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Blue Is the Color #4

Under the Bridge

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​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 bandmates. 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 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.

319 pages, ebook

First published September 12, 2019

228 people are currently reading
751 people want to read

About the author

Julia Wolf

49 books3,481 followers
Julia lives in Maryland with her patient husband and three crazy, beautiful kids!

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Profile Image for Jenn the Readaholic.
2,182 reviews72 followers
July 23, 2019
Ho. Ly. CRAP. And to think, I once hated Ian and his arrogance earlier in this series. Now? Now he’s definitely my favorite man that this author has created to date. Ian is so tormented and afraid that he lets coldness and arrogance act as his titanium armor around the heart and soul of a lonely man who never really felt love from another person. Ian struggles so much to find his own comfort and normal while pushing himself out of his rut that I have to love him. But he doesn’t do this alone. Oh, no. A man like Ian needs a woman like Valentina to guide him and stay strong by his side.

Valentina knows that she’s socially awkward and likely isn’t anyone’s ideal, but that’s okay. She’s a strong, creative woman who is going to experience life, even if it terrifies her. Ian swoops in at the perfect time to save Val, much like an angrier, grumpier Captain Douchemerica. He can’t help caring for Val from the very start, but he’s afraid to be let down or to let another person down, so he attempts to push her away. The only problem is that he pushes with one hand, then yanks Val back to him with the other...and holds on tight. These two have a beautiful friends-to-lovers flow that kept me guessing at how it would work out. Guess what? It works out beautifully. Sure, they have their angst and Ian REALLY has to grovel to regain the trust and heart of the one woman strong enough to stand up to him while still adoring him, but that only made me love both of them all the more. Ian because he finds his way to happiness and Val because she finds herself on the same path with the same destination.

I’m so sad to see the last band member get his HEA, but trust me when I say that every other story to now was only building you up for the wonder that is Ian. Sure, he seemed like a royal jerk, but once you finally get to know him, you’ll likely love him and Val as much as I did.
Profile Image for Rachael*Caribbean*girl*bibliophile.
2,267 reviews519 followers
dnf
January 15, 2025
Possible spoilers




Final thoughts
DNF at 51% because life's to short for this shit. The greatest apology is changed behaviour and Ian is a pussy assed wishy washy bitch who can't handle his own feelings much less Valentina's. I didn't read the previous books but apparently he had a toxic relationship with his ex who he loved very much, she ended up with his bandmate but they hid it from him until he accidentally found out.....now he's all broody (not the good kind) and angry and stupid! And acting like Val's virginity is a contagious disease. I do not like him.
Valentina my love, imma hold your hand when I say this......let that man get help and move on with your life ✌🏿


He leaned back in his chair, jaw working back and forth. “Your first time means something. Something I can’t give.”
“Don’t I get to decide if it means something? Are you telling me I’m not allowed to be sexual, to own my sexuality unless a man has been inside me? Can’t it just be sex, or does a man’s penis unlock some mystical kingdom inside me, allowing other men to enter after him?”





Thoughts while reading

I'm holding on by a tiny piece of my fingernail from my pinky finger.......I wanna DNF this book so bad but I love this author (,most times). He's been so shitty to her and she keeps forgiving him though 😭. I get he has issues communicating but at some point that excuse gets weak man wtf. At least he's not a manwhore 😭 but twice he's gotten drunk and smoked joints(not judging I'm a fan 😂). First time he actually forgot she was with him like wtf man...... first time I'm hopeful the H has a diagnosis of something because the excuse has gotta be something special to get me to stop hating him
That cover sucks btw
Profile Image for Simply Love Book Reviews.
7,046 reviews870 followers
May 8, 2020
Wow…just wow; I was not expecting such an emotional journey with Ian’s book. I knew there was more to him than the stoic, grunting, and aloof, introverted man that he showed the world. Throughout this series I’ve wondered about him, I’m been sympathetic towards him, at times I was shocked by his behavior, and most of all I was curious as to why he always seemed to be on the fringes of the rest of the band members.

