Times Like These, Watch Me Unravel and Such Great Heights have been amazing books in the Blue is the Color series. Since the beginning, I’ve really wanted Ian’s story and we are now getting this in Under the Bridge. I’m sad this series is coming to an end, but I couldn’t wait to read it!
A big thanks to the author for providing me with an ARC to read and review.
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 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.
Review
“He’s Ian…it’s messy and weird, but God, he’s Ian.”
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 bleeding heart broke for the younger version of the man across from me. I would’ve been his friend. We could’ve sat under the bleachers and traded manga. We could’ve been weirdos together.”
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.
“Before you, I wasn’t sure my voice worked anymore.”
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.
I love when rock star romances aren’t the typical stories you expect to get! Are you a fan of rock star romances? If you are, let me know what your favorites are in the comments!
