The Nightmare Before Kissmas
Sara Raasch
Coal is the eldest prince of Christmas. Someday he will take over for his father, Santa Claus. Each kingdom/holiday has some form of monarchs. His best friend is Iris the princess of Easter. Coal's brother Kris, is in love with Iris but hasn't shared that fact with her yet. Hex is the prince of Halloween and wears quite a fashion statement.
Coal was drunk when he met a man in the alley behind the bar and kissed him; the man disappeared. The kiss must have made a lasting impression because Coal couldn't stop thinking about it. Coal's father has his life planned for him. He forces him to attend Yale, to study global economy and now to return home for photo ops. The papparozzi were all gathered at the North Pole. Santa was throwing a big party. Iris was there with her father the Easter Bunny. Without consulting Iris or Coal it is announced they are in love and to be married. Then Santa brings in Hex to be a rival against Coal. There was no rivalry between them just a lot of lust. It seems Santa has a plan to manipulate/blackmail Halloween into an alliance along with all the other holidays. He is demanding a tith of Joy. Santa wants to be the "King" of all the holidays.
I think I will start with the characters. Coal/Nick is rather immature and self centered in the beginning of the book. The reader watches as he matures and becomes a trustworthy man, a man worthy of being Santa. I love Kris; he is definitely my favorite character. Iris is sweet, intelligent, loyal and a great friend. I didn't care for Hex he was manipulative. Coal's father, Santa is controling and dislikeable. The plot is unique; I have never read a tale that had Santa trying to strong arm the other holidays. I don't think this will be come a holiday classic but it is interesting.

I'm not normally a reader, this was the first true book I've read in years. And I'm desprate to get the second one.

The book is a wonderful blend of holiday emotions (joy and grief), Fanasty (minor magic) and queer love. Coal is written so well, and I know that I related to him during the whole novel. I've already told a few of my friends they need to read this

Packaged really well. First time ordering a book from this app. I was scared it was going to be wrinkly but it arrived safe with no frayed edges! Also, this is my first book that has a sprayed edge. Lovely surprise!

This is, like, the top book I've read this year. I love it so much, and it's a perfect read for the holidays coming up. I can't wait for the next book to come and hopefully there at least be a third in the season 🤞🤞🤞