I loved the audiobook! The narrator did a fantastic job and made the story so immersive.

I really enjoyed the book. It was a cute, funny, silly, and sexy story with a lot of heart. I loved all of the characters, especially Coal, Hex, Iris, and Kris. They were all so sassy.

However, I wasn't a fan of how descriptive the writing was at the beginning. It felt like every detail of every interaction was examined and written about. Despite this, I was drawn in by the plot and all the holiday lore and politics. Although the plots are very different, this book reminded me of the Princess Diaries movies.

I think fans of "The Assistant/Apprentice to the Villain" will also enjoy this book.

4.5 stars!!
You can not get any better than a queer Halloween meets Christmas romance. I laughed my entire way through this one but it still had so much joy and sweetness.
Sara Raasch you have yourself a new fan and I’ve already preordered the next book in the series.

Thank you 100 times over for the advanced listening copy. The narration was supreme, I think it’s one of the main reasons I loved the characters (obviously the writing is the other reason).

At its heart this story is about Nicholas, the Christmas prince, learning to stand up for himself and Christmas while relearning how to bring joy and why. Also trying not to lose his ever loving mind over the Halloween Prince, Hex.

I was not expecting this book to dive into a more behind the scenes corporate view of the holidays complete with deals, and lowering quality for more profits. It was an interesting take and one that actually emphasized the MC’s view on where true joy comes from. I loved the addition of the competitive sibling sleigh race, and the punny chat names. It made me laugh! Overall, I thought this story was cute and fun, but not sure if I’ll read the next one. The audio narrator did a great job!

3.5 rounded up to 4.

Thank you for the arc!
I had very mixed feelings about this book. I think the author did not balance the tones appropriately at all. I enjoyed the romance and the family story, but didn't feel like it meshed with the magic system at all. For asking me to care so much about the magic system, it was poorly fleshed out. The main character ran around saying Christmas is stealing joy, but with no tangible consequences for anything. I could never figure out WHY it mattered that Christmas was taking joy from other holidays, so the blackmail didn't hold up. It didn't make sense to me at all why the main characters stayed under Coal's father's thumb when it didn't seem to matter at all what they did. At the end, the blame for Coal's abusive father is tacked onto his wife leaving, which I didn't appreciate.
I did appreciate the sweetness of the romance and the family dynamics, especially the relationship between Coal and his brother. This relationship really carried the book, but it wasn't enough to make up for my frustration with the world building.

The Nightmare Before Kissmas is a steamy, tense, and heartfelt story of the Halloween Prince and the Christmas Prince falling in love as they both falsely vow for the Easter Princess’s hand in marriage. The banter and political intrigue is witty and quick, and it’s dripping in melodrama. It also has anticapitalist undertones which I loved.

I don’t think it was my vibe as much as I wanted it to be, I was hoping it was more Halloween related than Christmas but I feel that I would have enjoyed this more during the winter season!

A very silly premise turned into a pretty sweet book! I’ll be honest I went into this book very skeptical, and while I found it missing out on the holiday joy I was hoping for, despite surrounded by the holidays, it was still a solid rom-com. It was significantly enhanced by the narration, so kudos to the narrators!

Coal, the Prince of Christmas, is known for being a bit of a disaster. That’s the image the world sees, at least. After an especially epic f*** up—his heart was in the right place; he just didn’t think things through—he ends up in an intimate moment behind his favorite bar with a mysterious, but insightful stranger.

Fast forward and now we find Coal in the middle of a PR stunt orchestrated by his father, the King of Christmas, the Santa figure of today’s story. Coal is set to marry his best friend, ex-girlfriend’s younger sister, and brother’s crush, Iris, the Easter Princess.

Here’s the thing, though, Coal and Iris are willing to play their roles, but they don’t really want to marry each other.

And—PLOT TWIST!—when the King of Christmas invites the Prince of Halloween to also vie for Iris’s hand, Coal’s mysterious make out partner reenters the scene.

Oh gosh, I just loved this book so much.

In lieu of a full review, here’s a list of thoughts I had while reading the book:
- I adore this group chat!!!
- Oh hi, yes, you are very wise Halloween Prince
- Eeeeeee!
- Seriously, this is making me grin with the quick-witted banter
- I love Coal’s inner commentary
- Coal is such a cutie pie
- Oh my goodness, I love them!
- I like this portrayal of joy, its purpose and meaning, what brings it, and who has a right to it
- The communication during intimate moments 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
- One of my favorite things about fantasy is how it makes political discussions feel more palatable to readers. That extra layer of separation seems to make it easier to digest or discuss tough topics.
- Yay, warm fuzzies!

I listened to the audiobook version and feel like I’ve found a new favorite narrator in Ellis Evans. I loved how Evans captures the humor, vulnerability, burgeoning confidence, and emotion of the novel. I highly recommend listening to the audiobook.

I received an advance copy of the audiobook from Macmillan Audio. Review opinions are my own.

Such a cute, silly romcom. I love Cole & Hex

What I liked:

Cole is chaos and is such a good foil to Hex's restrained nature. There was a little forbidden aspect, and sneaking around is always fun.

There were some parts that were a little cheesy, but for me if a Christmas story doesn't have a least a little cheese, I don't want it.

I really enjoyed the narrator. I think the audio narration really enhanced the story.

What didn't work for me:

The characters felt like they were a bit young to me. It didn't take a ton out of the story, but there were a few times that I didn't love.

So this was utterly delightful. It was described as Red White and Royal Blue meets The Nightmare Before Christmas and that’s pretty spot on. It absolutely exudes holidays aesthetic in the most fun ways and the characters are lovable and easy to get invested in. Details like the Merry Measure measuring the joy being created and the traditions and publicity that revolved around them and fashion were super fun and interesting. And while this story is lighthearted and funny it also explores deeper themes like living up to family expectations and loss and has some really emotional and tense moments. After reading this I really wanted to visit the lands of the other holidays and I hope we get a sequel where we visit the Halloween prince’s land next.🎃

I listened to this as an audio book with Ellis Evans narrating and his voice really suited the story and characters with warmth, charm, and nuanced emotion. The character voices were distinct and really expressed the their personalities. So I would definitely recommend this as an audio book.

The Nightmare Before Kissmass is perfect for those looking for a delightful holiday romcom with a dash of holiday spice.

Thank you very much to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio. I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

(2.5 rounded up) On its own, this is a good rom-com. The difficult relationships with parents and children, siblings, friends, and romantic partners were very well done and well-written. However this was a big downer. It highlights Santa as basically a corrupt CEO and takes every bit of joy I'm looking for in a holiday book out of it. I think this would have been a 4 or even 5 star read for me if these were just rival businesses or even general fantasy magic companies, but choosing holidays and then making them depressing was depressing to read.

Like the content but didn't mesh it with the premise.

the nightmare before kissmas by sara raasch 🌙 a fake competition between two holiday princes who can't keep their hands off each other over a marriage of convenience that no one wants 🎅🏻

WHAT TO EXPECT:
🕷️ m/m romance
❄️ found family
🕷️ insta-lust
❄️ single *christmas* pov
🕷️ opposites attract
❄️ the nightmare before christmas

this was a fun queer romance similar to red, white and royal blue! I loved the holiday mashup between halloween and christmas- even while uncovering all of the politics lying between the holidays royal families. I think this book would have benefited from some editing as some of the internal monologue was constantly repeated with no developments. I was hoping we got more cutesy holiday moments than we did opposed to the fantastical political talk.

sincerely, a human who has been & will continue listening to the nightmare before christmas album on repeat until further notice 🕯 thank you macmillan audio for an early copy! out 10/8 but I would wait until christmas to read! 3 stars!

A super fun queer holiday themed fantasy romcom that has an arranged marriage between the prince of Christmas and the Princess of Easter only to be thwarted as the Christmas heir falls for his one night stand, the Prince of Halloween in this paranormal romance that is great on audio and perfect for fans of authors like Casey McQuiston and Timothy Janovsky. I'm so looking forward to what comes next in this new series. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio and digital copy in exchange for my honest review!!

This was so cozy, so adorable, perfectly spicy, and such a fun take on holiday romance! In the same way the Tim Burton movie operates as both a Halloween AND a Christmas movie, TNBK is the same! And if you’re not a super holiday romance reader, it’s not so much about the holiday as it is two princes from two different realms falling in love when they really probably shouldn’t.

The audio is delightful and I loved every second!

Want a funny, cozy love story between the princes of Christmas and Halloween? Found it!

This love story between Nicholas “Coal” Claus, the prince of Christmas, and Hex Hallow, the prince of Halloween, is so adorable. Coal is under a ton of pressure from his father, Santa, to uphold the Christmas holiday and joy, to the point he must marry Iris, the princess of Easter. Neither Coal or Iris are interested in each other but they are pressured by their fathers who see this marriage as politically advantageous. Then Hex shows up to challenge Coal for Iris's hand, but along the way they fall for each other.

This was such an interesting world, where each holiday acts as a country. The politics and social drama around the holidays and their royalty and courts drew me in. I also loved Coal and Hex! Coal is such a sarcastic fun narrator, who truly comes into himself over the course of the novel. Then Hex is a more understated person, who comes out of his shell in a great way. I also surprisingly loved how this book touched on topics of grief in a very nuanced way for such a fantastical world.

I really enjoyed this title! I didn’t find it to be a Christmas or Halloween romance, even though we were reading the story of the Prince of Christmas dating the Prince of Halloween!

I really liked the characters in this story, they felt relatable. They were flawed but they recognize it and are actively doing to work go correct it!

I’m excited for the rest of the series and can’t wait to see what’s next!

Who knew holiday politics would be so interesting?! This book is definitely for the holiday lovers and I can see it being a great read for the winter!

The romance was pretty cute and I really appreciated the conversations about consent and mutual respect in sexual situations specifically. Also, lube was mentioned, praise bless.

It’s not all happy go lucky as a big part of the plot is Coal working under the pressure and manipulation of his father, but I don’t think that made the book feel bleak. I wouldn’t say this has Red, White and Royal Blue vibes; yes there are royals for different countries but that is where the similarities end to me really.

I do wish the cultural and religious aspect of holidays was touched on, as that’s a huge component to them. Dia De Los Meurtos was mentioned but even then only in name. It would’ve added another layer to show the practices behind it, considering it was involved in Hex’s life.

I did enjoy this narration a lot and found it easy to follow at my normal listening speed of 2.5!

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the ALC!

The Nightmare Before Kissmas follows a young man, Nicholas Claus, aka “Coal”, who is the next heir to Christmas. He is born to be the next Santa. After a poor decision on his part, Coal nearly ruins Christmas. Drunk at a bar after his mistakes, he ends up in a make out session with a complete stranger. Two years later and he thinks life is finally stabilizing his father announces to the entire court that Coal is courting his best friend, Iris, the princess of Easter. Coal can’t think of anyone but that mysterious man in the back alley of the bar. How is he going to marry his best friend?! Coal’s courting is challenged by the prince of Halloween, Hex, who happens to be none other than back alley make out guy!! Will his incessant daydreaming ruin yet another Christmas or will he pull it together for the sake of his duty?

This book was cute. It’s a bit all over the place and the in head narration gets old after a while. There are some holes with the magic system that could’ve used some fleshing out or simply not included as they don’t serve a great purpose within the story. The book was a lot more politically charged than I expected from a holiday fantasy rom-com. I do love Hex’s character. I’m a sucker for broody emo guys. Overall I would give this a 3/5 stars. All I keep thinking is, “this was cute.”

The narration was done very well!! I enjoyed that the most 5/5 for the narrator for sure.

I was so excited to receive this ALC of The Nightmare Before Kissmas by Sara Raasch! Described as “Red, White, and Royal Blue” meets “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” I knew I had to dive in.

Nicholas, aka Coal, is the heir to the Santa mantle, but his father has turned Christmas into a PR spectacle. Known as a jokester, Coal is actually a golden retriever type at heart, doing his best to make a difference. The plot thickens when he’s forced into an arranged marriage with his best friend, the Easter Princess, with whom his brother has been in love for years. Awkward.

Then comes Hex, the quiet, brooding, and darkly sexy Halloween prince, who declares his intent to court the Easter Princess. But his secret goal? It’s Coal. Coal and Hex can’t keep their hands off each other, and the story turns into a whirlwind of messy emotions, political alliances, and holiday drama. It feels like Christmas has been turned into a mafia-style operation as everyone scrambles to set things right.

This was such a fun, feel-good read! I want this to be made into a movie. Think “Red, White, and Royal Blue,” with a holiday fantasy twist. The romance is open-door, probably a two on the spice scale, and I was totally here for the sexy MM romance. Plus, a second book in the series is coming this spring, and it’s definitely on my TBR!

If you’re looking for a queer, heartwarming holiday romcom, this is one you won’t want to miss.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this ALC!

Coal is the son of Santa. He is supposed to marry Iris who is the Easter Princess. Neither of them are interested in the marriage.

The narrator was great. Very interesting listen.

Christmas & Hallowe'en in one book?
Yes please!
I absolutely adored this book.
Giggles, queer love, fake engagement, holiday politics, fabulous friendships and cool plot.
The narration was perfect and I am super geeked for the next book!
Much love to NetGalley & Macmillan Audio for my ALC.