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A Collection of Familiars #2
Embracing Magic
Casper, with a magical compass in hand, hits the road to find his spark. He’s not sure what to expect but he certainly isn’t prepared for his spark, Ray, to not know that she’s living in a world surrounded by the supernatural. Casper’s determined to do everything in his power to help Ray embrace her magic.
Zeke is a banshee who helps usher ghosts into the afterlife. The last thing he’s expecting is to find his true mate during one of these hunts. As happy as Zeke is, he can’t help but worry how his mate will react when Casper learns he’s mated to a monster.
Embracing Magic is book two in A Collection of Familiars. This MM book features a platonic familiar/spark bond, true mates, a lion familiar falling for a banshee, self acceptance, mpreg, and of course a happily ever after!
Zeke is a banshee who helps usher ghosts into the afterlife. The last thing he’s expecting is to find his true mate during one of these hunts. As happy as Zeke is, he can’t help but worry how his mate will react when Casper learns he’s mated to a monster.
Embracing Magic is book two in A Collection of Familiars. This MM book features a platonic familiar/spark bond, true mates, a lion familiar falling for a banshee, self acceptance, mpreg, and of course a happily ever after!
115 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 20, 2024
22 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
About the author
Toby Wise
60 books196 followersToby 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
May 20, 2024
Toby proves yet again why he is the best at writing low angst omegaverse stories that just leave you smiling. This time is Caspers turn to find his mate and spark leads him to a trio of ghost hunters that happen to be all connected to him. This time, we get to meet a banshee, Zeke, who has a hard time accepting what he is, but with the support of his mate, he is able to see he's perfect as he is. As with Toby's previous works, just be ready for a nice relaxed journey with hot, intimate times and powerful bonds. Up next is Harbor, a familiar who can't keep his thoughts inside, and oh boy can not wait to see who he ends up and what kind of familiar he will end up being.
dnf
May 20, 2024I’m normally a fan of Toby’s insta-love mate stuff because it brings me comfort to know what I’m getting but this series isn’t for me.
I wish the bond between spark + familiar was explained in more of a sibling type bond or somehow differentiated from the true mate bond. There’s a clear difference in terms of the lust and claiming with the ‘true mate’ but the bonds between spark + familiar is talked about as completing their soul and there’s a look of longing and wanting to be accepted. After the initial meeting it did feel more platonic but having two types of intense bonds in one short story lessened the whole ‘fated mates’ thing for me, which is the main thing I like about these stories. 🤷🏻♀️
Also, I know these are insta-love due to the fated mates thing but Zeke was worried about Casper rejecting him because of his ‘true form’ and was worried he’d think of him as a monster once he learned how he needed to feed but yet this fear and worry didn’t stop him from claiming Casper with a mating mark? It just seems like that’s something that should’ve been discussed before hand, it could’ve even added a bit more to the story with the mating not happening right away with Zeke wanting to make sure Casper liked all of him before making things more permanent. 🤷🏻♀️
Zeke, Page and Ray work with ghosts so I think naming the other MC Casper was a really cute choice. 🥰
I wish the bond between spark + familiar was explained in more of a sibling type bond or somehow differentiated from the true mate bond. There’s a clear difference in terms of the lust and claiming with the ‘true mate’ but the bonds between spark + familiar is talked about as completing their soul and there’s a look of longing and wanting to be accepted. After the initial meeting it did feel more platonic but having two types of intense bonds in one short story lessened the whole ‘fated mates’ thing for me, which is the main thing I like about these stories. 🤷🏻♀️
Also, I know these are insta-love due to the fated mates thing but Zeke was worried about Casper rejecting him because of his ‘true form’ and was worried he’d think of him as a monster once he learned how he needed to feed but yet this fear and worry didn’t stop him from claiming Casper with a mating mark? It just seems like that’s something that should’ve been discussed before hand, it could’ve even added a bit more to the story with the mating not happening right away with Zeke wanting to make sure Casper liked all of him before making things more permanent. 🤷🏻♀️
Zeke, Page and Ray work with ghosts so I think naming the other MC Casper was a really cute choice. 🥰
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 15, 2024
Toby's stories are always so cute and full of love and acceptance. The bond all of Casper's cousins have with one another is such a joy to read about, their dialogue and banter is so enjoyable to read. I also like how supportive they all are as well, they offer support, guidance, advice, and love, no matter what. It's really beautiful!
