Sunday, November 3, 2024

The Nightmare Before Kissmas by Sara Raasch

A holiday romance with a twist of Halloween mischief!

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"The Nightmare Before Kissmas" is a delightful holiday confection that will satisfy your sweet tooth and leave you craving more. Sara Raasch has proven she can bring the same magic to adult romance that made her YA fantasies bestsellers.

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‘Tis the season for cozy holiday romances, but Sara Raasch’s “The Nightmare Before Kissmas” brings a delightfully wicked twist to the genre. Picture this: Christmas and Halloween collide in a whirlwind of glitter, pumpkins, and steamy make-out sessions. Sound intriguing? You bet your jingle bells it is!

A Fresh Take on Holiday Magic

Look, I’m a sucker for a good Christmas rom-com. You know the type – small towns, hot cocoa, and inevitably someone falling off a ladder while hanging lights. But Raasch’s debut adult novel throws all those tropes out the frosted window and delivers something wickedly fresh.

Our hero, Nicholas “Coal” Claus, is the reluctant heir to the Christmas throne. But instead of visions of sugarplums, he’s got a head full of cynicism and a desperate need to escape his father’s PR-obsessed version of the holiday. Sound familiar to anyone else who’s endured one too many forced family photo ops?

When Holidays Collide

Enter Hex, the brooding Prince of Halloween. Dark, mysterious, and sporting an impressive collection of corset vests (be still my beating heart!), he’s everything Coal never knew he wanted. Their initial drunken hookup behind a bar is equal parts hilarious and scorching hot. But here’s the kicker – Coal has no idea who Hex really is. Talk about a holiday hangover, am I right?

The plot thickens faster than Grandma’s gravy when Coal is forced into a political engagement with Iris, the Easter Princess. Oh, and did I mention she’s his best friend and his brother’s longtime crush? Cue the disaster bells!

A Love Triangle with Bite

Raasch weaves a tangled web of fake competitions, forbidden attraction, and enough sexual tension to melt the North Pole. The banter between Coal and Hex is electric, full of witty quips and delicious innuendos. Their stolen moments had me alternately fanning myself and giggling like a schoolgirl.

But it’s not all mistletoe and candy canes. The author deftly explores themes of family expectation, finding your own path, and the pressure of living up to a legacy. Coal’s journey from reluctant heir to someone who genuinely wants to make a difference is surprisingly poignant.

World-Building that Sparkles

One of the absolute joys of this book is the rich world Raasch has created. The inner workings of Christmas as a political entity are fascinating. From the “Merry Measure” (a device that tracks global joy levels) to the complex relationships between different holiday kingdoms, there’s a depth here that goes beyond your average fluffy romance.

And don’t get me started on Halloween! The glimpses we get of Hex’s world are deliciously spooky. I’m crossing my fingers (and toes) for a sequel that dives deeper into the realm of jack-o’-lanterns and haunted houses.

Characters That Steal Your Heart

While Coal and Hex are undoubtedly the stars of the show, the supporting cast shines just as brightly. Kris, Coal’s steadfast brother, tugged at my heartstrings. His unrequited love for Iris adds a bittersweet undercurrent to the story. And Iris herself is far more than just a plot device – her struggle with duty versus desire mirrors Coal’s own journey.

Even the villainous Santa Claus (Coal’s father) has layers. His motivations, while misguided, come from a place of genuine love for his family and Christmas itself. It’s this nuanced approach to character that elevates “The Nightmare Before Kissmas” above your average holiday romp.

Steamy Scenes with a Side of Humor

Let’s talk about the ahem intimate moments, shall we? Raasch doesn’t shy away from the heat, but she infuses these scenes with the same wit and charm present throughout the rest of the book. There’s a particularly memorable encounter involving some accidental Halloween magic that had me laughing out loud (no spoilers, but let’s just say things get a little… ghostly).

A New Holiday Classic?

“The Nightmare Before Kissmas” isn’t perfect. The pacing occasionally stumbles, and some of the political machinations can feel a tad convoluted. But these are minor quibbles in what is otherwise a thoroughly enjoyable romp.

Raasch has crafted a story that’s equal parts heartwarming and hilarious, with just the right amount of steam to fog up your glasses. It’s the literary equivalent of spiked eggnog – sweet, indulgent, and guaranteed to leave you with a warm fuzzy feeling.

Who Should Read This Book?

  • Fans of quirky, genre-bending romances
  • Anyone who’s ever felt the pressure of family expectations during the holidays
  • Readers who like their Christmas stories with a dash of Halloween spice
  • Those who appreciate witty banter and steamy tension in equal measure

The Verdict

“The Nightmare Before Kissmas” is a delightful holiday confection that will satisfy your sweet tooth and leave you craving more. Sara Raasch has proven she can bring the same magic to adult romance that made her YA fantasies bestsellers.

So grab a mug of hot cocoa (maybe spike it with a little peppermint schnapps), curl up by the fire, and lose yourself in this charming tale of holiday love. Just don’t blame me if you find yourself hanging Halloween decorations next to your Christmas lights!

What’s Next?

The good news? This is just the beginning of the “Royals and Romance” series. The next book, “Go Luck Yourself,” promises to dive into the world of St. Patrick’s Day. I, for one, can’t wait to see what kind of mischief Raasch cooks up next. Will we see more of Coal and Hex? Only time (and maybe a little Christmas magic) will tell!

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"The Nightmare Before Kissmas" is a delightful holiday confection that will satisfy your sweet tooth and leave you craving more. Sara Raasch has proven she can bring the same magic to adult romance that made her YA fantasies bestsellers.The Nightmare Before Kissmas by Sara Raasch