Release Blitz, Exclusive Excerpt & Giveaway:
The Necromancer’s Prisoner
By Elric Shaw

Hearts of Allaria, Book 1

When Light meets Dark, the resulting conflagration may burn bright…or fizzle to ash.

Alistair became a paladin to honor his father’s legacy. While he’s never been particularly devout, he’s determined to live up to the responsibility of his station. His first solo mission sounded simple enough: purge the undead terrorizing a remote mountain village and bring the wicked necromancer controlling them to justice. But when he winds up captured, he begins to suspect that the village faces a far greater threat than a few skeletons…and that his strange captor might need protecting just as badly.

Paladins have hunted Ignatius his entire life. His crime—daring to be born with the wrong kind of magic. Ostracized from society, he has spent years on the run with only his undead for company. The mountains seemed like the perfect place to seek refuge for the winter…until an obnoxiously handsome paladin arrives on his doorstep. Ignatius expects to loathe Alistair like the rest of his arrogant kin; however, when a harsh winter storm forces them together, he finds himself opening up to the paladin in ways he’d never dreamed possible.

Alistair and Ignatius both have every reason not to trust the other. Alistair is a paladin of the Light while Ignatius is a necromancer of the Dark. Yet, as mysterious magic threatens to eradicate the nearby village, they have little choice except to combine forces if they hope to survive. But can a paladin and a necromancer really set aside their differences for the greater good…or will the rift between them prove impossible to ever bridge?

The Necromancer’s Prisoner is a standalone M/M fantasy romance novel set in the Hearts of Allaria shared universe.

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Exclusive Excerpt:

Alistair pressed a finger over Iggie’s mouth, silencing him. Goosebumps erupted across Iggie’s skin as the paladin leaned in, his breath ghosting over Iggie’s cheek. “No more talk of the Order. For tonight, we’re Iggie and Alistair—two lonely men attempting to escape the past and future both.”

For tonight.

The words twisted Iggie’s insides into knots. Of course, this fleeting feeling couldn’t last. Happiness never did for him. Still, if all he got was one blessed night, then by the Dark, he’d do his best to enjoy every moment of it.

Shoving aside his whirlwind of thoughts, he surged forward, reconnecting their lips in another passionate kiss. Had he been stronger—or Alistair not built of sturdy muscle—he would’ve tackled the paladin to the stone. Instead, Alistair allowed Iggie’s slighter frame to carry him down, armor and all.

The paladin chuckled, running his firm hands down Iggie’s back and settling them on his hips. “I see I can hardly keep you off me.”

“After how long I’ve waited to do this, the Empty Ones themselves couldn’t tear me away.” Iggie broke their kiss and frowned, shoving lightly against Alistair’s breastplate. “Though I’d prefer it if I could reach more of you.”

Another throaty chuckle sent heat shivering over Iggie’s skin. “Point taken. Let me see what I can do.”

The paladin shifted, and Iggie watched as Alistair fumbled with his armor clasps. After a moment, Iggie rolled his eyes. Too impatient to wait, he dove in to help, which only served to tangle the straps and their limbs even more. That turned into another round of sloppy kisses that left Alistair flushed and Iggie dizzy-headed and breathless.

“I’m, uh, not sure we’re making much progress.” Iggie glanced at the mess they’d made of Alistair’s armor straps and buckles. If anything, the breastplate appeared better secured than it had been before.

“Depends on what you consider progress.” Alistair licked his lips, his amber eyes bright and smoldering. “As far as I’m concerned, we’re making excellent use of our time.”

Heat rose in Iggie’s face. From Alistair’s smirk, he assumed his normally pale skin must look beet red by now. “At this rate, kissing is about all we’ll manage to do tonight.” As soon as the words left his lips, his eyes widened in alarm. Nerves pinched his chest. “I mean, not that I, um, assume we’re necessarily going to, uh…”

He trailed off, his anxious thoughts melting in the crucible of Alistair’s burning gaze. How had he ever found the paladin cold or imperious? Whatever he’d mistaken for arrogance when he’d first taken Alistair prisoner had vanished, replaced by tender concern and other emotions Iggie didn’t dare attempt to classify.

“Perhaps you should leave the armor to me,” Alistair said, his voice huskier than usual. “It’s a lot easier to take off than to put on.” The corner of his mouth quirked. “Usually.”

Enter the Giveaway:

Florida refugee living in upstate New York with his longtime boyfriend. World of Warcraft survivor. Dungeons & Dragons/Pathfinder aficionado. Lover of tea, Star Trek, all things fantasy, and sappy gay love stories (also Titanic).

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