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Once Upon a Rhyme #5
Baa Baa Black Market
Baa Baa Black Market... Have you any soul?
Brietta Drover has spent her entire life in the darkness due to her sensitivity to the sun and general lack of morals. To occupy her many days alone in her windowless room, she takes up a small hobby... Running an underground crime network for harvesting and trading illegal magic stones.
Business is booming in the underground market, until word spreads that Brietta's fiercest competitor has sent a spy to unmask her true identity. Most ladies would consider this a threat, but a good business woman sees it as a way to investigate her rival.
Dimitri has one mission. Get the true name of Lord Dame, and get back to his own Jewel Lord, Boy. He and Brietta share zero trust, but when they're forced to share an assignment, the true investigations can begin. Three bags of magic stones have been stolen from the Jewel Lords, but the culprit is as mysterious as the market itself. If one was stolen from each lord, who is really to blame?
Will Brietta be able to expand her reach? Or will Munster and Dame fall to Lord Boy's games?
Once Upon A Rhyme is a collection of clean, intercepting stories, best enjoyed when read as a series.
Brietta Drover has spent her entire life in the darkness due to her sensitivity to the sun and general lack of morals. To occupy her many days alone in her windowless room, she takes up a small hobby... Running an underground crime network for harvesting and trading illegal magic stones.
Business is booming in the underground market, until word spreads that Brietta's fiercest competitor has sent a spy to unmask her true identity. Most ladies would consider this a threat, but a good business woman sees it as a way to investigate her rival.
Dimitri has one mission. Get the true name of Lord Dame, and get back to his own Jewel Lord, Boy. He and Brietta share zero trust, but when they're forced to share an assignment, the true investigations can begin. Three bags of magic stones have been stolen from the Jewel Lords, but the culprit is as mysterious as the market itself. If one was stolen from each lord, who is really to blame?
Will Brietta be able to expand her reach? Or will Munster and Dame fall to Lord Boy's games?
Once Upon A Rhyme is a collection of clean, intercepting stories, best enjoyed when read as a series.
381 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 25, 2024
24 people are currently reading
129 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
October 25, 2024
Such a spectacular addition to the Once Upon a Rhyme series! The only book in the series I read before this one was Do You Know the Muffin Scam, and the broader world story made me anxious to start Baa Baa Black Market! After the ending of the previous book, I questioned how I could root for a morally grey character who seemed to be the cause of all the distress in the previous book... but Abigail Manning proved me wrong. I couldn't stop turning the pages. I loved everything about this: the tension, the mystery, the reveal, the conclusion! The ending compelled me to turn around and start the series from the beginning, and I'm now a devoted fan of this series! I can't wait for the next one!
August 22, 2025
Imagine The Godfather…except it’s a woman and it’s set in a magical world…
🖤fierce FMC
🐑daring and flirtatious MMC,
🖤reverse grumpy X sunshine,
🐑high stakes
🖤The Godfather mafia/black market lord intrigue
🐑Unseen enemies
🖤 Laugh out loud moments
🐑PLOT TWISTS
Oh my gosh!!! I absolutely LOVED this book! The rock puns and the Baa Baa Black Sheep puns were so funny and fit perfectly in the story! Brietta was such an interesting character and the conflict of the higher-ups in the black market gave The Godfather vibes so much! (Except Brietta was much kinder, lol). I loved how she cared about those under her and her romance story with Dominic…*chef’s kiss!* Her redemption story and her cleverness were simply AMAZING!! And Stirling…ahhh I have a new favorite character EVER! This is definitely my favorite book of the series.
🖤fierce FMC
🐑daring and flirtatious MMC,
🖤reverse grumpy X sunshine,
🐑high stakes
🖤The Godfather mafia/black market lord intrigue
🐑Unseen enemies
🖤 Laugh out loud moments
🐑PLOT TWISTS
Oh my gosh!!! I absolutely LOVED this book! The rock puns and the Baa Baa Black Sheep puns were so funny and fit perfectly in the story! Brietta was such an interesting character and the conflict of the higher-ups in the black market gave The Godfather vibes so much! (Except Brietta was much kinder, lol). I loved how she cared about those under her and her romance story with Dominic…*chef’s kiss!* Her redemption story and her cleverness were simply AMAZING!! And Stirling…ahhh I have a new favorite character EVER! This is definitely my favorite book of the series.
February 2, 2025
This one is my favorite out of the whole series so far. Throughout the whole series, there is a thing going on about the black market, and in this one! Oh, it was just so good! The guy was good, and the girl wasn't a little twerp. But Prince Soren needs a girl who loves rocks, and it needs to happen soon. And Sterling or Swilliam, or Swartholomew, whatever he calls himself now, needs a book this instant. He was hands down the best character; he was funny, loyal, and not the most handsome man in the room. There is so much more I could say, but I don't want to spoil anything. Though, I really wish the ending had a bigger reveal to all the other royals. Now I just have to wait very impatiently for the next book, that I have no idea when it's coming out next.
January 1, 2025
I have been LOVING this whole series! It is a sweet, no spice fantasy romance inspired by nursery rhymes! Each one has been so clever and the romance so adorable! This one gets to the heart of what has been going on in the kingdoms since the first book. So good!
June 16, 2025
With Baa, Baa Black Market, Abigail Manning pushed her nursery rhyme motif and her associated characters to new places, and she impressed me. The novel itself isn't perfect. Again, this is a case where I could split hairs and call it a 3.5-3.8. But Abigail's series has proven too enchanting and fun for me to be picky. Baa, Baa Black Market is no exception.
Brietta Drover is a fascinating character study. She's a trope, the morally gray antiheroine, the reforming villain. But she's a trope done well, in that villainy is not her entire personality. Brietta has reasons other than her black market dealings and personal knowledge of the underworld to distrust her "real" world. She tries to separate herself into the hardened jewel lord and the delicate lady of the manor, but they blend together more seamlessly than either Brietta or I anticipated. Her albinism and associated sun sensitivity disable her, but she doesn't spend the whole novel worrying about how she's perceived or how it affects her. (That last one might be a problem at times, but I'll get there). Brietta is truly a villain with compassion. Neither the "good girl" nor the "bad girl" is fake. I loved that for her and for Abigail.
Abigail does another trope more than its fair share of justice with the friendships and relationships between Brietta, Soren, Stirling, and Demitri. I won't go into these because they contain spoilers. What I can safely say though, is that they are refreshingly devoid of either overblown villainy or overblown heroics. There's not a real "romance" here as such. Instead, we get a true platonic friendship, and a romance built on vitriol and banter that is nonetheless understated and unexpected in how it grows and moves.
Abigail also did a good job with Brietta and friends' motives for being involved with or close to the black market. I adore a rescue story of any kind, and I'm always on board with true rescue and rehabilitation of children. Knowing that more than one main character had been one of those kids raised the stakes and provided some great sympathy without pity or pathos.
This said, the plot of Baa, Baa Black Market has a few "loose threads." The solution to the Munster, Dame, and Boy arc makes perfect sense once you see it. In the meantime, I had a pretty good guess about who Boy might be. Interestingly, I was half wrong and half right, because I was pulled between two options, which doesn't happen often. Yet, I easily got bogged down in who was who, when, where, and how the operation "worked" in the day to day. I'd have liked to see more clues and a clearer path in the mystery. I'd have liked the objectives to be clearer sooner.
Then there's the whole thing about Brietta being a "black sheep." It totally works for her antiheroine arc. But then she tries to bring her condition into it, with that same old "not like other girls" stuff. Again, I loved Brietta's sun sensitivity and albinism. I'd have liked to learn about and experience it more with her. And I love how Brietta wasn't gonna sit around and let that become her whole reason for being who she was or doing what she did. Yet, the representation felt thin, unfinished. So too, it did with Stirling. I guess what I'm saying is, look. I'm an "own voices" author and I *know* it's tough. But if you're gonna make characters disabled in any way, let them be disabled, full time.
Finally, I may have totally missed it, but I was unclear on exactly why Brietta got involved in working in the jewel mines and how she kept it secret for literal years. I mean, I understand the basic "why." She was an overprotected, naive, curious, lonely little girl. Great! But then she just drops into the mines and we don't see or know anything about it for years, except some dialogue in brief flashbacks. Okay. How did she cover her dual identity? How did she rise from "undercover orphan" to jewel lord? How did no one at home guess she was taking abuse in the mines? And not to spoil, but: her family disappears for the last third of the story and doesn't seem to care where Brietta went or why. What's up with that?
So, yeah. I probably could and should knock this down a star. But I find myself frustrated within my enchantment, because what works is too good. Abigail has put way too much time and thought into her settings and how jewel magic works. So the rating itself is a toss-up, but this "black sheep" of a book is still one with which you'll wish to cuddle.
Brietta Drover is a fascinating character study. She's a trope, the morally gray antiheroine, the reforming villain. But she's a trope done well, in that villainy is not her entire personality. Brietta has reasons other than her black market dealings and personal knowledge of the underworld to distrust her "real" world. She tries to separate herself into the hardened jewel lord and the delicate lady of the manor, but they blend together more seamlessly than either Brietta or I anticipated. Her albinism and associated sun sensitivity disable her, but she doesn't spend the whole novel worrying about how she's perceived or how it affects her. (That last one might be a problem at times, but I'll get there). Brietta is truly a villain with compassion. Neither the "good girl" nor the "bad girl" is fake. I loved that for her and for Abigail.
Abigail does another trope more than its fair share of justice with the friendships and relationships between Brietta, Soren, Stirling, and Demitri. I won't go into these because they contain spoilers. What I can safely say though, is that they are refreshingly devoid of either overblown villainy or overblown heroics. There's not a real "romance" here as such. Instead, we get a true platonic friendship, and a romance built on vitriol and banter that is nonetheless understated and unexpected in how it grows and moves.
Abigail also did a good job with Brietta and friends' motives for being involved with or close to the black market. I adore a rescue story of any kind, and I'm always on board with true rescue and rehabilitation of children. Knowing that more than one main character had been one of those kids raised the stakes and provided some great sympathy without pity or pathos.
This said, the plot of Baa, Baa Black Market has a few "loose threads." The solution to the Munster, Dame, and Boy arc makes perfect sense once you see it. In the meantime, I had a pretty good guess about who Boy might be. Interestingly, I was half wrong and half right, because I was pulled between two options, which doesn't happen often. Yet, I easily got bogged down in who was who, when, where, and how the operation "worked" in the day to day. I'd have liked to see more clues and a clearer path in the mystery. I'd have liked the objectives to be clearer sooner.
Then there's the whole thing about Brietta being a "black sheep." It totally works for her antiheroine arc. But then she tries to bring her condition into it, with that same old "not like other girls" stuff. Again, I loved Brietta's sun sensitivity and albinism. I'd have liked to learn about and experience it more with her. And I love how Brietta wasn't gonna sit around and let that become her whole reason for being who she was or doing what she did. Yet, the representation felt thin, unfinished. So too, it did with Stirling. I guess what I'm saying is, look. I'm an "own voices" author and I *know* it's tough. But if you're gonna make characters disabled in any way, let them be disabled, full time.
Finally, I may have totally missed it, but I was unclear on exactly why Brietta got involved in working in the jewel mines and how she kept it secret for literal years. I mean, I understand the basic "why." She was an overprotected, naive, curious, lonely little girl. Great! But then she just drops into the mines and we don't see or know anything about it for years, except some dialogue in brief flashbacks. Okay. How did she cover her dual identity? How did she rise from "undercover orphan" to jewel lord? How did no one at home guess she was taking abuse in the mines? And not to spoil, but: her family disappears for the last third of the story and doesn't seem to care where Brietta went or why. What's up with that?
So, yeah. I probably could and should knock this down a star. But I find myself frustrated within my enchantment, because what works is too good. Abigail has put way too much time and thought into her settings and how jewel magic works. So the rating itself is a toss-up, but this "black sheep" of a book is still one with which you'll wish to cuddle.
October 8, 2024
Yet again, Abigail Manning has taken a well known nursery rhyme and turned it into a diabolically clever tale full of twists and turns that the reader never sees coming. My favourite part about this book was getting to know the FMC, Brietta Drover. Brietta was born with Albinism, a condition that makes one very sensitive to the sun (the slightest touch of the sun can have devastating effects) and this leads Mrs Drover to be incredibly overprotective of her daughter, forcing her to live in a house with nailed down curtains and shadows galore. So Brietta decides to go deeper (“If they wanted to keep me in my pen, then they couldn’t blame me for exploring how deep it ran”) and finds herself working in the Black Market – an illegal marketplace that sells unrefined magic stones (only refined ones are legal) while leading a double life – Lady by day, Black Market entrepreneur by night and an expert at surviving on very little sleep!
The characteristic I love most about Brietta is her kind heart. She is by no means soft, but she has compassion and this makes her a protector of the weak (and all 4689 souls under her care!) She doesn’t allow her condition to define her or cripple her in any way, instead she uses the night-time hours to work in the Black Market in a way that is to everyone’s benefit. If she hadn’t had Albinism she probably would have done what every other Lady of her class does – get married and have children (not that there’s anything wrong with that) but her enforced separation from the sun leads her to explore the shadows and become an integral part of the underground network that sells “interesting rocks” and thrives on corruption and fear. And when she is able to change the way the Black Market works, she does just that. If I say more, I will venture into spoiler territory so we’ll leave it there, but suffice it to say that Brietta is one of the strongest and most memorable – and wonderful! – female main characters I have ever had the pleasure to meet and I hope to see more of her in future books.
