Deizian Empire Series by Crista McHugh

The deadliest assassin in the empire just got too close to her target…Azurha, a former slave turned deadliest assassin in the empire, has just been offered the ultimate challenge—seduce, then murder the new Emperor. But Titus is not the tyrant his forefathers were, and his radical ideas might be the glimmer of hope the empire needs... moreThe deadliest assassin in the empire just got too close to her target…Azurha, a former slave turned deadliest assassin in the empire, has just been offered the ultimate challenge—seduce, then murder the new Emperor. But Titus is not the tyrant his forefathers were, and his radical ideas might be the glimmer of hope the empire needs.Titus Sergius Flavus has yet to master the powerful magic of his ancestors—magic he must wield if he’s to protect his people—but his father’s death has left him no choice. Rule the Deizian Empire and attempt to right his ancestors’ wrongs, or watch her fall to his greedy kin.More than just Titus’ ideas hold Azurha captive. Night after night, he awakens desires she thought lost, and uncovers the magic of her hidden lineage. As her deadline approaches, Azurha is forced to make an impossible decision—complete her job and kill the man she loves, or fail and forfeit both their lives. less

Book 2 of the Deizian EmpireThe fate of the empire hangs on one slave breaking her silence…As the Deizian Empire prepares for the upcoming wedding of Emperor Titus Sergius Flavus and Azruha, one mystery remains unsolved—the sudden and unexplained death of the former emperor. And as her wedding gift to Titus, Azurha wants to give him answers. She suspects an unknown poison was involved, and her search for the truth enlists two unlikely allies... moreBook 2 of the Deizian EmpireThe fate of the empire hangs on one slave breaking her silence…As the Deizian Empire prepares for the upcoming wedding of Emperor Titus Sergius Flavus and Azruha, one mystery remains unsolved—the sudden and unexplained death of the former emperor. And as her wedding gift to Titus, Azurha wants to give him answers. She suspects an unknown poison was involved, and her search for the truth enlists two unlikely allies.Modius Varro’s thirst for knowledge caused an uproar in Emona three years ago and exiled him to the border town of Madrena. But when Titus falls victim to the same poison, his expertise in medicine becomes essential in solving both the riddle of the former emperor’s death and finding a cure to save the current one. His search leads him to far reaches of the Alpirion realm, to an ancient culture shrouded in secrets, and into the arms of one slave who must break her silence to save the empire. less

A soldier looking for redemption falls into the arms of the empire's Black Widow... Galerius, former Captain of the Legion, is honored to be given a chance to redeem himself by discovering who is behind the failing barrier. A series of anonymous letters all point to Hostilius, governor of Lucrilia, but Galerius thinks he'll learn more about the plot by seducing the governor's thrice widowed daughter, Claudia... moreA soldier looking for redemption falls into the arms of the empire's Black Widow... Galerius, former Captain of the Legion, is honored to be given a chance to redeem himself by discovering who is behind the failing barrier. A series of anonymous letters all point to Hostilius, governor of Lucrilia, but Galerius thinks he'll learn more about the plot by seducing the governor's thrice widowed daughter, Claudia. Although he warns himself not to fall into snare of the empire's most deadly temptress, one kiss leaves him begging for more. Claudia has spent years as a pawn in her father's political games and longs to break free of his rule, even it means betraying him to the emperor. When Galerius arrives in Tivola, she's not sure if he's there to aid her father or stop him. She willingly submits to his seduction, despite their class differences, in order to find the truth. What she doesn't expect to find is a man who indulges her secret fantasies, satisfying her in a way none of her previous husbands did, and treats her as something more than a conquest. As time runs out to thwart her father's plans, she must decide if she can trust Galerius not only with her life, but her heart. less

With the birth of the imperial heir days away, Marcus is entrusted with an urgent mission by his best friend, Emperor Titus Sergius Flavus – unraveling the mysterious disappearance of every living soul in a trading post along the barrier. Unfortunately, all the clues point to the one woman he loved and lost. Even though his mind urges caution, his heart longs for a second chance to prove to her they belong together... moreWith the birth of the imperial heir days away, Marcus is entrusted with an urgent mission by his best friend, Emperor Titus Sergius Flavus – unraveling the mysterious disappearance of every living soul in a trading post along the barrier. Unfortunately, all the clues point to the one woman he loved and lost. Even though his mind urges caution, his heart longs for a second chance to prove to her they belong together. The daughter of the most infamous courtesan in Emona, Sexta faked her death in order to gain her freedom, never guessing fate would entwine her path with the one man she loved enough to let go. But now, she not only has to deny her feelings for him after every tantalizing kiss—she needs to prove her innocence before the true enemy brings the empire to its knees. less