For month’s Ian has spent time by himself trying to process what happened in his life and the betrayal he felt when he found out his entire band knew about his ex-girlfriend being with one of his band mates. He knows it’s not healthy spending so much time alone, but he also can’t seem to make himself get out and involved with anyone or anything else. With the scoring of the Manga movie complete and the year off the band has taken quickly winding down he knows he has some decisions to make; he’s just not sure what they will be. When he hears his new neighbor screaming, he rushes to help but he has no idea she’ll change his life in more ways than one.

Valentina is excited to be starting her new life in Baltimore on her own; it’s an exciting new chapter for her. She loves her work as a costume maker and hopes to eventually design wedding gowns as well. Having her cousin and her husband nearby is a plus. She is determined to find friends and to date, but so far the dating hasn’t gone well including the guy who just wouldn’t take no for an answer until the tattooed giant who lives next door jumped in. She feels safe around him despite his size and finds it easy to talk to him even if he doesn’t say much.

I loved how these two were so different, yet so very alike. I found it interesting how Valentina was immediately able to knock down some of Ian’s walls he’d built up around him and how quickly she began to understand when to push and when to back off. While Ian was still closed off he enjoyed the way he felt when he was around her. Honestly Ian was a bit of a mess and there are reasons he was and Valentina was way more forgiving and patient than most people have ever been with him, but I think that’s what happens when someone truly loves another person and understands that they struggle under certain circumstances. One thing I did love was that these two seemed to communicate well in their own way and didn’t let things fester between them.

I loved every emotional, messy, fun, sexy moment of this book and it is by far my favorite of the series.

Kindle Unlimited
Profile Image for B. C. Booklover.
784 reviews55 followers
September 6, 2019
Have you already been pulled into Julia Wolf's rockstar romance series, Blue is the Color? I know I've been and I gobbled this one up in one sitting, heading for bed so late that it was actually early! If you haven't read them yet, grab these amazing stories, especially if you love a sexy rocker with a story all their own. I'll try to keep things vague-ish, but reading this review could contain some unintentional spoilers! If you have read the 1st 3 books, then Blue's mysterious drummer, Ian Grady has been on your radar as much as mine and I wanted to know more.

You might have thought- 'I already DO know this guy, he's a little arrogant, standoffish and cold', BUT when you get the chance to really KNOW him, you may have to change your mind. He's going to sneak under your skin and make you feel him, love him! So, guard your heart!

If there is one thing I enjoy, it's a leading lady that can stand up for herself, tell it exactly like it is, keep you laughing- very much out loud so many times, at her witty comebacks and still be sweet and loving. Hard to find someone who encompasses all those qualities, but Valentina nails it without even trying. She was different, creative, alittle (ok, alot) geeky and wore her uniqueness like a crown..didn't care about what others may think or apologize about being exactly who she was. I adored that about her.

Ian, living in a self imposed state of seclusion, is now parked in his home, alone, just as he likes to be. Unless he is onstage with his brothers from other mothers, making the music he loves, he'd rather stay far away from people and problems.

Something happened that shook Ian to his core, a little while back, when these people he counted on for the last 20 years kept a huge, crushing secret, leaving him completely in the dark and then made him feel like he was the crazy one when he shut them out because of it. So, home alone it is.

Between spending his days solving complicated puzzles (there is a crazy line about this..so funny, so Ian), banging on his drums and spending too much time in his own head, he has become fascinated by his new and quirky next door neighbor. He sits by the window, watching her, trying to figure out her story...from afar, mind you..antisocial, remember!

One night, their worlds collide and a new fragile relationship begins. Friends, or more? You just don't know with Ian. Read on, be wowed, be totally sucked in, I was.

This slow burning attraction with one very socially awkward, painfully self defeating rockstar hottie and the very patient, anime loving new 'friend' will drag you into their sweet, denial ridden story which will have your emotions in a twist, your heart in a vise and tissues at the ready. Beautiful Ian, striking Viking, bruised soul, you want to just give him the biggest hug and hope that someone, someday, will give him his well deserved happy ending.

While I loved all these boys and their personal journeys, David's (book 2) was my favorite until right now when Ian stole the title. There is just something about this one that had me laughing one minute and sniffling the next, but in the end, left me smiling and happy.

