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The Healer's Weapon: Raphael, Forbidden Wings #1
When an Archangel's greatest weapon becomes his heart...
Raphael—Rafe to those brave enough to use his name—has spent millennia healing the broken and saving the lost. As the Archangel of Healing, his hands can mend any wound, cure any disease. But the endless suffering of humanity has left him cold, disconnected, and desperate to escape to the higher spheres where he'll never have to touch another mortal life.
Then he meets Angelina Guerisse.
A struggling single mother whose extraordinary healing gift marks her as the next in an ancient bloodline of Angels, Angelina doesn't believe in the supernatural—until Rafe materializes in her dreams. Their connection defies every law of the Angelic Realm, where relationships between Archangels and humans are strictly forbidden.
But when a deadly virus begins targeting the long-hidden Nephilim—half-Angel, half-human beings thought extinct—Rafe and Angelina must work together to stop a conspiracy that reaches the highest levels of both realms. As Angels are murdered using methods not seen for millennia, and Remiel, the fallen eighth Archangel, orchestrates attacks from the shadows, Rafe faces an impossible choice.
Save humanity and lose the woman who's awakened his heart... or break every sacred law to protect the one person who makes him feel truly alive.
In a world where healing can kill and love is the ultimate weapon, some bonds are worth descending from heaven for.
"A breathtaking blend of celestial romance and supernatural suspense that will leave you believing in the power of forbidden love."
The first book in the Forbidden Wings series, where seven immortal warriors discover that the greatest battles are fought not with weapons, but with hearts.
This book was originally published as Archangel Rafe by Lisa Hughey. The book has been extensively updated and re-written.
Raphael—Rafe to those brave enough to use his name—has spent millennia healing the broken and saving the lost. As the Archangel of Healing, his hands can mend any wound, cure any disease. But the endless suffering of humanity has left him cold, disconnected, and desperate to escape to the higher spheres where he'll never have to touch another mortal life.
Then he meets Angelina Guerisse.
A struggling single mother whose extraordinary healing gift marks her as the next in an ancient bloodline of Angels, Angelina doesn't believe in the supernatural—until Rafe materializes in her dreams. Their connection defies every law of the Angelic Realm, where relationships between Archangels and humans are strictly forbidden.
But when a deadly virus begins targeting the long-hidden Nephilim—half-Angel, half-human beings thought extinct—Rafe and Angelina must work together to stop a conspiracy that reaches the highest levels of both realms. As Angels are murdered using methods not seen for millennia, and Remiel, the fallen eighth Archangel, orchestrates attacks from the shadows, Rafe faces an impossible choice.
Save humanity and lose the woman who's awakened his heart... or break every sacred law to protect the one person who makes him feel truly alive.
In a world where healing can kill and love is the ultimate weapon, some bonds are worth descending from heaven for.
"A breathtaking blend of celestial romance and supernatural suspense that will leave you believing in the power of forbidden love."
The first book in the Forbidden Wings series, where seven immortal warriors discover that the greatest battles are fought not with weapons, but with hearts.
This book was originally published as Archangel Rafe by Lisa Hughey. The book has been extensively updated and re-written.
328 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 25, 2026
About the author
Lucy Sonus
3 books9 followersLucy Sonus writes romantasy where celestial beings and mortal hearts collide in epic love stories. Her Forbidden Wings: The Archangel Saga features kick-ass heroines who can battle both earthly dangers and heavenly politics, and archangel heroes who discover that true strength lies in vulnerability.
Her angels aren't just Angelic Realm beings; they're warriors, protectors, and lovers who prove that even the divine can be undone by the pull of their fated mortal soul.
Lucy believes every soul deserves their happily ever after, whether on earth or in the celestial realm. When she's not plotting new ways for angels to fall in love, she enjoys beach walks and traveling to places that feel touched by magic.
She lives in Cape Ann, Massachusetts, with her supportive husband and two rescue kittens.
Lucy Sonus writes romantasy for readers who believe love is the most powerful magic of all.
•
Her angels aren't just Angelic Realm beings; they're warriors, protectors, and lovers who prove that even the divine can be undone by the pull of their fated mortal soul.
Lucy believes every soul deserves their happily ever after, whether on earth or in the celestial realm. When she's not plotting new ways for angels to fall in love, she enjoys beach walks and traveling to places that feel touched by magic.
She lives in Cape Ann, Massachusetts, with her supportive husband and two rescue kittens.
Lucy Sonus writes romantasy for readers who believe love is the most powerful magic of all.
•
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
May 14, 2026
No Spoilers
Raphael, the burned-out Archangel of Healing, wants nothing more than to ascend and leave humans behind. But when the angelic bureaucracy makes him train Angelina Guerisse, a stressed, soon-to-be-divorced mother with hidden healing powers, everything changes. What begins as a reluctant task turns into a forbidden and very steamy dream connection. At the same time, Angelina is dealing with teenage kids, a messy divorce, her grandmother’s illness, and unexpected healing in real life.
