Tali DiPietro is a good girl with a streak of punk rock rebel.Before I left for college, my mom told me not to settle down with the first guy who crosses my path. Sage advice, sure, but that’s hard to do after I share an elevator with a guy who is nothing like the boys back home. I swore off musicians a long time ago, but when I see Jude on stage for the first time, I know I’m going to fall for … see Jude on stage for the first time, I know I’m going to fall for him, and I’m damn sure it’s going to hurt.
Jude Goldman is a bad boy with a guitar and big dreams.
I have one goal: making it as a musician. There’s no obstacle I won’t destroy to be the one under the spotlight. Nothing has slowed me down, not until a chocolate-eyed girl with a New York accent enters my world. Tali becomes as important as landing a record deal, and I’ll do anything to have both, no matter how much it hurts.
We’re two ships moored together in a storm of excess, stardom, and broken promises, pulled apart and yanked back in, until we’re both battered and breaking. We have that forever kind of love, but for us, forever might be nothing more than stardust and memories.
(The Never Blue Duet is a spin-off of the Blue is the Color series, but can be read as a complete standalone!)more
In Never Lasting, book one in Julia Wolf’s Never Blue Duet, she presents a coming of age love story that leaves a timeless impression of unfiltered true love!
Readers will be hard put to find a more tortured hero than Jude. His struggle was painful to watch play out as he fought through every barrier put up to save him only to ultimately succumb to the inner demons tethered to him leaving a wake of misery and condemnation all around him. Bad things happen to good people and Jude was a classic example of that as he constantly tried to move past his pain and reach for the one thing he truly wanted Tali. Nothing is more satisfying than a heroine that is not only smart and strong but likeable. Tali was fierce in her integrity standing by Jude yet knowing her boundaries even when her heart wanted to cross their boundaries over and over again. This couple never had a chance but to be together because the minute they found each other they were wrecked for anyone else. Reading Jude and Tali’s love story made other love stories pale in comparison with the hold they each held on the other’s hearts. This work was intense and took no easy roads.
Julia Wolf built in so many little details to her characters that they rose above the pages that their story resided on and gave them a depth that is rare. This author went to some dark places and reached further than most. Her portrayals loves were your loves and their hates were your hates making every emotion this writer disclosed in her book her readers as well. This work was not about finding first love or even love but finding the love and the power of its discovery both good and bad. Julia Wolf was blunt in her truth but the beauty of her words in Never Lasting made the telling of her story an extraordinary experience worth the unavoidable anguish in knowing it.
*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own. *
*This book should be read with Never Ending to reach the conclusion of the Never Blue Duet.*
Julia Wolf has done it again! The first half of Jude and Tali’s story is heartbreakingly beautiful. Some may find certain parts difficult to read, but those events only enhance the story in my opinion. I loved watching the beginning of their journey which is filled with one obstacle after another. Julia’s portrayal of an addict was spot on. She painted a clear picture of how an addict is ruled by their drug of choice and how devastating it is to love someone with an addiction. You’ll run through the full gamut of emotions while reading Never Lasting. Yes, there is a cliffhanger that will make your jaw drop and quite possibly will make you angry, but it’ll be worth it when you read the second book. Let’s just say that everything between these two happens for a reason. I absolutely loved it!
Well I wasn’t expecting any of that. This book has tore my heart to shreds in places. It has touched me in a way not many books have. The storyline was just amazing and so well written. The characters were fantastic and I loved reading about them. My heart is broken for Tali and Jude. I can’t wait to read the next one.
All I can say is WOW! I love Julia Wolf’s writing…but this one had me all over the place. I’ve wanted to know more about Tali ever since I began reading her Blue Is The Color series.
The first book I’m Tali’s duet has love and angst…and heartbreak…and everything in between. The characters Julia brought to life are so realistic, you feel as though you are there with them! I can’t wait to begin book 2. I’m looking forward to the rest of Tali’s story…because that ending in book 1, I need more!
