The Nightmare Before Kissmas

I was only mildly interested in this book because the tagline was RWRB meets Nightmare Before Christmas. I thought there is no way the author could possible incorporate these two amazing works. I was wrong. Sara does an amazing job with this book and I cannot wait to order a copy when it hits shelves.

Coal and Hex are such charming and amazing characters,that at times I like them more than RWRB characters. The side characters are also amazing and I am very concerned/anxious for the next book in this series as it appears they may not be as solid as I would like.

I will say that there should be a trigger warning in this book for anyone dealing with familial loss, grief and anxiety. There is also a small section that alludes to violence between a parent and child.

Overall, this book really is a must read for those who love holiday and LGBTQIA romances.

J'ai adoré ma lecture ! C'est une histoire mignonne, avec des personnages attachants et un mood qui donne envie. Je dois avoué que la page couverture m'avait attiré au départ et je n'ai pas été déçu.

OMG LOVEEEE!! I am so happy I got an eARC of this! It was such a cute book, will definitely be recommending it!

A fun take on Nightmare Before Christmas that will be perfect for fans of thrillers/mysteries and are looking for something fun and engaging during spooky season. Great characters, story, and loved the overall writing style.

First of all, this cover is gorgeous and is one of the main reasons why I wanted this arc. Second, the title is great. Third, this book checked all my marks in “this is a great fucking book” checklist and I canNOT wait to have this on my own shelf and at the library I work at.

Thanks to NetGalley for my ARC!

I was so excited for this book when I saw it on “Recently Added”, you best believe, I requested for it immediately!! As a person who loved The Nightmare Before Christmas and watches it nearly everyday from Halloween to Christmas, this is 5 SKELLINGTON STARS!!!

Coal, fitting nickname because he’s a “screw-up”, presents himself as very human and does nothing but fumble the Christmas bag, if you will. He’s endearing and Hex seems to too! I actually really love this book because I can’t say too much about it otherwise it’s just such a spoiler. I love books like this because the writing is just that good for me to hand a book to someone and say, “you just have to read it. I swear by it!”

I also love how Coal had so many Christmas puns. He’s the embodiment of Christmas spirit and I love how Hex fell for him—ahh, I’m just rambling now! I love this book, and I guarantee that everyone else will love it too (as long as you love the holidays and romantasy rolled in one)!

What a (sleigh) ride, pals!

Court rivalries (Christmas, Halloween, Easter? Oh my!), killer puns, and a duo I love— this book is a ray of cheerful sunshine that will have you giggling one moment and gasping the next. It’s steamy, laugh-out-loud funny, and action-packed— a perfect holiday romance.

Coal, our Christmas Prince, and Hex (our Halloween pal) are such a lovely duo as they work together and come to terms with their pasts.

You’ll love the adventurous fun (sleigh racing, anyone?!) paired with the court politics.

You’ll also wonder where Hex sources all his beautiful vests… no? Just me?

Thank you to Tor/Bramble for a copy to review!

In this captivating read, the author masterfully weaves a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking. Through a blend of richly developed characters and a meticulously crafted plot, the book offers a unique exploration of its central themes, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the story's depth and complexity. The narrative is paced perfectly, balancing moments of intense action with thoughtful reflection, ensuring that readers are hooked from the first page to the last. The author's ability to evoke emotion and create a vivid, immersive world is truly remarkable, making this book a must-read for anyone looking for an exceptional literary experience.

Beyond its compelling storyline, the book stands out for its insightful commentary on the human condition, weaving philosophical questions into the fabric of its narrative. The author's skillful use of language not only enriches the text but also elevates the reader's experience, offering new perspectives on familiar themes. Whether it's the intricate dynamics of relationships, the exploration of identity, or the confrontation with ethical dilemmas, this book tackles complex issues with sensitivity and intelligence. It's a testament to the power of storytelling to illuminate the nuances of life, making it a valuable addition to any book lover's collection. Regardless of genre, this is a work that resonates on multiple levels, affirming the enduring impact of well-crafted literature.

I’m not opposed to swearing, but it’s kind of awkward when there is a swear word (or multiple) in every other paragraph. This doesn’t feel like an intelligent well-crafted book I want to invest time in. Instead, it just feels repetitive and forced for “shock value” or “voice” or something…

I only made it ten pages. Dropping five stars and calling it a day.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tor for the ARC.

This was such a cute read. I loved this so much and couldn't stop smiling as their romance blossomed. I loved how their holidays helped to show their differences but also helped bridge them together because it was so cute. It would be so good to read during the holidays, but honestly, it also is great to read even when it's not the holidays. It was a great romance and I thought it was so cute

Look does the world building make a ton of sense? No, not really. Is there magic that also is just for giggles? Yep, totally. Did I have a lot of fun and really enjoyed myself? Definitely. I'll read the next one too, hell, I hope there are even more after that, it's just fun and I liked the holiday puns and why not, let these prince boys kiss.

This was a fun read that delivered on the promise of campy holiday coziness. I enjoyed the unique worldbuilding and the political tensions between the holiday "courts", and I was enchanted by the romance between Coal and Hex. I found Coal to be hilarious and loveable, and I was rooting for him and his HEA.

This book was so adorable & fun and delivered more than it promises. I went into it with expectations for a fun romcom with nods to Nightmare Before Christmas and I got all of that and a seriously satisfying world building all centered around holiday kingdoms, rivalry, politics, AND a tension filled romance between 2 princes??

I loved this story, I loved the characters and the drama and I am fully invested in book 2! I can’t wait to read more about these characters.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bramble for this book to review!

This book was so much fun! This is the perfect mix of steamy and funny and I fell in love with the characters and the romance.

GAY HALLOWEEN TOWN STFU.
Red, White & Royal Blue meets The Nightmare Before Christmas in a sexy, quirky romcom where the golden-hearted Prince of Christmas falls for the totally off-limits Prince of Halloween.
It's Gay, it's Christmas, it's Halloween, it's PERFECTION.

Coal - the Christmas prince - struggles with the direction of his holiday. When his father announces his engagement to the Easter princess (something neither of them want) he has two weeks to figure out how to turn everything around. The complication: Hex - the Halloween prince - they guy Coal has been daydreaming about for 2 years, in on the premises and is also supposed to be courting Easter. Can the holiday heirs come together to foil Santa's plans for world domination?

Cute characters, witty dialogue and magic touches make this a delightful holiday read. I would highly recommend this.

Sara Raasch notes in both the dedication and the acknowledgements that this book's purpose is to bring joy, and I am here to confirm that it 100% does! What first drew me to the book is the unique premise of having royal holiday families who are all working to bring joy (which turns into a kind of energy source) back to their holiday lands. The book delves into the politics surrounding the holidays, centering on the heirs to the holidays, who are currently in college. The main love story between Coal (Christmas Prince) and Hex (Halloween Prince) can be considered insta-love, as they meet once and continue to think of each other until their next meeting over a year later, however that didn't hinder my enjoyment of the romance. A highlight of the book was the friendships between Coal, Kris (his brother) and Iris (Easter Princess). Coal, Kris, Iris and Hex all end up working together to stop an arranged marriage that no one wants, and while the catalyst for the issues wasn't my favorite, this book did entertain me for the entire time. Overall, I really had a good time reading this story, and as the world itself was one of the most interesting parts to me I was excited to see that we may get another book set here! 4.5⭐

I’ve always enjoyed a holiday rom-com and this book was perfection. Just the right mix of holiday nostalgia, funny banter, likeable characters and a great story. The world built has some interesting potential and I can’t wait to see more in future stories. I’m already planning to add this book to my holiday reading list to enjoy by the tree with some hot cocoa.

Advanced reader copy provided by NetGalley in return for my honest review.

I totally loved this silly tale where the prince of Christmas falls in love with the Prince of Halloween. It is exactly what i needed and I am so excited for the others.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy!!! So holiday romances can be steamy and a lot of fun. Romance, smut, coming into yourself, and just feel good with a side of scheming. Throw it into a pot for a good old fashioned time with some chaotic bisexuals.

The Nightmare Before Kissmas is every bit the the light, fun, Christmas romance you would expect with a title such as that one.

With its enchanting characters, whimsical setting, and heartfelt message, Sara’s latest novel is sure to cast a spell on readers of all ages. Highly recommended for anyone in search of a cute sweet adventure!

A joyful romp of a romance! Felt like I was inside my favorite holiday Disney movie, complete with all the feels and joy!

I DEVOURED this book. It was exactly what it promised to be: a light, fun holiday romance. It was a little on the nose at times - Coal, Kris, Iris, Hex...But it was HYSTERICAL. I loved all their fashion choices, and I loved seeing Coal come into his own as a member of the royal family and as the crown prince of Christmas. I loved all the character's relationships, I loved the storyline, and the resolution. I had so much fun with this book, I definitely intend to buy a copy and reread it twice a year.

I am ALREADY handselling this book to everyone who has spoken to me - I expect to have multiple preorders because this was just so fun. What a great way to kick off the holiday season!

Huge thanks to NetGalley and Bramble for the chance to read this early in exchange for my honest review!

I have been highly anticipating this read since I saw its announcement a few months ago. A Nightmare before Christmas meets Red, White, & Royal Blue? Count me in! I have to say that this book did not disappoint.

Prince Nicholas, the Christmas Prince, is a bit of a goofball. He doesn’t seem to take too much seriously but we quickly learn that this is his way of coping with the fact that his mom left him and his brother Kris when they were children along with dealing with the impending sense of responsibility he has when he is eventually the reigning Santa. After a mid-year Christmas blunder of epic proportions, Prince Nicholas, or Coal, realizes that his antics can come at quite a high price – and the cost of that is joy. The royal Holidays measure their success in Joy and Christmas has quickly monopolized the market of joy from other winter holidays. Coal, after his huge blunder, seeks solace at his favorite bar where nobody really knows who he is. Except, he meets a handsome stranger in the alley behind the bar and this stranger leaves a huge impression on him for years to come. Before we know it, two years have gone by without Coal’s typical antics. He has vowed to be a different person. Until he realizes that his handsome stranger is none other than the Prince of Halloween, Prince Hex. Now, they must “compete” for a marriage to the Princess of Easter, Princess Iris. But Iris is good friends with Coal and the last thing any of them want to do is consider marriage to the other. But Prince Hex is resigned to stay at the Christmas Castle and of course, Coal cannot stay away from Hex once he realizes who Hex is and the kind of impact Hex left on him after just one brief meeting years ago.

This book was so much better than I could have imagined. It had politics (the monopolization of joy, a coup, and other Coal like shenanigans that you come to expect and even love). It was raw, with Prince Hex and Prince Nicholas (Coal) experiencing their own forms of trauma that they must heal from. The chemistry between Coal and Hex is palpable and honestly, so very sweet. The relationship between them developed slowly (as slowly as it can over the course of one month) and there wasn’t spice just for the sake of spice (which I really loved).

Kris and Iris even leave an impression on the reader and make you curious as to what their story is or will be. I love Coal and Hex so much for their very different personalities and how they balance each other out perfectly. This is the perfect holiday romance in every aspect. The imagery is so vivid that I felt like I was in the book myself. Truly one of my favorite romance reads of the year!

This checked boxes for me that I didn't even know I had in regards to Christmas romances. The world building was lots of fun and now I want to see what other Holiday courts are like. Coal and Hex were such well rounded characters and I loved spending time with them. It was the perfect read for Christmas in July.

When books say they are like RWARB, that's usually code for 'it's gay' and has nothing to do with it. But this is actually like RWARB. It so quickly had that same special sauce. I adored Coal, his need to do something right. Santa was a perfect antagonist, right up until he finally saw the man he'd become. The open ending question of Kris and Iris (If I'm pretending I didn't read the preview of the next one- which I can not wait for) left me wanting more. The world of the holiday royalty was so interesting, I can not wait to revisit it.