Just what you need to fill the gap between Halloween and Christmas.... but really it can be an any time of the year read. If you need some holiday romance to brighten your days, then look no farther! This is the story of a boy who meets a cute boy at a bar... but he doesn't know a thing about him and doesn't run into him again until much, much later. And when they meet again... sparks... I mean... embers fly.

What I loved: Coal's Eeyore vibe with a twist of doing the right thing, but having it all go wrong, everything there is about Iris - if I could be her - I would, Hex's smolders and intentional prodding of Coal, Chris's steadfast brotherly love.

Are there a few flaws in the plot? Of course. But if you come just for a fun romance, you won't be disappointed. Don't think so hard. Just enjoy the sleigh rides.

Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for sending me an early copy of this audiobook! All opinions are my own!

Well...I did not expect this to make me so dang emotional. I was ready for a cute little romcom full of laughs and boy was I wrong. BUT I was not disappointed. These characters were so absolutely real and all too raw, and that made everything so much more meaningful. It was truly a Christmas story full of the spirit and magic of Christmas itself, but the spirit of holidays in general made everything so special.

My one and only complaint was that it felt like it was far too long for a romcom. Once you get further into it, it doesn't seem to feel as long, but I was definitely feeling the length in the first 3rd of the book.

The humor of this book is perfectly balanced with the depth, and I appreciate that in so many ways. There was a lot of emotion to be grappled with, and the humor truly kept it from becoming too much to handle. The characters were perfect matches for one another in a way that did not become too much as it often can.

I cannot wait to read more in this series and see where the love goes!

⭐️⭐️💫 (2 1/2) It was cute but I was bored 🥱 Christmas themed books might be too cute/cheesy for me, the narrator was pretty good at portraying the characters' personality

And it had some good points sprinkled within the drama about overconsumption, and the way Christmas has been turned into a holiday about things instead of acts of service. The reason it added to it feeling like a YA read is because it handles these topics in a very surface level. It poses the questions but doesn’t go too deep about the answers.

It read like YA but with spicy scenes 👀

I thought it was YA so the spicy scenes came at me out of nowhere. Anyways, not YA! Pretty sure there was a set up for a sequel between Ivy (best friend) and Coal’s brother, Chris. I will not be reading, but if you liked this just know there is more incoming :D

I’m out.

I had such a good time with this story! It was so festive and unique. I loved the politics between all the holidays. The romance was a bit instalove but I did really like them together so it didn’t bother me. I can’t wait to read the next book! I’m dying to see these characters again. Highly recommend the audio. It was fantastic!

*4.5 Stars On My Instagram*

"He's a ten but - he's the hot goth prince of Halloween and you're the bi-disaster son of Santa, and you've both been coerced into a PR rivalry where one of you will end up marrying the Easter princess (who's your BFF). Oh and he's also the mystery guy you made out with behind a bar years ago and haven't been able to stop thinking about since."

Now that you are caught up with the laugh out loud farcical plot of the fantastical The Nightmare Before Kissmas (A Royals And Romance Novel) by outrageously creative RomCom author Sarah Raasch; let's swoon over the sweetest sensuously sexy MM couple, sarcastically witty Hex (prince of Halloween) and hilarious self deprecating Nicholas "Coal" (prince of Christmas).

These two shouldn't be together, whether it's vying to marry the princess of Easter or plotting against their fathers; especially Santa who is seemingly buying into the commercialism of Christmas. They definitely shouldn't have enough explosive sexual tension to scorch the North Pole.

Listening to voice actor Ellis Evans AKA @narrator_pete bringing this writer's cleverly innovative world to life was pure joy. As Coal, our storyteller, he enhanced Coal's comical banter and his sweet vulnerability. He brought out Hex's sensitivity hidden behind his got it all together attitude.

If you want to laugh for a few hours, blush a bit during some intimate moments, and appreciate the genius that is the imagination of this author then don't sleep on listening to this dream of a holiday romcom.

Fav Quote: "My soul wants to smile to whatever god created him."

I received a free copy of this audiobook from Macmillan Audio via NetGalley for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

4 out 5 Star

Ahhh, that was so freaking cute. Even though this a suppose to be cute Christmas romcom, I'd say it can probably be read year round. It had bit of spicy but it wasn't doing to much but also not to little (side note the mention of condoms during the spicy should have made me swoon like it did.)

This was such a good read that I bought both the book and the audiobook. The concept of holiday rulers extends from The Nightmare Before Christmas, but this one's an adult novel with queer characters and, of course, as holiday rulers, the main characters have powers pertaining to their holidays. I loved it!

This was such a great Holiday Romance. I just loved it. I loved the text message thread between Coal, Kris, and Iris. I laughed so hard. The banter between Coal and Hex was everything. Coal is the next Santa in line. He has such dreams for Christmas but is slowly learning how his father runs things. He does not agree with these processes. There is a potential forced marriage, an imprisoned prince and forbidden love. I love all of these tropes. I hope we get another book about some of the side characters. I highly recommend this book. Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the audio arc in exchange for my honest review.

This was a delight to read! Very good representation of the various holidays. Squee-able romance! Great character voices! Will definitely be coming back for more!

4 stars.

"The Nightmare Before Kissmas" by Sara Raasch is soooo much fun! This book had me squeeing from the very first chapter from its immense levels of cuteness. I loved the lore of this world. I thought it was interesting how each holiday has a kingdom in this universe. The princes of Christmas and Halloween, Coal and Hex, are fabulous characters! They are lovable, messy, intriguing, have many layers, and are *~perfect~* for each other. Their forbidden love makes this all the more wonderful. There is even a little bit of spice where their story is concerned. Add in a slight mystery, some political posturing, and a host of fantastic side characters, and you've got the recipe for a new holiday favorite. Ellis Evans' audiobook narration is absolutely incredible. Grab some cocoa and sit by the fire with this book. You're not going to regret adding it to your holiday TBR!

Thank you to NetGalley, Sara Raasch, and Macmillan Audio for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.

This is a tough review for me because I wanted to love a book that merged Halloween and Christmas and had steamy scenes, but I couldn't get there. The characters were adorable, used puns, and spoke in fun quips, but at the same time, they didn't seem real enough to me. Yes, I know they are fictional characters, and there is a fantasy element to this whole concept, but they didn't have enough depth. I suppose that much of this book is a set up for the next book, but I wanted more standalone-ness in this one. The audiobook version did give the characters great voices and I loved the acting and intonation. The pacing and timing worked for me, even in the steamy scenes.

This book was just absolutely delightful! The representation of all of the holidays and families. The romance. The humor. The politics among the holidays.

The narration was spot on.

Thanks to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for an ALC in exchange for my honest review.

This audiobook was so cute and fun! Definitely read between Halloween and Christmas. It gave me Red, White and Royal Blue vibes mixed with a great Christmas story, that Santa has a son. It’s cheesy and cute, but also has some family rifts, and politics of the Holiday world.
3.75 ⭐️ rounded up

I love this author and this concept, it was just a tad too cheesy for me. I appreciate the copy of the audio!

This audiobook was wonderful. The narrators had the perfect cadence and tone for the book, it felt whimsical without being juvenile, and each dialogue get personal and heartfelt.

*4.5/5*

This was such a fun book! It really helped me get into the holiday spirit, and I absolutely fell in love with the characters. I loved the idea of all of the holidays having their royal families that kept the holiday going. It seems like most of the time, it's Christmas that always has the family, where all the other holidays may have more of a mascot of sorts, so this was a nice change. The relationships between most of the characters felt healthy and believable.

I also really liked the plotline of Christmas becoming a big PR stunt, the marriage of convenience, and how the two suitors were obsessed with each other. Cole and Hex were one of my favorite couples of the year, and I loved how Chris and Iris were so supportive and encouraging.

I had two minor issues with the ending, so the spoilers are about to happen. If you don't want them, LOOK AWAY!

The issues I had were when Cole finally confronted his father, and his father had a realization moment and then disappeared for the rest of the story. No word on if he fulfilled his Christmas Eve duties or if anyone even saw him after their interaction. And it left on such a weird note with Chris and Iris. I get the implication that Chris confessed his feelings for Iris, and she didn't reciprocate, but I wanted a little more resolution. I know that there is a second book coming, so I'm sure it's probably going to pick up pretty much where the first one left off, but it felt a little unfinished to me.

I will definitely be continuing this series, and I hope it continues and follows other holidays after because I think that would be really fun.

If you enjoy the holidays, rom-coms, banter, and steamy men, you'll enjoy this book!

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this Audio ARC Copy!

This was a cute story that follows the prince and heir of Christmas who is always up to some mischief and the price of Halloween who is competing with Christmas for the hand of Easter.
The different holiday courts and politics brought a cute little aspect to the story and I really enjoyed the world, but I really had a hard time connecting with the characters. All in all I think it was a fun little holiday read that is perfect any time between Halloween and Christmas.

Thank you Netgalley and Publisher for this advanced audiobook copy.
What a book!! I thought it was supposed to be all fun read, but here, I got many layers of many characters not to mention some political issue. The narrator also did it so well

This was a unique book and i'm not usually into worldbuilding or fantasy but I liked the idea of kingdoms based on holidays. I will def try the next one.

Although the premise is light. Sara Raasch dives into many themes about love, acceptance, and finding your place in life. I loved that Coal's friend and family surrounded him and supported him in finding his place after really struggling for a long period. Hex and Coal find the special love we all dream of.