okaaaaay how SWEET! The Prince of Christmas falls for the Prince of Halloween! I loved the world here- where each holiday has their own "court" and they have to create and then report their joy each year. I started this one on audio and then it got returned to the library before I could finish- but I highly recommend going the audio route as it was really enjoyable. Lots of laugh out loud moments with great banter! The main character Coal was so relatable as he tries to get himself ready to become Santa. This is the perfect holiday book if you're looking for a bit of distraction! I look forward to the next one in this series.

This is a tough review for me because I wanted to love a book that merged Halloween and Christmas and had steamy scenes, but I couldn't get there. The characters were adorable, used puns, and spoke in fun quips, but at the same time, they didn't seem real enough to me. Yes, I know they are fictional characters, and there is a fantasy element to this whole concept, but they didn't have enough depth. I suppose that much of this book is a set up for the next book, but I wanted more standalone-ness in this one.

I found "Nightmare Before Kissmas" to be absolutely adorable, and I loved the entire premise. I'm excited to read the sequel with the character from St. Patrick's Day, and the returning characters from the first novel. I'd like another book in the series that focuses on the Halloween and Fall holidays. I definitely recommend this book to those that like to read cozy fantasy romances.

Thank you @Netgalley for my #gifted copy of The Nightmare Before Kissmas.

“The Nightmare Before Kissmas” by Sara Raasch is a delightful holiday-themed twist on the familiar world of Tim Burton's “The Nightmare Before Christmas”. Raasch seamlessly blends the spooky, whimsical elements of Halloween Town with a charming romance set in the middle of the Christmas season. The story introduces a fresh perspective on the magic of all the international Holidays. The main characters Nicholas “Coal” Claus and Hex are the heirs to their respective holidays, and the story adds a new layer of magic and danger. The atmosphere is as eerie and enchanting as the original film, and the narrative captures the essence of the characters’ personalities while introducing new conflicts and stakes.

While the book excels in its immersive world-building and delightful holiday vibes, the pacing occasionally feels uneven. At times, the plot’s focus on romance might distract from the darker, more intriguing elements that made the original story so captivating. However, the charming writing, engaging character dynamics, and festive spirit make it a perfect read for fans of both “The Nightmare Before Christmas”, “Red, White, and Royal Blue,” and heartwarming holiday tales. Overall, “The Nightmare Before Kissmas” is a fun and festive read that will leave readers smiling, if not fully captivated.

3.25-3.5 stars

This book was both a lot of fun and also very mid.
I'm very torn on how I feel on it but because I want to read book 2 & book 3 so I will say I liked it in the end.
The sad part is that Hex really didn't feel like a full character to me, which is weird as I feel like we had a lot of time (due to a slower pace), but it didn't pan out that way for him. Perhaps it was because we are very much in Coal's head but we see more substance with Irish and Kris, so that contradicts that.

My favorite parts of this book were the worldbuilding of the holidays and the royalty ruling these worlds.
Seeing the interaction between the other holidays, how political the magic was and how 'Santa' was blackmailing the other holidays so it could grow it's reach into the whole world, was WILD.
Also I really loved Iris and I need a book for her! Book 3 better be her book!

I didn’t realize it until after I read The Nightmare Before Kissmas, but I had read this author before some years ago when they were writing young adult. I really enjoyed These Rebel Waves but am glad that this past opinion didn’t colour the way I consumed The Nightmare Before Kissmas. This book was a completely different vibe, and I was excited to dive into it without expectations.

I really liked the concept of these worlds dedicated to the holidays existing in secret because it reminded me of The Nightmare Before Christmas (which I think this book’s title is a nod to anyway) as well as a number of Christmas movies. It felt familiar and cozy, while also using the concept of these worlds to tell a story entirely new to me. The holiday magic combined with the romance created a fun and unique atmosphere.

I enjoyed the chemistry between Coal and Hex, and also enjoyed the banter between all of the characters overall. The dynamics were playful but also layered with tension, which made the interactions engaging. That said, I did find that I got a bit bored with Coal’s introspection after delving into his inner thoughts a few times, because it felt repetitive to me. However, I know that there are readers who will appreciate getting such a deep look into the main character’s mind and motivations.

Overall, I had fun reading The Nightmare Before Kissmas and am tempted to pick up the sequel, Go Luck Yourself, when it comes out in March 2025. If you enjoy holiday-themed worlds, witty banter, romance, and spice, this book might be the perfect cozy read for you!

I love Sara Raasch’s brain.

This book is so many things at once and in all the best ways.

It’s about power, friendship, families, love, controlling the narrative, hope, grief, fantastic clothes, magic…AAARGH just read it! C’mon, man, it’s just SO DAMN GOOD.

We get to see two young men—Coal, the prince of Christmas and Hex, the prince of Halloween—navigate the tricky situations they find themselves in because of their positions in their families, power dynamics, and their own personal histories.

When their paths collide, it’s wonderful. WONDERFUL.

Funny, festive, observant, moving, swoony, sweet, charming, layered, exciting and so filled with hope, you won’t be able to put it down.

Prepare to buy copies for so many people on your list.

Read if you like:
Holiday romantasy with LOLs
Cute guys swooning amidst political manipulations
Stories that are safe spaces for LGBTQIA2S+ characters
Charming sweetie x sexy demi goth fashionista
Genuinely creative storytelling that makes the heart happier by the end

The Nightmare Before Kissmas by Sara Raasch is a solid holiday romance. A romance between the prince of Christmas and the prince of Halloween. I adored both of these young men and the slow burn of their relationship which included teasing and glorious sexual tension that definitely delivers. I enjoyed the strong bond between Nicholas, his brother Kris and his best friend Iris. The story itself kind of lost me at times with the holiday political focus and I found myself rushing to get to the genuine interactions between the characters.

