In the sprawling landscape of contemporary romance, few authors have mastered the art of emotional devastation and gut-wrenching hope like Colleen Hoover. While her blockbuster hits like It Ends with Us and Verity dominate bestseller lists, dedicated fans know that some of her most intimate, poignant work lives within the pages of a shorter format: the novella.
If you have recently found yourself typing the long-tail keyword “epub finding cinderella a novella hopeless” into your search bar, you are likely on a quest for one specific, elusive treasure. You aren’t just looking for any romance novel. You are looking for the digital (ePub) version of Colleen Hoover’s Finding Cinderella, a novella that sits inside the beloved Hopeless universe.
But why is this particular novella so hard to find? Why is it paired with the word "hopeless"? And what is the best way to read it legally in 2025? This article will break down everything you need to know—from the plot to the reading order, and the truth about sourcing the ePub file.
Forget glass slippers and fairy godmothers. The Cinderella in this story is a girl named Six (real name: unknown for much of the novella), who stumbles into a dark maintenance closet during a high school football game. Her Prince Charming? Daniel Wesley, a boy who’s tired of pretending to be someone he’s not.
They can’t see each other. They don’t exchange phone numbers or last names. All they have is one hour, a shared sense of escape, and a promise: This never happened.
Except it does. And that’s where the magic—messy, heartbreaking, utterly human—begins.
Here is a secret most searchers don't know: You can borrow the EPUB of Finding Cinderella for free from your local public library using the Libby app. You keep it for 14-21 days, and it vanishes automatically. No late fees, and you get a legal EPUB.
Google Play sells EPUBs by default. You can download the file directly to your computer (look for the "Download EPUB" button in your library) or read it in the browser.
Before we dive into the technicalities of the ePub format, let's establish the content itself. Finding Cinderella is a standalone novella (approximately 120-150 pages) that was originally self-published by Colleen Hoover in 2014.
The Premise: The story follows Daniel Wesley, the sarcastic, charismatic best friend of Holder from Losing Hope, and Six, the fiery, foul-mouthed best friend of Sky from Hopeless. The novella opens with one of the most unique meet-cutes in romance history:
Daniel and Six meet by chance in a dark janitor’s closet during a high school power outage. They cannot see each other. They spend an hour sharing secrets, kissing, and promising to meet again in one month. But when they leave, they realize they forgot to exchange names or phone numbers. They know nothing about each other—except the fake identities they used.
Thus begins a desperate, frustrating, and hilarious search for "Cinderella." The title is apt: Daniel spends the entire book trying to find the girl who fits the memory of that one perfect hour.
Why "Hopeless"? The keyword "hopeless" is attached to this novella because Finding Cinderella is a spinoff of the Hopeless series. The series order is:
If you read Finding Cinderella without reading Hopeless first, you will spoil a major twist from the first book. Conversely, reading it after Hopeless adds incredible depth to Daniel, Six, and the emotional world Hoover built. epub finding cinderella a novella hopeless
Do not despair. You can get a clean, legal ePub file for your e-reader. Here is the step-by-step strategy:
If you loved Hopeless, this novella is essential reading. Fans love Daniel Wesley for his humor and loyalty, and Six for her sassy personality. It provides closure for the side characters and expands on the world of the original novel.
Important Note on Searching: When searching for "EPUB" files online, be cautious of "free download" sites that are not authorized retailers or libraries. These sites often host pirated content, which violates copyright laws, and can sometimes expose your device to malware. Stick to official retailers (Amazon, Kobo, Apple) or library apps for the safest experience.
Finding Cinderella: A Deep Dive into Colleen Hoover’s Captivating Hopeless Novella
If you are a fan of contemporary romance, you’ve likely encountered the name Colleen Hoover. Among her extensive bibliography, the Hopeless series stands out for its emotional intensity and complex characters. While the primary novels follow Sky and Holder, the novella "Finding Cinderella" offers a refreshing, albeit heart-wrenching, perspective on two fan-favorite side characters: Daniel and Six.
Whether you are looking for an EPUB version to read on your favorite device or wanting to know how this story fits into the broader CoHo universe, this article covers everything you need to know about the novella. What is "Finding Cinderella" About?
"Finding Cinderella" is a modern fairy tale with a signature Hoover twist. The story revolves around Daniel Wesley, who serves as the comedic relief in the earlier books, and Six Jacobs, Sky’s best friend. The Plot Summary
The story begins with a chance encounter in a dark maintenance closet at school. Daniel and a mysterious girl share an hour of "make-believe" love without ever seeing each other's faces or learning each other's names. Like the classic fairy tale, she disappears when the hour is up, leaving Daniel haunted by the memory of his "Cinderella".
