Gray Sweatpants Season

by Hilly Keen

The weather's cold, she's nose deep in law textbooks, and her new neighbor is a giant distraction wrapped in gray, cotton fleece.

Lottie
Being back in my hometown isn't all it's cracked up to be, even if it's temporary. I thought sleeping on an air mattress in my brother's spare room while I study for the bar exam was a new low...until the date from hell.

When a tall, monosyllabic redwood tree and his friends step in to help, I might be a little intrigued. And a lot smitten.

It turns out Mr. Tall, Dark, and Grumpy is my new neighbor, and I'm not ready for that much jaw-dropping, tug at my insides, light me on fire diversion right next door. The contractor rocks a pair of gray joggers like it should be illegal in multiple jurisdictions.

Now Jack and I are spending some time together, getting closer. What happens when my big goals for life outside this small town mean having to give him up?

Jack
After my ex leaves, it's me, her cat, and my dark thoughts in this dull little duplex. I'm not looking for anyone to drag me out of my pity party...until she walks through the door and steals my breath. I'm not the man who can give Lottie what she wants—what she needs—but after getting to know her inside and out, I want to be.

Thanks to a messy shower mishap, my escape-artist cat, and some steamy study sessions, Lottie and I might be heading toward something much more than neighbors who share a thin wall.

Gray Sweatpants Season is a steamy, small-town standalone novel featuring found family, cozy vibes, and a guaranteed HEA. If you enjoy a grumpy, blue collar, green-flag hero and a smart, confident, curvy heroine, you'll fall in love with Jack and Lottie (and Oscar the cat).

Genres: Slow Burn, Sports

294 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 10, 2026

About the author

Hilly 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) .

Reviews

[Sarandah chrysalis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet and filthy hot, with lots of good communication and big feelings. Oh, and a cat :)

Enjoyed this fuller length book while revisiting the cute fictional town of Wavecrest, felt like seeing a bunch of old friends. Loved the absolute ownership these two had on their own sexuality, just experimenting and exploring safely and without hesitation.

And I always love a story where someone builds things for their love interest, that level of care is precious to read about.

All in all, a sweet, hot read!

[Justina · Rating 5 out of 5]

It feels amazing to be able to say that you loved an ARC. Having to write a bad review for a book that you got for free sucks, but fortunately this time this was absolutely not the case. Gray sweatpants season by Hilly Keen deserves every single one of the 5 stars I’m giving it. YAY!!!

You should absolutely read it if you’re looking for a cozy spicy romance between a grumpy golden retriever of a man and a smart, curvy, hilarious woman. They are both wounded by their pasts, though in different ways. There’s a lot of spice, and the spice is SPICY SPICY (which I did not expect given how sweet the book is. So, buckle up and enjoy, because the MCs surely do!).

I adored this book from the first chapter. FMC’s bad first date encounter (not with the MMC) was a hilarious choice to kick things off. I was immediately hooked and loved the writing style, it was fun and engaging. FMC’s first description of the MMC („tall dark and bend me over”) got me chuckling, I loved how she stood up for herself (the doormat moment) and I got excited to read about her more, I looove strong FMCs in romances. When she booped the asshole (not the MMC), I laughed out loud. Go, Lottie!

The FMC is curvy and there is no mention of her having any body image issues or insecurities (THANK GODS), there are just pages and pages of MMC’s absolute adoration of her curves and worship of her various body parts. So it’s just mutual body enjoyment, as it should be (YAY).

I melted repeatedly because of many, many examples of how thoughtful Jack (the MMC) was, how he truly saw Lottie for who she was, how he consistently cared for, protected and considered her. When he left the electric candles for Lottie, so that she could find her way in case she woke up in the middle of the night in an unfamiliar place, when he plugged in her phone for her when she’s asleep, the way he wondered if she’s warm enough… GODS. Jack is a man who creates an environment of safety for his partner and it was amazing to witness him being so caring in all his grumpiness. And I, too, am 100% sold on gray sweatpants and consider them illegal in some cases, so I get it, Lottie, I REALLY get it.

And, because it needs to be said twice - I love when curvy FMCs aren’t built around their body insecurities, HELL YEAH. Lottie was a whip smart, sexy, hilarious, fierce, determined and resilient curvy goddess.

It was truly a pleasure to read this book. I will 100% read more books by Hilly Keen, it was a wonderful experience and I’m absolutely going back to this universe to read about the other couples.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Leann Sanders · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great first read of this new to me author! Super cute, super charming. The romance and spice was deliciously written! Once the story got going, I couldn’t put it down.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lois · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding a home again.

Lottie graduated in the top ten percent of her class at Berkeley. She's returned home to Wavecrest, California, and is currently living in the spare bedroom at Owen and Rocky's home, her brother and sister-in-law. She's studying for February's bar exam. It's not ideal because her bed is an air mattress on the floor that squeaks every time she changes position on it. But it will allow her to save money towards her own place once she passes the exam.

Between studying for the bar exam and working for a lawyer, Lottie has been kept busy. Tonight she's had enough studying, and she scheduled a date with a man named Blaine on a dating app. They're meeting at Foggy’s for drinks. It is not going well. First, he was late. Then, he takes over the conversation, barely letting her say anything. She's getting more and more angry with him. Just as she's about to let him have it, a group steps in to be her backup, although she's doing fine all by herself.

Jack is still trying to get over being dumped by his girlfriend, Amy. They had dated for four years, the last two living together. She'd been cheating on him with her married boss, Garrett. Then Garrett divorced his wife and took a new position with the company for a job in Amsterdam. Amy went with him. She gathered all of her things, except her cat, Oscar, and left Jack. She tells him that he should be happy for her because the move means a promotion for her. He's through with love and romance! That is until he spotted a beautiful woman at Foggy’s.

Tonight he's meeting his sister, Mel, and their friends, Ben, Ned, and Scott, at Foggy’s. The guys play rugby together. He's been keeping an eye on the table with the beautiful woman and some chump who has no business being with a woman like her.

Jack has been in a funk since meeting Lottie. He hadn't asked for her number, thinking that he'd run into her somewhere in town; after all, Wavecrest isn't that big. But he's not seen hide nor hair of her, and he doesn't even know her last name. He admits to himself that lately his bad mood is less about Amy's leaving and more about Lottie's disappearance.

He was lying shirtless on the couch with Oscar perched on his chest. Suddenly there's a bang from outside at the same time the ice maker rattles, and Oscar springs off of him, leaving a trail of scratches on his chest. His landlord mentioned a new tenant had rented the other side of the duplex. He only hopes the new tenant won't be too noisy.

To say that Lottie and Jack are stunned to recognize that they'll be neighbors is an understatement! They're drawn to each other, but each thinks the other couldn't be interested in them.

Jack could be a model for sweatpants, jeans, or even Carhartt work pants: she's partial to the sweatpants. He's there to help her when needed—even if it's killing him to be that near to her while pretending it's no big deal.

Jack's friend and former boss, Bruce, had sold his construction business, "Redwood Pacific Builders," to Jack. Jack has his eye on an older house that he'd love to buy and remodel. Bruce called Jack to let him know the elderly owners have moved into an assisted living facility, and their son wants to dump the house ASAP. Is Jack interested? Yes, he is! The house is near where he was raised and where his parents still live. He's wanted to live in this house since he was a kid.

Lottie has gone to Owen and Rocky's for dinner. After eating, while he does the dishes, the women go for a walk. Lottie told Jack some of the background story of her and Jack. She had been thinking that she'd like to have a house someday, and she'd like that home to be in Wavecrest. She was twelve the last time she lived in a house. Since then it had been apartments, dorms, or her current duplex. As they walk, Rocky tells her stories about the houses and their owners. She's telling her about a home that recently sold. Suddenly they notice that Jack's truck is parked by it. Of course they want to have a look inside. Lottie had a thought that she'd love a house like this, but she'll probably be in her forties before she can afford a house. As Rocky is upstairs, Jack is showing Lottie around different areas. Suddenly he has a vision of her curled up in a chair reading by the fireplace with Oscar at her feet. Now he wants to keep this house even more.

Is she finally going to get her house, her pet, and her own HOT husband?

I received an ARC of this book from the author via Booksprout. I am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Genevieve · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew I was going to love the writers writing from “an IPA so hoppy it tastes like a skunk’s butthole” and I. Was. Not. Disappointed. They are so funny, and holy cow, I’m over halfway through and haven’t noticed any typos or grammar errors! (Tangent, I want Mel’s book next!)

There was a point where Halloween is around the corner and I literally said “oh my gosh it’s only October!?” I feel a little bit like I need to go back and find out what month it was when she arrived, but the point of this tangent is their poor hearts! Obviously we all know they’re going to fall in love so I truly hope that’s not a spoiler, but I’m the kind of person who (in my own life) is practically pathologically unable to cope with liminal space in my life, and poor Jack and Lottie are existing in liminal space for months! Lottie is so amazing though (Jack thinks so too) but I want to be her friend, and I also want her focus and determination. As for Jack… I don’t want to be like Jack, but I’d like to meet someone like Jack who doesn’t need me to be like Lottie. Mmkay? Yes, please.

This is the second book I’ve read this week with a list of character traits that you want to highlight “yes, these are the green flags” (on both their parts). And because of a few texts from Jack’s ex I was expecting her to reappear either to try to get him back or worse – try to take Oscar! Friends, fear not. Oscar is safe. But those texts are part of the green flags… Another one of the best things in this book is how much fun they have during sex, they laugh as much during sex as they do when they hang out. And good golly some of what they do just might Give You Ideas…

Speaking of ideas, have I said yet that I want Mel and Benny’s book? Because I WANT MEL AND BENNY’S BOOK!!!!

But going back to those green flags I mentioned? Jack is relationship goals. Dude isn’t just a green flag, he’s a green flag the size of those US flags they hold open on the deck of aircraft carriers. And don’t get me wrong, Lottie is awesome, but this season of her life is focused on taking the Bar so she’s not as able to do the above and beyond as Jack is… but don’t worry, she freaking rocks his world.

Now, lest you think this book is perfection, I should say that there’s one thing that apparently happened off-page between [redacted because it might be a spoiler], and y’all, there should fines levied against Ms. Keen. There should be a punitive settlement! I need a bonus chapter with [redacted due to spoilers]! Okay, I don’t really want fines levied, because I want Ms. Keen to be able to focus on Mel and Benny’s book, but I don’t have time to think of an alternate consequence because I have a whole host of books to add to my TBR, so we’ll just call this book 99.9% pure perfection.

Edit to add: I remembered something else I loved; although this is a dual POV book, it's not his and hers chapters. Each chapter has a title (and they're fun too) and then there are subheadings with whose POV you're about to get, with the POV alternating within the chapter. It made thing much more dynamic.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Laura Perttula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read everything that Hilly Keen has written, so when I saw her post on Threads that she had advance reader copies available I immediately went to get one, even though it involved an email search to figure out which email I associated with booksprout and a password reset. Still worth it to get my hands on a copy a couple weeks early.

If you’ve read HK before, you know how great she is with short, spicy stories. This book is full length, but still set in Wavecrest, so we get to see some of our favorite characters (the FMC is Owen’s sister) but the story is built out with more detail. I was surprised that it was a little bit of a slow burn. Not too slow, but it was further into the book than I expected.

I liked both of the main characters and how their relationship built. Neither of them are perfect and they both have insecurities, which they need to make the book interesting and relatable, but they are also just generally good people.

The spicy scenes were refreshing because both characters were confident in themselves, and also willing to trust each other in experimenting a bit. One scene she says she usually doesn’t feel like she can show partners this side of her this soon. (It’s nothing weird.) Those are the types of vulnerabilities that show a relationship is something unique. And again a bit of a slower burn so they were friends before they started getting friskier.

If you haven’t read HK or Wavecrest before, this book is a standalone, but you should go read them all after.

[Grinning Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book reaffirms my conclusion that Fanservice sweatpants are the best. Especially when they’re gray.
And Jack’s a cat person!
*whimpers*
I’m about to arm wrestle Lottie for him.
***
Cat’s Stats
Elevator Pitch- when Jack and Lottie become neighbors, they fall in love, aided by Jack’s cat and his penchant for wearing gray sweatpants.
Thoughts- I loved the characters. They had layers of personality and even the side characters are interesting. I admired Lottie’s dedication in studying for the Bar Exam (which should really involve cocktails) and Jack’s support of her.
Safety? Y
Triggers- past traumatic parental loss. Plus, he occasionally changes out of his sweatpants (but puts on Carhartts, so it’s not too traumatic).
Tropes- Neighbors, A Spoonful of Sugar, A Good Day for the Cat, Grumpy x Sunshine, Instalove, Rugby (which is its own whole thing), Forced Proximity, Fanservice Sweatpants, Found Family.
Heat- !!!!! It’s like Christmas up in here because there are a lot of toys. Explicit.
Bechdel test- passed.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book by Hilly Keen, and I have obviously been missing out big time. I loved this book! It grabbed me from the first page and held on long after the last.

The writing style is so enjoyable, with the story flowing easily. And the characters were fantastic. I fell in love with Jack. How can you not love a man with a cat? And the fact that he was a blue collar guy and worked with his hands…? Um, yes, please!

Lottie was really likable, too. That first scene, when she was having a miserable first date, gave readers a wonderful impression of who she was. I loved the sense of humor that the author conveyed throughout the book, laughing out loud at Lottie’s bad date, Jack’s waffling, and on and on.

There was also a great representation of two people with a healthy sexual curiosity and willingness to experiment with one another. The spicy times were so good.

I really enjoyed this book from beginning to end, and I’m off to grab more by this very talented author. Recommended.

[Tima · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. This story is dual POV, well written, and a funny, sweet and spicy, small town, next door neighbours, contemporary romance between Lottie, the female law graduate lead studying for her bar exam, and Jack, the male builder lead. I enjoyed Lottie’s enjoyment of her sexuality. I also enjoyed her career focus and determination. I enjoyed Jack’s laconic presentation contrasted with the deeper emotions he held inside. I enjoyed his devoted support of Lottie’s study, and his willingness to make changes in his life to facilitate her career. I enjoyed the spicy intimate scenes and the joy the characters found together; I adored their willingness to play and experiment and explore together. I enjoyed the small town community and the support they both had from biological family and chosen friends. I also enjoyed the running gag based on the book’s title.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.

[Passionate pages · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gray Sweatpants Season is hotter than Pepper X!

Jack is the perfect balance of cinnamon-roll and grumpy Hero. Lottie is smart, confident, and in need of someone like Jack to give her life the balance that it needs.

Who could imagine that it would be his Ex’s cat that would help Jack get his perfect match. Great cast of characters that do just the right amount of prodding and meddling to get these two together. Let’s not forget the faulty shower that helped Jack show Lottie just how good of a boyfriend he can be.

If you love Hilly Keen, you will not be disappointed. If you have not tried her before, you can certainly try this one. I took one star off for personal preference, I enjoy a HEA rather than HFN and even though the swearing is mild, I would rather not have encountered so much.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Char ღ Denae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gray Sweatpants Season, is one of those books that you just don’t want to put down. The characters are so lovable that you wish they were real, so you can all be friends. Of course, you’d be tempted to try to steal Jack, the “tall, dark, and bend me over” MMC, from Lottie, the FMC. ; )

Jack has got to be the sweetest, most thoughtful “hero” I’ve ever read. He does so many thoughtful and caring things for Lottie, he’s just so damn swoony.

Starting out as friends, Jack and Lottie find themselves spending more and more time together. The attraction is strong but, Lottie, not knowing how long she’ll be in town, doesn’t want to take things too far. It’s a slow burn beginning but, once it gets going, the burn is hot enough to melt your eReader!

Hilly Keen always writes an entertaining, fun story and this one is no exception.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[matti rubi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall this was an enjoyable small town romance. I appreciated the MMC being a blue collar man who loves to bake.

It’s slow burn and they start off as neighbors but once the spice starts it’s 🔥🔥 they are very explorative in the bedroom which was really nice. The MMC is eager to do basically anything and woo that was hot.

The one thing I had issue with is the lack of description for the MMCs sibling. I’m assuming they are nonbinary since it uses they/them pronouns but there was a lack of characterization so it was really hard to envision the character mentally. But if that doesn’t bother you and you don’t need descriptions to visualize someone, then there is representation of different genders if you want that.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ciara H · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 ⭐, rounded up for goodreads

I wasn't sure if I was going to like reading anything from this author, since I have never read anything written by Hilly Keen, but I took a chance & I am so glad that I did.

The time I spent getting to know Jack & Lottie individually, as well as together, has been one of the best journeys I have ever taken.

Jack is a combination of all the best book boyfriends all rolled into one perfect package. He strongly exemplifies everything you could ever want in a man. And he bakes? Absolutely amazing.

Lottie went on quite a journey at the beginning and I'm glad she ended up having a chance encounter with Jack. It kicked off one of the best romances I've ever read about.

And don't get me started on Oscar. He was absolutely adorable and stole every scene he was in.

Overall, this is a highly recommended read. Loved it so much.

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Gray Sweatpants Season is a steamy, small-town standalone novel featuring found family, cozy vibes, and a guaranteed HEA. If you enjoy a grumpy, blue collar, green-flag hero and a smart, confident, curvy heroine, you'll fall in love with Jack and Lottie (and Oscar the cat).'

The characters drove the storyline and they were so very appealing and likeable and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and well paced. World building was excellent and solidly drawn. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rocky Mountain Red · Rating 5 out of 5]

(biting lip, fanning self emoji!) Wow! I did not expect that! Scorchingly hor without a ton of kink, tooth-achingly sweet withou the icky cliches. Did I, at tomes, want to beat BOTH of the MC's with a pool noodle foe not talking to eachother? Yes! Repeatedly. But what's a good, spicy story without a pinch of absolutely-avoidable, stupid angst? Seriously treat yourself to this gem! You'll be so glad you did!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars.

This story has made me chuckle and smile so much, I have really enjoyed seeing them meet, struggled with their feelings, get to know each other and have loved seeing them togethet. I believed in their connection and chemistry, felt a connection to them and had everything crossed that they would be able to be together forever. This story has good characters, steam and spice, funny moments, good friends and good family, I have enjoyed reading it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good! It absolutely hooked me from page one. I love the chemistry between the main characters. And the cat! I love a man who has a soft spot for a cat, especially if the cat is kind of a jerk but the character loves it anyway. Highly recommend this book if you’re looking for a fun romantic comedy with great banter.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[The Book Ssirren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want Jack to be my neighbor! Him a Lottie were soooooo good together. I absolutely loved this book. I laughed, I blushed, I wanted to Lottie lol. Jack was such a great guy once you got to know him. And Lottie was so sweet. Those two together, fireworks. Loved this fun and steamy romance. I couldn’t put it down when I started it. I might have to actually read it again, or three or four times…maybe a few more lol.

[ReadonReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a feel-good story that makes you smile, laugh out loud, and swoon all at once. Jack is a little grumpy a little reclusive but once you get to know him, you love him. Lottie works hard for what she wants and she is funny, but wants someone to see her. When these two try to ignore the sparks, it doesn’t work out too well and when things click in place for them it is all steam ahead. I loved Jack and how caring he was towards Lottie and I loved how they fit together.

[Floraljoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet and spicy:
This was a sweet and cozy story that leaves you feeling good. Whilst the characters had some issues to deal with, there was sufficient banter and light hearted moments to keep it fun and breezy. Lottie and Jack made a cute couple and I liked how kind and considerate he was.
Even though it was a part of a series, it could still be enjoyed as a standalone. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Melinda Swaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!!

Captivatingly… Sure to enthrall fans and newcomers!! Wow!! Just absolutely fell in love with this one. Been awhile since I picked up a Ms Keen book and wow why did I stop. Had absolutely everything I love in a romcom and was just fantastic. Definitely a top read of 2026 for me. Can’t wait to read more. Happy reading

[T.I. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh, I absolutely loved it. I couldn't put it down. It's so good. Y'all have got to try this one. You're gonna love it too. Enjoy.

[MLP · Rating 5 out of 5]

Throughly enjoyed it. Couldn’t put it down.

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first book from this author and I can’t wait for more. I ate this book up! It was steamy, cute, sad and all of the feels!


I received this ARC from Booksprout and this is my own review.

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Laugh out loud funny, with some sad, tense moments as well. really enjoyed this one.

[njreadergal · Rating 5 out of 5]

sugar and the big guy! grabs you right away!

Was so excited for this to arrive! I’ve read other books in the Wavecrest universe and this is just like them…fun, flirty, great side characters, and excellent chemistry between the main characters. Book grips you from the first few pages…a bad date, quick leg shave. Loved how their relationship evolved through the course of the story…very relatable. The texts are a great addition to the book. Both MCs independent people, good friends, and have spicy times together. I like how Lottie didn’t let either her career or her relationship status define her. Jack, definitely swoon worthy, secure to try new things with Lottie, is open and honest, and hot in his clothing choices. Their spicy times are steamy and playful. Overall, this is a fun read. A standalone in the interconnected Wavecrest universe—happy for Sugar and the Big Guy to be part of it. ARC via BOOKSPROUT.