Ray and Page are hilarious together! They definitely added humor to this story, along with switching things up. I love that those two are not only fated mates, but that they also are so in love with one another.
Zeke's character I found to be interesting, I don't think I've ever read a book about a banshee before, so this was really new and unique to me. I think Toby did a terrific job with explaining what a banshee is, what they can do, and what their attributes are. Casper and Zeke help each other with seeing the good in themselves, rather than only seeing the negatives. I found the concept of the MC's helping ghosts move on by talking to them, was really good and written well! I almost teared up when Ray and Casper helped the girl spirit move on.
Overall another great fated mate story by Toby! I'm looking forward to continuing to read this series, and see who else these cousins are going to meet.
Ray and Page are hilarious together! They definitely added humor to this story, along with switching things up. I love that those two are not only fated mates, but that they also are so in love with one another.
Zeke's character I found to be interesting, I don't think I've ever read a book about a banshee before, so this was really new and unique to me. I think Toby did a terrific job with explaining what a banshee is, what they can do, and what their attributes are. Casper and Zeke help each other with seeing the good in themselves, rather than only seeing the negatives. I found the concept of the MC's helping ghosts move on by talking to them, was really good and written well! I almost teared up when Ray and Casper helped the girl spirit move on.
Overall another great fated mate story by Toby! I'm looking forward to continuing to read this series, and see who else these cousins are going to meet.
May 20, 2024
**4.5**
Yet another wonderful paranormal romance from Toby Wise. This time it's Casper, one of the cousins we've been following this series, who finds his mate in Zeke and his spark jn Ray. The hard part comes where Ray has no idea what's going on, no belief in the supernatural, or that as her spark, Casper is basically her BFF for life.
It definitely makes for an entertaining start to this story as one of Casper's most important people has no idea why he's suddenly appeared in her life. I really felt for him as this is what the group of cousins have all been searching for. Meeting Zeke more than makes up for that and then it's a slow build up for both, at least for a day whilst they acclimate but all bets are quickly off for Zeke and Casper as their mate bond quickly intensifies.
Toby is so good at writing a shorter story but making sure the connection and emotions between the MC's feel real and natural, not rushed or pushed together for the sake of the story. It's been good reading another meet their HEA and I can't wait to read Harbor's story and the guy has no filter so that first meeting should be most entertaining!
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
Yet another wonderful paranormal romance from Toby Wise. This time it's Casper, one of the cousins we've been following this series, who finds his mate in Zeke and his spark jn Ray. The hard part comes where Ray has no idea what's going on, no belief in the supernatural, or that as her spark, Casper is basically her BFF for life.
It definitely makes for an entertaining start to this story as one of Casper's most important people has no idea why he's suddenly appeared in her life. I really felt for him as this is what the group of cousins have all been searching for. Meeting Zeke more than makes up for that and then it's a slow build up for both, at least for a day whilst they acclimate but all bets are quickly off for Zeke and Casper as their mate bond quickly intensifies.
Toby is so good at writing a shorter story but making sure the connection and emotions between the MC's feel real and natural, not rushed or pushed together for the sake of the story. It's been good reading another meet their HEA and I can't wait to read Harbor's story and the guy has no filter so that first meeting should be most entertaining!
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
June 3, 2024
This book exemplifies what I have come to expect from a book by Toby Wise: a well-written entertaining story about fated mates that has wonderful world building, lovable characters, lots of spicy scenes, no angst and is easy to read. And don't forget the humour, which is most evident when the cousins and found family are all together. I love this story about Zeke and Casper; the two of them originally felt so low about themselves, but now that they have found each other they really manage to bolster each other up so that they can accept themselves for who they are. Zeke is a banshee who sees himself as a monster, despite the fact that he is a caring individual. Casper is a familiar who has finally found his spark, Ray. It takes her a while to accept the existence of magic, but when she does, she and Casper can help spirits crossover. The author writes a short but poignant scene that demonstrates the beauty of this talent. I highly recommend this book if you enjoy fluffy PNR that leaves you feeling warm inside.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 1, 2024
It’s now Casper’s turn to find his spark. He and his remaining cousins, Harper and Bently, take to the road following the compass and its directions. When they meet Ray, all heck breaks loose. His spark doesn’t believe in magic or the supernatural. Then her best friend Zeke comes to her aid and bam Casper finds his true mate. All of this is a lot to swallow for Ray, but Zeke and Casper are happy and know she'll come around.
This is a series that brings love and found family to the front of the line. The cousins are slowly being separated from each other, but they don’t have time to be lonely as they meet their sparks and true mates at the same time. Each story is linked and yet separate. Each cousin finds their happily ever after. I am enjoying the ride. I love happy stories with found families and stories with magic and the supernatural. To find all of it in one series is great. That this series is also linked to in small ways to two others is even better. It gives readers like me more to read.
This is a series that brings love and found family to the front of the line. The cousins are slowly being separated from each other, but they don’t have time to be lonely as they meet their sparks and true mates at the same time. Each story is linked and yet separate. Each cousin finds their happily ever after. I am enjoying the ride. I love happy stories with found families and stories with magic and the supernatural. To find all of it in one series is great. That this series is also linked to in small ways to two others is even better. It gives readers like me more to read.
June 3, 2024
This was a really fun, light story. Casper is the second of the cousins to find his spark (and fated mate) using the magical compass gifted to them by their grandmother. Unlike his poor cousin who took years to find his spark, Casper finds his spark quite quickly.
But that is where the easiness leaves him as his spark, Ray has no idea she has any magical ability. And not just that, but she quite adamantly does not believe in anything paranormal so he has an uphill battle trying to convince her. Luckily for him, Casper discovers Ray’s best friend is also his fated mate. I loved that Zeke was a banshee as I don’t believe I’ve ever read a book where a banshee was an MC before so I know very little about the lore surrounding them so it was refreshing. While the story is very low angst, I loved the journey Zeke had to go through in order to accept his true self and see himself through his mate’s eyes. This was one of my favourite Toby Wise stories.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
But that is where the easiness leaves him as his spark, Ray has no idea she has any magical ability. And not just that, but she quite adamantly does not believe in anything paranormal so he has an uphill battle trying to convince her. Luckily for him, Casper discovers Ray’s best friend is also his fated mate. I loved that Zeke was a banshee as I don’t believe I’ve ever read a book where a banshee was an MC before so I know very little about the lore surrounding them so it was refreshing. While the story is very low angst, I loved the journey Zeke had to go through in order to accept his true self and see himself through his mate’s eyes. This was one of my favourite Toby Wise stories.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
May 15, 2024
This is book 2 in this series and I recommend reading them in order as it is based on four cousins. This time it is Casper’s turn. As they are following the compass, they end up in a small town. When they find someone sitting in a car on her phone, they scared her as she was not expecting anyone. Zeke, a banshee, and his friend Page are ghost hunters who help ghosts cross over. When they get to the car, Zeke realizes that Casper is his mate. Ray, the one in the car, doesn’t believe in the supernatural but she cannot deny that Casper can turn into a lion.she also doesn’t believe she is his spark. As Zeke and Casper get to know each other, their relationship starts to progress. I love this authors works. This is a no angst read with high heat and great world building. Cannot wait to read more in this world.
May 11, 2024
I really enjoyed reading this book. Casper is a familiar and is on a journey to find his spark, which all familiars need to help them with their magic, his grandmother gave him a compass which guides him to where his spark is. Ray who is a young woman who has no idea she has magic, is frightened when Casper announces to her that she has magic. Not only that, but her friends who are with her, one of them happens to be Casper‘s true mate. Zeke is a banshee who is ashamed of his natural appearance but through loving Casper, he learns to accept what he looks like, and when they have their child, he appreciates his friends and mate. They go on to have a happy boy ever after.
I was given an advanced copy of this book to read and I am reviewing with my honest and fair opinion.
I was given an advanced copy of this book to read and I am reviewing with my honest and fair opinion.
May 11, 2024
Casper's magic compass (which he and his cousins were given by their grandmother), leads him to his 'spark' Ray and her friends Zeke and Paige. Ray doesn't know she is a spiritmancer; a spark and she is shocked when Casper tells her and also that he is her familiar. Casper is overjoyed when Zeke proves to be his mate. Zeke; a banshee, Ray and her girlfriend Paige help spirits pass into the afterlife.
Once again Toby Wise has given us readers another unusual and delightful low angst story in his 'A Collection of Family Book 2'. Toby's imagination knows no boundaries and I always look forward to each new book he releases.
Loved this omegaverse book so much too.
Thankyou Toby Wise.
Once again Toby Wise has given us readers another unusual and delightful low angst story in his 'A Collection of Family Book 2'. Toby's imagination knows no boundaries and I always look forward to each new book he releases.
Loved this omegaverse book so much too.
Thankyou Toby Wise.
May 11, 2024
I love Toby Wise’s books! His characters always feel like home. I love knowing that there are books I can go read and reread that are just no angst feel good stories, especially if things are down or if I have just read something heavy. This new series of familiars hunting their sparks is sweet and so good, with a dash of spice mixed in. Casper and Zeke are perfect for each other. Neither one feels especially good enough to have a fated mate but Lady Fate doesn’t make mistakes. Casper finds his spark and his mate at the same time, just like his cousin did. Ray and Paige are the perfect side characters to work with these two! The vampire, the banshee, the spark and the familiar!
May 14, 2024
Embracing Magic is the second book in the A Collection of Familiars series. It could be read as a standalone but in my opinion it is better after reading Chasing Magic the first book in the series. This is Casper who is looking for his spark and Zeke a banshees story. With the help of a magical compass Casper finds his spark Ray but she knows nothing about the supernatural world. He also finds his true mate Zeke. Zeke hates what he is believing he is a monster. I love these low angst stories that Toby Wise is so good at writing. I love the omegaverse stories the he writes. It is a great story and I would definitely recommend it and the rest of the series.
May 24, 2024
Banshee
This is a great story of acceptance. A familiar/lion omega finds his spark that has no idea the paranormal exists and his mate who happens to be a banshee. Neither of these two men feel as if they will be accepted for whom they really are. But Lady Fate knows what she is doing and makes the right connections at the right time. So read along and smile as a spark learns about the paranormal, her girlfriend is actually a vampire, A familiar sees his mate's true form and loves it as much as the glamour and a Banshee that loves his excitable mate and learns to love himself too.
This is a great story of acceptance. A familiar/lion omega finds his spark that has no idea the paranormal exists and his mate who happens to be a banshee. Neither of these two men feel as if they will be accepted for whom they really are. But Lady Fate knows what she is doing and makes the right connections at the right time. So read along and smile as a spark learns about the paranormal, her girlfriend is actually a vampire, A familiar sees his mate's true form and loves it as much as the glamour and a Banshee that loves his excitable mate and learns to love himself too.
May 25, 2024
Casper and Zeke
What a cute story, yes I said cute. When. Adore Mets his spark Ray, things don’t go smoothly as she didn’t believe in the supernatural/paranormal world. And the Casper meets Zeke his fated mate straight after meeting Ray because Zeke ghost hunts with Ray’s girlfriend who turns out to be a vampire and Ray is her fated mate. They all get to know each other and it’s really cute how each couple act towards each other. There’s a surprise in the last couple of chapters but I won’t spoil that which is another reason why I call this book cute!
I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
What a cute story, yes I said cute. When. Adore Mets his spark Ray, things don’t go smoothly as she didn’t believe in the supernatural/paranormal world. And the Casper meets Zeke his fated mate straight after meeting Ray because Zeke ghost hunts with Ray’s girlfriend who turns out to be a vampire and Ray is her fated mate. They all get to know each other and it’s really cute how each couple act towards each other. There’s a surprise in the last couple of chapters but I won’t spoil that which is another reason why I call this book cute!
I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
May 15, 2024
A very delightful romance. A lion shifter who is a familiar finding his spark and then he lucked up and found his banshee mate at the same time. Casper and his cousins rolled up at that first meet was all kinds of comical/awkward/weird. When all truths were laid out...trust, romance, ghostly adventures and love were achieved. Not so angsty with a little sexy times and fun family times made this an overall entertaining read. Loved the HEA and can't wait for more.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
May 22, 2024
I`m of two minds with this book, I really liked that Ray and Casper as spark and familiar are not insta-amazing together, that they need to come to terms with their relationship, but I felt quite rushed the mate bond between Casper and Zeke.
I`d liked more background about how being a Banshee is equal to being a monster, because there`s not a reason for Zekes fears being this a supernatural world full of wonders.
All in all I liked the book and the approach to spirits and ghosts in Toby Wise paranormal universe.
Waiting for the next cousin.
I`d liked more background about how being a Banshee is equal to being a monster, because there`s not a reason for Zekes fears being this a supernatural world full of wonders.
All in all I liked the book and the approach to spirits and ghosts in Toby Wise paranormal universe.
Waiting for the next cousin.
June 1, 2024
Embracing Magic is book 2 in the series, and I would suggest reading the previous book (Chasing Magic) before diving in.
This time, it's Casper's turn to find his spark. However, in finding his spark Ray, he also finds his mate, Zeke.
What makes this meeting interesting is that Ray doesn't believe in supernatural/paranormal.
Toby writes low angst paranormal really well. Although his stories are on the shorter side, you aren't left wanting.
I can't wait for more in the series!!
This time, it's Casper's turn to find his spark. However, in finding his spark Ray, he also finds his mate, Zeke.
What makes this meeting interesting is that Ray doesn't believe in supernatural/paranormal.
Toby writes low angst paranormal really well. Although his stories are on the shorter side, you aren't left wanting.
I can't wait for more in the series!!
May 22, 2024
Love it! Cant wait...
Contains: sparks, familair, fates mates, mpreg.
Fluffy, all the love. No angst. Hot.
This is a great romance series. Love it. Its fully fluffy and have all the smooch moments. The cousin search for their sparks is not done yet and I cant wait.
I wonder if the author decide who's next as the same way like the serie lol. I am intrigue for the last one but I will need to read the next one before. Argh 😫 cant wait hurry. Please. 🥺
Contains: sparks, familair, fates mates, mpreg.
Fluffy, all the love. No angst. Hot.
This is a great romance series. Love it. Its fully fluffy and have all the smooch moments. The cousin search for their sparks is not done yet and I cant wait.
I wonder if the author decide who's next as the same way like the serie lol. I am intrigue for the last one but I will need to read the next one before. Argh 😫 cant wait hurry. Please. 🥺
May 23, 2024
The compass points true again!
I love this series! It is unique in that it has both true mates and a familiar/ spark pairing. All due to the magic of a compass. This time, the compass points true very quickly. But things don't go as expected. If you need more, read the blurb. Just let me say you are in for a sexy treat full of humor, acceptance, and yes, babies. This also has ghost stories. So much fun!. You are just gonna love this book!
I love this series! It is unique in that it has both true mates and a familiar/ spark pairing. All due to the magic of a compass. This time, the compass points true very quickly. But things don't go as expected. If you need more, read the blurb. Just let me say you are in for a sexy treat full of humor, acceptance, and yes, babies. This also has ghost stories. So much fun!. You are just gonna love this book!
May 1, 2025
A fluffy story which could have been longer.
Casper has a compass which he believes will lead him to his fated mate. He sets off with 2 of his cousins and finds Ray, a witch who doesn't really know that she has magic. He also finds Zeke who turns out to be his fated mate.
Ive never read a story where the MC has a familiar and a different fated mate. This relationship wasn't really explored as the book was really short.
Casper has a compass which he believes will lead him to his fated mate. He sets off with 2 of his cousins and finds Ray, a witch who doesn't really know that she has magic. He also finds Zeke who turns out to be his fated mate.
Ive never read a story where the MC has a familiar and a different fated mate. This relationship wasn't really explored as the book was really short.
May 22, 2024
Really enjoyed
I really enjoyed Casper and Zeke's book. I liked the ghost hunting aspect of the story and how it links Casper with his spark Ray. I thought that Zeke being a banshee was unique and I loved how supportive Casper was when he found out. And of course there is an adorable baby!
I really enjoyed Casper and Zeke's book. I liked the ghost hunting aspect of the story and how it links Casper with his spark Ray. I thought that Zeke being a banshee was unique and I loved how supportive Casper was when he found out. And of course there is an adorable baby!
May 24, 2024
My favorite universe
Casper and Zeke's book is set in my favorite universe. I love all the stories set here, and this book is no different. Watching these two fall in love and reassure each other that they are accepted and seen. This is a lovely, sweet, and spicy book, and you should definitely read it.
Casper and Zeke's book is set in my favorite universe. I love all the stories set here, and this book is no different. Watching these two fall in love and reassure each other that they are accepted and seen. This is a lovely, sweet, and spicy book, and you should definitely read it.
May 21, 2024
his is the second book in this wonderful series by Toby Wise! This is Casper's story and it's a great one! You will not be disappointed in this book or the previous book in this series! I read an advanced copy of this book and this is my unbiased review! I LOVED it!
May 31, 2024
This is another short but sweet to read fated mates story. I also appreciated that Casper and Ray's match up came with a "bump in the road" but it all made for a good story in the end.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
June 4, 2024
Coming together
This series is all about people coming together both as soul mates and also the familiar/spark family being created, which always makes me happy. Excited to see what’s in store for Harbor.
This series is all about people coming together both as soul mates and also the familiar/spark family being created, which always makes me happy. Excited to see what’s in store for Harbor.
June 10, 2024
This was another nice story in this series. It is great seeing these cousins find their spark and fated mates, which they have been longing for. They are all very different but they are finding the perfect compliment for themselves. I look forward to more of this series.
June 26, 2024
💜💜💜💜💜
This is a paranormal queer romance with mpreg, the second book in a second interconnected series that should be read in order to enjoy the most. This is a sweet, low-angst, instalove story.
This is a paranormal queer romance with mpreg, the second book in a second interconnected series that should be read in order to enjoy the most. This is a sweet, low-angst, instalove story.
March 12, 2025
wonderful Story
Casper and Zeke were adorable! Searching for his spark and mate, Casper finds Ray, his spark and his mate Zeke!
Casper and Zeke were adorable! Searching for his spark and mate, Casper finds Ray, his spark and his mate Zeke!
July 28, 2025
Fun novella! I loved learning more about this universe. Casper and Zeke are super sweet together and I loved that they've helped each other with their own individual self-acceptance issues.
May 20, 2024
Fantastic addition to the series! Casper’s cousins made me crack up especially, Harbor.
Casper and Zeke’s story pulled me in from the very beginning. These two were so sweet together.
Next up is Harbor and I can’t wait to see what fate has in store for him.
*I voluntarily read this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else's*
Casper and Zeke’s story pulled me in from the very beginning. These two were so sweet together.
Next up is Harbor and I can’t wait to see what fate has in store for him.
*I voluntarily read this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else's*
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews