Review: Not Another Long Song by Julie Soto
Thank you Forever and Grand Central Publishing for my copy! All thoughts are my own.
I need to say this in all caps: I LOVE THIS BOOK. I love it, I love it, I love it. It was truly a book that left me breathless. From the writing, to the characters, to the story building and tension, it was a magical read. It is grounded in reality and yet also so swoony and person. It will likely be my favorite romance of the year and i need Julie Soto to release a hundred more books so i can continue to live in her words.
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.” —NetGalley
What I Liked:
The Writing—The writing of this book was visceral and passionate. It moves across the page like a song, lulling you and relaxing you until the book is finished.
The Tension—EXCELLENT tension and excellent stakes! Everything felt so real, tangible, and honest.
The Pacing—The story moved at a pace that made the tender moments gentle and the emotion filled ones riddled with bumps and turns that kept the reader reading. I am obsessed with these characters and their world.
What Didn’t Work for Me:
Nothing—I loved this book so much and it is in the running for my favorite romance of the year. a truly remarkable feat in the genre.
Character Authenticity: 5/5 Spice Rating: 2/5 Overall Rating: 5/5
Content Warnings:
death of a parent, sexual harassment, toxic relationship