ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS KISS is a novella in the Wicked Widows series by Manda Collins. Although I've read the previous books in this series, I think that readers new to the series would still be able to enjoy ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS KISS as well. The romance that develops between Sir Lucien Blakemore and Winnie Nightingale is very believable because they are not strangers to each other. They met while Winnie was working as a governess in his friends household and a friendship and attraction bloomed.

After the awkward scene in which Lucien and Winnie first see each other at Lord and Lady Hurst's house party, I worried that would set the tone for their interactions the whole time. Happily that was not the case. After the initial awkwardness because of their unspoken attraction, it's not long before they remember that they are friends and relax a little.

ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS KISS is full of sexual tension as the attraction between Lucien and Winnie grows. I like that this is a story with the hero pursuing the heroine. I also like that Lucien is also a little quicker to fall for Winnie before she falls for him, and that he admires her for who she is as a person. I think Lucien is the right balance between alpha protective hero and caring, passionate hero.

In addition to the enchanting romance, there is a little danger and mystery thrown in. Some mysterious person is harassing Winnie. Some of it is just nasty but some of it is physically harmful as well. I like that she chose to take Lucien into her confidence almost right away. Working together to try and uncover the villain's identity is something that brings them closer together and helps them realize their true feelings for each other. I love this aspect of the story. For me, the mystery adds an extra layer of excitement, without obscuring the romance.

I love historical romances with a house party theme, and it's especially delightful when it takes place around Christmas. ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS KISS is a charming tale that transports you to a Christmas from a long ago era with mystery and romance to delight. I liked the secondary romances Manda Collins includes in ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS KISS. These other romances add to the story without drawing attention away from Lucien and Winnifreds love story. I look forward to reading more stories by Manda Collins.

Book Summary

When Sir Lucien Blakemore arrives at his cousin’s estate for a week long Christmas party, he’s shocked to see Miss Winifred Nightingale among the other guests. Employed by his neighbor back in Yorkshire, the governess with the lovely eyes has always seemed off limits, but she’s visiting here as a guest—and there’s nothing like a little mistletoe to make the spirits bright…

Miss Winifred Nightingale never dreamed a holiday visit with her sister would lead to both ladies spending Christmas as the local lord’s guests. But the big surprise is when she finds the handsome Sir Lucien Blakemore staying there too. The attraction between them is undeniable, but will an old nemesis and a party guest bent on mischief make their first kiss under the mistletoe their last?