When Callum’s sexual dysfunction keeps him from true happiness, Omega Island is his last hope.
The private tropical island in the Caribbean specializes in sexual healing techniques for omegas who cannot be helped by traditional therapies.
Omega Callum suffers from narrow birth and anal canals. He can’t mate without extreme pain and no surgery can help him.
Alpha Lev is a sexual surrogate, skilled in the art of hands-on sexual teaching and healing, a profession not officially recognized in traditional medicine.
Callum and Lev spend a night of intense heat together where methods of pleasure are taught and learned.
Personal feelings develop which lead to difficult life choices, sacrifice and hopefully love.
Non-shifter mm omegaverse, fated mates, hurt/comfort, hands-on sex therapy, heat sex, anal stretching, mpreg, HEA.
Wendy Rathbone has had dozens of stories published in anthologies such as: Hot Blood, Writers of the Future (second place,) Bending the Landscape, Mutation Nation, A Darke Phantastique, and more. The book "Dreams of Decadence Presents: Wendy Rathbone and Tippi Blevins" contains a large collection of her vampire stories and poems. Over 500 of her poems have been published in various anthologies and magazines. She won first place in the Anamnesis Press poetry chapbook contest with her book "Scrying the River Styx." Her poems have been nominated for the Science Fiction Poetry Association's Rhysling award at least a dozen times.
Her recent books include:
"Pale Zenith," science fiction novel
"The Foundling," male/male romance novel
"None Can Hold the Dark," sequel to "The Foundling"
"The Secret Sharer," science fiction romance novella
"Unearthly," omnibus collection of 7 out-of-print poetry booklets
"The Vampire Diaries: The Myth," available from Kindle Worlds
"The Vampire Dairies: Deep In the Virginia Woods," available from Kindle Worlds
"My House Is Full Of Whispers," erotica short story collection
"Letters To An Android," science fiction novel
Upcoming very soon:
"Risque Science Fiction," short stories by Wendy Rathbone
"The Red Fountain, Where Vampires Come to Drink," short stories and poetry by Wendy Rathbone
Look for more novels and short story collections coming up in 2014.
She lives in Yucca Valley, CA with her partner of 32 years, Della Van Hise.
I loved the hurt/comfort elements, but the writing felt a little off. It felt too slow but also pretty fast-paced at the same time. Would’ve liked maybe less descriptions and internal monologues but more backstory on the characters. The ending was also rushed and left me a little wanting.
Tropes and NSFW info (spoilers): - Omegaverse - Light Mpreg (only in the epilogue) - Fated mates - Hurt/comfort - Strict top/bottom - Heat sex - Toys - Mention of past SA
I need to clarify one thing about this story before I go to my review. It needs editing. A lot of it, which usually would take me out of the story but this concept of this one was so good, I ended up finishing it.
Spoilers ahead
I did not read the short story that came before this, I went in blind.
In here we have Callum, an omega who has basically a deformed anal canal which makes it hard to have sex and be knotted without a lot of stretching. He does not know this however, and is basically SA when he was at a party and ripped himself apart when the alpha knotted. He blames himself. His heat doctor recommended going to this island so he jumped at the chance and went there.
At the omega island are surrogates, alphas who help whomever comes to the island have sex. One of them is Lev. He is known to be gentle and nice.
The island for some odd reason, decides to lie to Callum about who Lev is. Callum finds out and is very upset because Lev and Callum are fated mates, though it takes to the end of the book for them to admit it.
This is the weirdest island ever. They don't wear real clothes, the counselor stays basically 24/7 with the omega who needs help, and there is a lot of sex in pools. I dunno why. In fact, there really is not any details about the whys and hows about this island, maybe that was in the story before this.
Overall, seeing Callum become able to have sex and a knot and enjoy it was awesome. There was no magic alpha penis, Lev had to stretch him every time they had sex, but it was beautiful to read about.
The hurt/comfort trope was really nicely written, I loved the whole concept of this book (I just love medical issues and therapy/treatment trips) and the characters. The way Callum was so deeply insecure about his body and the problems he has, it was portrait really well, and I liked that there was a magician quick fix for it. Didn’t really liked how they introduced Lev into this story but he himself was a really awesome character. He was so sweet,helping and caring and I loved the how they dynamic and relationship between them changed. Would have loved a bit more backstory from the MCs and not so much inner monologue, it also felt kind of rushed at some points especially when it came to the ending. But otherwise it was a really beautiful read and I will definitely look into the second book of this series.
