Raphael

An Incubus' Mate #1

by Toby Wise

Raphael has resigned himself to being the matchmaker but never the match. Dating and intimacy are scary, but there’s something about Damien that draws him in. Maybe it’s the lightheartedness that Damien always projects. Maybe it’s his cute horns and dexterous tail. Either way, before Raphael knows it, he’s longing to have Damien as more than just his friend.

Damien’s a demon of lust who has lived his life thinking short term; serious partners were unnecessary. That is, until he meets an adorable blushing cupid named Raphael. Now friends with benefits, one night stands, and his ‘anyone will do’ attitude doesn’t sound as fulfilling.

Between dealing with corrupt matchmaking supervisors, miscommunications, tripping balls on adult candies, and adorable painting dates, the two realize that despite being opposites on paper, just maybe they make the perfect match in practice.

Raphael is book one in An Incubus’ Mate series. This book features an incubus and virgin cupid, found family, adult candies, laugh out loud moments, tail smut, wing grooming, and of course, a happily ever after!

Genres: M M Romance, Paranormal, Fantasy, Romance, Novella, Demons, Angels

126 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 2023

About the author

Toby Wise is a stay at home parent who hails from a tiny town in Wisconsin. Contrary to popular Wisconsin stereotypes, he’s not a cheese-head who enjoys beer but rather an introvert who spends all his time on the internet, drinking coffee, spending time with his kid, and cooing about his adorable cat, Pikachu.

In April of 2019, A Collection of Strays was born after the world of fanfiction drew him back into his love of writing. Now he’s writing all things omegaverse as long as it includes silly moments and found family.

Reviews

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️ 4 stars ⭐️

“He’s pretty and sweet. I’m a total goner.” “You’re laying it on way too thick.”
“My words aren’t the only thick thing I have.”

A ridiculous & sexy incubus vs cupid romance.

I stop to find Mister, making sure he’s okay. “Oh my gods,” I whisper when I find him. He’s sitting in the sun, his eyes blinking slowly, in a perfect loaf. “My little loaf!”

I loved how Damien the incubus demon was so goofy and adorable. Lots of cute cats, funny moments with adult candy, sexy first times for the virgin cupid, wing grooming. It was a simple insta-love read, but still fun. Don’t think the series is worth continuing, ‘cause I have a feeling the rest are gonna be pretty similar to this one, but if I need another low-angst paranormal romance I know where to look.

CW and NSFW info (spoilers):
- Cupid vs incubus
- Virgin MC
- Tail play
- Top/bottom (one scene)
- Frotting
- Toys
- Accidental phone sex

[Lola · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute little story. It was pretty cheesy to me but kind of in an endearing way? I couldn't care less about the small side plot but oh well. And I don't love playboy MCs, especially ones paired with a virgin MC, so that maybe brought it down for me slightly. But there was good cat content and I have never seen wing grooming in a book before and it was so intimate! I would absolutely seek that out again in a book!

Playboy incubus x virgin cupid, miscommunication, fated mates, tail and wing fun, sexual energy feeding/sharing, lots of cats!

Pet names: baby, babe

I love love. Love keeps the word turning. Not only romantic love but the kind of love people have for their family, or their best friends, or even their pet. Love is what makes people do good. It’s what drives them to be brave. It’s what makes them the best versions of themselves. Me? Romanticizing about love? I can’t truly be blamed, I am a cupid, after all.

I kiss him. I kiss him and it’s so fucking good. My body is a fluttering mess of nerves and butterflies and excitement. I’m not sure a first kiss has ever felt like this before. It lights something up inside of me, warming me from the tip of my tail to the top of my head. I chase his lips, wanting more and more, not knowing if I’ll ever get enough.

I just can’t get over how beautiful he is. I want to absolutely ruin him. I want to give him so much pleasure he’ll never be able to think about another person besides me.

“You wait here. I’ll take care of the cats.” Raphael tips his head against the couch, staring up at me with glossy eyes. “My own houseboy. What a treat. Will you wear a cute little outfit for me too?” “Raphael!” “What? You’d be cute in a maid outfit! Just because I’m an angel doesn’t mean I don’t have an imagination!”

