Red (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 2) by MK Harkins – Review by Stephanie Runyon

Red by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Merilee had messed up on her mission. She had been sent to Earth to help Ashley Adams find her soulmate, Harry James, who was a famous singer. Posing as Laura Vanetta, Merilee had become best friends with Ashley, keeping her safe from her stepmother, who had attempted to kill her. She had spent time with Harry’s best friend, George Sparks. George had fallen in love with Merilee. Ashley’s Guardian Angel, Zuriel, was furious because he now had to work with Merilee and Fannetta to keep Ashley safe from her stepmother and help George be open to love again. Merilee and Zuriel are not happy about working together.

George’s new roommate, Hunter, was desperate to get George out of his depression. Now at the University of California, George still wasn’t over, not knowing why Laura was just gone. After convincing him to attend a party, George spiraled further into depression by drinking every day and missing his classes for two weeks. Hunter warned him that he was on academic probation and was risking his dream of being a veterinarian. Hunter convinced him to talk to a counselor. Meadow was going to help him move forward with life.

Lily was staying at an Airbnb and worried she was going to fail with her plans. Her mother had wanted her to stay nearby and go to medical school. However, Lily didn’t want to be a doctor for people. She wanted to work with animals and decided to leave Washington to take the veterinary program at UCLA. While at Target, Ashley overhears Lily talking to the cashier. She offers Lily a room in her house.

During Ashley and Harry’s first anniversary, George meets Lily. They had so many things in common and agreed to meet at a coffee house for a date. The date goes well and extends all day. At the end of the date, they kiss passionately. Suddenly, George stops the kiss and tells her he has to leave and can’t see her again. Lily is hurt.

Red is full of suspense that is filled with tension on every page. Merilee and Zuriel seem to have a love-hate relationship that grows the longer they try to intervene in George’s downward spiral and refusal to admit his feelings for Lily. The emotional turmoil is easy to understand. There are some darker themes; however, the romance is appropriate for high school-age readers. This is a five star novel capable of being a standalone, despite being the second in the series.

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