This fairy tale retelling was seriously so good! I really enjoyed it and was surprised at how easy to read and relate to the story it was based off of. While it says YA it really was a good book for any romance fairy tale lover! Well written and had me wanting more and more! This author is another new one for me and she was definitely added to my list of favourites! She has a true gift! Ashley was just someone you couldn’t help but love and root for! Definitely worth every minute of the read!!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00April McCoyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngApril McCoy2022-08-30 20:44:432022-09-02 07:16:57Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by April McCoy
I love all things fairy tale retellings and this one was no exception. The characters were well developed and the situations were relevant to today’s society and what kids have to deal with. This is a great beach read that once you start you find you may finish it in one setting.
Ashley is the high school pariah, a social outcast that works with dead bodies to boot. A constant target for the popular crowd Ashley has but one best friend that seems like fate brought them together and maybe that’s not so far from the truth. Life is going to plan, avoiding her evil step mother and step sisters, to finish school and finally be free of them all with a little boost from her dad. Then enters Harry James, mega celebrity, who has been ordered back to high school after a few very bad decisions landed him in front of a less than sympathetic judge. Now all the girls are chasing him except the one that interests him the most. With all the forces working against them can Harry and Ashley ever make it to their happily ever after?
In this modern day Cinderella retelling, Harry and Ashley must fight against all the forces that are pulling them apart. With a little bit of meddling behind the scenes can they overcome not just the evil step mother and her nefarious plans but also a controlling publicist and popular girl determined to find her own fame. This is a very fast read but there is action from the very first page. I absolutely loved this book and cannot wait to see what happens next for the other characters!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Vanessa Wattshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngVanessa Watts2022-08-30 18:50:572022-09-02 07:14:09Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Vanessa Watts
In this different telling of Cinderella. You meet Harry and Ashley. A pop star and a high schooler stuck in Ashley’s house where it is a mortuary. Trying to hide from screaming fans Harry drops into the mortuary, and meets Ashley the social outcast. Ashley who cares not what others think of her, is not too thrilled to meet Harry. He turns her world upside down, and puts her into the spotlight. Meeting roadblocks at every turn Ashley struggles with her growing feeling for Harry. This story was written very well, and was very cute. I’ll be reading this to my daughter when she gets a little bit older!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Crystal Jimmohttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCrystal Jimmo2022-08-27 23:06:022022-08-30 11:04:18Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Crystal Jimmo
This was a great read – I really enjoyed it. It was easy to read and I read it fairly quickly. The pace and flow of the story was good and I liked the characters, the author did a great job of making them relatable and I found I connected with them easily. From the synopsis it was clear this is modern day retelling of a fairy tale and we all know how they go so whilst yes the story may have been a little predictable it was still a beautiful read. Overall an enjoyable read and one that I would highly recommend – I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Katie Matthewshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKatie Matthews2022-08-26 08:42:162022-08-30 10:26:31Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Katie Matthews
Fairy magic has no place in the modern world – or does it?
Ashley Adams doesn’t have time for haters. Already too busy dealing with dead bodies after her stepmother purchased a mortuary, she is ready to put the lid on her judgmental peers and finally bury her high school experience. Falling in love was the last thing on her mind.
Too bad fate had other plans when the local celebrity lands in her life.
Pop sensation Harry James is ordered by the court to attend public school for his senior year or face jail time. He can’t afford any bad press if he wants his summer tour to go ahead. But when he ducks into the mortuary where Ashley works to escape a mob of fans, he wonders if he is chasing the wrong dream.
High school mean girls, a controlling publicist, and scheming stepsisters want to keep Ashley away from Harry. After all, everyone knows the popstar doesn’t belong with the social outcast.
If only they had some fairy magic to help them find their happy ending…
Ashes is a fun and snarky standalone YA romance. If you like captivating characters, emotional twists and turns, Fairies and Cinderella retellings, then you’ll adore MK Harkins’ fast-paced tale.
MK has always been a voracious reader. After hitting a dry spell of reading material, she decided to write the kind of book she’d like to read. This resulted in the creation of her debut novel, Intentional. (Award for Best Sweet Romance – eFestival of Words- August 2014) Unintentional, Breaking Braydon, Taking Tiffany, The Reader, Famous by Default, soon followed. The follow-up to The Reader, The Jack, released August 2018.
Ashes, the first book in a new series of modern-day fairy tale retellings released in May 2022. (Five more books in the series to follow)
When she’s not writing novels, she likes to spend her free time traveling the world, splashing in mud puddles (She lives in Seattle, what can she say?), watching movies and reading (!) She LOVES to hear from her readers!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Ashes_Audible-copy.jpg12001200itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2022-08-26 00:03:062022-09-05 17:02:45Ashes Audiobook (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins
This is the first book I have read from this author and she now has a new fan. I love a good teen romance but she exceeded all my expectations. This is the first book from the Modern Day Fairy Tale series. I was hooked from the first page and I could not put it down. I would love to see this on the big screen one day. I can’t wait to see what she is going to write next.
Ashley Adams is not your typical girl. She helps her evil step mom at the mortuary. Ashley has only a couple of friends because she is an outcast. She has heard that a very famous Harry James is coming to her school. Ashley runs into him by accident and they start to click. She vows not to fall in love because it will lead to heartbreak. Ashley wants to graduate and go away to college but she can’t stop these feelings that she has. Will Ashley get her happily ever after or will she be stuck with her evil stepmother?
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Heather Basshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngHeather Bass2022-08-24 03:49:382022-08-24 10:20:13Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Heather Bass
This was a truly captivating read! I really enjoyed this take on Cinderella. Reading different interpretations of fairy tales is always fun, seeing how the author decides to change it up or make it more modern. From the prologue to the epilogue, Ashley’s story is one that we’ve read or seen more than once, in various retellings of Cinderella, but it is by no means the exact same. The bones of the story were recognizable, but the rest of the body of the story was truly unique and beautiful. Ashley and Harry’s relationship was tested for sure, but isn’t everyone’s? If you enjoy reading modern fairy tales, this is definitely a must read!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jo Frizzellhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJo Frizzell2022-08-23 03:24:472022-08-23 15:14:55Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Jo Frizzell
This was a nice easy read for me as I get ready for the upcoming school year! I love the modern-day retelling of fairy tales and this did not disappoint me in the slightest! This book reminds me a lot of the Cinderella Story movies from my childhood, particularly the first one with Hilary Duff and Chad Michael Murray.
I love the character of Ashley, I particularly admire how strong she stays despite all of the issues she faces in her life. The character of Harry was different from other ‘Prince Charming’ characters I have read in the past, dealing with plenty of his own issues and I loved reading the chapters in his point of view.
I also love how the side characters and villains were written, each character given a good amount of detail into their lives. I can’t wait to see what the author comes up with in the next book in the series!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kayla Kearneyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKayla Kearney2022-08-22 18:24:582022-08-23 15:12:05Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Kayla Kearney
Overall I liked this book. I really liked the story idea of twisting a classic fairytale. I was drawn to this book because I love twisted fairytales and the cover is beautiful. Parts of it were a little awkward, but I would definitely read more by this author, especially if they were more twisted fairytales!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shai Floreshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShai Flores2022-08-22 01:46:352022-08-23 15:02:43Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Shai Flores
Ashes is a spin on a classic, Cinderella. Ashley works in her step-mother’s mortuary, not because she wants to but you know how that goes. Then, the charming bad boy pop star, Harry James, stumbles into her high school. Awesome take on Cinderella. I adore the characters.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jasmin Slaglehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJasmin Slagle2022-08-20 11:09:092022-08-20 14:36:22Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Series Book 1) by M.K. Harkins Reviewed by Jasmin Slagle
Ashes was cute! Another twist on “Cinderella.” I’ve read this author before and I like what is done with the fairytale we are used to. The spin the author puts on it. I encourage everyone to check this author out. Now for a little back story. Ashley, your girl next-door type. Unfortunately she has an evil stepmother and two evil stepsisters. Still a minor and left in her stepmother’s care whe. Her father passed, Ashley is just trying to get through her senior year. This way she gets her trust, leaves for college, and never has to return to the wretched funeral home run by her stepmother. Seems easy, right? Not so fast because stepmonster Veronica wants to get her hands on Ashley’s trust. Only for her to be successful at that is sabotage. Harry, a fallen rockstar, who has been banished by the courts to finish high school in a secluded Washington State town to make up for crimes past. Never did he expect to meet the one person who would turn his life upside down. Ashley is a breath of fresh air, unfortunately nobody wants them together. It’s even been as far as to be court ordered as a stipulation of his probation. Will Ashley and Harry survive? Does Veronica succeed? Like I said early on, this author does a nice job of putting twists on the everyday fairytale. This book as well as the others written are highly recommended!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Beverly Place-Finniehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBeverly Place-Finnie2022-08-19 22:37:412022-08-20 14:26:57Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Beverly Finnie
Ashley doesn’t believe in love due to all she’s been through. She’s lost both of her parents before her high school career is even over. She is left with her stepmother and stepsisters who want nothing more than to take the last of what she has left, the inheritance her father left her. The fairies see this and decide they need to step in and turn things around so that Ashley can have her happily ever after. When superstar Harry James is ordered by the courts to either attend public school or spend time in jail he ends up at Ashley’s school. Of course every female in the school flocks to him like a moth to a flame, but Ashley keeps her distance. As the social outcast of the school how would she ever stand the chance of getting his attention? And how will the magic be cast without breaking and of the rules the Queen Godmother and those before her are sure to enforce?
This was the first book I have read by this author and I truly enjoyed it. A modern twist on a classic that we all know and love.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Charlisa Wahtomy-Albahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCharlisa Wahtomy-Alba2022-08-19 22:08:212022-08-20 14:25:51Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba
This is definitely one of the better retelling of Cinderella that I have read. I was hesitant to give it a go at first but I am glad I did. The characters were brilliant, they really made the book for me. Their connection was instant and believable. I loved watching the connection grow as the story developed. I thought the book was well written. Easy to read but caught my attention. This is a great story that I thoroughly enjoyed.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Bakerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Baker2022-08-19 16:07:132022-08-20 14:15:30Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Kerry Baker
The synopsis attracted me to this book, but then I was absolutely hooked from the prologue! There was the perfect amount of magic and reality sprinkled into this story, and I absolutely loved the characters. Ashley has such spunk and personality! I wish I had been more like her when I was in high school. This retelling of Cinderella was such an easy read and had enough twists and turns to keep me captivated with the story. I definitely recommend this book and am now going to read more from MK Harkins!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Sara Granthamhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngSara Grantham2022-08-19 08:54:082022-08-20 14:02:26Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Sara Grantham
This was a good 4 star read. This was a fun spin on Cinderella. Veronica has to deal with bullies at school and she only has one friend. Things get interesting when a pop star is forced to attend her school Unexpectedly Veronica ends up helping Harry and the sparks fly from there. How will their story end?
Overall this was a good read. I enjoyed all of the characters. There are twists and turns that make you wonder just how things will turn out. If you’re looking for a modern day twist on Cinderella you will enjoy this book. I look forward to reading more from this series and author. 1-click and get started today.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Michelle Austinhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMichelle Austin2022-08-18 21:45:042022-08-20 13:42:20Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Michelle Austin
I cannot tell you the last time I read a book that hooked me from the very first page. Ashes is one of those books. The books that you don’t want to put down from the very first word you read. I have to admit, I loved beyond belief the playlist that starts out this book. Before I could continue reading, I had to go play every one of the songs listed to get the vibe that the author was trying to portray. Then I picked the book back up and proceeded to read it in one setting. This book is a fairy tale complete with fairy godmothers, evil step mothers and wicked step sisters. It also has an orphan who has walled her heart off from anyone and everyone from getting close to her ever since her dad died. Oh and to top it off Ashley (our main character) is a social outcast because you know working and living in a funeral home will do that to you. But when a pop star crosses her path, she just might consider letting her guard down. Except, those step sisters I mentioned are planning on dating him and Ashley has been explicitly told to stay out of his way. But with a little help from a fairy godmother things just might be turning around for Ashley.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Christinehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChristine2022-08-16 19:16:512022-08-17 08:02:59Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Christine Baranek
Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins. I loved this light hearted retelling of Cinderella. Its the story of Ashley Adams who is being tormented at school by bullies and at home by her step mom and step sisters. Enter Harry James the worlds most famous young pop star and things begin to look up. Harry is having to go to public school because he got in some trouble and his punishment is to attend a normal school. To get rid of bad press and save his popularity with the fans. Ashley intends to keep a low profile because she has given up on love and pretty much life so when Harry runs into her trying to get away from fans she is shocked she actually likes him. As Ashley and Harry spend more and more time together feelings grow deep and when its time for Harry to leave her school and go back to his real life will he break Ashley’s heart again? This is a great modern version of Cinderella.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tausha Treadwayhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTausha Treadway2022-08-16 19:13:102022-08-17 08:02:18Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Tausha Treadway
This modern day fairy tale retelling really had it all. Based off of Cinderella this novel was so good I couldn’t put it down, however I am a sucker for fairy tale retellings. This book was full of great characters , magic, romance and so much more that I couldn’t help but give it five stars. This is my first novel by this author but based on the wonderful story, the beautiful cover and so much more I will definitely be looking for the next novel on this series.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Stephanie Corbinhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngStephanie Corbin2022-08-14 20:42:322022-08-15 10:47:39Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by stephanie nicole
5 Stars Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins
Ashes is a wonderfully written Modern day retelling of the classic Cinderella with a few a twists and I absolutely loved reading it. This is a fast paced story that once you start reading its hard to put down until you’ve finished. The characters are relatable and fully developed and the storyline flowed. This is Ashley and Harry’s story. She just wants to finish school and hopefully find away to get away from her step-mother and step sisters and the funeral home they run. Harry is a pop star who has been ordered by the courts to finish out his senior year at public school. These have quite the chemistry but man the twists and turns and add in a few obstacles. Can these two find there happily ever after? I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I can’t wait to read more from this Author and this series.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Dawn Daughenbaughhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDawn Daughenbaugh2022-08-14 08:30:352022-08-15 10:41:44Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh
This was a great, modern retelling of the Cinderella story. It is a young adult romance with a sprinkle of fantasy and magic as well. The author does an amazing job of filling the story with so many twists and turns that it keeps the reader guessing every step of the way but the link to the Cinderella story of meeting “a prince” and leaving behind the “wicked stepmother and stepsisters” is all there. Even though there is an element of a fairy tale in this book the story is also set and is relatable to modern day and modern life for young adults. From the romance between our 2 main characters to the group of girl Bullies that want to make Ashley’s life miserable at school just like she is at home. This is a great story and one I really enjoyed.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Carrhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Carr2022-08-14 06:56:572022-08-15 10:41:05Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Kerry Carr
Ashes is the first instalment in the Modern-Day Fairy Tale series by M.K Harkins. It is a modern retelling of the beloved fairytale, Cinderella- with some drama, angst, fairy godmothers, magic, and of course, romance. We meet Ashley, who has been put to work in her stepmother’s funeral parlour and has no time for love. But fate has other plans when pop music sensation Harry James turns up in her life. Will he turn out to be her prince charming? No spoilers here, you will really need to read the story to discover all the developments for yourself…. A cute retelling! Happy reading…
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2022-08-13 23:00:462022-08-15 10:33:53Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book #1) by MK Harkins – Review by Angela Hayes
Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Callie LaMarche
Ashes is a Cinderella retelling of the classic fairytale story we all know. Ashley has been uprooted by her stepmother, Veronica, after the death of her father with her two step sisters. Veronica spent the inheritance on opening up a funeral home where Ashley takes care in preparing the dead bodies. Ashley has to survive one more year to graduate high school and get the money left behind by her dad to go to college.
Harry is a famous singer that burned down his previous high school with his best friend and is on probation at Ashley’s school. The first time they meet it turns out that they have more in common then they think.
I loved Ashley for being a strong character even with all the negative around her. She sticks up for herself and her friend. Harry is misunderstood and his past is not quite what it seems. The point of view switches between Ashley and Harry and helps to reveal their past. They have to deal with the controlling people in their lives while falling in love and trying to make their new relationship work.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Callie Lunahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCallie Luna2022-08-13 22:07:562022-08-15 10:33:03Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Callie LaMarche
Ashley Adams is used to being tormented, between the bullies at school and Veronica her step-mother who is determined to drive her away. Ashley has one friend though at school and often puts herself in harms way to protect her. Lately though all the focus at school has been on Pop sensation and bad boy Harry James. Harry will be attending her public school as part of his court appointed plan to get him to straighten up. Ashley plans to keep under the radar, but that quickly changes when Harry ends up needing help hiding from overzealous fans. The connection is instant but what happens when real life creeps in and Harry is forced to chose between what he wants and what he is told to do?
This was a wonderful retelling of Cinderella. Had some twists that made the story a bit more intense. I enjoyed Ashley, for all the hits she has coming her way she keeps her head up and is focused on what she needs to do to get on with her life. Harry grows up a lot in this book, he is often misunderstood and of course always in the spotlight. Definitely would check out the next book in the series.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Emily Heislerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngEmily Heisler2022-08-13 09:45:522022-08-15 10:23:59Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Emily H
Contemporary Cinderella with a twist Absolutely loved this story. The characters are well developed the storyline so intriguing. Ashley and Harry come from different worlds and have their own family issues. With chemistry building between them they need to navigate carefully. A wonderful contemporary romance with a clean fairytale overtone for YA lovers.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rayne Easthttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRayne East2022-08-12 23:53:052022-08-15 08:39:13Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Rayne East
Mmmmm where to start. I have mixed feelings about this book. MK has some wonderful stories out there especially The Immortal Series which I love.
Ashes is a fairy tale rock-star romance but with an interesting twist. This modern-day Cinderella is definitely intriguing and unique.
I like a retelling if it is done well. Unfortunately, whilst the premise of the story is a good one, I think that MK missed the mark in pulling it all together with the all the right elements, some actions and a few conversations and wording. That’s not to say I didn’t like the story because I did but with a few changes I think it could be a really good story.
Please give the book a read because these are just my thoughts and may not be your thoughts.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jenni Bishophttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJenni Bishop2022-08-12 17:48:562022-08-15 08:35:06Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Jenni Bishop
I LOVED this book and if I could give it all the stars in the sky as pet of my review, I would.
It feels like the main character, Ashley Adams could easily be one of my closest bff’s. Her amazing qualities made her all the more endearing, as you get to know her throughout this incredible story. Besides being smart and sometimes underestimated, she has the most impeccable timing with her witty remarks.
Also when Harry James was first introduced, I immediately thought of comparing his status to Harry Styles’ celebrity status. Had something like this occurred in the real world with so many HS fans, I’m sure most would close-mindedly assume he should not associate himself with someone like Ash.
I was sold on this book the moment I read the synopsis that mentioned it contained a plot with fairies and magic. Little did I know that it would open up into a magical world with phenomenal imagery and content.
Also I loved the cover art! It gave off dark Cinderella vibes and I adored it.
I think teens and adults will enjoy this book like I did. I give this title 5 out of 5 stars.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Darlahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDarla2022-08-12 13:14:462022-08-15 08:24:55Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Darla Yocom
It was impossible not to love this book and be swept away into all this wonderful book had to offer, I always love a good book that does a good job of a fairy tale retelling, but this one blew my mind with how well done the writing was as well as the concept of the story! It was a magical read from start to finish!
Personally the aspect of this being a Cinderella re telling was magical as it could get! I love the modern take on this story, but I loved really how the author brought it to life. The characters were all sensational on their own path in who they were and whom they represented. The story had strong character development as well, and the characters were very connectable and each held their own. I was quite intrigued with things I did not expect as I read, the different things I really added to the story I felt. The writing was amazing, and the whole story was amazing, this was a wonderful and magical read! I simply loved it truly!
Such a good and wonderful read. I truly enjoyed the read and all the moments and feelings that went along with it, I highly recommend this must read book! Not one to be missed for any reason!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Lorrene Huismanhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLorrene Huisman2022-08-12 11:24:062022-08-15 08:21:24Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Lorrene Huisman
Fairy magic has no place in the modern world – or does it?
Ashley Adams doesn’t have time for haters. Already too busy dealing with dead bodies after her stepmother purchased a mortuary, she is ready to put the lid on her judgmental peers and finally bury her high school experience. Falling in love was the last thing on her mind.
Too bad fate had other plans when the local celebrity lands in her life.
Pop sensation Harry James is ordered by the court to attend public school for his senior year or face jail time. He can’t afford any bad press if he wants his summer tour to go ahead. But when he ducks into the mortuary where Ashley works to escape a mob of fans, he wonders if he is chasing the wrong dream.
High school mean girls, a controlling publicist, and scheming stepsisters want to keep Ashley away from Harry. After all, everyone knows the popstar doesn’t belong with the social outcast.
If only they had some fairy magic to help them find their happy ending…
Ashes is a fun and snarky standalone YA romance. If you like captivating characters, emotional twists and turns, Fairies and Cinderella retellings, then you’ll adore MK Harkins’ fast-paced tale.
MK has always been a voracious reader. After hitting a dry spell of reading material, she decided to write the kind of book she’d like to read. This resulted in the creation of her debut novel, Intentional. (Award for Best Sweet Romance – eFestival of Words- August 2014) Unintentional, Breaking Braydon, Taking Tiffany, The Reader, Famous by Default, soon followed. The follow-up to The Reader, The Jack, released August 2018.
Ashes, the first book in a new series of modern-day fairy tale retellings released in May 2022. (Five more books in the series to follow)
When she’s not writing novels, she likes to spend her free time traveling the world, splashing in mud puddles (She lives in Seattle, what can she say?), watching movies and reading (!) She LOVES to hear from her readers!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Ashes2_Amazon.jpg1200800itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2022-08-12 00:02:402022-09-14 09:28:22Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins
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 nothing. 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. A fun read for any age. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author in this series.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shelly Kittellhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShelly Kittell2022-08-11 06:13:552022-08-15 08:16:02Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Shelly Kittell
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