My entire life, I’ve been driven by lust. I didn’t think love was for me, and if it was, it would be a harsh, frantic love that burned brighter than a bonfire. But maybe that’s not the type of love I was destined for at all. Maybe I was destined for something soft, something that glowed like embers, something that was all consuming in a different way.

“Please, Damien.” “Whatever you want, you can have,” he tells me softly, leaning up on his hands so he can stare down at me. “You just have to ask for it.”

*
*
*
*
*


Safety (may contain spoilers)

SA/rape: None

Other person drama: There are a decent number of reminders that Damien was generally a fuck 'em and leave 'em kind of guy before meeting Raphael. No details but it came up enough that I was annoyed by it a little.

[Rachel Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a cute book! It centers around a playboy incubus and a virgin Cupid. With lots of cute pets, meddling bothers, some drama, and sweet first times.

Oh! And tail play and wing kink. I’m here for it lol

[Peppa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cute steamy book! Playboy incubus and virgin Cupid? I‘m sold! Tail and wing kink? Sold!
This book was short but it didn’t miss by the characterisation or story. But I would have liked a bit more deepness and to know a bit more about worldbulding.
I loved the three incubi brothers and the MCs in general, their dynamic between Raphael and Damien was so sweet and tender.

[Molly Otto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audio update!
Toby's first ever audio brought to us by Richard Pendragon is a sweet as reading the story. Pendragon does a beautiful job in bringing Toby's words to life with these crazy incubus triplets and their future mates. A great low angst fun listen. Hope to see the rest of this series brought to audio.

What makes Toby such a breath of fresh air in the mm romance world is the beauty of sweetness in his books that aren't annoyingly sweet (you know the ones I'm talking about). Here we are Rapheal, a virgin cupid who prefers to match pets with their forever home over love matches and triplet incubusses Damien, Andras & Gabreel who just moved top side to run Devils Sweet Tooth. We see their budding relationship along with some great time behind closed doors that was a fun play on wings and tails. Another fun quick read from Toby.

[Jacquie Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

I love the way that Toby writes, and I always know I'm in for a good story.
Playboy incubus and virgin cupid? Perfect.
Despite the shorter length, we get plenty of characterisation, story, and steam. I'd have liked a little more worldbuilding. Are there other supes out there? for example, but that was just a niggle in a great story.
It's also great to know the next pairing thanks to Raphael's ability to see matches.

[Jacqueleen the Reading Queen♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Your lust is like nothing I've ever tasted before, Raphael."

My experience with Toby Wise books I've read is that they tend to be short and sweet, so that's what my review is also going to be. I really enjoyed this book and the dynamics between the 3 incubus triplet brothers. I mean, I'm a sucker for incubus books in general, but there was something so fun about a playboy Incubus and virgin Angel cupid pairing that I just adored. Damien may have enjoyed his long list of one night stands, but the moment he sets eyes on Raphael he's a goner. The cupid is just too sweet and draws him in like a moth to a flame. The steam between these two is also hella hot. Let's just say Damien's tail is not afraid to get in on the action. Due to a special gift that Raphael possesses, we as readers are also in the know as to whom the remaining brothers mates are as well. I look forward to Gadreel finding out in the next book!

[Amos24601 · Rating 4 out of 5]

As with all of Toby Wise’s stories, this was adorably sweet. Could there be anything cuter than a Cupid falling for an incubus? And said Cupid matches pets to their perfect home? Ugh. Let the heart eyes begin!

I loved Raphael. He was so earnest and sweet. Always looking out for others and never living for himself. Until Damien comes along. On paper, these two shouldn’t work. In reality, they are perfect for one another. Damien was feisty and not afraid to go after what he wanted. The fact that he’s a triplet just made it better because they were always ribbing one another. It made for some funny on page banter.

This was such a cute little story with a spicy flavor sprinkled throughout. I can’t wait to read the next two in the series.

[llv · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4 stars

This was a really cute story. I loved both Rafael and Damien. They were so cute together. I thought the subplot concerning Rafael's job as a Cupid interesting. All in all, a good read.

[Sara | sara.reads.too.much · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This one was fun! I love a good paranormal romance 👌 and an incubus with Cupid?? The combo is soooo good! Just felt a bit cheesy at times, but we love cheese here! I’m excited to see what the next book has in store!

