Decking My Halls

Holidays & Hijinks #1.5

by H.N. DeFore

Exploring a mansion for Christmas.

Lucy Fiore

Left to (mostly) her own devices, Lucy takes matters into her own hands exploring the Cloutier estate. Irritating Lucas’ inner beast is too much fun, and she’s going to see what’s hiding in the elusive west wing...

Lucas Cloutier

Keeping his jailbird brother separate from his new girlfriend is one thing, but Lucy has a knack for unraveling all the secrets about Cloutier estate that he’d rather forget. Who knew roses could cause such a stir, and lead to candles, masks, and a fun little chase...

Triggers Warnings: wax play, light primal play (chasing), some mask play.

This novella is part of the HOLIDAYS & HIJINKS series and can be read as a stand alone or after Christmas Side Hustle.

Genres: Christmas, Novella

111 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 17, 2023

Reviews

[Iskra Dimitrova · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why was this so short, omg! 😱🥵👌🏻

This was such a perfect, short & spicy novella & add some plot.

Loved everything! Need more, definitely.
The entire series is going to be amazing. 😌

10/10 recommending!

If you’re not reading this author - you’re seriously MISSING OUT! Her series is one you can read in a single breath! I love the way she brings these characters together, the world building, the suspense, anticipation and mystery.

Cuz, holy f*cking shit, this was short, steamy af, and kept me on the edge of my seat, wondering what else is Luce going to find out!

She’s a must read author for me, and lemme tell you, her alpha hole men, are possessive, wicked and panty melting.

Lucas can gag me, bind me, edge me, anything he wants, and I’d beg for more!

😘🚩😌🔥

All the stars and chillies!

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decking My Halls by H.N DeFore is part of the Holidays & Hijinks Series. I’ve read a few other novellas by this author and I’ve never been disappointed by the book. This book has to be one of my favorites that H.N DeFore has written, I flew through this novella. I absolutely loved it… plus have you seen the cover? It’s great and immediately caught my eye. This had the perfect mixture of plot and spice. It’s perfect for a quick read. But personally I loved these characters and this story so I would totally be down for it to be expanded into something longer since I couldn’t get enough. There’s amazing character and worldbuilding not to mention the action and spice. It’s written so well that you feel like you’re in the room with Lucy as she finds out different things. Don’t even get me started on Lucas, loved him. The chemistry between him and Luce was just fire! So well done! There are a few trigger warnings so make sure this novella is your cup of tea before you dive in. But trust me, H.N DeFore stories are so worth it!

Final review:
4 out of 5 stars

[Dominique · Rating 5 out of 5]

Decking My Halls

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Tropes:

~Brother’s Best Play
~Spicy
~Beauty and Her Beast
~Novella

Review:

Short and spicy novella perfect for the upcoming Holiday Season!

I love a good Beauty and the Beast retelling, and this certainly delivered.

Lucy knows what she’s doing, and I am here for it. Lucas is spicy and I love it.

Author H.N. Defore, has done it again!

Decking My Halls is part of the Holidays & Hijinks series. Have I read Book 1 yet? Nope…But I will be reading it soon, most likely in December. I will also be reading the rest of the series because I am LOVING this series so far!

*I received this as an ARC, and I am leaving an honest and voluntary review*

[Dayna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a short and spicy read and I’m so glad I got the opportunity to enjoy it!! Lucas 🥵 holy moly dude. Loved his inner beast when we got to see it. The first spicy scene? 👩🏼‍🍳💋. I loved the Beauty and the Beast aspects for sure. Thank you H.N. Defore!

I received this novella as an arc

[Trista Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yall!!! These books just keep getting better and better! The plots are amazing and fast paced. Characters are likable and relatable. If you like spice this series is a must read.

[balayageandbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short and spicy holiday read! Who doesn’t want to be chased through a mansion by a man in a mask? The story leaves you wanting more of the main characters along with curiosity of some other characters you are introduced to. Despite the story being a novella there is a great plot and the character’s chemistry is off the charts!

[Roisin Robbins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Decking My Halls Review 
H.N DeFore 

Rating 5⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 
Spice 4🌶 🌶 🌶 🌶 

Decking My Halls by H.N DeFore is part of the Holidays & Hijinks Series.This is a novella that follows up on Christmas Side Hustle. I flew through this novella. I absolutely loved it. This had the perfect mixture of plot and spice. It’s perfect for a quick read. 

In addition to Lucy and Lucas, you see more of Lucas’ family in this book. Lucy is staying at Lucas’ mansion for the holidays after her side hustle disaster. She is dead set on exploring every part of it, even the west wing that Lucus told her to stay away from. 

This author has become one of my favourites. I enjoy the dual POV. This book has plenty of spice. It is perfectly placed throughout the storyline. 

There is almost some beauty and the beast vibes in this novella. 

I can’t wait for the next book in the holiday & hijinks series!

[Brandi Sylvester · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't express enough how much I enjoy these books and this one was no different. I love getting to hear more about Lucy and Lucas' story and relationship. The only reservation I have is knowing I read them "out of order". Since I read books that came after this first, I felt weird going back to re-visit or hear about information knowing how things ended up. In this novella, there are mentions of Robert and Penny, which both have books that I've read. Putting all that aside, this book was just as hot and spicy as her main books in this series. The attention to the relationships in the books is amazing. I love spicy books and hers definitely keep me coming back for more. I enjoyed every minute and the more in depth look that was missing from their story was definitely a good addition to the series.

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decking my halls has characters that intertwine with the rest of this series but could be read on its own. If you're looking for a quick read with all the tropes.....this is it.
Lucy is on the hunt for a Christmas adventure inside a mansion, and Lucas finds a new kink in his own adventure----- hunting (stalking) for Lucy.
“Really, Lucy, are you gonna let this be the end? Getting fucked in the library with a candle?”
I absolutely love this series and can not wait for the next book. ❤️❤️❤️

[Gnome Patronus · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️Overall 5/5
🌶️ Spice 4/5
🖤Dark 0.5/5

Deck the halls with smut in excess, fa la la la la, la la la la
Lucys ex-plo-ring the mansion, fa la la la la la la la
Lucas unlocks kinks with mask fa la la la la la la la
Now add in the plot and mystery fa la la la la la la la la

Did I love this novella YES!! This was a wonderful extension to Christmas Side Hustle. Love getting to see Lucy explore the mansion and Lucas discover his kinks. You can see the beauty and the beastly feel with a bit of clue. (He did that? Where? With WHAT?…well grab the book and see)

[Celina Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was an amazing quick little read with just the right amount of spice! If you wanted more of Lucas and Lucy’s story this is a perfect read for you. If you haven’t already read their story then I suggest you run, don’t walk to go read all of the Holidays and Hijinks series right now!! You will not be disappointed.

Another amazing story by an amazing author - can’t wait for what’s coming next!

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic cute holiday novella to get you into that holiday spirit! It is told in dual POV (Lucy and Lucas). I loved how the spice was perfectly balanced with the overall storyline. H.N. DeFore is spectacular at creating a world so vivid you can see it clearly in your mind. I could totally see myself in Lucas' mansion. The author managed to pack a lot of story in such a short amount of pages and I loved it all! It's a fantastic read.

[Whitney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun and quick read! The adventure was great, the spice was spicy, and I love the relationship between Lucas and Lucy!

This is the perfect novella to get you in the mood... for Christmas of course. It definitely has the feel of a spicy beauty and the beast and I loved it. A mansion, hidden passageways, a huge library, and chasing? 5 stars.

[Rose Helg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book

💓 this book. Read this book, after Christmas Side Hustle . This book is Short and Spicy. its about Lucy and Lucas. The spice is definitely, in line with the storyline. 💓 the chemistry, between them. Can't wait for Collins, story. You will definitely, want to know what of Lucy, finds in the mansion. Great Book!!!!

[Elizabeth Bench · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy shit yes yes yes yes yes!!!!!! I was trying to show my man but he didn't understand! God, I so badly want him to chase me again. Anyways I so love this book. The spice is perfect, and the plots are perfect. Though this is more smut than anything else. 🤤🥵

[Rebecca Gavin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this series and don’t even get me started how much I love Lucas and Lucy! This series has been perfect for getting me ready for those holidays. This spice in all the books so far has been absolutely amazing!

[Lisa Cirilli · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. I did read the first book tho that is the novella for. I found this book a lot more detailed then necessary at times but continued reading because the characters were fun for me. The spicy scenes were on point!!

[Allison Comis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a short book to continue the story of Lucas and Lucy. I loved how their relationship blossomed. There were so many sexy moments in this book. If you read their main book you need to read this so you can see how they ended up. great book.

[Kristin Keele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spicy, fun, quick read. “From the moment those silly words passed his lips, I knew an adventure lay ahead of me. I have a free week to explore a rich billionaire's estate... of course I'm checking out the secrets.” My first holiday read this year. It was a fun little novella. This can be read as a stand alone but is part of a series. A series I am now curious about so I may have to fit the other stories into my ever growing TBR.

[Amber VZ · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute novella with a good amount of spice. Perfect for the holiday season! Being chased through an mansion🤤

Can’t wait for the next book in the holiday & hijinks series!

🖤masks
🖤wax play
🖤Anal

[Kayla Black · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this holiday novella! Quick read & 🌶️🌶️🌶️.

[Kim Whitmore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great short and spicy read!

[Brandy Wine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very quick read. Nicely written. More spice than plot. (Which is totally fine by me).

This is one of those short stories that make you want more. Lovely holiday read.

[Jenny See · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short, sweet, and extra spicy! The perfect read!

[Chloé · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Crawl for me. Let’s see how good you listen.”

“Shaking my head, I try to focus on her path. After I find out what’s got her so nosy I’ll f*ck her into the floor.”

Fun, quick, and hot novella to read if you want to read something that doesn’t take long! The right amount of spice for the size of the book! Author hits the mark again! Can’t go wrong with being chased in a mansion on Christmas😌

[Pamela Winkowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella was 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶. A quick, hot and spicy holiday read. Cannot wait for more!

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this as an ARC

This book was everything you could want! It gave me all the feels and the spice? Wow! I enjoyed this book very much.

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and spicy ! A Christmas must read !!

[₊⋆ Nyxia ☾ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Novella • Primal • Masks • Christmas

Short & Spicy read!
This author is great. Loved this novella. I mean the spice was super hot! Masks are my weakness omg.

"𝐼'𝓁𝓁 𝓌𝓇𝒶𝓅 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝓊𝓃𝓌𝓇𝒶𝓅 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓇𝑒𝓈𝓉 𝑜𝒻 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓎𝑒𝒶𝓇,"

[Heather Feather · Rating 3 out of 5]

✨ARC Review✨

Decking My Halls by H.N. DeFore

⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

“Crawl for me. Let’s see how good you listen.”

‼️This is a part of the Holidays and Hijinks series. While this novella can be read as a standalone, I’d personally suggest reading the books in order or following Christmas Side Hustle.

Triggers include: wax play, light primal play (chasing), some mask play.

▪️Title to be released on Kindle Unlimited November 17, 2023. ▪️

🎁 OVERVIEW:
“Exploring a mansion for Christmas.

-Lucy Fiore
Left to (mostly) her own devices, Lucy takes matters into her own hands exploring the Cloutier estate. Irritating Lucas’ inner beast is too much fun, and she’s going to see what’s hiding in the elusive west wing...

-Lucas Cloutier
Keeping his jailbird brother separate from his new girlfriend is one thing, but Lucy has a knack for unraveling all the secrets about Cloutier estate that he’d rather forget. Who knew roses could cause such a stir, and lead to candles, masks, and a fun little chase...”

🎄MY THOUGHTS🎄

Thank you so much to @hndeforeauthor for proving an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Overall I enjoyed this short spicy Christmas story. Lucas and Lucy have great chemistry and the amount of spice is balanced well with the overall story. It really did put me in the holiday mood.

The writing style did make it difficult for me to picture this novella in my mind. Stories lines were a bit disjointed which is why I rated 3 stars. Overall the story was fun and clever. The spice kept me intrigued. Who doesn’t want to be chased by a sexy billionaire in his estate? I’ll also be looking at candy canes a little differently for a while. 🔥🌶️🖤