The Nightmare Before Kissmas Review: Holiday Romance by Sara Raasch
As November settles in, my mood-reading tendencies take a turn—from devouring stories about witches and vampires to diving into holiday-themed romances where Santa seems to play matchmaker. Kicking off my Holiday TBR is The Nightmare Before Kissmas by Sara Raasch. This festive fantasy is the perfect bridge between Halloween and Christmas, featuring a love triangle like no other: the Prince of Halloween and the Prince of Christmas vie for the Princess of Easter’s hand in marriage. But here’s the twist—they might be more interested in each other than in the princess! Keep reading for my spoiler-free review of this unique holiday tale.
Even better, it’s available on Kindle Unlimited, making it easy to dive into this magical romance at no extra cost if you’re a subscriber. Not a member yet? Start a free trial today and cozy up with this enchanting read and countless others this holiday season!
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The Nightmare Before Kissmas by Sara Raasch
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶
Taylor Swift Song That Vibes: “False God”
Tropes: Slow-burn romance, golden retriever/black cat, enemies-to-lovers, opposites-attract
Favorite Quote: “Joy creates magic.”
In The Nightmare Before Kissmas by Sara Raasch, the Christmas season takes a wildly romantic twist when Nicholas “Coal” Claus—the golden-hearted but disillusioned Prince of Christmas—falls for Hex, the brooding and forbidden Prince of Halloween. Coal, weary of his father’s polished Christmas image, tries to break free only to land in a “love competition” for the hand of the Easter Princess. But things get complicated fast when his rival in this staged romance turns out to be Hex, the mysterious man from a passionate night that Coal can’t forget. Full of festive mischief, sizzling chemistry, and laugh-out-loud moments, this rom-com brings holiday magic to life in a love story you won’t want to miss. This is on Kindle Unlimited.
What is The Nightmare Before Kissmas About?
Sara Raasch delivers a delightfully unconventional holiday romance in The Nightmare Before Kissmas. Nicholas “Coal” Claus, the rebellious heir to Christmas, has lost his love for the holiday thanks to his father’s PR-driven spectacle. When forced into a marriage of convenience with his best friend, Iris, the Easter Princess, Coal’s life spirals into chaos. Enter Hex, the enigmatic Prince of Halloween and Coal’s mysterious hookup from a chance encounter. As sparks fly and tension builds, their fake competition for Iris’s hand takes a backseat to a fiery slow-burn romance that will melt even the iciest heart.
Why The Nightmare Before Kissmas is the Perfect Holiday Romance
If you’re looking for a holiday read that bridges the gap between spooky season and festive cheer, The Nightmare Before Kissmas is an ideal choice. The story perfectly balances Halloween’s dark, brooding energy with the warmth and whimsy of Christmas. Hex, the Prince of Halloween, brings an edgy, mischievous vibe to the romance, while Coal, the heir to Christmas, embodies the reluctant cheer that defines a holiday redemption arc.
Sara Raasch delivers a story that’s as memorable as it is heartwarming. The Nightmare Before Kissmas stands out not just for its unique holiday premise, but for the emotional depth and engaging characters that bring the story to life.
I found myself completely invested—not just in Coal and Hex’s electric slow-burn romance, but in the lives of every side character as well. The supporting cast felt vibrant and real, adding layers to the story and making the world feel immersive and alive.
The writing itself was beautifully detailed for the most part, pulling the emotions of the characters right off the page. That said, there were moments where the descriptions felt a bit sparse, which disrupted the flow slightly. However, this didn’t diminish my overall enjoyment of the book.
This is a story that will stick with me for a long time, and I’m already counting down the days until the release of the next book in the Royals and Romance series. Go Luck Yourself, coming out on March 11, 2025, will follow Coal’s brother, Kris, and the Prince of St. Patrick’s Day. If it’s anything like this one, it promises to be just as captivating and full of charm.
Taylor Swift Song That Matches the Vibe: “False God”
“False God” from Lover is a fitting match for The Nightmare Before Kissmas because its smooth, sultry tone perfectly encapsulates the complex and magnetic relationship between Coal and Hex. The song’s themes of temptation, uncertainty, and a love that defies traditional boundaries resonate with the unconventional romance in the book.
Final Thoughts
The Nightmare Before Kissmas is a delightfully festive and emotionally rich story that perfectly transitions from Halloween’s edge to Christmas’s warmth. With its memorable characters, steamy slow-burn romance, and a unique holiday-themed premise, it’s a must-read for anyone craving something fresh and fun this season. Whether you’re here for the love story, the magic of the holidays, or the playful holiday rivalry, this book delivers it all with heart and humor.
If you’re looking for even more festive reads to add to your holiday TBR, check out my post on Top Holiday Romance Books: New Releases to Cozy Up With!
Looking for the perfect gifts for the book lovers in your life? Don’t miss my Holiday Gift Guide for Book Lovers: Unique Picks for Every Reader on Your List!
Have you added The Nightmare Before Kissmas to your holiday TBR? Or are there other festive reads you’re excited to dive into this season? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your recommendations!