Thanks to the author for allowing me to read and review an early copy of this wonderful book.
Profile Image for Neka.
320 reviews3 followers
December 29, 2019
Two stars only because Ian is my favorite character, otherwise I wouldn't give it any. Valentina was sweet but I thought she didn't understand him either. And as I predicted the Jasper/Malka fiasco ruined the rest of the series for me. In my opinion nobody understood Ian and blamed him for being distant but it was just an excuse not to feel guilty for not being good enough as friends. And none of them were. Ian literally had special needs yet everyone kept expecting him to adapt to them and not the other way around. It was infuriating and sad. The amount of times they had the nerve to tell him to get over it. Ian deserved so much better, nobody saw his effort, nobody. In my opinion it was poorly handled and I honestly I regret reading this series.
Profile Image for Anna Theurer (Anna's Bookshelf).
774 reviews59 followers
September 7, 2019
This is perhaps my favorite book by this author to date! One of the things that I love about this author is her ability to write an engaging rockstar romance that doesn’t involve your stereotypical playboy rocker. Rather she creates affable characters who are not without their flaws and whose circumstances and personalities are unique. Thus crafting an entertaining story with a hero and heroine that you cannot help but love.

While Ian was the character that I knew the least about from the previous books, he has always intrigued me the most. In fact, after this book, he is my favorite rockstar from this series! Ian is a complex character and is the quiet one in the band. The socially awkward one. Ian experienced something that rocked him to his core and left him feeling as though he was on the outside looking in. He isolated himself in his home - losing himself in puzzles and drumming. The poor guy sometimes didn’t know what to say or how to say it. The difficulty he had in expressing himself often gets him into trouble and there were many instances where I wanted to shake him and then turn right around and smother him with kisses.

There are heroines in books where I think “how cool would it be to have her as a friend IRL?”. In Valentina’s case I want to actually be her or at very least channel her inner awesomeness. After all, she does land that deliciously sexy drummer. As a heroine, she is that perfect combination of delightfully quirky mixed with sexiness. She is endearingly geeky with her love of anime and manga and I love how she embraces her individuality. While she is loving, forgiving, and understanding of Ian, she also demands respect and refuses to put up with his nonsense. To put it simply, Valentina and Ian are the perfect couple.

While Under the Bridge is book 4 in this author’s Blue is the Color series, I do believe that you could read this book as a standalone. However, I recommend starting at the beginning as there is a bit of character overlap, but also because this entire series is so good! I received an early complimentary version of this book and I am looking forward to this author’s future works.

Profile Image for Jennifer.
932 reviews25 followers
September 17, 2019
Under The Bridge, Julia Wolf's fourth book in her Blue Is The Color series, points the spotlight on the band's awkward and enigmatic drummer Ian Grady.

Long seen as aloof, moody and eccentric Ian was always on the fringe of his social circle and most approachable when he delved into the escapism drugs and partying offered him. Inside this guy was a running dialog but outside he was lucky on a good day if he did not push everyone away with his minimal use of words. A gifted musician he was able to communicate with his music where words failed him continuously. One of the things you can expect from this author is never discount her portrayals. She envisions them in 3D and their actions and appearances have many layers. The character of Ian when fully fleshed out seemed quite different than the person readers had been given glimpses of in earlier works, yet in retrospect at no point was the true Ian not visible the entire time in each of the instances where he made an appearance. With a loving touch Julia Wolf guided her audience as well as her other depictions to see the entirety of Ian and value what a great person he was.

Valentina grew up moving on a regular basis and was isolated. While her parents loved her their real focus was their work and each other, to the extent of unintentionally overlooking the exceptional human being they brought into this world. Her quirky interest and refusal to conform to others views of how she should be put a further wedge between her and most people. When Valentina inherited a home from her great aunt for the first time she had at a place she could call home, yet she struggled to find people to fill her life and appreciate and share her unique interests and outlook on life until she found Ian. Precious and undervalued by most Valentina was able to see past the skewed perception that most people had of Ian with her abundant kindness and rare insight seeing the man who was beaten down with judgments and cruelty most of his life. On a side note you gotta love a heroine who is a Radiohead fan!

