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Welcome to Wavecrest #7
A Husband for the Holidays
Whoever said what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas is a dirty liar.
Sylvie
You can’t blame me for disappearing after my one night with the gorgeous, charming, surprisingly tenacious Will. After all, running from my problems is my go-to way of dealing with difficult situations. But what should’ve been a little mistake that I plan on fixing just showed up in my town. I carved out a happy life for myself here in Wavecrest. My loyal friends are all the family I need, and I have a business that I’m proud of. There’s no room for a distracting, hard-to-resist man reminding me of the one, hot, fever-dream of a night we spent in Vegas. Should I give Will a chance or send him packing?
Will
A note. She left me a note. No phone number, no “thanks for a great time.” The firecracker woman has another thing coming if she believes I’m going to fade into the background and forget about our undeniable chemistry. A connection like this only happens for the lucky ones, and she’s the luckiest thing that happened to me in Vegas. I gave her enough time and space to figure out what she wants. Now it’s time to lay my cards on the table.
If you love a determined cinnamon roll hero, banter for days, found family, and a strong, snarky woman, you’ll adore this high-heat, low-drama battle-of-wills 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.
Sylvie
You can’t blame me for disappearing after my one night with the gorgeous, charming, surprisingly tenacious Will. After all, running from my problems is my go-to way of dealing with difficult situations. But what should’ve been a little mistake that I plan on fixing just showed up in my town. I carved out a happy life for myself here in Wavecrest. My loyal friends are all the family I need, and I have a business that I’m proud of. There’s no room for a distracting, hard-to-resist man reminding me of the one, hot, fever-dream of a night we spent in Vegas. Should I give Will a chance or send him packing?
Will
A note. She left me a note. No phone number, no “thanks for a great time.” The firecracker woman has another thing coming if she believes I’m going to fade into the background and forget about our undeniable chemistry. A connection like this only happens for the lucky ones, and she’s the luckiest thing that happened to me in Vegas. I gave her enough time and space to figure out what she wants. Now it’s time to lay my cards on the table.
If you love a determined cinnamon roll hero, banter for days, found family, and a strong, snarky woman, you’ll adore this high-heat, low-drama battle-of-wills 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.
113 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 11, 2023
About the author
Hilly Keen
20 books20 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) .
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
December 18, 2023
The best one of the series yet! And the whole series is so good! The mmc is so sweet and things get SPICY!
There were a few times I was annoyed with the fmc, like girl, why are you so mad at him haha but I grew to like her as well and felt she ended up being good enough for him 😅
There were a few times I was annoyed with the fmc, like girl, why are you so mad at him haha but I grew to like her as well and felt she ended up being good enough for him 😅
December 15, 2023
Sigh-worthy, short Christmas romance…
I’ve never read a book by Holly Keen before but it’s safe to say, this won’t be the last.
A Husband for Christmas, is a delightful story where two people meet in Vegas, are instantly smitten, fall into bed, get married, and fall back into bed. When the morning arrives, the wife’s side of the bed is cold but the husband refuses to let that be the end.
An adorable story that left me smiling and a bit envious of the heroine.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I’ve never read a book by Holly Keen before but it’s safe to say, this won’t be the last.
A Husband for Christmas, is a delightful story where two people meet in Vegas, are instantly smitten, fall into bed, get married, and fall back into bed. When the morning arrives, the wife’s side of the bed is cold but the husband refuses to let that be the end.
An adorable story that left me smiling and a bit envious of the heroine.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 4, 2024
4.5 stars
I enjoyed this story Will and Sylvie are adorable together.
I enjoyed this story Will and Sylvie are adorable together.
December 3, 2023
This is book 7 in the Welcome to Wavecrest series and I have loved every single one of them!
Hilly Keen manages to write books combining some of my favourite tropes and make it not only sweet and cute, but spicy and sexy too!
Here is my quick rundown of the series so far:
In Get a Groom we have a runaway groom/secret billionaire, roommates to lovers; No More Mr. Shy Guy has very spicy poetry written (read and acted upon) about the MFC; The Bride and the Bad Boy gives us a runaway bride, fake dating, a cinnamon roll her; Hate to Need You gives enemies to lovers, second-chance romance, grumpy sunshine, and a VERY hot and spicy scene in Evelyn's office. The Boss and the Silver Fox has a boss/employee, age-gap romance, friends-to-lovers with a cinnamon-roll silver fox and Afraid to Love You shows a best friend’s brother, always had a crush on you, commitment phobic, cinnamon roll romance, friends-with-benefits with an EXHIBITIONIST ALLEY WAY SCENE!!
A Husband for the Holidays has vibes of what-happens-in-Vegas-comes-to-Wavecrest with a very determined cinnamon roll of a husband, a 24hour wife with a fear of committing but snark for days and two people wooing one another with witty banter and enough FOREARM PORN to last you for days!
I adored Will from his very first words ''Hello wife'', the way he kept on calling Sylvie wife, the way he was 100% all in this marriage that started in Vegas and the way he respected Sylvie enough to go at her pace but be slightly evil enough to ensure that they were in very close proximity.
I really enjoyed the fact that the ''oh no! We married in haste (or lust)'' trope was put inverted because it was Will who was determined to stay married to Sylvie, and Sylvie who was unsure of what she wanted.
This book had me laughing out loud with the friendly banter, not just between Will and Sylvie, but also between Will and all the other characters. And the fact that Will realised they were teasing/roasting him because they care about Sylvie and had zero issue with it? Loved it!
I don't know how Hilly manages to write such wonderful, complex, real characters in 111 pages, but she does it each and every time!
Do yourself a favour and read A Husband for the Holidays, and then go back and read the rest of the series!
Hilly Keen manages to write books combining some of my favourite tropes and make it not only sweet and cute, but spicy and sexy too!
Here is my quick rundown of the series so far:
In Get a Groom we have a runaway groom/secret billionaire, roommates to lovers; No More Mr. Shy Guy has very spicy poetry written (read and acted upon) about the MFC; The Bride and the Bad Boy gives us a runaway bride, fake dating, a cinnamon roll her; Hate to Need You gives enemies to lovers, second-chance romance, grumpy sunshine, and a VERY hot and spicy scene in Evelyn's office. The Boss and the Silver Fox has a boss/employee, age-gap romance, friends-to-lovers with a cinnamon-roll silver fox and Afraid to Love You shows a best friend’s brother, always had a crush on you, commitment phobic, cinnamon roll romance, friends-with-benefits with an EXHIBITIONIST ALLEY WAY SCENE!!
A Husband for the Holidays has vibes of what-happens-in-Vegas-comes-to-Wavecrest with a very determined cinnamon roll of a husband, a 24hour wife with a fear of committing but snark for days and two people wooing one another with witty banter and enough FOREARM PORN to last you for days!
I adored Will from his very first words ''Hello wife'', the way he kept on calling Sylvie wife, the way he was 100% all in this marriage that started in Vegas and the way he respected Sylvie enough to go at her pace but be slightly evil enough to ensure that they were in very close proximity.
I really enjoyed the fact that the ''oh no! We married in haste (or lust)'' trope was put inverted because it was Will who was determined to stay married to Sylvie, and Sylvie who was unsure of what she wanted.
This book had me laughing out loud with the friendly banter, not just between Will and Sylvie, but also between Will and all the other characters. And the fact that Will realised they were teasing/roasting him because they care about Sylvie and had zero issue with it? Loved it!
I don't know how Hilly manages to write such wonderful, complex, real characters in 111 pages, but she does it each and every time!
Do yourself a favour and read A Husband for the Holidays, and then go back and read the rest of the series!
December 19, 2023
OMG!!! This book had me rolling... A Husband for the Holidays is a short and steamy battle of wills, small-town, Christmas themed, secret marriage romance. And it is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!! Sylvie and Will got quickly married in Vegas after meeting at a conference. They shared a hot night of passion only for Sylvie to leave with no contact info. Now, several months later, Will has found her in Wavecrest, the city his brother Zane lives in, and he has moved there to claim her and prove he is all in on this marriage. This book was so incredibly funny and steamy. The banter was hysterical. Their battle of wills and sexy games had me laughing out loud. I swear their chemistry was hot as an inferno and enough to burn down Wavecrest. We got lots and lots of steam and an incredible HEA. I loved so many lines, but "the smug is strong with this one" was one of my faves. Sylvie was just a tiny, sassy, spitfire and Will, a burly, hunky, drool-worthy heartthrob. I love this whole series, but this was my favorite!!!! 10☆s if I could!!! I'm sad it's over but has been added to my Kindle favorites folder to be read again.
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.
December 10, 2023
MMC/FMC- Will and Sylvie
POV- 1st person dual
Genre- Contemporary Romance
Sub Genre- Holiday Romance
Sub Genre- Small Town Romance
Grinch Warning- 🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄 Holiday Spirit (they Drag you into it in the most delightful way).
Heat- 🌋🌋🌋🌋🌋 Familiarize yourself with the location of the fire exits before reading.
Series? Y, and now I want to read them all.
Safety? Yes, plus HEA
Triggers- Language, Explicit Erotic Content, Karaoke.
Tropes- Vegas Wedding, Secret Marriage, Runaway Wife, It’s A Drag, Banter, Battle of Wits
What I liked- this is the perfect feel-good holiday romance! It’s funny, low drama, and wangst-free, without ever being boring. I loved the banter, and his family’s Christmas tradition was fabulous! This couple had total chemistry. Even the birth control convo was hot, and that takes some doing. I loved every minute of the book. The only thing I didn’t like was that it had to end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
POV- 1st person dual
Genre- Contemporary Romance
Sub Genre- Holiday Romance
Sub Genre- Small Town Romance
Grinch Warning- 🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄 Holiday Spirit (they Drag you into it in the most delightful way).
Heat- 🌋🌋🌋🌋🌋 Familiarize yourself with the location of the fire exits before reading.
Series? Y, and now I want to read them all.
Safety? Yes, plus HEA
Triggers- Language, Explicit Erotic Content, Karaoke.
Tropes- Vegas Wedding, Secret Marriage, Runaway Wife, It’s A Drag, Banter, Battle of Wits
What I liked- this is the perfect feel-good holiday romance! It’s funny, low drama, and wangst-free, without ever being boring. I loved the banter, and his family’s Christmas tradition was fabulous! This couple had total chemistry. Even the birth control convo was hot, and that takes some doing. I loved every minute of the book. The only thing I didn’t like was that it had to end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 27, 2024
This post Vegas marriage story starts when Sylvie unexpectedly meets her husband, Will Brady whom she met and married after a conference in Vegas a few months previously.
He turns out to be the brother of her friend's husband, Zane and he is moving from NYC to their small town. She finds out that Will is moving because he found her after seeing one of his brother's social media posts and wants to stay married to her. Sylvie is a "runner" and when a situation scares her, she leaves as she does not handle confrontation well. Unfortunately she can't run from tenacious Will without uprooting herself completely and she agrees to get to know him better and for them to date.
This charming tale was amusing and both characters were likeable and they discover that they've had a special connection from the start.
It ends with a HEA and a downloadable bonus chapter with sign-up to the author's newsletter. This is the first time I'm reading this author's work and I enjoyed this fun read.
He turns out to be the brother of her friend's husband, Zane and he is moving from NYC to their small town. She finds out that Will is moving because he found her after seeing one of his brother's social media posts and wants to stay married to her. Sylvie is a "runner" and when a situation scares her, she leaves as she does not handle confrontation well. Unfortunately she can't run from tenacious Will without uprooting herself completely and she agrees to get to know him better and for them to date.
This charming tale was amusing and both characters were likeable and they discover that they've had a special connection from the start.
It ends with a HEA and a downloadable bonus chapter with sign-up to the author's newsletter. This is the first time I'm reading this author's work and I enjoyed this fun read.
December 1, 2023
Sylvie and Will, the lead characters, were married in Vegas but Sylvie left Will asleep with a note that she’d contact him when she was ready. When he saw her in the background of one of his brother’s photos months later, he’s determined to make his case. Shocked to see him and confrontation avoidant, Sylvie would like him to just go away but he has no intention of doing so…
This novella is dual POV, well written and edited, and a sweet and steamy Christmas romance. I enjoyed Will’s gentle perseverance and his determination to get Sylvie to give their relationship a serious attempt. I enjoyed Sylvie’s fire. I enjoyed the banter between all characters, including the well-integrated secondary characters. I enjoyed the intimate scenes and the character development.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This novella is dual POV, well written and edited, and a sweet and steamy Christmas romance. I enjoyed Will’s gentle perseverance and his determination to get Sylvie to give their relationship a serious attempt. I enjoyed Sylvie’s fire. I enjoyed the banter between all characters, including the well-integrated secondary characters. I enjoyed the intimate scenes and the character development.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read
December 23, 2023A Husband for the Holidays is a fun fast read that makes you smile and laugh.
For Sylvie and Will things that happen at a Vegas convention did not stay in Vegas when Will found Sylvia in Wavecrest and was friends with his brother.
Sylvie often runs when things get difficult, so waking up next to Will with a ring on her finger was not something she wanted to face. When he walked into a friend's party, she is forced to talk to him.
No one expected Will to settle down, but with Sylvie something was different. He wanted to get to know her and finding her he was not going to let her get away this time.
Sylvie and Will have great chemistry and a pull the ignites when they are together. Love his family's Christmas tradition, I can only imagine the fun they had.
Great read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
For Sylvie and Will things that happen at a Vegas convention did not stay in Vegas when Will found Sylvia in Wavecrest and was friends with his brother.
Sylvie often runs when things get difficult, so waking up next to Will with a ring on her finger was not something she wanted to face. When he walked into a friend's party, she is forced to talk to him.
No one expected Will to settle down, but with Sylvie something was different. He wanted to get to know her and finding her he was not going to let her get away this time.
Sylvie and Will have great chemistry and a pull the ignites when they are together. Love his family's Christmas tradition, I can only imagine the fun they had.
Great read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 23, 2023
Things that grunt in the night at Vegas only means one thing. You’re married. Either it is on purpose or an accident. That’s what that sound means. So Sylvie and Will get married. This is where the craziness happens. The connection was so strong that the next morning she leaves a note telling about “I’ll get back to you” and disappears. So the story is about a second chance for the first one of wedding bliss. So talking, conflict and truthfulness are erupting. The adventures of getting married doesn’t have a cliffhanger. Funny 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.
December 9, 2023
Sylvie's motto is to cut and run when things get hard so when she finds herself married after a heated night with Will she leaves a not and leaves him and their marriage behind. When he comes breezing into town and claims his wife the drama begins. Will he be able to get Sylvie to see that she is the perfect woman for him and to give their marriage a chance. This delightful story kept me glued to Sylvie and Will's drama from start to finish.
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 7, 2024
This was my first book by Holly Keen and it won’t be my last. Sylvie and Will meet in Las Vegas and there is an instant attraction between the two which propels them become intimate and get married. However, when the morning arrives there is a lot of regret on Sylvie’s end so she leaves. Several months later Will is able to track her down living in the same small town as his brother. He spends his time trying to convince Sylvie that their marriage is real and that he is all in. Can he convince her to give in and try? Or is this marriage doomed before it even began?
November 30, 2023
When things get tough, Sylvia cuts and runs. So the day after her wedding, she runs and disappears. Will finally found her, the women of his dreams, his wife after months of searching. Now he just has to convince her to give them a chance. Another super cute story with the Wavecrest crew. It has been a fun series.
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.
December 7, 2023
This book is about Sylvie and Will. They had a quickie Vegas wedding and Sylvie ran away the next morning. Months later Will turns up in her home town wanting to reconnect. This book is a short, quick read. It has sone hot and steamy scenes. It was a thoroughly enjoyable read that I couldn’t put down. I highly recommend it.
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.
December 12, 2023
Loved this dynamic of this storyline. The characters were fantastic and had great chemistry together. I thoroughly enjoyed Will’s tenacity in pursuing Sylvie, yet he was caring and made sure his feelings were well known to Sylvie.
As always, Ms. Keen has brought this little town of Wavecrest to life with all the supporting characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
As always, Ms. Keen has brought this little town of Wavecrest to life with all the supporting characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 6, 2023
This is a well written book with strong characters in Sylvie and Will. The author takes you into their lives with a fun banter and steam and kept me reading with his determination. She paints her scenes perfectly and delivers an entertaining story.
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.
December 8, 2023
A really fun read that will keep a smile on your face the entire time! This book goes to show, not everything that happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, sometimes it follows you home & ends up being the best thing possible. No cheating, no drama, no cliffhanger and a 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.
December 10, 2023
This is hilarious and witty with engaging characters, a cracking plot and some steam. Sylvie and Will got married on a drunken night in Vegas, but she runs away and he doesn’t find her for several months. Their connection is hot but can he convince his wife he is here to stay
Fabulous fun read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Fabulous fun read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 11, 2023
I really liked this story. The characters were great and I enjoyed the storyline. Such a good read. Happy reading.
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.
December 13, 2023
Welcome to Wavecrest is back! This time, right in time for the holidays. Great addition to the series...hope there's more holiday themed ones coming soon.
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.
December 13, 2023
This is the second book I have read from Hilly Keen and I'm hooked. I enjoyed this page turner. I enjoyed the strong chemistry between the characters. a must 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.
December 17, 2023
A Husband for the Holidays takes endearing, romance to heart. From the funny dialogue to the irresistible characters, Keen keeps the smiles coming and the heart swooning. Sylvie and Will are an adorable frustration that I would gladly revisit again.
January 10, 2026
A Must Read
Holy Moly! You will love this book even though you know how it will end. Lots of twists and turns. Runaway bride and searching husband leads you on a merry chase to hidden and acknowledged love.
Holy Moly! You will love this book even though you know how it will end. Lots of twists and turns. Runaway bride and searching husband leads you on a merry chase to hidden and acknowledged love.
December 13, 2023
Chaotically good
I loved the chaotic back and forth of the characters. The sass and the tension were amazing. A fast, sexy little holiday read!
I loved the chaotic back and forth of the characters. The sass and the tension were amazing. A fast, sexy little holiday read!
December 14, 2023
This is the third book I've read by Hilly Keen and each one gets better! I love her bite size stories with my favorite tropes - small town romances with cinnamon roll heroes and plenty of spice. I also enjoyed that while this is a holiday book, the characters celebrate in a non-traditional style, which was refreshing. A Husband for the Holidays did not disappoint.
December 3, 2024
You absolutely cannot go wrong with a Hilly Keen novella. The Wavecrest series is perfect when you need a quick romance hit, they never let me down.
December 28, 2024
3.5 stars
May 22, 2025
Parts were cute but I it just wasn’t for me.
October 21, 2025
The Base!!!
I love the friend group in this small town. They share life and love within the found family. This whole series is amazing ❤️
I love the friend group in this small town. They share life and love within the found family. This whole series is amazing ❤️
September 16, 2025
This was a fun twist on the holiday romance trope, with a Vegas-marriage setup that instantly adds drama. Sylvie and Will’s dynamic is fiery — she’s the runner, he’s the steadfast one, and their push-pull tension kept me turning the pages. The Wavecrest setting gave it that cozy, small-town holiday charm, and the banter between them was playful and often funny.
That said, Sylvie’s constant avoidance started to grate on me after a while. Her running away felt more frustrating than endearing, and I wanted to see deeper exploration of why she kept sabotaging herself emotionally. On the flip side, Will sometimes felt almost too perfect — patient, forgiving, endlessly sweet — which made the balance between them feel uneven. The resolution tied up neatly, but the emotional growth could’ve been fleshed out more.
Overall, this is an enjoyable holiday romance with plenty of steam and festive vibes, but it didn’t hit quite as hard as some of the other Wavecrest stories. A solid, light seasonal read if you enjoy marriage-of-convenience or second-chance tropes.
That said, Sylvie’s constant avoidance started to grate on me after a while. Her running away felt more frustrating than endearing, and I wanted to see deeper exploration of why she kept sabotaging herself emotionally. On the flip side, Will sometimes felt almost too perfect — patient, forgiving, endlessly sweet — which made the balance between them feel uneven. The resolution tied up neatly, but the emotional growth could’ve been fleshed out more.
Overall, this is an enjoyable holiday romance with plenty of steam and festive vibes, but it didn’t hit quite as hard as some of the other Wavecrest stories. A solid, light seasonal read if you enjoy marriage-of-convenience or second-chance tropes.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews