Review: SOFTER THAN STEEL by Jessica Topper

Posted September 13, 2015 by Cocktails and Books in Reviews / 0 Comments

Review: SOFTER THAN STEEL by Jessica TopperSofter Than Steel by Jessica Topper
Series: Love & Steel,
Publication Date: September 15, 2015
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four-stars
two-flames

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...

This is an emotional story about Rick Rottenberg, an older, British, heavy metal rocker.Β  He and his group Corroded Corpse are making a comeback and Rick is plagued by panic attacks and having a hard time writing new music. Β Rick has a lot to deal with including squabbles with his band mates and constant pressure from his irritating manager. Β Rick is a shell of a man and is still stuck in the past, with thoughts about his deceased wife constantly on his mind.Β  He meets Sidra Sullivan, a yoga instructor when he decides to take up yoga, hoping it will help him deal with his emotional issues. Β Rick becomes enamored with Sidra as she teaches him to relax and forgive himself for his past mistakes.Β  Rick and Sidra slowly start a relationship, but their pasts make it hard for them to let down their guard and trust each other.Β  Both of them have been hurt and are careful with their hearts. Β Even though Rick and Sidra are polar opposites, they just seem to click.Β  They are good together and are able to help each other heal and move forward.Β  I liked the chemistry between Rick and Sidra; I just wish their romance moved a little faster. Β Β 

The unique characters made this story different and refreshing. Β Rick is a not a twenty something, he is a mature rock star attempting to make a comeback.Β  I liked Rick, he is a good guy with gentle heart behind his heavy metal persona and he also has a sexy British accent. Β Sidra’s father is Irish and her mother was from India. Β Sidra looks Indian and yoga consumes her life.Β  She is a spiritual person and good for Rick’s battered spirit. Β This is the second book in the Love and Steel series and each book is a stand alone, although the characters in the stories are interconnected.Β  It’s told from both Rick and Sidra’s POV, so we can understand what they are both thinking. There are some entertaining secondary characters that add to the story.

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