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.
From the author of Deeper than Dreams and the Much
"I Do" About Nothing novels, a story that proves that you
have to find yourself before you can find love... As rock star "Riff Rotten", Rick
Rottenberg has enjoyed all the perks that fame can offer,
especially now that he's reunited with his former band mate,
Adrian "Digger" Graves. But despite his success, Rick is a
mess. Still reeling from the death of his wife years ago and
terrified his demons will end his career, he agrees to seek
help for his anxiety.
Burned by a musician in
the past, Sidra Sullivan has closed her heart to love. So
when Rick walks into her yoga studio, she wants nothing to
do with him--until the bad boy shows an unexpected soft
side.
As Sidra and Rick work through their
painful pasts, they realize just how strongly opposites can
attract. But when a crisis threatens the delicate balance
they've forged, they'll discover if their love is strong
enough to weather another storm or just too broken to survive...