Outback Heat

Aussie Alphas #2

by Bridget Blake

Sparks fly the moment I see my Alpha cowboy riding in the rodeo. He’s cocky, wild, and smells like mine.

But how can I trust my feelings when they might be the symptom of my disease?

Matilda
As a nurse, I care deeply about my patients. But my aura sickness has twisted it into something destructive. I care too much. My patients auras become my own and I absorb their grief, anger, and frustration. My judgement is compromised. I can’t trust my emotions are real and not borrowed.

I need a detox. A palette cleanse. So when I stumble across an ad inviting unmated Omegas to a remote, quiet part of the outback, I reply immediately.

I’m not looking for a mate. I just want to feel like me again. No Alphas allowed.

Murphy
They call me the wild-child of rodeo. Reckless and impulsive enough to become a hall of fame rodeo star. My aura sickness has only made me wilder. Consequences for my actions? What are those? If I die riding bulls, then so be it. There’s nothing I love more than the thrill of the ride.

That was until I saw her sitting in the stands of the tiny Bodella rodeo. Suddenly, all my impulsive energy is channelled into making this Omega mine. She better hold on tight, ’cause I’m about to take her on one helluva ride.

Welcome to the Australian outback. It’s burning hot during the day, freezing cold at night, and home to some rough-and-ready Alpha cowboys looking for their Omega mates. Be prepared for some short, sweet, and steamy Omegaverse with a down-under twist.

Outback Heat is the second book in the Aussie Alphas series and can be read as a standalone. No cheating, no cliffhanger, and a guaranteed HEA.

Genres: Omegaverse, Westerns, Australia, Romance, Novella, Contemporary

132 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 25, 2023

About the author

Bridget Blake is an Australian living in the United Kingdom who devours smutty stories like it’s her job. If she can’t find what she wants to read, she writes it herself. The filthier, the better.

Her love of romance began with reading fan fiction on her family’s dial-up computer under the cloak of midnight, and her love for paranormal romance grew from there. Growly Alphas and sassy Omegas are what currently get her going.

When she isn’t writing something dirty, she enjoys gaming with her husband and cuddling their geriatric cat. She’s lived in coastal surfing villages, outback Australian mining towns, central London, and now the British countryside.

Her experiences shape her stories and she believes reading should be a delightful escape with happy endings. I’m an independent author and open to suggestions.

If you spot any mistakes or would like to chat, please don’t hesitate to get in contact.

Reviews

[Wicked Fox ✨️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoroughly enjoyable and spicy OV read 🥵 I really enjoyed getting to know more of Murphy's cheeky personality ever since he was introduced in Outback Claim! I cannot wait for the next book!

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Matilda loved being a nurse and sometimes she was the only one advocating for the shape shifters that came in suffering from the faded mate syndrome if they don’t find their mate by a certain age it causes them to explode with their most primary emotions and that is usually anger and although it is happening to Matilda tries to keep it in check she wants to meet her mate but isn’t actively looking but when a doctor acts racist against her and her kind while a shifter is on the bed fully enraged her empathetic tentacles feel it all and she explodes on the doctor and breaks his nose. This is how she finds herself with an older omega at a rodeo in the Little town nestled in the desert. She just wanted to be away from people but when she sees Jason riding the bull she knows she has found her mate and it changes everything. This was such a good book I’m new to Shapeshifter romances and have definitely never heard of Omega‘s but signed me up I really enjoyed this book. It totally adds something to the Shapeshifter genre that was already stellar but I think it makes it even better a time cap on when you have to find your mate I’m totally down for that. Please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[chelseaerinreads · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the start of this book! I feel like the hero/heroine had a great connection and it was so cheeky and fun at the start. I didn’t love the second half of the book but was still a fun easy read. I’m just happy to have a cowboy fated mate romance to read. On to the next!

[Romane | Bookylicious · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Trinity · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶🌶/5

TW - sickness (long term and common for those unmated), FMC is a healthcare providers and various cases are mentioned / discussed, physical violence, wrist dislocation (on page), concussion and bruised rib (happened off page), death of a parent (mentioned)

CW - public play, chasing

Tropes - sports - pro bull riding, novella, omegaverse, cowboy, phone sex, mates, small town

This was fun and very cute - I’m really enjoying all these omegaverse novellas from Bridget Blake

There was a point where I thought I was going to like this assuming the MMC was going to take the self righteous, I’m not good for you, route but his plan ACTUALLY made sense - who would’ve thought? Murphy’s impulsiveness finally paid off 😉🤠

Scale:
⭐️ - would've DNF'ed / continued out of spite
⭐️⭐️ - shit, but whatever
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - meh, could've been better
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - lit 👅
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - loved it, inject this shit into my veins 🤪

🫑 - no smut
🌶 - no point
🌶🌶 - mediocre at best
🌶🌶🌶 - standard smut, hot
🌶🌶🌶🌶 - 🥵 okay, some CW
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 - fuck me 🥵🥵 CWs / filthy with a side of filth - see Poison / Room Twenty-Two: Hide and Seek/ The Naughty List

[Nicole Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an Advanced Reader Copy and am voluntarily reviewing it. Matilda Weber has aura sickness. Unfortunately, hers takes on other’s sicknesses. She tends to mimic there sickness when around other people with aura sickness. This makes it hard to control herself as a nurse when treating patients with aura sickness. The last incident led to a suspension. Since she was on suspension, she decided to head to Bodella after seeing the ad for Omegas from Mrs. Ida.

Murphy Meyers is back in Bodella for the local rodeo. Murphy has been on the PBR, Professional Bull Riding, circuit. He makes it a point to come home every year to participate. He and his friend Ben will be steer wrestling. Ben has settled down since he found his Omega, June. Both Murphy and Matilda notice each other right away. Are they scent-matched mates?

Can Matilda trust that her feelings are not just mirroring Murphy’s? This two come together fast. Murphy quickly realizes his daredevil attitude might be a problem for Matilda. He goes back on the circuit while Matilda stays in Bodella working with the local doctor. Despite the distance, these two are still hot and heavy. Will they still feel the same when Murphy comes back?

This series is short but sweet and very steamy. Readers will love seeing these couples get over their trails to come together. This is the second book in this series and I can’t wait for more.

[SpeedReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

A scorcher! 🔥🔥🔥

• Plot 📖📖📖📖 /5
• Characters: 🫂🫂🫂🫂
• Drama/Angst: 😰😰😰
• Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
• POV: dual
• HEA? ✔️
• Would I re-read? ✔️
• Epilogue? ✔️ unnamed time later
• Note to Americans: there’s a lot of slang that’s not super clear to us, but you’ll get the gist and it doesn’t take away from story. I did have to look up what the heck a Tim Tam is though! 🤣


I wasn’t sure what to expect with this one having been introduced to the MMC in the 1st story in the series. Let me tell you, I loved it! This one felt more traditional to Omegaverse than the last one and I’m here for it 😉. I love this genre

The MMC is crazy, but incredibly likable. I loved his character growth, naughtiness and his care to do what was best for the MMC. 🥰

The FMC is so genuine, caring and likable. I loved that she was accomplished, competent and despite her determination to not find an Alpha, was open to it when she found the right one.

Their chemistry was off the charts and boy were they steamy together 🥵

Ida the matchmaker is really growing on me as the sassiest, most caring character ❤️. I love it that she gives zero effs about telling it like it is 🤣

I loved this installment and can’t wait for the next one about the gruff doctor!

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. The opinions above are 100% my own & 100% genuine!

[Tima · Rating 5 out of 5]

Matilda, the female omega nurse lead, has been struggling with aura sickness and the exacerbation of her empathy gift, leading her to act according to the emotions she’s absorbing from others. Murphy, the male alpha rodeo star lead, has been struggling to curtail his impulsivity due to aura sickness.

When Matilda goes to Murphy’s hometown in a desperate bid to find a solution, they’re shocked to find a scent match in each other. But after an impulse driven first encounter, Murphy is determined that Matilda should make her decision about their relationship uninfluenced by his presence - a serious challenge for a newly connected pair…

This novella is dual POV, well written, and an erotic, spicy sweet, omegaverse romance set in the Australian outback. I really enjoyed the authenticity of the setting. I enjoyed the extremes of both lead characters’ “impairment” and the spicy intimacy of their first interactions. I chuckled at the banter and the awkwardness at various points that showed the relationship development. I particularly appreciate that, in this author’s world, a mate helps balance the extremes that alphas and omegas end up at. I enjoyed the contrast between this pair of characters and the characters in the first story. I enjoyed the integrated secondary characters.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.

[Willow field · Rating 4 out of 5]

Outback Heat: An Omegaverse Romance is a Contemporary Omegaverse set in Australia's ranching/rodeo world. This was a pretty quick, enjoyable read that doesn't require you to know the first book but helps with some of the side characters.

I continue to love Bridget's Twist with aura sickness, and that it looks to be different for everyone, whereas a lot of "sicknesses" other authors use going feral, and they just become more violent, and it only really affects Alphas when authors do use this trope. You do get a lot of the other tropes often found in omega verse in here, "villain like beta, large/strong alphas, fated mates, and more.

Bridget did an amazing job with the world-building in the story. She knows that there's more to discover as you keep reading, which is exciting. The story has a perfect balance of plot and sensuality, with just enough low level drama to keep you hooked. It's a great book that leaves you feeling happy and fulfilled.

ALSO, DELIGHTFUL banter with the ML/FML making this one I recommend picking up.

To be honest, I'm really interested in finding out what happens to the ML in the third book. They were such a fun character and added a great vibe to the story. Can't wait for the next book!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Chalice · Rating 3 out of 5]

The couple: Murphy and Matilda

Romance trope: omegaverse
Series: Aussie Alphas
Length: 132 pages

Plot: Murphy is a local rodeo star suffering from aura sickness, which heightens his impuslivity and recklessness. Matilda is a nurse who is also suffering from aura sickness, which intensifies her empathetic tendencies. She leaves her hospital job and heads toward the Outback where she encounters Murphy - her Alpha scent match. But Murphy isn't sure he can keep Matilda safe from his recklessness; he has some growing up to do first.

Commentary: I liked the first book better, but I think that's just because I prefer a less frat boy cocky type of hero (alpha, I love, but the attitude reminded me of a BMOC vibe, which is not my thing). The story was good though. I was surprised to see that Murphy was able to leave - I didn't think that was possible. Interested to see who's coming for Doc!

Previous book in the series: Outback Claim
Next book in the series: Outback Mate

[JammieDodger · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another wonderful installment in the Aussie Alphas series. I'm really enjoying Bridget Blake's take on Omegaverse - mixing in the outback and aura sickness (in unmated alphas and omegas their natural tendencies become amplified to a dangerous degree) as an additional spice to the dish is a touch of genius!
In this novella, Matilda is struggling with her natural empathy overtaking her, while Murphy - a star on the rodeo circuit - is becoming increasingly reckless, both as a result of aura sickness. Could they be each other's saviour? Of course!
This is short but packed full of spice - though there is room for a surprising sweetness as well...Murphy goes against his natural Alpha tendencies to give Matilda a month's space to stabilise herself, while still providing her support and love remotely.
I will definitely be looking out for the next in the series!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kim Mears · Rating 5 out of 5]

Matilda is an omega nurse who is able to sympathise with her patients, but her mating fever is getting worse and she is taking on her patients feelings too easily, which doesn't have the best outcomes. After a bad incident she is put on suspension and ends up answering an advert, where a small town is looking for omega's to mate with Alpha's also in need a a mate to calm their mating fever.
Murphy is a rodeo cowboy, he is wild and his mating fever makes him take more risks than he should. When he sees Matilda at the rodeo, he ends up risking injury to impress her. She rushes to help him and soon their attraction to each other is too hard to miss. But when Murphy realises that his recklessness is rubbing off on Matilda, he decides they need to have some distance between each other before she gets hurt, but will the distance be a good or bad thing for them.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed Outback Heat: An Omegaverse Romance Book 2 of Aussie Alphas. Matilda needs her Alpha. As an Omega her sickness is getting worse. Going to Bodella will hopefully help her find an Alpha. She wasn’t expecting Murphy. He’s reckless and dangerous but they are a match. Can they believe they’re pairing or is it the sickness? This was a sweet story of learning to trust their feelings. I loved the characters. We got a glimpse of Ben and June from book one. I can’t wait for Doc’s book. I would definitely recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[casvec · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Matilda's aroura sickness begins to affect her job as a nurse, she realizes it is time to find a place where others' emotions will not be so strong. Murphy's life is the rodeo and chaos. His impulsiveness is amplified the longer he goes without a mate.

