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.

I’ve always enjoyed a holiday rom-com and this book was perfection. Just the right mix of holiday nostalgia, funny banter, likeable characters and a great story

4.5☆s rounded up to 5☆s

This book was an absolute delight to read! The comp of 'Nightmare Before Christmas' meets 'RW&RB' felt extremely accurate to me as it had a similar feel to both of them. I adored the dynamic between Hex and Coal, it was mayhaps a little too instalove/lust for me, but I loved their banter and the steady development between them. I loved seeing Coal grow up throughout the course of the book and actually put into place the ideals for a Christmas hes always wanted instead of rebelling by acting out. I also loved the dybamic between Coal, his brother and Iris !!! They had such a sweet longstanding friendship and their banter made me giggle sm!!! All in all, a super fun book and Im excited to get my hands on a physical copy !!!

The Nightmare Before Kissmas by Sara Raasch
Rating: 4/5
Release Date: 10 October 2024

Nicholas "Coal" Claus, once enchanted by the magic of Christmas, now loathes it thanks to his father's relentless commercialisation of the holiday. Seeking solace from the suffocating cheer, he stumbles into a chance encounter with a mysterious man behind a bar. But Coal's plans for a brief escape are thwarted when he's thrust into an unwanted engagement with his childhood friend, Iris, the Easter Princess, in a strategic manoeuvre by their families.

As if his predicament wasn't complicated enough, a rival prince arrives, vying for Iris's affections, and to Coal's shock, the enigmatic man from the bar, Hex, reappears as the Prince of Halloween.

The book's fresh premise immediately drew me in with its portrayal of royal families navigating the complexities of their holiday domains. Set against the backdrop of a college campus, the story delves into the intricate power dynamics and political manoeuvring of these seasonal heirs. While the romance between Coal and Hex unfolds swiftly, its charm and allure are undeniable.

I was captivated by the vividly crafted world and the imaginative lore woven by the author. This tale blends sweetness, humour, and allure in a delightful concoction, leaving me eagerly anticipating further escapades in this enchanting universe.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Random House UK, Cornerstone, and the author, Sara Raasch, for providing me with an ARC copy in exchange for an honest and fair review.

Title: The Nightmare Before Kissmas by Sara Raasch

Release Date: October, 10th, 2024

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Stars

Nicholas "Coal" Claus, once enamoured with Christmas, now despises it due to his father's commercialisation of the holiday. Seeking an escape, he finds himself entangled in a passionate encounter with a mysterious man behind a bar. However, Coal's plans are disrupted when he's ordered to marry his best friend, Iris, the Easter Princess, as a strategic move.

Complicating matters further is the arrival of a rival prince vying for Iris's hand and the unexpected reappearance of the man from the bar, Hex, the Prince of Halloween. What ensues is a fake competition between holiday princes, fuelled by undeniable chemistry and a marriage of convenience no one desires, leading to a captivating and unforgettable love story.

The book's unique concept immediately grabbed my interest with its portrayal of royal holiday families striving to bring joy back to their realms. Set against the backdrop of a college setting, the narrative delves into the intricate politics surrounding these holiday heirs. Although the romance between Coal and Hex unfolds rather swiftly, I found it charming and compelling.

What truly stood out were the genuine friendships depicted between Coal, his brother Kris, and Iris, the Easter Princess, which added layers of depth to the story. Together, they embark on a mission to derail an unwanted arranged marriage, leading to plenty of entertaining and engrossing moments throughout the book.

I thoroughly enjoyed the overall storyline and the vibrant world crafted by the author. This story offers a delightful mix of sweetness, humour, and allure, leaving me eagerly anticipating further adventures in this captivating universe.


Thank you to The Publisher Random House UK, Cornerstone | Penguin,The Author Sara Raasch & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.