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Ashes Audiobook (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Ashley Hasting

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Ashley Adams has had a rough life, and she feels that it will always be that way. Her stepmother owns a mortuary, and she has to work in it after school. She always believed she will be by herself. That is till she meets Harry. This famous popstar hid in mortuary and found love at first sight with a dead body nearby. Her stepsisters and mother are doing everything they can to get in the way. During all of this, there are fairies at work helping her have love. I love the romance, friendship, and drama in this story. Can’t wait for the next book!!

Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Ashley Hasting

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Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale, #1)Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ashley Adams has had a rough life, and she feels that it will always be that way. Her stepmother owns a mortuary, and she has to work in it after school. She always believed she will be by herself. That is till she meets Harry. This famous popstar hid in mortuary and found love at first sight with a dead body nearby. Her stepsisters and mother are doing everything they can to get in the way. During all of this, there are fairies at work helping her have love. I love the romance, friendship, and drama in this story. Can’t wait for the next book!!

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Ashes(Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins-Review by Heather Knalls

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Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale, #1)Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A modern Cinderella story. Ashley has been left behind with her stepmother and stepsisters when her father passed away. She has been moved across the country to help take care of a funeral home her stepmother has decided she open. Come to find out bad boy pop star Harry is about to start at the same school she goes to. Is she excited, indifferent maybe before she saves him from his crazy fans she could care less. Is falling for him in her cards? Harry is finally feeling normal when he is around Ashley but will that last or will things come to a screeching halt!

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Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Donya Pedigo

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Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale, #1)Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins is a modern retelling of Cinderella. This is a fun, fast, clean read that will capture the hearts of readers of all ages. This is the first book that I have read from this author but I assure you it won’t be my last.

Ashley Adams is tired of high school and all the drama that comes with it; she just wants to move on with her life and escape her stepmother so she can have some freedom. Until then she’ll spend her time taking care of the dearly departed that pass through the mortuary her stepmother purchased. Love isn’t even a blip on her radar, but fate or fairies have other ideas as singer sensation, Harry James crosses her path. He has recently been sentenced by the court to attend her public school for his senior year or face jail time, and since he doesn’t need anymore bad publicity he chooses school.

This is a charming take on a classic story. I’ve read and seen many retellings of Cinderella and I must say this is definitely on the top of the list. It’s common knowledge that a social pariah doesn’t belong with a rock star, but fate and fairies have different ideas. This is a fun standalone ya romance that is great for a lot of different age groups. I can’t wait to see what the rest of this series holds.

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Ashes Audiobook (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Codi Parham

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Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale, #1)Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Prince, a ball, and a little bit of magic. Harkins put the fairies in Fairy Tales! I absolutely loved this book about Ashley and her wicked stepmother. Modern, feisty, and super fun. Well written, interesting characters, best all around! Everything you would expect… with a twist! I cannot wait to see what happens next!

Ashes, Modern-Day Fairy Tale Series, MK Harkins, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, YA, Romance, Audiobook

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Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Heather Watson

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Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale, #1)Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first-time reading M. K. Harkins, and I was a little worried at first. The whole Cinderella story line wasn’t my favorite. I was glad to keep reading past that. Even though it had the same line it had a lot of twist and turns. I would really love to hear Harry’s song to Ashley. I liked all the details in this story. The hint of things going on this book were not telling but they all come together in the end. Ashley and Harry’s story can’t end here and I am ready to read more by this author.

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Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Amelia Stansell

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Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale, #1)Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Loved this book. It is the first one in the series. It is a retelling of a classic with a twist. I cannot wait to read the next ones. Ashley your normal high school girl doesn’t have time for drama or anybody, she just wants to finish senior year. Her home life isn’t the greatest. Her stepmom bought a mortuary and spend the money that should be Ashley’s, her stepsisters are the worst.
Pop sensation Harry James has been ordered to go to high school or go to jail. He lands at Ashley’s school. He runs into her at her house when he ducks into the mortuary to hide from fans. Her stepsisters only want Harry for the fame. Along the way the two fall for each other. Can a bit of magic help them get the ending they both deserve?

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Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Devon Pulliam

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Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Series Book 1)Ashes by MK Harkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A modern day Cinderella story. I actually forgot till the last few pages this book involved fairy godmothers working behind the scenes for Ashley to find happiness again and even fall in love.

When Ashley saved pop singer Harry from his fans I knew he was her knight in shining armor! He still wanted to hang with her even after sitting in a mortuary with her while she did makeup on a dead person! Then the High School “mean girls” thrown in and you have modern day high school! I love the spunkiness of Ashley and her attitude to just not care that got stronger at the end. Her telling her step sisters off made me laugh!

I loved the friendship Laura and Ashley had and the connection they had with the boys to. It felt relatable and real. Laura’s mom was the first to really notice there was an issue with Ashley’s step mother and living situation.

Truly you will have to read this book to fall in love with the main characters and the story!

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Ashes Audiobook (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Bethany Rucker

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Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale, #1)Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ashley Adams has shut herself off to people and the world around her. Harry James is a misunderstood popstar. Ashes is a cute Cinderella style story with its own cute little fairies twist. Will the fairies be able to do their jobs correctly? Will Ashley open up or keep her heart hidden and locked down? How will her stepmom and stepsisters affect her life? So many questions, that will all be answered in this story. This book was very fun to listen to and follow. Can’t wait to pick up the next story in this series.

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Ashes By M.K. Harkins Review By Cheyenne Huffman

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Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale, #1)Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ashes is a bittersweet, modern retelling of the classic fairytale Cinderella.

And what a charming read it was! Putting a modern spin on classic fairytales can go either way, depending on how it’s done, but this book delivered very well!

You follow Ashley Adams who is just trying to make it through high school, graduate, and get away from her stepmother and step sisters. When her father passed away he left a trust fund to her, however, her stepmother has put some stipulations on her receiving it. Ashley must graduate on time, work at the funeral home, and much more!

Insert Harry, the prince- or prince of pop in this story- sent to Redmond High for part of his probation he is instantly drawn to Ashley from the moment he sees her, and Ashley.. well she finally has found someone she relates to. Things are about to get interesting. 😉

I don’t want to give any spoilers so that’s all I’m going to say, but definitely worth the read if you’re a fan of retellings.

I found it was a sweet, swoon-worthy take on a classic and the romance progressed more naturally than most fairytales which was a bonus! The cute plot, great characters, and an overall great retelling.

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Ashes Audiobook (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Kayla Octaviano

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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Ashley and Harry are just two high school students trying to make it through the last 6 months of their senior year. Except Ashley works in a funeral home with her crazy step mother and evil step sisters, and Harry is a famous pop star sent there on punishment. This is not just another Cinderella story. There are intense plot twists that keep you hooked into this story up until the last word. Read this book, because I can’t wait to read the next one!

Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Lauren West

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Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale, #1)Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love the mix of all the modern day Cinderella tales! Some are sweet and some are spicy! This is a teenage semi-sweet version with lots of chemistry and angst. Ashley and Harry are great together, and it’s a cute retell.
Every Cinderella has her day and this Ashley’s. It’s quite the wild ride, but lovable all the same!!

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Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Daryian Lucas

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Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale, #1)Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4/5 Stars
This book is a retelling of the Cinderella and it’s pretty interesting. As an adult reading it, I had to remind myself that this book is meant for YA to not be too critical of it. This retelling of the classic story was one I haven’t seen before. It features a famous high school student and a student who works at a funeral home. I do think that it’ll be interesting to see how book two can continue on the story with the way this book ended. I’m not sure how the ending can be concluded in book two when the focus is on different characters. But I am interested in seeing!

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Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Wendy Wary

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Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale, #1)Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a sweet take on a romance that comes together despite seemingly impossible obstacles. There’s an element of fairy magic, but most of the story isn’t about fairies or magic, so that part was a bit confusing as to why it was included in the story at all; however, I’m guessing perhaps there’s more to that in future books. The fairy/magic element didn’t take away from the overall story, either, though, so it’ll be interesting to see that develop a bit more into the storyline. Despite that, it was beautifully written and the characters are easy to fall in love with or hate. Worth a read, for sure!

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Ashes Audiobook (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Kerry Baker

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I loved this book when I read it for the first time. It felt like such a fresh and imaginative way to retell a classic tale. So when I saw the audio book version I just knew I had to give it a try, and it was definitely worth it! I felt like I become so much more involved and invested in the character and the story. I found myself getting lost in the narration and pulled into the familiar story once more.

I enjoyed the fact that it really does feel like a new way to reinvent Cinderella, a story that has been told time and again. The author has done a brilliant job of making the story their own and the audio book brings that to life. This is a great book to try today.

Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale, #1)Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a wonderful YA story. I Loved that this is a play off of Cinderella. The characters are lively and I could empathize with them because they are so realistic. I liked that Ashley worked in a mortuary and lives with evil stepmother. How different yet Intriguing. Harry I was prepared not to like but somehow the author made me change my mind. I ended up really enjoying his kindness and thought process.

The ending give an implication that there will be another story either more of these two or another couple. Either way I will check it out. The writing is easy to read and flows very nicely. This is filled with drama, cliques an surprises. I enjoyed every second.

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Ashes Audiobook (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Jenique Bornman

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Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale, #1)Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When an author does a fairytale retelling it can go wrong or like in this case it can go AMAZINGLY RIGHT.

This modern day retelling of Cinderella was done with respect to the original. The storyline took some twists from the original that just made this book even better then I thought it would be.

Be warned there is some heartwrenching parts that will make you ugly cry. But it’s totally worth it.

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Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by La Toya Lewis

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Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale, #1)Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ashes by MK Harkins is a modern-day retelling of the Cinderella fairy tale. Ashley is an outsider that gets bullied by her peers at school and is disliked by her stepmother. Harry is the “bad-boy” pop star attending her high school while he cleans up his act. They find that they have an instant connection when she hides hum from fans but it remains to be seen if they’ll be able to stay together. This is a pretty good read. I like the relationship between Ashley and Harry. The book has nice twists to keep it interesting. There is a good amount of character development, especially for Harry. This is a very good retelling of Cinderella. If you enjoy modern-day fairy tales, you will enjoy this book.

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Ashes Audiobook (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Sunday Barnaby

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Ashes (A Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins
Narrated by Michelle Shure
Five Stars

This book sucked me in from the very first chapter. It is a brilliant modern day Cinderella Story. Ashley and Harry make such a great couple. This book had me laughing out loud one minute and wanting to throw my phone at the wall the next. This is the first book I have listened by this author. I’m looking forward to listening to the rest of the books in this series.

This is also the first time I have listened to a book narrated by Michelle Shure. I really enjoyed her voice. It made the story flow and brought the characters to life.

Review by @sunbarn

Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Bobbi Wagner

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Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale, #1)Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed reading this young adult story. This is not my first book by this author but it is one of my favorites yet. One of the things I enjoy most about this author is her ability to pull me into her stories from the start. Her characters are connectable and bring the story to life on each page. This story is no different. This is a well written story that will make you question fairytale magic. Does it have a place in life or is it just that a fairytale? This is a fast paced story that I had a hard time putting down. It is an engaging story where the character’s growth is great. They have great chemistry and are supportive of each other throughout. This is a great story that I truly enjoyed and look forward to seeing what is next for this author. I highly recommend this book.

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Review by @bjwagner

Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Ashley Johnson

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Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale, #1)Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really liked this book! I finished it in one setting. The characters were amazing and the villains were exceptionally villainous. I loved that yes, it was a Cinderella retelling but it was original. The fairy Godmother story was my favorite part. I need more of that. I’m excited for the next book!

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Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Felicia Bates

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Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale, #1)Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have mentioned in reviews before that I shy away from main characters in their teens because I find them immature and whiny… I suppose that’s a sign of a well written character as immaturity is part of our teen years but there is often something off putting about it. ANYWAY, MK Harkins is an author I’ve read and loved in the past so I decided to take a chance. Ashes was a fun, easy to read, modern day spin on Cinderella. I thought the characters were actually really well written with supporting characters being just as charming as the main. I feel like this author did a great job proving to me that all YA fiction is not the same and retelling a classic tell can be unique and enjoyable. I really enjoyed feeling as though I knew about and cared for the characters and I felt like I was there right in the halls or high school with the vivid imagery.
I would definitely recommend giving this book a chance for a fun escape from your day to day and I look forward to reading more.

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Ashes Audiobook (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Shelly Kittell

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5 out of 5 stars
What a wonderfully original retelling of Cinderella. I found the story to be relevant to today’s world. Ashley is a strong and brave young woman. She has a battle ahead and she takes no guff. I found the interactions with the characters, such as the M & M’s, Veronica, Laura, and Harry James were so relatable. The plot twist of solving the poisoning and attempted murders was a great twist. The narration was good. I did feel it could have used a bit more variation of voices. A fun audio read for any age.

Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Rachel Moss

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Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale, #1)Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a cute read! This is a (sometimes morbid) re-telling of the classic story Cinderella. It’s set in a modern time, with a teenage pop star instead of a prince. This is definitely a YA book, you can tell mot only in the content but also in writing style. I enjoyed reading this book as it was different than other reimagined stories I’ve read in the past. This is the first time I’ve read this author before and I’m excited to read more stories from her in the future.

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Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Santana Hicks

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Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale, #1)Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ashley is in her senior year at Redmond High School. Her father passed away a year prior leaving her to live with her step mother and two step sisters. Her father left her a trust fund to go away to college but with one stipulation, she must graduate on time. Ashley’s step mother, Veronica, will stop at nothing to get that money for herself. She puts Ashley to work in the family funeral home and only gives her the bare minimum time to complete anything else outside of work.

Harry James, a famous pop star, has gotten into a lot of trouble. His sentence included finishing high school with no more trouble and out of the spotlight. Redmond High School has a really good basketball team so that is the school he decides to serve his sentence out.

Cue the meet cute in the funeral home no less. Instantly there are sparks but the universe seems against them being together.

Everyone loves an old fashioned fairy tale, especially the classics. This book is a modern take on Cinderella and I loved it. Cinderella was one of my favorites when I was a child but this book made it more relatable.

Ashley and Harry are so different from each other yet so similar at the same time. Ashley is hardened by the loss of her father, she no longer believes in love and has so many walls up that she seems indifferent to everything. She is sassy, honest and will say what’s on her mind even if it will get her into trouble.

Harry is a charismatic guy who has trouble disappointing people. He will go out of his way to make everyone else happy, even at the expense of his own happiness. Being thrust into the spotlight at a young age made him lose himself and he has become a shell of what he once wanted to be.

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Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by m Policicchio

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Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale, #1)Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When I read the blurb about this story, I was kinda interested and thought I would take a chance on something a little different for me. Well, call me hooked. The story is fabulous. I love the way the threads of the classic are woven into the modern. It is not a simple retelling, it is more of reinvention of the fairytale genre.

Ashley Jones is still lost in the grief of her father’s recent death when her step-mother moves her to Washington State for an investment opportunity. Ash starts working for the family funeral home. This makes high school super fun (note the sarcasm). Ash is isolated until Laura moves to town.

Harry James is a pop star. Harry and his best friend accidentally burned down their high school chem lab. As part of Harry’s probation, he must attend and graduate from a normal high school. Guess whose school he attends. From the moment Harry first meets Ash, he knows she is different. She doesn’t care about his superstar status. He can be himself, the real him, with her. As their friendship develops, obstacles and people try to prevent them from being together. It looks like disaster for Ash and Harry.

Like the magic in this modern reinvention, any reader will be put under the spell of this author and her fantastically woven tapestry. Awesome series!!

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Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Katy H

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Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale, #1)Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a modern-day telling of Cinderella. There have been dozens and dozens of Cinderella themed books over the years. I can’t say I’ve ever come across one where the girl that is comparable to Cinderella works in a funeral home doing makeup. The singer/dancer for Prince Charming has been done.

Ashley is an outcast at her high-school….mainly for one reason. That reason? She works in a funeral home giving makeovers to the newly departed. Harry is the Prince of Pop with the bad boy image to go with it. He’s sent back to high-school as part of his probation. His crime? Setting a school chemistry lab on fire. At least he has his best friend, George Sparks, there to keep him out of trouble…. or can he?

Ashley is a relatable character. She isn’t flat and monotonous. She has character, attitude which comes out more than once and a great personality.

Definitely a good read.

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Ashes (Modern-Day Fairytale Book 1) by Mk Harkins-Review by Caitlin Weiss

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Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale, #1)Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ashes is a great modern day retelling of Cinderella. Ashley doesn’t believe in love. She pushes people away before Ashley can be rejected. This story still has the evil stepmother and stepsisters from the original Cinderella. This time, they are more diabolical by using baked goods to kill people. Thankfully, Ashley meets Harry, her prince charming. I love that their relationship survives all of the obstacles that are thrown their way. Also enjoyed the fact that Ashley’s friend Laura was actually a fairy that helped her find love. Ashes is great for anyone who loves fairytales and romance books.

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Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Robin Rankin

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Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale, #1)Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Series Book 1)

This a modern day Cinderella with a much darker vibe and I enjoyed every moment of it.

Ashley lives with her step mother and step sisters who do everything possible to make Ashley as miserable as humanely possible plus a little more for good measure. But the suffering doesn’t end there, she has to deal with it at school as well.

Harry isn’t perfect, he doesn’t stand up for himself or his happiness.  He meets Ashley and all of that changed for him.

You would think the story would go as expected but I think that would have made a pretty predictable story and this was anything but.

I can’t wait for the next book to be released,  I need to know what happens next for Ashley and Harry but also need to read how George finds his happiness.

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Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Amber Howard

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Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale, #1)Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely loved this modern twist on Cinderella. Ashley has such a good heart. I rooted for her and Harry from the moment they met. Every time something happened that made it harder for them to be together I groaned lol. Ashley step family shocked me the most. The lengths they went through to get her trust was insane. I cannot wait to read the next installment. If you’re into fantasy, fairy tales, action with a bit of mystery then this book is definitely for you.

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