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Winterbourne #2
Mr. Winterbourne's Christmas
Lysander Winterbourne and Adam Freeman have been living happily at Edgeley Park for the last eighteen months. By day Lysander is Adam’s estate manager, by night, his lover, but neither man has spoken of their deeper feelings. Is this a happy-ever-after or just a convenient arrangement?
When the two men are invited to Winterbourne Abbey for a family Christmas, matters quickly come to a head. Snowed in at the Abbey with a house full of guests, they have to face up to shocking revelations, long-held secrets and a choice Lysander never expected to have to make…
When the two men are invited to Winterbourne Abbey for a family Christmas, matters quickly come to a head. Snowed in at the Abbey with a house full of guests, they have to face up to shocking revelations, long-held secrets and a choice Lysander never expected to have to make…
108 pages, ebook
First published November 19, 2018
72 people are currently reading
473 people want to read
About the author
Joanna Chambers
41 books1,220 followersJoanna Chambers' muse likes red wine, coffee and won't let Joanna clean the house or watch television.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 247 reviews
June 19, 2021
~4.5~
I absolutely adored this follow-up to Introducing Mr. Winterbourne. In my review of that book, I wrote: The only thing about this story I didn't like is that it ended (on a rather tentative note).
Joanna Chambers must have heard my plea, because this holiday novella leaves no doubt as to Adam and Lysander's future.
Mr. Winterbourne's Christmas begins with a HFN and ends with a HEA. Adam and Lysander have been together for a year and a half, but neither has expressed his feelings.
Adam wonders how long social Lysander will stay without getting bored, while Lysander worries Adam keeps him around only because he's a good estate steward.
When Adam is invited to Lysander's family's house for Christmas, the two are placed in separate wings of the house and can't catch but a minute together. Someone, or something, always interrupts.
Chambers creates a wonderful cast of secondary characters, all of whom are involved in the comedy of errors that takes place over the course of several days: a lady sprains her ankle (or does she?); two (three if you count the MCs) couples are caught in rather compromising (and utterly hilarious!) situations; Lysander's great aunt is not nearly as senile as everyone assumes; Lysander's father underestimates Adam and his son; a hasty engagement is announced; and everyone drinks far too much wine.
Too many side plots and characters can prove distracting, but that is most certainly not the case here. This story is charming, very funny, sexy (with just enough steam), and romantic. The holiday spirit is out in full force, what with traipsing through the snow and finding mistletoe in the English countryside.
And the ending offers not only a HEA for our MCs but a potential pairing between Adam and Lysander's best friends. Oh, please, let it be so! I'm not ready to leave these characters behind.
I absolutely adored this follow-up to Introducing Mr. Winterbourne. In my review of that book, I wrote: The only thing about this story I didn't like is that it ended (on a rather tentative note).
Joanna Chambers must have heard my plea, because this holiday novella leaves no doubt as to Adam and Lysander's future.
Mr. Winterbourne's Christmas begins with a HFN and ends with a HEA. Adam and Lysander have been together for a year and a half, but neither has expressed his feelings.
Adam wonders how long social Lysander will stay without getting bored, while Lysander worries Adam keeps him around only because he's a good estate steward.
When Adam is invited to Lysander's family's house for Christmas, the two are placed in separate wings of the house and can't catch but a minute together. Someone, or something, always interrupts.
Chambers creates a wonderful cast of secondary characters, all of whom are involved in the comedy of errors that takes place over the course of several days: a lady sprains her ankle (or does she?); two (three if you count the MCs) couples are caught in rather compromising (and utterly hilarious!) situations; Lysander's great aunt is not nearly as senile as everyone assumes; Lysander's father underestimates Adam and his son; a hasty engagement is announced; and everyone drinks far too much wine.
Too many side plots and characters can prove distracting, but that is most certainly not the case here. This story is charming, very funny, sexy (with just enough steam), and romantic. The holiday spirit is out in full force, what with traipsing through the snow and finding mistletoe in the English countryside.
And the ending offers not only a HEA for our MCs but a potential pairing between Adam and Lysander's best friends. Oh, please, let it be so! I'm not ready to leave these characters behind.
December 14, 2025
Lysander Winterbourne and Adam Freeman already have an established relationship when this story begins (bk one).
For such a short story, there are way too many side characters which made the novella feel even shorter than it already was. Instead of deepening Lysander and Adam’s emotional journey, the constant interruptions were irritating.
A cozy enough Christmas story, just not as heartfelt or intimate as I’d hoped.
For such a short story, there are way too many side characters which made the novella feel even shorter than it already was. Instead of deepening Lysander and Adam’s emotional journey, the constant interruptions were irritating.
A cozy enough Christmas story, just not as heartfelt or intimate as I’d hoped.
November 20, 2018
This book made me so ridiculously happy.
I'm kind of obsessed with the mini-Mr. Winterbourne series by the very talented Joanna Chambers, and I'm praying (no, begging) for more of these books. Mr Winterbourne's Christmas cannot be the end!
I simply adored it. I loved the chemistry between the two MCs and I loved the possibilities with the side characters. I rarely love stories that are this short, but this book has made me a believer.
What can I say? This story just made me smile, made me feel good. I was hooked from the start, and I hope there are many more stories like this one to come.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
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I'm kind of obsessed with the mini-Mr. Winterbourne series by the very talented Joanna Chambers, and I'm praying (no, begging) for more of these books. Mr Winterbourne's Christmas cannot be the end!
I simply adored it. I loved the chemistry between the two MCs and I loved the possibilities with the side characters. I rarely love stories that are this short, but this book has made me a believer.
What can I say? This story just made me smile, made me feel good. I was hooked from the start, and I hope there are many more stories like this one to come.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
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December 31, 2018
BR with Adam!
BLLLLLEEEERRRRGGGGHHHHHHHH! ☹️😫😢
I wanted this to put me into a fluff coma, a Regency, peppermint scented fluffgasmic coma the likes of which would make even Kris Kringle take notice.
I'm not sure I have the words to express how disappointed I am that I didn't have that experience.
Lysander and Adam continue to have my attention as do their respective best friends, Perry and Jonny. I will be there with bells on if there are more stories in this universe.
Unfortunately, I couldn't get my bells to jingle for "Mr. Winterbourne's Christmas", mostly because they kept getting silenced by family drama and other secondary romance narratives.
I just wanted them to be together! To have a fluffy holiday time, maybe drink some wassail and sing carols in a bucolic and snow covered pastoral setting. Maybe they'd be snowed in and have to get creative in keeping each other warm and it would involve mistletoe and maybe ice skating on a pond or a sleigh ride even!
I don't ask for much. Well, maybe I do.
Instead they travel to the dilapidated Winterbourne Abbey and spend most of their time apart and angsting about how the other feels about them all while everyone and their cousin (literally) is feeling the holiday lurve.
I appreciate the inclusion and all but I guess my expectations differed so vastly from what was on the page that I was never able to right the ship.
I did like the kooky and plainspoken Mrs. Winterbourne though. She was the comic relief highlight. I also enjoyed the fluffy ending. It just wanted enough fluff to sate me. Sadly.
Obviously, my opinions are my own and YMMV.
Review copies were provided.
BLLLLLEEEERRRRGGGGHHHHHHHH! ☹️😫😢
I wanted this to put me into a fluff coma, a Regency, peppermint scented fluffgasmic coma the likes of which would make even Kris Kringle take notice.
I'm not sure I have the words to express how disappointed I am that I didn't have that experience.
Lysander and Adam continue to have my attention as do their respective best friends, Perry and Jonny. I will be there with bells on if there are more stories in this universe.
Unfortunately, I couldn't get my bells to jingle for "Mr. Winterbourne's Christmas", mostly because they kept getting silenced by family drama and other secondary romance narratives.
I just wanted them to be together! To have a fluffy holiday time, maybe drink some wassail and sing carols in a bucolic and snow covered pastoral setting. Maybe they'd be snowed in and have to get creative in keeping each other warm and it would involve mistletoe and maybe ice skating on a pond or a sleigh ride even!
I don't ask for much. Well, maybe I do.
Instead they travel to the dilapidated Winterbourne Abbey and spend most of their time apart and angsting about how the other feels about them all while everyone and their cousin (literally) is feeling the holiday lurve.
I appreciate the inclusion and all but I guess my expectations differed so vastly from what was on the page that I was never able to right the ship.
I did like the kooky and plainspoken Mrs. Winterbourne though. She was the comic relief highlight. I also enjoyed the fluffy ending. It just wanted enough fluff to sate me. Sadly.
Obviously, my opinions are my own and YMMV.
Review copies were provided.
December 18, 2024
Reread 12/2024.
Lovely, heart warming comfort read.
All time favourite.
I love this series.
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Reread 04/2024
I love this series so, so much.
In this second installment both Adam and Lysander are in love with each other, but are afraid to talk about how they feel.
They spend days of doubt and longing at a house party at Lysander's parents' estate where they never seem to be able to be alloan to just talk and be together.
So lovely and sweet!
5 stars.
-----------
Reread 06/2022
short and sweet, 4 stars.
-----------------
01/2022
Loved it as much as I loved Introducing Mr. Winterbourne (if not more).
Wonderful chemistry, sweet characters, perfect although very short.
5 stars.
Lovely, heart warming comfort read.
All time favourite.
I love this series.
----------
Reread 04/2024
I love this series so, so much.
In this second installment both Adam and Lysander are in love with each other, but are afraid to talk about how they feel.
They spend days of doubt and longing at a house party at Lysander's parents' estate where they never seem to be able to be alloan to just talk and be together.
So lovely and sweet!
5 stars.
-----------
Reread 06/2022
short and sweet, 4 stars.
-----------------
01/2022
Loved it as much as I loved Introducing Mr. Winterbourne (if not more).
Wonderful chemistry, sweet characters, perfect although very short.
5 stars.
June 17, 2019
3.5*
Having just read the beautiful Introducing Mr. Winterbourne I moved straight onto this. Now Introducing was so good I barely had time to write a review. I was so excited at the prospect of more Lysander and Adam.
And while this is a nice gentle Christmas romance. I found myself increasingly annoyed at how many obstacles were placed in their way. I didn’t want all those people interfering with my guys. And don’t get me started on Bella. What on Earth was going on there?