Ian and Valentina lived in a very fragile state of being misunderstood and lonely. When this couple came together it was as if fate intervened and said enough these two extraordinary people needed to be together. Yet this couple had a lot of personal acceptance of themselves to overcome. Wary and overwhelmed this pair put up a good fight as they battled the inevitability of their being together. So much misunderstanding came out of these two learning how to understand each other's unique ways of communicating and their self sabotaging. It was not easy to see Ian being judged by others so harshly but it was just as difficult to see him push Valentina away because he felt unworthy of her love. Ultimately their finding each other was a gift both to themselves and to anyone astute enough to look under the bridge.

Under The Bridge was a beautiful introspective book that was a perfect evolution of this series. Ms. Wolf has a gift for taking that extra step exposing places that many might overlook as insignificant but in reality they add something so profound to the work at hand that it goes from enjoyable to memorable with her well-chosen and placed details. With writing full of sensitivity and strength this work stands as an equal to its companions in the Blue Is The Color series. It takes more than good writing to produce a story like this, it takes heart and Julia Wolf gave hers completely without reservation to Under The Bridge.

*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own.*

*While this book can be read as a standalone readers overall reading experience would be enhanced by reading the other books in the Blue is the Color series *
Profile Image for Steph Davis.
41 reviews2 followers
Read
September 5, 2019
****light spoilers ***
Feel like I have just been on an emotional roller coaster. I mean WOW! I knew Ian was going to be a complex human being and I genuinely want to bash his parents heads for treating him the way they did.
Ian being a slow thinker doesn’t express himself or his feelings well, Valentina completely got him understood him and forgave him for a lot.
They have the ups and downs and I genuinely thought, ’yes they’ve got this’ and Ian messed up,
Purely because had could quite process everything quick enough, but when he let Vally girl go home to Baltimore alone, it got me, my heart broke for him and for her! It was so irritating because she was so understanding if not a little too understanding about most things like being forgotten because she knew it was part of him, and if anything extremely unintentional, but I love how she stuck by her drawn line. Ian's bid to win her back was the best, the extent he went to of hiring people for her cousin just so she would come home, bless him! He has such a big heart just find it hard to share it with others! ❤️
Loved it, it was perfect for Ian and I just love Valentina she is prefect for him! 😍😍❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Andrea B .
435 reviews4 followers
September 6, 2019
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. 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 with love. There is a seen I am calling “mutual” that is so touching and beautiful ting 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
Profile Image for H.B. Jasick.
Author 14 books125 followers
September 17, 2019
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!
Profile Image for CeCe.
3,617 reviews109 followers
April 7, 2021
I was unable to get into the story. It was probably a "it's me and not you" kind of thing. It had the characters and a plot that I usually love, but it did not work for me in this case.
The heroine was okay and I don't think she was the exact person that would have that strong of an impact on the hero. Just my opinion. You may disagree. Also, I don't feel that the writing grabbed me. I am sorry. I just was unable to finish it. There was nothing memorable for me.

Reading is subjective. You may love it.
Profile Image for Jenifer Briggs.
1,520 reviews191 followers
September 16, 2019
OH. MY. LORD. You guys think that you know who Ian is? You think you're ready for him? Trust me, you don't, and you aren't. In the previous books Ian came off as cold, standoffish, arragont, and sometimes cruel. However once you get inside his head, you see that he just truly doesn't know how to connect with people due to his upbringing. He's so worried about saying the wrong thing, that his aloofness comes off as interference, when that is so far from the truth. He cares so much, has such an amazing and big heart, but when he finds out that the family he's created for himself over the last twenty years keeps a very big secret from him, he isolates himself more than ever.. And then he meets Valentina.

There aren't enough words I can say to adequately describe my love for Valentina. She's quirky, adoeable, strong, so sweet, and incredibly *her* in every way, and she makes no apologies for it. She owns her weirdness, and I LOVE it. After Ian rescues her from a scary situation, they start up an unlikely friendship, and the pull between them is so magnetic, so powerful, that we all know they won't be able to resist.

