Not Another Love Song Review
There are so many exciting things about prepping for vacation. One of my very favorites is choosing a reading list. It’s no secret that I love reading in general, but reading on vacation always feels just a bit more special. Usually when I pack for a longish trip, I like to bring one mystery/thriller, and one cheesy romance. It’s all about balance! My romance selection for my latest trip was, Not Another Love Song by Julie Soto.
My first encounter with Julie Soto was with her debut novel, Forget Me Not. I loved her writing style, her use of the dual perspective narrative, and her unique and likable characters. When I found out that she’d written another novel set in the same universe, I knew I’d have to write a Not Another Love Song review.
The Plot
Gwen Jackson is a self taught violin prodigy. Living in New York City and working for the Manhattan Pops, Gwen’s focus is on making ends meet and finding where she belongs. When she’s promoted to first chair in the orchestra, it feels like the opportunity of a life time. When cello prodigy slash rockstar slash heartthrob, Xander Thorne claims that first chair is rightfully his, the tension between the two is palpable. However, there’s a fine line between love and hate. The more time Gwen and Xander spend together, the more that line begins to blur.
Review
This novel, like its predecessor Forget Me Not, follows the enemies to lovers and close proximity tropes. It’s well known that I don’t love enemies to lovers outside of fantasy, but this novel handled the trope in a way that felt understandable and a little more realistic.
That being said, this novel does not feel too based in reality. But like in all great romance reads, realism is not of the upmost importance. I’ve never been bothered by a cheesy or predictable romance, as long as the writing has quality. This novel definitely delivered on that front.
Realism aside, this was a fast paced novel that I devoured in three days. However, I will say that the relationship felt rushed in a zero to sixty kind of way. It felt like Gwen and Xander were finally starting to get along when BAM. They’re suddenly in love? I don’t love insta-love too much, it feels a little too Hallmark for my tastes. But honestly, unless you’re Mariana Zapata or a multi novel series, a 300 page book can only do so much. I guess.
When it comes to characterization, Julie Soto has done a solid job. Gwen and Xander’s characters are complex, interesting, and likable, and I couldn’t help but root for their well deserved HEA. Even though the relationship was rushed for real life standards, I love a good HEA!
Overall, it was a fun, sweet, quick read that had me glued until the very end. If you love close proximity or enemies to lovers, you will devour this book. It also gave off major The Love Hypothesis vibes, so if you’re a big Ali Hazelwood fan, you’ll probably love this one too.
*Readers should note, this one is Rated R.
Overall Rating:
Xx, M