[Estrella · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really cute novella with Damien a lustful incubus and Raphael a soft hearted angel. I love the relationship between the three demon brothers, their banter and how they included Raphael in. Raphael's job with pets and his love matches as cupid.
I will read more books by this author

[Sherry Hassanali · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so cute 🥰

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

These books are sugar and spice and everything nice!! I absolutely devoured them on my flight home yesterday. I was lucky enough to get the arc of book 2, but then I realized the third book isn’t out until September and nearly cried. 😂

Raphael & Damien were complete opposites but so adorably perfect for each other. The angelic cupid with the incubus?! Yes, please. Plus tail play and wing kink?! Whew. 🔥 Then you get a little bit of hurt/comfort with hunky Nicolai & shy Gadreel … but it’s still lighthearted and very sweet. And more tails plus knotting?! I am here for it! 🥵

Despite the shorter length, I felt like I still got the character development and world building that I needed. And it didn’t hurt that they had all the fated mate vibes that get me 🥰 every time! They had me laughing and swooning. I loved both couples and cannot wait for Andras & Bren’s book next!

[JJ Waggy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this more than I did and I attribute a lot of the "meh" to the worldbuilding--I never for a second believed in the paranormal aspect of this, which is kind of important.

So we have Damien, an incubus; one of a triplet set, actually, and a triplet set that comes from a family in hell (?) that reads like upper middle-class suburbanites. Like. They have a trust fund. What version of hell has trust funds, or proud fathers, and why does an incubus have a familial safety net? Don't get me wrong, the brothers are very sweet, but them being incubi felt like a wild afterthought to the main structure of them being frat boys stepping out into the world as new adults.

Then we have Raphael, a cupid with a terrible boss in heaven (again, ?; the heaven and hell here are sketchy at best in terms of being anything other than cardboard backdrops), who honestly felt like a Kmart version of Aziraphale from "Good Omens." Again, he's very sweet, but a bit like a Hallmark side character who just wants true love. That's not a bad motivation, but it wears thin quickly when it's the character's *entire* personality.

The paranormal aspect really did crush this for me, because we have several musings by Raphael and Damien both about the pairing of an angel and demon and what prejudices there might be around it, but Wise never sets up any kind of antagonism between Heaven and Hell. At all. There's trust funds, and bosses, and literally no hint that there's ever been the kind of war that exists in the Christianity this cribs from, so why would there be any tension? Why wouldn't a demon bed an angel? They're just jobs, sounds like. It relies on the cultural knowledge of the reader without ever giving it grounding in the text.

We do get a little bit of what cupids and incubi can do because the plot point with Micah (Raphael's nefarious boss) requires it, which I appreciated. But that's so overwhelmed by the mishmash of the set design and overbearingly stilted villains that it gets lost. Even the sex can't hold up, though Wise does try to make it interesting with the addition of tails and wings and the incubus' awareness. This just falls flat, which is a shame, and there are far better PNRs that do the angel/demon divide to keep messing with this.

[Katriana · Rating 4 out of 5]

(4.5)

So let me start by saying I have read a lot of Toby's books, and I've enjoyed all of the ones I've read. So I was excited to see that he was doing a new series containing not just one incubus but a series based off of triplets who are incubus.

For Toby to not only add new characters, place settings, plot, but to also have the main characters owning a sweet shop?! Sign me up! Especially cause the name of the shop is so cute! The name of said shop, that the brothers own and run, is called... The Devil's Sweet Tooth, I mean how cute is that?!

Moving on from the fantastic shop and the cute name, the character were very well written. Toby knows how to pack a lot in a story, these characters started off at one point and by the end of the story, they were at a different point. They learned about each other and grew, along with supporting each other.

I loved that Raphael worked at an animal shelter, and that it was such a prevalent location that the story was set in. Animals are adorable, so to have a main character who strives to pair up animals with their person is so adorable! And unique!!

I can't wait to see what else is about to come to life within this series. I'm excited to read about Damien's brothers finding their mates, they definitely added A lot of humor to this book.

I highly recommend you to get this yourself and read it one sitting like I did!