It was fun to get to know the characters I’d met in previous books a little better in this one. Stirling (or Swobert / Swilliam / Sweginald …. whatever you’d like to call him, lol) played a pivotal role in Brietta’s story as did Prince Soren, and the new characters that joined the cast were fantastic! Especially Dimitri (heartthrob alert!)
Abigail is known for her intricate plot twists and this story didn’t disappoint! I don’t know how she comes up with such clever ideas but I certainly want her to keep them coming!
Triggers: Slight violence, some insults, a touch of captivity, child labour, nothing too hectic. The in world swearing was as clever as always and the banter was perfection – something I’ve come to expect from this master storyteller.
The book ended in a way I certainly didn’t see coming and it paved the path for the next two in the series. I wish I could find out what happens next immediately, but one thing is for certain – it will be worth the wait!
(This most likely goes without saying, but this book is part of a series and should not be read as a standalone. In order to understand it, you should read all 4 previous books in the series. If you have read them before, I would still recommend rereading at least 'Do You Know the Muffin Scam?' as certain characters and twists are introduced in that book, but it's up to you!)
The characteristic I love most about Brietta is her kind heart. She is by no means soft, but she has compassion and this makes her a protector of the weak (and all 4689 souls under her care!) She doesn’t allow her condition to define her or cripple her in any way, instead she uses the night-time hours to work in the Black Market in a way that is to everyone’s benefit. If she hadn’t had Albinism she probably would have done what every other Lady of her class does – get married and have children (not that there’s anything wrong with that) but her enforced separation from the sun leads her to explore the shadows and become an integral part of the underground network that sells “interesting rocks” and thrives on corruption and fear. And when she is able to change the way the Black Market works, she does just that. If I say more, I will venture into spoiler territory so we’ll leave it there, but suffice it to say that Brietta is one of the strongest and most memorable – and wonderful! – female main characters I have ever had the pleasure to meet and I hope to see more of her in future books.
It was fun to get to know the characters I’d met in previous books a little better in this one. Stirling (or Swobert / Swilliam / Sweginald …. whatever you’d like to call him, lol) played a pivotal role in Brietta’s story as did Prince Soren, and the new characters that joined the cast were fantastic! Especially Dimitri (heartthrob alert!)
Abigail is known for her intricate plot twists and this story didn’t disappoint! I don’t know how she comes up with such clever ideas but I certainly want her to keep them coming!
Triggers: Slight violence, some insults, a touch of captivity, child labour, nothing too hectic. The in world swearing was as clever as always and the banter was perfection – something I’ve come to expect from this master storyteller.
The book ended in a way I certainly didn’t see coming and it paved the path for the next two in the series. I wish I could find out what happens next immediately, but one thing is for certain – it will be worth the wait!
(This most likely goes without saying, but this book is part of a series and should not be read as a standalone. In order to understand it, you should read all 4 previous books in the series. If you have read them before, I would still recommend rereading at least 'Do You Know the Muffin Scam?' as certain characters and twists are introduced in that book, but it's up to you!)
October 21, 2024
Leading a double life is more than double the trouble
I’d never be able to maintain an alter ego. With my ADHD, my low self-awareness and my memory issues would give me away in a heartbeat. I’d forget to switch characters AND wouldn’t remember what I told to whom… 😊
Ooooooh…I really enjoy ethical dilemmas, especially surrounding the politics of tech & magic. Readers are taken on a journey that shows us magic *does* have beneficial applications. Yes, there are dangers; yes, there are prices to pay; but yet:
‘If only they could imagine all the wonders we could have at our fingertips if we were allowed to play with a fire instead of just the ashes.’
There are some other examples, but I don’t want to spoil the discovery process. Think of it like a scavenger hunt!
As far as the characters:
*I really liked how the prince didn’t speak down to Brietta for being a mere female as he explained his magic stone collection to her. He’s considered an expert in that field, so my take was that he assumed she wouldn’t be any more familiar with the details than her father was. I thought the author portrayed this aspect of the prince in a very realistic and kind fashion; he truly wanted others to learn about his passion rather than wanting to show off his knowledge. Imagine what we all could learn if people taught more like he did.
*I totally absolutely could not function in a world of saccharine manners. I don’t know how Brietta does it - and with such a straight face!
‘I said in a tone so sweet, I felt my teeth start to rot.’
Readers get to know her character a lot more since the author provides glimpses of Brietta’s inner thoughts. Gave her more depth (pun intended).
As much as I just LUV Brietta’s internal snark and Dimitri’s easy-going suaveness, Stirling has got to be my fave character. We all need somebody to keep us on our toes! And the Crown Prince’s interactions with his younger brother are a close second…
Some sage advice from the author:
Be more reckless than regretful.
‘Nothing is as safe as you think.’
Keep your head down and your eyes up.
‘He needs to prove that he sees your worth.’
[This goes for anybody at any given moment (business, family, romance, etc.)]:
Fave line (this tugged at my heart!):
‘There was some beauty in a sturdy stalk and useful leaves, but without a blossom pointing to the sun, there wasn’t anything to appreciate when you couldn’t admire how deep and intricate the roots were.’
While there are many dark elements to this tale, the author shows us over and again that there are always bright moments in our lives and that there really is light at the end of our proverbial tunnel. Sometimes, we need to dig deep into ourselves in order to fully comprehend and appreciate our talents.
‘I didn’t shine as well in the light as I did in the shadows.’
May we all find our personal element in which to shine.
I’d never be able to maintain an alter ego. With my ADHD, my low self-awareness and my memory issues would give me away in a heartbeat. I’d forget to switch characters AND wouldn’t remember what I told to whom… 😊
Ooooooh…I really enjoy ethical dilemmas, especially surrounding the politics of tech & magic. Readers are taken on a journey that shows us magic *does* have beneficial applications. Yes, there are dangers; yes, there are prices to pay; but yet:
‘If only they could imagine all the wonders we could have at our fingertips if we were allowed to play with a fire instead of just the ashes.’
There are some other examples, but I don’t want to spoil the discovery process. Think of it like a scavenger hunt!
As far as the characters:
*I really liked how the prince didn’t speak down to Brietta for being a mere female as he explained his magic stone collection to her. He’s considered an expert in that field, so my take was that he assumed she wouldn’t be any more familiar with the details than her father was. I thought the author portrayed this aspect of the prince in a very realistic and kind fashion; he truly wanted others to learn about his passion rather than wanting to show off his knowledge. Imagine what we all could learn if people taught more like he did.
*I totally absolutely could not function in a world of saccharine manners. I don’t know how Brietta does it - and with such a straight face!
‘I said in a tone so sweet, I felt my teeth start to rot.’
