Love, Cinder & Slippers

by Elaine Canyon

What if Cinderella didn’t want the prince? What if she wanted his man-at-arms?

Elara’s world collapsed with the death of her father, and a year later, nothing has improved. After Elara's naïve actions left her family destitute, she swore to fix things herself. However, with her step-mother still trapped in her grief, property taxes coming due, and Elara’s savings not making the mark, she may be forced to admit she can’t bring back what she squandered—until a solution comes from her childhood crush.

Being the prince’s man-at-arms is an honor, even when the prince is more annoying than Gideon can fathom. In yet another attempt to get Gideon to loosen up, the prince convinces the king and queen that Gideon needs to dance at the upcoming ball, with dance lessons to help him prepare. Gideon's desperation to avoid stuffy lessons with the royal dance instructor leads him to the perfect solution—his original dance teacher and childhood best friend.

When Gideon tells Elara the royal family will pay her for these dance lessons, Elara can’t say no. But when the true source of that payment comes to light, Elara must decide if her pride is worth more than the love she’s come to have for Gideon.

Love, Cinder & Slippers is a closed-door, heart-warming twist on the classic tale of Cinderella, full of familiarity and new turns that will leave you swooning for more.

Genres: Fairy Tales, Fantasy, Romance

134 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 13, 2025

About the author

Elaine Canyon writes light-hearted and stabby romantasy comedies, because you shouldn’t have to choose between a romantasy and a rom-com. Her books feature romances in bright fantasy worlds full of adventure and characters that are sure to leave you laughing. She writes closed door romances with swoony kisses and heart-melting chemistry. Elaine lives in the mountains of central Utah with her husband and children. When she’s not writing, you can find her in the mountains, hiking, rock climbing, and skiing with her family.

Reviews

[Abby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elaras papa is definitely braver than me! I don’t care how good of friends I was with the Fae, nothing could make me go into a “Yotnar” and “Velnir” invested forest (IYKYK). Elara! GIRL!! You know better than to converse with witches, but in your particular case, I guess I will allow it. When Gideon said “ I mean to court you and you alone” my heart melted! I understand that Elara felt like a charity case, but it is never wrong to ask for help especially when it’s someone that loves and cares for you. This cozy, romantasy retelling of Cinderella was original, well written, and that happily ever after was to die for!

[Ashley Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this Cinderella retelling!! It took an already happily ever after and made it even 10x happier! I loved that the premise was Cinderella but she shifted it and made it her own fairytale. There were so many little changes that made my heart so happy and I just loved it. I love the message that you can be strong and still accept help from others. And how do you not love the message of the magic of hope? This is such a cute read with beautiful nods to Christmas (or Wintertide in this book). If you’re looking for a quick beyond happily ever after Cinderella retelling, this is one you won’t want to miss.
I received an advanced copy from the author.

[Ami Jacobs · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun short clean fantasy romance that had magic in spades! I loved the fact that the Cinderella story shone through even though it wasn’t strictly the same as the original fairytale. I loved how the main characters kept their love burning bright throughout the tale! I received an ARC copy and this is my review.

[Ariana Copeland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet and delightful

This was a lovely take on the Cinderella story. I appreciated the good relationship Elara has with her stepmother and stepsister, and its other circumstances that bring hardship upon them. It’s so swoony and sweet as Elara and Gideon fall in love. A lovely winter story!

[Tash Reads]

DNF for now… will try it again some other time. The writing style is different and a bit odd to read.

[aem · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet

[Kessa Turnbull · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perhaps a tad predictable (of course the childhood friends love each other), but deeply enjoyable. And happy endings all around. Even, impossibly, with the father. Lovely for a Christmas read.

[Renée Knight · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book will take you to a winter wonderland of a world with lots of snow and a mysterious, icy forest. Sadly, the beauty isn't so wonderful for Elara, who loses her Papa in that forest and now has to manage the household expenses and debt, as well as care for her step-mother, all while navigating her own grief. As finances get tight, the house grows colder, so Elara works harder, but it just isn't enough. Until her childhood best friend asks her to be his dance tutor so he can dance at the Prince's ball. I loved this world, the touch of magic and magical creatures, the wholesome sweet relationships between Elara and her stepmother and stepsister (unusual for a Cinderella story, but something I really appreciated.) I love friends-to-lovers stories, and this story delivered that in the sweetest way. It was a joy to read.