*I received an early copy of this book and this is my honest review.*

[LC · Rating 5 out of 5]

What’s a Cupid to do when he can’t find his own match? Well, Raphael matches best friends and pets. There’s more to life than your love match you know. 😉

Our resident Cupid, Raphael is a great matchmaker who feels that all matches are important not just love matches. He works at a pet rescue/adoption center and helps match pets to their perfect owners. Damien is a demon come to Earth with his brothers to make a living for themselves as candy shop owners. He meets Raphael quite by accident as he is singing in the store being silly and doesn’t realize a customer has walked in. The two are immediately attracted to each other, but not quite sure how to move forward. Can Raphael overcome his tendency to be too cautious? Will Damien allow himself to feel more than lust?

Raphael is a cute feel good story that is a very quick read. The story kept me engaged and I didn’t really want it to end. If I could get the rest of the triplets stories right now, I would definitely ask for them. That’s how I feel after a Toby Wise story, give me more please sir. The stories make me laugh, the characters are adorable, and there is just enough spice to make me happy.

[Tabitha · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story felt a little too short. I thought there should’ve been more time with Damien and his adopted cat (if it’s going to be a part of the story that he’s fated to love this animal, then why not give a few more scenes of him getting to know him?), more of a moral dilemma with Josiah and Micah (like, maybe if Micah really needed this match to work for some charitable reason, or maybe Josiah was actually an okay guy but just not the right one for Mia?) and more difficulty with him getting the meeting with the right people to report Micah, so we could feel like there was more of a journey with the characters together. Also, the virgin Cupid thing is kinda silly in retrospect because there’s no reason for Raphael to have avoided sex this long, and they end up in bed together in the very first date, with almost no hesitation and just a token nervous “Will you take the lead?” To which Damien replies by… well, not really taking the lead, but just giving him a short list of options and letting him choose. Didn’t really feel like Raphael was that new or shy or anxious honestly.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Toby's writing style. As with most of Toby's stories, this was a super sweet short romance story about an incubus and a cupid. The bits of hilarity were a nice pop throughout the book, as they were paired with sweet moments from the other main character. Both MCs grew into themselves and their relationship.
One of the things I loved most about this book was Toby's take on how Raphael, as a cupid, focused on soulmates. It didn't detract from the romantic love soulmates that most people think of when they hear cupid, but it highlighted that there isn't just one type of soulmate out there, and just because it isn't romantic doesn't mean it is of any less value or not to be treated in such high regard. This belief was pushed even further during the conversation with Levi.
I am so glad I had the opportunity to read this new addition to Toby's list, and I am looking forward to reading the other two of the triplets' books.

[avis03 · Rating 4 out of 5]

MM, PNR, RomCom, 1st Dual POV

Status: KU, Series of Interconnected Standalones, Third Act Conflict - External

Raphael: Cupid, Works at an Animal Shelter, Has 3 Cats, Over 100 Years Old, Virgin

Physical Features: Red Wings

Damien: Incubus, A Triplet, Co-Owns a Candy Shop, 139 Years Old, Adopts a Cat

Physical Features: Black Curling Horns, Black Tail, Fangs

Notes: Friends to Lovers, Supernaturals Out in the Open, Painting Date, Friends with Benifits, No Penetration During 1st Sexual Encounter, Consumption of "Adult Candies", Wing Grooming, Found Family, Queer Normative

Sex Notes: Masturbation, Lube Use, Toy Use, Tail Play, Accidental Phone Sex, Making Out and Grinding, Blowjob, Sounding, Face Fucking, Swallowing, Fingering, Penetrative Sex, Creampie

[Raven and Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely little no angst story about a cupid and an incubus. It was absolutely adorable and I loved every word! Raphael doesn’t work as a matchmaker. Instead he focuses on other types of matches; platonic soulmates. But if he happens to see a love match, he just might give it a nudge. Damien is an incubus who was never interested in anything more than one night, but there is something about the sweet little cupid that draws him in. Raphael might not be able to see his own match but that doesn’t stop this connection! This book is full of goofy smiles and sweet moments. It is classic Toby Wise and I can’t wait to meet the other two triplets’ mates!

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Raphael is the start of a great new paranormal series by Toby Wise. Raphael is a cupid, but not your typical cupid. He believes that love matches come from all types of love. His personal true calling is matching homeless animals with their perfect forever home. He meets candy connoisseur/ Incubis Damien. One of 3 demonic triplets who run the new local candy shop. Raphael is a newbie at love, Damien doesn’t think love is for him until he meets Raphael and just wants to be a part of his life. Join these two on their journey towards discovering how love is going to work for them with a few wrenches thrown in for fun! This was a fun, fast read that I really enjoyed. Characters that you just want to be friends with because they seem so real. A romantic connection that just makes you smile, even when the road wasn’t smooth. We also meet Damien’s brothers, who will be getting their own HEA in the next books in the series and get an introduction to who I believe will be their “One’s' ' as well. Definitely a series that everyone should start.

