M. Winterbourne

Winterbourne #1

by Joanna Chambers, Lee Hanna (Translator)

Lysander Winterbourne semble mener une vie facile. Beau, aimable et sportif de renom, il est le chouchou de la société londonienne. En ce qui concerne Adam Freeman, Lysander n’est qu’un aristocrate gâté.

Riche propriétaire de manufactures, Adam n’a pas de temps pour le monde frivole de la bonne société, mais lorsque son frère cadet se fiance avec Althea Winterbourne, il accepte à contrecœur d’y être présenté – avec l’enfant chéri du clan de Winterbourne comme guide.

Se résignant à quelques jours d’ennui, Adam est surpris de découvrir qu’il y a beaucoup plus chez Lysander que son extérieur parfait.

Mais Adam aura-t-il le courage de présenter à Lysander Winterbourne son « moi » secret?

Genres: Historical, Romance, M M Romance, Historical Fiction, Historical Romance, LGBT, Queer

61 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2014

About the author

Joanna Chambers' muse likes red wine, coffee and won't let Joanna clean the house or watch television.

If you came here looking for a copy of The Bequest you can get it here:

https://mybookcave.com/d/81d35cdf/

If you're looking for Seasons Pass, go here:

https://mybookcave.com/d/92fd26a0/

Reviews

[Heather K (dentist in my spare time)]

*4.5 stars*

It is SO hard to write a good novella, and Joanna Chambers makes it look easy in Introducing Mr. Winterbourne.

I wasn't expecting that much from this one, to be honest. I mean, though I love, love Joanna Chambers, novellas are really difficult to write and write well. However, I was really surprised by this one.

In under 60 pages, we get an enemies-to-lovers, a lot of build-up and sexual tension, and some pretty glorious sex scenes. The only thing I didn't like about the story is that it ended so soon.

I want more, more, MORE. I need more of this story in my life.

*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*

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[~ Dαni(ela) ♥ ♂♂ & semicolons ~]

The only thing about this story I didn't like is that it ended (on a rather tentative note).

Adam and Lysander were just so right together. I love the way Lysander went from proper gentleman to debauched virgin the moment Adam stripped off his clothes. The mild enemies-to-lovers trope was delicious too (even if they didn't remain enemies for long).

This is a sensual story with so much potential. Surely there's more?

[Drusilla]

Awwwwwwww……
This is …. This is ….
OMG
I have no words.
So cuuuute.
And hottttt 🤭

He thought of Freeman lunging at him with his blade, his muscular body taut and lean, expression concentrated, and . . . Lysander wanted him.
The wanting was like hunger, a yearning that went beyond mere desire, toppling over into pure need.
And it was that, finally, that made Lysander speak, that made him put caution to one side and utter the truth, or one truth anyway.
“I am not looking for a wife either.” 😲🫠🫠

And then he went deeper still, pressing Lysander’s thighs apart with strong, determined hands, touching the very tip of his agile tongue to the impossibly tight entrance to Lysander’s body.
Lysander bucked against his hands. “Jesus, Adam—you can’t—” 😳😳🤤

[Optimist ♰King's Wench♰]

Simply Delightful!

This little story put a smile on my face with the first curricle mention. There's just something about this era that appeals to me, all that buttoned up stodgyness just begging to be ripped open like a kid a Christmas. *shivers* I love it. I also have an age difference kink and there is a slight one here. Plus, if it gets your motor running, Lysander is a virgin.

In my opinion, few others can deliver the Regency goods like Joanna Chambers and she did with this little dumpling.

Adam and Lysander have an enemies vibe initially, though it's more like animosity on Adam's part since he's been shunned by the aristocracy for being a commoner. A commoner with enviable wealth, to be certain, but a commoner nonetheless. He assumes Lysander is another in a long line who've looked down their noses at him.

Lysander quickly dispels that notion and over the course of a day the two form a connection. The evolution happened right before my very eyes! Every moment they spent together was economic in the relationship development sense and along the way both of their personalities emerged through the dual perspectives as did their attraction to each other.



Though they only know each other a day, I completely bought into their connection and loved every minute with them whether it be fencing, sharing a meal or dancing in the moonlight, I wanted more, more of the Lysander's sweet shyness and more of Adam's grouchiness and more of them finding common ground and becoming more comfortable as they discover they are cut from the same cloth. Some may naysay the speed of the sexytimes but CARPE DIEM, I say!

Through language and knowledge of the era Joanna Chambers created an atmosphere that immediately transported me to this world and I look forward to re-entering it with "Mr. Winterbourne's Christmas" soon.

Recommend to historical romance fans who like their enemies to lovers trope on the lite side.



A review copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

[Len Evans Jr]

First off I LOVED this story... secondly I am SOOOOOOO happy that the sequel will be released on November 19th! If I did not know this I would have been pissed by the abrupt ending. I loved both Lysander and Adam... I loved their fumbling back and forth as they attempted to discern if the other was gay or not. I really loved the scene of Lysander's first time... it was beautifully written by the author! What an enjoyable read this was!

[Drache.... (Angelika)]

Reread 12/2024.
Lovely, heart warming comfort read.
All time favourite.
I love this series.
----------
Reread 04/2024
Beautiful comfort read, bumping up to 5 stars.
Short but oh so lovely!
---------
Reread 06/2022
still like it, 4 stars.
---------
01/2022
It's really strange. I usually don't like short novellas, hate love/lust at first sight, but... although this book has just 45 pages and covers about 12 hours, I loved this book.
5 stars!

[Cadiva]

Another historical winner from Joanna Chambers

This is a delightful - if somewhat short - historical romance between two quite disparate men.

Adam's gruff exterior hid a passionate lover inside and he found a perfect recipient for that expression in Lysander.

There's not much goes on here other than the meet cute, a brief dalliance and realisation of the meeting of two men in tune with each other in spite of their differences.

I'm desperate to find out where Joanna Chambers takes these two characters.

[Vanna]

Reread for the 3rd time in Dec 2025, because remains as one of my fav books ❤️🥰

Reread on the last day of 2023 because it’s still one of my fav books.. 😍❤️❤️❤️

4.5 stars!! 🤩😍. LOVED IT!!! 💕 Fabulous little gem of a story in my favorite genre.. 😁. Adam Freeman and Lysander Winterbourne are so made for each other. 😍. I loved every aspect of the story.. how they met, how they change their first impressions of each other and start a tentative friendship, how in matter of just a day they form a bond so strong that it feels like they are going to end up together and last but not the least how HOT they are together. 💘🔥I wish it was a full fledged novel instead of a novella.., but I'm super excited that there is a Christmas sequel to their story.. I'm so looking forward to reading that. Thanks Amanda & Len for recommending this gem. 👌😁

[Zuzu]

Great short story. Definitely makes me want to continue the series because I liked the MC’s quite a bit. As with most great shorts, I wanted more!

[oshiiy]

4 stars ⭐️

This is a wholesome, beautiful historical romance novella, and I really loved Adam and Lysander together. I felt such a sweet connection between them, and the author did a great job of giving the characters real depth. I loved it.

[Renée]

Such a tease! I can't believe that's all we get. Ms. Chambers - I need a follow-up. Pronto!

[Florence .]

4 seduction stars

“You could not please me more,” Adam said softly. “I count it a privilege to be chosen by you for this. To be allowed to give you this pleasure.” He smiled. “And it will be a pleasure, Lysander, of that you can be sure.”

Brief summary:
Lysander Winterborne is 23 years old and his parents make him show Adam Freeman, who’s 31 years old, around town. During that time, they start experience desire for the other and then they act on it.

I don’t really have much to say about this book. It was really short and I just enjoyed everything about it. Everything about this book worked for me, I loved the plot, the settings, the tone, the characters, the building relationship, I just enjoyed all of it.

Here are some gifs that describe very well my experience reading this book.

[Shin Mon Thway]

I think “Another place in time” anthology is definitely a win because so far I’ve read two novellas from it and both are gold. 👏 It’s such a delight to see shy and innocent Mr. Winterbourne blossoming into a happy, confident, young man. This was scorching hot! 🔥 I already can’t wait for the next book. 😊 Adam and Lysander are so cute together. 😍


4.5 I’ll come with you stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

[Ariana (mostly offline)]

Absolutely delightful and awesome and wonderful.
Loved both Adam and Lysander!

All I can say is: Can I have more, please? A LOT more?

[Elena]

Sometimes when two characters meet for the first time, and get together all in the span of a day and a few pages, it feels all rushed and forced.
And sometimes the author gives you such a clear and believable picture of the characters and how their relationship ignites, that you feel like you’ve read a much longer book. This was one of the second cases.

[Deborah]

This is a beautiful little read. And this is all the review you’re getting as I move straight onto Mr. Winterbourne’s Christmas.

[Papie]

This is gorgeous and romantic and sexy and dreamy and OMG why is it so short?

❤️❤️❤️

[Kacey]

Novellas are a hard thing to get right - they always tend to feel rushed, but this was very well done. A bit short, but only because I wanted more!

[Eugenia]

Oh, yessssss ❤️❤️❤️

Why has it taken so long for me to read this delightful short?

Regency
Social gap
Enemies to lovers in a day
Virgin!
UST

My rec? Simply lovely and romantic!

[Sheri]

Well, it's time I admit it...I don't hate historicals anymore.
I'm not sure how it happened, but slowly the tides have turned.
Every time I start one I think, 'oh no, this isn't going to work for me' and then suddenly...I'm smiling and soaring through it, wondering why I ever doubted it.
I enjoyed making Mr. Winterbourne's acquaintance very much.
Adam was simply splendid. Their quick courting was adorable.
They were feisty and fiery.
I loved how Chambers brought them together...it was short but solid.
Very well done indeed.

[Bookreader87(Amanda)]

Currently free on Amazon 12/12/18

Mr. Winterbourne...