RTC, Cal & Lev were sweet. The story had some grammer mistakes, plus we didn't get much info about Omega Island itself (maybe that was in novella?). But this story was amusing!
Empty Heat, by Wendy Rathbone is a standalone book from the Omega Island series.
When I decided I was in the mood for some Omegaverse, I asked friends for recommandations and was immediately drawn to this one.
The lenght of the book (under 200 pages) was perfect for this story. It didn't feel rushed even though it takes place over a week (because... fated mates, you know ;)). I loved that the focus was solely on Callum and his need to heal, and on Lev and his desire to do everything to help Callum. Lev has the patience of a saint and knew what to do to make sure Callum was taken care of.
The premise, an Island (pretty much paradise!) where Omegas stay to get specific treatment, was something I had never heard of and i was hooked from the first page. I felt all the emotions from both MCs and was touched by their healing journey.
A quick and emotional read. Loved it and can't wait to start book 2.
This story was just an okay read for me. While I enjoyed the premise, the execution needed some work. It felt more like a novella rather than a fully fleshed-out book.
One thing that bothered me (other than the book needing some editing) was
An interesting concept, but it needed some work. 2.5 stars.
This is the first story in a new series by Wendy Rathbone and I’m curious to see where it goes.
Callum arrives at Omega Island after being told by medical professionals and therapists that it may be his only chance at finding a mate and having a family in the future. He’s closed off about receiving treatment and hesitant about being with an Alpha after his first time went awry. Lev is an Alpha surrogate on Omega Island and is assigned to Callum’s case but forms a bond with him first before anything happens. He’s patient and understanding in a way that perfectly matches Callum’s hesitancy.
These two have a really unique bond and, even after things go wrong with their pairing and the way the staff handles it, they come together in just the way Callum needs to get over his fear. They’re friends first and it turns into so much more.
The epilogue of this story was really sweet and I’m looking forward to seeing where the series will go next!
Independent reviewer for Gay Romance Reviews, I was gifted my copy of this book.
I have read other omega books by Rathbone, and they have been very hit and miss. This one, however, is by FAR the best of her books I've read.
What I especially loved about this was it is HEAVY on the emtions that Callum and Lev are dealing with, rather than the physical act between and omega and alpha. Callum has some medical issues that require him to have some special attention and while that is front and centre the reason for him being on this island, it kinda takes a back seat once Callum lets Lev in.
I didn't like what they did to Callum in the beginning and I'm so very glad that Lev wasn't happy and let Callum know the truth very early on. Granted the damage had already been done, but Lev takes responsibility for that, even though he hated it in the beginning.
It's incredibly sweet, the scene that Callum lets Lev in (quite literally) Beautifully written, given what happened to Callum last time he tried to mate with an alpha. Hence the warm and fuzzies and too stinking cute tag.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I look forward to being able to read the next ones in the series.
This is a MAGNIFICENT Book in the OMEGA ISLAND COLLECTION. This is a place where Omega's can go to get help with unique problems they are experiencing. A place dedicated exclusively to them. Lev is a surrogate who helps with intimate problems. Callum is desperate to overcome medical and psychological problems. Desperate, confused and angry he's not the easiest client. Lev is a special and dedicated to Callum's recovery. This is a wonderfully written Book. Wendy Rathbone always has a unique and different concept to her writing. Never a dull moment and always a happily ever after. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND THIS OMEGA ISLAND SERIES!!!!!!!!!!
Empty Heat is the second or maybe first book, in the ‘Omega Island’ series. There is a short story that comes before this one called, ‘High Heat’. This book stars Callum, an omega, and Lev, an Alpha and sex surrogate. It’s told in first person from both Callum and Lev’s povs. 3.5
I received an ARC from the author. I am giving my honest and unbiased opinion.
Omega Island: Empty Heat by Wendy Rathbone is the first book in this new series.
Callum was born with small canals that makes any intimate act extremely painful, after a traumatic first time he avoids all alphas. He wants a mate, and a family, but if he can't take a knot then no one will ever want him. So, wanting to find a way to get the things he wants he goes to Omega Island for an unorthodox form of therapy. He arrived on the island unsure and scared, and when his time was up on the island, he ended up with so much more than he thought possible.
Lev is a therapist who specializes in helping omegas find ways to get what they want in other ways that aren't known to them. While he isn't happy about the way he was brought on to the case Lev is thankful to have met Callum. Once Callum fires him from his case Lev is allowed to feel and act the way he wants without considering Callum a patient. And once that happens both men are able to embrace the unknown.
Wendy definitely knows how to write relationships between alpha and omegas that might not be considered "normal." For that I'm thankful, normal is so boring, right? I enjoyed reading this book I think it's a great way to start a new series. I think that people who are new to alpha and omega books and to mpreg would even enjoy reading this. The background writing is just beautiful, it makes me wish I could go to a tropical island. The characters are well thought out and written, there aren't a lot of other characters in this story which I think really worked for this book. I feel like if there were more characters featured in this story then the main plot would've lacked.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this, I read it in one sitting. I couldn't put it down! I recommend this to anyone who's knew to this genre or lovers of the genre. You can't go wrong.
My favorite quote from this book is this: "Listen hard. You have to put out a call to it even if you might not get an answer, or it answers in unexpected ways. You have to whistle like the Caribbean."
*I received an early copy of this book and this is my honest review.*
In this first full-length book in the new Omega Island series, we meet Callum, an omega whose physical challenges coupled with a traumatic experience with an alpha, has left him terrified that he will never be able to have a normal relationship and the family he’s always wanted. Callum is referred by his doctor to Omega Island, where he hopes to find therapies that will allow him to overcome both his physical and mental challenges and live a normal, fulfilling life.
Lev is a sex surrogate who has worked on Omega Island for five years. He is committed to his work, using his years of training to help omegas overcome many difficulties and enabling them to live happier lives. He is assigned as Callum’s surrogate.
The men feel an instant connection, one that is both frightening and comforting. As they begin to grow closer, a well-intentioned deception causes a rift between them. Will they be able to rebuild trust and find their way back to each other?
This book is so beautifully written. I can see and feel the beauty of the Caribbean island where omegas go for help. I can hear the bees and the birds, smell the flowers and ache for these men who are trying so hard to heal and be healed. Their fight to get their HEA is heart-wrenching. I rarely cry when reading, but I cried for Lev and Callum and then cried again when I read the epilogue.
Oh, and I learned about the Caribbean whistle. Which is totally cool and awesome. If you enjoy stories about alphas and omegas, heats, knotting and hard-won HEA’s, read this book. It will give you all the feels. *I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest review.*
I would give this book 3.5 stars but have rounded down. This is the first full length book in the series (there is a novella which technically came first but this works perfectly fine as a standalone). I really enjoyed learning more about the setting of Omega Island and being introduced to more of the characters who work there. Lev was the most patient man in the world and when he meets Callum it's obvious they are a perfect match despite some of the angst they first go through. Callum was brave but also very stubborn too. I think they had great chemistry but one of the reasons it's not my favourite Wendy Rathbone read is because it just seemed a bit unbalanced to me. Lev was SO selfless. He was kind, considerate, put 100% focus into Callum's needs at every point but he seemed to get the raw end of the deal quite a bit. Callum grated on my nerves on occasion - yes he was there for help but it just all revolved around him. He had all the power and for some parts that was absolutely the right thing, but for the parts that weren't work-related Lev should have been treated better by him.
Overall, it's a good MM romance book if you like alpha/omega dynamics (no shifting). I'd recommend it to others and am interested to see what comes next from this series.
All is not lost, you need patience to look. Callum, an omega has a physical condition which prevents him from enjoying sex without excruciating pain. He goes to the Omega Island which is reputed to specialize in non-traditional healing physical traditions. Lev, Alpha is a sexual surrogate. He's worked on the island for 5 years and loved his job. He didn't think he believed in fated mates and he didn't expect to meet his one and only. Rhodes, was an omega assigned as Callum's input advisor. Callum liked Rhodes and immediately trusted him. When they met the first time, Callum, was immediately put at ease by Lev. Lev doesn't find the solution for Callum to be ethical. He struggled with his personal sense of honesty and his desire to help Callum getting him to a place of safety, security and healing. Soren, is the decoy alpha initially assigned to Callum. A few bumps in the solution. Callum felt immediately comfortable with Lev. Is Lev able to continue with the solution for Callum? Does Callum find out about the plan? Nice story. Good flow, nice characters. Well done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Maybe it's because I've been reading some rather dark books lately and I needed something cute and wholesome to bring me back. Or maybe it's because Wendy Rathbone has never hurt me and can do no wrong in my eyes. Either way, this book was very cute, cuddly, fluffy, and every pro sex worker thing I needed.