I love how soft Ian was with Valentina; all the touches, the lingering looks, holding her so close to him while at the same time trying to pull away and protect her from himself, was beautiful. Ian wants to let her in, but he struggles with getting his words out, and with what he actually wants to say, but Valentia is so patient and understanding with him, all the while standing up to him and not letting him walk all over her. She knows she's falling for him, knows her limits, and make sure be doesn't cross them. Until he does.. in the best of ways.

I loved everything about their relationship: their easy friendship, how she calmed him down and gave him the sense of security that he always needed, the adorable way that these two just *got* each other, and all the sweet things Ian did for her. Of course there's a bit of delicious angst, but when they finally got together it was EVERYTHING! I just love these two do much!!❤❤

Going into this series, Ian was my least favorite, and now I have the most love for him. I'm definitely going to miss this series!! This is by far my favorite book by this author!!
Profile Image for Sharon Moritz-rosenthal.
2,271 reviews29 followers
September 19, 2019
I received a review copy before release for an honest review.

I read the first book in this series and truly loved it. I then read the second book and I loved it as well. But when I heard the third book would feature Jasper and Malka I decided to not read that story at all. Jasper is supposed to be mr nice guy and Malka is Ian's ex girl friend and in a very off and on relationship. I do not like when friends sleep with the same girl and so it kinda turned my stomache that Jasper would do that to his bandmate and friend.

That said this is Ian's book and it happens after he feels betrayed by his whole band and Jasper and Malka. He knows they are in a relationship and his whole band kept the truth from him. Ian is sorta an odd bird in this story. A great guy but he likes quiet and solitude and is feeling distant from his friends because of what they did to him. And I don't blame him in the least, in fact I think he forgives them all a little too easily.

He has a cute neighbor and she is sorta an odd bird too. He meets and saves Val from a bad date and they form a friendship. But Val has led a very sheltered life and Ian does not want her to lose her innocence so while he feels a big pull to her, he is not sure he is the right guy for her.

What they form is a wonderful friendship where two odd people form a wonderfully accepting relationship and she understands Ian like no one ever has. But Val is very open and Ian is very closed off and sometimes that effects their friendship.

I truly loved these two together. They get each other and the whole world doesn't understand them but they do each other and it was a beautiful thing to watch happen to them. This was an amazing story and the best story I have read in a long time. Definitely the best story in this series. Its a very different kind of romance and I loved absolutely every minute about it.

If like me you missed book 3 in the series, it did not affect anything and this story easily can stand alone though I encourage you to read the first two books as both characters in those books are very much included in this story.
16 reviews1 follower
September 7, 2019
I’m speechless! Up until now I thought that book 2 in the series was my favorite book of the year but this book just might be my favorite book ever. I didn’t care much for Ian in the previous books but he and Valentina are now my most favorite fictional characters ever! You should read this book now and I’m going to go read it again.
Profile Image for Beth .
160 reviews5 followers
December 17, 2019
This is by far my favorite book in the Blue Is The Color series. This book made me laugh, it made me cry. It drove me a little crazy at one point!

Ian is a puzzle. A giant, drumming puzzle who loves solitude and Manga. Valentina is a talkative, costume designing breath of fresh air. She's easily one of the sweetest characters I've ever read about.

I loved these two together. Ian's past has shaped who he is today, he can't change that, but he needs to accept it. Valentina is the girl who's different than all the rest. She's awkward, but she owns it and won't apologize for it. Valentina isn't afraid to tell Ian how it is and where she draws the line.

Getting to see the softer side of Ian was a treat. Sometimes it's the quiet ones who surprise you. Seeing him learn from his mistakes and rectify them, says a lot.

Ian will surprise you in ways you may not have expected. Valentina is the kind of gal I'd love to has a friend. She's supportive and loving and genuine.

Without giving away too much, (I hate spoilers!). This book stole my heart ❤️

Profile Image for Trish (Beautiful Chaos Reviews).
1,073 reviews23 followers
September 7, 2019
This is the fourth book in the Blue is the Color series and I really think this is my favorite. Each book has been colored with the personality of the character. Nick and Dalia's story was a bit wild and edgy with some snark and a lot of intensity. David and Sylvia were a bit remorseful and desperate for renewal. I'm not sure remorseful is the word but just the hankering for a do-over. Jasper and Malka holy smokes sweetness overload from Jasper and Malka needed that but there was so much guilt. And these were reflections of Nick, David, and Jasper. Ian from book one has been quirky. Skirting the edges always, quiet and reserved, with his puzzles and idiosyncrasies. With some unknown something just below the surface that keeps him distant. Well, Julia nailed that feel with Under the Bridge.

Let me preface by saying I am not a huge fan of Manga nor Anime, but my daughter is and I've watched some with her and it is easy to be absorbed in it. I am a fan of comics, the Marvel universe, Doctor Who, Serenity, Star Wars, and video games. I get geekdom. I get passion. I get the passion people pour into cosplay (see Blizzcon or ComicCon). I see the effort in real life that people put into their cosplay and it is time-consuming and expensive. We knew vaguely that Ian liked manga and anime because of a project he was working on. So when we meet Valentina and she is a fan of all things geek well that was perfect. Valentina had me literally laughing with the things she said. All of them made her endearing and cute. No wonder Ian fell for her. She is a unique individual who defies compartmentalization, and because she does defy being categorized she's perfect because she doesn't think he's weird, she accepts his quirks. She sees them (Ian's ways) reflected in her own quirks and she embraces it, revels in it, and finds joy and humor in it all.

To describe anymore would be spoiling and we don't want to do that. Another thing I do want to suggest is for you to listen to the songs as they are mentioned as you read the book. You can find the playlist for this book at the end, or you can search the title of the book on Spotify. Julia does a thorough job of selecting the just-right music to be mentioned in the book and it adds so much to the story experience. Some of the songs on the list are some personal favorites that just enhance the whole atmosphere of the book. Coupled with the way the story unfolds it makes for a rich reading experience. Everything that happened in a believable progression and although it left me frustrated with Ian at one point (I got over it), the story kept moving. Yeah, this is my favorite of the series so far not only because of the geek factor but because I found Ian's journey to be really falling into happiness in such a sweet way that I finished the book really really happy for both characters. I highly recommend this sweet, quirky, geeky, and highly enjoyable book.
260 reviews3 followers
September 8, 2019
I’m overwhelmed and feeling empty right now and I don’t know how to do anything but go back and read this book again. It made me feel so much and now I’m lost waiting for my next fix.
The ebb and flow of this relationship is just like the tide on my shores. It’s calming and addictive.

Ian was this enigma, totally clamped up and not giving voice to his feelings to anyone. Being arrogant and rude is yet another layer of armor. When he feels betrayed by his brothers in the band Blue Is The Color he retreats to his home. His only company his puzzles, drumming away his days and nights. He views the world from his bay window and slowly he gets curious about his new neighbor. He fantasizes about her occupation and her relationship status as she constantly dates new guys.

Valentina didn’t get a normal upbringing and wasn’t forced into conformity. She is true to herself and her geekiness. She is confident, sassy, original and artistic, kind and adventurous. Her recent move to Baltimore left her with only a pregnant cousin but also a opportunity for a new adventure.

When her date turns bad and she needs a Knight in shining armor she gets a silent intimidating blond Viking instead. The instant attraction is undeniable but Ian is not allowing himself to pursue Valentina. Despite everything he can’t help himself when he gets to see her Instagram feed so he slides into her DMs and a friendship slowly grows. It’s one step forward and then two steps back in a dance old as mankind before we get a HEA.

Valentina is exactly right for Ian, acceptance and love in abundance without sacrificing her own life and dignity. She calls him out when he hurts her feelings and she never takes any crap. But oh so gentle and loving, patient and without scaring him away. She gives him space and time. His lack of words don’t scare her off and he is messing things up over and over till he finally gets it right and he finds his way home.

I loved the way Valentina was welcomed by the band and their significant others. She fits right in as if she always was part of their life. And the author makes this world so believable that I’m talking about them as if they are real and not characters from a book. I genuinely care for them and they are so familiar to me. As always it’s an emotional roller coaster with highs and lows and I’m getting furious more than once. But the walls crumbled and the feelings surfaced and I got happy tears in the end.
I’m so happy about how Ian’s book turned out and I can’t wait for the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Gwen.
270 reviews20 followers
September 10, 2019
I received an ARC from the author and I am happy to give my honest review.

