Deck the Halls with Boughs of… Halloween?
Hold onto your Santa hats, folks, because Sara Raasch’s “The Nightmare Before Kissmas” is about to sleigh your expectations of holiday romance! This delightfully quirky romp through the magical world of Holiday royalty is like spiking your eggnog with a dash of Halloween punch – unexpected, a little naughty, and oh-so-delicious.
A Tale of Two Princes
Our story centers on Nicholas “Coal” Claus, the reluctant heir to the Christmas throne. Once upon a time, Coal loved the holiday season. But years of watching his father, the reigning Santa, turn Christmas into a soulless PR machine have left our prince feeling more Grinch than jolly old elf.
Enter Hex, the mysterious and wickedly attractive Prince of Halloween. After a steamy encounter behind a bar (talk about checking it twice!), Coal can’t get the dark and brooding royal out of his head. But duty calls, and Coal finds himself trapped in a marriage of convenience with his best friend, Iris, the Easter Princess.
Oh, and did I mention Iris is the not-so-secret crush of Coal’s brother, Kris? Yeah, it’s complicated.
Ho Ho… Oh No: The Plot Thickens
When Hex arrives at the North Pole as a rival suitor for Iris’s hand, the stage is set for a delicious fake competition that has both princes questioning everything they thought they knew about love, duty, and the true meaning of their respective holidays.
A Winter Wonderland of Witty Banter
Raasch’s writing sparkles brighter than tinsel on a Christmas tree. The dialogue crackles with humor and heart, making it impossible not to fall head over heels for Coal and Hex. Their chemistry is hotter than chestnuts roasting on an open fire, and the way they navigate their growing feelings while trying to maintain their princely facades is both hilarious and heartwarming.
Naughty and Nice: Character Deep Dive
Coal: Our Reluctant Christmas Prince
Coal is a protagonist you can’t help but root for. His journey from disillusioned royal to someone who rediscovers the magic of his holiday is beautifully crafted. Raasch expertly balances Coal’s snarky exterior with moments of vulnerability that make him feel incredibly real.
Hex: Halloween’s Hottest Export
Hex could have easily been a one-note “bad boy” character, but Raasch gives him depth and nuance that make him utterly captivating. His struggle between duty to Halloween and his growing feelings for Coal adds a layer of complexity to the story that elevates it beyond a simple rom-com.
Supporting Cast: A Gift That Keeps on Giving
The secondary characters are far from afterthoughts. Iris, Kris, and even Coal’s father, the current Santa, all have their own arcs that intertwine beautifully with the main plot. Each character feels fully realized, adding richness to the world Raasch has created.
Unwrapping the Themes
Love Conquers All (Even Holiday Rivalries)
At its core, “The Nightmare Before Kissmas” is a story about love breaking down barriers. Coal and Hex’s relationship challenges the notion that different holidays can’t coexist, let alone fall in love. It’s a beautiful metaphor for accepting and embracing our differences.
Duty vs. Desire
Both Coal and Hex grapple with the weight of their royal responsibilities. The book explores the tension between fulfilling societal expectations and following one’s heart in a way that feels genuine and relatable, even in this fantastical setting.
Rediscovering Joy
Coal’s journey to reconnect with the true spirit of Christmas mirrors our own struggles to find meaning in holiday traditions that can sometimes feel commercialized or hollow. It’s a reminder that joy often comes from unexpected places – and people.
A Gift-Wrapped Package of Literary Delights
World-Building That Sparkles
Raasch’s imagination runs wild in creating a world where holiday mascots are literal royalty. The details of how each holiday kingdom functions are clever and often laugh-out-loud funny. From magical mistletoe portals to Halloween curses that conjure ghostly decorations, the world-building is both whimsical and internally consistent.
Pacing as Smooth as a Sleigh Ride
The story moves at a brisk clip, with plenty of twists and turns to keep readers engaged. Raasch expertly balances moments of high tension with quieter, character-driven scenes, creating a reading experience that’s as addictive as Christmas cookies.
Steamy Scenes That’ll Melt the Snow
Let’s be real – the chemistry between Coal and Hex is explosive. Raasch doesn’t shy away from some seriously steamy scenes, but they always feel earned and in service of the emotional journey of the characters. Consider this your official “hearts for eyes” emoji warning!
Wrapping It Up: Final Thoughts
“The Nightmare Before Kissmas” is a holiday treat that you’ll want to devour in one sitting. It’s the perfect blend of fantasy, romance, and holiday cheer, with a dash of Halloween spookiness for good measure. Raasch has crafted a story that’s both wildly imaginative and deeply relatable, reminding us that love can bloom in the most unexpected places – even between the princes of Christmas and Halloween.
Who Should Stuff This in Their Stocking?
- Fans of holiday romances looking for something fresh and unique
- Readers who love a good enemies-to-lovers trope (with a royal twist!)
- Anyone who’s ever felt the holiday blues and needs a reminder of the magic
- LGBTQ+ romance enthusiasts craving representation in fantasy settings
The Final Verdict
Five out of five candy canes! “The Nightmare Before Kissmas” is a gift that keeps on giving, page after delightful page. Sara Raasch has delivered a modern holiday classic that’s sure to become an annual re-read for romance lovers everywhere.
So grab a mug of hot cocoa (or maybe some spiked cider?), curl up by the fire, and lose yourself in this enchanting tale of two princes who prove that sometimes, the best presents come wrapped in unexpected packages. Just be prepared – you might find yourself hanging mistletoe next to your jack-o’-lanterns this year!