A year later, Daniel meets Six, a girl with a bold personality and a sharp wit. They are instantly drawn to one another, but as their relationship deepens, a "locked truth" from the past threatens to destroy their chance at a happily ever after. The Hopeless Series Reading Order
Many readers wonder if they can read this novella as a standalone. While it can be enjoyed on its own, it is officially categorized as Book 2.5 in the series. To get the full emotional impact, most fans recommend this order: Book Review: Finding Cinderella by Colleen Hoover
Finding Cinderella: A Deep Dive into Colleen Hoover’s Enchanting Novella
For fans of the Hopeless series, Finding Cinderella is more than just a quick read; it is a heartwarming bridge that turns a beloved secondary character into a leading man. This novella, often sought after in EPUB format for easy reading on the go, proves that Colleen Hoover can deliver a powerhouse of emotion even in a shorter page count.
If you are looking to dive back into the world of Sky and Holder, here is everything you need to know about this magical addition to the series. What is Finding Cinderella About? Unearthing the Digital Gem: A Complete Guide to
Finding Cinderella follows Daniel, the quirky, fast-talking best friend of Dean Holder. Daniel doesn't believe in love at first sight—until it happens to him in the most unconventional way.
The story kicks off in a dark closet where Daniel and a mysterious girl share a "chance" encounter. They trade secrets, share a connection, and agree to have a "make-believe" romance that lasts only an hour. They never exchange names, and when the hour is up, she disappears, leaving Daniel haunted by the girl he calls "Cinderella."
Years later, Daniel meets Six, a girl who is just as strange and captivating as he is. As their relationship unfolds, the ghosts of the past and the secrets of the "closet encounter" begin to surface, leading to a conclusion that is both shocking and deeply moving. Why Readers Search for the Finding Cinderella EPUB
Many readers prefer the EPUB format for this novella because of its compatibility across devices like Kindles, Nooks, and smartphone apps. Since Finding Cinderella is a shorter work, it is the perfect "commuter read" or a "one-sitting" experience. Key Themes:
The Power of Chance: How one hour can change the trajectory of a life.
Healing through Humor: Daniel uses wit as a shield, but the novella explores the vulnerability beneath his jokes.
Connection to the Hopeless Series: While it works as a standalone, the cameos from Sky and Holder make it a must-read for series loyalists. Where It Fits in the Hopeless Timeline
While some readers treat it as Book 2.5, it is best read after Hopeless and Losing Hope. Understanding Daniel’s background and his relationship with Holder adds layers of depth to his own journey. Hoover masterfully weaves the timelines together, ensuring that the "big reveal" carries the emotional weight her fans have come to expect. Final Thoughts
Finding Cinderella is a testament to the idea that some of the best love stories aren't found in 500-page epics, but in the small, quiet, and sometimes hilarious moments between two people who were meant to find each other. Whether you are downloading the EPUB for your first read or your tenth, Daniel and Six's story remains one of the brightest spots in the Hooververse.
Finding Cinderella is a novella by Colleen Hoover that serves as book #2.5 in the
series. Originally released as a free digital novella, it focuses on the characters Daniel and Six. Entertainment Weekly Where to Find the EPUB You can purchase or download the Finding Cinderella EPUB from these major retailers and libraries: Colleen Hoover - Hopeless Series Reading Order Guide
Review: Finding Cinderella – A Hopelessly Romantic Novella
Finding Cinderella is a standalone novella that fits into the Hopeless universe, and reading it after Hopeless and Losing Hope is highly recommended for maximum emotional payoff. A Cinderella Story for the Realists Forget glass
What Works:
Potential Downsides:
Final Verdict: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Finding Cinderella is a charming, laugh-out-loud, and surprisingly tender detour. It won’t shatter you like Hopeless did, but it will leave you grinning. Perfect for a commute or a cozy afternoon when you want Hoover’s voice without the emotional devastation.
Read if you liked: The chemistry of Ugly Love, the wit of Maybe Someday, and want a quick hit of hopeful romance.
Finding Cinderella is a contemporary romance novella by Colleen Hoover, serving as the third installment (Book 2.5) in the Hopeless series. It shifts focus from the main series protagonists to their best friends, Daniel and Six, weaving a modern-day fairytale grounded in heavy real-world themes. Series Context and Reading Order
While the novella can technically be read as a standalone, it is highly recommended to follow the chronological publication order to fully grasp character histories and crossovers:
Hopeless (2012): The first novel, centered on Sky Davis and Dean Holder.
Losing Hope (2013): The events of the first book retold from Holder's perspective.
Finding Cinderella (2013): A novella following Daniel (Holder's best friend) and Six (Sky's best friend).
All Your Perfects (2018): A standalone novel that features significant crossovers with this series.
Finding Perfect (2019): A final novella that ties the stories of all previous books together. Plot Summary
The story begins with a chance encounter in a dark maintenance closet. Eighteen-year-old Daniel Wesley and a girl who stumbles upon him decide to profess their love for each other for exactly one hour, under the condition that it is entirely "make-believe". When the hour ends, the girl vanishes without revealing her name or face, leaving Daniel to believe such "fairytale" moments don't exist in reality.
One year later, Daniel meets Six Jacobs, a girl who has just returned from studying abroad in Italy. Although they feel an immediate, magnetic connection and begin dating, their relationship is threatened by a "locked truth" from the past that could jeopardize their "happily ever after".
Finding Cinderella: A Novella (3) (Hopeless) – Colleen Hoover