Decking the Halls

by Hildred Billings

This year’s hottest holiday disaster comes with one tattooed twin

EDIE

My ex dumped me for being too much—too curvy, too spirited, too… me.

So when I run into his tattooed, motorcycle-building twin sister at the Coos Bay tree lot, I should absolutely walk away.

Instead, I let Wren Hall kiss me senseless in her truck and turn my quiet life into the hottest scandal of the year.

Maybe it’s the holiday magic… or the way she looks at me like I’m a gift she’s waited years to unwrap. But playing it safe has never felt so boring.

WREN

I’ve wanted Edie Montgomery since forever. My brother never deserved her, and now that he’s out of the picture, I’m done pretending.

One forbidden kiss leads to a public family explosion and the kind of Christmas I plan to repeat every year.

Because Edie isn’t too much. She’s everything I’ve been wanting this holiday season, and I’m about to make her mine.

DECKING THE HALLS is a spicy small-town sapphic Christmas romance about bad decisions, family drama, and finding the right twin under the tree.

Genres: Lesbian, Contemporary, Romance, Christmas

129 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 20, 2025

About the author

Hildred Billings is a Japanese and Religious Studies graduate who has spent her entire life knowing she would write for a living someday. She has lived in Japan multiple times in multiple locations, from the heights of the Japanese alps to the hectic Tokyo suburbs, with a life in Shikoku somewhere in there too.

Currently, Hildred lives in Oregon with her partner and two cats. When she's not commandeering the corner of the neighborhood coffee shop on hours on end (it's okay, she's on a first-name basis with the baristas) she's probably parked on the couch watching Bob's Burgers or screaming at a Zelda game. (Seriously, Link, why don't you move right?)

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Reviews

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decking the Halls is my first read by Hildred Billings, and I can definitely see a need for more of this in my future. It scratches a certain itch. It is not particularly deep, but it is entertaining. I am not a big fan of insta-love in general, but this one makes it make sense with a childhood friends-to-lovers trope that somewhat explains the quick relationship trajectory.
Wren is very possessive and controlling; though she checks in for consent, which Edie gives. Touch her and die vibes with the twin brother's ex, kiss in the rain, sex in the bathroom during a family dinner, strap scene, opposites attract, first time with a woman, and more fill in lots of blanks if you are searching for the tropes. Oh, and one main character rides a motorcycle.
I enjoyed the steamy scenes and the dynamics between the love interests. The small-town setting is nice, aside from the nosy neighbors.
Light, spicy, happily-ever-after at Christmastime is a need, and this one fits the bill.
#maincharacterridesamotorcycle #careerinmaledominatedfield #oppositesattract #smalltown #brothers_ex #siblingrivalry #teacher #motorcycleshop #familyfriends #childhoodfriendstolovers #firsttimewithawoman #spicy #Christmas #kissintherain #strapscene #bodypositivity #westcoast #Oregon #sexinthebathroomatfamilydinner #HEA #epilogue

[Deepa Deb Roy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decking the Halls is a sweet, short Christmas romance that delivers exactly what it promises—warmth, charm, and festive comfort in a quick read. Perfect for the holiday season, this book feels like wrapping yourself in a soft blanket with a cup of hot chocolate.

The story is light, heart-warming, and filled with Christmas vibes. The romance develops gently, without unnecessary drama, making it ideal for readers who enjoy soft, feel-good love stories. Despite being very short, the characters are likeable and the emotional moments feel sincere rather than rushed.

What makes this book special is its simplicity. It doesn’t try to be heavy or complicated—it’s meant to be enjoyed in one sitting, leaving you smiling by the end. If you’re in a reading slump or just want something cozy and festive, this book is a perfect pick.

Overall, Decking the Halls is a delightful Christmas romance that proves you don’t need a long story to feel the magic of love and the holidays.

[Sandi D · Rating 5 out of 5]

waiting your chance..

Some things are just meant to be. Wren loved Edie for years then her twin brother decided to date Edie. The problem he wanted to change her into someone to fit his image. When they finally broke up after making Edie feel like she was never enough Wren waited but finally took her chance.

[Doug Elliott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decking the Halls is a low angst holiday read with lots of spice, some romance and several tropes. Edie and her exes’ twin sister Wren hit it off during a chance encounter at a Christmas Tree farm and things progress quickly from there. Typical of a holiday novella there is minimal character development. However, the women have known each other for several years, which excuses a few missing relationship building steps. After an intense couple of weeks, followed by a year gap to the epilogue, the tale ends with the expected happily ever after.

[Anne Hartley Pfohl · Rating 1 out of 5]

I did not like this one at all. No character development, situations and people were stereotypical and shallow. Very little plot at all, and what there was ended up repetitive and overdone. Even the spice was boring. Brother and sister fighting over the same girl, accusing eachother of trying to control her, talking about her like she isn't standing right there. I'd have told both of them to f#ck off.

[J.R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wren has loved Edie since they met the first time that is until Wren twin brother!

Nick made a mistake! Nick tried to mold Edie into someone he thought she should be molded. Until Edie started to talk back! OMG! Nick cannot handle that behavior and dumps Edie! Wren comes swooping in six months later and starts kissing Edie with Nick and both families watching! What happens now? Enjoy!

[Tammy Carney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Merry Christmas

Wren watched Edie growing up together. But her twin brother know and asked her to be his girlfriend but he treated her like an object that he could control to make him look good. After six months of waiting Wren asked Edie out. Wren showed Edie what a wonderful woman is. A very Merry Christmas treat to us.

[sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was good. It’s not one of those I must read in a day though. I’m particular about the arch’s for the MC and I was waiting for the moment one of them went home early for them to fall in love so I guess the both of them to fall for other people was the twist I didn’t expect and so it threw me off a little. Good book I would recommend though.

[EvaLovesRomance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this story! Sibling rivalry at a whole different level but a happy true love ending for Edie. Great read!

[Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining Christmas short story. Recommended.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas Love

Wren and Edie brought us a festive Christmas romance. I greatly enjoyed the characters. The romance had plenty of heat.

[Neat Sparkles · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was dumb. And painfully cheesy.