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Work for It #2

Seen You Before

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She’s got a crush, and he’s got a secret. What will this romance writer do when she finds out who her coworker really is?

Joanie
I’m good with words, or at least that’s what my readers tell me. So why do Colin’s unearthly cheekbones and scruffy beard regularly render me speechless? 


With his mountain man good looks and his big comfy body, my brain stops functioning. He feels so...familiar, like I’ve known him longer than the months we’ve worked together.


As our friendship develops, we become much closer than simple coworkers, but it takes the words of a stranger to throw our relationship into a whole new light.


Colin
I love my life now, but it wasn’t always that way. Joanie is one of the last people who bridges my past and my present, and she doesn’t even know it. Now, thanks to a long night of karaoke, my cat, and a budding friendship, my secrets are about to come out. The question is, once Joanie finds out will I lose her?


She’s my future, but I need to work up the courage to talk about my past before it can begin.


If you love a big, scruffy cinnamon roll with a complicated past, and a romance writer who pictures stories wherever she goes, you’ll adore this high-heat, age-gap office romance.

“Seen You Before” is part of the Work For It series, where members of Wavecrest’s The Base become more than just coworkers. Each book in this series of small town, steamy, low angst, bite-sized stories can be read as a standalone and features a satisfying happy ever after.


155 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 8, 2024

23 people are currently reading
119 people want to read

About the author

Hilly Keen

14 books17 followers
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) .

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5 stars
39 (39%)
4 stars
30 (30%)
3 stars
24 (24%)
2 stars
3 (3%)
1 star
2 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
Profile Image for Sarandah chrysalis.
603 reviews57 followers
September 19, 2024
These guys were so sweet and cute together, and when they finally got it on, it was incendiary ❤️‍🔥

I love this blissful fictional little town on the foggy California coast, with a colorful cast of characters

Colin and Joanie have a bit of an age gap, a bit of a secret, and a lot of big feels. Nice to see mature MCs

Grab this if you want a sweet and hot quick read!
Profile Image for Laura Perttula.
413 reviews5 followers
October 10, 2024
mystery age gap

Another fun, spicy book in the Work For It world. Colin has a secret, and I had some guesses, but I didn’t come up with the correct one. There’s an age gap and I had it in my head she was older, so even when they discussed his age and that there was a gap the context was pretty clear he was older, I had to keep reminding myself he was older. It doesn’t really matter except the woman is almost never older, plus that would have put her around my age. The only thing I didn’t like was their nicknames for each other. That’s a me thing so I’m still giving this story 5 stars. You don’t have to read book 1 first.
Profile Image for Giny.
147 reviews63 followers
October 27, 2024
3.5⭐️ 2.25🌶

Cute story about a blushing big boy and a smut writer.
The drama after the big reveal didn't make much sense to me, but I still had a great time reading it.
546 reviews4 followers
October 15, 2024
Talk about deja vu.
Joanie is a romance writer. She's been working at The Base for a few months now, and made some friends there. But there's one guy that she can't quite figure out. All she knows is that he affects her like no one else. Words escape her when he's around, and that's uncommon for a writer. And she feels like she knows him from somewhere, but she can't quite put her finger on it.
Colin is a programmer. He's worked at The Base for a while now, but he feels like everything changed when Joanie showed up. And once he met her, he had to read all her books. But they share a connection, and she has no idea.
They share glances at the office, but then start flirting during a night of karaoke. After that, they become friends, and they enjoy each other's company. He still makes her heart race. She still represents something he would rather forget.
He knows his secret will come out. It's only a matter of time. What happens when she finds out who he used to be? Will he lose her forever? Or will this just be a chapter in their own story?
Oh, this was really good! The tiptoeing around each other. Then the slow burn as they got to know each other. But when the dam breaks? Ooh! They had great chemistry. Joanie described herself as "cringe"; you never knew what was going to come out of her mouth. But Colin just laughed and embraced her awkwardness and the "romance writer brain" that tended to spill out into her daily life. And she had a strange but cute obsession with his cat.
OMG all the little things just made me smile! Colin was just the sweetest guy, and he let Joanie be herself, quirks and all.
So much fun!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Michelle Frater.
1,871 reviews21 followers
October 5, 2024
It's rare for me to gush over a female lead in a romance novel—unless I'm rolling my eyes, grumbling about how these "lucky b*tches" seem to have it all while my inner green-eyed monster stirs. But Joanie? Oh, Joanie is an absolute gem. She's not just a romance writer with a flair for quirkiness; she's a walking tornado of adorable awkwardness and hilarious inner monologues. I could vividly picture her muttering under her breath about a love scene where the hero seemed to have way more than two hands! Enter Colin—captivated, intrigued, and maybe a little wary. He's drawn to Joanie's adorably scattered charm but keeps his distance because of a secret he's terrified she'll discover. There’s something in his past that ties them together, something he’s determined to keep buried. The slow-burn of their relationship was perfect. I loved that it didn’t immediately dive into steamy territory (though when it did, it did not disappoint). The tension and build-up felt organic, making their connection even more satisfying. The reveal of Colin’s secret? Well, I'll admit I was bracing for something jaw-dropping—like, I don’t know, maybe he was a hitman in a previous life or a spy on the run. But while it didn’t blow me away, it didn’t take away from the joy of this read. The lighthearted humor, the palpable chemistry, and Joanie’s delightful weirdness make this romantic comedy a total winner. If you're looking for something that will leave you grinning like a fool, give this one a try!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,330 reviews12 followers
October 7, 2024
4.5 ⭐s I've got a secret. 

The Base was opened by Sylvie and her husband, Will Brody. Will and his brother, Zane, are active members of the venture. It's a place where freelance individuals can rent desk space. Joanie and Colin both have space there. It's where they sneak peeks at each other all day long. 

Joanie is a romance author. She's known for talking aloud while writing her latest story on her tablet. She also wears her ear buds at the same time. Need three arms on a male for a scene? No problem! Just change the storyline to an alien romance. Problem solved! 

Colin is a freelance software developer. He was hired by Will and Zane Brody. The brothers are interested in helping the local businesses and charities they support. Currently he's writing a program to more effectively track all of the charity donations. In the past, he had a different career path.

Joanie is certain there's something familiar about Colin. She's sure she knows him from somewhere, but where? He's too old to have been a classmate of hers. 

Will Joanie recognize him from his past? She should, but will she? She's become someone who means a great deal to time. Will she be okay with his past, or will it end their relationship? 

I received an ARC of this book from the author via Booksprout. I am voluntarily leaving this review.
Profile Image for Curvy Girl Book Nerd   (Jen S).
4,794 reviews62 followers
October 20, 2024
Seen You Before is Book 2 of Work For It. It's a short and steamy, secret identity, instalove, OTT, age-gap, opposites-attract, friend to lovers, curvy girl gets her burly hunk office romance. Joanie is a 32 year old curvy romance writer who is completely outgoing, adorkable, and unfiltered. Colin is a 43 year old burly, hunky, somewhat shy IT software developer. The two both work out of the Base, a cubicle office coop workspace. Colin has been crushing on Joanie since she started working out of the Base. She is secretly crushing on him too, and he's inspired her to start writing plenty of mountain man romances. But Colin has a secret. When Joanie finds out, will she still feel the same about him? I was excited that I guessed his secret correctly, but it was so perfect for their story. These two were pure fire together with enough chemistry to burn down Wavecrest. I totally fell in love with Joanie with my first girl crush. She was just so much fun. Her inner monologuing was hilarious and unhinged. And Colin...talk about a sexy,ooey, gooey cinnamon roll hero...I just wanted to eat him up. He's totally a new book boyfriend!! Their flirty banter was hysterical. I loved it, and the HEA was amazing after a bit of drama. I loved it and can't wait for Ivy and Lars' story next!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,109 reviews30 followers
September 17, 2024
4.5 stars. Colin, the male lead, is an IT professional who is more than a little attracted to Joanie, the romance writing female lead, who is another coworker in the community’s shared workspace. Joanie returns the attraction but she can’t work out why he’s familiar to her and she knows she’s a lot…extra.

As their friendship starts to transform to something more, Colin knows he ought to tell Joanie why he’s familiar to her, but he’s dreading her reaction…

This novella is dual POV, well written, and a sweet and steamy, contemporary, friends to lovers, romantic comedy. I enjoyed Joanie’s enthusiasm for life and the way Colin enjoyed the awkward moments she created and went out of his way to reassure her that they were part of what he loved about her. I empathised with Colin’s discomfort around his past and his reluctance to tell Joanie. I enjoyed that she was able to provide similar reassurance for him. I enjoyed the playfulness of their relationship, and the fun they shared both inside the bedroom and out. I enjoyed the integrated and supportive secondary characters. I’m really enjoying this author’s setting.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
635 reviews3 followers
September 23, 2024
My reading device totally died halfway through this book and I freaked out until I figured out how to finish reading it on my phone. These old eyes will make me pay for reading tiny print, but it was well worth it.
I laughed so hard at the thoughts, banter, and filterless conversations in this book. I had to read a few paragraphs to my husband to help him understand why I kept snickering and giggling every 30 seconds.
There was a thread of seriousness throughout the book, which came to a head near the end, but it was beautifully written.
I loved when Joanie would start a sentence with “Reader”, meaning she was speaking directly to me. Yes, I am now close friends with all the characters in the book. I am waiting for an invite to Colin and Joanie’s wedding.
EVERYTHING about this book was FABULOUSLY done, from the setting, to the EXCELLENT characters, to the STEAMY love scenes, to the AWESOME storyline, this book totally rocked.
If you like some humor with your romance, I guarantee you will absolutely, positively enjoy this book. You can thank me later. You’re welcome.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Grinning Cat.
4,076 reviews126 followers
October 9, 2024
I love when a book is a blend of romance, heat, and humor, and that’s what I got in SEEN YOU BEFORE. The story is an entertaining rom com. And the heat- woo! *fans self* Especially that scene in the phone booth…. Plus this book was so funny! One exchange:
“Ivy: What is it with you and gin?
Me: Smells like grandma’s kisses.” (Page 128)
I laughed so hard that I scared my cats.
Here’s the breakdown:
MMC/FMC- Colin and Joanie
Genre- Contemporary Romance
Length- about 155 pages (novel)
Heat- 5/5, with use of the P and C words.
Series? Y
Safety? Y
Triggers? Sex, language, alcohol, mention of substance abuse, past eating and exercising disorders.
Tropes- Age Gap, Five Pounds of Crazy in a Three-Pound Bag, Friends to Lovers, Men Read Romance Too, Romance Writer, Secret Identity, Workplace Romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sophie Reads Stories.
287 reviews
October 7, 2024
OMW, every time I read a new Hilly Keen book it instantly becomes my favourite! I do not know how she knocks it out of the park with each book, but she does.

I LOVED Hear Me Out and her Welcome to Wavecrest series is one of my all time favourite series.

Seen You Before is hands down my new favourite book from Hilly - it's SO funny and smart with two fantastic main characters that had me rooting for them from the start.

Hilly has such a great talent for writing ♥
488 reviews3 followers
September 19, 2024
I really enjoyed the story 'Seen You Before' by Hilly Keen. It was very original and interesting. I had never read anything like that before. It was about a romance writer and a software creator who work next to each other in the same office space. Joanie and Colin are mutually attracted to each other, but each one is shy about addressing their admiration until others in the office mentioned how obvious it is that both of them are eyeing each other lustfully. They start pairing up at after-hours work parties and are soon happily dating. But Joanie is sure that she has seen Collin somewhere before although she is sure that she has never met him.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Debbie Benson.
10.2k reviews35 followers
October 5, 2024
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I liked the way Colin and Joanie were connected before they got together even if only Colin knew. Colin is sweet and Joanie falls for him with the aid of his cat. Colin loves Joanie and has to come clean about his past so they can be together without secrets. I like the dangers that were pointed out that Colin fell prey to and that he got out before it destroyed him.
Profile Image for Becky.
1,862 reviews6 followers
October 9, 2024
First, I love Joanie! She is a quirky and fun character. She works with Colin and often fantasizes about him. Joanie doesn't know, but he does the same about her. Joanie feels she has seen him before but can't figure out where.
Meanwhile, their chemistry and spice are building. This is such a good book! It has a great plot and a perfect HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,234 reviews26 followers
October 10, 2024
Seen You Before was a very good read by Hilly Keen. I enjoyed reading Joanie and Colin's story and the way it unfolded. They were such a great couple and the chemistry was off the charts hot. Joanie is a romance writer sharing a workspace with several others including Colin. And instead of focusing on work, Colin can't stop obsessing over her. Their connection is mutual but why does he seem so familiar to Joanie?
Profile Image for sarah.readstoomuch.
185 reviews9 followers
March 18, 2025
I needed a sweet and easy palate cleanser of a book and damn but Seen You Before by Hilly Keen delivered. It was everything I wanted in a novella: short (153 pages), well-written, funny, and reading it felt like a warm nap in the sun on a late spring day.

The age gap was refreshing, because even though they have 11 years between them, she’s in her 30s. And I also loved that even though he’s a massive mountain man, he’s not just jacked. Like he has a regular body.

I will say the third-act conflict felt a bit overblown to me, but 🤷🏻‍♀️ the rest of the book worked so well I’m able to overlook it.

website | threads | booksky | booksta
Profile Image for Shalalah.
750 reviews3 followers
October 9, 2024
Joanie and Colin, their connection is real and sweet! Do I know you from somewhere never crossed her mind, and she never had that inkling of familiarity we all get from time to time. It's such a great book that you are sure to love as well!!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Charmaine Nouwen.
5,468 reviews23 followers
October 9, 2024
Seen You Before: A Secret Identity, Age Gap Romance story of Colin and Joanie..A man with a secret and a past and a woman who captured his heart and a romance writer..A wonderful,interesting,steamy and enjoyable..Book 2 of Work For It.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,275 reviews5 followers
October 10, 2024
This is a very good age gap romance between Colin and Joanie. The chemistry between the two of them is spicy hot. And I love a good laugh while reading. This book sure delivers! Laughter and spice. Can't get any better than that. I hope you enjoy reading this book.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
651 reviews3 followers
October 12, 2024
Joanie & Colin: Book 2 of Work For It: Interconnected standalone. Secret identity/ age gap/ friends to lovers/ small town/ workplace RomCom: Fun sweet & spicy quick read. Great characters and an enjoyable storyline. Plenty of tension and build up in this slow burn.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Tamara.
165 reviews33 followers
October 15, 2024
3 🌟

A very sweet read with a bit of angst. The drama didn’t make a bunch of sense and was a bit contrived but it still hit the spot for me. I love me a big boy and that’s what this H was 😉

Safety:
No virgins. No recent history given. Not sure if celibate since meeting a year ago but I would like to think so based on their interactions and thoughts.
No ow or om drama.
Profile Image for Avid Reader123.
318 reviews
January 17, 2026
we all have!

Oogled a guy on a romance cover! Check. This romance is very sweet! She’s quirky and outspoken. He’s more laidback. The secret identity part of the novel is the only real drama. So, it’s very awesome in that way…no real angst. Very relatable characters…coworkers. This is a great read to put you in a happy mood.
Profile Image for Joanne.
1,693 reviews4 followers
September 23, 2024
Omg I loved this story. I want more of Colin and Joanie. This one has you laughing and giggling through it. It has a bit of drama when Joanie learns his secret.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1 review
October 7, 2024
A wonderful “will they or won’t they” romance that will have you rooting for the main characters.
Beautifully paced with a spiciness that will leave you hoping for another instalment in this series.
394 reviews8 followers
October 7, 2024
This was a good read. I loved the chemistry between the characters. They practically sizzled on the page. Loved it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Char ღ Denae.
1,007 reviews93 followers
October 20, 2024
If you’re looking for a short but good story, this is the one.
The MMC, Colin, is one of my favorite book boyfriends - ever. He’s gorgeous, of course, with a little “extra” to hug, and sweeter than the sweetest cinnamon roll. He’s got a secret and wants to keep it that way, until the beans are spilled and hearts are broken.
Don’t worry, the ending is just as sweet as our guy and I definitely have to read the rest of the Work For It series. It’s that yummy.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Esme Greiner.
2,046 reviews12 followers
October 18, 2024
Joanie is a romance writer who is very much attracted to Colin. Colin has a secret that he hides and he worries that when Joanie finds out he will lose any chance he has to make her his. Will Joanie and Colin get their happy ending?
1,453 reviews3 followers
October 18, 2024
This was an interesting story with great characters...secret identity, age gap romance story, it was fun to read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Nate.
24.5k reviews19 followers
October 20, 2024
Seen you before was Colin and Joanie’s story. If you love a big, scruffy cinnamon roll with a complicated past, and a romance writer who pictures stories wherever she goes, you’ll adore this high-heat, age-gap office romance. I loved it. 🥰 And voluntarily leaving this review.
Profile Image for Katie O’Reilly.
714 reviews14 followers
Read
November 25, 2024
📚🍩

Charming little workplace romance novella! The author’s humor really makes the whole book sing. Enjoyed it and will read more in the series.

LOVED the chaotic funky energy of the FMC, who is a romance novelist. MMC is a barrel-chested silver fox with a tummy and he was hot too!
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