BOOK REVIEW: Not Another Love Song by Julie Soto

Not Another Love Song by Julie Soto
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Synopsis:

When professional—and self-taught—violinist Gwen Jackson plays, she disappears into the peaks and valleys of each song, a quiet passion that never quite explodes into pure emotion. Xander Thorne is the exact opposite. A cellist and a rock star, he’s all about big emotion, but not even his six-foot-four frame can contain his skill, his genius . . . and an attitude that borders on jerkitude.

Not only did it take Xander a year to notice that he and Gwen both play in the Manhattan Pops, but he also always seems to have the perfect cutting criticism about her technique. When Gwen is offered the role of first chair of the orchestra, something Xander has secretly coveted for years, their existing hostility goes up a notch. Yet, despite her best efforts, Gwen can’t ignore the sizzling chemistry between them.

Forced to work more closely with each other, they can’t help exploring their attraction. As they begin to compose and play songs together, it’s clear that their powerful connection could make for a performance that would blow everyone’s minds. Suddenly, they’re box office dynamite, and the fragile romance growing between them is in danger of being crushed beneath a publicity stunt.

Review:

Not Another Love Song was an adult romance with an enemies to lovers vibe.  I wasn’t ever able to connect to any of the characters, and that always affects my enjoyment of stories.  Yet so many other people have loved this book.  If you’re looking for a story that is heavily steeped in music and has a lot of push and pull, then add this one to your tbr!

“You’ve been watching me?” he whispered, the hint of a smirk in the corner of his mouth.
She swallowed, and he tracked the movement of her throat while his teeth ran across his bottom lip.

Right from the beginning, Xander Thorne could be so rude and condescending to Gwen Jackson.  Yet I loved Gwen’s tenacity and her ability to try and rise above the situation.  And as the story unraveled, we saw that Xander could be a nice guy…. when he wanted to be.  He had so many different sides.  He not only seemed to have a lot going on under the surface, but secrets too.  I was definitely intrigued by him, and Gwen couldn’t help but be too.

“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.”

Not Another Love Song had so many moments that surrounded us with music.  Those scenes when Gwen and Xander would play together?  The tension between them felt electric.  And that was explosive when they took their working relationship to more.  Xander and Gwen could be so steamy, and the reader got all the details.  This love story wrapped up looking a year into the future, which will leave those wanting a HEA so happy!  But for me, I felt like an outsider never being able to connect to any person or scene unfortunately.  Here’s hoping you’re able to make that connection!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

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