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Crown of Lies #1
The Man with the Violet Eyes
The first book in an addictive Historical Fantasy Romance series, perfect for fans of Jennifer Armentrout and Sarah Maas.
Master Nicolo, a man also known as ‘The Terrible,’ lives up to his title and then some.
As confidante, closest friend and protector to Prince Balduin, a man who would be king of the large and estimable Woodfall Gath, Nicolo is nearly untouchable.
Throw in the fact that the man can fight like no other and seems to have a preternatural knowledge for detecting those who want to kill him, he’s a formidable foe and then some.
But Nicolo didn’t always live such a favored life.
Born the only son to a poor mother, his otherworldly violet eyes separated him from his peasant brethren, singling him out as someone or something to be feared and shunned.
With no friends or money, Nicolo’s young life was a difficult one.
Then came the day the queen and her entourage passed through his remote town. The ailing Prince Balduin who was struck with a strange sickness that was certainly killing him, played with Nicolo and…
Prince Balduin’s health improved.
And so began Nicolo and Balduin’s strange friendship—Balduin raising a would-be peasant to a station well out of his range, and in return, Nicolo’s constant presence healed Prince Balduin.
Now the time has come for me to join the ranks of the kingdom’s servants, acting as maid during the day, all the while awaiting the cover of darkness in order to find Master Nicolo alone.
So I can assassinate him.
Master Nicolo, a man also known as ‘The Terrible,’ lives up to his title and then some.
As confidante, closest friend and protector to Prince Balduin, a man who would be king of the large and estimable Woodfall Gath, Nicolo is nearly untouchable.
Throw in the fact that the man can fight like no other and seems to have a preternatural knowledge for detecting those who want to kill him, he’s a formidable foe and then some.
But Nicolo didn’t always live such a favored life.
Born the only son to a poor mother, his otherworldly violet eyes separated him from his peasant brethren, singling him out as someone or something to be feared and shunned.
With no friends or money, Nicolo’s young life was a difficult one.
Then came the day the queen and her entourage passed through his remote town. The ailing Prince Balduin who was struck with a strange sickness that was certainly killing him, played with Nicolo and…
Prince Balduin’s health improved.
And so began Nicolo and Balduin’s strange friendship—Balduin raising a would-be peasant to a station well out of his range, and in return, Nicolo’s constant presence healed Prince Balduin.
Now the time has come for me to join the ranks of the kingdom’s servants, acting as maid during the day, all the while awaiting the cover of darkness in order to find Master Nicolo alone.
So I can assassinate him.
214 pages, ebook
Published September 9, 2022
67 people are currently reading
133 people want to read
About the author
H.P. Mallory
363 books2,800 followersI’m a huge fan of anything paranormal and I always have been. I get super excited whenever they have those Twilight Zone Marathon days and anything ghost or vampire related will always attract my attention.
My interests are varied but aside from writing, I’m most excited about traveling. I’m extremely fortunate to have been able to live in England and Scotland, both places really having a profound effect on my books.
Thanks for checking out my books and I hope you enjoy them! Happy Haunting!
H.P.
My interests are varied but aside from writing, I’m most excited about traveling. I’m extremely fortunate to have been able to live in England and Scotland, both places really having a profound effect on my books.
Thanks for checking out my books and I hope you enjoy them! Happy Haunting!
H.P.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
November 27, 2022
Part 1
3 🏰 💜🤔⭐️s
I was so excited with the blurb and the cover!!!!
Sadly, it was not the hit I was anticipating for…
It could have been more concise, the plot was stretched out.
The language had modern elements for a historical story, repetitions were plenty as well as the inner thoughts and the single pov was slightly monotonous.
I didn’t plan to read the next part after this, but the revelations towards the end piqued my interest.
3 🏰 💜🤔⭐️s
I was so excited with the blurb and the cover!!!!
Sadly, it was not the hit I was anticipating for…
It could have been more concise, the plot was stretched out.
The language had modern elements for a historical story, repetitions were plenty as well as the inner thoughts and the single pov was slightly monotonous.