I’m being harsh I know. There’s some good moments here and some charming characters. Lysander great-aunt Maud for example. But I wanted more Lysander and Adam.
Having just read the beautiful Introducing Mr. Winterbourne I moved straight onto this. Now Introducing was so good I barely had time to write a review. I was so excited at the prospect of more Lysander and Adam.
And while this is a nice gentle Christmas romance. I found myself increasingly annoyed at how many obstacles were placed in their way. I didn’t want all those people interfering with my guys. And don’t get me started on Bella. What on Earth was going on there?
I’m being harsh I know. There’s some good moments here and some charming characters. Lysander great-aunt Maud for example. But I wanted more Lysander and Adam.
June 23, 2019
Mistletoes and kisses! ❤️🎄🎄🎄❤️
And the love story continues between Lysander and Adam. 🥰 I really loved these two and how the story ended in “Introducing Mr. Winterbourne”. However I definitely wanted a glimpse into their relationship after some time and my wishes were fulfilled. ☺️ I don’t think I can ask for a better ending for these two. Not only we got a peek into their happily ever after, we got to learn so many things about their family members, acquaintances and their antics. I also loved the pairing in this love story, especially Gwen and her childhood friend, Anne, they were so sweet together. 😍 And who knew Adam was such a romantic. So many “awwww-worthy” moments and made me ridiculously happy and smile like a teen gal. 😁 Loved every second reading this novella and I hope we get a story for Perry. 😉 A very satisfying and joyful read. 💜
4.5 You, always you, and forever you stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
And the love story continues between Lysander and Adam. 🥰 I really loved these two and how the story ended in “Introducing Mr. Winterbourne”. However I definitely wanted a glimpse into their relationship after some time and my wishes were fulfilled. ☺️ I don’t think I can ask for a better ending for these two. Not only we got a peek into their happily ever after, we got to learn so many things about their family members, acquaintances and their antics. I also loved the pairing in this love story, especially Gwen and her childhood friend, Anne, they were so sweet together. 😍 And who knew Adam was such a romantic. So many “awwww-worthy” moments and made me ridiculously happy and smile like a teen gal. 😁 Loved every second reading this novella and I hope we get a story for Perry. 😉 A very satisfying and joyful read. 💜
4.5 You, always you, and forever you stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
March 20, 2019
Absolutely delightful! While I love the idea of a romantic Christmas story, I've usually ended up disappointed. But after I read Introducing Mr Winterbourne, I suspected this one would be a great read. I was so tickled… it was lighthearted, sexy, and LOL funny, and it might even become a recurring holiday read. Highly recommend.
November 18, 2018
Fabulous follow up to the delightful Introducing Mr Winterbourne which sees our erstwhile heroes happily ensconced at Mr Freeman's estate and living their happy ever after.
However, there's plans afoot which look like they may throw a spanner in the works when both men are invited back to Lysander's ancestral home.
As ever with Joanna Chambers, there's humour mixed in with an excellent historical narrative and some era perfect sexy times which firmly cemented my love for this pair of total opposites.
Perfect festive reading.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
However, there's plans afoot which look like they may throw a spanner in the works when both men are invited back to Lysander's ancestral home.
As ever with Joanna Chambers, there's humour mixed in with an excellent historical narrative and some era perfect sexy times which firmly cemented my love for this pair of total opposites.
Perfect festive reading.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
July 14, 2025
After rereading this, in general I agree with my first assessment of this story, but, unlike 6 years ago, I didn’t find the parts regarding the secondary characters as OTT and intruding as I did before. Maybe because I remembered about some of my issues with this story, I enjoyed rereading it much more than I expected. Because of that and the level of the stories I tend to rate 3 stars these days, I’m adding one star to my original rating.
Original review (rating: 3 stars) in 2019:
I really liked the short story that introduced Lysander and Adam, and I was looking forward to seeing how they would do as an established couple in a longer book, but this one fell a little short for me. I didn’t dislike it, it simply felt a bit all over the place.
Despite the use of one of my most despised plot devices (), I didn’t find the dynamic between Lysander and Adam annoying, their thoughts and reactions felt true and there wasn’t anything overly dramatic about it. I would’ve liked to see them spending more time together on page , but that’s the only complaint I have about the romance.
What I couldn’t really understand was the reason for the focus on so many secondary characters and the fact that everyone turned out to be . Okay, that’s not 100% accurate, but by the end of the book, it felt like it.
For some characters, , it made sense and I didn’t mind, but between them, , it started to be a bit OTT. Especially if you take into account the business with . I actually liked the idea of them together, but it was too much on top of everything else. By the time the happened, I was starting to feel like I’d stumbled into a historical sit-com.
The fact that nobody seemed to take too seriously the risk of getting caught (), at a time when people were sent to prison for sodomy and scandals could ruin lives forever, only reinforced that.
All in all, it wasn’t bad, just not quite as good as the previous short story, and certainly not the best example of Joanna Chambers’s skills.
Original review (rating: 3 stars) in 2019:
I really liked the short story that introduced Lysander and Adam, and I was looking forward to seeing how they would do as an established couple in a longer book, but this one fell a little short for me. I didn’t dislike it, it simply felt a bit all over the place.
