2.5 Stars
This was a cute and cozy read and would be a fun and festive book to read for the holidays. I didn't entirely love the way this was executed and the romance between the MCs didn't really hit the way I needed/wanted it to and I wish we got more of the backstory (what ever happened between Kris and Iris?? Did we ever find out and I just wasn't paying attention lol or is this going to be a plot point in the next book?). I did enjoy the narrator and felt that he did a great job at portraying Nicholas/"Coal" authentically.

Thank you NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group for the ARC!

Nicholas “Coal” Claus used to believe in the magic of the Christmas holiday. He saw and experienced that magic as a child when his father, Santa, showed him how it worked to bring joy. But somewhere along the way, things changed for Coal. Looking back, it might have been when his mother walked out on him, his younger brother, and his father. Now, Santa is obsessed with cementing Christmas as the biggest holiday. When he announces that Christmas will be partnering with Easter as a way to expand their influence, Coal balks. Not the least because part of this ploy will involve Coal marrying Iris, the Easter Princess, and the girl Coal’s brother’s Kris been in love with forever. It’s the last thing Coal wants, even as his father argues that the only way for Coal to contribute as future leader of Christmas is by marrying Easter to cement the holiday’s future.

When news of the impending union of Christmas and Easter gets out to other holidays, Halloween takes exception. But in order to have a shot at partnering with Christmas for a share of the joy the holiday generates, Halloween will have to send a diplomat. Enter Hex Hallow, the stunningly attractive heir to Halloween who is sent to Christmas to compete with Coal for Iris’ hand in marriage. As soon as Hex arrives at Christmas, however, Coal feels drawn to him. Over the course of the “competition,” Coal falls more and more in love with Hex. And when they steal moments together, they learn their approach to leading their respective holidays could be far more equitable than what the current Santa has in mind. As Coal and Hex resolve to work together to achieve that vision, Santa himself uncovers the plot and threatens to bring it all crashing down.

The Nightmare Before Kissmas is a holiday-themed romance where the holidays in question exist as physical places and are organized like monarchies, complete with all the palace intrigue, power plays, and blackmail. It’s set in the current day and takes place almost exclusively in the North Pole and during the Christmas season. The story is narrated by Coal and starts with a short vignette taking place about two years prior to the main story. This short intro establishes Coal’s heart-felt views on what Christmas should be–a way for people to experience some real joy–and his exuberantly rash actions. It also establishes that Coal is at least bisexual and shares a kiss with a stranger that impacts him deeply.

The story feels like it is divided into two main themes: Coal and Hex’s relationship and Coal’s future as the heir of Christmas. For me, I really enjoyed watching Coal and Hex get closer together. Privately, they cannot deny the spark of attraction that flares between them. Both of them, along with Iris and Kris, see how well Coal and Hex fit together. There is quite a slow burn between them. Coal and Hex find ways to talk to one another and Hex’s explanation of how his holiday works as a collective with other holidays to equitably share the joy that powers their magic intrigues Coal. A combination of their shared leadership values and good old physical attraction help these two build a connection that eventually lets them be very vulnerable with each other and eventually fall in love.

As intense as Hex and Coal’s connection is, however, it has to be kept under wraps. Publicly, both of them are competing for Iris’ hand. That narrative is pushed hard by Santa himself, who has been using threats and blackmail for years to ensure his holiday gets the lion’s share of joy. Santa only wants a veneer of the competition to placate other holidays while, secretly, Coal and Iris are as good as wed. Over the course of the “competition,” Hex and Coal, with the help of Iris and Kris, work together to figure out how to free the winter holidays from Santa’s iron grip. For me, the political intrigue in the story takes up a lot of space. Personally, I thought it was a little exhausting trying to follow the justifications and explanations. When all is said and done, our MCs get a happily ever after, but I felt like the loose ends regarding Santa’s scheming were left unresolved.

The Nightmare Before Kissmas offers readers so much more than a sweet little holiday romance. In addition to the spicy, emotional bond that develops between Coal and Hex, there’s Coal’s personal struggle to find self-worth after years of his father reinforcing the notion that Coal is nothing but a screw up. If you’re looking for a story where a seemingly impossible love grows, even in the harshest environment, I think you’ll find a lot to enjoy in this book.

