The Nightmare before Kissmas is an interesting concept. The holiday’s all have their own kingdoms and they get their magic from joy that is sparked from that holiday. We follow Nicholas “Coal” Claus as he is expected to court the princess of Easter and how he doesn’t want to do that. He is instead interested in the prince of Halloween, Hex. I was thankful to get the ARC e-book from Bramble.

I thought that this story was very cute and really enjoyed the ride. I thought that the friendship between Coal and his friends were genuine and I enjoyed following them. His romance with Hex is really sweet and him getting closer to Hex and showing different emotions about him falling in love was so sweet. I also laughed out loud at some parts. There is a lot of generational humor in this which I enjoyed, but I don’t think it will be for everyone.

I do think this will be a good Christmas time read and I’m glad that I got to read it. However, the one big thing about this is the drama between Coal and his father, King of Christmas, is a bit over the top. The tone completely changes when he’s on the page. They are very dramatic and I rolled my eyes when they kept talking about some politics. Maybe because of how frantic Coal as a character is. He is all over the place that when he’s faced with crisis. However, even with that critique, I would still recommend this book. I think it’s fun and the romance is sweet and there is spice.

Thank you again for letting me read the e-book!

I really enjoyed reading this book. The characters were charming and the set up of the book was interesting I really enjoyed the romance between Coal and Hex. The characters had great chemistry and the tension and build of their relationship was great. I do think that the world that this series takes place in doesn’t quite make sense, and would benefit from more development. I’m also very interested in the dad in this story having his own book in this series.

This started giving me the ick. I had hoped that it wasn't like so many other gay stories written by straight women, but it started feeling like that and I won't be finishing it.

My honest to god reaction to the last chapter was why is it 20 mins long according to my Kindle.

The Nightmare before Kissmas was not a bad book at all. It was quite funny, with an adorable friend group and lots of holiday talks but my problem was with the main character. I didn't like Cole. He did come through in the end but by then I had given up on him.

I also felt there should have been more about Hex's family, like some on page conversations.

I loved Hex, Kris and Iris. And they were the primary reason I pushed through this book.

The premise of this book had a lot of potential, but ultimately, it fell short in execution. Coal, the protagonist, is a lovable mess, and his status as the Prince of Christmas brings with it the looming threat of paparazzi, which adds a nice touch of drama. However, the snarky banter, which could have been charming, often crossed the line into being cringey. At times, it just didn’t land the way it intended.

The plot, sadly, was a major letdown. The book markets itself as a rivals-to-lovers romance, but in reality, Coal and Hex never have a proper rivalry—they’re already attracted to each other from the start. The absence of genuine conflict between them left the story feeling stagnant, especially in the first half, where the characters are mostly reacting to external pressures rather than driving the plot forward themselves. The lack of agency and the forced dynamics make the story drag. A true rivals-to-lovers setup would have been far more engaging, with Coal and Hex competing for Iris’s affection, only to realize their chemistry with each other is far stronger. The third-act breakup and resolution also felt incredibly forced and over-the-top, undermining any emotional stakes that could have been built up.

Another area where the book faltered was in its attempt to weave in holiday politics, which ended up feeling melodramatic and absurd. Rather than focusing on the lighthearted, whimsical elements that could have made for a charming holiday romance, the book veered into convoluted territory with stakes like global holiday expansion and absurd family dynamics. These high-stakes plots, like Santa's imperial ambitions or the forced marriage for political power, felt out of place in a book that could have thrived on personal, emotional drama. Additionally, the book’s critique of capitalist holiday culture—suggesting that one day of joy is insufficient compared to systemic change—missed the mark by oversimplifying the significance of holidays. Holidays are about tradition, community, and meaning, not just gifts and commercialism, and the book's failure to grasp this made its attempts at "deeper" commentary feel misguided.

I'm really hoping book 2 fixes these issues because this series could be so cute!

This is definitely a holiday romance, and I'm always iffy on those. It was fun enough, if a bit cheesy for me.

3.5! This was a quick read for me! While I liked the concept I feel like the execution could have been better, it started to feel like the political aspects of the world were slowly down the overall pace of the book. It almost feels mismarketed as the political battle over the holidays feels like the actual plot line of the book while the romance feels more like a subplot. Now this sin’s necessarily bad as I found the holiday political intrigue interesting, but it definitely didn’t feel like a rom com to me. I felt more interested in how Coal was going to solve Christmas’ political strategies more than I cared about his relationship with Hex. Him and Hex did have a lot of cute moments however that made it clear why they were cute together. Overall, not a bad read but romance feels like it takes a backseat.

Christmas and Halloween collide in this Christmas romance. Hex and Coal are so adorably angsty as they work together to save not just Christmas but ALL the winter holidays. Great side characters. Can't wait for the next book.

