Crime Always Pays Series by Stacey Brutger

They say crime doesn’t pay…they would be wrong. Being the weakest mage ever born into my prestigious family line has put me at odds with my relatives—torture and death threats tend to make family dinners so awkward. Labeled as a black sheep in the mage community, I’m vilified at every opportunity, and it’s not long before my very existence is considered an inconvenience—one they want to rectify at the earliest opportunity... moreThey say crime doesn’t pay…they would be wrong. Being the weakest mage ever born into my prestigious family line has put me at odds with my relatives—torture and death threats tend to make family dinners so awkward. Labeled as a black sheep in the mage community, I’m vilified at every opportunity, and it’s not long before my very existence is considered an inconvenience—one they want to rectify at the earliest opportunity.Arrested for a crime I didn’t commit, the last thing I expect is to be rescued by a motley crew of the most unlikely men—three beastlings and a mage! While mages might be regarded as egotistical twits, beastlings are often viewed as animals with little control over their baser urges—so it makes absolutely no sense that the longer I’m with the antisocial, slightly psychotic idiots, the more intriguing I find them.In order to survive, we must hunt down a rogue killer, dodge bounty hunters, and discover the real reason why my family wants me dead—easy-peasy! Unfortunately, rescuing me put the guys at risk. Despite trying to keep my distance from the infuriating, sexy men, the devious hunks somehow stole a piece of my heart. Now, I’ll do anything to protect them, even make a deal with the devil himself…Meet the Anita—a tortured, bloodthirsty mage with trust issues, Porter—the literal boogeyman who hides in the darkness, Cassius—a surly basilisk who would rather bite you than smile, Darby—a tech wizard who pretends to be more machine than man so he doesn’t have to feel, Soren—a three-headed hellhound who loves playing with fire, and Stryker—an adorably sweet snow leopard stuck in his beastling form.** This book contains dark themes and violence. You have been warned. Read at your own risk. less

Innocent until proven guilty…but no one is truly innocent if you dig hard enough. I never expected to find a mate, much less five. What does a girl even do with five men? Silly question…you enjoy them!! Unfortunately, my untimely death had a detrimental impact on my love life. Don’t worry, dying didn’t stick. I’m alive and kicking.Alas, my death came with complications—namely, my father, who happens to be a prince of Hell... moreInnocent until proven guilty…but no one is truly innocent if you dig hard enough. I never expected to find a mate, much less five. What does a girl even do with five men? Silly question…you enjoy them!! Unfortunately, my untimely death had a detrimental impact on my love life. Don’t worry, dying didn’t stick. I’m alive and kicking.Alas, my death came with complications—namely, my father, who happens to be a prince of Hell. In return for saving me, he now wants to use me for his own nefarious purposes. Shocking, but I don’t trust him as far as I can toss a snowball in Hell. Worse, my mates are treating me like I’m as fragile as cupid wings. Side note—can you die from sexual frustration? Asking for a friend. Me. I’m that friend. Now, I have to find a way to keep demons from infecting the world, prevent a war hovering on the horizon, convince my mates to complete our mating bonds, and not die in the process. Simple, right? Oh, wait, did I forget to mention I also need to learn how to control my demonic powers without killing myself or my mates in the process? Nothing in life is easy, but I will do anything to claim my very own happily ever after—even defy death a second time, if that’s what it takes. Meet the Anita—a tortured, bloodthirsty mage with trust issues, Porter—the literal boogeyman who hides in the darkness, Cassius—a surly basilisk who would rather bite you than smile, Darby—a tech wizard who pretends to be more machine than man so he doesn’t have to feel, Soren—a three-headed hellhound who loves playing with fire, and Stryker—an adorably sweet snow leopard stuck in his beastling form.** This book contains dark themes and violence. You have been warned. Read at your own risk. less