By now you probably know that I am a Julia Wolf fangirl. In my head we are BFF's and her books are my ride or die. This book is no different. It reminds me of her Sublime series where the characters slowly fall into a friendship and then relationship and the drama/angst isn't way over the top. In sum, it's a perfect plot for a rainy weekend read and one I highly recommend.

Ian is the drummer for the famous band Blue is the Color. The band is on a year break after touring and before recording a new album. Over the last three books, I have been intrigued by Ian. Is he just socially awkward or is there something else going on? The last book didn't leave Ian in a good light with how he reacted to Jasper and Malka's relationship but I was eager to get into his head and hear his story.

Valentina has led a somewhat sheltered life with her doctor parents who traveled all over the world. She inherits her aunt's home and wants to put down roots while building her seamstress/cosplay business. She meets Ian by happenstance when (TRIGGER WARNING) she is sexually assaulted by a first date. They become friendly acquaintances and then friends, as much as Ian could have friends.

Ian made me mad a lot. I know he had some social ineptness and struggled with speech. He wrote himself off as a failure and took his low self-esteem out of on Valentina. Frankly, he treated her like crap. I didn't want to like them together. My favorite parts of the book were Valentina standing up for herself and drawing the lines in the sand on how she expected to be treated. I was cheering her on the whole way.

Their coming together was slow and sweet until it burst into intense flames. They were hot together. I wanted them to succeed so much and I was dreading the inevitable conflict. Fortunately, it was shortlived and Ian really pulled his act together and showed Valentina tangibly how much he cared.

Check out this book if you want a broody anime-loving drummer who falls irrevocably for a bubbly compassionate seamstress who doesn't put up with crap. It's a great read and even better if you've read the other books in the series to see Ian's full character growth.
Profile Image for Britt Chaotic Creatives.
1,414 reviews94 followers
September 9, 2019
I don’t even know where to begin. Julia Wolf continuously blows me away with this series. Each book is distinctly unique despite the series being that of all one group. I’ve felt all kinds of emotions while falling in love with all the members of Blue is the Color. I thought I fell hardest for Jasper in the previous book. But then here comes Ian. Silent, brooding, mysterious Ian. Jear desus this man. He got to me. Like deep down, forever staying in my heart, will always be a part of me level of got to me.
Ian and Valentina somehow simultaneously have one of the most adorable and most gutting stories ever. Valentina brings endless sweetness and sunshine wrapped around a spine of steel and a heart of gold. Where her love is light and airy, Ian’s is the opposite. Deep and quiet nonetheless incredibly powerful his feelings may not come easily in words but his actions scream much louder.
This book is everything I hoped it would be and nothing I could have predicted. I probably make zero sense. But really you shouldn’t expect me to make sense when Julia Wolf has once again turned my world upside down by making me fall next level in love with another character.
257 reviews3 followers
September 14, 2019
I am a huge Julia Wolf and Blue is the Color series fan. While it is not necessary for you to have read the other books to read Under the Bridge, I feel it will enhance the experience. Meeting and knowing the band is definitely your time.

I honestly did not think I would like any book or character more than Jasper's until I read Ian's story Under the Bridge. Jasper figured prominently in everyone's stories before his so it was easy to feel you already knew him but that was not the case with Ian. Sure we knew about him and Malka and his love of puzzles but that was it. I absolutely loved learning about Ian.

The character development was great as always. The chemistry and connection between Ian and Valentina was awesome. I don't think there could have been anyone more perfect for Ian than Valentina. Ian's lack of social experience was the cause of most of the angst but thankfully "Valley girl" was able to look past it and we get the expected HEA .

I look forward to Tali's story coming soon and any other works by Ms. Wolf. I am forever a fangirl.



105 reviews2 followers
September 11, 2019
This book had to be my favorite of all Julia Wolf's books. Ian and Valentina were just amazing. I found myself use identifying with both Ian and Valentina in different ways. I can only hope that everyone finds someone who loves their weirdness because it's true, what's normal?
I loved the way Ian discovered so much about himself through the progression of the book, and that he found his safe place with her, she didn't want or need him to change,; only let her in.
I didn't even hate Ian at the beginning. There was a reason he was the way he was, and eventually knowing his past, it explained it all. I also adored how the boys were all there for each other. And how they got on each other case, when they f ed up.
This series had been fantastic, and i highly recommend all books in the series. They really are stand alone but you would appreciate and understand more if read from the start.
This was an ARC and my pleasure to give this review!
Profile Image for Laura Lee.
Author 29 books1,857 followers
September 15, 2019
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!
Profile Image for Amy Sharpe.
471 reviews5 followers
September 19, 2019
What a story!!! This is the forth book in the blue is the color series, I haven't read the first three but that didn't take anything away from this book but I will now be reading the others to get the whole experience.
I absolutely loved Ian and Valentina, both unique and awkward in the best ways.

Ian is the drummer for Blue is the colour, he's quite, shy and awkward and I loved him. I really felt for Ian after hearing about his past, the way he found peace and was able to be himself with Valentina was beautiful.

Valentina has such a beautiful and free soul, being proud and never hiding the quirky person she is was lovely. I could relate to her alot. She made me lol alot. She didn't expect or want Ian to change and embraced and loved who he is. they r both perfect as they r.

Their relationship grows throughout the book and at a good pace.

Ians band members/friends/brothers r wonderful and I can't wait to go back and read their story's. Definitely recommend this book
19 reviews
September 5, 2019
Where to start. O.M.G!!!! This book was fantastic!
The thing I adore the most about this author is her ability to dive deep and make the characters and their circumstances feel like real life. Julia outdid herself on this book. From the first page I was hooked. I literally couldn’t put it down. The complexity of Ian, his inability to express himself and their relationship broke my heart, but page by page it was pieced back together. I literally sobbed. I don’t know the last time a book hit me this hard.
If you’re new to Julia’s book you are in for a treat! She did an amazing job with Ian. Reading about him in the other books I was curious how she was going to approach this one but she killed it. Knocked it out of the park. She turned Ian from someone I really didn’t care for to my favorite person. A MUST READ!!!
Profile Image for Jessica.
18 reviews2 followers
Read
September 10, 2019
This may be the fastest that I have ever read one of Julia's books, as I raced through it in half a day in between parenting. I love Valentina's confidence in who she is, her unwillingness to change that for anyone, and her emphasis on setting boundaries. I also adore the interaction between her and her cousin!! I didn't expect to like Ian much after reading Such Great Heights, but it's entirely different getting to be inside his head and FINALLY seeing what makes him tick. Also, as a Maryland native, I adore the boat ride scene!!!

After reading this book, there are two songs I can't get out of my head: Under the Bridge, and Waving Through A Window from Dear Evan Hansen, as it reflects the ambivalence between needing connection and separation.
Profile Image for Kylee.
3,000 reviews56 followers
September 16, 2019
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.
Profile Image for Laiza.
656 reviews9 followers
August 12, 2021
4.5 broken drummer stars!
I always have a thing for drummers...🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁 all those strong arms and beats fascinate me and I just really want to see Ian happy..I read book 1 of this series and have no plans to read book 2(David and Syl) and book 3 (Jasper and Malka) NOPE they are not for me specially book 3 I hated what they did to Ian!😡 so I read this book to have a closure and to see Ian happy and Julia Wolf did not disappoint!
witnessed a broken, isolated Ian my beautiful boy full of pain, puzzles and unspoken words BUT what made me loved this book is Valentina she is STRONG and she do not take shit! Loved that she is a Geek and she embraced it fully.
The transition of the story is convincing.
#BrokenDrummer
#GeekyTailor
#Neighbors
#UnderTheBridge
#BlueIsTheColor
#ValentinaMoon
Profile Image for Jaime Reynolds.
1,948 reviews23 followers
September 7, 2019
When Times Like These came out I loved the story and she quickly became a one-click author for me. I mean who doesn’t love a great rocker romance. I am addicted to this series and absolutely loved Ian’s story. I found him to be a grumpy jerk and was not a fan. After his story, I’m totally onboard and adore him. The writing is strong and the character’s emotions spill from the pages. I swear each story just gets better and better. This is one series you do not want to miss out on!! Cannot wait to read more.
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