A quirky, friends-to-lovers, rock star romance…
Ian Grady, drummer for Blue is the Color, is a quiet, self-contained enigma, even to his closest friends and band mates. He’s comfortable staying in the background, playing the drums and working on his puzzles.Valentina Petrov marches to the beat of her own drum and has never felt the need to fit in. Having been sheltered most of her life, she’s … the need to fit in. Having been sheltered most of her life, she’s ready to step outside of her comfort zone and experience the world in a way she never has.
When Ian rescues his new next door neighbor, Valentina, he becomes her hero, a title he doesn’t want. The girl, though? He can’t seem to stop wanting her, even though the last thing he’s looking for is a relationship.
The trouble is, Valentina is seeking adventure, and the tall, tattooed drummer next door looks like the exact type of adventure she’s been waiting for.
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I dove into this series at Under The Bridge and it was also my first book by Julia Wolf. I was seriously impressed and also gained a new addiction for this series and this author. Ian and Valentina’s story drew me in immediately and had me falling head over heels for these two. My heart ached and the angst from this story had my chest tight and my skin tingling. This was an emotional story on a whole new level. Spoken words were proven at times not to be necessary to feel every ounce of pain, hurt, loss and ultimately love between these two. These characters progressed at the beat of their own drum creating a melody within their hearts that soothed their souls and eased the noise in their minds. A rockstar romance that at times moved me to tears and also gave me the poetic words between these two that I craved. A story that will break your heart and mend it in One all whilst playing a rhythm for your soul.
Every time Julia Wolf writes a new book in this series, I’m at a loss for words. That’s especially true with Under the Bridge. In previous books, Ian was a moody d*ck and to be frank, I didn’t like him one bit. I think this is the first book that I’ve ever read where I disliked the hero going into it. But I had faith in Julia because she has proven time and time again how talented she is.
Well, I’ll be the first to admit that I was wrong. There’s so much more to Ian than you see on the surface. And Valentina is such a unique character, you can’t help but love her. She’s sweet and quirky but also strong. She doesn’t put up with his sh*t, making them the perfect match. Under the Bridge was a beautiful story about overcoming your demons and opening your heart. It’ll put you through the emotional wringer as the other installments do, but in the end, you’ll be smiling. I cannot recommend this book enough!
Under the Bridge is the fourth book in the Blue Is the Color series and can be read as a standalone, although the earlier books will definitely enhance your experience. Fun, sexy, and emotional. I LOVED the chemistry between Ian and Valentina and their HEA had me swooning!
Ian was a hard guy to understand, but I think he got my respect when he asked Valentina what she preferred to be called, not what her friends called her. This book didn’t take an easy path. I think Ian figured he would fail, and so he did at times. But in his way he also did little things for Valentina that meant the world. I love that Ian’s friends/bandmates stepped in for him when he wasn’t sure what to do. Valentina was good for him. I loved that she was creative and talkative, yet able to listen to what Ian wanted to say when he couldn’t figure it out. She was creative, self sufficient and a little nerdy. I think those of us that feel we may a little weird sometimes can hope to find someone to understand and maybe relate to us, and that could lead to love. This story is one example of that.
A friends to lovers, rock star romance that totally hits the spot!! I’ve read all the other Blue is the Color books and I have been ………waiting….. for Ian’s story. We have had glimpses of Ian but this book really gives us a behind the scene look into why Ian is the way he is, Ian is not an easy character to love, at first but by the end of this book he was perhaps my favorite. Valentina is quirky and awkward and make Ian work for it, which makes you love her more. A sweet, sexy and addictive read. I loved this book and devoured it with great enthusiasm. A favorite that should be on every TBR list.
I’ve wanted this book ever since Ian was introduced in the first book to this series. When I finally got his story, I was not disappointed at all. Ian is complicated, but he is deep. He has a lot going on under the surface, that he couldn’t do a single thing wrong in my eyes. He was broody, but he was something truly amazing. Valentina was spunky and unique. She’s just the right amount of weird, to be perfect for him. I loved both of these characters, and felt they had the best dynamic and chemistry to make this story something truly unforgettable. This might be my new favorite book!
Under The Bridge is the last book in the Blue Is The Color series and from book 1, I was curious about Ian. Ian and Valentina have such a beautiful love story, I’ve called for Ian!
No, Malka doesn’t rein havoc in this story. In fact, time heals all wounds.
Ian is a the drummer for a popular rock band, he wears black nail polish! He’s tall, handsome, mysterious – what could be wrong with him!? As Valentino’s sees it, nothing! He’s also quiet, more of an observer, and man of few words. But Valentina sure gets him and they connect very early in the story and we watch there relationship go through it’s trials and tribulations finally getting their HEA.
I was so sad to reach the end of the series. I very much enjoyed getting to know these characters who were all so wonderfully written by Julia Wolf. Now! On to the next (Never Blue Duet)!
