Only Theo

Broken Point #3

by A.K. Steel

Theo Walker is exactly my type.

I knew that from the moment he stepped out of his car and flashed me that charming smile of his.

He's a sexy single dad, devoted to taking care of his adorable little boy.

And if that wasn't enough, he's also a detective dedicated to protecting the town he loves and all the people in it. That includes me.

Only problem is I have spent the last five years thinking all love does is cause pain. I don't think I even know how to let someone else in anymore. There is also the very scary possibility that my past is about to catch up with me.

I'm a single parent myself. My social life consists of my five year old and my two best friends. And, until now, I have quite liked it that way. It's safe.

But Theo's persistent and makes his intentions clear-- he wants to have a little fun. He convinces me to give into temptation and live a little with him. The chemistry is off the charts steamy and I fall for him hard and fast even though I know I shouldn't.

I knew from the moment I met him, Theo is the only man for me. Is it really possible for us to heal each other's hearts and learn to love again?

Or will all my fears come true, destroying our chance at happiness forever?

Only Theo is a steamy, single dad, second chance romance.

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Romance

382 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 29, 2021

About the author

A. K. Steel is a steamy romance and romantic suspense author. She lives on the beautiful South Coast of NSW, Australia, with her partner and three pre-teens, a Cocker Spaniel, and a Lovebird. When she's not writing or daydreaming about new story ideas, you can find her playing with flowers at the local flower shop or kicking a soccer ball around with her team.

A. K. takes readers on thrilling escapes from reality into her captivating world. With an intoxicating blend of danger and desire, her stories plunge readers into unforgettable journeys where they surrender to the dangerous charms of irresistible heroes and the fierce heroines they love. Lose yourself in fiery chemistry, delectable plot twists, and edge-of-your-seat adventures that culminate in satisfying happily ever afters.

Reviews

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Theo's story. He deserves a happy ending, a forever love. Theo brought me to tears when he was explaining how his life changed and how he felt when Fi was taken from him and Jasper. I've liked him since book 1 so I'm a little partial to him.

Ivy, I had a little harder time connecting with. I really didn't like that she wasn't as open and honest with Theo. He told her about his past relatively soon but she wouldn't do him the same. And then she acted really immature when Theo talked to her about a few things. She redeemed herself at the end for me.

Overall, this was a good book about two single parents that are trying to overcome their pasts.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Anna · Rating 1 out of 5]

dnf at 15
Hero: "im soo cocky, im soo hot, i have a broken heart but im fucking with hot girls..." NO WAY!
FUCK OFF!!
couldnt go more...

[Mandy Reads Indie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This new to me author has me wanting to read all her books. Every. Single. One. Especially if they are as wonderful as this one was. This book got me right in my feels and held on the whole way through.

I love a good alpha man that claims he is never going to settle down…then does a complete 180 when he meets his person. That was Theo. He knew Ivy was the one and he would stop at nothing to get her and make her his.

The suspense was perfect. It seeped it’s way in at all the right times, keeping me guessing. I was eager to know Ivy’s past but not so much that it turned me away from the story because it was taking so long. Nope, Steel did a fabulous job creating the story and delivering an amazing atmosphere for it. I was all up in the book and actually hated seeing I was coming to the end so quickly. I would have been happy being in their story for a longer time.

Great book, amazing characters, heart wrenching romance…ONLY THEO was an absolute delight!! 5 Stars!!

[Jacinta - Aussie Book Nook · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was really excited for this book. I couldn't wait to see how it would play out after having met Theo in the other 2 books of this series.
I really enjoyed this book but felt the first 3/4 of the book really slow but also felt things moved too quickly at the same time in terms of their relationship.
It took me a while to warm up to Ivy, I struggled to relate to her. I get why she behaved and felt the way she did but it felt so repetitive and I got over it really quickly.
I really loved Theo, I loved how he was so open and owned his hurt but also felt we didn't really get to experience it much, it felt really glossed over. Don't get me wrong he did some some dumb boy moves in this book lol.
I loved how Theo and Ivy both always put their children first it really came through in the story.
I loved the last quarter of this book it was exciting, made my heart race. I absolutely loved the ending.

I am looking forward to Drew's book.

[Patricia Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful story from this talented Aussie Author, set once again in the beautiful area of Byron Bay. Theo, a single dad to Jasper, meets up with Ivy, a single mum to Harmony and the spark of love that he thought was dead resurrects. Ivy is a woman who has been damaged by issues in her past. Theo tries to gain Ivy’s confidence but the pain from past hurts is nearly too much for this beautifully damaged woman. I thought that Theo would be the one who broke my heart, but it was Ivy and the way she overcomes her insecurities and blossoms into the beautiful woman that Theo knew was hidden inside. This is the third book by A. K. Steel and I am sure there will be many more from her to enjoy in the future.

