A review by alex9
The Nightmare Before Kissmas by Sara Raasch

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

I think I’m finally becoming a romance enjoyer, which I would’ve sworn two or three years ago could never happen.
Unfortunately the title of this book (and the last shreds of my denial of publicly enjoying romance) stopped me from buying a copy of this from my local bookstore. Yes, the title is a bit funny, I will admit that now. I wish I had just gone ahead and grabbed a copy earlier instead of waiting for the ebook version from my library to become available, because it was truly fun and enjoyable.
A cute story that does require a suspension of disbelief and a willingness to overlook a lack of world building and a full magic system explanation. Hopefully more will be coming in the next book, if I can actually get up the courage to hand something titled Go Luck Yourself to the bookstore cashier. 
I also thought the MC and his brother’s different reactions to their family problems were realistic and allowed the reader to see more of who they were as characters. I wish we got more conversation between Coal and Hex about stuff that wasn’t Important Topics or flirting, but I was glad that them getting together wasn’t super rushed and they were both able to talk about things without immediately jumping into hooking up. I also enjoyed the side characters and hopefully we get to see Iris get her romance in a third book.