I didn’t plan to read the next part after this, but the revelations towards the end piqued my interest.
July 25, 2023
This book has officially put me in a slump. This was god awful, I genuinely can’t think of anything nice to say about this book other than the cover was pretty.
The mmc was so unlikeable, I actively started to hate him- and this book is short so the fact it didn’t take long shows the authors skill in writing boring & awful characters, I guess?
The fmc is the worst ‘assassin’ I’ve EVER experienced, no backbone, no personality. The majority of this character’s dialogue consisted of ‘’Yes, Master’’ ‘’No, Master’’
Eugh.
The mmc was so unlikeable, I actively started to hate him- and this book is short so the fact it didn’t take long shows the authors skill in writing boring & awful characters, I guess?
The fmc is the worst ‘assassin’ I’ve EVER experienced, no backbone, no personality. The majority of this character’s dialogue consisted of ‘’Yes, Master’’ ‘’No, Master’’
Eugh.
May 7, 2024
Entertaining fantasy listening 🎶🎎✨
This kindle e-book novella is from my Kindle Unlimited account book 1 of 3
Charlotte and Nicolo are on a fantasy world 🌎 adventure with lots of action, misdirection, and violence. As a fan of the two authors I enjoyed the novella and I am looking forward to the next book.
Happy reading and have fun 😜 2024
This kindle e-book novella is from my Kindle Unlimited account book 1 of 3
Charlotte and Nicolo are on a fantasy world 🌎 adventure with lots of action, misdirection, and violence. As a fan of the two authors I enjoyed the novella and I am looking forward to the next book.
Happy reading and have fun 😜 2024
September 14, 2022
Nicolo is feared in the castle the constant confidante to the prince . His reputation precedes him but he wasn't always this fierce man . He use to be a poor boy living with his mother in a far away town until the queen and her entourage came through and found out that Nicolo had a way to heal the prince . So he was whisked away and became friends with prince Baulduin . Now his and the prince's lives are in danger when an unassuming young maid who is actually an assassin is there to find Nicolo and well take him out .
Nicolo and Charlotte are such different characters . Charlotte is tough but also trying to hang on to her cover . She is lethal in ways of enchanting a man and the brutally murdering that said person . You have a hard time cracking her shell she is that tough . Nicolo is a very complex character he is so fierce but there is a sadness to him that you can see through the story . I love the way the authors have the two main characters dancing around each other . The tension between them is off the charts and you will love them . They are very well written and complex . There are also supporting members that really make the the two main characters shine .
This is the first book in a brand new series from two of my favorite authors . They are now starting to lay the ground work for a fantasy book that will have you turning pages all night . The story is one that will have you laughing and on the edge of your seat the other half of the time . The characters are well written and I can't wait to see where the authors take them in the next book . I truly enjoyed this book and was in a book hangover after I finished it cause I couldn't put it down.i finished it in an evening . So if you are looking for a new series for your fall and winter reading list check it out
Nicolo and Charlotte are such different characters . Charlotte is tough but also trying to hang on to her cover . She is lethal in ways of enchanting a man and the brutally murdering that said person . You have a hard time cracking her shell she is that tough . Nicolo is a very complex character he is so fierce but there is a sadness to him that you can see through the story . I love the way the authors have the two main characters dancing around each other . The tension between them is off the charts and you will love them . They are very well written and complex . There are also supporting members that really make the the two main characters shine .
This is the first book in a brand new series from two of my favorite authors . They are now starting to lay the ground work for a fantasy book that will have you turning pages all night . The story is one that will have you laughing and on the edge of your seat the other half of the time . The characters are well written and I can't wait to see where the authors take them in the next book . I truly enjoyed this book and was in a book hangover after I finished it cause I couldn't put it down.i finished it in an evening . So if you are looking for a new series for your fall and winter reading list check it out
October 1, 2022
- THE ENDING?? I thought it was a standalone. Why do I keep scamming myself..... this is only fifteen chapters long. I should've known lol
- The cover reeled me in. Even the corny title didn't dissuade me. I was in, and I'm glad! A couple of eyebrow raises aside, I enjoyed this. Charlotte and Nicolo have become endearing to me.