This was such a cute, fun, and creative romance with the different Holiday kingdoms! Christmas x Halloween was the perfect mash up of opposites attract. The romance was adorable and steamy! And I loved their little found family. But there’s also an important message of what spreading joy truly means, of the capitalism that is being peddled these days as joy. True joy comes from being with those we love. It also touches on deeper themes of grief and loss and mental health, of how these change us. I’m looking forward to reading more in this world!

Thanks to the publisher and author for the eARC!

Thank you to NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group for providing the ARC.

1000% yes for this book.

This book is an absolute delight, even when it shattered my soul. Nicholas/Coal is a walking disaster put into a seemingly impossible situation when his father aka Santa forcibly engages him to the Princess of Easter to further extend Christmas' reach in what can only be described as holiday imperialism.

This all get turned on its head when the Christmas palace plays host to Prince Hex of Halloween, the person that Coal met one time and has been obsessing about for two years.

This book is full of amusing holiday charm and joy, a laugh out lead with a heart of gold, a stoic partner who is just begging to be mussed up a bit, and a coming of age tale that really makes these characters all the more endearing. I absolutely loved this book. I loved the characters and their shenanigans, the writing, and the story. It is everything I could have possibly wanted out of a rom-com and I am literally telling everyone I know about.

10/10, 5 stars, two very enthusiastic thumbs way up. I can't wait until book 2.

Nicholas “Cole” Claus is the first son of Christmas and heir to the Santa namesake…. But a lifetime of messing up and causing scandal has put him on his father, Santa‘s naughty list!

He’s been sent home for the holidays and if he doesn’t find a solution, he’s going to find himself walking down the aisle on Christmas Eve with his best friend, the Easter Princess!

When things seem to not be able to get any worse… in comes the dark and handsome Halloween Prince to also vie for the Easter Princess’s hand!

Too bad for the Easter princess, but it looks like both the Christmas and Halloween princes only have eyes for each other!

This was such a fun and quirky YA romance! I love the ultimate world of the Holiday states, and they are political intrigue! as a fan of the movie, the nightmare before Christmas I definitely found myself singing. This is Halloween, every time Hex, the Halloween Prince entered a scene!

I love to seeing these characters grow and develop their own maturity and respect for their individual holiday states. It was nice seeing the aimless Cole, find his purpose and take charge of his life!

This book was such a fun twist on a holiday romance! I loved the dynamic between coal and hex so much and there dialogue was top tier! I also loved the relationship between Cole and Chris as well, the family dynamic really added extra heart to the story, which I loved so much

It took me a little bit to get into this book but once I did I was pleased. I love the little play on Nightmare before Christmas. This was a fun read with great character development. Cant wait for Sara’s next book!

Thoughts: I thought this was a very cute MM romance. With its tropes of fake dating and rivals to lovers be prepared for lots of laughs. In addition to the humor, there is a decent amount of spice for those looking for a spicy romance. Finally, with its themes of overcoming grief, sibling bonds, friendship and the meaning of holidays The Nightmare Before Kissmas makes for a great choice as a holiday read or just a pick me up when you need good vibes

Read if you like:
🔀 Opposites Attract
🤫 Secret Relationship
🏡 Forced Proximity
🎉 Holiday Romances
✨ Magical Realism
🏳️‍🌈 LGBTQ Romances

This book was so dang cute!!!! I really loved the way the opposites attract was done with the Prince of Christmas and Prince of Halloween and how they were brought together as part of a political move but they also have history when they met and made out n in a bar before being brought together over essentially a “which holiday will win” moment organized by Coal’s dad who is doing sus things to gain power for Christmas.

I loved how their romance grew while “competing” for the heart of the princess of Easter and while also trying to make things better for all holidays and fix the issues that they have uncovered with how Coal’s dad has gone about things with the other holidays.

All in all, it’s such a cute read and I truly can’t wait for the next installment and can’t wait to see Chris get his HEA too!

My one feedback is at times the pacing didn’t quite work, but reading via audio made this one thing easier to look past.

Thank you so so so much to Bramble for my ARC, finished copy, and audiobook!

Thank you to Bramble Romance & Macmillan Audio for the review copies!

This Nightmare Before Kissmas has some definite Red, White and Royal Blue vibes - the characters are just out of college aged and both the children of Holiday royalty!

If you’re looking for a romance that builds a full world and spends a lot of time on plots besides the main romance, I think you’ll really love this one! The book builds out a world where each holiday has it’s own kingdom, and the royals of each kingdom have magic that relates to their holiday.

The romantic tension between Coal and Hex was super well done - I was rooting for these two from the very beginning! Coal’s brother Kris and best friend Iris were also wonderful, and I loved spending time with all of them!

I felt like the magic system was under-untilized, and I was confused about how there were kingdoms, but also regular countries. It was explained that Halloween had close ties with Dia de los Muertos in Mexico, for example. To me, it almost felt like this inclusion was diversity for diversity’s sake - NOT that I think that it shouldn’t have been included - but it made me want to see MORE non-Christian holidays included. Does Diwali have a kingdom? Jewish holidays? Or if the holiday doesn’t have a non-religious following, is that the only time it gets magic? I would have loved to see more diverse representation in the holidays discussed!


There was a lot of infodumping about what parts of Christmas was being included in this world and what wasn’t. It felt like the book couldn’t decide if it was more magical realism and set in the real world or if it was more magical. The magic itself was only ever used as kind of a parlor trick, so I really wanted to see magic utilized if it was going to be introduced.

I think if this book had been edited down a bit I would have loved it instead of just liking it - it felt like there was a lot going on, and at times it was repetitive. If you are looking for a fun romance book that features both Halloween and Christmas, I do recommend it!

🎧 Ellis Evans does a fantastic job bringing this world to life. His narration gives each character their own unique voice. The book translates well as an audiobook, so pick your favorite format with this one!

firstly, thank you to the publisher for an arc!

ok i am blown away at how good this was — i was expecting a silly lil goofy romcom (and believe me i totally got that and MORE? like the surprise SPICE??? immaculate!), but also got a very interesting commentary on how so many holidays have become commodified and no longer celebrated for their original (mostly religious, but also spiritual and cultural) reasons, thus lacking in that nostalgic sense of joy and wholesomeness.

this truly was very similar to rw&rb, but def spicier… no complaints here💗

i need book two IMMEDIATELY, thank you very much.

Here's the thing about this book. I actually had a super fun time! I liked the writing, the characters, the relationships, and the romance. I was pulled into the drama of the family dynamics and I thought the romance was very sweet. I did a combination of reading the eARC and listening to the ALC I have through libro.fm and really enjoyed the audio production and narrator as well! And, generally, I thought it was a really fun idea and liked the world.

But, my main issue I felt was kind of a big one. This book uses the holidays in general, particularly Christmas, as a stand-in for capitalism and talks a lot about the commercialization of the holiday, which I think is fair. And this idea is definitely critiqued, to an extent, within the book. However, in all the times that the King of Christmas talks about expanding Christmas's reach all around the world and spreading it to countries that don't celebrate it, there was never any discussion about the implications of Christian imperialism and colonialism that this goal feeds into. Just the issue with the commercialization and the way in which it is being done. And with that, there are no non-Christian holidays actually mentioned within the book. There's a few you can argue are secular, but outside of that, nothing. This feels especially strange, since there is no discussion of the religious aspects of the book and these religious aspects are, in fact, waved away by the narrator. It honestly feels like the author wanted to do this fun holiday book and wanted to talk about the commercialization of the holidays, which I totally get, but didn't trust herself enough to include the discussions of colonialism or religion outside of Christianity. Which I understand, but if you're going to set up this world with all of these holidays, but not include non-Christian ones, or have these discussions of Christmas, a holiday celebrated by Christians, being spread to other countries around the world, but not include discussions about the colonialism inherent to that, then it feels like the metaphor is half-baked. Especially since the four main characters all major in some form of Global Relations!! I know they know what colonialism and imperialism are!!

Anyway, those are my main issues, because otherwise I really did enjoy this book! I just felt these issues were big ones, unfortunately, which is why I gave it 3 stars.

This was the PERFECT romcom that I needed ❤️

The story follows Coal (aka Nicholas), heir to Christmas royalty, as he navigates his burgeoning attraction to Hex, a man he made out with at a bar who ends up not only being the hero to Halloween royalty, but also his competitor in a marriage competition for a woman who they both don’t want to marry. Antics ensue and we follow their journey as we figure out: can opposites truly attract?

I mean, no notes really. The worldbuilding was so amazing and was a beautiful rendition of a Nightmare Before Christmas meets romcom concept. This is absolutely perfect for those that prefer a light worldbuild in their romantasy.

The characters were all fantastic: I was rooting for all of them and the banter was all fantastically charming. The chemistry between Coal and Hex in particular was super cute and I was cheering them on all the way.

The plot was perfectly paced and the romance built up really naturally. There are still those romcom elements but it melded really well with the plot and didn’t come off as cheesy.

This was such a fun read and probably is one of my favorite reads of this year!

Thank you to Netgalley and Bramble Romance for the e-ARC!

I’m going to just start this review off by saying I love it so much. It’s the perfect book for both spooky season and the holiday season. We first meet Nicholas, also known as Coal after he messed something up and at a bar, he shows a steamy kiss with a stranger. One year later, Cole is told by his father that he needs to have an arrange marriage with his best friend who is the Easter princess Iris. All of the holidays have a complicated relationship with one another and rivalry for power as well. Halloween insists that their prince hex also have a chance to woo Iris. He end up being Coal’s mystery kiss. So you have two princes who are fighting to marry someone neither wants to marry , while there is politics going on around them and it’s messy relationships but it’s such an entertaining book with such amazingly complicated characters. This book is emotional and messy and entertaining all at the same time.

Nightmare Before Kissmass is the first in a new series. Fantasy writer Sara Raasch takes on the rom-com genre in a unique way imagining a world where each holiday is ruled by magical royal families. Joy is a commodity and Christmas has been creating a monopoly, which it hopes to expand even more by having the heir to Christmas marry the princess of Easter. The only issue is the Christmas Prince is in love with the Prince of Halloween. As the title might suggest there is a lot of silly humor in the story and it would be a fun read for Christmas or Halloween. There are some serious moments though and all of the characters are dealing with a loss of some sort. Although there is a happily ever after at the books end, it doesn't arrive for every character leaving room for future developments. If you enjoy this novel, then you are lucky the next one in the series promises to involve St. Patrick's Day.

This book was totally adorable and I loved all of the humor and banter - I found myself laughing out loud quite often while reading.

The book definitely has Hallmark Christmas vibes but in the best way possible, I generally find these types to be cringey and unbelievable but I didn't have that problem with Nightmare at all.

If you enjoyed Red, White, and Royal Blue I definitely think this is a book that needs to be read asap, the feels were very similar and it has the same happy coziness vibes.

The concept of forming alliances and the holidays was really fun and I'm surprised at how much I enjoyed the political aspects.

I'm really excited to read more of this series in the future

My most unexpected read this year!

New, exciting, romantic, funny, snarky, and just plain delightfully fun, this book was a true holiday gift, no matter which holiday you are closest to.

I began this book expecting a cute, quick, fun holiday read that would entertain me and get me into the Spooky Season Spirit. I was not expecting a book that would captivate me with so many emotions and have every character in it, primary, secondary and background, all tug on my heart and make an impression on me. That is writing that is power and a writer that has skills! I literally was grinning ear to ear as I rooted for Coal and Hex to get their romantic happy ending, and cheered for them to step out of the shadows and claim their own futures as a couple and for their holidays. But do not worry that this is a drama of finding ones love in the face of family and duty, or the conflict of learning to embrace ones truest self, this was a perfect blend of that with all the snarky humour and banter between two amazing brothers and their very best friend in the face of unexpected news, complications and love, the discovery of new friends, lovers, and allies, and best of all a true happiness that only come from the truest love.

Beautifully written, vivid and comic, Sara Raasch has written an all encompassing romantic comedy with the perfect blend of pumpkin spice and gingerbread that will make any rom com lover swoon and giggle.

Coal and Hex will have me toasting Halloween with a hot cocoa and leaving a bat shaped cookies out for Santa this year! 😉

Thank you NetGalley, Bramble, and Tor Publishing Group for sharing the ARC with me. This review are my own thoughts after reading.

Princess Diaries 2 meets The Nightmare Before Christmas in this queer royalty romance between the Prince of Christmas and the mysterious Prince of Halloween! Nicholas "Coal" Claus is not the biggest fan of Christmas nor does he want to take over the reigns of being Santa from his father, but his dad has planned his entire life and won't let him get out of it. After a terrible PR accident Coal commiserates at a bar and ends up spilling his guts to a handsome stranger and kissing him... and when he gets home his father informs him that it is his duty as the heir to Christmas.... to marry his best friend Iris, the Easter Princess... and his brother's not-so-secret crush. There is nothing Coal wants less than to marry his best friend but his father tells him he doesn't have a choice... and so when the Halloween delegation arrives to discuss this to Coal's surprise amongst them is the Halloween Prince, Hex Hallow... who just happens to be the very guy he made out with at the. bar. Hex is here to win Iris's hand as well to make an alliance between Halloween and Easter. Coal cannot believe that the guy he made out with and shared his soul with is now the very Prince has to compete with... except Hex has more secrets that could threaten everything Coal has ever believed in and despite the confusing signs between them, Coal is pretty sure he wants to court Hex rather than Iris. Can Coal find a way to get out of this arrange marriage and be with one extremely off limits prince? This was a cute romance that had a touch of Princess Diaries 2 (IYKYK) meets Nightmare Before Christmas! The leads were cute and the romance was sweet. It did feel a bit younger than what I was expecting but it definitely was giving college age vibes and thats not bad at all. The romance was sweet and the world was a fun one to read about. I am excited to see where the next book goes with the next couple and would rec this book if you enjoy fun rom coms.

Release Date: October 8,2024

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Netgalley and Tor Publishing Group | Bramble for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

Thank you Tor & Bramble for the gifted copy!

“𝘛𝘰 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘫𝘰𝘺 𝘪𝘯 𝘧𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴, 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘤𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘨𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘧 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘣𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦. 𝘛𝘰 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘳𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘥𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘧𝘶𝘭, 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘧𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘪𝘵.”

Happy pub day Sara Raasch!! I absolutely loved this book. This somehow managed to be laugh out loud funny while also being romantic and deep. Based in a world where each holiday has their own kingdom, Christmas and Halloween with a touch of Easter take center stage here. This novel is a romcom, but at its heart it is a coming of age story that explores grief, family, dynamics, friendships, and feelings of self-worth. The side characters were great. There were moments that were touching, moments full of snarky banter, and irreverence, and of course some good spicy moments.

In the midst of all this, this book also forces you to take a look at what makes a holiday a holiday and really what it’s all about.

A perfect book for fall or winter or really anytime. I absolutely cannot wait for a book two to come out! Hats off to you Sara Raasch for a stellar adult debut.

🎃Found family
🎄Forced proximity
🎃Enemies to lovers
🎄Queer rep and love
🎃 So much holiday fun!

I read this book for Christmas in July and had mixed feelings about it and then reread it to gather my thoughts and found myself enjoying it more. So what changed in the last few months? This time around I skimmed over the scenes with the reigning Santa and focused on the budding romance between Hex and Coal. That about sums it up. I came for the romance and was not expecting the rest of the plot to be quite so nefarious. There’s a lot more going on than the PR stunts and arranged marriage alluded to in the summary. Hex and Coal thirsting after each other is certainly entertaining, and I am here for imperfect, lovable Coal and his disaster bisexual vibes. The cliffhanger of an ending makes it clear that little brother Kris Klaus is due for a sequel which I will be reading despite my mixed feelings on book one.