The Itsy Bitsy Liar

Once upon a Rhyme, Book 1

By: Abigail Manning

Narrated by: Jillian Yetter

What if the itsy bitsy spider could only weave a web of lies?

Lacey Arachne has been cursed since she was a child to only speak lies and wants nothing more than to keep it unknown. As a common handmaiden, she’s learned how to navigate her twisted words fairly well. But that all changes when her mistress makes her switch places with her in the prince’s bride competition.

Unable to refuse her mistress’s plans, Lacey is forced to play the role of a noble and compete in a competition she has no interest in winning. Well, at least that’s the lie she tells herself after she meets the charming Prince Carlex...

With the punishment for impersonating a noble being death, Lacey must blend in with the other competitors at all costs. But how does a bold-faced liar avoid standing out amongst scrutinizing eyes? Especially when her childhood enemy certainly doesn’t seem keen on letting her go unnoticed... Can Lacey untangle herself from the webs she’s crafted? Or will she be doomed to fall with the coming storm?

Once Upon A Rhyme is a collection of clean, intercepting stories, best enjoyed when listened to as a series.

©2023 Abigail Manning (P)2024 Northern Lake Audio

Original and Entertaining!

This was my first Abigail Manning's book, and won't be my last. This is the first book in the Once Upon a Rhyme, a series of interconnected standalone romances. Lacey and Carlex's story is original, complex and entertaining. Prince Carlex is handsome and supportive. Lacey is beautiful, strong and smart. They are perfect together. The world building is fascinating. I liked this sweet, clean and cute romance. I liked Lacey and Evie's friendship. Jillian Yetter did a great job bringing this story to life. I enjoyed it. Looking forward to listening to Evie's story in Little Bo Sneak, the next book in the series. #PFPAudio

Had me intrigued quickly

This story had me intrigued quickly. I honestly wasn't sure what path it would take, but I was captivated wondering how Lacey was going to fair in this bride competition. The movie 'Ever After'...well don't get me wrong it isn't that story but early on that movie flashed through my mind as it's been years since I've seen it...so if you're also a fan of it this story may definitely be for you given that. I was hanging on to every word as twists transpired and evil girls made their moves, wondering when the lie was going to blow up in Lacey's face, and how her and Carlex were going to survive the implosion, as it was so very clear they belonged together. Never fear they get their HEA, although it was definitely dicey there for a bit! I am definitely interested in other books in the series. Jillian Yetter was a new to me narrator and I enjoyed her narration of this book.

interesting

This story is charming and entertaining. The FMC is cursed with only to tell lies. It can be confusing to remember and keep tracks of them. The Challenges, lies, the secondary characters and witty banter makes this an enjoyable listen.
This story is clean, sweet, no vulgarity. I look forward to more stories by Abigail Manning.
Jillian Yetter narration is very entertaining.
#the flock on tour

Very Intriguing!

This ended up being a really good story. The beginning is kinda slow as they get everything set up and we get to know her situation. Ad the story moved along I became more intrigued in her situation. I liked the idea of this situation where she can only lie and her true feelings are kept hidden. It takes a bit to figure out what she really means when talking but really made me think while listening. I loved the different trials they had to go through. Very inventive! The narration by Jillian Yetter is well done.

This deserves to be the next YA bestseller. So fun & clever!

This is my new favorite YA audiobook. I loved everything about this YA fantasy adventure romance. I was completely riveted and entertained for the entire book. This novel is set in a fairy tale world of Renaissance-level technology in which gems are magical and can be used to curse people. Lacey is a 17-year-old commoner who was cursed when she was 5 by an evil duke who framed her father for theft. Lacey is cursed to never speak the truth, so she gets into quite the pickle when her noble friend Evie gets Lacey to take her place in an intelligence competition to marry the prince.

I love that the competition is nonviolent and the story is so clever. Not much angst, and there’s a little humor. Unpredictable plot twists too. This story has a happily ever after, and future books in the series will have different characters. The entire story is told from Lacey’s first person perspective. The minor characters of Evie and the prince are very likeable and multi-dimensional. I can’t wait to listen to more books by this new-to-me author, especially if they have the same amazing narrator. I highly recommend this book to all fans of YA romance or YA fantasy who would like a competition storyline where the teens and young adults are not trying to kill or maim each other.

Jillian Yetter gave a fantastic, perfect performance. Her voice sounds appropriately youthful for Lacey and the other young women, and her male voices are totally believable and pleasant as well. She has a lovely musical quality to her voice and just the right amount of perkiness and nervousness for Lacey at different parts of the story. She really brought the story to life and made every character sound distinctive. Jillian Yetter really impressed me with this performance, and I already bought some more of her work.

I requested and received a free audio copy via the publisher, and I voluntarily wrote this honest review. #TheFlockVIPReviewTeam #NorthernLakeAudio