- I was close to biting my nails. The tension was TAUT
- nicolo as fabien frankel. end of discussion.
- The cover reeled me in. Even the corny title didn't dissuade me. I was in, and I'm glad! A couple of eyebrow raises aside, I enjoyed this. Charlotte and Nicolo have become endearing to me.
- I was close to biting my nails. The tension was TAUT
- nicolo as fabien frankel. end of discussion.
September 18, 2022
Absolutely Brilliant Start To This Historical Fantasy Romance
I was glued to this book from the first page and I could not put it down. It’s one of those books that felt like it ended too soon because I was so immersed in it. There is action, fighting, political intrigue and a lot of sexual tension.
I’m not usually one for historical romances but this is not your run of the mill historical romance. The characters are well thought out. The worldbuilding is great and the story so believable that I didn’t want it to end. I can’t wait for book two.
This is the first book in a new Historical Fantasy Romance series from HP Mallory and JR Rain writing as Mallory Rain. The book is set in a fantasy realm in the Kingdom of Woodfall Gath.
Charlotte appears to be your average, everyday maid. She’s recently started working at the castle kitchens and manages to get herself in the position of serving the prince and his protector, Nicolo. Charlotte is no maid though. She’s a highly trained Guild assassin and her mark is Nicolo, a man who has spent his life as a target for assassins and who is notoriously hard to kill. She’ll have to get very close to him and gain his trust to even stand a chance.
Nicolo has something mysterious about him; more than his unusual appearance and violet eyes which had led to him and his mother being shunned and ousted from their village. As a child, a chance encounter with passing royalty sealed his fate. Young Nicolo’s mere presence appeared to have the power to heal the ailing young prince, who was next in line for the throne. Nicolo was stolen from his mother and forced to remain by the prince’s side as his childhood companion, then later as his protector.
All is not well in the kingdom of Woodfall Gath. The prince is widely unpopular. He has grown up to be a womanising drunk and no-one wants him to succeed the throne. He has many enemies and the surest way to get to him is through Nicolo. Can Charlotte succeed where so many others have failed?
I was glued to this book from the first page and I could not put it down. It’s one of those books that felt like it ended too soon because I was so immersed in it. There is action, fighting, political intrigue and a lot of sexual tension.
I’m not usually one for historical romances but this is not your run of the mill historical romance. The characters are well thought out. The worldbuilding is great and the story so believable that I didn’t want it to end. I can’t wait for book two.
This is the first book in a new Historical Fantasy Romance series from HP Mallory and JR Rain writing as Mallory Rain. The book is set in a fantasy realm in the Kingdom of Woodfall Gath.
Charlotte appears to be your average, everyday maid. She’s recently started working at the castle kitchens and manages to get herself in the position of serving the prince and his protector, Nicolo. Charlotte is no maid though. She’s a highly trained Guild assassin and her mark is Nicolo, a man who has spent his life as a target for assassins and who is notoriously hard to kill. She’ll have to get very close to him and gain his trust to even stand a chance.
Nicolo has something mysterious about him; more than his unusual appearance and violet eyes which had led to him and his mother being shunned and ousted from their village. As a child, a chance encounter with passing royalty sealed his fate. Young Nicolo’s mere presence appeared to have the power to heal the ailing young prince, who was next in line for the throne. Nicolo was stolen from his mother and forced to remain by the prince’s side as his childhood companion, then later as his protector.
All is not well in the kingdom of Woodfall Gath. The prince is widely unpopular. He has grown up to be a womanising drunk and no-one wants him to succeed the throne. He has many enemies and the surest way to get to him is through Nicolo. Can Charlotte succeed where so many others have failed?