My number one complaint, like many others, was that it ended too soon. I wanted more of these two. We barely scratched at what could be. I am glad to see there will be more soon and you better believe I will be here for it lol

[Gaby]

This was an absolute delight. I can’t wait to read the sequel. I think it's safe to say Joanna Chambers’ books have a special place in my heart.

[Tess]

5 stars

I read this first in the Another Place in Time Anthology. Even better the second time around. Very much looking forward to the sequel :)

[⋆｡°✮ Lucy InTheSky ✮°｡⋆]

Hell of a lot better than Bridgerton, that's for sure.

This is my nr. 1000 and it couldn't have been a better choice.
In fact, if this were a lengthier book, it would definitely be one of my favorites.

It's rather short though and stops with the main characters coming together that one time, deciding to sort of elope and the next installment is about 2 years after that moment, so that's why I'm rating it with 4⭐ and not more.

🔵 Regency era romance
🟢 Both MMCs gay
🟣 Families connected through engagement of brother/sister
🟢 Social class nobility/commerce, but the nobility is indebted in this case and the working class character has all the money
🟠 Age gap - 8 years 23/31
🟡 Really good setting, I'm sad to see everything ended rather quickly, this had the potential to be a very, very good book
🌶️ One sex scene, kissing, oral, rimming, penetrative, lube/oil, bareback, virgin; t/b

"“I want to kiss you.” Those words turned Lysander’s world on its head. Or perhaps it was just that, finally, the world had been righted, so that the impossible became possible, if only in this moment."



This story was simply fantastic.

Adam is the oldest son of a late rich mill owner with a younger brother Simon, who wants to climb the societal ladder and become a politician, so he gets engaged to Earl Winterbourne's daughter.

Lysander is the youngest son of the Winterbourne family, a family that's in debt because of Earl being a big gambler. Lysander is expected to become a priest/vicar, so before he gets thrown into that fate, he spends an obligatory day with Adam, taking him to outings, a ball and eventually in the same day kissing him and going home with him.

"Could it be that Freeman was like Lysander? That he was more interested in his own sex than the fairer variety? Lysander’s heart began to race at the thought, and his mouth grew dry. He thought of Freeman lunging at him with his blade, his muscular body taut and lean, expression concentrated, and . . . Lysander wanted him."

The main characters have a strong chemistry, I loved their interactions and again, I'm so disappointed the story didn't continue. There was so much more to be said, so many things could've been developed further where the story ended. Lysander's family, his elopement (officially it's going to work for Adam on his estate, unofficially it's to be with him), more intimate moments with Adam, I mean - I'd love to read about it.

The next installment starts off with them already having an established secret relationship, so for me personally that's a downer, because it's almost 2 years of them being and living together and it's all off-page, apparently. It's too big of a time jump.

I will say that I loved the writing, historical romances are just about the only place I can tolerate BE and this was really well done.

[Caz]

A lovely short story - with the emphasis on the short - about Lysander Winterbourne, a young gentleman whose family is pressuring him to take his life in a direction he has no wish to go (the clergy) - and a wealthy mill-owner whose brother is marrying Lysander's sister. Ms. Chambers has pared things down to the bone to fit the page count, but both characters are vividly drawn and really stand out - and their somewhat whirlwind romance is nonetheless quite easy to buy into.

On to Mr. Winterbourne's Christmas

[Laurel]

Possible spoilers ahead

I’ve struck gold again with Joanna Chamber’s historical romance. It’s only 57 pages long, but the quality is top notch, and it sets up a very intriguing story should the author choose to write more. I didn’t feel the story lacked anything at all due to its length.

The resentment Adam (31) has towards the Winterbourne family in the beginning was comical.

It was lovely to watch that resentment change to camaraderie the more time he spent with Lysander (23). They share a very romantic day fencing, waltzing on a balcony and end the day with an incredibly steamy sex scene. (I feel like I just spoilt the entire story, but it’s not what happens, but how it happens that makes the story.)

Both characters are extremely likeable and interesting, and their chemistry is sweet, easy and comfortable.

I really want more!!!!

[Kathleen]

Well that was just lovely. Truly. As an intro! Where’s the rest of my story? Ms. Chambers, I want more of charming Lysander Winterbourne and the inscrutable Adam Freeman.

Atmospheric, finely drawn characters, gorgeous period detail...all wrapped up in too few pages. Few authors in this genre can write good short stories. Joanna Chambers is one of them.

[mwana]

A kiss to leave misery on...

All it takes is a day for Lysander Winterbourne to meet the man who will give him the escape he deserves.

[haletostilinski]

My only problem with this is that there was not nearly enough of it. At 57 pages, we only just got started with these two. I only hope we get a full length novel with them. Their chemistry was amazing and the sex was hottt. I want more. These two characters were too good to just be part of a short story.

Loved it!

[Grace]

Goodness, this was so lovely! It's quite short, and though the story does feel contained, the characters and set-up is so compelling, that I can't help but wish we'd got a full novel, or at least a proper novella, out of it. I'm pleased at least that there's a slightly longer sequel!