Have you ever thought to yourself 'what if Red, White & Royal Blue met a holiday-themed fantasy world?' Because if you have, look no further! The Nightmare Before Kissmas was a heart-filled, emotionally devastating, hilarious, politically intriguing romantasy-comedy that is sure to become a forever star of the genre.

The Nightmare Before Kissmas follows Christmas Prince Nicholas 'Coal' Clause, as he returns home for Christmas, only to discover his father (perpetually furious, and very concerned with appearances) has been scheming. Stuck in a fake-dating-to-arranged-marriage pipeline with best friend, and Easter Princess, Iris, Coal doesn't think things can get much worse. Cue Halloween. Unhappy with the Christmas King's machinations, Halloween agrees to send their own Prince, Hex Hallow, to compete with Coal for Iris's hand. Things take a turn when Coal recognises Halloween's darkly beautiful Prince, and it all gets romantic from there!

You can tell that Raasch used to write huge, sprawling, 'serious' fantasy novels, because the world here, as much as it is a bit silly (and meant to be!), is so well constructed. The family dynamics are another stand-out here, Raasch really makes you care for these people and their subplots. In so many ways this reminded my of McQuiston's wildly popular RW&RB, largely because of the fully-fleshed, and exceptionally noble, men at the centre of the story. The novel sucked me in, I laughed, I cried (genuinely, there's a few emotional sucker-punches in this), I wanted it to go on forever. This book is an exceptional display of writing skill, and an utterly un-put-down-able story; a reminder to all of us that excellent writers, writing with passion, will always produce something brilliant.

5 very deserved stars.

3.5/5 stars

The Nightmare Before Kissmas is a holiday romantic comedy where the Princes of Christmas and Halloween fall for each other. Nicholas “Coal” Claus is the screw-up royal Christmas heir so his dad decides to arrange a marriage between him and his best friend Iris, the Easter Princess, to tie their Holidays together. But the Halloween court won’t take that kind of alliance lying down and send the Prince of Halloween Hex to compete for Iris’ hand in marriage. The competition can’t get any faker when the two competing Princes are more interested in each other than the Princess.

The premise sets up a very silly and quirky romantasy that reads like a romantic comedy with a bisexual prince, a gay prince and a bisexual princess. Told entirely from Coal’s perspective, the book doesn’t start off great as he is put in a terrible light as a screw up from the get go and with many valid points put against him. But once the main plot gets going, I was won over with the relationships and banter. Coal, Iris, and Coal’s younger brother Kris form a central trio that just works, and the brotherly bond between Coal and Kris absolutely shines (and is probably the most well developed relationship in the book). Coal and Hex’s romance may have been quick, but their banter just hit and the chemistry undeniable with some clear tension and attraction.

There is a surprising heavy dose of Holiday politics involved in the plot akin to political factions in political fantasies or corporate conglomerates in contemporary fiction. You can really tell that this started out as a high fantasy book. I thought the politics were far deeper and more complex than it needed to be, but it does set up more possibilities for future installments involving other holidays (I am already looking forward to the next one just from the included teaser here). It’s also got some heavy topics like parental abandonment, coercion, and trauma but delivers an otherwise lighthearted story with holiday cheer, queer joy, and tempered spice.

The Nightmare Before Kissmas is a queer Christmas romcom that’s heavy on holiday politics.

This was different. I like seasonal books and that’s what drew me to this. It’s a mix of Halloween/Christmas, queer, fantasy romcom.
I’d read it again! The cover though is…. Bad.

I loved this book, and am sad I can't find any special edition copies for purchase!

It was Red, White and Royal Blue, mixed with The Princess Diaries 2, mixed with Arthur Christmas, which, frankly, are all some of my favourite things.

Laugh-out-loud funny moments were mixed with cute family snapshots and the angst of being a twenty-something disappointment. I especially loved the relationship between the Claus brothers, who were so sweet. Their relationship was genuine, and their support for each other was rational in the context of their dysfunctional parental figures. I loved the fact that Father Christmas wasn't the sweet, lovable guy you expect to find in a festive book and that it allowed for some weight outside of the frothy romance side of the plot.

Raasch wrote at the start that this book was written for the readers, as a bit of escapism and enjoyment. She wrote exactly what she intended and I'm certain this is a story that will give me the giggles through many winters to come. Looking forward to the next book!

This was a very different kind of read for me but when I read the overview I was really drawn to the book and I’m so glad I was approved to read it. The story is a real fun one with lots of silliness and romance and the pages just flew by. I loved the setting of the story in the land of Christmas it felt very magical and lots of references to the traditions the go along the whole Christmas experience.
This was my first book by this author and was also pleased to see this is book one of a series so I shall be looking forward to reading more in the future.
So as I say a different read that was lighthearted and just what I needed and one I can highly recommend especially if you want something different.
My thanks to NetGalley and Random House UK, Cornerstone for giving me the opportunity to read the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this eARC of 'The Nightmare Before Kissmas' by Sara Raasch.

This book was everything you need for a winter romance; lighthearted, funny and gay. The Prince of Christmas x The Prince of Halloween is a combo you've seen before but not in such an entertaining way like how Sara Raasch did it. Absolutely joyful.

This book is a light and festive holiday romance, blending Halloween and Christmas themes with ease. It offers a diverse cast of characters, plenty of humor, and a touch of spice wrapped up in cozy, albeit cringeworthy, holiday clichés. While the concept is charming, the execution occasionally falls flat, with some of the banter and situations feeling forced or overly cheesy. Still, if you’re looking for a feel-good read with playful nods to both spooky season and Christmas cheer—complete with ugly sweaters—this one checks the boxes. It's enjoyable enough, but expect some eye-rolling moments along the way.

Im not usually one for romance or seasonal reads but damn. Well known bisexual disaster Coal has his life planned out and dictated by his dad, the current Santa, as the prince and heir of Christmas. Plagued by a drunken kiss a year ago he’s improved his behaviour and tried to not be an embarrassment to his holiday. Now his father and the head of Easter have dropped him and his best friend in a arranged marriage, publicly. Halloween isn’t happy and in turn send someone to court the princess of Easter, but as Hex turns up Coal realises it’s the man he’s been fantasising about all year, the stranger he kissed. A fake courtship unfolds, Christmas is being corrupted by the current Santa and his controlling needs, it’s up to the Christmas boys, coal and kris, along with Easter princess iris and Halloween heir Hex to figure out not only their feelings but the future of their holidays

This is the perfect holiday romance read, both for Halloween and for Christmas. It has everything you'll want, from diverse characters, funny banter, some spice AND ugly Christmas sweaters.

this was CRINGEEEEE so silly it defies a real star rating because it's so dated in so many ways. but it's harmless. unserious! three stars i guess!

Cute romance story with good characters. Nice combination of Halloween and Christmas. Front cover of the book is good.

Loved this super cute holiday romance! This is first and foremost a Christmas romance -there just aren't enough Halloween based romances and I would have loved to see more of the Halloween world.

I did love the bisexual representation in this, both Hex and Coal are cute and their sexual tension is hot. They felt a little young and some of their behaviour was a bit juvenile but the story was fun and frivolous and perfect for the holiday season. I am already planning to re-read at Christmas!

The world building sucked me in right away and I had no problems buying into this world of holiday based royal families. I hope there will be more based in this same world as I am already shipping Kris and Iris...

This is easily a new favourite book, I had no doubts at all that a Nightmare Before Christmas inspired romance between a Prince of Christmas and Prince of Halloween would be a win for me but it overtook my expectations. All of the characters were so well written (even the ones we don't like) and the non-romance side of the plot was really strong. It was great to see Coal grow and learn from his mistakes and take more responsibility after his rash decisions in the beginning. But also seeing his friendship with Iris and his brother Kris was one of my favourite parts, the Christmassy puns were perfect. While reading this in July was great, I cannot wait to reread this at Christmas time with a hot drink and the Christmas tree up

If you're after those cute romcom feels sprinkled with holiday magic then look no further.
The Nightmare before Kissmas is an easy and enjoyable read. It delivers an exciting premise that behind all the holidays we celebrate are royal families whose job is to create joy with their holiday magic. And what holiday tale is complete without, horrendous family drama, daddy issues, a power hungry Santa plotting world domination, sexual tension between holiday princes that you can cut with a knife, forced marriage proposals, festering political drama between holidays and a secret holiday coup!
I had such fun reading this, it definitely sets up a cool world with interesting characters. The possibilities for other books and other holidays has me very excited to read the next book.

With cringe-worthy characters and writing, The Nightmare Before Kissmas by Sara Raasch tells a story about two princes of two different kingdoms defined by Christmas and Halloween respectively who are very attracted to each other.

Summary: Nicholas "Coal" Claus is a Prince of Christmas and doesn't have the best reputation among the Holidays. When Halloween objects to the arranged marriage between Coal and his best friend Iris for political reasons, their heir Hex Hallow, whom Coal kissed at a bar years ago, comes to Christmas under the guise of fighting for Iris' hand in marriage.

Tropes/Genres:
• fantasy
• lgbtq (gay)
• insta-lust
• christmas
• romance
• royalty

Review: This book had an interesting concept, but it wasn't pulled off well enough. The romance wasn't spectacular, and the politics was a bit messy. Between Coal and Hex, I felt way more sexual attraction than any form of romantic attraction. The politics surrounding Christmas and the other Holidays was so bad, and the conflict was resolved way too easily. Overall, it just didn't meet expectations.

The characters aren't that likeable, particularly the main two. Coal is so cringe-worthy that I don't have any excuses for him. I get that he's young, but he sounds like a child. I roll my eyes every time he opens his mouth. Hex is so questionable, considering the first time they met, he kissed Coal when the latter was blackout drunk. That's sexual assault. I don't care if Coal wanted it. He can't give informed consent when he's drunk. But hey, at least he doesn't sound like a child whenever he opens his mouth.

Anyway, the romance is severely lacking. The two of them are clearly sexually attracted to each other, but I barely feel any romantic connection between the two. Honestly, the best part of this love story is the third-act breakup. It was probably when the two of them had the most chemistry. All this couple has is a lot of sexual contact and teasing. There is barely any moment where I can safely say that they have developed their romantic bond. Romance is not just about sex. The first time I felt the love between the two of them was the breakup, which says a lot.

I suppose that out of the four major characters in the book, only Coal and Hex have issues because Kris and Iris are actually fine! I love the friendship the three of them (Coal, Kris and Iris) have. They're so supportive of each other. I think that's precious and one of the best parts of the book. They've got each other's back!

The politics in this book are so basic and poorly fleshed out, and what's worse is that the author resolved the conflict with Coal's father all in one chapter. Maybe even a few chapters. I don't know how a grand speech is supposed to change the mind of someone who's been blackmailing and threatening so many people for years, but sure. I liked how the author dived into her struggles as the incompetent and irresponsible heir, but those struggles weren't well illustrated.

Comparing this book with Red, White & Royal Blue is insulting because that book was a work of art. This book is nothing close to that. I recommend this book to readers who like the fictional world portrayed in The Nightmare Before Christmas because this book has a similar concept. The romance is a bit questionable, and the politics is a bit simple-minded, though. I would say it still has some merits because Kris, Iris and Coal's friendship is awesome.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the read.

Thank you, Penguin Randomhouse and Netgalley, for this ARC copy.

I loved this book so much. It made me laugh, it made me smile, and it made me angry. I really enjoyed the political side of the holidays in this book, and it was full of complex relationships. It was so much spicier than I expected it to be, but I really didn't mind that. My favourite thing about this though is that I mixed my two favourite holidays together.

I can't wait to read the next book now.

This book was such a magical read! I loved how Sara sets up this world where we live behind the scenes of the holiday seasons and meet the representatives for each holiday (easter, Christmas, halloween etc). That felt like such a unique world that was so easy to get into because of how familiar all the holidays were. I haven't read a book where the holidays have been personified in the same way so that was really refreshing and surprisingly easy to wrap my head around.

It felt like the magic came through the pages and there was so much attention to detail in the world building that it was a really fun start to a book. There were so many creative references (such as Nicholas being nicknamed as 'Coal') that made the book not feel overly christmassy and these subtle references also felt like it wasn't a book with lots of on the nose references to the holidays. Even the descriptions of how characters from each season dressed felt reflective of the holiday in a way that was unique and not forced.

I also enjoyed the group chat format of storytelling, it made the book feel more modern which was a nice contrast with the traditional old age-ness of the holidays and allowed us to see the perspectives of Kris and Iris without an entirely different POV. I also loved the romance subplot it felt like reading my first crush and was super adorable to see Coal stumble around his own feelings.

The only criticism I have is the pacing. The initial pacing of the set up was good but it felt like it slowed down so much after that. Once the marriage competition begins, it felt like the plot stood still for so long and the same information was just being retold to different characters.

The romcom with the magical touch, had an enjoyable plot and likable characters, but I felt it needed a bit more romance and fewer political themes. The story was fresh and engaging, making it a solid read for anyone who enjoys romcoms and appreciates a well-elaborated world building from a good storyteller. Many thanks to the author and the publisher for the early access to this arc, I can't wait to get my own copy

Firstly thank you Sarah & Netgalley for sending me this ARC and giving me the opportunity to read this book!

Couldn't decide on 2.5 /3 stars ⭐

I was drawn to this book by its unique premise and the promise of a sweet, sexy, and delightfully messy love story set against the backdrop of various holiday icons. However, at 62%, I found myself unable to finish it. (I'm sorry!!) I found myself really trying to push through, however it wasn't the book for me. (Doesn't mean it won't be for you!)

The book's blend of romance and politics didn't quite work for me. I was hoping for more steamy romance and less intrigue, which made the story feel bogged down at times. Despite this, there were moments that shone, particularly the text interactions & heartwarming moments between Coal, Kris, and Iris as best friends. Their dynamics added a refreshing touch and some light-hearted humor to the plot.

While the holiday-themed setting was a charming idea, the execution fell short of my expectations. The political machinations and the arranged marriage plot overshadowed the potential for a more heartfelt and engaging romance. Coal's character had lots of potential, but his journey felt hampered by the convoluted storyline.

Santa being a jerk and arranged marriages - it all from the outset seemed very interesting, however I'm not sure overall if the storyline knew what it wanted to be. I think if it was advertised as a holiday fantasy, less romance - it would be more accurate.

In terms of the 'swoon worthy romance's There were definitely moments I was like 'Ah come on!', I wanted to have more depth in this department.

In the end, this book wasn't a huge hit for me. Fans of intricate plots and kingdom politics might enjoy it more though!

The perfect holiday romcom! The Nightmare Before Kissmass mixes friendship, a coup attempt, rival princes and holiday magic to give a Christmas love story.

I love what Sara Raasch did with the world, where each holiday is run by a monarchy similarly to a company. It’s such a great concept and I can’t wait to own a physical copy of this book and read any other stories in this world. I recommend The Nightmare Before Kissmas to anyone who want a slightly different take on Christmas romances.

Summary: Coal, the Prince of Christmas, dreads the holiday's PR stunts, when an arranged marriage and a reunion with Hex, the Prince of Halloween, complicate everything.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC of this book, all thoughts are my own.