September 13, 2022
Charlotte is a maid in the royal castle. She has only been working there for a couple weeks when she grabs at opportunity to serve ‘the master’. Nicolo was taken from his mother as a boy and raised beside the prince for a reason. He had a peculiar tell; his violet eyes. He also excelled at being a warrior and leading in place of the prince. The prince seemed to enjoy being a drunk and chasing women. Nicolo is loyal to his friend to a fault. Charlotte unbecomingly gave herself away one night when she defended Nicolo from an attack. Now, she will serve as his squire. Managing to keep abreast with her training, she also intends to seduce her quarry…but when she is discovered by the one who hired her, more secrets are let out that makes everything even more complex~ The biggest secrets of all are yet to come…this book ends on a cliffhanger~ Another outstanding series by Ms. Mallory and Mr. Rain you will definitely want to sink your teeth into…court intrigue, murder for hire, assassination attempts, action, steam, enemies-to-lovers and more that keeps you captivated until the ending…
September 21, 2022
I am in awe over the writing skills of talented duo H.P. Mallory and J.R. Rain.
The Man with the Violet Eyes is an exciting start to a brand-new trilogy. I love the cat and mouse game, the twists and turns, the deception, the surprises. Charlotte and Nicolo are formidable characters, wonderfully written, complicated, and complex.
I enjoyed the adventure in this historical fantasy romance. Charlotte and Nicolo dance around each other, building up tension between them. She as the maid, he as The Terrible. I love their characters and look forward to the next book.
The Man with the Violet Eyes is an exciting start to a brand-new trilogy. I love the cat and mouse game, the twists and turns, the deception, the surprises. Charlotte and Nicolo are formidable characters, wonderfully written, complicated, and complex.
I enjoyed the adventure in this historical fantasy romance. Charlotte and Nicolo dance around each other, building up tension between them. She as the maid, he as The Terrible. I love their characters and look forward to the next book.
September 23, 2022
This is hands down my favorite new series! I love the strength and intelligence Charlotte demonstrates. Nicolo fascinates me. He is smart and clever enough to recognize the skills Charlotte possesses. They are a formidable team. I hope the next book comes out soon!
October 2, 2022
Good story
This was a good story with interesting characters, and an assassin that’s in an interesting situation. Was well written, though a few edits needed. It’s a short read worth it - it does leave a bit of a cliffhanger …just know you’ll want to get the next book!
This was a good story with interesting characters, and an assassin that’s in an interesting situation. Was well written, though a few edits needed. It’s a short read worth it - it does leave a bit of a cliffhanger …just know you’ll want to get the next book!
September 14, 2022
YESSSSSS!!! My new obsession is Nicola! I'm gonna be completely greedy and beg for so much more than three books from this series! Mallory and Rain give ya just enough to leave you wagging for more.
September 21, 2022
a great first read!
Even better than I was expecting! Took me totally by surprise and I can’t wait to start the second book!!
Even better than I was expecting! Took me totally by surprise and I can’t wait to start the second book!!
October 6, 2022
This book was amazing! I enjoyed it from the very first page! The chemistry between the main characters was perfection! The ending was a doozy! Can’t wait for the next book!
October 10, 2022
A short novel, the story broken in the middle for the next book. Ugh!
October 24, 2022
Entertaining. At times a bit too much - if i read how virile Nicolo is one more time my eyes will roll out of orbit - but a fun take on the assassin falling for the target.
On to the next….
On to the next….
November 10, 2022
Holly shit.
This book surprised me.
This book. One big fuckin tease.
I know how Nicolo feels. Even I got frustrated!
I loved it 😍
This book surprised me.
This book. One big fuckin tease.
I know how Nicolo feels. Even I got frustrated!
I loved it 😍
January 2, 2023
Ehhhhh… I’m not sure if I liked the book or not.
January 28, 2024
Fast paced, adorable chemistry, twists and turns you never saw coming and sizzling tension- loved it! Can’t wait to read the second book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 14, 2025
“You worry about everything, my friend.”
“And you worry about nothing.”
“Yet see how much happier I am,” he pointed out
“And you worry about nothing.”
“Yet see how much happier I am,” he pointed out
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews