Show of hands—who’s had a rough couple of years? It’s a mark of just how brutal life’s been that I know your hand went up. Life’s been hard. It’s been cruel. And in the summer of 2022, I’d had it. I was tired of being sad and feeling crushed by the continued crap life heaped on us all. So, I set out to recapture joy by writing a rom-com. A silly, irreverent, whimsical rom-com about how you spend your life chasing nostalgia even when you know those moments will never be quite the same; about not just surviving, but living, and doing that while being unapologetically queer.
― Sara Raasch, Letter to indie booksellers
What booksellers are saying about The Nightmare Before Kissmas
- This novel was a charming tale about a marriage competition between the princes of Halloween and Christmas over the princess of Easter. The twist — they fall for each other instead of the princess. Filled with themes of family, the meaning of joy, and how love can heal The Nightmare Before Kissmas was an adorably sweet story that is perfect for the upcoming season.
― Ashton Ahart, Page 158 Books in Wake Forest, North Carolina | BUY
- I came for the silly, lighthearted gay romance, and I stayed for the political coup/anti-capitalist take down of holiday consumerism. Not at all what I expected, I had a jolly time reading this book with all its Christmas shenanigans, delightful flirting, and unique take on the commodification of joy during the holidays.
― Gray Koesters, Carmichael’s Bookstore in Louisville, Kentucky | BUY
- I am obsessed! This is entirely too delightful and it slayed me (sleighed me?)! I need only tell you that the prince of Christmas and the prince of Halloween fall in love. This is a world of holidays with lands and lore, ruling families and political intrigue. Sara Raasch has got me in her pocket and I have never felt more giddy while reading a novel. The holiday highjinks are high key and the foundational friendships had my whole heart.
― Michelle Cavalier, Cavalier House Books in Denham Springs, Louisiana | BUY
- Anyone who knows me knows I LOVE a holiday romance. Put together Christmas AND Halloween??? Bliss! Prince Nicolas “Coal” Claus used to love Christmas. But since his dad turned it into a soulless, predatory corporation, he is jaded. He is set up for a fake marriage to the Princess of Easter (his best friend) to seal a business arrangement. After drowning his sorrows, he has a super sexy brief encounter with a mysterious man behind the bar. Later he finds out that that man is the ultra-hot Prince Hex of Halloween. Light and dark magic combine to create super fiery scenes and a deeply satisfying ending!
― Kelly Justice, Fountain Books in Richmond, Virginia | BUY
About Sara Raasch
Sara Raasch grew up among the cornfields of Ohio and currently lives in the historical corridor of southeastern Virginia. She is the New York Times bestselling author of seven books for young adults. In her debut adult novel, Raasch offers readers all the joy, irreverent wit, and crackling sexiness of your favorite sweet-as-a candy-cane holiday romp.