Readers get to know her character a lot more since the author provides glimpses of Brietta’s inner thoughts. Gave her more depth (pun intended).
As much as I just LUV Brietta’s internal snark and Dimitri’s easy-going suaveness, Stirling has got to be my fave character. We all need somebody to keep us on our toes! And the Crown Prince’s interactions with his younger brother are a close second…
Some sage advice from the author:
Be more reckless than regretful.
‘Nothing is as safe as you think.’
Keep your head down and your eyes up.
‘He needs to prove that he sees your worth.’
[This goes for anybody at any given moment (business, family, romance, etc.)]:
Fave line (this tugged at my heart!):
‘There was some beauty in a sturdy stalk and useful leaves, but without a blossom pointing to the sun, there wasn’t anything to appreciate when you couldn’t admire how deep and intricate the roots were.’
While there are many dark elements to this tale, the author shows us over and again that there are always bright moments in our lives and that there really is light at the end of our proverbial tunnel. Sometimes, we need to dig deep into ourselves in order to fully comprehend and appreciate our talents.
‘I didn’t shine as well in the light as I did in the shadows.’
May we all find our personal element in which to shine.
October 29, 2024
This is my first read in Abigail’s Once UponA Rhyme series. I already had one or so on my TBR, but adding all of them to it now. This was such an intriguing, funny, gripping read. I devoured this book. I never would have thought I’d love this as much as I did or how a book about a “black market” could be funny. This is a unique and whimsical blend of nursery rhyme, fantasy, and magic.
The characters leap off the page coming to life. They quickly endeared themselves to me and I found myself routing for a black market magic stone Lord quicker than I can blink! I wasn’t sure how or if Brietta would be redeemed, but despite the outcomes of the choices she made, she made them with the goal of saving and helping others. Stirling is an absolute treasure. He makes the most serious of situations funny and keeps Brietta on her toes. Dimitri is mysterious and determined to win Brietta over, but hides secrets that Brietta might not be ready for. I love the banter and onslaught of mixed feelings between Brietta and Dimitri. They are in ways a lot alike but have a totally different way of looking at things that compliments each other.
The plot of this had me spinning in circles. It was like walking through a maze. Twists, turns, surprises, and blinded sided shocks! There was plenty that completely took me completely by surprise. Abigail has a talent for getting you so focused on one area and the don’t think too deeply about other pieces and then 💥BOOM💥Surprise. Surprise. Then she twists and turns in leaving little clues or red herrings as to the identities of key players. Who is Lord Boy? Who is the Shattered One? I had my suspicions about their identities and went back and forth as the story progressed, but was still surprised at the end. And that ending! Whew. Perfect setup to make you need the next book in this series pronto! I have questions that need answers! This book leaves you hungry for more, and I can’t wait.
Every book of Abigail’s that I’ve read so far has been a magical wild adventure and each new book just gets better and better. If you haven’t read any of her books yet, what are you even doing? I highly recommend starting at the beginning of this series and reading through. I intend to do just that asap! Moving up on my TBR because I need more of this dark wild nursery rhyme world! I never would have thought to turn nursery rhymes into such interesting intense and morally grey fairytale like stories, but I’m so glad Abigail’s mind works that way. It is a magical and crazy ride that you don’t want to miss!
Things I loved:
He falls first
Hidden identities
Secrets
Spies
Stolen black market goods(3 bags full)
Hilarious oddball sidekick
Sleep stones
Enemies-to-lovers
Magic stones
“Taste my sleep stone!”
Strong Language: none
Violence: mild, nothing gory
Spice: none, just a few romantic kisses
The characters leap off the page coming to life. They quickly endeared themselves to me and I found myself routing for a black market magic stone Lord quicker than I can blink! I wasn’t sure how or if Brietta would be redeemed, but despite the outcomes of the choices she made, she made them with the goal of saving and helping others. Stirling is an absolute treasure. He makes the most serious of situations funny and keeps Brietta on her toes. Dimitri is mysterious and determined to win Brietta over, but hides secrets that Brietta might not be ready for. I love the banter and onslaught of mixed feelings between Brietta and Dimitri. They are in ways a lot alike but have a totally different way of looking at things that compliments each other.
The plot of this had me spinning in circles. It was like walking through a maze. Twists, turns, surprises, and blinded sided shocks! There was plenty that completely took me completely by surprise. Abigail has a talent for getting you so focused on one area and the don’t think too deeply about other pieces and then 💥BOOM💥Surprise. Surprise. Then she twists and turns in leaving little clues or red herrings as to the identities of key players. Who is Lord Boy? Who is the Shattered One? I had my suspicions about their identities and went back and forth as the story progressed, but was still surprised at the end. And that ending! Whew. Perfect setup to make you need the next book in this series pronto! I have questions that need answers! This book leaves you hungry for more, and I can’t wait.
Every book of Abigail’s that I’ve read so far has been a magical wild adventure and each new book just gets better and better. If you haven’t read any of her books yet, what are you even doing? I highly recommend starting at the beginning of this series and reading through. I intend to do just that asap! Moving up on my TBR because I need more of this dark wild nursery rhyme world! I never would have thought to turn nursery rhymes into such interesting intense and morally grey fairytale like stories, but I’m so glad Abigail’s mind works that way. It is a magical and crazy ride that you don’t want to miss!
Things I loved:
He falls first
Hidden identities
Secrets
Spies
Stolen black market goods(3 bags full)
Hilarious oddball sidekick
Sleep stones
Enemies-to-lovers
Magic stones
“Taste my sleep stone!”
Strong Language: none
Violence: mild, nothing gory
Spice: none, just a few romantic kisses
October 29, 2024
Reader’s Notes:
– this is part of a series & can be read as a stand-alone, however it’d be best enjoyed if Do You Know The Muffin Scam? were at least read beforehand
– this is told from Brietta’s point of view
– Brietta has albinism (direct sunlight hurts her skin & eyes much easier than normal people)
– there are mentions of black market leaders being cruel, even to children (the main character was a child around then; is mainly shown/told in flashbacks)
Review:
I don’t know why, but for some reason I thought this would be the last book with the characters we’ve met in this series. 😅 Which is definitely not the case based off that ending and I am so glad for it! I was constantly on the edge of my seat trying to figure out who was who and what other secrets were hiding in the shadows! Some of them I was able to guess a little bit ahead of the reveal, but not always. I loved getting to know Brietta and Stirling better and how they became friends. I loved the introduction of Dimitri and that he didn’t seem to stop flirting with Brietta. 😂 I loved that though they started as enemies, they came together to try and end the threat of their common enemy. And I loved that Brietta kept using her spark stone and that Stirling had his sleep stone throughout the book. 😂
Summary:
Brietta is considered fragile by her parents and those who have the rare chance to meet her as Lady Drover, the demure lady who suffers from severe sun-sensitivity. But none of them see the real Brietta because the real Brietta only comes out to play when she takes freedom for herself in the form of a notorious magic stone black market dealer.