I really adored this book. Reading it felt like exhaling a sigh that released a lot of pent-up tension you didn't know you had. The descriptions are beautiful and the overall story is wholesome. I'm always hesitant to call books like this fluffy because I think they're a little deeper than but this is a low-angst read. The smut lasted for chapters and is therefore worth mentioning. It is definitely on the more sensual and intimate side of things, rather than getting down and dirty. It's all still very sexy but a different type of sexy.
It's a book about healing and it felt oddly healing to read. Callum and love are everything and I can't wait to read the next book in the series. Five stars because I have no notes. This was pretty damn close to perfect.
Omega Callum suffers from narrow birth and anal canals. He can’t mate without extreme pain and no surgery can help him. So he travels to Omega Island to try to use sexual healing techniques for omegas who cannot be helped by traditional therapies. Alpha Lev is a sexual surrogate, skilled in the art of hands-on sexual teaching and healing, a profession not officially recognized in traditional medicine. Callum and Lev spend a night of intense heat together where methods of pleasure are taught and learned. Personal feelings develop which lead to difficult life choices, sacrifice and hopefully love.
This was a sweet story with a strange twist where the authorities on the island thought it would be a good idea to lie to Callum about something major. Thankfully Lev was able to help Callum through a heat and also use techniques to prove to him that he was not broken. I loved how caring Lev was with Callum and that it ensured that he could cope with everything that he wanted. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content which was set in the omegaverse with mpreg.
Sweet, low-angst mpreg romance with plenty of heat. Callum and Lev are both wonderful MCs. I was a little worried about how they met and relieved once Lev shed light on certain events. Of course, then they both still needed to deal with the fall-out. They are so obviously right for each other, but circumstances and maybe a misguided sense of duty or guilt make it hard for them to explicitly share their feelings and hopes. There’s no doubting Lev’s devotion and kind heart. He’s everything Callum never dared dream of. Callum and Lev need a little push from people who care about them to take that final step toward their HEA. It was great to see that moment unfold. The only thing that bugged me a tiny bit is that, due to the circumstances that bring them together, much of the caring and giving originates with Lev to Callum, and I’d have loved to have a couple of moments where Callum gets to return the favor. There’s a slight imbalance. I enjoyed the writing style, the thoughtful way the MCs express themselves, and the nuance in their emotions as they grow throughout the story.
The first book I read, in this 3 book series, was a 69 page book called Omega Island - High Heat. I enjoyed it so much I couldn't wait to read this latest addition to the series. This one did not disappoint.
Senta, owner of Omega Island Rhodes, omega, sex therapist Lev, alpha, sex surrogate Callum, omega, patient
Omega Island, a private tropical island in the Caribbean, is home to a specialized facility for treating omegas with heat issues. This story centers around Callum and Lev. There is a huge deception afoot, trust will be damaged. This will be one issue that they will have to work through before trust can be repaired. These two guys are perfect for one another... they just need to figure that out, before Callum flies home.
I can't wait for the next book in this series. I hope you enjoy this as much as I did.
This book is told in first person double POV. It brought the heat, all the feels, and an HEA.
This is three times the length of High Heat, the short novella that introduced Omega Island, and Callum and Lev's story needed all those extra pages because of Callum's complicated history. Wendy has given them time to work through everything slowly, to get them to the right place eventually. I loved how the Island was given more page time, the descriptions so vivid that I felt as though I was there with them. The gorgeous setting was a perfect place for the help and healing that the suffering omegas needed. Callum and Lev had an instant connection but there were a few bumps along the way. Lev was so patient and understanding which is just what Callum needed, but Lev's job made their feelings more complicated, almost impossible, and that messed with Callum's head, understandably. The epilogue was perfect for them and for me, and now I'm looking forward to Broken Heat.
Alright, so I like the idea of a sanctuary for omegas to go for healing. But I don't think I'm 100% sold on the story itself. I liked Callum a lot. He knew what he wanted and needed. Lev idk kinda felt like a push-over because while he wasn't happy with the treatment plan he still pretty much went with it. I didn't hate him, but didn't love him. I mean, I loved how slow and sweet he was with Callum because Callum totes needed that. And I get that's Lev's job for sure. But kinda felt like something was missing, just can't put my finger on it. I do like how well they got along and I loved the communication between the two. Callum's reaction to the treatment plan was relatable. Like I'd probably have left because building trust to begin with is hard, but for something like this...holy cannoli. It would have taken a lot more, but that's me lol. The epilogue was so sweet and I wouldn't have minded more of it ha.
Incredible work has been done here! A heartwarming tale about two men, Callum and Lev, who meet during a time in Callum's life when he is at his lowest point. Lev, an alpha, has been sent to assist Callum, an omega, who is suffering from a medical condition and needs assistance. They both sense an instant connection between each other, but a decision made by people in authority will initially present a bit of a problem for them. Their time together is beautiful, and I adore how caring Lev is with Callum. Lev will be there for Callum when he needs it the most, and Lev will be there for Callum. Their story has a satisfying conclusion that is enjoyable to read, and I wholeheartedly enjoyed reading this fantastic book. I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
This was a great hurt/comfort read....Callum an omega with sexual dysfunction is prescribed a trip to Omega Island, well known for helping Omegas via therapy and individual care plans. Lev, a sex surrogate/therapist with a heart of gold, meets Calum under false pretenses which he doesn't agree with but continues on in spite of that plan (small amount of drama ensues, nothing to crazy or played out) these two have an immediate connection and chemistry neither can deny.....this is when the sweetness and true beauty of this story begins ❤️ I adored these two, Lev was exactly what Callum has been needing all along...some one kind, someone patient and someone caring...these guys were extremely sexy together 🔥 and fated for each other...the epilogue was everything!!! I would recommend!!!
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
Really creative plot for an omega with an unusual anatomical problem that requires a hands-on approach from the right kind of alpha.
Omega Callum experiences a lot of physical pain and traditional medical options are essentially useless. Traveling to an island is his last resort. Alpha Lev, is the surrogate who uses his expertise to assist Callum through a heat. While these methods were designed to help him physically, feelings began to develop between them. Unexpected connections.
For me, their connection was more than apparent. Working through some of the most intimate moments, I couldn't imagine seeing Callum with anyone other than Lev. A worthy HEA for these two.
**I received this ARC via Gay Romance Reviews for my honest feedback.**
This book is amazing! A sweet story about Callum and Lev, two men who find each other when Callum is at his lowest. Callum is an omega needing help with a medical disorder and Lev is the alpha chosen to help him. They both feel a connection immediately but a judgement call by those in charge will cause a bit of an issue at first. Lev will be there for Callum when he needs it most and their time together is beautiful and I love how caring Lev is with Callum. Their story has a happy ending that is a joy to read and I highly recommend this wonderful book!
I read an ARC copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.
Omega Island: Empty Heat is the first full novel in WR's Omega Island series. There is a novella Omega Island: High Heat where we are introduced to Omega Island and the service they provide.
Empty Heat is low-angst, standalone book. It's well written with likeable characters. Omega Callum suffers from a medical condition which makes s3x painful for him. He longs for a partner and a family, and goes to Omega Island for the help he needs. Alpha Lev is a s3xual surrogate. He is assigned to Callum, however due to a decision by management, things quickly fall apart. I loved Lev. He is so patience with Callum, helping him to understand and work through his condition.
✅ MPreg ✅ Omega heats ✅ Fated mates If you're a fan of these, then definitely give Empty Heat a try. I'm looking forward to more Omega Island tales.
Omega Island: Empty Heat is an enjoyable wonderfully written sensual story about Callum, an omega in need of help, and Lev, an alpha who works in hands-on sex therapy. At the suggestion of his doctor, Callum finds himself in a tropical paradise with other omegas to get some hands-on therapy to see if they can help him enjoy a normal sex life. I love the idea of this series; a place where omegas can go and be helped by professional alphas. Though Callum had little hope, Lev wanted to do his best to help Callum and have him realize intimacy can be enjoyable. Callum and Lev are hot together. I can't wait for the next book. Definitely recommend. I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.
I loved this book! It was such a beautiful romance with a really unique premise. Great world building. I was fascinated by the concept of this island retreat that can help try and heal omegas with sexual problems through sexual therapy. Calum is an omega with a narrow anal canal that was discovered in a painful experience. There is no surgical fix, but he goes to this island for help. Alpha Lev is the one assigned to help him through and teach him. He was very sweet and patient and respectful. I really loved reading this journey they took and I can't wait to read the next book in this series. 5 stars.
This is an interesting story. Callum has a physical problem when mating and needs help. He goes to the island in search of that help. Levi is one of the Alpha’s on the island and he is ready to help Callum. The two are good together but they must work through everything first and find a way to trust each other. I enjoyed watching the two find their way. Their story is full of emotions and takes you on one heck of a ride. Lev and Callum are not only hot, but they are sweet together. They show how much love means to them as they fight for their happiness. This is a new and intriguing world that the author has come up with and I cannot wait to return to this world.