If I could give more than five stars I would for this story. Holy crap my emotions are all over the place. The angst and drama Tali and Jude go through will put you through the ringer. The story started a bit slow but when it got going I couldn’t put it down. Another must read by this author!!!
I had high hopes for this book but it exceeded my expectations in a major way.
Tali is a determined and good student. She has her life sorted out and knows exactly where she’s heading.
Jude on the other hand seems more like a dreamer. Rockstar is the only thing he ever wanted to be and he’s hoping for a big chance while he’s working and partying.
When they meet two worlds colliding, we get a fierce love story. It’s starting out so well, but it’s difficult because of different circumstances and life situations. It’s a struggle and I’m aching for them and want to kick someone at the same time.
I’m in agony when the book ends and can’t wait for the next. So many broken promises and burned bridges will take a saints patience and understanding to mend. I’m not sure I root for the rockstar but I feel his pain
This book! Above and well beyond her past books (and honestly there was not a bad one in the bunch I read, so that is quite the feat!), this book is to show us the background of manager Tali, and it makes you want to reread all the Blue Is The Color books so you can pinpoint everything she does and say ‘Oh I get it now’! You can totally jump in here and read this as a stand alone (well, you can read the Duet alone I should say). Its set in the early 2000’s so lots of nostalgia with an eclectic music lover like myself. Tali really goes through alot in this book, but I just know it will be made up to her in the end. I don’t like Jude much in this book, I see ALOT of growing up for him to do if he ever has any hope of earning Tali back, but Tali has some growing to do as well. Can’t wait for book two!
So there’s this author I like to read. She’s reinvented herself a couple of times now, what with a funny, light series, followed by a darker, grittier series that I adored. Guess what? She’s done it AGAIN. Tali and Jude’s story has managed to ruin me. And yet, here I am, waiting and hoping for the rest of their story.
Tali and Jude aren’t quite the typical young love couple. They start with an accidental meeting, then more accidental encounters (on one part, at least), until Jude finally gets himself together enough to play it totally straight. After all, he’s already falling for Tali and feels like he’s been chasing her all along, so why not let her know just how serious he is about her?
Tali isn’t sure that she’s ready for the intensity that Jude is sure to bring, but she knows that she’s falling for him. Even if she doesn’t want to, she can’t help but feel that Jude could be her everything. So she gives in and gives their love a shot. A damn good shot, at that.
Tali and Jude make their way together through the desperate twists and turns of immature love. They’re of legal age, but they’re not quite adults mentally just yet. They’re mature, but not mature enough for what lies in wait for them. When dreams come true, lies start piling up. Both parties hide truths, so of course it all blows up. Then comes the big, giant, “we can’t come back from this” betrayal. The very first promise is broken. The very promise that was valued above all others. The one promise that would guarantee that trust is lost.
I wanted to scream and cry at the last two chapters of this book. My heart pounded and then broke on the last page of this book. And yet, here I sit, waiting for the second half of their duet. How can Jude and Tali POSSIBLY move forward from this? I don’t know, but I can’t wait to find out. After all, I know this author won’t steer me wrong.
As I have come to expect from my favorite author this duet takes you on an emotional ride through the turbulent relationship of Jude and Talia. Julia Wolf reels you into a world that has you engrossed in the feelings and emotions of two people who were meant for each but circumstances rip them apart only to have fate through them back together while they are on tour. Their reconnection is threatened and so is their happily ever after…. I can not wait to dip into book two and see how Julia finishes this epic love story!
We have been getting to know all the characters from Blue is the Color for some time now in this most excellent series. We’ve seen all the members of the band find their happily ever afters and the only one left is their manager Tali. In Never Lasting we meet Tali as she enters the University of Maryland and meets Jude. And. It. Is. Magic. He is her first love. She is as he says, “…every song I ever wrote.” This is a beautiful story of young love. The story of promises and hope birthed by that young love and how decisions and choices can break those promises and leave hopes shattered. We see that tragedy hits no matter the age and the fact that people don’t always handle tragedy well. Tragedy often causes those hurt to act in unhealthy ways and there’s a hellishly long road to get to the other side. This book deals with a lot of hard topics, and honestly, I cried many times through the book as I read about these young souls dealing with things they really shouldn’t have to be dealing with. I watched in sadness as these characters I really care about head down dark dark tunnels and I have to wait to see them come out the other side. I also note, what we think is the road to our dream and our ultimate goal is often lined with temptations and ditches that often can end us. And those temptations and ditches can steer us to ultimate redemption. There is so much promise here for Tali and Jude I want to see them get through. I will have to wait for the second part of the duet to see that promise. Julia has truly stepped up her game here. I thought she knocked it out of the part with “Under the Bridge” and the emotional telling of Ian and Valentina’s story. Uh no. I was, in a word, wrecked upon finishing this book, and it is going to be so worth waiting for the second part of the duet.
On a side note, I’ve always liked the Killers and White Stripes. My daughter and friends have entertained me many times screaming “Mr. Brightside.” And one of the first songs she learned to play on the bass was the infamous riff from “7 Nation Army.” Julia has nailed it with a playlist to go with the book https://open.spotify.com/playlist/48IpEKcVjfzItwo4A9QSRF?si=9OdvvchlS2yrZrTbg1rk4w
These songs only add feeling and atmosphere to the book. Give it a listen.
The early 2000 vibes come on strong in book one of this amazing duet. Tali is a fresh faced 19 year old with the whole world ahead of her. With Nina, her cousin and best friend at her side, Tali is ready to begin her sophomore year at the University of Maryland.
This book has you falling in love with Tali and Jude’s journey right from the get go. Their chemistry is off the charts. We are also introduced to Ben and Tino who are both amazing characters in their own ways. The friendship she builds with both of them is truly beautiful at times. Both relationships, along with Nina’s, are so very important to the storyline.
Never Lasting was such an emotional read. There were times I had an ache in my chest, the words were just too much. Tali’s story is beautiful and broken. It left me devastated and I loved it. Going forward, it can only get better…..right?
Tali is a character I’ve been interested about since meeting her in the Blue is the Color series. She’s a tough one that can handle a band of rock stars, so that made me very curious. Not anyone can do that, haha. Never Lasting takes us back to the early 2000s. I’m really happy that the author chose to do this, because it let me understand these characters so much more!
Tali is a music lover and it was fun reading about all of the different references. She gew up in a very loving family and at times they can be a tad overprotective. Let’s just say she’s happy to go away to college and have some freedom. I love Tali’s serious attitude. She’s determined to get her degree. So she doesn’t party unless she has everything done. It’s fun seeing Tali let loose and fall in love, but it isn’t without consequences.
Jude is a character that caught my attention from the start and I knew he was going to be trouble. He’s a rock star and is really hoping to break through with his band. He’s a bad boy, but there’s also a very loving and protective side of him. Meeting Tali flips his world upside down and he’d give anything for her. That being said, Jude’s story also really breaks my heart. There’s a lot to him and that explains in many ways why he chooses certain paths.
On top of an epic romance, I love the side characters in this story. Her cousin Nina is a fun one and you just want to hug her at times. Ben is whole different story and I really didn’t see certain events coming. This author is that good. My favorite of them all is Tino. He left a smile on my face. I wouldn’t complain if we got more of him eventually!
Tali and Jude’s love story is epic and heartbreaking. There are so many twists and turns in Never Lasting that my heart couldn’t keep up with the emotional roller coaster ride. I wanted nothing but for them to have their happily ever after, but it didn’t seem to be in the cards for them at the time. I love Julia Wolf, because she makes us feel all the emotions when she writes us a story. And that ending had my heart in so many pieces… Definitely read this book after you make sure you own the sequel!
An emotional journey.
As the first book in a new set of books you definitely can’t go wrong as you read this wonderful written story. It’s an emotional story that will pull you in as you read this storyline and can’t help but be drawn in and feel the emotional highs and lows that the characters are. The characters are well developed and it brings it all together for a great story! I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
I was soo excited to finally read Tali’s story but damn I did not think what I read would be what her story would be like. I loved how Tali had a whole lot of sass and the love of music even when she was younger and totally thought she would be a bit of a nerdy check but also have a fun side. Her and Jude’s love affair is a bot of a slow burn then all sorts of intense, gutting and captivating almost like a car losing control but you hope they regain control before it crashes. Tali’s friendship with Tino was soo adorable and Nina was such a hoot and they all gave you loads to laugh at, while with Jude you knew his heart was in the right place but there was an under current of something and Ben well where to start I knew he was pretty intense from the party when Tali see’s him and Jude for the second time but wow to be honest with both Jude and Ben I don’t know whether to be sad or angry at them but I do know I wanted to slap them up side the head a few times. I don’t know what will happen in book 2 but boy after the intensity and emotions you got with this one I think a bottle of wine and some chocolate might be called for! (actually I would recommend that for this book too )
Never Lasting is a perfect example of what Julia Wolf does best and that is she weaves absolute magic with her words, she takes you on a journey of angst, heartbreak and destruction with love trying to survive. Jude and Tali have a connection, one that is soul deep but as the life of a Rockstar takes Jude into a world that Tali won’t accept, lies will be told and heart wrenching pain will be dealt. As anxiety levels hit DEFCON 1, my heart was beating out of my chest, my pulse was racing and I was almost left breathless as their worlds turn upside down all in the blink of an eye. Their story is one that demonstrates that sometimes love just isn’t enough. As the end approaches on this first part of the Never Blue Duet you will be hoping that this pain is never lasting and that the chemistry and soul deep love is never ending.
Never Lasting is book 1 in the Never Blue Duet and Wow what a great book it was! This is going to be a fantastic duet! There was so emotionally charged that you didn’t know what to feel. You were laughing on moment and crying the next. You follow Jude and Tali on the roller coaster ride that was their relationship. What a wild ride it was!
The story was so well written that you thought you were there with them! I loved Tali and Jude! Tali was focused on her future and Jude was on his music and having fun. Jude has a lot of growing up to do. The last couple of chapters about broke my heart! What will the future look like for Jude and Tali? I can’t wait for book 2 to see what happens next!
This Never Blue duet from Julia is definitely on my top ten list of best books of 2019. Julia is such an amazing writer but every book I read from her shows so surpasses the one before.
This is the backstory of Tali Di DiPietro, the super organized and polished manager of Blue is the Colour who helped their career fly into the stratosphere. In Never Lasting we meet 19 year old Tali just entering her sophomore year at university along with her cousin and best friend Nina. Oh this so took me back to my college days feeling nervous but soon getting into the swing of things, meeting amazing new people and having lots of fun. Straightaway she meets two gorgeous young men, Ben and Jude. Ben becomes one of her close circle of friends, Jude becomes so much more.
Tali was determined to not get involved with anyone, she wanted to get the best education she could to set her up for a brilliant future career to make her beloved family proud, but it was impossible to resist the mesmerizing up and coming rock star Jude. Jude finds himself totally intrigued with Tali and connected to her in ways he has never felt before.
This was an incredible love story to read, with all the intensity, angst and heartbreak of first love. Tali is a very strong heroine whose secure family background and her will to be successful in life contrasts with Jude’s insecurity. He is part of a broken family that gives him little support. He feels less worthy because to his best friend and girlfriend a good education is all important, while his only ambition is to be successful musician. This may be the reason why he goes down the path that he does that leads to the ending in the book.
Enjoy meeting Tali’s family especially her Dad who still loved vinyl even in the early 2000’s when everyone else was listing to cds and who encouraged Tali’s passion for music which served her so well in her future career.
This is a must read, but you need to keep a box of tissues handy as you navigate this rocky but totally unforgettable romance with Tali and Jude.
Never Lasting is a beautiful, emotionally charged love story that is sure to put you through all of the feels complete with moments of laughter, swooning, and heartbreak. This book is mostly set while the very organized and studious Tali is in college and meets the musically talented Jude. These two possess such undeniable soul connection that the passion and love between them is palpable. Jude and Tali are both extremely supportive of each other and love deeply, but there are mistakes, bad decisions, and hurdles that create destructive fissures in their hearts. There were times where I was laughing at some of the antics of the secondary characters as well as some kindle melting moments that left me fanning myself. Towards the end, I felt that my heart was ripped completely out of my chest as I ugly cried for all that occurred between the pages of those last few chapters. Never Lasting a well written book with amazing, well-developed characters; an entertaining storyline that moves at a good pace; and elicits all of the feels.
If you’ve read any of books in Julia Wolf’s amazing Blue is the Color
rockstar romance series (if you haven’t yet, get busy!) you’ve already met an older, more mature Tali DiPietro, Blue’s unflappable manager. Maybe wondered what makes her tick… why is she so tough and secretive about her past? This book goes back in time, shows the beginning of her story as a young adult, ready to live and learn. It explores the wonderful new friendships and the personal growth she finds after leaving the protective shell her big, loving, Italian family provided. Tali meets 2 beautiful men on that 1st day in her new college. One in particular stands out and try as she might, there’s no looking away from him. Their smoldering story will have you holding on for dear life as the gifted musician’s star begins to rise and Tali juggles her feelings for him, along with school, friends and distance.
Ahhh… young love! It might lift you up but could just as easily break your heart. Resistance is futile, just as the flutter of those inevitable butterflies beat their pretty wings against it. The love feels so warm and delicious, you ignore the warnings to guard your heart and shove them out the window of your mind.
Never Lasting is a heartstopping ride, so real and omg, I was just right there with every one of these unique and colorful characters. Hearing this young couples points of view and personal thoughts, revealed a gamut of emotions at any given moment and I loved them all. Every ounce of what they felt, I was feeling too, even if I knew it was going to kill me. Talia and Jude had my heart and soul so completely invested in their complex story, I was unable to set it down until I reached the unbelievable ending. Gaaahhhhhh! What an ending it was!
Jeez Louise!!! I’m dying here now, but I’ll just say is this- read Never Lasting- it’s a story you don’t want to miss, angst and all!
There are some rocky roads on Tali and Jude’s journey, but I wanted to know every detail of it…but enough said for now!
Julia, you devil of a storyteller! I’m once again glued to every chapter, absorbed into another one of your amazing books world. This author has the ability to bring me to my knees with twists I never saw coming. She took my heart and squished it between her talented fingers, but I’m going to leave it in her capable hands and see where that takes me. She has blown me away yet again and may have just outdone herself this time.
Part 2 of the duet, Never Again, will complete the story, but not to worry, it will release just 2 weeks after this one… a very short interlude, right?? Although reading the Blue is the Color series is not neccessary to understand this 1st part of the duet, you might want to binge the hell out of them, just because you can, as you wait for part 2 of this beautifully written story. Tali is there waiting for you there, all grown up and what a force to be reckoned with she is.
An early copy of this amazing book was generously given to review and I am sharing my heartfelt feelings with you now.
Tali- free at last 19 and finally allowed to go it on her own,she wanted to experience life and all that comes with it.
Jude- chocolate Hazel eyes and a pant dropping smoky voice that had trouble written all over it.
Omg I absolutely love this book! I couldn’t get enough, as the clock eliminated 2:45am I wasn’t ready to put this down, tali and jude were amazing, I laughed so much, cried even harder. You know the dread when you know something is coming, you cant stop it but you know you will ball your eyes out, damn I hate that feeling and boy did I cry.
Everything about this book was absolutely amazing, through the tears, laughter and love for these characters I loved every single minute.