When a spy from a rival comes crawling through her caves looking for the identity of Lady Dame and the ins and outs of her operation, Brietta takes it upon herself to get more information on the spy and his master. And when they discover a common thread between all the black market magic stone dealers, Brietta is wary of joining forces with Dimitri -the spy- but knows she can’t do it on her own. As the investigations deepens and the danger escalates, Brietta will find herself in a position she never thought would surface. But in the end she’ll do anything to keep what’s hers safe…
– this is part of a series & can be read as a stand-alone, however it’d be best enjoyed if Do You Know The Muffin Scam? were at least read beforehand
– this is told from Brietta’s point of view
– Brietta has albinism (direct sunlight hurts her skin & eyes much easier than normal people)
– there are mentions of black market leaders being cruel, even to children (the main character was a child around then; is mainly shown/told in flashbacks)
Review:
I don’t know why, but for some reason I thought this would be the last book with the characters we’ve met in this series. 😅 Which is definitely not the case based off that ending and I am so glad for it! I was constantly on the edge of my seat trying to figure out who was who and what other secrets were hiding in the shadows! Some of them I was able to guess a little bit ahead of the reveal, but not always. I loved getting to know Brietta and Stirling better and how they became friends. I loved the introduction of Dimitri and that he didn’t seem to stop flirting with Brietta. 😂 I loved that though they started as enemies, they came together to try and end the threat of their common enemy. And I loved that Brietta kept using her spark stone and that Stirling had his sleep stone throughout the book. 😂
Summary:
Brietta is considered fragile by her parents and those who have the rare chance to meet her as Lady Drover, the demure lady who suffers from severe sun-sensitivity. But none of them see the real Brietta because the real Brietta only comes out to play when she takes freedom for herself in the form of a notorious magic stone black market dealer.
When a spy from a rival comes crawling through her caves looking for the identity of Lady Dame and the ins and outs of her operation, Brietta takes it upon herself to get more information on the spy and his master. And when they discover a common thread between all the black market magic stone dealers, Brietta is wary of joining forces with Dimitri -the spy- but knows she can’t do it on her own. As the investigations deepens and the danger escalates, Brietta will find herself in a position she never thought would surface. But in the end she’ll do anything to keep what’s hers safe…
October 25, 2024
Before I begin, I would like to thank Abigail Manning for allowing me to read her upcoming book, Baa Baa Black Market which is part of Manning’s Once Upon a Rhyme series and will be available on Amazon on October 25th, 2024.
Brietta Drover has spent most of her life indoors due to her sensitivity to the sun. Behind the scenes, she is in charge of an underground network responsible for harvesting and distributing illegal magic stones. Her business is thriving until she hears that her greatest competitor is trying to spy on her territory. Dimitri is tasked to find Lord Dame’s real identity, and he and Brietta don’t trust each other at all. But three large bags of magic stones are missing from the jewel lords’ markets, and no one has any idea who could have done it. Can Brietta beat her competitor or will Munster and Dame’s markets collapse?
This book was fantastic. You have Brietta, a strong, clever, and talented young woman that is sensitive to sunlight and devoted to the people that she protects. You have Dimitri, a charming and handsome young man that works for Lord Boy and wants to protect the children under his employer’s hold. I love the banter between Brietta and Stirling as well as her and Dimitri. Manning did an excellent job of exploring the complexity of the situation that Brietta found herself in, trying to balance her medical condition and how she acted around others at home and underground to get what she needed. There were many twists that occurred throughout the story, and I enjoyed all of them. Overall, if you like nursery rhymes, complex characters, great worldbuilding, wonderful friend dynamics, great humor, and sweet romance with low amounts of spice, then I would highly recommend this book. Here’s the link for more information: Amazon.com: Baa Baa Black Market (Once Upon A Rhyme Book 5) eBook : Manning, Abigail: Kindle Store
Brietta Drover has spent most of her life indoors due to her sensitivity to the sun. Behind the scenes, she is in charge of an underground network responsible for harvesting and distributing illegal magic stones. Her business is thriving until she hears that her greatest competitor is trying to spy on her territory. Dimitri is tasked to find Lord Dame’s real identity, and he and Brietta don’t trust each other at all. But three large bags of magic stones are missing from the jewel lords’ markets, and no one has any idea who could have done it. Can Brietta beat her competitor or will Munster and Dame’s markets collapse?
This book was fantastic. You have Brietta, a strong, clever, and talented young woman that is sensitive to sunlight and devoted to the people that she protects. You have Dimitri, a charming and handsome young man that works for Lord Boy and wants to protect the children under his employer’s hold. I love the banter between Brietta and Stirling as well as her and Dimitri. Manning did an excellent job of exploring the complexity of the situation that Brietta found herself in, trying to balance her medical condition and how she acted around others at home and underground to get what she needed. There were many twists that occurred throughout the story, and I enjoyed all of them. Overall, if you like nursery rhymes, complex characters, great worldbuilding, wonderful friend dynamics, great humor, and sweet romance with low amounts of spice, then I would highly recommend this book. Here’s the link for more information: Amazon.com: Baa Baa Black Market (Once Upon A Rhyme Book 5) eBook : Manning, Abigail: Kindle Store
September 26, 2024
I have been waiting so, so, so long for Baa Baa Black Market and this book definitely did not disappoint!
I loved how Brietta was the lord of two Black Market branches (I loved reading about how shocked Dimitri, Soren and Alaric were when they found out!). She was such a great character who, although she had albinism, didn't just stay in her room and bemoan her fate. Instead, she broke into the Black Market and ended up becoming the lord of two branches! She was such a strong character who felt things really deeply and cared for all of the 4,689 people under her (I just love how that number is used so often throughout the book).
Dimitri was amazing! He was really kind and compassionate and, even though he had been captured and tossed in a sack, he still maintained such a positive outlook on life and found ways to flirt and annoy Brietta. I love how he always manages to escape from his cell and how good he is at using the unrefined stones.
This book was such a great addition to the Once Upon A Rhyme series. In this book, Abigail introduced a new villain! I'm curious about who the Shattered One is and I can't wait to find out his / her motivations for what they did.
I can't wait for the next book. Anyway, I can't wait to see where all of these characters go and hope that the rest of the series will come out soon!
I loved how Brietta was the lord of two Black Market branches (I loved reading about how shocked Dimitri, Soren and Alaric were when they found out!). She was such a great character who, although she had albinism, didn't just stay in her room and bemoan her fate. Instead, she broke into the Black Market and ended up becoming the lord of two branches! She was such a strong character who felt things really deeply and cared for all of the 4,689 people under her (I just love how that number is used so often throughout the book).
