The Nightmare Before Kissmas

About The Book
Nicholas “Coal” Claus, heir to Christmas, finds himself stuck in a PR-driven holiday spectacle, including an arranged marriage to Iris, the Easter Princess. Things spiral when Coal’s mysterious one-night fling, Hex, the Prince of Halloween, becomes his rival in a competition for her hand. Amid chaos, forbidden chemistry, and holiday drama.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4ihyH0p

My Rating

I had high hopes for this book, especially since people compared it to Red, White & Royal Blue and The Nightmare Before Christmas. While I haven’t read Red, White & Royal Blue, this felt like how I imagine that book would be. Unfortunately, I didn’t get much of a The Nightmare Before Christmas vibe—it’s more of a reimagining than a retelling.

The story is a fun M/M romance with a bit of a marriage-of-convenience twist (but not with who you’d expect). The main trope is forced proximity, which was enjoyable, but I struggled with the main character, Coal, the Prince of Christmas. He’s supposed to be rebellious and carefree, but he came off more as a sensitive prankster. The author seemed to want him to be emotionally closed-off, but he didn’t come across that way to me at all.

On the other hand, I really liked Hex, the Prince of Halloween. He’s serious but has a playful side that made him really interesting. Honestly, I think the story would’ve worked better from his point of view—or, even better, a dual perspective. Coal’s narration didn’t quite do it for me, and I think seeing Hex’s side would’ve added more depth to the romance.

“Ah-ah, no arguing, Christmas Prince. You are the one who sought me out for Halloween’s undeniable better qualities.”

One part I really loved was Coal’s relationship with his brother Kris and their friend Iris. The sibling dynamic between the three of them was one of my favorite parts of the book. I do wish we got to know Iris a bit better, but the three of them shared such great moments. Honestly, their friendship and banter was probably my favorite aspect of the book. It even topped the romance for me.

As for the plot—it was fine but nothing special. It felt a bit too long in places, and I was hoping for a more standout story. That said, the world-building was really well done. The author took the essence of The Nightmare Before Christmas and made it their own, which I thought was very creative. However, keep in mind that it might not give you those nostalgic Nightmare Before Christmas feelings.

Overall, it wasn’t a bad book, but it didn’t wow me either. I wanted more from the characters, the story, and especially the banter. And yes, if you’ve read any of my book reviews before, you know that me wanting more banter is a crazy thing to say. Still, if you’re looking for a queer holiday romance with a fantasy setting, it’s worth checking out. Just don’t go in with too many expectations either way.

In the comments, let me know if you watch The Nightmare Before Christmas at Halloween or Christmas. Don’t forget to hit the follow button so you can stay updated on book reviews and other bookish posts!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Hi Friends,
Today I’m sharing my November TBR and talking about the books I plan to read this month. I’m actually doing my TBR a little differently. I got this idea from Rachel Cerys, a BookTuber who uses prompts to pick her TBR. To make it more fun and challenging, she also uses a spinner wheel with added challenges. Some options on the spinner include picking two prompts and choosing one, selecting two books for one prompt, or combining two prompts. There’s also “add a spin” and “standard,” where I simply pick a prompt. I hope that makes sense! If it’s unclear, I’d definitely recommend checking out one of Rachel Cerys TBR videos.

I planned to do only seven spins, but throughout the game, I landed on “add a spin” four times, so I ended up with 11 spins/prompts.

Standard: A Book You’ve Been Putting Off

There are two books I’ve really been putting off, but one I definitely didn’t want to read. So, I chose Two Twisted Crowns, the sequel to One Dark Window and the conclusion to the duology.
Related Post: One Dark Window | Book Review

Combine 2 Prompts: An Illustrated Cover / Book You Wanted to Read Last Year

This was an easy choice. I’ve wanted to read Kiss Her Once for Me since it was released in 2022. It’s a holiday fake-dating queer romance that sounds fantastic.

1 Prompt, 2 Books: Two or More Authors / A Holiday Romance

For this, I chose A Holly Jolly Ever After, which I meant to read last year but didn’t get around to. This is the companion novel to A Merry Little Meet Cute, which I enjoyed. My second pick was Three Holidays and a Wedding, a festive story about two very different women who meet on a plane and share secrets during some scary turbulence.
Related Post: A Merry Little Meet Cute | Book Review

Choose 2, Pick 1: Owned for More Than a Year / Published This Year

I had my husband choose which prompt to pick, and he went with “Published This Year” because he’s been wanting me to read Bride by Ali Hazelwood. I’m nervous about this one since I’ve heard mixed things.

Combine 2 Prompts: Under 300 Pages / Red or Green on the Cover

This was another easy choice since I have so many holiday books on my list. I chose It’s a Fabulous Life, a queer reimagining of It’s A Wonderful Life. Need I say more?

Standard: A Book with a Family Relationship

For this prompt, I picked a mystery thriller, You Must Remember This by Kat Rosenfield. I tried reading it last year but couldn’t get into it. I’m hoping to finish it this time.

Standard: One-Word Title

I realized I don’t own many books with one-word titles, but I do have Hunted by Meagan Spooner. I’ve wanted to read this Beauty and the Beast retelling for years—it seems like the perfect winter read.

1 Prompt, 2 Books: Most Recent Purchases

I wasn’t too upset about picking two books here since it means I get to read some of my newer purchases. I chose The Nightmare Before Kissmas, a Nightmare Before Christmas-inspired M/M holiday romance, and The Stars Are Dying, a romantasy I know nothing about.

Standard: Published in the Current Month

Of course, I had to pick another holiday romance for this prompt! I chose The Christmas Wish, where the main character is stuck in a time loop, reliving Christmas Day over and over.

Combine 2 Prompts: A Gifted Book / A Book Over 400 Pages

I decided it was time to finish the Twilight saga and read Breaking Dawn. This book is over 700 pages, easily fitting the “over 400 pages” prompt, and it’s part of the Twilight white edition box set I received as a gift last Christmas.
Related Post: Twilight | Book Review

Choose 2, Pick 1: A Book About a Holiday / Author You’re Thankful For

I was torn between these prompts because both fit the season well. I ultimately chose “Author You’re Thankful For” and picked Elsie Silver. This is my first year reading her books, and I’ve quickly become a fan. I’ll be reading Powerless, the third book in the Chestnut Springs series.
Related Post: Flawless | Book Review

There you have my very ambitious November TBR! Here’s hoping I get to all or at least half of these books. Let me know in the comments what’s on your TBR for the month, and don’t forget to hit the follow button so you never miss a post!