Dec The Holly

by Cadence Smoke

Oh Christmas Tree,
Oh Christmas Tree,
Why does my stepbrother hate me?

Christmas has always been my favourite time of the year. For as long as I can remember I’ve looked forward to the traditions my mother and I have followed. Baking endless amounts of holiday sweets, decorating the Christmas tree while sipping spiked hot cocoa by the fire. Traditions we’ve never strayed to follow. That is, until my mother married Mr. Pierce.

This year everything is different. Due to a snowstorm. I’m stranded in a log cabin that looks like it came straight out of a Christmas movie. Oh, and did I mention I’m snowed in with my new stepbrother who despises me? I keep hoping that someone will come and rescue me from his me from his cocky grin and bad attitude.

Christmas miracles can happen right?


Dec The Holly is a holiday enemies to lovers novella.

Genres: Christmas, Novella, Forced Proximity

71 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 24, 2025

About the author

Cadence Smoke is a Canadian Contemporary Romance Author who likes to dabble in the darkness. In addition to writing, she enjoys spending time with her family and fur babies, reading books of various genres, and watching reality TV shows.

Reviews

[Neapolitan670 📚🖤 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Apt title indeed 🤣🎄

Dec and Holly are step-siblings who’s parents have sent ahead to a cabin for Christmas. Dec is grumpy, hardly verbal towards Holly but still she tries her best. The search for the perfect Christmas tree brings them slightly closer but it’s an evening with food and wine that starts the bauble rolling 🌶️

𝐻𝑒 𝓅𝒾𝒸𝓀𝓈 𝓂𝑒 𝓊𝓅, 𝓉𝒽𝓇𝑜𝓌𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓂𝑒 𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓇 𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝓈𝒽𝑜𝓊𝓁𝒹𝑒𝓇.

It’s a quick 30-40 min Christmas read, with spice, baking, and a lot of love 🎄

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

A step-sibling relationship where the tension they feel isn't hate but sexual. Snowed in together only brings it to the surface. They don't fight the inevitable and certainly don't regret it. Their parents are even accepting even if a little surprised. Their get-to-know-each-other break didn't turn out how they were thinking.

Fun and spicy quick little holiday read

[MJay · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short, sweet, and spicy holiday Novella.

This is a super short read, but do not let that fool you! It gives ALL the feels and is punchy!
The tension, the chemistry, and the tender and funny moments between Dec and Holly were stunning. They will have your heart.

ARC Review - 5⭐️

[Heather Angeli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dec the Holly by Cadence Smoke delivers a deliciously tense, snowed-in Christmas romance built on forced proximity, emotional friction, and the unexpected spark between two people who were never supposed to look at each other that way.
Declan and Holly find themselves stranded at a remote cabin, waiting for their newlywed parents to arrive for the holidays. When the power goes out and the winter storm closes in, they’re left with nothing but crackling tension, biting banter, and the kind of silence that forces truths to the surface. Declan, determined to resent this new blended family and the changes it brings, practically promises to make Holly’s life miserable. But the more time they’re trapped together, the more his walls crack—revealing a vulnerability Holly never expected.
What starts as animosity shifts into an undeniable bond. Cadence Smoke writes the evolution of their relationship with slow-burn precision, layering moments of warmth, tension, and forbidden longing until the chemistry practically hums off the page. The snowed-in cabin setting amplifies every emotion—claustrophobic, intimate, and charged.
This novella is perfect for readers who love messy emotions, complex character dynamics, and taboo-tinted holiday romance. Smoke balances angst and tenderness beautifully, delivering a story that’s both provocative and unexpectedly heartfelt. Dec the Holly is a quick, spicy, and addictive holiday read that thrives on the thrill of crossing lines—and the warmth found on the other side.

[Amber Kirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forced Proximity
Taboo Romance
Christmas Theme
Tattooed MMC
Forbidden

"Do you ever look at someone and wonder how they manage to get by every day as a semi-functioning human being?"

