Sir Lucien Blakewell has decided to accept an invitation from his cousin, Jeremy, to attend a house party during the Christmas holidays. It's been many years since he attended, but this year, he's at loose ends because Trevor, the friend he used to sport about with, is a newlywed and will be spending time with his wife. As Lucien is travelling to the party, he's thinking about Winnie Nightingale, the governess to Trevor's sisters.

He and Winnie have developed a friendship, and Lucien is pondering taking the relationship further. He's very surprised and delighted when he arrives to find that Winnie and her sister have been invited as well to even up the numbers. Though Winnie is a gentlewoman by birth, she and her sister had to seek employment when they were left without any inheritance. Both of these ladies are very attractive, and their attendance causes some of the ton biddies to be offended. One of the women is just a snob, while another is a snob and a bully. She fancies herself the ton leader in the little town, and threatens to ruin Winnie's and Cordelia's reputations if they engage the serious interest of any of the gentlemen present, as she wants to snag a match for her daughter.

As if this drama weren't enough, a carriage accident brings two uninvited guests to the party. Most unfortunately, one of those guests is Lord Leaming, who caused Winnie to leave her first governess position. He was a young man, just up from university, and he wouldn't leave Winnie alone. One night, he attempted to sneak into Winnie's room and accost her. Her screams brought the household to her room, and she saved herself, but lost her job. Now he's up to his old tricks. Winnie feels comfortable enough with Lucien to ask for his help, and they agree to announce their engagement. Winnie feels that it's fake, just to keep Leaming from bothering her, but Lucien intends to make it real. After their engagement is announced, accidents begin to happen to Winnie.

ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS is a relatively short story (around 130 pages) but it is chock full of romance, mystery, bullying, snobbery, and a happy ever after. The hero, Lucien, is honorable and likeable. He has no qualms about class difference, and once he decides he wants to marry Winnie, he protects her, and dares anyone to hurt her. Winnie is a bit stubborn, willing to give up her chance at happiness in order that Lucien not be burdened with an unequal marriage. Still, her motives came from the heart, and I like her, and was very happy to see her and Lucien agree to marry.

ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS KISS is a quick, enjoyable read, which neatly ties up all the loose ends, and left me eager to find more by new-to-me author, Manda Collins.