in the house already, why would the teacher be the one checking what you're suited for?!
Not to mention that, technically, a person isn't SUITED for shit! Being a child prodigy simply means putting in the time, usually not having ANY free time at all. It's not some magical talent given to you at birth by your fairy godmother - it's workworkworkworkwork. If you don't believe me, watch documentaries with so-called child prodigies.
So after having "played" a cello for maybe 5 minutes DECADES AGO, the female MC now simply picks up a cello someone brought, looks at the sheet music or remembers hers (again: in a totally different key) and then "transcribes" said sheet music into a totally different key IN HER HEAD AND while playing an unknown instrument. Riiiiiiiiight.
Not to mention that we're supposed to believe that another professional musician (the male MC) simply brings his cello and let's a stranger play on it. WTF?! Sure, it's not his primary instrument but considering his career, we're definitely talking about an instrument that must be worth at least 50k. He doesn't know the female MC at this point, doesn't know her name or anything, simply hands the cello to the wedding planner and it's all good. *snorts* NO FUCKING WAY. Musicians rarely let other musicians they know from work use their instruments so they DEFINITELY would NOT hand it over to a non-musician to give it to a stranger.
The female MC even mentions that she's glad the male MC didn't bring a Stradivarius he's supposedly playing as that is worth 1 million $. Yeah? Better check those auction sites again. If you find a Stradivarius cello that cheap, let me know and I'll rob a bank immediately in order not to miss out on this great bargain.
Not to mention that the bows, which many don't know, are often insanely expensive themselves and extremely fragile (and before anyone asks: no, she can't use a violin bow on a cello). The old ones even have what we call "a temper", which means that even if you have two equally qualified players, they won't produce the same music with the same bow - at least not without an extensive warm-up period. BUT NO PROBLEM!
The female MC just plays the notes she knows in her head (again: different key), supposedly thinks about how dreamy the male MC is and "forgets the world around her" while playing. Also absolute horseshit. You need to listen to your partner or you don't play in sync. Sure, the piano guy could have adapted but how unprofessional is that? And someone supposedly nervous and definitely unqualified for the instrument in use couldn't just let their mind wander since her body doesn't know the instrument (no muscle memory to take over).
After absolutely smashing her performance, she is told by someone she doesn't know and doesn't like (a real bitch) AND cannot trust (not the bride, not the wedding planner, not the person who hired her) to just leave the cello in some room instead of personally handing it back to the owner AND SHE GOES TO DO JUST THAT. No respect for the instrument she has had sexual fantasies about (the cello is held between someone's legs, draw your own conclusions) and which is really valuable.
This is not all though. Remember them being paid in tips? According to the female MCs inner monologue, she desperately needs this gig and the money it will bring. They get 75$ and are extremely excited about it. Uhm ... okaaayyy? Fine, that can be true BUT: if they are this short on cash and only make an unrealistic 75$ in tips (a venue like this would pay way more), how can they waste it all on specific food 5 minutes after being done (the female MC was fantasizing about their great meal with piano-guy)? I mean, either you need the money and eat normal or it's all just meant to unrealistically portray the "struggling artist" trope.
One other thing: sexual harassment is never OK, not on the street, not at your workplace, and it doesn't fucking matter if the person doing the harassment is a man or woman! URGH!
And all this is just the beginning. It didn't get better or more realistic from there.
I tried. I really did. But I gnashed my teeth so hard, I actually got a headache and have sore jaw muscles now so I stopped before even getting to the halfway point.
Maybe the sexy-times are good. Maybe the chemistry between these two ended up being off the charts (highly subjective anyway), but it's inaccuracies like what I mentioned above that really ruin a plot for me. Sorry, not sorry AT ALL.
It would have been relatively easy to do a modicum of research that would have prevented these mistakes and keep the general set-up / music element. I think that makes me even more mad.
Too bad, really. I was so excited to find a novel that combined my love of books with my love of music (it's my motto for this reading year). *sighs*
P.S.: I don't want you to think that my main problem was with the female MC. Because the male one wasn't better. Apart from him not giving a shit about his instrument, he supposedly also likes to play naked or only wearing shorts. Suuuure. I mean, it can be done and it might be gimmicky on Youtube, but it would be HIGHLY uncomfortable and it would DEFINITELY ruin the cello's varnish. But whatever, right?
I'm LIVID. Honestly. I don't know if the author ever played an instrument but my best guess is: NOPE! And that's fine, really. Authors often write about stuff they don't know about. Which is where research comes into play. In my opinion, when you write a book, you have a responsibility to be as accurate as possible. This book wasn't. It's like having an author describing the sound of a scream in fucking space.
*deep breath*
OK, a little context here:
I, myself, play cello. My sister plays the flute. Sadly, when I was little, there wasn't enough money and my favorite instrument was too expensive for me to get lessons. So I started late in life so to speak. My sister is almost 10 years younger though and her instrument way more affordable (if you don't go buying an antique). So she played in our town's orchestra, went on competitions and concerts and whatnot, and yes, I was right there with her almost every time. Thus, I know a little about music, you could say, and also about the life of a professional musician (I also learned tons from my teacher over time, who records CDs, plays for Straßbourg's Philharmonic Orchestra and guest-performs for other cities as well).
So when I say this book is unrealistic, I think I'm decently qualified to back that up. Let's get into just a few of the things that made me stark raving mad:
While the violin and cello are both string instruments, they are two very different beasts. Not only considering size, but also considering how they are played. It's not just the different muscle groups (important when considering fatique, which was at least mentioned in half a sentence at the very beginning) but the simple fact that you play in different keys (violin vs. bass) and the violin is basically played "the other way round". Oh and then there is the fact that the strings aren't the same for violins as for cellos (cello strings are A, D, G and C while violin strings are E, A, D and G).
The female MC is booked, along with her piano-playing duo partner, for a wedding. Apparently, while this is a rich-person's wedding, they only get tips. Not really usual at all (only non-profit places "only" pay you in tips) but OK.
They arrive and find out that the wedding planner hired the wrong duo after the first had to cancel due to an injury - the bride wants a cello/piano duo, not a violin/piano duo. BUT NO PROBLEM! Because our female MC simply plays a fucking cello as if it was nothing!
Supposedly, this is possible because as a small child, before starting her lessons, her teacher had let her play both the violin and cello to see which suited her better.
Stuff and nonsense! 99.9% of teachers can't play both instruments themselves and unless your parents are your teachers and there are both instruments in the house already, why would the teacher be the one checking what you're suited for?!
Not to mention that, technically, a person isn't SUITED for shit! Being a child prodigy simply means putting in the time, usually not having ANY free time at all. It's not some magical talent given to you at birth by your fairy godmother - it's workworkworkworkwork. If you don't believe me, watch documentaries with so-called child prodigies.
So after having "played" a cello for maybe 5 minutes DECADES AGO, the female MC now simply picks up a cello someone brought, looks at the sheet music or remembers hers (again: in a totally different key) and then "transcribes" said sheet music into a totally different key IN HER HEAD AND while playing an unknown instrument. Riiiiiiiiight.
Not to mention that we're supposed to believe that another professional musician (the male MC) simply brings his cello and let's a stranger play on it. WTF?! Sure, it's not his primary instrument but considering his career, we're definitely talking about an instrument that must be worth at least 50k. He doesn't know the female MC at this point, doesn't know her name or anything, simply hands the cello to the wedding planner and it's all good. *snorts* NO FUCKING WAY. Musicians rarely let other musicians they know from work use their instruments so they DEFINITELY would NOT hand it over to a non-musician to give it to a stranger.
The female MC even mentions that she's glad the male MC didn't bring a Stradivarius he's supposedly playing as that is worth 1 million $. Yeah? Better check those auction sites again. If you find a Stradivarius cello that cheap, let me know and I'll rob a bank immediately in order not to miss out on this great bargain.
Not to mention that the bows, which many don't know, are often insanely expensive themselves and extremely fragile (and before anyone asks: no, she can't use a violin bow on a cello). The old ones even have what we call "a temper", which means that even if you have two equally qualified players, they won't produce the same music with the same bow - at least not without an extensive warm-up period. BUT NO PROBLEM!
The female MC just plays the notes she knows in her head (again: different key), supposedly thinks about how dreamy the male MC is and "forgets the world around her" while playing. Also absolute horseshit. You need to listen to your partner or you don't play in sync. Sure, the piano guy could have adapted but how unprofessional is that? And someone supposedly nervous and definitely unqualified for the instrument in use couldn't just let their mind wander since her body doesn't know the instrument (no muscle memory to take over).
After absolutely smashing her performance, she is told by someone she doesn't know and doesn't like (a real bitch) AND cannot trust (not the bride, not the wedding planner, not the person who hired her) to just leave the cello in some room instead of personally handing it back to the owner AND SHE GOES TO DO JUST THAT. No respect for the instrument she has had sexual fantasies about (the cello is held between someone's legs, draw your own conclusions) and which is really valuable.
This is not all though. Remember them being paid in tips? According to the female MCs inner monologue, she desperately needs this gig and the money it will bring. They get 75$ and are extremely excited about it. Uhm ... okaaayyy? Fine, that can be true BUT: if they are this short on cash and only make an unrealistic 75$ in tips (a venue like this would pay way more), how can they waste it all on specific food 5 minutes after being done (the female MC was fantasizing about their great meal with piano-guy)? I mean, either you need the money and eat normal or it's all just meant to unrealistically portray the "struggling artist" trope.
One other thing: sexual harassment is never OK, not on the street, not at your workplace, and it doesn't fucking matter if the person doing the harassment is a man or woman! URGH!
And all this is just the beginning. It didn't get better or more realistic from there.
I tried. I really did. But I gnashed my teeth so hard, I actually got a headache and have sore jaw muscles now so I stopped before even getting to the halfway point.
Maybe the sexy-times are good. Maybe the chemistry between these two ended up being off the charts (highly subjective anyway), but it's inaccuracies like what I mentioned above that really ruin a plot for me. Sorry, not sorry AT ALL.
It would have been relatively easy to do a modicum of research that would have prevented these mistakes and keep the general set-up / music element. I think that makes me even more mad.
Too bad, really. I was so excited to find a novel that combined my love of books with my love of music (it's my motto for this reading year). *sighs*
P.S.: I don't want you to think that my main problem was with the female MC. Because the male one wasn't better. Apart from him not giving a shit about his instrument, he supposedly also likes to play naked or only wearing shorts. Suuuure. I mean, it can be done and it might be gimmicky on Youtube, but it would be HIGHLY uncomfortable and it would DEFINITELY ruin the cello's varnish. But whatever, right?
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