A weekend at the cabin in the mountains with her new moody step brother, who can't stand her - what else could a girl want for Christmas? But does he really hate her... or is he in denial & would he actually be the perfect present for her after all?

Our FMC Holly was fiesty, vulnerable, flirty & headstrong I loved it and matched perfectly with our moody grumpy pants Declans MMO.
This book had all the spice 🥵 but loved the small build up with the baking, and tree picking. This book had me giggling and was a short novella. With enough forbidden taboo to keep me entranced. If you like a forbidden, spicy, holiday novella I 💯 recommend.

[Summer Nevels · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this in one sitting. It’s a fun and cute quick read

Declan is used to his dad bringing home women who only want his money. So when his dad marries his latest girlfriend—who happens to have a daughter his age—Declan assumes the worst about both of them.

Holly has no idea why Declan seems to hate her. He refuses to give her a chance, even though she somehow knows everything about him.

When their parents can’t make it to the family vacation, Declan and Holly are forced to spend the trip together. That’s when Declan starts to realize Holly isn’t at all who he thought she was and maybe, she’s exactly who he wants.

[Xandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dec The Holly was such a cute short read. Perfect for the Christmas season. Declan and Holly end up in a cabin snowed in waiting for their parents to arrive.

Holly does not know what she has done for Declan to hate her but she ends up trying to make the most of her stay in the beautiful cabin. Declan is over his dads partners. They always seem to want his money and not the family like Declan has always wanted.

But spending time together can change things. This is a step sibling, snowed in, cozy, and SPICY novel. It is super cute and sweet. Spice is 5!!!

[Francine E. Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review!!
This was a fun quick read - a Christmas novella with a dash of spice!! This novella will get you in the Christmas spirit! It has all the Christmas vibes - Christmas tree, cookies, fireplace, snow, and a little naughty and nice! Declan and Holly are newly step brother and sister who are celebrating Christmas at the cabin but their parents have yet to arrive so they are stuck having to be alone both not liking the other but trying to make the best of it! Sometimes the best Christmas gift is the unexpected!

[Melanie Dubois · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'd give this ARC 3.5 stars, but screw goodreads for not allowing that, so I opted for 3.

It was honestly a good Short story! I enjoyed Dec and Holly's story. It was short, spicy and the dinner was SO cute.

I only rated it 3 because I felt some parts were rushed and that made it hard to fully feel things. If this had been 40 pages longer, it would've been perfect!

The writing was clever, I loved the banter, I need more of it! This is a great Spicy Love story for Christmas!

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s always a good day when my mood allows me to read something seasonal!! 🎅
This Christmas novella was such a good time ….think snowed in ❄️, step-siblings romance 💕, and all the cozy holiday vibes with a few naughty moments! 🎄✨I really enjoyed it, and it’s perfect for going into the holiday season!

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dec the Holly is a cozy Christmas romance filled with sweet moments, flirty banter, and just enough holiday magic to warm your heart. A quick, festive read that delivers charm, chemistry, and all the snow-kissed vibes. 🎄✨ this story follows Holly and step brother Declan as their feelings grow for each other during the holidays. It’s a quick sweet holiday novella 😍

[Caitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short and spicy (but so sweet) holiday novella. It's a little taboo (step-siblings) and very low drama. Loved this one!

[Apryl (inmybookishgirlera) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun time! A quick, spicy holiday read. This was my first book by this author, I will def be reading more! 4⭐️

Taboo
Step siblings
Snowed in

[Kay Burrows · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dec the Holly is a short, sweet and spicy holiday novella.

It’s Christmas and Declan and Holly are on their way to a cabin for Christmas with their newly married parents.

Holly can’t wait for all the family Christmas traditions her and her mom partake in but everything has changed this year when she suddenly married Mr. Pierce. Now Christmas festivities will include her new step dad and step brother Declan.

The issue is nothing is going according to plan. Declan doesn’t like her and a snow storm leaves them snowed in at the cabin together. Holly is hoping for a Christmas miracle to come and save Christmas.

I loved the step siblings, snowed in and one bed tropes in this book.

I liked that the characters touched on their mental health struggles.

