Exactly what I needed to get me out of a bit of a slump so thank you netgalley for the arc. If you want the vibes of RWARB but still it's own story, this is the book for you then. I really loved the relationships in this between various characters and really connected with them with their own journeys. Even though this has smut in it, it didn't overpower the rest of the story which is what I like when I read a spicier book. I do wish the ending had continued a bit longer for the final conversation between the brothers but I presume that's where book 2 will pick up so I'm not wholly mad at it for leaving that off the page.

This book was an absolute delight!

The first in the Royals and Romance series, The Nightmare before Kissmas, has me longing for book two now. Nicholas, the heir and prince of Christmas, is a bi-sexual walking tornado who never pleases his father. On a drunken night, he mysteriously kisses a alluring man in a alley. This man becomes of the haunts of his lustful thoughts and dreams. Come to find out he's the forbidden prince of Halloween.

Both men finds themselves forced to vie for the affections of the princess of Easter in a political alliance across kingdoms. Hijinnx and shenanigans ensue as these two holidays fall in love, and push the princess to the love of her life, "the spare" prince of Christmas.

Loved all these characters and I can't find to find out what happens in book two, Go Luck Yourself, coming in March '25.

Thank you, Tor Publishing Group | Bramble

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read and review an advanced copy of this novel. I highly enjoyed it and will be recommending it to others.

" 'What is your preferred form of murdering guests then?'
Sexual tension, I wanted to say."
And oh wow, was Sara Raasch NOT kidding.
Come. Stay. Swoon. But in The Nightmare Before Kissmas, it might not be in that order.

I figured I'd be getting cute, light, fluffy smut with some laughs when I picked this up.

I did NOT think I'd be cracking up out loud at jokes in the best three-way texts between two brothers and bestie I've seen (the group text names-- SO on point), dropping my jaw during the smut scenes (nor was I the only one, ahem), and snorting over Coal's made-up newspaper headlines (I mean, fair, there were A LOT of PR events). In fact, by the end of these constant sources of delightfully interspersed humor, Sara Raasch ensured there was not a Christmas pun left to to be made (yes, yes I am jealous that Hex gets Coal in his stocking) by the time I finished this book at 2 AM (and yes, stayed up and I read this in one sitting because I HAD TO MAKE SURE these occasionally TOO noble princes got the ending right).

In this holiday romantasy in which Hex (the Prince of Halloween) and Coal (the Prince of Christmas) fight it out for the Princess of Easter's hand in marriage (and by that I mostly mean fight their undeniable feelings for one another), you get your snowy North Pole delights, but the Halloween magic and even bits of Easter magic were delightfully refreshing, and Sara Raasch had me CACKLING with the way these college students put them to use. The characters, in fact, were particularly well done: the brothers had a great relationship, Coal as the narrator was young and believable and showed both immaturity and growth, and the relationship between Hex and Coal was perfection. From the heated glances to the clandestine texts (and resulting reactions over the dinner table) to their continuous switching of power dynamics-- they were always entertaining, they were ALWAYS enticing, and they also moved at a realistic pace that tantalized but also allowed them to build trust and a genuine emotional connection. The two also had very distinct speaking voices as Hex was bilingual, and his touch of formality (matched to his sharp wardrobe) really did it for me AND Coal (who was like a moderately dominant cinnamon roll..."sweetheart" never sounded so good in a scene, I swear). I read a LOT of smut, and this was utterly delicious-- the chemistry between these two princes was practically sparking off the page and had MY toes curling.

The book also had some unexpected depth-- loss, growing up, falling in love for the first time, and feeling the pressure of familial expectations while figuring out your future were all subjects that lurked in the background enough to ground the book and keep it from being just fluff.

I will say that at first I didn't love the reason behind the competition between Hex and Coal for Iris's hand in marriage and I do think some of this storyline could have been truncated, but in the end the book made me appreciate it for two reasons: one, the resolution was actually clever and well-thought out and two, holidays do lose their magic as you get older and that theme will definitely hit home for readers. The world changes as you grow up and parents work so hard to create holiday magic. Now that it's MY turn to make the magic and joy, I understand how it can seem hollow and manufactured. I don't think it's an accident that the book left that little thought niggling in the back of my mind beneath the delighted laughs and squeals and blushes, and I hope I don't forget it either during the upcoming holiday season.

Halloween and Christmas are my absolute favorite holidays, and I have to say some of the best writing happened when talking about the holidays-- describing taking "joy from what is terrifying" as the best parts of Halloween or "joy in what is gone" during Dia De Muertos, and then Coal wanting nothing more than to see every shade of joy on Hex's face because that's ultimately what his holiday is about, too-- there were some beautiful little lines and notions that snuck up on me and made this book a little more than just a holiday read. In fact, I should mention the writing itself, which was so much better than just about ALL of the holiday romances/romantasies I picked up last year--fresh, funny, fun, authentic to a younger twenty-something with the weight of a freaking holiday on his shoulders-- and it gave me the bigger-than-life incandescent love/swoon-worthy, cosmos-shaking smut that I look for. The author's sense of timing as a writer was also just impeccable; she knew when to pull back and get a little serious, when to drop in a one-liner, and when to shock audiences with a total surprise gag or joke-- I laughed harder than I can explain when the gauze ghost decoration showed up (read it just for this because that was the funniest scene I've read this YEAR, I think I choked on AIR). And this is one book where college-aged students feel mostly like adults-- they're all about to graduate and have that heavy royal weight on their shoulders, so they ALMOST never come off feeling immature (brothers--sigh).

I did not think that this would give me EVERY SINGLE THING I could possibly want from a holiday-filled rom-com and then just continue to blow past those expectations. I've never read from Sara Raasch before, but am I SUPER excited for her next book? Absolutely. (I'm sorry, did I just read "boyo" as the new nickname in the teaser for the St. Patrick's Day book Go Luck Yourself? I'm not prepared for this.)

4.5 stars rounded up (just because I felt the background holiday politics storyline didn't quite hold my attention and was weaker than EVERYTHING else, which was utter perfection).

Also, COAL IS RIGHT those Elf on the Shelf dolls are TERRIFYING.

Sara Raasch has been a favorite author of mine for years, and the range and humor she brings to this holiday rom-com is so amazing!

Nightmare before kissmas is such a cute and cozy fantasy romance. I love it!
Hex and Cole are the sweetest and have amazing chemistry. I loved all of the wit and friendly banter. I highly enjoyed every single character. This was silly, cute and lighthearted while at the same time dealing with real life issues and then capitalism of holidays

This was one of my most anticipated reads for the year after seeing marketing for it on TikTok. I enjoyed this book and think it's a fun read for the holidays. If you love Christmas and romance books, this is definitely for you as it centers more around Christmas. The imagery is very descriptive and it does leave you feeling festive. I will say as a Halloween lover that was a bit disappointing for me how little Halloween elements were used.

The actual romance is a bit instant and I think the conflicts are repetitive at times. There were definitely ways the story could have been reworked to fix those elements, especially as the characters keep going through the motions during these conflicts and it leaves them feeling a bit one dimensional.

I saw in another review or two that there's criticism regarding how American/Christian centered the holiday lore is in this book. It's very valid and does bring up a really good point that a book centering around a universe of holidays lacks any mention of more culturally diverse ones. It honestly didn't occur to me while reading it because I saw Halloween and Christmas and just buckled in, but I hope that the sequel expands this universe to be more inclusive.

All in all, it's fun if you just want a silly and light romance. I highly recommend for readers that just want to escape and not think too hard. If you're looking for something with stronger development this may not be the book for you.

Never have I felt so seen by a book description. This was right up my alley and it did not disappoint at all. The Nightmare Before Kissmas was so fun and perfect for the season. I can't wait for the other titles in this series.

“Everything about him is filed to a knifepoint and I suddenly want nothing more than for him to make me bleed.”

Okay, so, going into this I already knew it would be something I really liked and it definitely delivered! It’s festive, silly, really funny and surprised me with some spicier scenes. I love love love the concept of holiday royalty, especially Hex the Halloween prince (who wears spooky corset vests).

The romance between Coal and Hex had me giggling and kicking my feet! There isn’t as much competition between them as the description makes it seem, it’s a lot closer to a secret relationship situation, but I actually preferred that.

Nightmare Before Kissmas is a new favourite and I can’t wait for the rest of the series!

Bursting with Christmas atmosphere and heartfelt romance! There are plenty of funny moments but also a surprising level of poetic, earnest emotion, which definitely makes it live up to its comparison with Red, White and Royal Blue. I will say, that if readers come to it looking for the Halloween vibes because of the title, they might get disappointed, because this is firmly a Christmas romance - but that was certainly not an issue for me.

This is the perfect lil cute read for either Halloween time or Christmas time. Like the MC’s, it goes both ways 😏

Remember the scene in Nightmare Before Christmas when Jack goes into the forest and there’s those trees with different doors to the different holidays? Okay now imagine that, but if all of those holidays were modern day worlds with Gossip Girl-like drama but also make them Royalty and then also LGBTQ.
There was a whole conversation in this book about bi confusion because of Pirates of the Caribbean that I really related to because… I mean duh.

In all this was heartwarming, hot, and at times very serious. I can’t wait for Klaus’ book next!!

"His smile makes me want to swear my soul to whatever god created him."

I was actually laughing out loud reading this. When was the last time that happened!?

"Hex pulls back, looks up at me, and says only, simply, “Grab my hair, please,” then he’s on me again.
Please. Fucking please."

Coal’s, or Nicolas’, humour was literally amazing 😂 almost everything that came out of his mouth was funny (do we detect some masking? Probably). It also fits in line with my style of funny, dry/dark, like I could see myself saying these things and I was dying.

“You’re the heir of Christmas,” he says, barely contained. “I’m the heir of Halloween. How did you see this ending?”

Anyway, what a fun concept! Christmas, Easter, Valentine's Day, Halloween, etc., “The Holidays,” are real and made up of families who collect joy from those who celebrate. They use that joy to create magic. Create magic? Becomes magic? I dunno.

"HEX: I really don’t care what you call me. As long as you say it in that way where you moan a little.
My eyes snap shut. I put my phone to my forehead, and breathe, deep, deep breaths, because that’s all my body needs. Just air. That’s all it’s going to get right now so it’d better learn to be okay with it real quick."

This book was about taking back control of your life, of finding yourself, your family, and not letting anything get in your way.

"Kris’s words end in a garbled cough as I pulse my hand at his mouth and fill it with holly. He hacks and spits it into his lap. “This stuff is poisonous!”
“Well, don’t eat it.”"

I loved the brother's relationship, they were so supportive and wholesome and I can’t wait for Kris’ book. I was also a big fan of Coal and Hex together, they were just perfect. Also, Hex’s clothes, good lord yes, he was wearing a corset vest the first time he makes an official appearance in the book. Yes, please.

The Headlines, group chat names, Kris’s sweaters, the fact that this was like a Holiday Mafia: backroom deals, shady characters, arranged marriages for political and capital gain, family alliances HOLIDAY MAFIA. I was living for all of it.

"I used to be made of something other than nerve endings. But suddenly, that’s all I am."

Who do I sell my soul to to get the next book? Cuz I will.

"I’d have to learn to live without it. Without him. To be okay going back to grays and beiges when I now knew that the world could exist in magenta and aquamarine and violent auburn."

I'd like to thank NetGalley & Bramble Romance for the opportunity to read this kindle ARC copy!

Nicholas “Coal” Claus and Hex 'the Prince of Halloween' stole my heart the second I met them. While there is a fake competition going on to enter a marriage of convience with a princess (a compretition that neither of them want to be a part of)... the two princes can't seem to keep their hands off of each other. If you're a fan of Red, White & Royal Blue, the banter between these two is SO perfect!

This book is filled which such amazing friendships, found family, elements of different holidays, and so much more! There was moments when I was giggling to myself, sitting on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen next, and the whole time I was so excited for more Coal and Hex moments!! I truly can't wait for this gorgeously funny book to be on my phsyical shelf as well as in peoples hands!!

Thank you, NetGalley and Bramble, for the e-arc!
OK that was the cutest and most amusing holiday romance! In this book, we follow Coal Claus, the prince of Christmas, after an unbelievably huge PR nightmare and drunken makeup session with a hot stranger at a bar! In order to make up for this monumental mistake, he is convinced/forced to marry his best friend Iris. But when the Halloween court takes issue, a challenge is set up. And the Halloween prince will be given a chance to fight for the princess's hand! The catch? The hot stranger was actually Hex, the prince of Halloween, and Coal would rather vy for his hand.
This was such an enjoyable read. The promise was fun, spicy, and just the perfect setup for an entertaining Halloween. There was instant chemistry between Hex and Coal, and they pair so well together! Watching how down-bad Coal was for the Halloween Prince was so amazing; literally, he fell, and he fell hard. I love it when one of the romantic weeds it's just so smitten and in love with the other person! Overall, the romance was really solid, and the spice and flirting was the chef's kiss. There were so many moments I was laughing out loud over Coal's inner monologue.
The plot was a perfect balance for the romance. It didn't take it too seriously, which I appreciate. While there were definitely some heavier moments and some more emotionally charged stuff, it was still a light and fun book to read.
Now things of note! This did have a third-act breakup; I am not mad at it, but I am noting it because I know a lot of people don't love this. This follows the pretty standard romantic comedy formula. I really like it: It was comforting, enjoyable, and easy to read! Will definitely be a fall/Halloween time staple

The Nightmare Before Kissmas was a surprisingly emotional love story. I fell in love with Hex, Coal, and their relationship and I thought that the way that each holiday was represented was extremely interesting. This book is a great read for the Fall!

Coal is the first prince of Christmas. A trickster, a jokester, a closeted dreamer; but ultimately what he is, is tired of his father’s controlling attitude. Hex is the antithesis of Christmas. As a prince of Halloween, he struggles in the winter wonderland that is the North Pole, but is willing to put up with anything to protect his beloved holiday. The two can’t seem to keep their hands off one another, despite being pitted against each other. With so many obstacles stacked against them, we are left to wonder if they will fight for each other, or fall to the pressure of their holidays.

The world these two characters live in is a world filled with magic run by joy, joy produced by the celebration of holidays. Raasch had such an interesting take on this alternate, holiday reality and I really enjoyed the political elements we got in this story. The Nightmare Before Kissmas was one of my most anticipated reads for the year and it was well worth the hype! This was such a perfect seasonal read and would be great for the month of November (right between Halloween and Christmas!)

I loved everything about The Nightmare Before Kissmas! The plot, the characters, the setting, the romance; it was an absolute delight from start to finish! I look forward to the sequel and for Kris’ happily ever after next!

This was a super fun and quick paced read. It was interesting to get the political/business side of Santa and Christmas. Looking forward to the next book in the series.

An interesting concept that takes a little bit to get started, but I appreciated the "nightmare before christmas"ish story element of different worlds for different holidays. The dialogue is snappy and fun and I enjoyed my time in this universe,

I have loved every second of this book I’m still reading it but it’s hilarious and just a fun ride. I have been laughing and kicking my feet the entire time I’ve been reading it I can’t wait till her next holiday book I need to know everything about every holiday royalty family

Well, this was a DNF, and while I think it was mostly a matter of "fit" for me as a reader, I think there were some misses in terms of execution. The premise was really cool, something I could easily see being made into a movie or tv series - the Prince of Christmas and the Prince of Halloween, in a relationship? Yes, please. Which is why I requested it. However, the writing completely failed to draw me in. The first MMC we're introduced to is Coal, who comes off as a highly immature and somewhat unlikable character. I had zero interest in reading his inner thoughts a moment longer. It was so heavily focused on how he felt that there was a huge missed opportunity to allow the reader to experience what seems to be a very interesting world he lives in. One reviewer said it felt like things were told rather than shown, and I would completely agree. Worldbuilding was needed earlier on in this book, so that I could be invested in the characters and everything Coal was whining about. And then when he meets Hex behind the bar and they have a mini makeout session, I was completely underwhelmed. Didn't feel the spark, the kiss was just...meh. When it was all done, Coal said he could still taste Hex, but then the author never gave detail on what he tasted like? Pumpkins and bourbon, maybe? I dunno, I needed something though.

Hopefully others enjoy this more than I did, so that some studio can pick it up and make it a motion picture or tv series. I will be sat with popcorn whenever it arrives.