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Deck The Halls & Cover The Howls: A Paranormal MM Holiday Novella

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Fake Christmas parties, real bodies, and one werewolf who’s terrible at staying professional.

Matt


Matt never planned on spending Christmas on a Werewolf Regulation Bureau cleanup job. He has to make pretty eyes Oliver next door forget he witnessed a werewolf doing supernatural shit before their secret blows wide open. Easy. Except every “distraction” eventually leads them back to the same place. Tangled up in Matt’s bed.

Now bodies are turning up across LA with clear signs of werewolf involvement and Oliver's curiosity has made him a target. So, Matt might just have to burn the whole world down to save his little human.

Oliver

Oliver wasn’t expecting holiday magic, but watching an eighty-year-old do something that defied every rule of physics wasn’t on the wish list either. Now he can’t sleep, think, or breathe without getting answers. The only person willing to help is Matt, the six-foot-four, annoyingly muscled firefighter next door who is suspiciously eager to assist Oliver’s investigation.

Somewhere between wild theories, a last-minute Christmas party, and falling into Matt’s bed, Oliver realizes too late that someone wants him quiet. And they’re getting impatient.

Deck the Halls and Cover the Howls is a spicy standalone M/M paranormal thriller romcom featuring a grumpy werewolf firefighter, a sunshine human who cannot mind his business, a fake Christmas party, found family, real danger, and a guaranteed happily ever after.

202 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 7, 2025

6 people are currently reading
9 people want to read

About the author

Tara Sterling

1 book6 followers

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5 stars
20 (33%)
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31 (52%)
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8 (13%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
17 reviews
December 4, 2025
4⭐️

The story is fun, fast-paced, and the perfect balance of mystery/investigation and romance. I adored both of the main characters as well as many of the side characters, and overall just had a great time.

I thought the romance was very sweet. I loved watching the two MMCs slowly try to come to terms with their feelings for one another. It was simultaneously frustrating and highly entertaining to get to see from both of their POVs as they struggled with the same doubts/questions as their counterpart.

I’m pretty ambivalent about spicy scenes in books, personally, but I found the ones here to be well-written and I think an enjoyer of spice will have a great time.

I also greatly enjoyed the mystery/crime solving portion of the plot. The ending felt maybe a tad too rushed/convenient, but it didn’t really bother me. Especially since I enjoyed the cozy Christmas romance vibes too much to want to risk losing that feeling.

The paranormal aspect of the plot was good, if stereotypical for the most part. If you like modern day werewolf romances in general, you’ll probably like this one. I did like the inclusion of a larger agency set in place to help protect the werewolves’ secrecy. That part did feel very unique and original, and what I saw of it in the story felt well thought out.

TLDR: This book has a well balanced plot, fun and interesting characters, and standard cheesy Christmas romance goodness (albeit with a few more murders than is probably typical). I definitely recommend for a cozy reading night in.

Disclaimer: I received an ARC copy of this book, but no review was required in order to be eligible for the ARC. I’m leaving this review voluntarily, and all thoughts and opinions expressed above are my own.
Profile Image for Susi June.
244 reviews1 follower
December 10, 2025
When I read that this book was described as a thriller rom-com, I immediately thought, yes please! And I liked it.

It started off shitty, not gonna lie. At least for my liking. It started off with Matt getting a hook up visitor, yuck. Sure they didn't fuck but the mention of his hook ups was way too much, especially because Oliver saw a lot of them. It made me want to put the book away. I'm glad I continued reading though.
When I ignore the hook up part, I enjoyed the rest.
The chapters were quick and the story interesting. I would have liked the book more, with I don't know, maybe 100 pages extra. It ended kinda quick and the epilogue was basically just a teaser for the next book.
Matt and Oliver were cute though. I loved how much Matt was pining for Oliver.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.7k reviews359 followers
December 8, 2025
Matt and Oliver . . .

Matt Hale is a werewolf shifter and fireman. For quite some time, he and human Oliver have been neighbors. Oliver is a script writer for a paranormal teenage drama, well aware that the paranormal characters he writes about are not actually real. But now the senior head writer tells the team their new script needs to be changed so that it is more "fun" this time. And their collaboration goes on into the evening, leaving Oliver mentally exhausted. So he decides to bake cupcakes, which calms him down. He kind of baked lots of cupcakes, so he thought he would take some to his attractive neighbor Matt and maybe fantasize a bit watching him eat them. Although attracted to each other, neither has ever said anything or given an indication of how they feel about the other. But when Oliver sees a man bigger than normal size, with glowing golden eyes, crawling faster than humanly possible, he can't figure out what he is really seeing. Adding a mystery and some supernatural tension to the story pulls the reader right in to follow along and see whether Matt and Oliver will figure things out when Matt has to distract Oliver into forgetting about the werewolf he "thought" he saw so that he doesn't uncover Matt's secret. But bodies turning up will of course raise Oliver's curiosity which ultimately puts him in danger. Will Matt step up to protect Oliver? And if so, will their relationship become real?
14 reviews
December 6, 2025
Cute M/M shifter v human novella

Matt and Oliver have both fantasised about each other for years. Tall, muscular firefighter (and werewolf) Matt has a steady stream of equally tall and muscular hookups going in and out of his apartment. Sensitive human Oliver who loves to cook/bake and writes for a werewolf fantasy show, rules out any chance of romance believing he is not Matt’s type.

When Matt sees his elderly neighbour acting…..strangely….Matt and Oliver and forced together until the mystery is solved.

I liked the mystery although the ending seemed a little rushed but this is a novella so doesn’t lend itself to going into a lot of detail about things.

Matt and Oliver make a cute couple when they finally get it together but they are frustrating at times because they both have the same feelings/insecurities but never voiced them which would have resulted in them getting together sooner.

There was a good sprinkling of spice but this is not your typical shifter story. Yes, they are werewolves but there is no ‘mate bonds’ or mind linking etc. It is set at Christmas but I wouldn’t really say it was a Christmas story if that makes sense?

Overall, a good first book in the series setting the scene for Nick and Elliotts story.
Profile Image for Charlee Lock.
32 reviews2 followers
December 19, 2025
This was a really sweet MM paranormal novella, it’s a little slow burnish but I loved the spice when it hit, it was perfect for the storyline.

Oliver has a crush on the sexy firefighter across the hall of their apartment building, he is a writer of a werewolf tv show, he loves to cook.

Matt is a firefighter who just happens to be a werewolf that works for the Wareeolf Regulatiosn Bureau and has been not so secretly if you ask his friends, obsessed with the human across the hall.

After Oliver has an encounter with a werewolf, Matt gets volunteered by his best friend/brother to ensure Oliver is safe and doesn’t discover their secret. It would have been easy apart from the fact Oliver not wanting to live in fear decides to become an amateur investigator to try and get to the bottom of what he saw. All the while the WRB are looking into the deaths of humans and the rogue wolf that Oliver saw.

I absolutely loved reading from both MMC perspectives, their personalities shining through. I laughed so many times and had a cheeky smile the entire novella.

I am so glad to learn that this is now evolving into a trilogy and can’t wait to find out what secrets Elliot has and to learn more about Nick!!
Profile Image for Risa Lynn.
210 reviews4 followers
December 7, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️

✨MM
✨werewolf x human
✨grumpy x sunshine
✨romcom
✨cozy vibes
✨touch him and die

This was such a fun read! I finished it in a few hours because I couldn’t put it down. It’s such a cute and cozy read with just a touch of danger and tension! If you’re looking for a funny and swoony holiday read that’s bound to keep you entertained, look no further.

They’re both funny, but Oliver is hilarious. He’s so adorable, and he needs to be protected and cherished always. Which I think Matt will have no problem stepping up for that job. He’s also adorable with how obviously obsessed he is with Oliver, and I love that his friends kept bringing that up no matter how much he denied it. 😂

I’m really hoping Tara has a book for Nick in the works. Curious minds need to know what he’s up to! (Also what that other character is up to 👀)

Thank you so much for the opportunity to arc read this book! It was a blast, and this is one that’ll be going on my holiday reread shelf.
Profile Image for Morgan Taylor.
150 reviews8 followers
December 4, 2025
*ARC*

Ohmygod, this was such a wholesome novella with a touch of mystery, crime, and danger. I absolutely loved it, just devoured it in one sitting. The characters are so adorable and sweet. I mean a werewolf firefighter and an adorable human who can cook??? I just can't even get over all the cuteness. Oliver and Matt just absolutely stole my heart. 

I really loved the air of mystery as well. There's crimes being committed and investigations underway. I absolutely loved the side character Nick (I am so hoping he gets his own story too, because I NEED to know!!!) 

The spice in this story was spicing. I mean...it was delicious and had me giggling and kicking my feet. Oliver and Matt just can't help but be so adorable. 

This is definitely a really fun holiday read full of love and both their POVs are too cute.
18 reviews
December 7, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“Deck the Halls and Cover the Howls” by Tara Sterling is a fun, festive paranormal escape that hits all the right holiday notes. I really enjoyed the blend of cozy Christmas charm with just the right amount of mystery and supernatural tension. The world feels warm and welcoming, and the characters have a great mix of humor, heart, and a little holiday chaos that kept me turning the pages.

The pacing is snappy, and the plot has enough twists to stay engaging without ever feeling too heavy; which is exactly what I want in a seasonal read. If anything, I just wanted a little more depth or development in a couple of moments, but it definitely didn’t take away from the overall experience.

If you’re in the mood for something magical, merry, and a bit mischievous, this is a great pick. A delightful holiday paranormal romp!
Profile Image for Cassi Smith.
103 reviews
December 7, 2025
This book is holiday magic with claws.
Tara Sterling delivers the perfect blend of cozy Christmas vibes, pack dynamics, and that delicious slow-burn tension that keeps you glued to the pages. The characters feel warm, real, and chaotic in the best way—like the kind of found family you’d actually want to spend the holidays with. I loved the humor, the heart, and the little sparks of danger woven between the lights and garland.

The romance? Chef’s kiss.
Just the right mix of sweetness, heat, and that irresistible supernatural pull. And the world-building is so fun and vivid that it feels like stepping into a holiday movie…if that movie had werewolves, attitude, and a whole lot of charm.

If you love festive paranormal romances, found family, protective shifters, and a heroine worth rooting for, this one absolutely belongs on your holiday TBR
Profile Image for Heather.
476 reviews4 followers
December 5, 2025
This was a fantastic, quick-paced read that I thoroughly enjoyed!

Oliver is a writer for a paranormal werewolf TV show. He knows that werewolves are strictly fiction- until he sees his elderly neighbor looking....not quite right. Matt is Oliver's neighbor and frequent subject to allllll his daydreams. Matt's a firefighter and seems to have a bevy of men coming around at all hours, so Oliver knows he doesn't have a chance.

But when Oliver's run in with this elderly neighbor forces the two closer together, the sparks fly and the two realize that they may be perfect for each other.

Low-angst, well written, funny, sweet and steamy this book was a blast and I'm so glad I got a chance to read it. Very much looking forward to what comes next in the series! 
Profile Image for Carisa Kerr.
96 reviews10 followers
December 7, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️

✨MM
✨werewolf x human
✨grumpy x sunshine
✨romcom
✨cozy vibes
✨touch him and die

The characters are so adorable and sweet. I mean a werewolf firefighter and an adorable human who can cook???I really loved the air of mystery as well. There's crimes being committed and investigations underway. I absolutely loved the side character Nick. I hope Nick get's his own story. It's a cute cozy read especially if you like grumpy/sunshine, and werewolf/human. Oliver has been silently watching Matt, and Matt has been silently watching Oliver. When Oliver notices something strange with their neighbor they're forced together.

Thank you so much for the opportunity to arc read this book!
Profile Image for Brittany.
13 reviews2 followers
December 11, 2025
I loved this Novella! The book story was well written with great pacing and just enough thriller/suspense to
keep you guessing. I also really enjoyed how Matt’s character went from a seemingly ambivalent dude next door to a swoon-worthy mmc. Oliver was hilarious and I really loved his silly/anxious inner-monologue. The relationship between Matt and Oliver was endearing and I would love to see where the story goes further in the future for them. Additionally I found the “annual” christmas party to be such a fun plot point for the two and I legitimately laughed out loud when Matt opened his gift from Oliver. I just wish the story was longer.

Disclaimer: I did an eARC copy but am choosing to leave a review because I truly loved the book and can’t wait to read more from Tara!
12 reviews
December 5, 2025
I was very kindly selected to receive an ARC of this adorable holiday romance. This was a spicy M/M supernatural romance with a bonus murder mystery thrown in.

I loved Oliver and Matt immediately and their chemistry on page was off the charts! Tara has a really fun voice that comes through in her characters by way of sarcasm and witty banter.

This is a holiday novella which I think was a shame as I'd have loved for the mystery plot to be fleshed out more and, of course, more Ollie and Matty! I could have easily been a full length novel, but the good news is more stories are coming! I can't wait to learn more about all of the gang in later books.
Profile Image for Catie Cheeseman.
22 reviews
December 8, 2025
This book is *chef’s kiss* in the best, most effortless way. The writing is so smooth and easy to fall into, and the banter between the two MMCs had me giggling and low-key kicking my feet, whispering, “Please just kiss already.”

The side characters are so thoughtfully written that you can genuinely feel how much they add to the overall dynamic, they’re not just background noise- they matter.

The ending perfectly teases more to come, leaving me absolutely craving one more chapter... or honestly, an entire sequel. For a debut, this is seriously impressive, and I cannot wait to see what the author gives us next.
Profile Image for Deloria Loketi.
89 reviews2 followers
December 10, 2025
This was such a fun ride! Oliver and Matt are seriously the cutest couple to ever couple 💗✨
There's banter, humor, spice and a little murder mystery going on in this one and I loved it 🖤
It was so interesting that everytime I had a little break I sat down to read it because I wanted the ending
Matt is a werewolf firefighter who works for the bureau that protects their secrets and Oliver is a TV show writer who accidentally stumbles upon it! Que the adorable antics of Matt trying to throw him off the trail and Oliver becoming a junior sleuth 😂
I'm really excited to read Nick and Elliot's story of it becomes a thing! 💗✨
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5 📚
⭐⭐⭐⭐🌶️
Profile Image for Amanda.
1,997 reviews92 followers
December 7, 2025
Probably around 3.5 stars.

This was super cute and I'm really excited to see where the series goes next. The mystery/werewolfy side was really interesting and well done. I also adored both MCs. The romance fell a little flat for me. I'm the weirdo who likes a good miscommunication trope, but here it just got old hearing how much they each wanted each other and just wouldn't say a word. The setup was very interesting for them and then it fizzled a little. But I'm still very hopeful for the next one because I was hooked in regardless.
Profile Image for Kait Melvin.
12 reviews
December 10, 2025
thank you tara for this ARC! i enjoyed this book so much. i really hope it becomes a series because i loved all of the characters so much. this story follows oliver who is a writer for a popular werewolf show and his across the hall neighbor matt. matt is a firefighter and has a lot of secrets. oliver gets into a precarious situation that allows he and matt to get to know each other.

this was so well written. i cannot wait to read more from tara! the romance and plot of the WRB were so good. fingers crossed that nick gets a book!
Profile Image for Printessan .
186 reviews1 follower
December 18, 2025
I give it 4.5 ⭐️

I really enjoyed this book. It’s an engaging and easy-to-read romance with a good balance between story and character development. When Oliver sees something strange, questions start to arise, and Matt helps him investigate, partly to protect his own secret. As the story unfolds, secrets are revealed and the tension builds in a way that kept me turning the pages. The pacing worked well, and I stayed interested from start to finish.

Thank you so much Tara for letting me be a part of the team.🌺❤️
120 reviews3 followers
December 6, 2025
I loved this novella! I couldn't put it done once starting. The characters were so loveable and the story line kept you engaged. Between the mystery of the unknown, the blooming romance and explosion of lust, this was amazing! I cannot wait until the next in the series!
If you're looking for a paranormal romance with steamy scenes, Damsel-in-distress, protective alpha male, mutual pining, and a happily-ever-after... this is your book!
Profile Image for Cass 3689.
8 reviews
December 7, 2025

As someone who reads werewolf fanfic stories this was right up my alley. The story follows two male neighbours who spend more time together after one of them sees something he should not have.

Built around the holidays it was a really festive story while also being a romance and the feelings and hardships to go with it.

This is a novella so a little shorter than I would have liked as I wanted more! Can’t wait for the next book! Highly recommend.

*this is an MM romance*
Profile Image for Kitty.
761 reviews17 followers
December 8, 2025
This was a fun little book and easy to read. Despite the small size the plot worked pretty well, I loved the idea of the Werewolf Regulation Bureau working to investigate crime both by and against shifters, and keeping their existence secret from humans. The characters were fun and engaging, it made me snigger a few times. Definitely recommend if you want a short novella with a bit of action and some festive vibes.
93 reviews
December 10, 2025
This was a delightful surprise. Not sure what I was expecting but the story wasn’t just about spicy times, there was a mystery to solve, life in danger moments, childhood trauma, bad guys and of course, shifter secrets. The characters were fun and the story didn’t feel rushed. I got an advanced copy for an honest review. I noticed some grammatical errors and advised the author. I’m looking forward to the next one.
Profile Image for Batty Squeaks.
45 reviews
December 11, 2025
This was an incredibly cute read! It involves a human, Oliver, and his neighbor, Matt, and some serious needs to actually talk lol. It wasn't as dark as I expected from posting about it and the spice (while nice) didn't quite live up to the hype. It seemed like normal spice to me.

If you are looking for a fun Xmas read to pass the time this could be it for you!

4 star for fun story
3 star for spice level
4 star for such cute characters
Profile Image for Kristen .
47 reviews
December 5, 2025
What a fun ride this was! Oliver was too cute and funny with his internal dialogues, Matt was adorably clueless with his feelings, and together they make the sweetest couple. I loved the mystery aspect, and the spice was top notch, I just wish it was a little longer so we could get more storyline. Overall though, a fun read that has me looking forward to the next book!
Profile Image for Abbi.
183 reviews1 follower
December 10, 2025
This was a fun read.

My initial thoughts on Matt were just a load of questions on why is this man acting like just a jackass, if you are infatuated by the human, why are you parading all your sexual conquests literally RIGHT OPPOSITE his own front door.

The Christmas party setup was cute, the Christmas tree and the shopping, I would have loved more on Olivers Baking for the party.

The way the secret came out and Matt then hid away until his friends told him to stop being a loser made me so annoyed.... JUST TALK TO HIM YA BIG DUMB DUMB.

Overall a really fun Christmas werewolf x human romance.
115 reviews2 followers
December 8, 2025

I have never read a werewolf story before but this definitely won’t be my last I loved it.
This book is an MM story about a werewolf and human who are attracted to each other, but it is also a crime drama wth lots of humour and some very nice spice.
It is very well written and I loved all the characters. I can’t wait for some more to come out.
Profile Image for Dark Romance  Obsessed  Siren.
81 reviews2 followers
December 17, 2025
🧜‍♀️ARC Review🧜‍♀️

⭐️⭐️⭐️.75

🌶️🌶️

I think this is the last of my non horror/dark Christmas reads and it was a little fluffy for my tastes but I enjoyed it alot. A firefighter/werewolf shape shifter who works with the werewolf regulations bureau falls for his neighbor who��s a writer for a warewolf teen TV drama, and they get entangled with a murder in the building!
1,086 reviews7 followers
Read
December 22, 2025
This was a entertaining story with a murder mystery to solve. Oliver and Matt were sweet together and the banter between them and the side characters was also fun. Can't wait for Nick and Elliott's story next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Yarisa Velazquez.
26 reviews
December 4, 2025
I loved it
I do think the beginning was a bit rushed or at least kinda straight to the point if that makes sense?
The attraction was introduced right off chapter 1

Besides that little note, it was such a great read

Haven’t read a MM in a while so it was entertaining
Profile Image for Patricia Lord.
922 reviews
December 4, 2025
This is a cute, fun, fast-paced paranormal MM read. It has the perfect balance of mystery/investigation, crime solving and romance.. the romance between Matt (werewolf firefighter) and Oliver (human) a cook is sweet and adorable.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews

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