Ashes by MK Harkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is suitable for the young teen.
A modernized twist for Cinderella that can be relatable, especially for someone going through puberty. Ashley has to work in her family mortuary for her step mom and step sisters. Bad boy and pop sensation Harry is ordered to finish high school at Ashley’s school.
High school drama, home life misery, with romance.
Very good story and good read.
Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the first book of the modern-day fairy tale series and I fell in love with it immediately. The book immediately captured my attention from the very first page and I was not able to put the book down until I had finished it. This is also the first book that I have read from the author and I wasn’t disappointed.
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.
I can’t wait to read the next book in the series and see what else the author has in store for this series.
Ashley is a quiet young student who just wants to finish high school and go to college. At home she is treated like Cinderella, by her step mother and 2 mean step sisters. She also works at the mortuary putting makeup on the dead. Then there is Harry forced to go back and finish high school. He’s a bad boy rock star and all the girls are after him. This is it! No spoilers. This is one of those stories you need to read. The author has written this fast paced teenage high schoolers story. There are bullies, mean girls and a mean step family. What a great coming of age story for the teens. Adults will enjoy this too, I did. I’m looking forward to the next book in this exciting series.
Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I gave this 3 stars because this reminded me of Cinderalla getting picked at by her evil stepmom and her step sisters. The only difference here is a girl named Ashley trying to live a normal at High School without drawing too much attention to herself who later ends up helping prince charming Harry, who has to go to this school to get his life straight but ends up needing help to hide who he is and from people telling what to do. Both Ashely and Harry change their whole life around, is love worth it for them, or do they have to be told what to do?
Other than that it has some twisted parts and an interesting point of view of how Ashley shows her strong side in life.
I enjoyed listening to this audible book. This is an author that I never hesitate to pick up and I was excited to pick up one of her audible books. This is a great fairytale story where the narrator brought the story to life using different tones of voice. I also enjoyed how they were able to keep me engaged. It had me coming back for more. This is a great story that will make you question fairytale magic. Does it have a place in life or is it just that a fairytale? The characters have great chemistry and are supportive of each other throughout. I highly recommend this audible, I can’t wait for the next one.
Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A well done rock star forbidden romance that grips you quickly and you find yourself rooting for these characters quickly. Sprinkled in a Cinderella-ish female and the romance story is complete. A great read and a new author I enjoy.
Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I love retellings of childhood fairytales and couldn’t wait to give this book a shot. Especially when the original Disney version makes me want to gag. A Cinderella themed story with a MC who works in a funeral home?!?! Bring it on! I loved the story and it flowed very well. There was substantial character growth in both of the “main” characters and the world building was on point. The step mother and step sisters were absolutely wretched! Seriously deranged. It kept the story interesting and captured my full attention. I can’t tell you how many times I had to clutch my pearls!!! (Gasp!)
I’m so glad I read this book and loved the teasers thrown in. I can’t wait to see what this author has in store for us next.
~ Super Cute Re-Telling of Traditional Fairy Stories~
This is a super adorable modern day telling of Cinderella. Absolutely love the YA feel, and and character interactions. Ashley is a super adorable kick-ass heroine. She has to deal with haters, a dysfunctional family, and at times self-doubt. When a celebrity lands in her lap she is at least to say thrown off course, or perhaps may choose a new one.
Ashley takes fate into her own hands, and develops her own story taking us along the ride with her. This unlikely tale is riveting, unique, and full of “good-feels.” I like that Harry has a mind of his own, and we get to see what his side of the classic Cinderella story might have looked like. Either way, this modern re-telling allows us such a fun way to experience the tale. Harkins throws us into such a fun spin you definitely won’t be disappointed.
The audio book version is extra fun, Michelle does an unbelievably good job of bringing the characters to life, and keeping you captivated the whole way. You certainly don’t want to miss out on the audio version as you get an additional spark of life with Ashley and Harry’s romance.
Reviewed by @taylorkstephenson
Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A modern day twist on the Cinderella story. Something different and a little left field. Definitely worth a read if you have some spare time!
My daughter loved reading it too – I love it when she finds a book that appeals to her.
Who knew that the modern day Cinderella worked in a mortuary?
Ashes by MK Harkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Being another new author for me, I was excited to read this modern take on Cinderella. Let me first say that I loved the cover. It is very eye catching with the glass slipper on it. Once I started reading the book I was immediately enchanted with it and didn’t want to put it down. It is a very quick read which was a little disappointing because I really wanted more to read. Overall, I loved this book. It was well written; the characters were very relatable, and I could see everything that was going on in the book with my imagination. I really loved how she included all the characters, including the villains, so you could really understand from all perspectives. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Ashley Adams suffered misfortune after misfortune after her father passed away, leaving her with her evil stepmother and stepsisters, like a modern-day Cinderella. She was forced to work at her stepmother’s mortuary, giving her a less than popular reputation at Redmond High School. Ashley’s father left her with a trust, but not without a clause included by her stepmother. The clause, to graduate on time, was a no brainer for a student with a GPA of 4.0, or so Ashley thought. To add to her plight, popstar Harry James starts attending Redmond High School as part of his probation. Between her mixed feelings for Harry and her evil stepmother, Ashley struggles with keeping herself together. With the help of her best friend Laura, she just might make it, or will she?
Ashes is full of relatable characters and feelings. Through each heartbreak Ashley endures, the reader can feel along with her. The cute romance that occurs throughout the book, as well as an unraveling mystery, makes for a great read by itself. The introduction of fairy godmothers adds to its endearing traits. If you are looking for a fast-paced, cute romance/mystery, look no further. I did not want to put it down.
Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
finish school, without being in trouble, they are sent to Redmond High.
Harry and Ashley feel an instant attraction, but are faced with many obstructions. They are told they cannot see each other.
With the step family and the popular girls at school trying to intervene in the friendship Will Harry and Ashley make it…
Throw in attempted murder, fairy involvement and cliff hanger ending; this is a great read that links together contempary romance, mystery and fairytale. Certainly an engaging read.
Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The main character, Ashley, gives off strong Veronica Mars vibes (the character, not the show).
I like the way that the narration flips between whomever is the subject of the chapter. It’s always nice to get an inside look into the workings of their minds.
I saw some of the twists coming, but they were still so enjoyable! The ones that I didn’t see coming were much darker and more sad than expected, but helped flesh out the story. Think Ever After’s (the Drew Barrymore movie) envisioning of Cinderella, but made for today’s audience in a darker, 10 Things I Hate About You sort of way. The story flowed nicely. All of the main characters endeared themselves to me. I am invested in all of their storylines and I *need* the next book in the series. Haha!
Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This young adult read has it all! There’s romance, drama and a few plot twist that I was not expecting at all! I really enjoyed the characters in this book especially Ashley and Laura. I definitely was not expecting to finish this book as fast as I did. I didn’t want to stop reading because I wanted to know what would happen next and if Ashley would win. Her stepmother and step sisters definitely have it out for her and her trust. They will stop at nothing to get what they want. This is a great start to the series and I can’t wait to read more!
This book was wonderful, more current of age fairytale story. Ashley Adams was more of an outcast at school…… being a high school senior and having to help work at her family business at a funeral home. When pop star Harry James has to attend the same high school as Ashley…all the girls are starstruck….except for Ashley at first. Harry must stay out of trouble due to his past and keep a clean nose….while his life is controlled…..Ashley is controlled by her evil stepmother and stepsisters….everyone is trying to keep Ashley and Harry apart ….and evil lurks and will stop at nothing from the couple to be together. Deceit, lies, mean girls, social media, danger around every corner. This story is wonderful….and a twist at the end I didn’t see coming! Looking forward to more to this series!
Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. It is a modern day retelling of Cinderella. With a twist I did not see coming. It was a cute story, but the twist made it that much better. I cannot wait for the next book in the series!
Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5/5 Stars
Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Series #1) by M.K. Harkins
This is the first book I’ve read by the author. Ashes is a great story and left me wanting more. Ashes is a modern day Cinderella story and I loved every minute of it. This is the first book in the Modern-Day Fairy Tale Series.
Ashley is the modern day Cinderella and lives with her step-mother and step-sisters. She is told to stay away from the new boy at school as he’s meant for her step-sisters. Then she meets him and finds that they have more in common than she thought. The quote I chose for Ashley is: “No need to be sorry. I don’t know why that popped out. I must trust you or something.”
Harry is the popular boy and the new person at school. He finds that the new school only comes with complications. One of them being Ashley’s step-sisters. Can he and Ashley make it? The quote I chose for Harry is: “No one’s asked me that question before. I’d like to believe once I redeem myself by going back and finishing high school in a more normal way, they’ll let me start living my life the way I want to.”
Highly recommended for YA Romance lovers.
Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I gave this 3 stars because this reminded me of Cinderalla getting picked at by her evil stepmom and her step sisters. The only difference here is a girl named Ashley trying to live a normal at High School without drawing too much attention to herself who later ends up helping prince charming Harry, who has to go to this school to get his life straight but ends up needing help to hide who he is and from people telling what to do. Both Ashely and Harry change their whole life around, is love worth it for them, or do they have to be told what to do?
Other than that it has some twisted parts and an interesting point of view of how Ashley shows her strong side in life.
Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This is my first time reading this author, and I will need to maybe try one more of her books to see if her writing gets better for me. This book seemed a little immature if you will, for a lack of a better word. It could just be her writing style, that’s why I will give her another chance. I’m on the fence on this book, but there is potential.
Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What is better than a modern fairytale retelling? When you give Cinderella (Ashley in this story) spunk and you make Prince Charming (Harry) a famous pop star. I loved this story. The characters were charming yet very real and the twists were intriguing. I definitely can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
This was a cute adaptation of the Cinderella in modern day times. Ashley is a self proclaimed loner; our Cinderella. Harry is a troubled artist who found himself in trouble with the law (our prince). The two find each other in the most unlikely of places. The story was entertaining and fun to follow. I enjoyed listening to both sides of Ashley and Harry and the transition was very well done. The fairy godmothers seemed like an odd mix but definitely left for a potential sequel because lf them.
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 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!!
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!
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.
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
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.
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?
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!
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.
