Go Luck Yourself

In this madcap follow-up to 2024’s The Nightmare Before Kissmas, Raasch once again plays fast and loose with holiday spirits as she interweaves political intrigue and spicy romantic comedy. After the reigning Santa cedes control of Christmas to his son Coal, they discover that someone’s been siphoning off Christmas’s joy—the power that fuels their magic—and all evidence points to the kingdom of St. Patrick’s Day. Coal’s brother, Prince Kris, agrees to investigate, visiting the rival Holiday in the guise of a goodwill ambassador there to apologize for the prank war he instigated against the infuriating (and sexy) Prince Lochlann. Kris and Lochlann must play nice for the public, and as sparks fly at every encounter, the two grow closer. Meanwhile, Lochlann’s odious, controlling uncle, the current king of St. Patrick’s, runs the Holiday into the ground. The lively and heated connection between Kris and Locklann delights as they bicker and flirt their way towards a happily ever after. Despite the intentionally goofy premise, the author makes room for some deep emotions including both of the leads’ feelings toward their complicated families. The worldbuilding remains somewhat vague, which will frustrate some readers, but Raasch leaves plenty to explore in future installments. It’s a treat. (Mar.)