Despite the use of one of my most despised plot devices (), I didn’t find the dynamic between Lysander and Adam annoying, their thoughts and reactions felt true and there wasn’t anything overly dramatic about it. I would’ve liked to see them spending more time together on page , but that’s the only complaint I have about the romance.
What I couldn’t really understand was the reason for the focus on so many secondary characters and the fact that everyone turned out to be . Okay, that’s not 100% accurate, but by the end of the book, it felt like it.
For some characters, , it made sense and I didn’t mind, but between them, , it started to be a bit OTT. Especially if you take into account the business with . I actually liked the idea of them together, but it was too much on top of everything else. By the time the happened, I was starting to feel like I’d stumbled into a historical sit-com.
The fact that nobody seemed to take too seriously the risk of getting caught (), at a time when people were sent to prison for sodomy and scandals could ruin lives forever, only reinforced that.
All in all, it wasn’t bad, just not quite as good as the previous short story, and certainly not the best example of Joanna Chambers’s skills.
December 3, 2025
Reread: Dec 2025.. one of my fav books ❤️❤️❤️❤️
4.5 stars!! 🤩😍 Absolutely LOVED💕 it!! The story picks up about a year and half after the first novella ended. Lysander is now the estate manager for Adam where he is thriving; the two have a loving relationship and live in a cozy environment among friends and servants who give them the privacy and intimacy they cherish. Within the confines of the estate, they live like a true couple and bask in the love they have for each other, however having never confessed their feelings they have some insecurities regarding their relationship. When they are invited to join the Christmas festivities with Lysander's family at the Earl's estate, with the joy of reunion with family comes some hesitancy since they will now have to hide their affections from their family, friends and guests. Nevertheless, in the festive environment while trekking in the woods and exploring the large estate, secrets start to come out which make this a perfect holiday romance. 😍
There is plenty of romance, sizzling passion, humor, sentiment and yuletide charm to make this a lovely novella. My only complaint is that this felt short too.. 😓 I hope we get another sequel where we find out what happens with Johny and Perry 😉💘
4.5 stars!! 🤩😍 Absolutely LOVED💕 it!! The story picks up about a year and half after the first novella ended. Lysander is now the estate manager for Adam where he is thriving; the two have a loving relationship and live in a cozy environment among friends and servants who give them the privacy and intimacy they cherish. Within the confines of the estate, they live like a true couple and bask in the love they have for each other, however having never confessed their feelings they have some insecurities regarding their relationship. When they are invited to join the Christmas festivities with Lysander's family at the Earl's estate, with the joy of reunion with family comes some hesitancy since they will now have to hide their affections from their family, friends and guests. Nevertheless, in the festive environment while trekking in the woods and exploring the large estate, secrets start to come out which make this a perfect holiday romance. 😍
There is plenty of romance, sizzling passion, humor, sentiment and yuletide charm to make this a lovely novella. My only complaint is that this felt short too.. 😓 I hope we get another sequel where we find out what happens with Johny and Perry 😉💘
November 24, 2018
I absolutely LOVED Lysander and Adam in book one... and this book just make me fall deeper with them. This book was a delight... The autor writes the English nobility and the newly rich masterfully. Her secondary characters are fascinating and used exceptionally to further the plot as well as fill in bits about Lysander and Adam. The only person who I did not think she did justice to was Lord Winterbourne... he felt one-dimensional. That is actually the one and only fault I can find with this book. Minus that this book is perfect...
December 20, 2025
Absolutely obsessed with Adam & Lysander, they were so cute together!
January 3, 2024
3.5 stars
July 31, 2025
I love them—love them so much! And while I enjoyed all the Regency shenanigans and the surprising revelations, I felt they stole time away from the heart of the story. For a 100-page book, I wish there had been more focus on their relationship, which was still in the early stages of developing.
Other than that—LOVED THEM!
Adam gazed down at his lover and his chest ached with happiness.
“You lead on, Mr. Winterbourne,” he said. “And I’ll follow.”
Lysander’s gaze softened at his words. “Is that a promise, Mr. Freeman?”
“Always,” Adam said. “Always and forever.”
Other than that—LOVED THEM!
Adam gazed down at his lover and his chest ached with happiness.
“You lead on, Mr. Winterbourne,” he said. “And I’ll follow.”
Lysander’s gaze softened at his words. “Is that a promise, Mr. Freeman?”
“Always,” Adam said. “Always and forever.”
December 1, 2018
Elegant and romantic, the Winterbourne books are my introduction to the wonderful writing of Joanna Chambers. I was craving a good historical Christmas story, something sweet with enough spice to make me happy, and these two tales really fit the bill. Between the interesting characters and the clever plots, Chambers paints an engaging picture of Regency life.
In Introducing Mr. Winterbourne we meet this aristocratic family who are well on their way to financial ruin. Since there’s no chance the snooty, spoiled, spendthrift father will actually work to pay off his gambling debts, he arranges a marriage for his daughter to a wealthy industrialist.