I enjoyed the story overall. It was a great mix of sweet moments, spice, and festive feelings. I struggled a bit with the pacing. Everything happened so quickly and I struggled to connect with the characters and their relationship. Personally, I would have liked to see it explored a bit deeper, a bit more getting to know the real them, and why Dec is struggling with his mental health. I wish it was just a bit longer to provide a bit more detail and depth while closing up some loose ends.

Thank you to Cadence Smoke for the opportunity to receive an arc of this book.

[HollyBerryBookDragon · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Do you ever look at someone and wonder how they manage to get by every day as a semi-functioning human being?"

A weekend in a mountain cabin with her new moody step brother, who can't stand her - what else could a girl want for Christmas? But does he really hate her ... or is he in denial & would he actually be the perfect present for her after all?

🚫Forced Proximity
🖤Taboo Romance
🍬Christmas Theme
💀Tattooed MMC

Review:

I was excited to read this Taboo Romance Holiday Novella and in under 100pgs it did NOT disappoint ✨️

Although the main POV is FMC Holly's, the added addition of snippets from MMC Declans POV gave another layer of intensity to the read & I was really surprised at how much emotion was shared & simmered between them on the page ❤️‍🔥

As a FMC Holly was fiesty, vulnerable, flirty & headstrong - which matched perfectly with Mr Moody Broody Declans MMC vibe 🖤

There was a slight build up to the spice (inc a food fight 🥚) which allowed for this to be more than just a smutty read & the Christmas theme was strong throughout with Holly's traditions of baking & perfect Christmas Tree picking being a highlight 🤭

However when the spice came it was charged with forbidden lust, intensity & need 🔥

Overall Holly & Dec made me giggle, smile, feel cosy & HOT 🥵 all within an hour - as I devoured their story in 1 sitting 🙌 What a fab little read! 🍬 Thanks for sharing it with me CS 🫶

[Ashes And Ink · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5
A great, cozy Novella sprinkled with the right amount of Christmas spice. This is a delightful story to curl up with on a chilly night to bring in the holiday spirit. Dec the Holly is a dark romance, enemies to lovers, step siblings romance wrapped up in, one of my favorite tropes, forced proximity. I enjoyed this little snapshot into the lives of Dec and Holly and wouldn’t be mad if we found out more about these two!

Holly and Dec are new step siblings and their interactions with each other have been less than ideal. Dec has a difficult time trusting, especially when it involves family and relationships. Holly is close with her mother and is willing to try everything to help create a happy family. However, when they are forced together, the Christmas spirit reveals a chemistry they have been ignoring. Quickly realizing they may be exactly what each other needs and when they both give in, the dynamic is fire!

This novella gave me a unique perspective, more of a feeling of a glimpse into this moment in time as opposed to the whole story. This well paced, quick read was perfect for when I wanted a steamy and comfy late night read. I must say I do already miss Dec and Holly!

[Aida Rivero · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read this book in one night. It is very short and quick to read. This is a story about a very unconventional family. You have Charles (Declan’s father) who falls in love with Val (Holly’s mother). Both Charles and Val meet one night and start dating. They soon get married afterwards. Declan is Charles son who despises Holly and her mom because he thinks that they are money hungry. Holly doesn’t really know why Declan does not like her. He doesn’t even give her a chance, despite the fact that she knows everything about him. They soon have to spend a family vacation together because their parents are unable to make the trip. During this trip, both Declan and Holly formed a bond beyond step sibling. They quickly realize they have develop feelings for each other and begin this romantic journey beyond what one could have imagined you’re going to have to read this book to find out about this beautiful romantic chemistry that includes a lot of spicy scenes, even though it is a short story it would not disappoint. It is action packed, and very well written, it is beautifully put together 10 out of 10 would recommend this book to everyone.

[Jessie Coughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Heartwarming, Fun, and Utterly Captivating

Dec the Holly completely stole my heart. This holiday novella is full of heart, humor, and sizzling chemistry that will leave you giddy and smiling long after the last page. Dec and Holly’s enemies-to-lovers dynamic is done so perfectly — the tension, the teasing, the forbidden-but-sweet romance — it all feels playful, passionate, and utterly believable.

The writing is beautiful and immersive, painting such vivid holiday imagery that I felt like I was right there in the snowed-in cabin with them, sipping cocoa and watching their sparks fly. The tree scene made me laugh out loud and swoon at the same time, and the epilogue left me warm, emotional, and thinking about these characters for days afterward.

I absolutely adored the personal touches, like the author’s favorite Christmas recipe at the end — it made the story feel cozy, intimate, and personal, like sharing a holiday tradition with a friend. Dec the Holly is everything Christmas should feel like: fun, heartwarming, festive, and full of love. Truly a story that will linger in your heart long after the holidays. 🌲❤️✨

[CharliReadsSmut · Rating 4 out of 5]

❄️ 🌶️
Short, Seasonal, Spicy, Step-siblings. Need I say more?

ᑎO ᑭOᗯEᖇ, ᑎO ᕼEᗩT, ᑎO ᗯᗩY TO ᑕOOK, ᗩᑎᗪ ᑎO ᖴOᖇᗰ Oᖴ EᑎTEᖇTᗩIᑎᗰEᑎT, ᗩᑎᗪ Oᖴ ᑕOᑌᖇᔕE, ᗷEIᑎG ᔕTᑌᑕK ᗯITᕼ ᗰY ᗩᔕᔕᕼOᒪE Oᖴ ᗩ ᔕTEᑭ-ᗷᖇOTᕼEᖇ.

⭐️ 4.25/5
🌶️ 2.75/5

❄️ Step-siblings
❄️ Snowed in
❄️ Forced Proximity
❄️ Enemies to lovers
❄️ Unconventional relationship
❄️ Holiday Novella
❄️ Mental Health Rep

This novella was such a lovely read. The perfect amount of step-sibling-rivalry, steam and Christmas cheer!

ᕼEᒪᒪ, I ᗯᗩᑎT ᕼIᔕ TOᑎGᑌE ᗷETᗯEEᑎ ᗰY TᕼIGᕼᔕ, ᗯᕼIᒪE ᕼE TEᒪᒪᔕ ᗰE I TᗩᔕTE ᔕᗯEETEᖇ Tᕼᗩᑎ ᗩᑎY ᑕᕼᖇIᔕTᗰᗩᔕ TᖇEᗩT ᕼE’ᔕ EᐯEᖇ EᗩTEᑎ, ᗷᑌT I ᑕᗩᑎ’T TEᒪᒪ ᕼIᗰ TᕼᗩT.

The internal dialogues are brilliant in this book and delving into the characters minds whilst reading the story unravel, was as added flame to the Christmas pudding.

“ᗰY ᕼᗩᑎᗪ Iᔕ ᔕOᗩKEᗪ, ᗷᗩᗷY GIᖇᒪ, I ᑕᗩᑎ ᖴEEᒪ ᕼOᗯ ᗰᑌᑕᕼ YOᑌ ᗯᗩᑎT ᗰE, ᗩᑎᗪ I’ᗰ GOIᑎG TO GIᐯE YOᑌ E᙭ᗩᑕTᒪY TᕼᗩT.”

Cadence has done it again, a brilliant novella giving us just what we need, whilst wanting more!
Will you find your step-sibling under the tree this year?

[Jasmin · Rating 5 out of 5]

**ARC REVIEW**

Dec the Holly by Cadence Smoke is a short, fun, cute, and spicy read with all the holiday vibes you could want. I absolutely loved this novella! The writing is sharp and immersive. The enemies-to-lovers dynamic is executed flawlessly, and I found myself giggling more than once. I also loved the cozy Christmas elements, from the tree shopping scenes to the fireplace and baking moments. The holiday treat recipe at the end was such a sweet touch—I’ll definitely be trying it!

I adored Dec and Holly. Their romance is sizzling, and the chemistry between them is undeniable. The way he supports her during her panic attacks and knew exactly what to do to help was heart-melting and added a layer of sweetness to their growing connection.

This is a perfect quick read for anyone’s Christmas TBR. Dec the Holly will not disappoint!

This was my first read from Cadence Smoke, and I’m excited to read more from this author.

Thank you to Cadence Smoke for providing the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Emily (emilysdarkcorner) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dec The Holly by @authorcadencesmoke

First I'm going to start this by saying that this is the first book I have read by this author and I can't wait to read more.

Holly and Declan are supposed to be going on a trip with their parents to this cabin. Holly and Declan are driving together and Holly doesn't understand why he doesn't like her. It's like Declan can't stand to be around Holly and she just doesn't get why.

Declan doesn't understand Holly. He just figures that she is going to be in and out of his life quick just to like every other woman his father gets with. But, there is just something about Holly and he doesn't understand what it is.

What starts off as a family trip ends in Holly and Declan spending a little bit more alone time together. When Declan realizes there is something about Holly that he just can't get out of his mind he decides he needs to take a step.

I loved this so much! I love the step siblings, the Christmas vibes, the we hate each other but find each other attractive the next minute vibes.

[Julia Reitzer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A step-sibling romance where the tension between the two main characters has clearly never been about dislike it’s always been an undeniable, simmering attraction. When a snowstorm forces them into close quarters, all the feelings they’ve been trying to ignore are pushed right to the surface. Instead of fighting this attraction they finally give in, and the chemistry between them feels genuine and long overdue.

What makes the story even more interesting is how the family dynamic plays into it. Their parents are understandably surprised, but ultimately supportive, adding a touch of humor and heart to what could have been an awkward situation. What was supposed to be a simple break to reconnect as a blended family quickly spirals into something far more intimate and unexpected, reshaping the relationships they all thought they understood.

Overall, it’s a fun, spicy, and fast-paced quick holiday read—perfect if you’re looking for a quick escape with heat, snowed-in tension, and a touch of taboo done in a lighthearted way.

[Brittanica Bold · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by Cadence Smoke and I’m definitely interested in diving into more from this author!

This was a quick taboo novella that hit on one of my favorite tropes: stepsibling romance! I loved how these two started out as “enemies”, more like they just didn’t understand each other and were both vulnerable about things, and quickly came together. I loved that they were stuck in a cabin for the holidays, just the two of them, as that made it that much more delicious with the forced proximity!

I loved that Dec was this solid, broody presence who once he broke just couldn’t keep himself away from Holly! We love a possessive, broody man!!

I loved how Holly was always so optimistic and how she really embodied the “holiday cheer” attitude. Between the baking of cookies, the reading by the fire, and the diddling of her scrumptious stepbrother, this girl was living the dream!!

If you’re looking for a forbidden romance to bring you the best kind of holiday cheer this winter season, check this one out on November 24!

Thank you to Cadence Smoke for the opportunity to read this book. The thoughts and opinions expressed above are honest and my own.

[Carisa Kerr · Rating 5 out of 5]

A step-sibling relationship where the tension they feel isn't hate but sexual. Snowed in together only brings it to the surface. They don't fight the inevitable and certainly don't regret it. Their parents are even accepting even if a little surprised. Their get-to-know-each-other break didn't turn out how they were thinking. What starts as animosity shifts into an undeniable bond. Cadence Smoke writes the evolution of their relationship with slow-burn precision, layering moments of warmth, tension, and forbidden longing until the chemistry practically hums off the page. The snowed-in cabin setting amplifies every emotion—claustrophobic, intimate, and charged. This is the perfect Christmas Novella. I loved every minute of their story. If you're looking for a perfect Christmas Novella to add to your TBR for Holiday reads this is the book for you!!!!

[Charlys Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

📖 ARC Review 📖

Dec The Holly was the kind of Christmas romance that sneaks up on you, soft lights, sharp banter, and tension that melts faster than snow on the windowsill.
What starts as a forced snowed-in nightmare between enemies becomes this slow, tender unraveling of two people who can’t help but collide.
I loved the emotional push and pull, the resentment, the vulnerability hiding underneath, and those quiet moments by the fire when everything unsaid feels louder than words.

It’s got all the small, nostalgic comforts of a Christmas movie but with the bite and burn of forbidden attraction.
The chemistry?
Impeccable.
The setting?
Straight out of a winter daydream.

This story has just enough heat to fog the cabin windows and enough heart to remind you why we crave second chances, even with the last person we ever expected to love.

[: ̗̀➛ c h e l s e a ✩‧˚ · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW | STREET TEAMER REVIEW:

RATING: 4 ⭐
SPICE RATING: 3 🌶️

𝐍𝐎 𝐒𝐏𝐎𝐈𝐋𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖:
This was such a cute Christmas novella. I loved the tension that Cadence built up between Dec and Holly and how it came together in such a satisfying conclusion. Despite it being literally Halloween, this cute story made me want to pull out my Christmas decor and set up for the holidays!

Cadence is truly a wonderful writer, knowing just how to keep her readers coming back for more! I can't wait to devour more of her writing.

Dec the Holly releases December 10th, 2025.

This book is perfect for anyone who loves:
❄️ step sibling romance.
❄️ forced proximity.
❄️ snowed in.
❄️ grumpy x sunshine.
❄️ enemies to lovers.
❄️ he makes the first move.
❄️ mental health rep.

[Chele · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun, spicy, quick read. Sometimes we all need a book we can finish in an hour-ish and really enjoy. This is one of those books. I love a good step-brother spicy romance. We get the holidays, misunderstanding between FMC/MMC, to attraction and spice, to love in this holiday read. Perfection in the play on the title. Very well written and even though a quick read, the story feels complete.

As a final gift to us, the author provides us with the recipe for their favorite holiday treat. I say, before you dive in, make the treat and then sit back and enjoy this holiday read!

☃︎🎅🎄❄️☃️🎁🦌

I was gifted an ARC of this book and look forward to it also dropping into my library on November 24th, 2025.

[Jenna Quoss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun and quick holiday read leaving me wanting more. I know this is a novella but i really want to know more about these characters. Quit teasing me!! Hopefully they will be featured in Now He’s Mine.

This is a taboo romance between newly step-siblings Declan and Holly (love the names for a Christmas book, btw) who are snowed in for the weekend to bond and boy did they bond! It had fun, sassy banter, cute scenes involving playful baking and great spicy scenes.

I wanted to give it 5 stars but couldn’t because I just really want to know more about these characters. I needed it be longer to get more of the characters back story and relationship development between the FMC/MMC. Overall, well done and now I’m in the mood to bake some Christmas cookies. 😉

[Mia Baxter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dec the holly

I'm not a lover of Christmas, or snow for that matter. But what am a lover of is... Enemies to lovers and people having the kind of love for each other where no matter what, they will do anything they can, just to make sure the other is safe and happy.
A quick spicy read with a whole lot of temptation and understanding for each other. And also a large portion of acceptance from the parents With both MCs in this holiday season novella suffering from anxiety, I relate to them. My favourite scene is when he goes outside and hands her a snowball to help her regulate her breathing and come down from the panic attack. think maybe after all these holiday novellas I'm reading, could maybe change my mind about Christmas

[Amanda Hicks · Rating 4 out of 5]

🚫 Forced Proximity
🖤 Taboo Romance
🎄 Christmas Theme
💀 Tattooed MMC
🖤 Forbidden

Dec the Holly by Cadence Smoke delivers a deliciously tense, snowed-in Christmas romance built on forced proximity, emotional friction, and the unexpected spark between two people who were never supposed to look at each other that way.

A step-sibling relationship where the tension they feel isn't hate but sexual. Snowed in together only brings it to the surface. They don't fight the inevitable and certainly don't regret it.

A short, sweet, and spicy holiday Novella.
This is a super short read, but do not let that fool you! It gives ALL the feels and is punchy!
The tension, the chemistry, and the tender and funny moments between Dec and Holly were stunning.