What do you think?
Rate this book
Welcome to Wavecrest #1
Get a Groom
A runaway groom walks into a small-town bar...and everything changes. Can this secret billionaire convince his beautiful new roommate that this is more than just a temporary arrangement?
Alice
Listen, if someone is going to have the nerve to pass out in my bar, I’m going to take a Sharpie to his face. And, oh what a face. I have everything I could ever want—my friends, my bar, this town that I love. I certainly don’t need a giant man in a tuxedo who looks at me like I’m top-shelf whiskey and he’s dying for a drink. Mr. Drool-worthy Dad Bod has ‘complicated’ written all over him. So why do I rent him my extra room so he can hide from his family?
Zane
I thought I found forever, but ditching my wedding minutes before marrying a woman I don’t love has thrown my life into chaos. Passing out in Alice’s bar and then waking up on her couch isn’t just another twist in the road to finding my true forever. Getting to know her, falling for her…maybe it’s the end.
If you love a thick cinnamon roll hero, when opposites attract, and a strong, snarky woman, you’ll adore this high-heat, low-drama roommates-to-lovers story.
Welcome to Wavecrest, where the weather is foggy, the women are strong, and love is just around the corner. Each book in this series of small town, steamy, low angst, bite-sized stories can be read as a standalone, and features a satisfying happily ever after.
Alice
Listen, if someone is going to have the nerve to pass out in my bar, I’m going to take a Sharpie to his face. And, oh what a face. I have everything I could ever want—my friends, my bar, this town that I love. I certainly don’t need a giant man in a tuxedo who looks at me like I’m top-shelf whiskey and he’s dying for a drink. Mr. Drool-worthy Dad Bod has ‘complicated’ written all over him. So why do I rent him my extra room so he can hide from his family?
Zane
I thought I found forever, but ditching my wedding minutes before marrying a woman I don’t love has thrown my life into chaos. Passing out in Alice’s bar and then waking up on her couch isn’t just another twist in the road to finding my true forever. Getting to know her, falling for her…maybe it’s the end.
If you love a thick cinnamon roll hero, when opposites attract, and a strong, snarky woman, you’ll adore this high-heat, low-drama roommates-to-lovers story.
Welcome to Wavecrest, where the weather is foggy, the women are strong, and love is just around the corner. Each book in this series of small town, steamy, low angst, bite-sized stories can be read as a standalone, and features a satisfying happily ever after.
Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2023
63 people are currently reading
159 people want to read
About the author
Hilly Keen
14 books16 followersHilly Keen is not a NYT bestseller, but sometimes she does the crossword in pen. Knowing that every childhood memory would someday be fodder for a story (or therapy), she spent her youth causing just a little bit of trouble. When she wasn’t watching classic Cary Grant movies, reading Judy Blume, or making friendship bracelets, she was out antagonizing the golfers on the course bordering her childhood home.
In the small moments she’s not yelling at her computer screen, she ponders the deeper meaning of the first Pixar Cars movie while watching fog roll across the hills of her Northern California town. She’s not above begging her two cats for affection. Leaving the house means either the fridge is empty or she’s hunting for vintage typewriters and boomboxes to add to her collection. Please send shelves.
Visit hillykeen.com to sign up for her newsletter, see a current list of her books, and find bonus content. Connect with her on Instagram (@hillykeen), Threads (@hillykeen), and Facebook (@hillykeen) .
In the small moments she’s not yelling at her computer screen, she ponders the deeper meaning of the first Pixar Cars movie while watching fog roll across the hills of her Northern California town. She’s not above begging her two cats for affection. Leaving the house means either the fridge is empty or she’s hunting for vintage typewriters and boomboxes to add to her collection. Please send shelves.
Visit hillykeen.com to sign up for her newsletter, see a current list of her books, and find bonus content. Connect with her on Instagram (@hillykeen), Threads (@hillykeen), and Facebook (@hillykeen) .
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
February 27, 2024
Cute MCs
Smokin scenes
Low angst
Princess Bride reference
Quick funny read
What more could you want in a romance?
Smokin scenes
Low angst
Princess Bride reference
Quick funny read
What more could you want in a romance?
February 8, 2023
Roommates . . .
Alice is watching the sad man in a tuxedo who is about to pass out on her bar. She gets a Sharpie, prepared to draw a phallic object on his cheek, despite her bartender Dale begging her not to mess up his handsome face. The man mumbles that he can hear them as they continue to wonder where he came from. She usually would get the locals a ride home when they pass out, but this man is a stranger. She feels compelled to take care of him herself. Or they could send him to the resort nearby – which makes him bolt upright and say NO, then falls off the barstool with a loud thump as he hits the floor and stares at the ceiling. When she again says she will send him to the resort, he begs her to let him stay at the bar. He tells them his name is Zane and Dale helps Alice get him to his feet and onto the barstool. Dale says they should take him upstairs to sleep it off so they can hear his story in the morning.
Apparently Zane was ready to get married only to realize he didn’t love the bride. So he ran and now asks her to let him hide here from his family who will soon be looking for him. She knows he’s trouble… but she rents him a room. Despite her strong intentions to stay single, this man is definitely a gorgeous temptation.
Right from the start, the reader will like the characters. The friendship between Alice and Dale, and Dale’s big heart that convinces her to let Zane stay had me smiling the entire time. Will Zane convince Alice that she’s the one for him? Will she take him seriously? Or do they already know deep down that they were meant to be?
Alice is watching the sad man in a tuxedo who is about to pass out on her bar. She gets a Sharpie, prepared to draw a phallic object on his cheek, despite her bartender Dale begging her not to mess up his handsome face. The man mumbles that he can hear them as they continue to wonder where he came from. She usually would get the locals a ride home when they pass out, but this man is a stranger. She feels compelled to take care of him herself. Or they could send him to the resort nearby – which makes him bolt upright and say NO, then falls off the barstool with a loud thump as he hits the floor and stares at the ceiling. When she again says she will send him to the resort, he begs her to let him stay at the bar. He tells them his name is Zane and Dale helps Alice get him to his feet and onto the barstool. Dale says they should take him upstairs to sleep it off so they can hear his story in the morning.
Apparently Zane was ready to get married only to realize he didn’t love the bride. So he ran and now asks her to let him hide here from his family who will soon be looking for him. She knows he’s trouble… but she rents him a room. Despite her strong intentions to stay single, this man is definitely a gorgeous temptation.
Right from the start, the reader will like the characters. The friendship between Alice and Dale, and Dale’s big heart that convinces her to let Zane stay had me smiling the entire time. Will Zane convince Alice that she’s the one for him? Will she take him seriously? Or do they already know deep down that they were meant to be?
April 26, 2024
Alice has a tough exterior, but Zane sees her soft spots, even in his drunken state. After getting drunk in her bar, and crashing on her couch, he decides he should move in with her because it’s the best place to hide from everyone he’s disappointed. He absolutely has a thing for her, and it is 100% truly adorable. Man is down BAD! Their chemistry is unexpected, and unavoidable. Alice has sworn off entitled, rich men. And since Zane doesn’t want her to see him any differently, so he hides his bank account. But forget the kind of money and fame he has, he’s a stand up guy! Generous, thoughtful, helpful, kind, and he has such a big heart! Unfortunately, she can’t ignore his “lie”. Mostly because of her ignored trust issues. Just a little blip I definitely didn’t enjoy. I loved this writing style, and the time spent in their thoughts. I was giggling almost the entire time!
My Favorite Quotes:
• “Being so close to you without being able to touch you the way I needed to. Tell me if you want this. Because I won’t stop until you tell me to.”
• “If you f!ck as well as you eat p!ssy, I’m going to be a very happy lady.”
• “Give me a second to do some worshiping.”
• “What did I do? What can I do to fix it?”
• “I love you, and I’m not going anywhere.”
7/10 Dirty Birdy
3/10 Forced Proximity
5/10 Instalove
4/10 The CEO Type
My Favorite Quotes:
• “Being so close to you without being able to touch you the way I needed to. Tell me if you want this. Because I won’t stop until you tell me to.”
• “If you f!ck as well as you eat p!ssy, I’m going to be a very happy lady.”
• “Give me a second to do some worshiping.”
• “What did I do? What can I do to fix it?”
• “I love you, and I’m not going anywhere.”
7/10 Dirty Birdy
3/10 Forced Proximity
5/10 Instalove
4/10 The CEO Type
February 5, 2023
This was a short, fun, and easy read. It is practically feel-good all the way through; even the "obligatory" fight/complications/break-up is neatly avoided. As it is so short, there isn't much character development, but I didn't mind as that wasn't the main focus.
The story is steeped with humor, and the writing is very vivid; you can almost feel the sexual frustration of the characters. In certain scenes, there is an overabundance of literary pictures, making me think, "enough! I get it; move on!"
All in all, a lighthearted, enjoyable read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story is steeped with humor, and the writing is very vivid; you can almost feel the sexual frustration of the characters. In certain scenes, there is an overabundance of literary pictures, making me think, "enough! I get it; move on!"
All in all, a lighthearted, enjoyable read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 4, 2024
I adored the chemistry and banter between the two main characters, and I want a man like Zane to give me what I need over a bar! My goodness! How they managed to keep their hands off each other for so long was beyond me, but Hilly’s ability to control the burn and leave the reader without doubt that you want this for them was brilliant.
From early on, I got black cat vs. golden retriever vibes with Instalust.
I read this quick-paced short story at speed because it was so endearing. The intrigue at the start quickly hooked me, and I will be reading every Hilly Keen book I can find now.
From early on, I got black cat vs. golden retriever vibes with Instalust.
I read this quick-paced short story at speed because it was so endearing. The intrigue at the start quickly hooked me, and I will be reading every Hilly Keen book I can find now.
February 13, 2023
Alice is a bar owner, who is not fawn of people with a lot of money. Zane shows up in a tux and has one too many. When the morning shows up, Zane realizes what he wants and what he does not want. And what he did not want to do is get marries.
This is a lighthearted story that is fun to read. Alice and Zane work perfectly together, when she finds out who he really is, Alice fears start to come out.
Great story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a lighthearted story that is fun to read. Alice and Zane work perfectly together, when she finds out who he really is, Alice fears start to come out.
Great story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 31, 2023
Very good romance for a new life
It's a good short romance. It has a simple side, but I appreciated that due to the context of the meeting, time was left to really get to know each other, to live together, despite a very strong attraction between Zane, the escapee from his own marriage day, and Alice the young owner of a bar who hosts him.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
It's a good short romance. It has a simple side, but I appreciated that due to the context of the meeting, time was left to really get to know each other, to live together, despite a very strong attraction between Zane, the escapee from his own marriage day, and Alice the young owner of a bar who hosts him.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
January 31, 2023
This is an entertaining roommates to lovers romance with strong characters in Zane and Alice. When he runs from his wedding entering Alice's bar he knows where his forever is. The author does a great job developing the story and bringing them together. She moves the story quickly and smoothly with her perfectly painted scenes and delivers an enjoyable read.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
February 6, 2023
Love…Love…Love this book!! It starts out quite funny with Zane drunk in Alice’s bar. What is almost an instalove romance for both Zane and Alice is just so adorable and their chemistry is off the charts! The book moves pretty quickly as they get together, but the one year epilogue is a very nice ending giving them their HEA!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2023
I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review. I liked this short love story between Zane and Alice. When these two met, they were convinced that love just wasn't in their future. It doesn't take much time around each other before they begin to develop feelings beyond an attraction. This is the first time I'm reading one of Hilly's stories. It was funny, sweet and still provided that heat between characters
February 13, 2023
Twist on the "runaway bride" story. Zane realizes he doesn't love his friend, Cecilia, and she doesn't love him so they call off the wedding. Zane decides to hide out for a while to all the hoop-la is over. He ends up in Alice's bar and as the saying goes the rest is history.
A good book that is lots of fun. This is the first book in the "Welcome to Wavecrest" series. It is a standalone book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A good book that is lots of fun. This is the first book in the "Welcome to Wavecrest" series. It is a standalone book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 26, 2023
Zane
Zane and his fiance have decided that they don't want to get married, minutes before the wedding. He ends up in a bar and gets very drunk and Alice and her friend Dale end up taking him to their house to sleep it off. The next morning Zane wakes up to discover that Dale no longer lives with her and he wants to be her new roommate. She agrees and they eventually start to have feelings for each other that they can't deny.
Zane and his fiance have decided that they don't want to get married, minutes before the wedding. He ends up in a bar and gets very drunk and Alice and her friend Dale end up taking him to their house to sleep it off. The next morning Zane wakes up to discover that Dale no longer lives with her and he wants to be her new roommate. She agrees and they eventually start to have feelings for each other that they can't deny.
October 31, 2023
I really enjoyed Zane and Alice’s story
The title of GET A GROOM tells a lot about the story. I wanted to read it because I saw a post about it on Threads and then the summary intrigued me.
It kept my interest from the first page. It’s funny, steamy and tells just enough story without leaving anything out. If you are looking for a short, satisfying read, this is a good choice.
The title of GET A GROOM tells a lot about the story. I wanted to read it because I saw a post about it on Threads and then the summary intrigued me.
It kept my interest from the first page. It’s funny, steamy and tells just enough story without leaving anything out. If you are looking for a short, satisfying read, this is a good choice.
February 4, 2024
cute story with likeable characters
My primary complaint about this book is that it wasn’t longer. A runaway groom goes into a bar, maybe has too much to drink, and finds a couple sympathetic bartenders, including a commitment-shy bar owner who looks like a superhero to him. The sparks are immediate. There isn’t deep character development here but that’s okay. It’s a fun book with a HEA and the story never drags.
My primary complaint about this book is that it wasn’t longer. A runaway groom goes into a bar, maybe has too much to drink, and finds a couple sympathetic bartenders, including a commitment-shy bar owner who looks like a superhero to him. The sparks are immediate. There isn’t deep character development here but that’s okay. It’s a fun book with a HEA and the story never drags.
October 11, 2024
3.25 stars
This was a cute gender-swap on the “runaway bride falls in love with the bartender” story.
I originally marked this as DNF (as something about the MMC’s POV felt a little stilted), but then I ended up finishing the book on the same day, so I guess something kept me engaged!
I also liked the general vibe of the series, and will reading the next book when I’m in the mood for a sweet and steamy novella.
This was a cute gender-swap on the “runaway bride falls in love with the bartender” story.
I originally marked this as DNF (as something about the MMC’s POV felt a little stilted), but then I ended up finishing the book on the same day, so I guess something kept me engaged!
I also liked the general vibe of the series, and will reading the next book when I’m in the mood for a sweet and steamy novella.
September 4, 2025
Why was this not labeled as a rom-com?!
I found this book to be pretty damn funny. I really don't know why rom-com wasn't a part of this. It was a great story for such a short read. I didn't think I'd enjoy it as much as I did as these shorter reads are often either not detailed enough or just no plot whatsoever. Which is fine but I love at least a little bit of a plot with the smexy stuff.
I found this book to be pretty damn funny. I really don't know why rom-com wasn't a part of this. It was a great story for such a short read. I didn't think I'd enjoy it as much as I did as these shorter reads are often either not detailed enough or just no plot whatsoever. Which is fine but I love at least a little bit of a plot with the smexy stuff.
January 19, 2023
Zane escapes his wedding and was found drunk at the local bar owned by Alice. Needing to get away from his failed wedding, he rents out a room from Alice. From there, the sparks explodes. It was really cute and entertaining love story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 31, 2023
This was such a cute roommates to lovers novella! The run away groom and never gonna love again bar owner are the perfect match! God they were so adorable together and when they finally admitted their feeling for each other 😍😍😍😍😍.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 5, 2023
This entertaining story has so much going on in it from the runaway groom to the bar maid that he rents a room from. The story is heartfelt and has you in Zane's corner to get his chance for a happily ever after.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 7, 2023
This was absolutely fantastic, wonderful storyline with well developed characters that are spunky, beautiful and swoon worthy. Loved the banter and constant laughter with extreme s**ual tension between Alice and Zane. Fabulous ending for this fun loving couple.
I am voluntarily leaving a review for this book that I received free.
I am voluntarily leaving a review for this book that I received free.
February 18, 2023
Zane and Alice meet and they are non believers when it comes to love. At least when it involves their future. Lucky for them, it doesn't take a lot of time once they're surrounded by each other before feelings evolve.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 18, 2023
This book is a short quick read. It is about Zane and Alice. Zane has just run away from his wedding and Alice runs the bar he has gone too. Alice agrees to take him in as her new housemate. This book is an insta attraction romance. It has some hot and steamy scenes. It is a thoroughly enjoyable read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 13, 2025
This review is going to be very short, just like the book. You can read it in a short afternoon. The book is too short to do any character development. Zane and Alice are likable enough, but I didn’t feel their chemistry. They talked a lot about it, but I never truly sensed it. Maybe that is due to the shortness of the story. The story definitely delivers humor, though!
January 13, 2023
Great book really enjoyed reading it it was sweet charming and romantic I would definitely recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 17, 2023
I really enjoyed the characters, I loved their flirting and both of them being totally into each other and letting the other know in no uncertain terms. I loved the humor in this story,.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 3, 2023
FIRST TIME READIND THIS AUTHOR AND THE START OF A
NEW SERIES IS AND A GREAT START IT HAS A GREAT STORY
AND CHARACTERS ,LOVED IT CANT WAIT FOR NEXT BOOK.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
NEW SERIES IS AND A GREAT START IT HAS A GREAT STORY
AND CHARACTERS ,LOVED IT CANT WAIT FOR NEXT BOOK.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 5, 2023
3.75 - 4 stars.
I liked how these two met and how Zane recognised he needed to take his time and not rush in. I believed in their connection and chemistry and thought they were a good match.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I liked how these two met and how Zane recognised he needed to take his time and not rush in. I believed in their connection and chemistry and thought they were a good match.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 24, 2025
Cute short story about finding the one you are meant to be with forever. It was nice seeing the man as the one that was supposed to get married instead of all the books where is is a runaway bride. Very likeable characters.
February 9, 2023
Get a Groom
Book 1 of Welcome to Wavecrest
Hilly Keen
I really enjoyed this story, especially the ending. The characters, Zane and Alice, were well written with chemistry and banter. Great read.
Book 1 of Welcome to Wavecrest
Hilly Keen
I really enjoyed this story, especially the ending. The characters, Zane and Alice, were well written with chemistry and banter. Great read.
June 18, 2023
A cute quickie
This was a short sweet and sexy quickie. Loved the it, characters and the fact I could read it in one setting.
This was a short sweet and sexy quickie. Loved the it, characters and the fact I could read it in one setting.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews