Deck The Halls: An Oakley's Crew Holiday Novella

by Nicole Dykes

It’s time for the annual Oakley’s Crew holiday party!Join Travis and Oakley and their crew to celebrate the holidays with lots of love, laughter, and an all-around good time!
The celebration will be at Travis and Oakley’s, complete with Santa, presents, firepits, and a snowy night!
And you’re invited to join in on all the fun!

Genres: M M Romance, Small Town Romance, Novella, Christmas, Holiday

118 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 19, 2025

About the author

Nicole Dykes is a wife and a professional assistant/mom to two gorgeous girls. Currently residing in Kansas, she’s a lover of coffee, Kansas City Chiefs, and all things romance.

She's found her passion in writing M/M romance because love is love is love. Some popular works include Hostile, The Spark of Hope Series, and The Kensley Panthers Series!

Email at nicoledykes_author@yahoo.com

Or visit my website at Www.authornicoledykes.com

Reviews

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cute and fun novella. It’s always so fun to get little snippets of past characters that you love. Now I’m looking forward to the next books from this crew, I can’t wait to get to know these new characters more.

[Wicked River Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Kensley Panthers series is one of my favorites so when Oakley got a spin off with Travis I was excited to dive in. This is a cute novella where we get small insights of the crew. There are spicy times, relationship revelations and a Christmas party with a cute and very spoiled five year old. I liked we got a little from everyone and it all tied together nicely. Hopefully I’m right regarding a potential relationship because Asher, Jackson and Thatcher would make an interesting triad! This was a fun read. ❤️💚❤️

[Courtenay (ceelovesbooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh this was just so fun! I lovedddd being back with Oakley, his crew, some new faces and some old, and even a couple fun bonus scenes at the end to just top everything off with a bow!

There were so many little easter eggs in here with what’s to come next for the Oakleys Crew boys, and I’m sooo intrigued ! I love these guys, and this was a perfect holiday read.

You must be familiar with Nicole’s characters from Oakleys Crew (and really the Kensley Panthers Series) to really enjoy this novella.. otherwise you’re going to really have no idea what’s going on 😂

For those who are big ND fans, this one’s for you! Oakley, Travis, Chance, Walker not Ranger, Archie, the gangs all here ! Ho ho ho, I’m a sl*t for a Nicole dykes book.

[Leilani Noack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. I love the little stories of the past characters especially Travis and Oakley. I can’t Wally to see who were are getting next but I have an idea. I can never go wrong with a Nicole Dykes book at all. Can’t wait to see what’s coming next!

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the novella I didn't know i needed. I love Oakley's crew & I'm so happy Nicole gave us this story. The way we were given snippets of everyone's lives really brought me so much happiness. This was cheerful & really did have a Christmas feel. I can't wait for more books from Oakleys crew.

[daisys_reads_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great fun holiday read.

Can’t wait to read the rest of Oakley’s crews books.

[Simone · Rating 5 out of 5]

an awesome reminder of the love I have for o and T

I love Oakley and Travis and even the hint and Noah and chance but I desperately need Jackson, thatcher and Asher

[Laura Fabian · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC kindly provided for the author in exchange for an honest review

Today is Christmas Eve, so there’s no better time to share the holiday cheer! And that’s exactly what this novella was: Deck the Halls is also a kind of extended epilogue for the first two couples, and a sort of prequel for the rest of the series!

Reading about Travis & Oakley being happy ALWAYS makes me happy, so I love that Nicole keeps writing about them, I love reading about their dynamic over the years and remembering how things started between them Plus, reading about them fulfilling their dreams is simply adorable!

Obviously, reading about Walker & Dutton was just as beautiful because this couple will always have a special place in my heart, and I loved seeing how much they enjoy their life together. I also really enjoyed seeing Archie and Cane embarking on a new path in their lives together and being the cutest.

But I have to confess that my favorite part was the glimpse the author gave me into the next Oakley’s Crew books: I’m beyond excited to read about Jackson, Asher & Thatcher and find out how things will turn out between them. Gabe broke my heart a little, so I’m dying to read about him finding his happy ending, and also to find out what will happen with Cameron for him to return to Luke’s life.

🎄Characters: 5/5
🎁Plot: 5/5
🎄Universe: 5/5
🎁Cover: 5/5
🥵: 2/5

ARC amablemente proporcionada por la autora a cambio de una reseña honesta

Hoy es noche buena así que no hay mejor momento para compartir la alegría navideña que este! Y es que eso fue esta novela con la que Nicole me sorprendió, además Deck the Halls también es una especie de un epílogo extendido para las dos primeras parejas, y una especie de precuela para el resto de la serie!

Leer felices a Travis & Oakley SIEMPRE me va a hacer muy feliz, así que amo que Nicole no deje de escribir sobre ellos, amo leer su dinámica a lo largo de los años y recordar cómo empezaron las cosas entre ellos, además de que leerlos cumpliendo sus sueños es simplemente adorable!

Obviamente leer a Walker & Dutton fue igual de hermoso porque esta oreja siempre tendrá un lugar especial en mi corazón y me encantó saber lo mucho que disfrutan su vida juntos. También me gustó mucho ver a Archie & Cane tomando un nuevo camino en sus vidas junto a y siendo los más lindos.

Pero tengo que confesar que mi parte favorita fue el vistazo que la autora me dio a los siguientes libros de Oakley’s Crew: estoy más que emocionada de leer a Jackson, Asher & Tatcher y saber cómo se van a dar las cosas entre ellos, Gabe me rompió un poco el corazón, así que me muero de ganas de leerlo encontrar su final feliz y también de saber qué va a pasar con Cameron para que regrese a la vida de Luke.

🎄Personajes: 5/5
🎁Trama: 5/5
🎄Universo: 5/5
🎁Portada: 5/5
🥵: 2/5

[Kaya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well this was so cute!! More than anything I was just excited to meet up with Travis and Oakley again because I love them in a crazy way 🤣 Seeing all the other couples so in love and happy was so cute too. But we still have some men who are pretty lonely these days… like who is Gabe going to meet? Looks like Luke and Cameron are getting back together and then we have our trio with Asher, Jackson, and Thatcher that I am very excited about 🤭

— some quotes

“Truthfully, I don’t really try all that hard not to smile. Oakley makes me happy. It’s just a fact. I’m ridiculously in love with my husband.”

“I’m all-in, Cane. Whatever adventure you want to go on, I’m right there with you.”

“Because I know deep down what I want, and what I want is Jackson. But I’m also right. We’d fight constantly. There’d be nothing there to stop it before we ignited into something we couldn’t come back from.”

“Jackson climbs down from his stool and briefly touches my shoulder, but it sends a shock through my entire body similar to the way I felt when I grabbed Asher’s wrist.” (YUPPPP LET’S GO!!!)

“I really fucking love you, Oakley.” — “I think it’s Santa tonight,” — “Call me whatever you want as long as I’m yours.”

“Merry Christmas, Oakley.” — “Santa,” — “”Still not calling you that.” Still fine with it as long as I’m his and he’s mine.”

[Abigail Beckwith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here's Nicole Dykes's "Deck the Halls." It's an Oakley's Crew holiday novella.

["It’s time for the annual Oakley’s Crew holiday party!Join Travis and Oakley and their crew to celebrate the holidays with lots of love, laughter, and an all-around good time!

The celebration will be at Travis and Oakley’s, complete with Santa, presents, firepits, and a snowy night!

And you’re invited to join in on all the fun!"]

SUCH a cute little Christmas treat. It had so many HEAs from previous couples, plus some hints at future ones. Though some of the hints had overlapping men so...we'll see what happens there. ;)

Either way, what a cute and fun way to celebrate Christmas (them and me). Togetherness, presents, spicy-times, fluffy moments, holiday magic.

#simplicity #balance #deckthehalls #oakleyscrew #oakleyscrewseries #kensleypanthers #kensleypantersseries #nicoledykes #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

[Kay Daniels (Kay Daniels Romance) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome to Oakley and Travis' home for Christmas! Deck the Halls is a wonderful treat for fans of the Oakley Crew series.

Oakley is the biggest kid contained within a grown man's body, so of course he not only loves Christmas, but the joy of celebrating with everyone within his orbit. Hot coco, gifts, a fire pit and everything else you can imagine.

I loved the insight into how Oakley and Travis celebrate their holiday and how they share their love of the season with everyone who is important to them. Each person who has met and fallen in love, on their crew, was there and even a few new friends that may appear in upcoming books. This was so much fun.

[fortheloveofmmromancebooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arc review

Oakley is hosting a holiday party along with his husband, Travis at their home, to show his appreciation to all his loyal staff.
His staff all show up, some with their partners, and some alone.

This super short, sweet novella by Nicole Dykes, made me smile. It has also set the scene for the next few books in the Oakley’s crew world. I cannot wait to read about Luke, Asher, Thatcher and Jackson and who they end up loving. One thing for certain is they will be amazing. I am looking froward to reading them next year.

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

I absolutely adore Nicole's books and it was so amazing to be back with Oakley's Crew.

I loved catching up with the crew and some past characters but also getting glimpses into future characters' stories.

This was such a fun holiday novella but you definitely need to be familiar with the characters in order to follow along or else you'll get confused. But don't worry because all of Nicole's books are quick reads!

I can't wait to read about the rest of the crew 🥰

🌶️🌶️

holiday novella
Christmas party

[VicReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝙳𝚎𝚌𝚔 𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝙷𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚜

4.25/5 ⭐️
.5/5 🌶️

↓↓
Ahhh I loved this so much.

Super cute heartwarming read. Catching up with each character and having their own POV was amazing 😍

This was full of laughter, sweet moments and all around good time.

I definitely recommend starting with the first in the Oakley's crew series to get a better understanding of the chaos that these characters are.

A couple new characters were introduced and A LOT of easter eggs for future books in the series popped up. Ooooh I just know what comes next is going to be so good and I can not wait!!

[Malissa Hilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

What a nice little Christmas book. You don’t just get Deck The Halls, there’s also a nice little treat at the end of the book. Kudos to Nicole Dykes for bringing us more of the Oakley Crew. I can’t wait for more stories with the Crew. And let’s not forget Oakley himself and the ridiculous things he does to keep everyone happy including his husband. It gets a 5 star ⭐️ rating. If you are looking for a sweet, smexy, adorable book this is the perfect one. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did 💜❤️

[Heather Duff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun compilation of all Oakley crew members as they come together to celebrate the holidays.

Some chaos, laughs, and a lot of love abound in this novella from multiple perspectives. It was wonderful to catch up with some of our favourite guys, and one super adorable and spoiled little girl.

Oakley and Travis are goals…their delightful blend of calm and golden retriever energy is swoony and adorable. And all the other guys and their partners who bring something special to the mix.

And there's a promise of more of the crew to come!

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This cute little novella is the perfect blend of Nicole’s signature style and some Christmas cheer. Each chapter is told from a different character’s point of view. We get to see glimpses of our favorites and a peek at some future ones. It was great being back with Oakley and his crew as they celebrate the holidays. This is the best little pick-me-up and a great lead in to the next book in the series.

[S.M. Harshell · Rating 4 out of 5]

DECK THE HALLS is a fun holiday quick read.

The perfect holiday get together. You get to see past characters and get to meet some new ones with hopes of what's to come next in this world. I love getting to see more Oakley. He's just such a fun carefree big golden retriever character you can't help but love!!

I was given a free copy of this book to read and review by the author.

[Deborah · Rating 3 out of 5]

great to see the crew again.

This was a fun Christmas story. Getting to see Oakley and Travis is always fun. If you haven’t read the other books in the series you will not know many of the characters but we are introduced to some new ones that are coming up in future books.

I’m looking forward to their stories and HEAs.

[FHR · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hosting a holiday party, Oakley and his husband Travis welcome their staff and their significant others into their home.
We get a fantastic catch up with past characters and get to meet new characters in this holiday novella.
Best read if familiar with the author’s previous work.

[Amanda Reeves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deck the Halls is part of the Oakley Crew series and I do recommend reading it first. I loved being back with Oakley and Travis during the holidays and I can't wait to really meet the rest of Oakley's Crew.

[Jeanette Buck · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy reading about past couples and it was great meeting the Oakley crew again. I would recommend reading the Oakley series first because not only are they great stories but this book would be more enjoyable. I loved the banter and how sweet they were. I loved reading this.

[Sandie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved everything about this book! I loved going back into this world and seeing all the previous MMC’s. It was also the perfect teaser for the next few books.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A WARM HOLIDAY DELIGHT!!

I loved seeing the Oakley crew, and it was so much fun to read. This author always creates such wonderful book memories!

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

So fun being able to catch up with Oakley and his crew. Can’t wait to see what’s next! Super cute holiday read!

[Dea · Rating 4 out of 5]

fun to catch up!

This is a cute fun novella to catch up on all of Oakleys crew. Its light and fun to read.

[Christina Mages · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like MM this book is for you. This book was really good and spicy. Enjoyed it

[Elizabeth Carson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good Christmas novella to catch up with the whole group. Perfect to make us all excited for the other books to come in this series.

[Lea Branov · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5*

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick Holiday Read

This was a cute short read with a bunch of Nicole’s beloved characters with a few new characters added. As always Oakley is one of a kind!