The Blue is the Color series is better than any rockumentary ever made. Each book is a bare-all, behind-the-scenes look into one of the band mates. The author definitely saved the best for last. Ian Grady is a song without lyrics. Finding the right words to match his pounding heart isn’t the easiest thing for him to do. Valentina marches to a beat of her own. She doesn’t go by societal norms. Even when he proves to be a little difficult, she listens for the things unsaid. They are a match made in weirdo heaven.
I have been waiting for Ian’s story and this did not disappoint. Neighbours who help each other out, then become friends and so much more in this story. It was nice to see Ian end up with an unexpectedly different partner. One who could challenge him and bring this broody rockstar out of his shell. Another winning episode in this series!!
I feel like Ian right now. I have so many thoughts and emotions but cannot find the words to say out loud. This book took me 3 days to read ONLY because I. DID. NOT. WANT. IT. TO END!!!! Hours after finishing and I still keep picking up my ipad to open the book again and read. I loved Ian and Valentina’s story so much. I related to both their personalities. So very heartbreakingly wonderful. Ian and Valentina are the epitome of imperfect love, a lot of patience, and forgiveness. This will definitely be added to my reread list!
I think Ian and Valetina maybe my favorite couple of this series.
Ian is a big, tatooed drummer in a rock band and is a closed-off guy, who spends most of his free time doing puzzles and playing his drums. He is not a people person. He grew up with speech issue and his parents preferred him to be seen not heard unless he was playing the piano which he did very well. Deep down he thought it was just better to not speak since no one cares what he said, espcially when it took him some time to get the right words out during a conversation. His band memebers where his family, they were his brothers and didn’t let his hide for too long before they got in his face to make him get out of his own head and live life.
Valentina was a pixie like young woman who spend most of her time making cosplay costumes for her customers. She is a very talented designer and artis. She is not very trusting of others due past experiences that showed her how mean and disloyal people can be. She tries to go on dates, blind dates, set up by friends and she hates every minute of it.
Ian and Valetina are neighbors and one day they meet and an unbelieveable attraction forms that neither know how to deal with. They go back and forth between neighbors and friends, they find comfort in each others company but don’t know how to be more than friends without ruining what they have built so far.
I promise this story will melt your heart and beg for more of thier story.
My expectations were really high for Under the Bridge. Ian has been the mysterious band member since the beginning and after Such Great Heights, I knew things would get interesting. I can tell you I wasn’t disappointed and Ian and Valentina’s story was everything I wanted and more! I was enjoying this story so much and was really sad when it was over!
Ian is Blue is the Color’s drummer and in the previous books he’s always been the quite one and we don’t learn a lot about him expect him liking anime and puzzles. Under the Bridge really gives us more of a glimpse of this dark drummer. It’s clear that there is more to Ian than meets the eye. He feels a lot and wants to belong, but it’s the words that get to him. He wants to say how he feels, but just can’t get it to come out in the way he wants or needs.
My heart really broke for Ian quite a few times. He didn’t have the best childhood and connecting with people has always been hard. When talking isn’t easy, because you can’t find your words, how do you tell someone what you want or need? I could tell all he wanted was feeling like he belonged and maybe that someone just understood him.
Valentina is Ian’s new neighbor. She didn’t have the most normal childhood. Her parents traveled the world to help countries that needed doctors. Also, being more passionate for each other than showing their daughter love, has definitely been a thing for Valentina. There are a lot of things she wants to experience and I love how quirky she is. Valentina is Valentina and she’s her own person.
I loved how Valentina got excited over the smallest things like planting stuff in her own garden or going to a small concert for the first time. She makes costumes for people and even starts making wedding dresses. On top of her being passionate about what she does and things she wants to experience, she’s really caring.
Ian and Valentina aren’t a couple you expect in the beginning, but as you get to know the characters they really fit. Valentina seems to see Ian from the start and sees past him being moody and maybe even a bit mean at times. They really helped each other grow and Valentina got Ian to open up in so many ways. Their romance is filled with humor, romance, angst, steamy moments and a lot of firsts for both of them! They’re such a perfect fit!!
On top of this amazing romance, we get to see all of the amazing characters we’ve met along the way while reading Blue is the Color! I really could read more stories about this amazing band! Julia Wolf created characters that I’ve come to love. I love it when books really make you love characters and she knows how to do this! I can’t wait to see what she writes next.
You know I really thought Ian was quiet the douche bag from the previous books so I was glad we got to know the real Ian and not just see whats on the outside. There are still going to be times you well not hate him, but want to shake him because he knows what he needs to do. Valentina is a great match for Ian, she is shy yet sassy and finding her way on being her own person and worldly yet naive in so many ways. The flow of the book is fantastic and I felt totally immersed in what was happening with not only Ian and Valentina but also with the rest of guys and gals associated with Blue is the Color. I recommend getting comfy and have some supplies to keep you going (wine & chocolate are always good ) before you start this one as you won’t be moving until you reach the end of this book and even though you will be sad it has finish you will have such a better understanding of Ian and why he is the way he is or should I say was!
Amazing story!!!
This is the 4th book in the Blue is the Color series and it is crazy good. Seriously Ian and Valentina are a great couple. I love that I finally got Ian’s story. He was always so mysterious in the other books. I loved his story. I cried when I heard about his past, it just broke my soul. I love Valentina and how geeky and quirky she is and that she is everything anime. These two fit together so well. At times their relationship was awkward, but it made sense based on who they are as people. The short anime movie I wish was real, I would love to see it. Just the description of it made me cry!!! I loved this book so much!!! I can’t wait for my daughter to be old enough to read it, she’d love it with all the anime stuff.
I received an Advanced Copy of this book for my voluntary review.
Ian has always been an enigma in this series. The quiet brooding one obsessed with puzzles. Reading this book we her to finally learn why he is so closed off and assholish. When we meet Valentina she seems like a meek naive girl but that can not be possibly farther from the truth. This woman she is fierce and unapologetic in her own skin and it was great to read about her. These two fight for their relationship. First they fight against it and then they fight for it and man this book have me chills and tears and so many feelings. I absolutely loved every word. We get to catch up a little with the other members of the series which was great but the main focus was Ian and Valentinas love for one another and getting to read as it grows. This book was absolutely perfectly written and so amazing. I can’t wait to finally read Talia’s story.
Perpetually lonely
Ian Grady is almost a recluse, though he’s a drummer in a band. He’s emotionally distant but fascinated by his neighbor, Valentina. He does 1000 piece puzzles and drums to deal with his emotions.
Valentina is spunky, a nerd girl dating to find a cure for her perpetual loneliness.
She and Ian click, but when he retreats when she needs him most, can he finally show up?
This one started out a little iffy for me. I wasn’t sure if I even liked Ian the male MC at first. He really did come off as an a$$hole but I hung in there. It took me awhile to warm up to him. I’ll be honest, I was never clear in what was going on with Ian. He had issues with his parents and something to do with his speech and he had difficulty expressing himself. I just didn’t understand why. His background was a little to vague for my liking. It made it hard to connect to him.
Valentina was likeable from the beginning. Her childhood was non-traditional but she was an open book so I was able to connect with her immediately. While I didn’t really get the attraction she had for Ian at first I got used to the idea. The more time they spent together the more invested I became. They fit together like a puzzle.
It was, of course, great to see the rest of the band and other important characters. I won’t say more because it might spoil things for some readers.
Despite my misgivings, the story was very well done. As I have come to expect from this author, the writing was excellent. No glaring plot holes, no timeline issues, or editing problems that I can recall. It had a great balance of angst, romance, and levity. The dialog was intelligent, realistic, and witty. It was a good read and I would definitely recommend it.
While I don’t feel I can give it five stars, I can definitely give it four big shiney stars!
Oh. My. Gerd!!!!!! WOW! What a book! What a roller coaster of emotions. What an awesome story! Ian may not be the most “popular” member of Blue is the Color, but he’s well worth getting to know. He literally marches to the beat of his own drum and after suffering betrayal and heartbreak last year, he became somewhat of a recluse, living in his house in Baltimore. This is great timing though because he has a new neighbor – a cute girl he watches for a while before one day helping her out of a sticky situation. There was an instant spark and before you know it, he’s stalking her Instagram page and sending her DMs. A friendship is born with a mutual attraction on both sides. Valentina is a pretty nerdy but cool chick who designs costumes for a living. She’s not one to let Ian run all over her and she lets him know when he’s stepped over her boundaries, which he does multiple times. The tension between the two is sizzling and I love how she helps Ian come out of his shell to find his way back into his family and a normal life. This book is a great slow burn and one of my favorites of the series. Thanks Julia for letting us get to know Ian and watching the layers peeled back one at a time. I enjoyed the ride.
I have loved Ian since book one and been waiting for this book. That being said – there was high expectations to be met. I was a little nervous that I had built this up so much that I would be let down. BUT I am completely blow out of the water!!! This book was so much more then I could have hoped for.
This is one of the most beautiful stories I have ever read. It was funny and fun. I cried and got angry. My heart broke and was filled back up with love. There is a scene I am calling “mutual” that is so touching – hands down the most beautiful thing I have ever read.
I could go on and on about how much I loved this book and what an amazing story it is but I do not want to give spoilers
This is a MUST READ!!! And one of my all time favorites.
Ms. Wolf thank you for doing my Ian justice and making me love him more and finding the perfect woman for him and making her amazing
I know I have said it before but it is worth repeating. Blue Is The Color is my favorite fictional band. Julia Wolf has created characters that you become totally invested in and although elusive I have been on team Ian throughout this series. The depth and development of this character is fascinating and I am so glad the layers have finally been peeled back revealing what lies beneath. His heroine, Valentina, is a breath of fresh air. She is unapologetically herself and exactly what Ian needed in a partner. Someone that didn’t want to change him but wanted to exist with him in a world of their making. I love them together and can’t wait to see what the next book brings us.