When fate brings them together, both Matilda and Murphy feel the pull to each other, but are hesitant to trust the feel due to the aroura sickness. With time apart they see if their feelings are true.

Good hot and steamy story that will have you melting.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

An omega suffering from aura sickness finds herself in the outback and attracted to an alpha with his own issues. This omega has lots of strength and is an independent woman while the alpha is less intense than the alpha’s usually found in omega universe stories. Love how Matilda took care of Doctor Creep.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[JackaayReadsallday · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Murphy from book 1 & let’s be honest who doesn’t love for the playful MMC. This series has quickly become one of my favorite OV series. I normally read the dark stuff but I’m always stoked for these books. They’re just the breath of fresh air I need. Murphy and Matilda are extra spicy & I LOVED their chemistry. I can’t wait for Doc’s book, my heart hurt for him a bit in this book.

[Nicole Deanne Veracruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love old meddling Ida. She's the one that finds pretty Omegas for the wild Alphas you can't help but love. Matilda and Murphy's pairing is no different. I feel like Murphy's Wild Child weighs resonates with me. I can't wait to read Doc's story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fiery Fun Omegaverse

This book was such a fun one to read. The dynamic and banter between Murphy and Matilda was absolutely perfect and had me feeling like they were the absolute perfect couple and will be for their whole lives. Holy spice! And the longing they feel through their texting and calls is palpable. Loved it!

[Carrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Matilda is a nurse who answers the ad because she gets put on leave after her omega sickness gets aggravated. She sees Murphy at a rodeo and immediately KNOWS they're meant to be. So does he.

Another cute but short book in the series! Murphy was mentioned briefly in book 1. The old woman who placed the add appears as well (gotta love her).

[ajscenic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Matilda is lost and feels that her only option is to make a change in her life. That change brings her to Murphy. He is rash and make instant decisions. When they meets they are like kindling and set the pages on fire.
This is a good heated entertaining instalove book.
5 stars.

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed Murphy and Matilda’s book. It was an interesting read. And am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fast burn but pissed me off

[Michelle Baker · Rating 1 out of 5]

Really disappointing after book one. I didn’t finish it. I didn’t like the alpha. He was an idiot.

[A · Rating 2 out of 5]

No Alpha would ever leave their new found mate, especially “aura” sick and freshly bitten. No way.

[Bonnie McKinney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another spicy cowboy win for me. I really enjoyed Murphy’s chaotic energy. I thought Matilda might get overtaken by his personality but she holds her own. I really enjoy this world and the story. It was a nice change of pace to not rush head long into the relationship. It felt like it fit the characters and the history involved. I can’t wait to read more in this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[McLaina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alpha cowboys are my new obsession...

The Rundown: In an Omegaverse universe where Alphas and Omegas go through aura sickness if they do not find their mates, a small town in the Outback (Bodella) seeks Omegas to come visit and hopefully find their potential mate and settle. Matilda Weber is an Omega in the city, working as a nurse until she finds herself on suspension. Murphy Myers is a professional bull rider who uses his aura sickness to fuel his impulsive and risk-taking behavior. Can two polar opposites be a match?

Likes: I love the setting and main premise. Bodella is full of single alphas and one caring resident, Ida Parson, is taking it upon herself to find Omegas in hopes of finding matches for them. I liked the pairing of Matila and Murphy. I am a little biased when it comes to cowboys, so I’m all for Murphy!

Dislikes: While I understand why Murphy felt like he needed to change to be a good mate for Matilda, the way he went about doing it was a bit overkill for me.

The Sum-Up: As with Outback Claim (Book 1), I enjoyed the read. I am a huge fan of Omegaverse, so I loved that Bridget Blake presents a unique world/setting and plot. I can’t wait to read about more Aussie Alphas.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Brier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner from Bridget!

Murphy is a rodeo man who uses his skills to help him combat how lonely he feels without his mate.

Matilda is a nurse who is sensitive about the feelings of alpha and omegas around her.

When she decided to make a trip toa small town try to find her mate.

And Murphy is in town for the local rodeo.

And when Matilda and Murphy meet, spaks fly!

Hot book that makes me want the next in the series!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.