Hoping to keep his sister’s future in-laws happy, Lysander is asked to escort Adam, the Freeman families elder brother (and holder of the purse strings) to some of his favorite haunts. The chemistry between the two men is immediate, and I enjoyed the buildup to the inevitable smokin’ hot sex scene. Charming and experienced, Adam’s seduction of Lysander is romantic and incredibly hot…. Sign me up for more Joanna Chambers!
Moving forward a year, in Mr. Winterbourne’s Christmas Lysander and Adam are firmly entrenched in an affair. The men both admit to having intense feelings, they just haven’t declared them to each other - yet. I love this giddy, uncertain time, with flirty hopeful hints and the possibility of so much more. The anticipation is wonderful.
I have to say, while I thought the attraction between Lysander and Adam was intense in the first story, the heat has surely built for these two as they’ve grown closer. The opening scene in Mr. Winterbourne’s Christmas is erotic and playful and totally sexy. Wow, these two work well together!
The “society folk” Joanna Chambers has created for this series are incredibly appealing. Humorous and clever, these relationships are fresh and unique and I’m looking forward to more stories about the Winterbourne family.
In Introducing Mr. Winterbourne we meet this aristocratic family who are well on their way to financial ruin. Since there’s no chance the snooty, spoiled, spendthrift father will actually work to pay off his gambling debts, he arranges a marriage for his daughter to a wealthy industrialist.
Hoping to keep his sister’s future in-laws happy, Lysander is asked to escort Adam, the Freeman families elder brother (and holder of the purse strings) to some of his favorite haunts. The chemistry between the two men is immediate, and I enjoyed the buildup to the inevitable smokin’ hot sex scene. Charming and experienced, Adam’s seduction of Lysander is romantic and incredibly hot…. Sign me up for more Joanna Chambers!
Moving forward a year, in Mr. Winterbourne’s Christmas Lysander and Adam are firmly entrenched in an affair. The men both admit to having intense feelings, they just haven’t declared them to each other - yet. I love this giddy, uncertain time, with flirty hopeful hints and the possibility of so much more. The anticipation is wonderful.
I have to say, while I thought the attraction between Lysander and Adam was intense in the first story, the heat has surely built for these two as they’ve grown closer. The opening scene in Mr. Winterbourne’s Christmas is erotic and playful and totally sexy. Wow, these two work well together!
The “society folk” Joanna Chambers has created for this series are incredibly appealing. Humorous and clever, these relationships are fresh and unique and I’m looking forward to more stories about the Winterbourne family.
May 13, 2021
3 I wish these guys talked to each other stars
This was really sweet but sadly I enjoyed it way less than book 1.
Brief summary:
We’re catching up with Lysander and Adam, from book 1, 18 months after the events of book 1 and they’re still a couple but they haven’t told each other that they love each other or that they want to be a couple. They go spend Christmas at Lysander’s family estate.
I still loved the vibes of the book, how Adam and Lysander always gravitate towards each other, how they always want to spend time together and do everything to do so, how vibrant the characters are and how much Adam and Lysander love each other.
But damn I got so frustrated, they’ve been together for 18 months and they both have doubts on wheter the other really wants them, if they’re exclusive and if they other loves them. After 18 months months together, can’t you just talk about these things, instead of being filled with grief about it? That would have made things much easier.
Also I really enjoy the side characters in these books but there was way too much interactions with them in this book, I wanted more time with only Lysander and Adam.
This was still a really sweet book and I still enjoy this series very much.
This was really sweet but sadly I enjoyed it way less than book 1.
Brief summary:
We’re catching up with Lysander and Adam, from book 1, 18 months after the events of book 1 and they’re still a couple but they haven’t told each other that they love each other or that they want to be a couple. They go spend Christmas at Lysander’s family estate.
I still loved the vibes of the book, how Adam and Lysander always gravitate towards each other, how they always want to spend time together and do everything to do so, how vibrant the characters are and how much Adam and Lysander love each other.
But damn I got so frustrated, they’ve been together for 18 months and they both have doubts on wheter the other really wants them, if they’re exclusive and if they other loves them. After 18 months months together, can’t you just talk about these things, instead of being filled with grief about it? That would have made things much easier.
Also I really enjoy the side characters in these books but there was way too much interactions with them in this book, I wanted more time with only Lysander and Adam.
This was still a really sweet book and I still enjoy this series very much.
December 2, 2018
*4,5 stars*
I adored this.
Adam and Lysander are just ... dreamy.
This is another one of those rare stories which far exceeds the perimeters of a novella.
The feels, the emotions, the issues ... and two incredibly likeable MCs.
If you haven't read 'Introducing Mr. Winterbourne' I would urge to do so and follow it with this.
It will make some very happy Christmas reading!
Happy sigh ...
I adored this.
Adam and Lysander are just ... dreamy.
This is another one of those rare stories which far exceeds the perimeters of a novella.
The feels, the emotions, the issues ... and two incredibly likeable MCs.
If you haven't read 'Introducing Mr. Winterbourne' I would urge to do so and follow it with this.
It will make some very happy Christmas reading!
Happy sigh ...
January 29, 2019
**3.5 stars**
To be read in conjunction with Introducing Mr. Winterbourne.
it was an adorable MM historical romance between Lysander, so sunny and caring and the last son of an aristocrat swamped into debts, and Adam, a wealthy mill owner, serious and driven, who agrees to a financial deal to salvage the soon-to-be-father in law of his brother, thus meeting Lysander.
It spans over one year and a half, first Lysander and Adam’s encounter and then, Lysander and Adam’s declaration of love. I quote a line from another review that says is so well : ” they give each other something they need - Adam is the stability Lysander was looking for, and Lysander reminds Adam to enjoy life”.
A case of opposite-attract with a tiny age-gap, no angst, potent steam, some swooning inner thoughts from the MCs, especially Adam (I so love witnessing the walls of a “tough” guy crumbling), some endearing side characters and good banter, and a believable and deserved HEA (for the MCs, if not for some others characters – really, Annabella and Edmund ?? the reason I rounded down instead of up)
I’m a bit unfair when I read something from Joanna Chambers, because she wrote the Enlightenment Series , one of my favorite romance (also an historical one) featuring Murdo, a character who has since become my “book boyfriend”, and I can’t help making a comparison. So, don’t mind my lukewarm rating : my sappy side was satisfied.
That said, I really wouldn’t mind reading another book from this series, because, hello, Perry and Jonny ? Promising potential !!!
PS : **Thank you “Elf on the smutty book shelf”** for this charming gift 😘
To be read in conjunction with Introducing Mr. Winterbourne.
it was an adorable MM historical romance between Lysander, so sunny and caring and the last son of an aristocrat swamped into debts, and Adam, a wealthy mill owner, serious and driven, who agrees to a financial deal to salvage the soon-to-be-father in law of his brother, thus meeting Lysander.
It spans over one year and a half, first Lysander and Adam’s encounter and then, Lysander and Adam’s declaration of love. I quote a line from another review that says is so well : ” they give each other something they need - Adam is the stability Lysander was looking for, and Lysander reminds Adam to enjoy life”.
A case of opposite-attract with a tiny age-gap, no angst, potent steam, some swooning inner thoughts from the MCs, especially Adam (I so love witnessing the walls of a “tough” guy crumbling), some endearing side characters and good banter, and a believable and deserved HEA (for the MCs, if not for some others characters – really, Annabella and Edmund ?? the reason I rounded down instead of up)
I’m a bit unfair when I read something from Joanna Chambers, because she wrote the Enlightenment Series , one of my favorite romance (also an historical one) featuring Murdo, a character who has since become my “book boyfriend”, and I can’t help making a comparison. So, don’t mind my lukewarm rating : my sappy side was satisfied.
That said, I really wouldn’t mind reading another book from this series, because, hello, Perry and Jonny ? Promising potential !!!
PS : **Thank you “Elf on the smutty book shelf”** for this charming gift 😘
November 21, 2018
4.25 stars
My, such a DELIGHTFUL read. It started with very romantic scenes of our dear young Lysander Winterbourne and his lover, Adam Freeman, as they have lived together as lover as well as estate manager and the owner of Edgeley Park. Those first chapter made my heart went pitter patter...
Then we have the two men visiting Winterbourne Abbey for Winterbourne's family Christmas (since Adam's brother is married to Lysander's sister) ... and well, shenanigans happened. Which was very entertaining; the highlight would be one involving a rocking horse *laugh*.
I loved the time when they were both unsure about each other's feelings. And I loved the time when they announced their love....
NOW, I am quite intrigued with Adam's friend, Jonny Mainwaring (he's a hoot!), and Lysander's friend Lord Perry Cavendish. Please, please, there should be a follow-up story about them! PLEASE!
My, such a DELIGHTFUL read. It started with very romantic scenes of our dear young Lysander Winterbourne and his lover, Adam Freeman, as they have lived together as lover as well as estate manager and the owner of Edgeley Park. Those first chapter made my heart went pitter patter...
“You might not feel the cold,” Adam said, when he had his breath back, “but your skin’s like ice. Let me warm you, beautiful boy.”
Lysander chuckled happily. “Boy,” he scoffed.
“Always my boy,” Adam assured him
Then we have the two men visiting Winterbourne Abbey for Winterbourne's family Christmas (since Adam's brother is married to Lysander's sister) ... and well, shenanigans happened. Which was very entertaining; the highlight would be one involving a rocking horse *laugh*.
I loved the time when they were both unsure about each other's feelings. And I loved the time when they announced their love....
NOW, I am quite intrigued with Adam's friend, Jonny Mainwaring (he's a hoot!), and Lysander's friend Lord Perry Cavendish. Please, please, there should be a follow-up story about them! PLEASE!
December 20, 2020
I loved it! ❤️👏❤️👏❤️
Regency
Established lovers
But do they love each other?
But of course!
High kinks include:
Disheveled ladies in the library
A rocking horse as a spanking bench
And others for your Christmas pleasure!
My rec? A perfect read after “Introducing Mr. Winterbourne”!
Regency
Established lovers
But do they love each other?
But of course!
High kinks include:
Disheveled ladies in the library
A rocking horse as a spanking bench
And others for your Christmas pleasure!
My rec? A perfect read after “Introducing Mr. Winterbourne”!
June 26, 2021
Oh, just a delightful novella introducing Lysander Winterbourne and his future brother-in-law Adam (Lysander's sister is marrying Adam's brother). Lysander is charged with escorting Adam around to excruciatingly boring social calls and dances, I loved the character development, the plot and the chemistry between the two is very hot. Can't wait to read more!
Reread in June 2021: Well, that's the wrong review for this book! After rereading this series, I realize that the above review is for the first book in the series, Introducing Mr. Winterbourne rather than the second. Sorry about that.
It was so nice to pick up this series again. Chambers is one of my favorites authors for well-done regency M/M romances (if you haven't read the Enlightenment series - Read.It.Now. because it's pretty wonderful) and she never disappoints. 4.5 stars on the reread.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
Reread in June 2021: Well, that's the wrong review for this book! After rereading this series, I realize that the above review is for the first book in the series, Introducing Mr. Winterbourne rather than the second. Sorry about that.
It was so nice to pick up this series again. Chambers is one of my favorites authors for well-done regency M/M romances (if you haven't read the Enlightenment series - Read.It.Now. because it's pretty wonderful) and she never disappoints. 4.5 stars on the reread.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
November 19, 2018
Delightful. So glad Joanna got her mojo back. Love this couple.
October 7, 2025
4.5 stars
December 5, 2018
I daresay, I hardly recognize myself. Reading all these historicals and…loving them! I must give credit where credit is due, this delightful series was the dazzling realization that I, in fact, enjoy taking a stroll back in time. I’ve attempted a few 19th-century stories before and truly struggled to enjoy them. It appears I was just reading the wrong 19th century stories, for Mr. Winterbourne’s intro and this subsequent holiday tale were simply enchanting. I devoured them back to back, beaming all the way. Chambers has a brilliant gift, painting vivid settings with charming characters. It’s as if she has a gilded pen and her words flow together in majestic harmony. I see she has quite the healthy bookshelf and I foresee an upcoming binge fest in the new year. *giddy dance*
What's to like: Of course, both Lysander and Adam are extremely likable. Well, Adam took a bit more effort in the first book but we’ve seen him unguarded and bare before. Now that they have been together for a year, they’ve solidified their relationship. For the most part. Well, kinda, Okay, not really. They are committed and true to one another but haven’t broached the subject of their future quite yet. They are happy in the present and wish to take things day by day. That is until Lysander’s father rattles their tentative foundation. He’s offering Lysander the opportunity to seize his dreams…but what if his aspirations have changed? And how can he say no to his father?
What's to love: Just as they did, I hated the fact that they had to hide their affections for one another. While on the contrary, I adored the passion in their stolen moments and because it was not permitted, it was that much sweeter. I was DYING for their reconnection. I was EAGER for everyone to bugger off so they might have a snippet of alone time. By the time the mistletoe appeared, *I* was breathless with anticipation. I couldn’t get enough and was disappointed when it was over. If a third story was in the grand plans of Chambers upcoming year, I would be ecstatic.
Beware of: This is the second story in the series (hopefully not that last) and I would encourage you to start at the beginning. Their introduction is rather important. Formality is to be expected but I was not bothered by their grace and manners.
This book is for: Self-proclaimed historical haters, I urge you to give this radiant time period another chance. Cumbersome dialogue is a peeve of mine and I promise, you won’t find that here. What you will find, however, is a splendid story of two men falling madly in love. But don’t forget to start at their beginning…here. Better yet, this one is complimentary. Enjoy!
Book UNfunk
What's to like: Of course, both Lysander and Adam are extremely likable. Well, Adam took a bit more effort in the first book but we’ve seen him unguarded and bare before. Now that they have been together for a year, they’ve solidified their relationship. For the most part. Well, kinda, Okay, not really. They are committed and true to one another but haven’t broached the subject of their future quite yet. They are happy in the present and wish to take things day by day. That is until Lysander’s father rattles their tentative foundation. He’s offering Lysander the opportunity to seize his dreams…but what if his aspirations have changed? And how can he say no to his father?
What's to love: Just as they did, I hated the fact that they had to hide their affections for one another. While on the contrary, I adored the passion in their stolen moments and because it was not permitted, it was that much sweeter. I was DYING for their reconnection. I was EAGER for everyone to bugger off so they might have a snippet of alone time. By the time the mistletoe appeared, *I* was breathless with anticipation. I couldn’t get enough and was disappointed when it was over. If a third story was in the grand plans of Chambers upcoming year, I would be ecstatic.
Beware of: This is the second story in the series (hopefully not that last) and I would encourage you to start at the beginning. Their introduction is rather important. Formality is to be expected but I was not bothered by their grace and manners.
This book is for: Self-proclaimed historical haters, I urge you to give this radiant time period another chance. Cumbersome dialogue is a peeve of mine and I promise, you won’t find that here. What you will find, however, is a splendid story of two men falling madly in love. But don’t forget to start at their beginning…here. Better yet, this one is complimentary. Enjoy!
Book UNfunk
November 19, 2018
Adam 💜 Lysander
4.5 stars
I kind of just really love these two. This book takes place a 1year and half later. The two are still lovers and have been living together but have yet to express their feelings. When an invitation to Winterbourne Abbey for Christmas is sent out they oblige the request to attend. The trip puts a test on their relationship and unspoken words between the two set unnecessary worries into action. It all adds up to another heartwarmingly entertaining read.
I am so glad we got more of them (I am greedy and still want more lol) and I do look forward to there being a book for Perry and Jonny.
4.5 stars
I kind of just really love these two. This book takes place a 1year and half later. The two are still lovers and have been living together but have yet to express their feelings. When an invitation to Winterbourne Abbey for Christmas is sent out they oblige the request to attend. The trip puts a test on their relationship and unspoken words between the two set unnecessary worries into action. It all adds up to another heartwarmingly entertaining read.
I am so glad we got more of them (I am greedy and still want more lol) and I do look forward to there being a book for Perry and Jonny.
January 1, 2019
Tag team review with Cupcake!
When I originally read Joanna Chamber’s short story ‘Introducing Mr. Winterbourne’ in the 2014 anthology ‘Another Place in Time’, I was absolutely delighted. The only problem was wanted more than just the brief glimpse of the beginning of Adam and Lysander’s relationship.
Well my wish came true about four years later, in a delightful holiday package.
Eighteen months after agreeing to become Adam’s estate manager, Lysander is living a blissful existence. He’s completely head over heels for Adam. And Adam’s equally in love.
I think I swooned multiple times reading the first few pages from both men’s perspectives. They’re just so cute together. And while readers didn’t get to see that initial falling-in-love phase after the end of book 1, I had no doubt how both their world’s revolved around each other.
And they give each other something they need - Adam is the stability Lysander was looking for, and Lysander reminds Adam to enjoy life.
The only problem is that the two haven’t told each other how they feel, with both men a bit insecure about what the future will hold.
Things get a tad bit more complicated when Adam is invited to spend Christmas with Lysander’s family at Winterbourne Abbey. Family drama can definitely put a damper on the holidays!
This is where things took a bit of a downturn for me. At a certain point, the side stories of multiple secondary characters drowned out the romance. I could have done with less distractions.
Even so, I thoroughly enjoyed the continuation of Adam and Lysander’s love story once the book got back to the main plot. I was swooning again when the two got all vulnerable and lovey-dovey with each other.
And since Joanna Chambers definitely left some room for it, I’ve got my fingers-crossed for future installments in Mr. Winterbourne and Mr. Freeman’s tale!
When I originally read Joanna Chamber’s short story ‘Introducing Mr. Winterbourne’ in the 2014 anthology ‘Another Place in Time’, I was absolutely delighted. The only problem was wanted more than just the brief glimpse of the beginning of Adam and Lysander’s relationship.
Well my wish came true about four years later, in a delightful holiday package.
Eighteen months after agreeing to become Adam’s estate manager, Lysander is living a blissful existence. He’s completely head over heels for Adam. And Adam’s equally in love.
I think I swooned multiple times reading the first few pages from both men’s perspectives. They’re just so cute together. And while readers didn’t get to see that initial falling-in-love phase after the end of book 1, I had no doubt how both their world’s revolved around each other.
And they give each other something they need - Adam is the stability Lysander was looking for, and Lysander reminds Adam to enjoy life.
The only problem is that the two haven’t told each other how they feel, with both men a bit insecure about what the future will hold.
Things get a tad bit more complicated when Adam is invited to spend Christmas with Lysander’s family at Winterbourne Abbey. Family drama can definitely put a damper on the holidays!
This is where things took a bit of a downturn for me. At a certain point, the side stories of multiple secondary characters drowned out the romance. I could have done with less distractions.
Even so, I thoroughly enjoyed the continuation of Adam and Lysander’s love story once the book got back to the main plot. I was swooning again when the two got all vulnerable and lovey-dovey with each other.
And since Joanna Chambers definitely left some room for it, I’ve got my fingers-crossed for future installments in Mr. Winterbourne and Mr. Freeman’s tale!
January 12, 2022
I loved this even more than the first book! We have Lysander and Adam, 18 months later, living happily together and deeply in love. But they are both scared to talk about their feelings, and about the future, for fear the other doesn’t feel the same way.
I love historical MM romances. This one is romantic and emotional, but light hearted and fun. A dozen or so guests at the Winterbourne estate for Christmas, and lots of illicit fun and romance in hidden corners.
I love historical MM romances. This one is romantic and emotional, but light hearted and fun. A dozen or so guests at the Winterbourne estate for Christmas, and lots of illicit fun and romance in hidden corners.
February 8, 2022
4.5 rounded down
Such a delightful sequel! About twice the length of the first book, and it was so lovely to return to Lysander and Adam and see them more firmly settled in their happy ending. Charming throughout, with a satisfying conclusion--definitely makes the first short story feel more full and complete. I liked the other characters and their various shenanigans, though I did think that the whole spanking scene was a little OTT for me.
Such a delightful sequel! About twice the length of the first book, and it was so lovely to return to Lysander and Adam and see them more firmly settled in their happy ending. Charming throughout, with a satisfying conclusion--definitely makes the first short story feel more full and complete. I liked the other characters and their various shenanigans, though I did think that the whole spanking scene was a little OTT for me.
November 29, 2018
Oh, this story makes my heart happy.
Although, silly boys! Who takes that long to say "I love you"?!
Although, silly boys! Who takes that long to say "I love you"?!
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