Sara Raasch's The Nightmare Before Kissmas is a delightful romp through a world where holiday figures are not just mythical beings but complex characters with their own desires, conflicts, and romantic entanglements. The novel cleverly combines elements from Red, White & Royal Blue and The Nightmare Before Christmas, creating a unique narrative that is both whimsical and deeply engaging.

At the heart of the story is Nicholas “Coal” Claus, the reluctant heir to the Christmas throne. Coal's character is richly developed, embodying the tension between familial duty and personal desire. His disillusionment with the commercialization of Christmas is a poignant commentary on the modern holiday experience, adding depth to his character. Raasch skillfully portrays Coal's internal struggle, making him a relatable and sympathetic protagonist. His journey from a disenchanted prince to someone who embraces his true self is both compelling and heartwarming.

Enter Hex, the enigmatic Prince of Halloween. Hex is the perfect foil to Coal, with his mysterious allure and rebellious spirit. Their chemistry is electric from their first encounter, a drunken make-out session that sets the stage for their tumultuous relationship. Raasch excels in crafting their dynamic, balancing humor and tension with skillful precision. The evolution of their relationship is a highlight of the novel, as they navigate the complexities of their respective worlds and the expectations placed upon them.

The novel's secondary characters are equally well-crafted, adding richness to the story. Iris, the Easter Princess, is more than just a pawn in the political machinations of the holiday kingdoms. Her friendship with Coal is genuine and adds an additional layer of complexity to the narrative. The subplot involving Coal's brother and his unrequited feelings for Iris adds depth to the story, highlighting the intricate web of relationships that Raasch has woven.

One of the novel's standout features is its exploration of themes such as identity, duty, and love. Raasch deftly examines the pressure of familial expectations and the courage it takes to forge one's own path. The fake competition between Coal and Hex serves as a metaphor for the societal pressures they face, and their eventual defiance of these expectations is both satisfying and empowering. The novel's message about the importance of being true to oneself is delivered with sincerity and resonates deeply.

Raasch's writing is both witty and evocative, capturing the magic of the holiday worlds she has created. Her descriptions of the Christmas and Halloween realms are vivid and imaginative, immersing readers in a fantastical setting that feels both familiar and new. The novel's pacing is brisk, with a perfect balance of humor, romance, and drama that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

In comparison to other holiday-themed romances, The Nightmare Before Kissmas stands out for its originality and depth. While it shares thematic similarities with Casey McQuiston's Red, White & Royal Blue, particularly in its exploration of forbidden love and political intrigue, Raasch's novel offers a unique twist with its holiday-centric setting and mythical characters. The influence of The Nightmare Before Christmas is evident in the novel's whimsical tone and imaginative world-building, but Raasch's story is distinctly her own.

Overall, The Nightmare Before Kissmas is a delightful and thought-provoking read that will appeal to fans of romantic comedies and fantasy alike. Raasch has crafted a story that is both entertaining and meaningful, with characters that linger in the mind long after the last page is turned. It is a testament to the power of love and the courage it takes to be true to oneself, wrapped in a package that is as enchanting as it is unforgettable.

For readers seeking a holiday romance that is both quirky and profound, The Nightmare Before Kissmas is a must-read. Its blend of humor, heart, and holiday magic makes it a standout addition to the genre, and a perfect read for anyone looking to escape into a world where love conquers all, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.