Overall Verdict
3/5 Stars. An enjoyable, heartfelt, and often steamy paranormal romance, but it’s held back by dated writing, awkward plotting, and Rafe being hard to like for the first third of the book. It’s a solid comfort read for angel-romance fans, but not the best in the genre.
Strengths
* Angelina stands out as a heroine. She’s realistic, exhausted, self-conscious, and fiercely protective. Watching her grow feels genuine and satisfying.
* The dream-sex scenes are sensual, emotional, and even feel respectful once Rafe stops acting like a jerk.
* The strong focus on family gives the story heart and makes the paranormal parts feel more relatable.
* The series is set up well, with a satisfying happy ending and clear hints for future books.
Weaknesses
* Rafe comes across as whiny and looks down on humans, making it hard to root for during the first 10+ pages or so.s.The writing is often clunky and repetitive, even after what’s called “extensive revisions,” and there are still noticeable typos in the ARC.s.
* The middle of the book drags, and the larger conspiracy or Fallen plot feels rushed and underdeveloped.
* The world-building is weak, and most of the information is dumped in at the end.
Who This Book Is For
This book is for fans of spicy angel romance, forbidden immortal and human love, and the “hot immortal plus stressed single mum” trope, especially if you also like family drama. It’s like a lighter, more emotional Nalini Singh, with a greater focus on home life. Skip this one if you want polished writing, dislike instant attraction, or prefer darker or more epic urban fantasy.
Final Notes
The revisions made the emotional core stronger and updated Angelina, but the book still feels like a slightly modernised 2012 paranormal romance. With a tighter edit and better early chapters for Rafe, it could easily be an 8 out of 10. Once it finds its rhythm, it’s warm, hopeful, and genuinely sexy. I’ll read the next one.
Would I recommend it? Yes, if you love this subgenre and don’t mind some rough edges. It’s a good comfort read with heart.
Raphael, the burned-out Archangel of Healing, wants nothing more than to ascend and leave humans behind. But when the angelic bureaucracy makes him train Angelina Guerisse, a stressed, soon-to-be-divorced mother with hidden healing powers, everything changes. What begins as a reluctant task turns into a forbidden and very steamy dream connection. At the same time, Angelina is dealing with teenage kids, a messy divorce, her grandmother’s illness, and unexpected healing in real life.
Overall Verdict
3/5 Stars. An enjoyable, heartfelt, and often steamy paranormal romance, but it’s held back by dated writing, awkward plotting, and Rafe being hard to like for the first third of the book. It’s a solid comfort read for angel-romance fans, but not the best in the genre.
Strengths
* Angelina stands out as a heroine. She’s realistic, exhausted, self-conscious, and fiercely protective. Watching her grow feels genuine and satisfying.
* The dream-sex scenes are sensual, emotional, and even feel respectful once Rafe stops acting like a jerk.
* The strong focus on family gives the story heart and makes the paranormal parts feel more relatable.
* The series is set up well, with a satisfying happy ending and clear hints for future books.
Weaknesses
* Rafe comes across as whiny and looks down on humans, making it hard to root for during the first 10+ pages or so.s.The writing is often clunky and repetitive, even after what’s called “extensive revisions,” and there are still noticeable typos in the ARC.s.
* The middle of the book drags, and the larger conspiracy or Fallen plot feels rushed and underdeveloped.
* The world-building is weak, and most of the information is dumped in at the end.
Who This Book Is For
This book is for fans of spicy angel romance, forbidden immortal and human love, and the “hot immortal plus stressed single mum” trope, especially if you also like family drama. It’s like a lighter, more emotional Nalini Singh, with a greater focus on home life. Skip this one if you want polished writing, dislike instant attraction, or prefer darker or more epic urban fantasy.
Final Notes
The revisions made the emotional core stronger and updated Angelina, but the book still feels like a slightly modernised 2012 paranormal romance. With a tighter edit and better early chapters for Rafe, it could easily be an 8 out of 10. Once it finds its rhythm, it’s warm, hopeful, and genuinely sexy. I’ll read the next one.
Would I recommend it? Yes, if you love this subgenre and don’t mind some rough edges. It’s a good comfort read with heart.
May 9, 2026
The Healer’s Weapon surprised me in the best way. It’s emotional, atmospheric, and full of that slow‑building tension that makes angel‑human romances so addictive. From the very beginning, there’s this quiet ache running through the story, two characters carrying heavy burdens, drawn together in a way neither of them is ready for. I felt myself rooting for them long before the romance even properly sparked.
The emotional beats land beautifully. Raphael’s internal struggle feels raw and human despite his celestial role, and Angelina’s strength gives the story a grounded, heartfelt core. Their connection has this tender, forbidden pull that kept me turning pages just to see how they’d navigate it.
The supernatural mystery adds a nice layer of tension without overshadowing the romance, and the world has a lot of intriguing elements that make you want to know more.
My only small critique is that the pacing wobbles in places. For example, some scenes linger a bit too long, while a few worldbuilding moments could have used more depth. There are also side characters who feel interesting but underused. None of this ruined the experience, but tightening those areas would have made the story even stronger.
Overall, this is a romantic, emotional, and engaging read with a compelling forbidden‑love dynamic and a supernatural edge. If you enjoy angelic fantasy romance with heart and tension, this one is definitely worth picking up.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The emotional beats land beautifully. Raphael’s internal struggle feels raw and human despite his celestial role, and Angelina’s strength gives the story a grounded, heartfelt core. Their connection has this tender, forbidden pull that kept me turning pages just to see how they’d navigate it.
The supernatural mystery adds a nice layer of tension without overshadowing the romance, and the world has a lot of intriguing elements that make you want to know more.
My only small critique is that the pacing wobbles in places. For example, some scenes linger a bit too long, while a few worldbuilding moments could have used more depth. There are also side characters who feel interesting but underused. None of this ruined the experience, but tightening those areas would have made the story even stronger.
Overall, this is a romantic, emotional, and engaging read with a compelling forbidden‑love dynamic and a supernatural edge. If you enjoy angelic fantasy romance with heart and tension, this one is definitely worth picking up.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
I went into The Healer’s Weapon: Raphael (Forbidden Wings #1) by Lucy Sonus expecting a typical angelic fantasy romance, but what I got was something a bit more layered and emotionally grounded than I first assumed—and I’m glad for that.
Raphael’s story blends celestial conflict with personal sacrifice in a way that kept me genuinely invested. I really appreciated how the “healer” aspect wasn’t just a title or aesthetic detail, but something that shaped his choices, his guilt, and the way he interacts with others. There’s a softness to him that contrasts nicely with the harsher world he’s trying to survive in, and that tension worked well for me throughout the book.
The romance has a slow, restrained build that leans more on emotional connection than instant intensity, which I personally enjoyed. It didn’t feel rushed, and instead gave space for trust and hesitation to actually matter. That said, there were moments where I wished certain scenes had been expanded a bit more, especially around the world-building and some of the secondary characters who felt like they had more to offer than we got to see.
The pacing occasionally dipped in the middle, and I found myself wanting a slightly tighter progression in certain sections. Still, the writing itself is immersive, and the atmosphere—especially the blend of divine politics and forbidden elements—held my attention even when the momentum slowed.
Raphael’s story blends celestial conflict with personal sacrifice in a way that kept me genuinely invested. I really appreciated how the “healer” aspect wasn’t just a title or aesthetic detail, but something that shaped his choices, his guilt, and the way he interacts with others. There’s a softness to him that contrasts nicely with the harsher world he’s trying to survive in, and that tension worked well for me throughout the book.
The romance has a slow, restrained build that leans more on emotional connection than instant intensity, which I personally enjoyed. It didn’t feel rushed, and instead gave space for trust and hesitation to actually matter. That said, there were moments where I wished certain scenes had been expanded a bit more, especially around the world-building and some of the secondary characters who felt like they had more to offer than we got to see.
The pacing occasionally dipped in the middle, and I found myself wanting a slightly tighter progression in certain sections. Still, the writing itself is immersive, and the atmosphere—especially the blend of divine politics and forbidden elements—held my attention even when the momentum slowed.
April 29, 2026
This had such a strong, intriguing premise—an archangel healer who’s grown numb to humanity and a single mom discovering her own angelic power? I was so ready to be emotionally wrecked in the best way. The forbidden romance and celestial stakes definitely pulled me in at first, especially with the whole “love vs divine law” tension.
But somewhere along the way, the story felt like it was trying to juggle too many glowing orbs at once. The plot with the virus, Nephilim, and angel politics added depth, but it also made things feel a bit crowded and harder to stay fully invested in.
I liked Rafe as a character—tired, powerful, and emotionally distant is always a good combo—but I wanted more chemistry and emotional intensity between him and Angelina. Their connection had potential, but it didn’t hit as hard as I expected.
That said, the concept is really interesting, and I can see the series growing into something stronger as it goes on. If you enjoy angel lore, forbidden romance, and a mix of supernatural suspense, this is still worth checking out.
But somewhere along the way, the story felt like it was trying to juggle too many glowing orbs at once. The plot with the virus, Nephilim, and angel politics added depth, but it also made things feel a bit crowded and harder to stay fully invested in.
I liked Rafe as a character—tired, powerful, and emotionally distant is always a good combo—but I wanted more chemistry and emotional intensity between him and Angelina. Their connection had potential, but it didn’t hit as hard as I expected.
That said, the concept is really interesting, and I can see the series growing into something stronger as it goes on. If you enjoy angel lore, forbidden romance, and a mix of supernatural suspense, this is still worth checking out.
May 2, 2026
I received an advance reader copy of this book and am leaving my honest review voluntarily. Thank you to Book Sirens, Lucy Sonus and the publisher for the opportunity.
I love it when a heroine feels real. Angelina is an overwhelmed mother, finalizing her divorce and dealing with the inevitable death of a loved one. And on top of that she gets the added responsibility of divine healing powers. Some of my favorite moments come from me watching her with her family and her fierce determination to keep everything together.
I really enjoyed this authors view of heavenly politics and protocol. The angelic world feels as real as the human one.
I wanted a little more from the ending. The pacing was a bit off in the last third and we leave some rather big things unresolved I assume to tackle in further books. But it’s a great story and I intend to stick around for the next book.
I love it when a heroine feels real. Angelina is an overwhelmed mother, finalizing her divorce and dealing with the inevitable death of a loved one. And on top of that she gets the added responsibility of divine healing powers. Some of my favorite moments come from me watching her with her family and her fierce determination to keep everything together.
I really enjoyed this authors view of heavenly politics and protocol. The angelic world feels as real as the human one.
I wanted a little more from the ending. The pacing was a bit off in the last third and we leave some rather big things unresolved I assume to tackle in further books. But it’s a great story and I intend to stick around for the next book.
Review of advance copy
First of all, I really appreciated that the FMC is over 30, with everyday struggles and a physical description that makes her relatable for many women in their 30s. It felt refreshing and made it easy to connect with her. I also enjoyed the concept, which reminded me a bit of The Mortal Instruments.
Unfortunately, this one didn’t fully work for me. I personally struggled with the pacing: the physical attraction between the main characters felt quite rushed, while other parts of the story felt slower and occasionally repetitive.
As I reached about 60% I still found it difficult to fully immerse myself in the story and the characters’ dynamics, even as the story started to get more interesting from there.
Unfortunately, this one didn’t fully work for me. I personally struggled with the pacing: the physical attraction between the main characters felt quite rushed, while other parts of the story felt slower and occasionally repetitive.
As I reached about 60% I still found it difficult to fully immerse myself in the story and the characters’ dynamics, even as the story started to get more interesting from there.
April 30, 2026
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
If you enjoy a book about hunky, sexy archangels, an overwhelmed single mom and a good vs evil 'war,' then this is the book for you. For me, this book just wasn't 'my cup of tea'. At times, I found it confusing with too much being packed within the chapters of the story. I would feel exhausted after reading a chapter that bounced from a sexual encounter to a healing of a sick person to the main female character questioning her worth to trying to solve who is behind a catastrophe in Poland. It was just too much for my liking.
If you enjoy a book about hunky, sexy archangels, an overwhelmed single mom and a good vs evil 'war,' then this is the book for you. For me, this book just wasn't 'my cup of tea'. At times, I found it confusing with too much being packed within the chapters of the story. I would feel exhausted after reading a chapter that bounced from a sexual encounter to a healing of a sick person to the main female character questioning her worth to trying to solve who is behind a catastrophe in Poland. It was just too much for my liking.
May 23, 2026
Interesting storyline. I enjoyed it, while it wasn't a "can't put it down" story, it was a story I wanted to get back to. It interweaved social theme of "different being bad" and while this was a survival issue back in the very olden days, in this world of global travel, I believe we need to remember everyone is a human being and that in every culture there is "good" and "bad". Like how this was interwoven into the story.
I received an advance review copy for free and leave this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free and leave this review voluntarily.
May 4, 2026
I received the book from book Sirens as an ARC. I did not know what to expect. But I really enjoyed the book. I felt like i could really connect with the FMC. She dealt with things that happens in real life to. Except for the healing powers. The questions I have are left unanswerd so I really need to read the second book to get my answers. I am sure they will come
April 16, 2026
3.5 ⭐️, I enjoyed this story. I would describe it as part modern romantasy part supernatural romance. I absolutely LOVED that the FMC was over 30, we almost never see that! The end felt a little rushed though.
May 11, 2026
Forbidden love done right!
Absolutely loved this forbidden love story! This book did not disappoint. The chemistry, tension, and emotions had me hooked from beginning to end. I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book!
Absolutely loved this forbidden love story! This book did not disappoint. The chemistry, tension, and emotions had me hooked from beginning to end. I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
A very interesting and unique read, characters were amazingly written and I loved the scene setting in each chapter. Couldn't put it down!! Thankyou for letting me be an arc reader 🥰🥰🥰
May 21, 2026
Interesting. Not what I expected but the story picked up speed late in the book. sweet forbidden love.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews