About the Book
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Author:
- Sara Raasch
First Impressions: November
What’s Your Type? Unwanted Arranged Marriage, Star-Crossed Lovers, Royal Romance, Love at Christmas
Meet Cute: Dark Alley
The Lean: On My Wishlist
Dirty Talk: Under the Mistletoe
We Need to Talk: Poinsettia Politics (And Brotherly Love)
Was it Good For You? Merry Christmas
Content Warning: The Nightmare Before Kissmas features depictions of an emotionally abusive parent and the suggestion of physical abuse.
First Impressions: November
There’s not really a clear line between Halloween and Christmas anymore. At some point in early November, the two holidays just blend as the season switches over. (Coal would 100% make an “I show you the seasons blending” joke here, and I love him for that.) Mostly in stores, but there are folks in my neighborhood who left their Halloween decor up until they got their Christmas stuff out.
What’s Your Type?
- Unwanted Arranged Marriage
- Starcrossed Lovers
- Royal Romance
- Love at Christmas
Dating Profile
Nicolas “Coal” Claus is the heir to the Christmas throne and all that comes with being Santa. He’s never really wanted the title, however, and he goes to great lengths to cement his reputation as a ne’er-do-well. Until he’s forced to revisit his priorities, and realizes that he actually wants to make people happy. Even himself.
Hex Hallow is the heir to the Halloween throne. He’s moody and mysterious and wears dark eyeliner and clothes that would make a Goth drool. He doesn’t want to be stuck at Christmas during, well, Christmas, but the powers that be—in this case, his parents and Santa—have stuck him in a seemingly no-win scenario.
Meet Cute: Dark Alley
Coal and Hex initially meet (and make out) outside of a semi-seedy bar after Coal has three too many drinks. The event has plagued Coal for the one and a half years since, but he figures he’ll never see the handsome stranger again. Until Hex walks into the Christmas palace as none other than Coal’s rival to marry Iris, Coal’s best friend and Easter Princess. (Who, mind you, neither actually wants to marry. Iris is a-OK with that.)
The Lean: On My Wishlist
Coal pretty much wrote off the best kiss of his life as a drunken escapade with a stranger. And when he realizes who Hex is, and why he’s at the palace, he figures that nothing between them will ever happen again. But the two are drawn together, time and time again, and soon realize that they have more in common than not wanting to marry Iris—including wanting to devour each other as often as possible. They’re absolutely adorable, and even when Coal’s being a little over-the-top with his passion and emotions, it’s clear that they’re destined for something more than a dalliance.
Dirty Talk: Under the Mistletoe
As Hex and Coal get closer, the action ramps up in the most delicious of ways. There’s a lot of, for the lack of a better term, eye-fucking at the start of the book, even when Coal thinks Hex isn’t into him. Later, the two can barely keep their hands off of each other, and there are at least two different scenes in which some serious spice happens.
“This is me realizing, that in all our time together”—he undoes my belt; it tugs my attention down and his eyes lock mine in place—”I haven’t gotten to taste you.” The button slides out of my pants, the zipper rattles with metallic clicks as it lowers. “This is me getting us back to a place where I can do what I told you to do.” He curls his fingers around the edge of my pants and boxers and lowers both, eyes still on mine, wrenching my heart. “Because if I let you take me to bed right now, I know you would worship me, and I don’t want that. Yet. I want you to ravage me first.”
Ms. Perky’s Prize for Purplest Prose
Coal is a snarky guy with a lot of heart, and Raasch crafted his thoughts and dialogue with great care. I laughed multiple times while reading this book, in addition to swooning and getting a little teary eyed. He’s an onion, and as the layers are peeled back, you can see how much of a great person Coal really is. Even (or especially) when he’s tripping all over himself.
“Ah-ah, no arguing, Christmas Prince. You are the one who sought me out for Halloween’s undeniable better qualities. Do you want me to adopt you?”
“Oh yes, Daddyyy—” WHAT.
Oh my god, stop talking, stop talking—
I don’t.
“—yyyyyy,” is what keeps coming out of my mouth, followed by a strangled, “Noooo.”
And then, for no discernible reason, I make finger guns at him.
We Need to Talk: Poinsettia Politics (And Brotherly Love)
Although this book is a romance, the romance happens because of political machinations. It’s fascinating to read about holidays as if they were royal houses with all the trappings that come with trying to rule a nation—and a nation that comes with the responsibility of bringing joy to everyone who celebrates worldwide. I love the idea that this society exists alongside our own, and hope that we get to learn more about it in subsequent books. (The second in the series will be out next year.)
I also loved the relationship between Coal and his brother—the spare prince—Kris. They’re both so loving and loyal toward each other, but they’re not afraid to argue or be total shits to each other. They have such wonderful rapport, but Raasch also wasn’t afraid to lean into their general “dudeness,” when they do things like play “ball tag.” (If you don’t know what this is, I think you can probably figure it out. It’s not tag in the running sense.)
Was it Good For You? Merry Christmas
I pre-ordered this book from the blurb alone—Red, White & Royal Blue meets The Nightmare Before Christmas in a sexy, quirky romcom where the golden-hearted Prince of Christmas falls for the totally off-limits Prince of Halloween.—and I was not disappointed. It was a perfect holiday read and a truly fun one at that. Although this book was released in October, I’m really glad I waited for the weather to get a little cooler so I could have a fire in the fireplace and a warm beverage by my side while reading. Do yourself a favor and give yourself the gift of knowing Coal and Hex!
FTC Full Disclosure: I brought a copy of this book with my own money and got neither a private dance party with Tom Hiddleston nor money in exchange for this review. The Nightmare Before Kissmas is available now.
This sounds cute!
Super cute! I might suggest it for a holiday pick next year …
I loved this book so so much! Debating sneaking a reread in before Christmas lol.
You should! I’m a bit sad I didn’t read it when it first came out, but saving it for December turned out to be a good decision!