My Book Review of Nightmare Before Kissmas by Sara Raasch

The Nightmare Before Kissmas American Cover

I finished this book last night and have been so excited to write this review since chapter three. It will be released October 8, 2024...just 5 days away from the time I post this. I honestly had a hard time putting it down. If you’re looking for a holiday read that perfectly blends the spooky vibes of Halloween with the festive cheer of Christmas, Nightmare Before Kissmas by Sara Raasch is your go-to book. This quirky rom-com introduces us to Nicholas “Coal” Claus, the Prince of Christmas, and Hex, the Prince of Halloween. Their worlds collide in the most delightful way, creating a story that’s both heartwarming and hilariously chaotic. Raasch’s writing is engaging and witty, making it hard to put the book down once you start.

Hex, the Prince of Halloween

One of the standout aspects of this book is the character development. Coal and Hex are not just charming leads; they have depth and personality that make their romance believable and endearing. Coal’s golden-hearted nature contrasts beautifully with Hex’s more rebellious spirit, and their chemistry is off the charts. The supporting characters also add a lot of flavor to the story, making the world feel rich and vibrant.

Coal, the Prince of Christmas

Raasch does a fantastic job of balancing humor and emotion. There are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, especially when the cultural quirks of Christmas and Halloween clash. But the book also touches on deeper themes, like the commercialization of holidays and the importance of staying true to oneself. It’s a fun read that also makes you think, which is a rare and delightful combination.

Overall, Nightmare Before Kissmas is a must-read for fans of holiday romances and paranormal comedies. It’s a fresh take on the holiday genre that will leave you smiling long after you’ve turned the last page. Whether you’re a fan of Christmas, Halloween, or just a good love story, this book has something for everyone. So grab a cup of hot cocoa, curl up by the fire, and dive into this enchanting tale!

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Date Me Bryson Keller by Kevin van Whye Book Review

Date Me Bryson Keller by Kevin van Whye

Date Me Bryson Keller North American cover

This YA romance was absolutely adorable, featuring a coming-out storyline that felt genuinely realistic, especially in regions of the US and the world where conservative religion still holds sway. I appreciated how Kai and Bryson were portrayed as real teenagers rather than exaggerated stereotypes. Their relationship reminds me a little bit of one I had with a classmate throughout middle and high school though our ending was nothing like Kai and Bryson. Often in YA novels, characters quote unlikely things or have peculiar hobbies that stretch believability. However, Kai’s aspirations to be a writer, his love for a band, his daily school drives with friends, and his struggle to keep his sexuality a secret all felt authentic and relatable. The romance between Kai and Bryson was incredibly sweet, showcasing some of the best chemistry I’ve encountered in a gay YA novel in a long time!

Date Me Bryson Keller UK Edition Cover

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Some of the blurbs from various authors and booksellers include:

"One of the most adorable, big-hearted, charming books in existence." --Becky Albertalli, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda

"I can't tell you how much joy [Date Me, Bryson Keller] brought me. One of the most adorable, big-hearted, charming books in existence." —Becky Albertalli, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda

“[A] fantastic love story. . . . Uplifting.” —BuzzFeed

"A poignant, cute queer love story that showers teens with support and shows that the hate will never win as long as we stick together." —The Nerd Daily

“An adorable featherlight romance.” —The Guardian

"A fun, feel-good story that shows the importance of having a strong support system, that love is love, and that everyone deserves to love and be loved." —School Library Journal

"This #ownvoices debut is scrupulously romantic. . . . A solid blend of swoon-worthy moments and minor injustices." —Kirkus Reviews

"[Kevin van Whye] writes a coming-out story with authority and empathy. . . . The execution is appealing, and readers, too, will want to date Bryson." —Booklist

"Debut author van Whye uses the dare to set up a book filled with good-natured sweetness." —Publishers Weekly

"A sweet romance and exploration of the ways we can accidentally fall in love. Adorable and authentic." —L. C. Rosen, author of Jack of Hearts (and Other Parts) and Camp

The basic storyline for those who love spoilers would be:

What If It's Us meets To All the Boys I've Loved Before in this upbeat and heartfelt boy-meets-boy romance that feels like a modern twist on a '90s rom-com! 

Everyone knows about the dare: Each week, Bryson Keller must date someone new--the first person to ask him out on Monday morning. 

But Kai Sheridan never expected Bryson to say yes to him. As the days go by, he discovers there's more to Bryson beneath the surface, and dating him begins to feel less like an act and more like the real thing. Kai knows how the story of a gay boy liking someone straight ends. With his heart on the line, he's awkwardly trying to navigate senior year at school, at home, and in the closet, all while grappling with the fact that this "relationship" will last only five days. After all, Bryson Keller is popular, good-looking, and straight . . . right?

Drawing on his own experiences, Kevin van Whye delivers an uplifting and poignant coming-out love story. Readers will root for Kai and Bryson to share their hearts with the world--and with each other.

About the Author: Kevin van Whye is a writer born and raised in South Africa, where his love for storytelling started at a young age. At four years old, he quit preschool because his teacher couldn't tell a story. Kevin's love affair with stories led him to film school to study script writing. Date Me, Bryson Keller is his first novel. Kevin currently lives in Johannesburg, and when he's not reading, he's writing stories that give his characters the happy rom-com endings they deserve. Find him at kevinvanwhye.com and on Instagram.

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