Dimitri was amazing! He was really kind and compassionate and, even though he had been captured and tossed in a sack, he still maintained such a positive outlook on life and found ways to flirt and annoy Brietta. I love how he always manages to escape from his cell and how good he is at using the unrefined stones.
This book was such a great addition to the Once Upon A Rhyme series. In this book, Abigail introduced a new villain! I'm curious about who the Shattered One is and I can't wait to find out his / her motivations for what they did.
I can't wait for the next book. Anyway, I can't wait to see where all of these characters go and hope that the rest of the series will come out soon!
July 3, 2024
WARNING: After reading this book, you will end up in a book hangover sure to last a minimum of three days. Proceed with caution!
Seriously though, I was HOOKED from the first chapter and binge read the entire book in just a few hours. I couldn't focus on anything else.
First of all, I LOVED having a FMC who was the crime lord of not just one, but TWO black market operations. with albinism, she needs to stay away from the sun, so Brietta doesn't just wallow in despair wishing she could see the sun. No, this brilliant schemer breaks into the elaborate underground labyrinth of illegal magic mining and takes over.
Then when the third competing jewel lord sends a spy to infiltrate her network, Brietta is forced to work with him and I CAN'T EVEN HANDLE IT!!!
The secrecy, the lies, the double life...
Then the plot twists!!! I always try to guess what plot twist Abigail Manning has in store with her new releases, and I'm ALWAYS WRONG. Whatever I think of is not even a fraction as cool as whatever she cooks up.
Romance is kept super squeaky clean but will have you swooning and it will pull on your heartstrings in all the best ways! And the ways she worked all of the bits of the nursery rhyme in... GENIUS.
HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommend this book for no-spice readers who like incredible world building with intricate magic systems, lots of crime and spies and underhandedness, and a swoony romance you will LOVE.
My new favorite book!
Seriously though, I was HOOKED from the first chapter and binge read the entire book in just a few hours. I couldn't focus on anything else.
First of all, I LOVED having a FMC who was the crime lord of not just one, but TWO black market operations. with albinism, she needs to stay away from the sun, so Brietta doesn't just wallow in despair wishing she could see the sun. No, this brilliant schemer breaks into the elaborate underground labyrinth of illegal magic mining and takes over.
Then when the third competing jewel lord sends a spy to infiltrate her network, Brietta is forced to work with him and I CAN'T EVEN HANDLE IT!!!
The secrecy, the lies, the double life...
Then the plot twists!!! I always try to guess what plot twist Abigail Manning has in store with her new releases, and I'm ALWAYS WRONG. Whatever I think of is not even a fraction as cool as whatever she cooks up.
Romance is kept super squeaky clean but will have you swooning and it will pull on your heartstrings in all the best ways! And the ways she worked all of the bits of the nursery rhyme in... GENIUS.
HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommend this book for no-spice readers who like incredible world building with intricate magic systems, lots of crime and spies and underhandedness, and a swoony romance you will LOVE.
My new favorite book!
October 13, 2024
Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Going into Baa Baa Black Market, I was intrigued to see how everything would play out. A lot has happened since book one and a lot of questions needed to be answered. Good news! Many were. However, now I have more questions because the mystery continues! Abigail Manning has had a way of keeping me interested and I am now fully invested in seeing how this series plays out and ends.
Brietta was a complicated character. She is a contrast of harsh and kind, dark and light. At first, I was worried I wouldn’t like her because I’m generally not fond of female villains. Brietta has enough depth and hidden kindness, however, to be able to relate to. Her love interest was equally as interesting and mysterious. He had an extra dose of charm and sass to contrast nicely with Brietta. Also, both characters are brilliant.
This story is a new favorite in this series, along side Little Bo Sneak. I absolutely love how in depth the storyline and mystery is becoming. Thank you to Abigail Manning for an ARC of Baa Baa Black Market. I honestly can’t wait to see what happens next and I’m hoping to see a certain chaotic man as the MMC.
No-Spice Level: 1
Language: Clean
Faith Elements: No
Tropes:
Hidden Identities
Charming Rogue
Captive and Prisoner
Forged Alliances
Going into Baa Baa Black Market, I was intrigued to see how everything would play out. A lot has happened since book one and a lot of questions needed to be answered. Good news! Many were. However, now I have more questions because the mystery continues! Abigail Manning has had a way of keeping me interested and I am now fully invested in seeing how this series plays out and ends.
Brietta was a complicated character. She is a contrast of harsh and kind, dark and light. At first, I was worried I wouldn’t like her because I’m generally not fond of female villains. Brietta has enough depth and hidden kindness, however, to be able to relate to. Her love interest was equally as interesting and mysterious. He had an extra dose of charm and sass to contrast nicely with Brietta. Also, both characters are brilliant.
This story is a new favorite in this series, along side Little Bo Sneak. I absolutely love how in depth the storyline and mystery is becoming. Thank you to Abigail Manning for an ARC of Baa Baa Black Market. I honestly can’t wait to see what happens next and I’m hoping to see a certain chaotic man as the MMC.
No-Spice Level: 1
Language: Clean
Faith Elements: No
Tropes:
Hidden Identities
Charming Rogue
Captive and Prisoner
Forged Alliances
October 27, 2024
I haven't finished this book yet. But currently, I don't like it. The storyline seems good and the characters are pretty good. The reason I don't like it has to do with the main female character.
If you are looking at this book as an accurate description of what someone with Albinism has to live like, you are mistaken. People with Albinism are not going to burn the moment a tiny bit of sunlight hits them. My brother has Albinism and he can go out into the sun. He can go swimming at the pool. He can do plenty of things. He does burn extremely easily, but if he covers up, uses sunscreen, and doesn't stay out too long, he's fine. In addition, most people with Albinism have eyesight issues. It has to do with the lack of pigment in their eyes. This main character does not have problems with her eyesight.
If the author wasn't trying to make this accurate, then it might be okay. But if this is supposed to be accurate, she missed the mark.
I will read other books by this author. But this one did not do it for me.
If you are looking at this book as an accurate description of what someone with Albinism has to live like, you are mistaken. People with Albinism are not going to burn the moment a tiny bit of sunlight hits them. My brother has Albinism and he can go out into the sun. He can go swimming at the pool. He can do plenty of things. He does burn extremely easily, but if he covers up, uses sunscreen, and doesn't stay out too long, he's fine. In addition, most people with Albinism have eyesight issues. It has to do with the lack of pigment in their eyes. This main character does not have problems with her eyesight.
If the author wasn't trying to make this accurate, then it might be okay. But if this is supposed to be accurate, she missed the mark.
I will read other books by this author. But this one did not do it for me.
