Cinder's Mate: A Cinderella Fairy Tale Retelling

by Nola Li Barr

What happens when the connection you've dreamed of your entire life finally ignites—just as everything you thought you knew crumbles to ash?

I've spent years watching him from the shadows, nursing a secret that will never be. Phillip—heir to the lands that make our village—has never looked my way. How could he? I'm nothing more than a servant in my own home.

But reports of nightmares are rising in the surrounding towns, and Erebus is showing signs of falling to the nightmares as well. When the Creators of Dreams arrive with warnings of a sister gone rogue—one whose jealous heart threatens to plunge humanity into madness—my dreams start coming to life.

The grand ball approaches, and with it, a chance I never dared imagine. Yet as magical intervention opens doors, I begin to understand that some fairy tales come with a price. What happens when the girl who's been hidden away suddenly becomes the key to stopping the oncoming evil? And what happens when the connection you've dreamed of your entire life finally ignites—just as everything you thought you knew crumbles to ash?

Cinder's Mate is a Cinderella fairy tale retelling filled with wolf shifters, fated mates, witches, and family.

108 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 19, 2025

About the author

Nola Li Barr writes sweet romance family sagas. Both in contemporary and paranormal settings. She writes stories she would love to read herself and loves exploring family dynamics with her characters. In the hopes of sharing her stories with her kids sooner than later, her romances are always sweet with a happily ever after. When she’s not writing she can be found reading, making photo books, and navigating the path of motherhood. Follow her on social media @nolalibarr or visit her website at nolalibarr.com.

Reviews

[Adrian Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phillip and Cinder are fated mates. Except, she doesn’t know it. Named for Cinderella, she’s living a remake of the fairy tale complete with an evil stepmother.

This charming, easy-to-rear novella is a modern retelling of the famous fairy tale. But with a twist: wolf shifters.

If you enjoy a sweet romance laced with danger (the prequel sets the stage for future conflict, including an evil witch-like villain), magic, and HEA, then you’ll enjoy this brief book. I look forward to the full series.

[Violet Batejan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cinder's Mate kept me reading until the end, all in one sitting. I couldn't stop until I saw Cinder through her Cinderella life. She didn't know her mate would be a werewolf. Phillip and his wolf realize Cinder is their fated mate, but care must be taken not to rush her with this fact. Phillip's care and protection fulfill Cinder's deepest needs. A story of darkness before the dawn, Cinder's Mate will transport you to the next book, where you'll discover what happens to their community as nightmares replace the sweet dreams they once expected—highly recommended!

[Dorcia Beland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cinderella retold in a most creative way. Props to Nola Li Barr. I particularly loved the addition of wolf shifters--great glorious twist. A magnificent prequel to start a series. Definitely want to read more. I recommend this book. An HEA with more adventure to look forward to.

[Tami Willard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prequel to an interconnected series. Reading in order recommended.
Mix Cinderella and wolf shifters
Fated mates
Can't wait for the next book.