No Other Reason: A New Adult Contemporary Romance Novelette

by El Hoffman

From the author of The Ever-Dark comes a no-spice, cozy, beachy, childhood friends-to-lovers romantic comedy novelette.

Phoebe Johnson is a legal assistant working her way toward becoming a lawyer in Charleston, South Carolina. Stephan Hale is a soft-spoken artist in West Texas. They haven’t seen each other since childhood—not since his family suddenly moved away.

When they reconnect online and Stephan decides to visit, old memories resurface. So do feelings that never truly went away. But they’re just friends… right?

No Other Reason is a cute, high-angst, slow-burn romantic comedy about friendship, timing, and the things we don’t say—until we finally do.

56 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 23, 2025

About the author

El Hoffman (born February 8, 2000) is an author, poet, and data expert. A lifelong writer, she debuted with The Ever-Dark, a literary fantasy novella. She is also the author of the contemporary romance novelette No Other Reason and two poetry collections: The Mirror, The Mask, and All I Ask and The Moon, The Tide, and All I Tried. Her romance short story "Snowfall in Georgia" will also appear in the upcoming Winter Issue of KissMet Quarterly.

Outside of fiction, El has built a successful career implementing HubSpot for businesses and earned her Master of Science in Data Analytics from Eastern University in 2024.

When she’s not writing or working, she enjoys reading ebooks, taking long walks, and hula hooping. She’s also passionate about video games, cooking, exploring new restaurants, and traveling.

Reviews

[Weena Bernabel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and sweet. I love friends to lovers. You can sense the tension and man the way I dislike when old shadows reappear. I loved how they kept in touch and rekindle their friendship and made the effort to stay in each others lives. I loved how they couldn’t denied it anymore. It was such a cute story I loved it.

[Madison Wildenstein · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was cute! I would have loved if there were more details. It seemed like a decent amount of time passed in the book but it happens fast with little detail. Overall it was super cute! The mmc was super sweet.

[iris muller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book it was short but perfect ! The character development was so good and comforting!! I love all of this authors books! They are so good!! So romancey!

[Phoenix Fyreheart · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Phoebe Johnson is a legal assistant working her way toward becoming a lawyer in Charleston, South Carolina. Stephan Hale is a soft-spoken artist in West Texas. They haven’t seen each other since childhood—not since his family suddenly moved away. But when they reconnect online and Stephan decides to visit, old memories resurface. So do feelings that never truly went away. But they’re just friends… right?"

I feel like this is me in every relationship I've ever had. Phoebe's awkward denial was a little too real and hit very close to home. But that may just be neurospicy social anxiety talking. This was an adorable short story that could easily be transcribed into a full length romance, WITH Clara's sequel coming next!! I do love the short, bite-sized reads, especially ones that are so easy to relate to. El Hoffman knocks another one out of the park for five stars!

Ravenheart Rating: 9.5/10
Spice Factor: Level 1

[The Book Ssirren · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm on the fence with this novella. Phoebe drove me absolutely insane. She likes the guy but keeps pushing off at they're just friends... okay I get it but come on. you're grown.
Stephan clearly wants to be in a relationship with Phoebe, but just leaves when Phoebe gets upset with him over Amelia. really?
then both allow months to go by before getting together again and clearing the air. They're adults acting like children.
Don't get me wrong, I'm all for the idea behind this story. and it was well written, great character development. and i truly love the idea of this story. but i feel like it missed it's mark.

[Patrick Ulacco · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun read for anyone who enjoys comedy and romance! You can feel the love tension from the very beginning, and the author does a wonderful job weaving each characters story into one. It’s clever, exciting, and a book you’ll want to finish in one sitting. Hoffman brilliantly merges fiction with reality, keeps her readers guessing, and reminds us how beautiful the world can be when you put yourself out there!

[Heather Hoffman-Seifert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short, but sweet. The story follows two characters who clearly are in love, but things don't quite click until they realize there can be no other reason for their feelings. This is a must read by a wonderful author.

[Mrs Holm Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

"An incredible tale of two childhood friends who have always loved each other, rekindling their friendship and discovering their romantic feelings anew." Between Phoebe and Stephan.

[Kathryn Ashford · Rating 5 out of 5]

A romance for the modern young person!

[El Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

No Other Reason is the best thing I’ve ever written in my entire life—and I’ve truly been writing my entire life! It’s a sweet, chaotic little novelette that’ll have you alternating between “aww” and wanting to pull your hair out… in the best way possible.