SOFTER THAN STEEL is Book 2 in Jessica Topper's Love & Steel series. I thoroughly enjoyed SOFTER THAN STEEL, even though I hadn't read the previous book in the series. However, after being introduced to Adrian and Kat in this book, I will absolutely go back and read their book -- LOUDER THAN LOVE -- next. As expected with a book about rockers, SOFTER THAN STEEL is sexy but it has substance as well.

I love the romance that develops between rock star Riff Rotten and yoga instructor Sidra Sullivan, but I was also very much struck by the theme of interconnectedness that permeates SOFTER THAN STEEL. Before Riff and Sidra develop a relationship and fate throws them together after a chance first meeting, Jessica Topper skillfully shows you how a million little things are put into place to guide them to each other. You get to know, like, and understand the characters before a romance begins. Each of the supporting characters, like Sidra's brother, is interesting, brighten the story, and make it more delightful.

The romance in SOFTER THAN STEEL is so much more compelling because of the complex characters. Riff is in his mid-forties, a widower, father and a rock star. He is a man who is experiencing panic attacks and a feeling of ennui. Enter Sidra. I like the chemistry between Riff and Sidra and how his life experience has taught him some things that come in handy in the current relationship he finds himself in. A yoga studio seems like an odd place for romance to bloom, but it really works in this story and I like how the yoga enriches Riff's life. Riff and Sidra complement each other beautifully and you can't help but root for them.

SOFTER THAN STEEL is a novel about the twists and turns life can take, the value of connecting with other people, and the unexpected joy of a new love. I like that SOFTER THAN STEEL is told from both perspectives. I look forward to reading the previous book in the Love & Steel series, as well as the next book by Jessica Topper.