***Thank you to Bramble for providing a copy of the book via NetGalley! My review contains my honest thoughts about my reading experience.***

Have you ever wondered what Santa would be like as a manipulative despot and a pretty terrible father? Then look no further than The Nightmare Before Kissmas. I was honestly a bit shocked by how awful Santa was in this story, but it also really worked. His scheming and its impacts on his sons and the other holiday courts added a lot of weight to story. I'll be honest. The heaviness of it all kind of turned me off at first, but I'm glad I gave the story time to find its legs.

The first third of The Nightmare Before Kissmas was super focused on the strained relationship between Santa and his sons and laying the groundwork for the world-building of how the holiday courts relate to one another. It was all really interesting and allowed for the exploration of some great themes. I liked how the topic of consumerism was approached. The story emphasized the importance of centering joy and connection during the holidays rather than cheap trinkets. The messages in the story were good ones. They just overshadowed the romance quite a bit at points, especially in the beginning.

Once the romance in The Nightmare Before Kissmas got going, though, I had a great time. Coal was the definition of a disaster bisexual. His chaotic energy paired perfectly with Hex's more reserved demeanor. I loved getting to see them rile each other up and tear down each other's walls. Their relationship was so full of humor and fun. This book made me laugh so much. I can honestly say that I enjoyed every minute that Coal and Hex were on the page together.

I really liked Coal as a character, too. The poor guy definitely had some issues. He had to deal with his father attempting to control everything about his life. He also had some serious self-worth issues due to his mom leaving their family at an early age and his history of screwing up everything he touches. His internal monologue was really heavy at times, but I loved how Hex brought out the best in him. He learned to stick up for himself and believe in his worth and abilities.

All in all, The Nightmare Before Kissmas had plenty of things to like. The humor often made me laugh out loud, and the characters experienced a lot of growth. It didn't hurt that the romance had a great balance of adorable and steamy moments. The world-building and themes were really interesting, too, even if they did get a bit overbearing at times. Therefore, I rate The Nightmare Before Kissmas 4 out of 5 stars and definitely recommend it as a read for this holiday season.

Nightmare Before Kissmas is an absolute delight that blends the whimsical worlds of Christmas and Halloween, creating a fantastical experience that hooked me from the start. Nicholas “Coal” Claus, the reluctant prince of Christmas, is tangled in a charming mess of family expectations and unexpected romance when he crosses paths with Hex, the prince of Halloween. Their chemistry crackles like holiday lights, and the playful banter kept me smiling.

Raasch’s holiday world is filled with vibrant details that bring each realm to life. The cast of characters is equally captivating; I loved Coal’s dry humor and Hex’s alluring charm. The supporting characters, like Kris and Iris, each contributed meaningful depth and warmth to the story. Wren, the personal assistant, is a delightful surprise, proving that even the side characters are memorable and well-developed.

The humor in this book is a highlight. Raasch’s witty one-liners and clever dialogue made me laugh out loud, balancing the book’s romantic and more serious themes with a lighthearted touch. The blend of camp and clever commentary on holiday traditions gives the story a unique flair that sets it apart.

While the romance unfolds slowly, it builds to some steamy moments that are beautifully executed. I appreciated how the characters maturely navigated their emotions and misunderstandings, allowing their relationship to grow organically amid the chaos of holiday politics.

This book is a celebration of self-discovery, friendship, and love in all its forms. Raasch’s storytelling invites you to embrace the magic of the holidays while delivering a fun and compelling narrative. By the end, I was rooting for Coal and Hex and craving more of their world.

I genuinely cannot wait for a sequel—I need to know what adventures await these characters next! If you’re a fan of enchanting romances filled with humor and heart, do yourself a favor and grab a copy of Nightmare Before Kissmas. You won’t regret it!

Such a sweet book, it was the perfect read for Halloween and/or Christmas time! I also love the cover so much. I will definitely be buying a physical copy and I’m excited to read more from this author.

Coal and Hex are adorable! The Christmas pubs in this book were so funny! I loved the blend the author did with this story! It was thrilling and fun!!!

It took a bit longer than expected for the romance plot to kick in but once it did, it is so positive and uplifting. I loved every minute of it and Coal and Hex are adorable together. Yay for just a happy, enjoyable read.

This book is a completely delightful mm romance set at Christmas time. Two princes of holidays, Coal Klaus and Hex Hallows vie for the princess of Easter's hand in a fake marriage competition set up by Santa. I really enjoyed the protagonists and the side characters in this book. The author has a writing style which is clever and made me laugh out loud at some points. The romance was exactly as I like it, full of emotion and spice! I cannot recommend this book more.