[Monique · Rating 4 out of 5]

📖 3.5 rounded up

This was a cute short story at 119 pages. Since it’s such a short book there was insta love and everything happening in a relatively short time. Raphael is a Cupid who happens to also be a virgin and he meets Damien a goofy and good natured incubus! These two have slight miscommunication but it doesn’t lead to drama, it was mainly one thought they were friends with benefits and wanted more and the other couldn’t believe what was happening and wanted more but thought it was too fast and that the other wouldn’t want a serious thing. It wrapped up very nicely with teasers about the other two brothers and their mates.

[LitLion]

To reviewer "Theresa"...

You say "Too human, sweet, not sexy nor edgy enough."
I say, learn how to properly review a goddamn book .
You must know Toby's trademark is "sweet and human", and just because the book wasn't what you thought it would be, you don't one star it. You review on what it actually is not what you wanted it to be. Write your own story in that case, and don't review negatively when the author is darn good with the genre and tropes that they write in. Jeez, no wonder this place is a dumpster fire when you've got "reviewers" like you.

[Tracey Johns · Rating 5 out of 5]

These characters, this world, all the magick rules & creatures, I LOVE IT! Raphael & Damien are fun & fire together, even with the boss meanie making things hard for them. I loved getting to meet & know the other characters outside of the triplets, too. So many fun, troublesome adventures to have - especially with the magic candies available! I adore Raphael & his warm cuddly soft heart - the cats scene melted me. Love Toby Wise books, and this series grabbed me hard & won't let go til I read them ALL!

[Demetra Roussakis · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a sweet read. Damien and his brothers came to the earth realm and opened up a sweets shop. Raphael, Cupid, is on the earth realm and volunteering at an animal shelter. When he went to the sweet hope, he met Damian and his brothers. The story started from there with them starting a relationship. Great world building, high heat and chemistry between the MCs. Cannot wait to read the next in the series,

[Flick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very sweet start to the series

Raphael and Damien were adorable. I particularly loved Damien, who was so genuine and open to changing how he saw relationships. Occasionally I was a little frustrated with Raphael as he had a tendency to assume things about Damien that weren’t always fair, but he made up for it by being willing to accept he was wrong. I loved that Raphael wasn’t a traditional Cupid in the sense of focussing on people. Other types of love matter just as much but romantic love gets a lot of the attention. Seeing the dedication Raphael had to the whole spectrum of important relationships out there was so lovely. That being said, whilst I did enjoy Raphael Damien was definitely my favourite, as were his brothers. I’m super excited to see where this series goes, especially with the potential matches we’ve already seen brewing.

[Marta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Raphael!
This cupid who loves to match differently, he is so wonderful! And the incubus who falls for him, Damien is quite amazing too.
A short book, that presents three demon brothers with a candy store, this first installment is so friking good, An original view about demons and angels and how they exist in earth this is well written and flows without fail. We have some sexy, some action and great characteres, don´t miss this series!

[Ida Umphers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raphael and Damien, the cupid and the incubus. Who would have thought they'd be perfect for each other. I'm a big fan of a story where the MC who's always been a player and never intends to stick to one guy or settle down is blown away by the guy he least suspects. That trope is done to a T here and this was much lighter and sweeter than I expected. An absolutely wonderful couple to read about.

[Alyssa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was on a recommended list for me and I thought I would give it a try. Not bad for a first book, although I think it would have been better if it expanded a bit more and delved more into the main conflict. This book was so short that the potential for this story fell a bit flat for me. There were also some over-the-top ridiculous parts in there at times, but overall I think I'll continue the series. I'm interested in seeing what happens with Bren at least.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devilishly Sweet

The characters are beautifully crafted, each grappling with their insecurities while discovering the strength that love brings. The heartfelt moments and whimsical world-building create a delightful backdrop for their journey, making this sweet MM romance a poignant exploration of vulnerability and connection. Perfect for anyone looking for a charming story that celebrates love in all its forms.