[Carol orr · Rating 3 out of 5]

I struggled with this book

No plot spoilers
There are a couple of potential triggers relating to domestic abuse.
The characterisation isn't the strongest. At best the characters are okay, but there is very little individual personality.
There were quite a few occasions when I thought Ivy was too stupid to live, with missed clues as to what was going on and utterly dismissive of events around her.
For a police detective Theo and colleagues needed retraining.
Both lead characters hummed and hawed over every single step forward, to the point it felt I was simply rereading the same page with a different number.
There are lots of unanswered questions too, for instance, how does she make enough money as a yoga instructor to purchase a house, how does she earn enough to even pay the bills? How does she expect to pass an invasive background check with an assumed identity?
There are more like these examples and they niggled at me because without the answers the book doesn't feel complete.
There are a couple of errors but nothing to get irritated about.
The plotline is slow, very slow. There is no urgency until the culmination which felt rushed.
There are some sex scenes and some swearing.
I don't think I will purchase more by this author.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

I’ve been excited to read Theo’s story since my heart broke for him in the first book of this series.
I loved Theo and Ivy’s story. I honestly think this series gets better with each book Alicia gives us. Both Theo and Ivy are single parents and have a tragic past. Their journey together was emotional and beautiful. Neither were looking for a relationship, both had closed themselves off to the prospect of love but they couldn’t stop the chemistry between them.
As a character, I loved Theo. He is genuine, open and quite cocky. His protectiveness over both Ivy and Harmony was very sweet and won me over. I took longer to warm to Ivy, purely because I felt she was too closed off and not just with Theo but also with her friends. I felt if she had been more open she would have got over her fears sooner.
The pace of the story was great for reading. When the relationship got going things did move fast but I wasn’t put off by that. I think with their age, pasts and that both had kids the speed felt natural.

This has been a great series and I’m excited for Drew’s story!

[ReadonReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this story we have Theo and Ivy who are both single parents that have endured past pain and traumas that have left them almost bitter. Neither of them think they can move on from their painful histories but are willing to do anything for their children. Theo broke my heart but they way he opened up and let Ivy and her daughter in was just beautiful. I wish Ivy would have been upfront with him from the start like he was about his past, but after all she went through I can understand why she was hesitant to let him fully in. Both are broken souls bound by pasts that haunt them, Can they help each other move forward or will the past stay and continue to haunt them to where they can't see past them? Theo was this beautiful man who protected those he loved and in doing so thought he was helping Ivy and it ended up coming back to bite him in the rear, but can Ivy forgive him and learn to let him in or is her walls built to high? Ivy was strong and resilient but at times way too stubborn to accept she deserved to be loved the right way.
'

[ReadonReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this story we have Theo and Ivy who are both single parents that have endured past pain and traumas that have left them almost bitter. Neither of them think they can move on from their painful histories but are willing to do anything for their children. Theo broke my heart but they way he opened up and let Ivy and her daughter in was just beautiful. I wish Ivy would have been upfront with him from the start like he was about his past, but after all she went through I can understand why she was hesitant to let him fully in. Both are broken souls bound by pasts that haunt them, Can they help each other move forward or will the past stay and continue to haunt them to where they can't see past them? Theo was this beautiful man who protected those he loved and in doing so thought he was helping Ivy and it ended up coming back to bite him in the rear, but can Ivy forgive him and learn to let him in or is her walls built to high? Ivy was strong and resilient but at times way too stubborn to accept she deserved to be loved the right way.

[Kristi - ReetzyTheBookNerd · Rating 4 out of 5]

What do you get when you have two single parents, struggling with traumatic pasts, and who are willing to do anything and everything for their kids? An amazing and beautiful romance story, that's what. This is a story of two broken and jaded souls, that believe they can't move on from their horrible histories, finding their second chance at the perfect life or their happily ever after so to speak.

This was my first book by A.K. Steel. 'Only Theo' is book three in the Broken Point series. While this is a standalone story, there are interconnecting characters, and I wish I would have read the other books before this one. However, you don't have to. But I fully intend on going back and learning more about the other characters and their stories.

[Anita _booktoread · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️
To be honest, I went into this book completely sceptical because I thought Theo was good as he was- to get the full backstory read Eventually Blake first. To say I was pissed with Alicia was an understatement but we have to trust in our authors, and she had a plan. And what a plan it was.

Theo and Ivy’s story was brilliant. The emotions with these two, truly kept the story rolling. Theo had to learn how to open his heart again after such huge damage, and Ivy had to learn how to trust a man again. The road that AK Steel took while writing these characters was beautiful and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

And the last 40%, I didn’t want to put down, it had everything I love- angst, suspense, chemistry, action, I loved it all!

[Andrea ( books_fiction_desire ) · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟5/5🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Just as the previous books in the series by ak steel, Only Theo was absolutely beautiful and amazing romance read, filled with so much passion, emotion and a true page turner.

Theo who had his way of being cocky was a perfect man for Ivy who was scared to let go of her past. She claims that she’s broken but Theo is the one who can put her back together. They are both single parent with kids that are the same age and have a past that will stay with them forever.
But only together they can move on.

I absolutely loved it and can’t wait for the story of Drew to be available ♥️♥️♥️

[Annie (annie.books.obsession) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The story of Theo and Ivy broke my heart so many times, it was very emotional at times, but with a lot of beautiful moments.

I was really excited to read Theo story, I loved him in the first two books. And I didn’t be disappointed with this book.

I was a bit frustrated with Ivy during the story, I think she was to much stubborn to not let Theo know about her past and she push him away to much. But overall she was strong, powerful and badass !

The both of them make such a beautiful couple 😍 They deserved their happy ending together.

** ARC was provided in exchange for my honest review **

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in this series and is Theo and Ivy’s story. Both characters have heartwrenching pasts, and Theo is a detective who is a single dad to his son Jasper, while Ivy is a yoga teacher and single mom to her daughter Harmony. The chemistry between Theo and Ivy of off the charts, and she needs to learn to trust again, while he is encouraging her to loosen up and have fun. What will happen when Ivy’s past catches up with her? This is another well written story which has all of the feels, and has healing, suspense, drama, mystery, and love. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I recommend.

[Madeaishername · Rating 3 out of 5]

Theo Theo Theo. What shall we ever do with you? Steel’s men of fiction are sexist(?)(just a bit, like Fraser for instance)(Blake, I ain’t too sure) BUT they are good guys. And Theo, whoo!

Theo is a god alright. He’s mighty fine and cocky but he’s good. He’s a good guy. I do hope he learns that the ends does not justify the means. Although in his line of work, it does.

I like Ivy. Love the name as well. Steel really delivered on what a single mom who was burned feels like, (impo). In this book, Steel gives us a little action and a bit more angst compared to the previous books in the series. I liked it. This is a 3.5 ⭐️

🌼

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

So excited to be back with our favorite characters in Byron Bay! We get Theo’s story and see how he is after the tragic death of Fiona. This story is five years after the end of Eventually Blake.
Theo was a little too cocky at times but at the same time it work. Ivy had spent so much time protecting herself she doesn’t know how to let someone in. Love Theo’s determination though.
Another amazing read from A.K. Steel. Can’t wait for Drew’s story.

[Kirstie Ibrahim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Theo and my heart was broken when he lost his wife at the end of Book 2. This story takes up 5 years afterwards he's now a single dad. Ivy is a single mum with a past that she's trying to escape. The two of them have connection and chemistry as well as having kids the same age. There's mystery and suspense when Ivy's past catches up with her and the ending will have you on the edge of your seat as you wait to learn the outcome. A fabulous addition to this series.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fairly predictable story ... two attractive people, this time each has a child, both have wounded pasts, they connect and start to build an intense relationship. However, this time the male is an organized crime detective and this creates a threat to their future. Not much suspense but a nice little read.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.

[Spellbound Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

What did this book not have!?
• Alpha male ✅
• Pasts which burden both characters ✅
• Spicy scenes ✅
• Romantic scenes ✅
• Single parents ✅

It was such a good book! Some parts were a little predictable, but other than that, it was one of those books which I couldn’t put down.

The ending was perfect for Ivy and Theo. Exactly what I wanted to happen for these two love birds.

[Alexa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Theo and Ivy - single parents, second chance at a happily ever after,

Ivy comes to town running away from her husband with their daughter. Theo is making his way through the women of town after losing his fiancé and mother of his child. From the moment they meet, they know they are going to big parts of each other’s lives.

[Telly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book contained one of my least favorite tropes (dead spouse) but wow wow wow! Steel knocked it out of the park. For the first time it felt like the love interest wasn’t second best.

Theo’s talk in the cemetery broke my heart and put it back together at the same time.

Ending felt rushed compared to the first 90%

Can’t wait to finally read Drew and Jenna’s story!

[Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book took me a few days to get through. The plot was nice and thought through. The mystery of Dominic along with the romance was well blended. However, at times the book felt a bit dragged out. I also didn't connect with the characters. I was merely reading the book, not living the experience like I usually do. However, it is still a cute read. Excited for the next book!

[Miranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a single parents romance that I could not put down! The suspense and angst between Theo and Ivy was everything! They were a wonderful couple who really loved each other and the chemistry was 🥰🥰🥰 The 🌶️🌶️🌶️ was amazing! Loved the book and can't wait to read more!

[Rebekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet story of two people who are single parents with troubled pasts trying to move on with their lives. Theo and Ivy will have you rooting for them and their love story. Their kids will grab your heart!

[claire · Rating 2 out of 5]

Insecure and inconsistent

I tried so, so hard to get through and I just couldn't. The plot is great but the character development and structure just wasn't there. Found the main character inconsistent and got whiplash at times. I wish I could have written a more positive review.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG most favourite Broken Point book so far. Can't wait for the next book in the series

[Jess Greenland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't stop, from the first chapter I was hooked and blew thru the book in one sitting.

[Mikeala · Rating 5 out of 5]

Theo and Ivy’s story is my favourite from this whole series. Theo deserved a happy ending and I’m so glad he finally got one with Ivy. There little family is too cute. Loved it to bits!

[Caitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweetheart and funny

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my second book of A.K Steel. I enjoyed the storyline was right up my alley . The build up of this book was slow and all the action happening in the last 15% of the book. I found it hard to connect with the characters as I didn’t get a lot of character development.
A easy read for me. I loved how both characters devoted on their children and I love a good Detective hero. Can’t wait to see what’s next for this author