This was sooo good! The perfect book to cure my Red, White & Royal Blue hangover. I loved the incorporation and politics between the different holidays. It was such an enjoy able read. I can’t wait for the next book in the series.

Thanks you to bramble, and netgalley for an arc.

Will most definitely make this a yearly seasonal re-read!

This book was so fun and fresh from start to finish. Super unique and interesting plot with all the holiday princes and princesses. If you need a slow burn, this might not be for you, but I was personally OBSESSED with how quickly Coal and Hex, (don't you just love the name choices), realized they had feelings for each other. The main struggle throughout isn't this push-and-pull of "are we enemies?" and/or "do we hate each other?" it is more focused on the forbidden aspect and the need to fulfill duties over everything else.

I felt for Coal in having so many insecurities. I just wanted to give him a big hug! But I really appreciated how he grew as a person throughout the book and learned how to stand up for what HE wants rather than just letting his dad push him around. HE IS A PRINCE AFTER ALL.

Would highly recommend!

Thank you NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for both the eARC and the audioARC in exchange for an honest review!

I LOVED THIS BOOK! I was a little hesitate to read this book during October because of the Christmas elements but I am so glad I didn't wait. It was a lot of fun, hilarious, and actually a lot deeper than I expected it be.

The family drama and political elements in this book was so interesting! Even though I loved the romance, I was very invested in the political aspects. I can't wait to read more in this world because I want all of the side characters to have their happily ever after!

Christmas used to be Coal Claus's favorite time of year. As a prince of Christmas you wouldn't expect anything less. But Christmas hasn't been the same since Coal's mom left Santa Clause and his father used his grief to become a raging tyrannical monster. There's no real genuine joy to be found in the holiday, at least not for those who seem to be in charge of it and not for any of the other holiday courts involved. The only thing keeping Coal afloat is the idea of a dark handsome stranger met in the back alley of a bar and the kissed that they shared. It's the first moment of true joy Coal has had in years and he's terrified that it might not actually have been real.

That is until Santa announces his arranged marriage to his best friend, the princess of Easter, and the Halloween Prince himself shows up to fight for her hand...sort of. As Coal takes in the dark image of the man in front of him, he must come to terms with a new reality he hadn't planned for. Hot guy is real. They shared a kiss. And Coal isn't going to ever feel joy again until he can kiss him again. But the two holiday courts are at odds and one misstep can ruin everything for all the holidays involved. This fragile peace and stolen kisses can't be the only kind of joy the holiday have to offer. Not when it feels like everything could come crashing down at any moment. All he wants is for his brother Kris and all of his friends and loved ones to be happy. But how can one man change Christmas all on his own? Maybe he doesn't have to. Or at least not by himself.

I loved EVERY second of this book. My only complaint would be that I feel like it ended very abruptly. I know this is because of the sequel...but it felt more like a discombobulated cut off rather than a cliff hanger. Still, I feel like we left Hex and Coal off at a pretty good point. Nothing completely determined but together and working on a better brighter future. I just wish the closing was a little smoother. Still, 10/10 would highly recommend. It's cute and the right mixes of fluffy/spicy and Halloween/Christmas that you can read it from October through December for holidays feels. (Honestly you can read it all year, but if felt cozy to read it this time of year).

This was such a fun book! It is perfect for the holiday season, both fall/Halloween and winter/Christmas. I have loved recommending this book to my customers at work and I have sold so many copies to all different demographics. Thank you so much for the chance to read and enjoy this advanced copy!

📣 a new spin on holiday magic

Thanks to the publisher & Netgalley for the complimentary ARC. All opinions provided are my own.

📖 what would a silly nightmare of yours be? Mine would be not having coffee in the morning 😱.

The Nightmare Before Kissmas by Sara Raasch ended up being an adorable story where a fake dating situation implodes & some *real* holiday magic happens.

Prince Nicholas “Coal” of Christmas thinks of himself as a family screw-up. It’s true that he’s a charmer who gets in a bit of trouble now & again, but he also has a lot to deal with when it comes to his dad Santa’s expectations.

This Santa is controlling, & arranges a betrothal between Coal & Coal’s bestie. Things are more fraught when Coal realizes a third player is the man he kissed over a year ago: a mysterious man who turns out to be a prince of Halloween.

Coal is so gone for Hex, said Halloween Prince, & it gave me such good feelings. So did the way Hex builds Coal up, showing him all of the good things about him & how he adds to peoples lives.

The text message exchanges between the group of friends is so funny & cute, & the overall message of this anti-consumerism, joy & celebration & empathy-driven story is great.

4.5 ⭐️, out now.

Please see a trusted reviewer’s list of CWs.

[ID: Jess holds the book in front of a group of orange & pink flowers.]