October 11, 2024
Diamonds are not necessarily every girl’s favorite stone… at least in the case of kingdoms owning magical ones. This sorry and all the rest in this series capture readers attention with the idea of a world containing magical stones. Not only can they do amazing things, but they can also be harmful or dangerous. This fact leads to amazing plots in each one of these books.
Abigail has done it once again with Baa Baa Black Market! She revealed a kingdom, characters, and lifestyles that readers can really relate to on a personal level. I was totally engrossed in the reading of this book and can’t wait for the next one!
Not only does this story have a wonderful plot, but it also has subplots and twists. Abigail always does a wonderful job making sure that a reader is pleasantly surprised with the ending and the introduction to the next characters who continue on with the plot in the next book.
This is another wonderfully written book by Abigail Manning!!
Abigail has done it once again with Baa Baa Black Market! She revealed a kingdom, characters, and lifestyles that readers can really relate to on a personal level. I was totally engrossed in the reading of this book and can’t wait for the next one!
Not only does this story have a wonderful plot, but it also has subplots and twists. Abigail always does a wonderful job making sure that a reader is pleasantly surprised with the ending and the introduction to the next characters who continue on with the plot in the next book.
This is another wonderfully written book by Abigail Manning!!
October 21, 2024
WOW! WOW! WOW! This book was absolutely INCREDIBLE! I loved Brietta as a morally grey person and I loved how adept she was at running her market. There were so many twists and turns that kept me completely hooked onto this book from beginning to end. Abigail Manning managed to infuse the seriousness and gravity of the plot with some humour as well so that the darkness was not so overwhelming and the themes of darkness and light was cleverly incorporated. I loved Brietta and Dimitri's relationship - they're so well-suited for each other. I'm also really curious about Prince Soren and wondering whether he'll fall in love with the blood princess. I'm also really intrigued to know who the Shattered One is. There is just so much in this story and, although it was quite long, it didn't feel as though the author was just adding unnecessary words to fill the pages. I can't wait for book 6 to come out. Great job, Abigail Manning!
October 26, 2024
I'm disappointed in myself that I hadn't dove into this series before because this book was wonderful. Even though it is a series, there is no requirement to read the previous installments unless you want more background information on the world.
Brietta has a secret: she's not just the shutaway albino girl that is hidden from the sun. She's a huge part of the underground magic stone black market, a mass undertaking that involves protecting thousands of her workers. Unfortunately, her job becomes harder when stones go missing and rival jewel lord sends his spy into his territory.
The characters were so well-developed along with the world that I half-suspected that I could book a trip to it at any point. I love the little hints that were dropped along the way even though I had suspected the truth before it was revealed. I'm going to have to jump into the rest of the series to hold me over until the next book makes an appearance.
Brietta has a secret: she's not just the shutaway albino girl that is hidden from the sun. She's a huge part of the underground magic stone black market, a mass undertaking that involves protecting thousands of her workers. Unfortunately, her job becomes harder when stones go missing and rival jewel lord sends his spy into his territory.
The characters were so well-developed along with the world that I half-suspected that I could book a trip to it at any point. I love the little hints that were dropped along the way even though I had suspected the truth before it was revealed. I'm going to have to jump into the rest of the series to hold me over until the next book makes an appearance.
November 7, 2024
The intricately woven details and layers within the character build up will blow you away and have you holding onto your book without putting it down.
This can be read as a stand alone, but why would you Not read the others in the series?
The story is a clean romance and is full of sleuthing and intrigue. I loved getting to know all of the characters so much!
I loved that the female main character has a hardship that she only used to grow stronger and that she didn’t let a health issue weaken her or cause her to retreat away permanently from the world even though being in the world caused her pain quite literally.
Abigail Manning has done such an exceptional job weaving the fairy tale we grew up on all throughout bits and pieces of a whole new story and twist! She is truly gifted and I cannot wait to read her next book in this series!
This can be read as a stand alone, but why would you Not read the others in the series?
The story is a clean romance and is full of sleuthing and intrigue. I loved getting to know all of the characters so much!
I loved that the female main character has a hardship that she only used to grow stronger and that she didn’t let a health issue weaken her or cause her to retreat away permanently from the world even though being in the world caused her pain quite literally.
Abigail Manning has done such an exceptional job weaving the fairy tale we grew up on all throughout bits and pieces of a whole new story and twist! She is truly gifted and I cannot wait to read her next book in this series!
![Profile Image for Jacquelyn 💐 {This Rapunzel Reads} [Jesus Christ, my Living Hope].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1766269624i%2F169222098._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
September 12, 2025
🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
Well, that was interesting! It was a lot darker than the other ones dealing with the black market and so on. This was my least favorite in the series so far. Brietta is a very, unique character. I don’t think I’ve read a character quite like her before. Dimitri was very interesting as well. I couldn’t really figure him out until the end. I do think they both fit well together. I just didn’t enjoy them as much as the other couples. There was also a love triangle and I don’t like those. There were a lot of twists and turns and a good plot twist that I didn’t see coming. There was one sentence that I didn’t care for at all, but other than that, it was pretty good. But Soren made an appearance! He was delightful as usual and I can’t wait for his story! I can’t wait to read the next one in this series when it comes out on the 26th!
🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
Well, that was interesting! It was a lot darker than the other ones dealing with the black market and so on. This was my least favorite in the series so far. Brietta is a very, unique character. I don’t think I’ve read a character quite like her before. Dimitri was very interesting as well. I couldn’t really figure him out until the end. I do think they both fit well together. I just didn’t enjoy them as much as the other couples. There was also a love triangle and I don’t like those. There were a lot of twists and turns and a good plot twist that I didn’t see coming. There was one sentence that I didn’t care for at all, but other than that, it was pretty good. But Soren made an appearance! He was delightful as usual and I can’t wait for his story! I can’t wait to read the next one in this series when it comes out on the 26th!
🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
September 14, 2025
Nothing is as it seems
Secrets and hidden identities play a major role in this book. We learn more about the Jewel Lords and the Black Market… through the perspective of a Jewel Lord! Brietta is such a multifaceted character. I love her character arc. Dmitri is perfect for Brietta. After seeing a little of him in the last book, Stirling is also a compelling character. The story is revealed both in the present but also through flashbacks where we learn more about the original Lord Munster and the history of the Black Market. I also like that we learn a tiny bit more about what Lord Munster was really aiming for with Mary and her parent’s Muffin Shop. One of the best part about this series (besides the amazing storyline and great characters) to me is how everything interweaves and connects to the previous books. Clean in language and content. Highly recommend!!
Secrets and hidden identities play a major role in this book. We learn more about the Jewel Lords and the Black Market… through the perspective of a Jewel Lord! Brietta is such a multifaceted character. I love her character arc. Dmitri is perfect for Brietta. After seeing a little of him in the last book, Stirling is also a compelling character. The story is revealed both in the present but also through flashbacks where we learn more about the original Lord Munster and the history of the Black Market. I also like that we learn a tiny bit more about what Lord Munster was really aiming for with Mary and her parent’s Muffin Shop. One of the best part about this series (besides the amazing storyline and great characters) to me is how everything interweaves and connects to the previous books. Clean in language and content. Highly recommend!!
December 28, 2024
[4.5 stars]
I enjoyed the rest of the series, but was hesitant to start this book after discovering the MC is the black market villain. Though I don’t care for villain MCs (and these do have some gray in their morals), neither MC is the evil villain I thought they would be. Both have many redeeming qualities, and both are willing to sacrifice for what is right.
This was actually an awesome book up until the ending, where the cheese levels made it a little difficult to wade through. It’s still worth reading, just be prepared for a disappointing ending.
Content:
There’s no foul language and only a couple clean kisses. There is some violence but it’s minimal. There is magic. There’s no mention of faith or God.
I enjoyed the rest of the series, but was hesitant to start this book after discovering the MC is the black market villain. Though I don’t care for villain MCs (and these do have some gray in their morals), neither MC is the evil villain I thought they would be. Both have many redeeming qualities, and both are willing to sacrifice for what is right.
This was actually an awesome book up until the ending, where the cheese levels made it a little difficult to wade through. It’s still worth reading, just be prepared for a disappointing ending.
Content:
There’s no foul language and only a couple clean kisses. There is some violence but it’s minimal. There is magic. There’s no mention of faith or God.
October 16, 2024
"I might be a black sheep but even I knew when to draw the line before becoming a wolf."
Another great nursery rhyme retelling! I admit I almost wasn't sure what to expect with this one being as it was the black market and such which has not looked good from the other books, but I was so drawn in by Brietta and her story!
Brietta turned out to be so much more than just a jewel lord and I loved how much she cared about others and worried over those she ruled over in the market.
Magical stones, a secret black market, a friendly prince, a spy turned ally, and of course Stirling's (or Swedrick's) sleep stones all combine to make this one fun read! I definitely recommend it!
Another great nursery rhyme retelling! I admit I almost wasn't sure what to expect with this one being as it was the black market and such which has not looked good from the other books, but I was so drawn in by Brietta and her story!
Brietta turned out to be so much more than just a jewel lord and I loved how much she cared about others and worried over those she ruled over in the market.
Magical stones, a secret black market, a friendly prince, a spy turned ally, and of course Stirling's (or Swedrick's) sleep stones all combine to make this one fun read! I definitely recommend it!
October 23, 2024
Baa Baa Black Market
•
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's about a girl who is kept away from everything due to her sensitivity to sunlight. So what does she do? She becomes a crime lord in an underground black market dealing in magical stones.
•
This story had a bit of everything I was looking for. Strong female character=check. Intrigue=check. Funny dialogue=check. Clean romance=check. A chase scene through a garden=check. And as a bonus the main male character gets thrown in a bag. 😂
•
This is my first book I've read by @abigailmanningauthor
But it certainly won't be my last!! This book releases on October 25.
•
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's about a girl who is kept away from everything due to her sensitivity to sunlight. So what does she do? She becomes a crime lord in an underground black market dealing in magical stones.
•
This story had a bit of everything I was looking for. Strong female character=check. Intrigue=check. Funny dialogue=check. Clean romance=check. A chase scene through a garden=check. And as a bonus the main male character gets thrown in a bag. 😂
•
This is my first book I've read by @abigailmanningauthor
But it certainly won't be my last!! This book releases on October 25.
December 20, 2024
Brietta and Dimitri's romance was a surprise in this story since I thought it was going to focus on Soren, but I do hope the prince gets his romance soon as I have a feeling that the Once Upon a Rhyme series is not done yet. I can only imagine which nursery rhyme is going to be next because there is so much potential for nursery rhyme retellings and I would really enjoy to see more!
Back to the review on hand, the character dynamics were fantastic. The black market tension was an interesting choice for the Baa Baa Black Sheep retelling and it kind of fits like a glass slipper. Very well done!
Back to the review on hand, the character dynamics were fantastic. The black market tension was an interesting choice for the Baa Baa Black Sheep retelling and it kind of fits like a glass slipper. Very well done!
October 4, 2024
Continuing the pattern, Baa Baa Black Market has a overall different feel than each of the other OUAR books. Each book has its own personality, but relate the overall. Book 1 - negotiate lies to survive. Book 2 - adventure and sleuthing. Book 3 - mysterious big unknown. Book 4- more light hearted with gray morals. Book 5 - all out crime lord. With all the magic stones available, the sleep rock is my favorite. Clean language and no spice, safe for my daughters to read.
October 31, 2024
I absolutely loved every single word of this story. It is brilliant, both in plot and how it builds on each one of the previous books and ties them all together from Itsy Bitsy Spider until now. It gives you new breadcrumbs to digest and more characters to love. And an exceptional ending that leaves you desperately sad that you can't read more immediately and completely satisfied at the same time.
November 19, 2024
What an amazing story! Brietta is a lady but she has to hide because of her albinism. She ends up in the mines, working at night. When Prince Soren approaches her with an arrangement, she agrees. But things are dicey in the black market world and she has a flock to protect. Dimitri, a spy for her competitor, is charming. But can she trust him? Or who he works for?
An interesting tale with wonderful characters. Pulled me right in!
An interesting tale with wonderful characters. Pulled me right in!
October 26, 2024
Oh. My. Goodness. SO AMAZING!!!! Every time I'm amazed by how clever the author is at weaving nursery rhymes into intricate plots, and this one didn't disappoint. Morally gray characters? Check. Unexpected plot twists? Double check. A fun romance to go with? Yup, it's covered. This was the best book I've read in a long time.
November 3, 2024
(This review was written by my 16 year old daughter.)
I was very excited to get on this arc team. Considering that this is the fifth book in a series, it was really well done and I enjoyed it a lot.
I will say that I am not a fan of cocky heroes, but if that is your thing then this is the book for you.
I can’t wait for the next book, because Stirling is my favorite character.
I was very excited to get on this arc team. Considering that this is the fifth book in a series, it was really well done and I enjoyed it a lot.
I will say that I am not a fan of cocky heroes, but if that is your thing then this is the book for you.
I can’t wait for the next book, because Stirling is my favorite character.
June 9, 2025
This is my favorite in the whole series.
The whole series has been great but this book tops them all. Sterling had me laughing out loud throughout the entire book. He has been my favorite character of the entire series. Looking forward to the release of the next series so that I get to see more Sterling. ❤️❤️
The whole series has been great but this book tops them all. Sterling had me laughing out loud throughout the entire book. He has been my favorite character of the entire series. Looking forward to the release of the next series so that I get to see more Sterling. ❤️❤️
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