I'm always up for something new from Sara Raasch so I was excited to see she was branching out into a holiday fantasy romance and the premise was intriguing and despite the 3 stars I did kind of like it but for me the characters just didn't grab me the way I like them to in romance. I'm totally intrigued by Coal's brother Kris though that is appearing in book 2.

The play on names was a bit too cutesy for me ( Coal, Kris for xmas / Lily & Iris for Easter / Hex for Halloween) but this was an enjoyable, lighthearted read that fit my holiday reading mood.

Thanks for the chance to read this early!

I really wish I would have read this one sooner because THIS WAS SO CUTE. I am already planning a reread for next October because I can't think of a better time to read this!

I really liked the concept of holidays almost like sovereign nations with their own royalty, and the currency and what fueled them was joy. Like to create political turmoil over that was pretty clever.
Coal (Nicholas) is a Prince of Christmas, and is arranged to marry the Princess of Easter. Neither of them want this. They’re best friends, but that’s as much as they love each other. Prince Hex of Halloween shows up to court for Princess Iris’ hand, though he also doesn’t want to actually marry her. It’s all political.
Many moons ago, Coal made out with an intriguing stranger in a back alley. Surprise! It was Hex. So while the two are supposed to be battling it out for Iris’ hand, they’re actually into each other. So we’ve got a bit of forbidden romance going on here.
So while that is going on, turns out Santa is being a grump and trying to ruin Christmas. So there’s a lot of trauma and healing in that area, that does become a big point of contention. I never thought I’d hate Santa!
It also gets spicy between Hex and Coal. They both also have powers that deal with their holiday so that was pretty nifty. Overall, I did like this book.
I found Coal a little bit annoying, but that could have just been the voice the narrator used for him and/or part of his growth arc. I loved Hex though, and I thought their opposites attract worked. They both mean well, and just went about things differently. Coal has a really good heart, but also just constantly gets rejected and is labeled a screw up. So a lot of the novel is also him learning to make a difference, his way, which is a change for the better.

I can’t wait to read how Kris’ story goes in the next book!

Thank you Bramble for the physical copy!

Although I initially thought this was just going to be a fluffy, light romance, I didn't actually mind the shift into a more political storyline between Christmas and the other holidays. There was a lot of great dialogue, lovely scenes, and lore that was built in this world, and for the most part, I was intrigued.

This was just short of four stars for me, and I think what was missing was more of the initial "Holiday magic" that is sort of introduced near the beginning (with the way the Christmas prince brothers can travel, and a little bit of conjuring), but there's a severe lack of it in the middle. There's bits and bobs here and there but I really wanted more in that regard.

The other part is just wanting a little more romancing. It did feel a little "insta-love" in a sense, which is ok, but again, I just needed a little more.

I'm super excited to start the next one as I really liked Kris' character and curious to see where it goes! Hoping for more romance and more "holiday magic" by the characters in the second book.

I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

Always love reading new romances featuring queer characters, but was curious how I'd feel about this holiday fantasy take. I loved it! The characters were surprisingly relatable and incredibly endearing. A perfect wintertime read. Can't wait to read the follow-up!

Unfortunately life and chaotic schedules kept me away from this one for far longer that I would’ve liked but I’m so glad I was I’m finally able to get to it. This was an absolute seasonal delight. While fun filled and cute it wasn’t pure fluff and had depth and has joined the ranks of a great holiday read.

The Nightmare Before Kissmas is a delightful and heartwarming queer romcom that blends holiday magic, royal politics, and sizzling romance.

It follows Nicholas (Coal) Claus, Prince and Heir of Christmas who used to love Christmas until his father, the reigning Santa, turned their holiday into PR facade and cheap commodity. Coal, known for being irresponsible and always joking, tried to do something good once, but it ended in disaster.

Ever since, he’s kept a low profile. When his farther suddenly announced his engagement with his best friend, Iris - Princess of Easter, who is crush of his younger brother- Kris, Coal is determined to find an escape. But then Prince of Halloween, Hex Hallow, challenges Christmas for Iris’s hand. Hex is also the same man Coal kissed in a drunken stupor two years ago, a moment Coal has never been able to forget.

As Coal and Hex spend more time together, their attraction becomes undeniable. Amidst their growing chemistry, Coal uncovers a manipulative scheme by his father that goes against everything Christmas should stand for. Now, Coal must decide how to navigate this fake engagement, confront his father’s deception, and figure out what his relationship with Hex means for both his holiday and his heart.

I loved the concept of Holidays royals with seasonal Holidays having their court and playing politics, and their power comes from how much more joy it creates. And of course, Christmas is big and powerful Holiday.

Writing is engaging and fun with lots of banter, Christmas jokes and puns, Christmas activities, sizzling chemistry and mild politics and tension. Themes of healing, grief, courage, and standing up for what’s right are central to the narrative. I rooted for main characters from the beginning.

Coal is a smart, fun-loving character who hides his real emotions behind a joking façade. He deeply cares about Christmas but struggles with self-doubt and fear of failure. His vulnerability, his longing for his father’s love, and the hurt caused by his mother’s abandonment is touching.

It was amazing how meeting Hex and being with him healed the hurt he felt from his parents, how his love for Hex bought out the best quality in him, take responsibility of undoing the damage his Holiday did so far, find courage within him to stand up for what he believes in and fight for his Holiday and people he loved.

Hex was broody, serious, mysterious and responsible, exactly opposite of Coal. He didn’t wanted to marry Iris but was in competition for his Holiday. I loved how put together he is throughout the book. He is wise, observant and dedicated to his Holiday and his love for his holiday and family shines through out the book. I didn't understand why he was helping Coal until the reason was revealed in the climax and after knowing his full story, I liked him even more.

What I loved the most is friendship and sibling relationship. Bond between Coal and Kris was like twins. It was amazing how they understood each other. Kris is caring and brilliant, always stands with Coal in all situation and Coal is protective of Kris. The way their parents separation changed their family dynamic and impacted their relationship was touching.

Iris plays a key role in their dynamic. She is as funny as Claus brothers but is always compliant, keeping her image clean by never rebelling no matter how much royal politics hurt her. But I liked her for pushing Hex and Coal together and for standing with Coal in his plans. Their dynamics, group chats, and banter reminded me of Red, White and Royal Blue.

Romance is a kind of insta lust/love but I liked that author took time to develop. Chemistry between Hex and Coal is sizzling and sexy. There were many lovely moments between them. I especially loved those almost kissing scenes during the Christmas activities. All those scenes felt magical.

Climax is predictable and I was expecting it happening as soon as Coal put forth his plan but I wasn’t expecting it resulting in third act break up and the reason was unexpected. I mean one moment they were sure about their relationship and next one chickening out. But I liked how things changed after that.

End is satisfying with Coal finally standing up to his father, Hex coming to his senses, and Kris finally coming out with his feelings but that was kept behind the scene and I know why after reading the snippet of the next book.

Overall, The Nightmare Before Kissmas is an engaging, heartwarming, and magical Holiday themed queer romance with an amazing concept and lovable characters.

This is one of my favorite holiday books of the year! Not only did it give cute and cozy vibes; it also had the perfect amount of social commentary regarding politics and capitalism.

I love Coal so much. His emotions bleed through the pages, making me feel the range of emotions he felt. The representation throughout the novel was also something I adored. For example, Hex is Latine, his mom represents Dia de los Muertos and he goes to university in Mexico. There is also wonderfully, chaotic bi-rep that had me squealing with delight. If you like spice with your romance, this is sprinkled throughout and is done with the utmost consent presented by both parties.

Overall, it's a fun and thought-provoking holiday read that will squeeze your heart in the best of ways!

This was adorable!!!!!! The perfect holiday read. I will def be reading more from this author. Doing a reread in December so I will add to my review as well


I am still so obsessed and so ready for the next one

I’m looking forward to the rest of this series. I love how it was laid out and the implications of what has happened in this one.
It did read a bit slow in the beginning but once it picked up it was really enjoyable.
The audio was enjoyable and the narrators added to the characters.

I got this for the fun quirky romance and walked out with interesting sociopolitical discussion and I want more.

I loved the angst between Coal and Hex. Sara did an amazing job building up their story. I would love to see what happens with the other characters. Can’t wait for the next book.

Christmas Rom-Coms for the season cause my most anticipated Christmas Rom-Com came out earlier and I couldn’t resistttt lmao (But tell me why my most anticipated got 4 stars and this one got 5? WHAT WAS THE REASON)

Let’s start off with a quick summary cap to give the interested a little taste, shall we?

Coal is next in line to become the Christmas King. Christmas Prince, if you will lol. But the love he once had for the holiday isn’t the same way it used to be. You know, before his Mom left and his Dad got a little control-crazy. Now Christmas is just a cheap joke. He tries to do something good for once and it all blows up in his face, destroying a country's economy. What better way to wallow in his misery than to stumble in a bar alley way and smooch this hot gothic baddie?? Dude same tbh

Of course Bestie ruins the moment on accident and we don’t even get the gothic baddie’s number.🙄🙄🙄 Go figure.

Years go by and guess who can’t stop thinking about the smooch in the alley way??? Mr. Nicholas (Ni-COAL-as Get it?) Claus. But life decides he can’t have a break long enough to get his head on straight before his dad is ordering him to follow his duty as the Christmas Prince and marry his Bestie : The Easter Princess. Just when you thought things couldn’t get any worseeeeee… Ta da! In comes the Gothic Alleyway Baddie here to challenge the entire union!

Let the games begin!

Oh yeah! Did I forget to mention that Gothic Alleyway Baddie is actually the Prince of Halloween? Yeahhhhhh Let’s see how well this goessss.

There was squealing, giggling, feet kicking in the air. All the wonders that come with a perfect little Christmas read. Kris had my heart strings, but Coal took the cake every time. From his flirting to his lowest moments. He was such a charmer and I was EATING that shit uppp. SLURRRPPPP lmao Wonderful Wonderful read. SO glad I got the chance to read it around the holidays!

Quotes Quotes QUOTESSSS

Coal says some of the prettiest fucking things I swearrrrr. Yah girl was swooning the ENTIRE time! And since I read the finished edition instead of my Advance Copy I can shout out some of those quotes and my opinions on themmmmm.

1.) “Did I hallucinate him? Fuck no, his taste is still in my mouth.”

🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🫢🫢🫢🫢 Right out the FUCKING gate y’all. The way I gasped… We was about feral in this bitch 🙌🙌🙌🙌

2.) “Kris goes as red as the checkerboard print blankets draped over the chairs in the ballroom’s alcoves. But before I can decide whether to intervene, he looks up and down her body. “Perfect,” he says softly.”

KRISSSS! My sweet baby boiii I knew immediately that he was the house favorite ❤️ ❤️❤️❤️💕💕Maybe not My house cause Coal was and is my #1, butttt definitely a good 2nd place!

3.) “Every single one of those instances when I thought I was hypnotized by seeing joy on other people, I’d been searching, searching specifically for his joy. Because now that I’ve experienced it, it renders all past joy obsolete.”

😳🫣🫣🫣🫨Like do you really have to ask who my favorite is??? Maybe I’m not playing fairly seeing as he’s the main character and the POV of the story, but DAMN 🙏🙏👅

4.) “I make jokes. I’m a smartass. I don’t talk like this, with weight, but every second of a life spent being the comedic relief has been saving up sincerity for him.”

Mmmmmmmmm Get you a Coal for real y’all. If they ain’t worshipping the ground you walk on and the air you breathe you don’t need them. 🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️

5.) “Someone help me, please, because this guy makes me want to learn hymns but only recite them if I’m moaning and I think that might be sacrilege, but I’m okay with damnation if he’s the reason, I just want to know for sure which way is up.”

🥴🥴🥴🫠🫠🥵🥵🥵🤤He’s literally too much to handleeee

6.) ““I can’t help,” I hardly hear myself, “this insufferable need to find out what it’s like to witness every shade of joy on your face.””

And it doesn't help that Hex is such a tease and plays hard to get ughhhh 🥺🥺🥺🥹🥹🥹😭😭😭

7.) “..the moment I become fluent in your shivers, it’s gonna be meteoric.”

Fluent in your shivers. That’s probably one of those lines that if your partner told you in real life you’d probably cringe lmao XDDD Besides the pointtttt, we still love to see it. 🥰🥰😚

8.) ““Just one night.” No. All the nights. Every one you’ll give me.”

Their situation and his neediness is such a perf combo tbh That man was literally willing to give it all up just to keep Hex with him. Even if it was just one more night (pst… it wasn’t lmao).

I’m capping this at 8 cause I don’t know how much Goodreads will let me type, but HONEY please do us all a favor and go read this. It was perfect.🤩

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 stars easy.

My thanks to the Tor Publishing Group and NetGalley for the Digital ARC. This book is ALREADY OUT!!! Go check it out for yourself and see what you think!

This book is GREAt!!

What a DELIGHT to be able to read such a fun book that exudes affection and the festive season so close to Christmas.

Coal is the prince of Christmas, very outgoing and fond of having fun, he is always getting into well-intentioned trouble situations (almost always). When one of his good deeds causes a domino effect capable of breaking the economy of a country, he considers that he has hit rock bottom. Desolate, he decides to drown his sorrows in a bar where he is already a regular customer. After a few drinks (drunk already, right?), he comes across a handsome boy like he has never seen before. Moved by the alcohol and the kindness of the stranger, he ends up venting and finding a momentary connection, having the impression that finally someone was listening to him and giving him useful advice.

After sharing this intense moment, the boy disappears and Coal finds himself convinced by his friends that perhaps it was just some kind of hallucination induced by sadness and drinking. But touched by the advice he heard and determined to do things differently, Coal stays out of trouble for a year and a half, focusing his efforts on college, being a good brother, having less chaotic fun and not getting involved where he wasn't meant to.

This goes relatively well, until his father decides that he should marry his best friend, the Easter princess. An arranged marriage that causes outrage not only among those involved, but also in the kingdoms of the other holidays that see such an alliance as a ploy to gain power and override everyone else.

Trying to appease the fury of the most outraged king of all, the Halloween king, the Christmas king proposes a situation of equality where his son could compete with Coal for the hand of Iris, the Christmas princess. (All a facade to fool the fool) The idea seems interesting to him so Hex, the Halloween prince, is sent to the North Pole with the intention of winning the princess.

When Hex arrives, imagine what a surprise it is for Coal to discover that his “hallucination” is actually the beautiful heir of Halloween who has now gone from being his conquest to his rival.
Things here unfold in the most fun way possible!!! Nothing goes according to convention and the author’s creativity in creating all the details of this story brought me more and more enchantment and passion for their passion.

One of my favorite reads for this holiday season!! I loved the relationship between Coal and Hex and how they brought out the best in each other despite representing different holidays. The world building in this was also done phenomenally and Raasch has given us a great introduction into this magical, holiday-filled universe. It was just the right mixture of cozy, romantic, magical, and also touched on important commentary on how commercialized Christmas has become, especially in the last century. Looking forward to Kris' story!!

It is such a cute romantic read. A perfect read around the holiday season or during spooky time! This novel's pacing felt wonderful and not rushed. The high stakes impact of the story line kept you on the edge of your seat.

This was such a good read that I bought both the book and the audiobook. The concept of holiday rulers extends from The Nightmare Before Christmas, but this one's an adult novel with queer characters and, of course, as holiday rulers, the main characters have powers pertaining to their holidays. I loved it!

The prince of Christmas falling for the Prince of Halloween! My two favorite holidays mashed up in a romantic adventure. It was such a satisfying read!

Thank you Netgalley for an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was a delight to read! Very good representation of the various holidays. Squee-able romance! Will definitely be coming back for more in the sequel!