Have you every watched a thirst trap and realized it was about men's corsets? Imagine your initial confusion and then growing interest in the fashion. That's how it felt for Coal when he first laid (sober) eyes on Hex. I absolutely loved this book and felt like each character had its own identity within the story, not just existing on the sidelines. Coal and Kris had a relatable sibling dynamic, with Iris being a good friend with each of them to have their own inside jokes. Hex was so much fun to read and I especially loved learning about what happens when he curses! In addition, and unfortunately, the familial relationship each of the Claus brothers with each parent stood out as the most realistic and relatable part for me. Thankfully, Coal and Hex were able to have their own happy ending. Looking forward to seeing one for Kris!

This book is truly adorable.

Prince Hex Hallow is one of the most appealing book boyfriends I've encountered in a while. The relationship between he and Prince Nicholas Claus develops in all the cutest and most satisfying ways.

Fans of both Halloween and Christmas will enjoy this gay Christmas romance.

Although the premise is light. Sara Raasch dives into many themes about love, acceptance, and finding your place in life. I loved that Coal's friend and family surrounded him and supported him in finding his place after really struggling for a long period. Hex and Coal find the special love we all dream of.

I'm a bit torn on this one because, on the one hand my deep and abiding love for movies like Tooth Fairy starring The Rock and The Santa Clause is thrilled about a romance set in a world with a mafia Santa and arranged marriage between holidays. Fantastic concept. On the other hand, the sex scenes read like filler and there's a lot of set-up for book 2, something I hate when it feels shoehorned into a novel.

I wish I could give this book 100 stars. 1,000. 1 million? It’s worth it. I haven’t been so thoroughly entertained, so amused, so heart gushingly emotional from a novel like this in such a long time. I’m devastated that it’s over and the only keeping me going is that there’s a sequel. I may die from happiness overload from the intensity of my love for this book. I can’t wait to shout it from the rooftops.

HOLY ! This book was everything I could ever wanted!! Coal and Hex were so precious and I loved how their relationship came to be! This world buidling was also perfection! I loved the concept of them both being princes with their holidays as they try to get through this fake competition! The way the trauma was addressed and dealt with! And I also appreciated Coal's relationship with Kris and Iris ! And don't even get me started with the delightful easter eggs that seemed to be just for me! Yes I see you The Mummy and Taylor Swift !! Truly a book of perfection !! I loved it so so so much !!

I just really wish this were told in dual POV. It had a weird balance between fantasy politics/world building and romantic comedy vibes. The writing style didn't flow well for me, but I did appreciate the banter among the characters. I would've loved more heart-to-heart conversations between Nicholas and Hex though since I feel like we barely got to know them aside from their roles in their respective Holidays.

This is a very cute rom-com novel following the Prince of Christmas and the Prince of Halloween. They both are suitors of the Princess of Easter as a marriage of convivence match, but are obviously attracted to each other. The story ends up involving more insight into the political and business side of holidays, which was done in an interesting allegory for capitalism and corporate greed. It's cute and well done. I personally am not necessarily the target audience, but my rating here reflects that of the readership I think the book is going for. I recommend this if you enjoy cute and quirky rom-coms, something like Red White and Royal Blue.

A friend recommended this book to me and she was emphatically correct that I would love it. The Nightmare Before Kissmas was sweet, angsty, and very funny. I giggled out loud so many times. And the plot and world building was interesting and intriguingly unique. Who knew Santa could be a villain. In the midst of Santa’s manipulations, we meet Hex the son of Halloween. He was a fantastic character who was the opposite of Coal in so many ways, but also a great guy. I loved how the dynamic between Coal and Hex changed as they got to know each other in their very insta-lust turned insta-love romance. I also grabbed the audio and let me just say, I’m a little disappointed that Ellis Evans hasn’t narrated a book for me before. He was absolutely fantastic, and narrated each character incredibly well, making the story so much better by adding subtle nuances for each character. His comedic timing was impeccable and made me laugh so much.

This story is on the surface seems very out there, but at it’s heart it’s an adorkable romance and such a fun read. I giggled as Coal thought things through and had his “Ahh-Ha!” moments and the dialogue with his brother Kris was so much fun. While romcoms are not usually my thing, I think the complexity of the plot and the absolute silliness of the holidays paired with a sweet, opposites attract romance completely sucked me in. And don’t be mistaken, there is some slow burn steam mixing in there too. The story left me quite intrigued to find out what comes next for Kris and hopefully Iris too. This opposites attract, holiday, romcom was so much fun I can’t wait to continue the series.

Imagine that scene from Nightmare Before Christmas with all the trees that lead to the different holidays. Now instead of trees, make it kingdoms that reign over the holidays. Add in espionage, blackmail, and Santa as a silver fox in a red Versace suit. Now add in a hot mess of a son that will inherit Christmas and a hot Halloween prince in a corset vest (think Ragnarok Loki).

This book was so freaking adorable. It was such a fun time.

Nicholas “Coal” Claus is at odds with his dad, Santa. In recent years, Christmas has become about consumerism, but all Coal wants to do is spread Joy. When Santa arranges a marriage between Coal and Iris, a princess of Easter, all Coal wants to do is rebel. But when Santa brings in Hex Hallow, a prince of Halloween to “vie” for the affections of Iris, Coal finds himself falling for this rival prince.

This was a cute holiday rom com that did not take itself seriously. It was campy and fun, and mildly angsty. The political workings of the rival holidays was a bit much, but overall this was an enjoyable holiday story.

It's been years since I have picked up a Sara Raasch novel, but this brought me right back into her writing. I enjoyed the character dynamics and the magic of this story. Perfect for the holidays.