Hello Readers,
I devoured this book in one sitting. I was promised a
blend of ‘Red, White & Royal Blue’ meets ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas,’
and it absolutely delivered. This review might just turn into a love letter to
Sara, in the words of Anne Boleyn “Sorry not sorry.” Spoilers in this review.
I was a bit hesitant to start this book, worried it might
set itself up to fail with such a bold comparison. But I’m thrilled to say it
exceeded all my expectations. I should have picked it up much sooner. I will
not be discussing the smut or spice levels as that’s all down to personal
preference.
“The Nightmare Before Kissmas” is the first book in the Royals
and Romance Series, and I can not wait for Go Luck Yourself to publish next
year (11/03/25). Nicholas 'Coal' Claus is the heir to the Christmas legacy,
grappling with the pressures to meet the high expectations place upon him. I
couldn’t help but love Coal he’s a kind-hearted individual who is always
striving to bring joy to others, even if it’s just for a moment. I loved how
relatable Coal’s chaotic mindset was. He was funny, messy in all the right
ways, and I loved watching him grow throughout the book.
I also adored Coals relationship with his brother Kris. I
was initially concerned that there might be some sibling rivalry, but I was
pleasantly surprised to find that their dynamic was far from the typical
sibling rivalry. Coal and Kris are incredibly close, thick as thieves, and
genuinely loved each other. Their banter and sibling mischief added an extra
layer of charm to the story, making it an even more enjoyable read.
Slight spoiler: After a night of revelry, Coal
unexpectedly kisses a stranger, only to discover years later he’s met the
Prince of Halloween. Their fateful encounter soon leads them into a political
competition which is a marriage of convenience to the Easter princess. The
ensuing holiday hijinks and secret hook-ups are both hilarious and steamy,
filled with heart and tension.
The relationship between Coal and Hex was absolutely
delightful. It wasn’t just an instant-lust trope, instead it struck the perfect
balance between a slow-burn and a swift connection. It was just perfect and felt
just right for them. Their raw moments of mutual understanding, heartfelt
conversations, and playful banter were simply charming.
Moving on from gushing about Coal and Hex the world this
story is set in was fantastic. I’ve always loved a good political storyline,
and the concept of a marriage of convenience adds a delightful twist to this trope.
Each holiday has its own monarchy, each vying to be the most popular to
maintain their magic. Sara’s attention to the little details of each holiday,
capturing their distinct spirits, was superb. I truly couldn’t ask for more.
This was perfect Christmas book and I can’t wait to
reread it next year.
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