Whoever said nothing ventured, nothing gained never had her heart on the line. Adela Atwood grew up immersed in the world of horse breeding and racing. She comes from a family of risk-takers. Ignoring the usual rearing for a girl, her father allowed Addie to take the reins of her own destiny, and she has sat in life’s saddle ever since. Unfortunately, her brother is also a gambler and, unlike … her brother is also a gambler and, unlike Addie, is no stranger to losing. This time, however, it is more than mere pounds at stake as Addie’s beloved horse and maybe even her brother’s life are caught up in the bargain.
Robert Eldridge was also raised surrounded by horses. In fact, he is the owner of a stable of animals which have often placed well in the races at Newcastle. When his friend nearly died the previous year, he learned that sometimes when you gamble, you lose, and some things are more precious than money.
With her father lying at death’s door and her brother facing a formidable adversary, Addie’s life is set on end. Robert, who is visiting the Atwood’s neighbors at Mansfield Park, feels compelled to offer his assistance in helping sort out the mess Addie’s brother has created.
What should have been a simple scheme to rid the Atwoods of a problem, draws Robert in and places him in a precarious position that will require them to combine their talents if they hope to have a chance at success against their foe. However, Addie knows all too well that losses are part of the gamble. Many things are irreplaceable in life, but her heart would be the most precious thing of all to lose.
Addie: To Wager on Her Future is the fifth installment in Leenie Brown’s Other Pens series of books. If you like well-written sweet Regency romance determined and brave heroines where trouble abounds, then you will enjoy this story about risking it all to claim what is truly most dear.
So, put the kettle on, grab your copy of Addie: To Wager on Her Future, and discover with Addie and Robert that some wagers are well-worth the risk.
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“I don’t like people,” said Velvet. “… I only like horses.” –Enid Bagnold, National Velvet
This story was another selection from Leenie Brown’s ‘Other Pens, Mansfield Park’ series. With each installment, Brown features Mansfield Park characters, their friends and/or their acquaintances. This is the fifth book in that series and I have to say it has been the cutest. I love this new character, Addie. This can be read as a stand-alone; however, for the greatest enjoyment, don’t overlook the other books. There is background information [especially in Tom’s book]. Brown was really good about supplying enough information to remind readers what happened in the previous story.
In several of the stories/novellas, Brown attempted to reform a rogue or a character that many did not like from the canon story. Examples:
Book 1: Henry: To Prove Himself Worthy: Yeah, that is Henry Crawford we are talking about. I did not care one jot about him in the canon account, and yet… Brown brought him to his knees and reformed his sorry… attitude and restored his reputation. Mary, on the other hand, was a b-witch to her brother and the other characters. She remained horrid.
Book 2: Charles: To Discover His Purpose: Friend of our characters. I really liked this guy and was hoping Brown would have a HEA story for him. Mary was still a snot and did not appreciate how her reformed brother cramped her style and social standing. She tried to… well, you will just have to read it and see.
Book 3: Mary: To Protect Her Heart: No, no, no… I did not want to read a story about a reformed Mary Crawford. I wanted to hate and despise her for all times and never speak her name let alone read a story about her redemption. Man, you would have to hit her pretty hard to make a dent in her heart, conscience, and attitude. I may have thrown a bit of dust in the air in protest against reading this story. Actually, I liked it. Dang! Brown did it again.
Book 4: Tom: To Secure His Legacy: We rarely see a story about that time when Tom went off to have a bit of fun with his friends. We read in MP that he had an accident, was abandoned by those friends, and was left in the care of servants. Who actually took care of him? Who notified his family of his condition and provided his location so they could come and get him? Who were they? It was a good story.
Book 5: Addie: to Wager on Her Future: We met our hero in the last book and Brown has a way of making us want to hear more of the story surrounding our supporting characters.
“Horse sense is the thing a horse has which keeps it from betting on people.” –W.C. Fields
Adela ‘Addie’ Atwood loved horses more than she did people. I live in Kentucky [well known as horse country] with our bluegrass, horse farms, and horse racing [the Kentucky Derby, Keenland, and other races]. I understood Addie completely. They had a successful breeding/training program and their horses performed well at the race track. She knew as much about the horses on their farm, their pedigree, and their abilities, as her father did. When he became too ill to manage things, Addie took over running the estate and the stables while her brother finished school. As her father’s condition became critical, the doctor advised her that there was no recovery and it would not be very long.
Brother James returned from school accompanied by an older man. Addie instantly knew something was wrong. This was no friend from school. This was a powerful and dangerous man and James owed him money. The man, Mr. Camden, wanted her beloved horse, Damon, as payment for James’ debts. Addie was heartbroken and her father could only say, ‘It was necessary.’
Enter our hero Robert Eldridge who also raised and trained horses for the race track. His horse, Hugo, was a beauty and his sister Faith was betrothed to Tom Bertram. See the previous story to see how that came about. I loved them. Addie was friends with Susan Price who now lived at Mansfield Park. Fanny and Edmund were married and had a son.
Brown masterfully handled our characters in a way we don’t usually get to see. These characters understood each other. We had angst, drama, fear for their horses, and I nearly shed a tear with a shocking scene I did not expect. A female relation [Aunt Edith, Mrs. Bellingham] arrived that added comedic relief after giving me a shock to my senses. I did not like her and then I adored her. How does Brown do that? This was a delightful story and I highly recommend it for those who like a quick read with a HEA.
I volunteered to read an ARC [advance reader copy] with no expectations of a review. The opinions expressed are my own thoughts. After the book launched, I also purchased a copy prior to posting this review. I do so enjoy Brown’s books. This series has been fun.
Addie: To Wager on Her Future (Other Pens, Mansfield Park book 5) by Leenie Brown was romantic read. I loved Addie from the moment I started. She is strong willed but aware of where society is. I was concerned with her future when we met her brother. It seems like Addie’s future is taking a dark turn. I enjoyed the read and the end was definitely worth the time invested. My romantic heart was satisfied.
5 Star
Addie: To Wager on Her Future (Other Pens, Mansfield Park book 5) by Leenie Brown is a historical romance regency era,that pulled me in from the beginning and doesn’t let go till the end. I love, love ,love historical Romance and this book didn’t disappoint.r this is my first read by this Author. I’m definitely going to check out her other books in this series. I like this author’style of writing and her characters are very well developed and easily relatable. . Adela and Robert ,she’s a woman who wishes to be independent. She and Robert have a connection. Find out what happens next in this must read. Can these two get a HEA? I look forward to reading more from this Author.
Addie: To Wager on Her Future (Other Pens, Mansfield Park book 5) by Leenie Brown
5-Stars
Addie: To Wager on Her Future (Other Pens, Mansfield Park book 5) by Leenie Brown was a fun and romantic novel. This book can be read as a standalone. I loved Addie’s character and her love for horses. I found her realistic and easy to relate to. I was sad about her father’s health and the struggle she had with her brother during the story. I loved Robert Eldridge as well. He was a perfect gentleman who embraced Addie’s love for horses and how she did not fit the typical lady like mold of that time period. This was a wonderful light hearted story that left me feeling happy and refreshed. I highly recommend it!
Addie: To Wager on Her Future by Leenie Brown is book 5 in the Mansfield Park series. This book wasn’t necessarily out of my comfort zone, but something that I wouldn’t normally pick to read because of the writing style. I decided to read this book because of the horse racing reference, as I have spent a lot of time out with my family watching horse races. Overall, I thought the book was great. There was the perfect amount of suspense, action, and emotion. The characters were all strong and well developed. Most of them have charming personalities and are easy to love. Addie was my favorite character. She is different than all the other women in her time, who are taught life is just about looks and finding a husband who matches well. She thinks outside of the box and loves horses and racing. Her brother, James, has been off at school and has made some poor decisions that have got him into trouble. Addie is doing her best to keep things in good standing and out of harm’s way, as things in her life seem to be falling apart. Robert is taken with Addie the first time he meets her and will do whatever he can to ensure her happiness, even if that means taking on the despicable Mr. Camden. This book was short and sweet and I am happy that I read it; it is a good book to curl up all cozy like and spend the afternoon reading.
“Addie: To Wager On Her Future” is a great blend of romance, grief, and horse racing as the main character Addie struggles with being who she is, with what society dictates she be. Also a great story if you love stories about horses! I haven’t had a chance to read the other installments in this series, but this one gripped me! I had trouble putting it down, eager to see the story play out! I would read this novel again, and I can’t wait to read the others in the series!
Addie: To Wager on Her Future (Other Pens, Mansfield Park Book 5) by Leenie Brown. I’m really starting to love a appreciate a
regency romance. I wasn’t always a fan but books like this one are quickly changing my mind. This story is packed with drama and emotions that will give you highs and lows. With just the right balance of funny to break it all up. From page one I was completely hooked and couldn’t put it down. The author does an amazing job of writing with such feelings and attention to even the smallest details. Each character brought me everything I was needing in their parts of the storyline making them complex and unique. The storyline has a nice easy flow never feeling rushed or lacking. I’m excited to read more from this author! Four stars and highly recommended.
I love historical romances that introduce such a strong-willed female character as it wasn’t necessarily a “thing” in the time period. In this book, we’re introduced to Addie who is as strong-willed as they come. She doesn’t want to be like most other women who are brought up to follow a certain regime as a lady. Instead, she wants to ride her horse astride rather than to the side, be viewed as an equal, have her knowledge and opinions celebrated instead of looked down upon. Because she prefers the company of her horses than actual people, she is able to hide away from a lot of social rules.
When she suddenly has to take on the role of caretaker for her family’s business and farm, it’s a lot more than she bargained for. With her father’s illness, it isn’t easy for her to balance everything, but she’s determined to do so and make them not only stay afloat but a success. Things make a turn when her brother ends up in some trouble and brings along a man that will do what it takes to get what he’s owed, even at someone else’s expense.
Robert too loves horses and is surrounded by them every single day. He’s followed his family into business and has loved everything about it. It’s his life’s work and he wants to expand and do more. His own determination in life mirrors Addie’s. Upon their meeting, it’s clear to him that she is something special.
Together they try to figure out how to help her family, keep things going and figure out if they should ignore the attraction that courses between them. Their chemistry is so on point, and steamy! I really loved the way the author portrayed her characters. They fit the time period so well, but yet there are modern traits visible in all of them. I adored Addie! Her journey isn’t easy, but it really makes up who she is. This is such a sweet, yet steamy historical read. It’s fantastic!
This was a lovely love story full of surprising twists.
Addie owns a horse ranch who breed horses for racing, he father is gravelly ill so the running of the company has been left to her while her brother is at school.
On her brother return she find out he owes money to a very ruthless man who wants to take either her horse or her as payment.
Then along comes the knight in shining armour. Robert is a friend of the neighbouring family who meets Addie one day whilst out riding, after becoming fond of her he offers to help by betting his horse and her house. The winner gets to keep them both.
As they are training the horses their feelings for each other grow. Can they get it together or will things stand in there way.
Its a lovely story set in a time when women had to be proper and men true gentlemen.
This is such a cute, happily ever after book filled with sweet characters. It is a quick, easy read that has enough detail and intrigue to keep you interested but still remains light. I really enjoyed reading this. Good job. 4 stars.
Addie: To Wager On Her Future the, fifth book in the ‘Other Pens, Mansfield Park’ series by Leenie Brown was such a delightful story to read. I loved the language, the description of the estates, the mood of the times, it was just very smooth. It’s about the loyalty and faithfulness of friends and their love for one another. It’s a great love story,and I mean a really good love story. I love stories like this. The love and affection was there and you could feel the intensity between Robert and Addie. It’s so rare to read a good love story without all the steamy by product. No discomfort level at all in this great story. You will leave this one feeling warm and fuzzy. Well worth the read.
This is a new author for me and I enjoyed this book. I can’t wait to check out the other books in this series. This is a well written story that has well develped characters that bring the story to life. They are connectable and will keep you reading to the end. Many characters with lots of things going on with even a twist that you won’t want to miss. I loved Addie’s character and found myself hoping that she and Robert would find their HEA. I highly recommend finding out what happens with them
Addie: To Wager on Her Future is the fifth book in the Other Pens, Mansfield Park series by Leenie Brown. Leenie Brown has an amazing eye for detail. Her story lays everything out so that you can see everything in your mind’s eye. The plot line has a lot of depth to it. One thing that I enjoyed, is that the female character is the heroine. Addie has a family that she loves and has thrust upon her. Between her father on his deathbed and her brother with his little gambling problem has made Addie lead the family and take care of business. Will Addie be able to take charge like her father did for the family? Will her brother be too much to handle? You will have to read the story to find out the answers to these questions.
This a new author for me and I was very unsure if I would like it BUT I am actually pleasantly surprised. I ended up enjoying this book and I thought it was well written. The characters in this story are great, they were likeable and the author was able to bring them to life. I was looking forward to seeing where this story was headed and the twists and turns were great. I am going to look into more books by this author in the future! I would recommend reading this one for yourself!
Happy Reading!
4 Stars
Addie: To Wager On Her Future is the fifth book in the ‘Other Pens, Mansfield Park’ series by Leenie Brown. This is a great regency romance which is full of drama, trouble, danger, risk, angst, emotion, and even a little humour -which was well placed to balance all the drama and angst.
Ms. Brown is a ‘new-to-me’ author, so I wasn’t sure of what to expect going into this book. But I do enjoy a good period piece- and the blurb intrigued me, so I took a chance and jumped in. I am happy that I did, because this story delivers everything you could want from a great regency romance.
The characters are fully developed, with their own personalities, quirks, and flaws. The have been so well crafted that the became ‘real’ and very believable. Some characters were entirely likeable- whilst others were quite detestable- and Ms. Brown easily sways us in either direction. The story is well woven- having just the right amount of drama, angst, and tension to keep me hooked.
Addie is unlike a lot of women of her times- strong, capable, determined, independent, and forward thinking. She has grown up in and around the world of horse racing, and horse breeding. When her father is taken ill, she stepped up and has been running things ever since. But her brother brings trouble home with him, which threatens everything she holds dear. What happens when a new ‘friend’ steps in with a solution. Will this bring and end to their problems, or will this complicate things even more? It is well worth the read to find out.
This may be the fifth book in the series, but it can be read as a standalone. But having said that, I am intrigued about what the other books may hold, so I will definitely be going back to meet the other characters and follow their stories.
Thank you, Leenie Brown!
This regency romance pulled me in straight away. I love historical romance, the regency era, and all things Austen. This felt very much in the same vein with great connection to the audience, relatable characters, and a well paced storyline. This author is new to me and I am very glad I found her. Well written and recommended!
Addie: To Wager on Her Future by Leenie Brown is the fifth book in the Other Pens, Mansfield Park series. This is a sweet regency romance that will draw you easily into the characters.
I don’t often read regency books so I always enjoy slipping back into the genre. This book was a great way to do that as well. The characters were really enjoyable to read about. The story was well paced and easy to connect with.
It is a relatively quick read so the type of book I would say is perfect for a lazy afternoon. I liked that I didn’t have to have read the other books first although I definitely think I will be adding them on.
Addie: To Wager on Her Future (Other Pens, Mansfield Park Book 5) by Leenie Brown is a delightful period romance and a quick read. I have not read anything by this author before and I am not really a fan of period pieces unless they are done well. But this sweet story was well written and held my attention from start to finish. The characters are likable and fun to read.
Addie has been dealing with running the house and looking after the horses whilst her brother is away at school and her father is sick. She soon discovers that her brother has gotten himself in some trouble and when faced with the evil Mr Camden Robert a recent friend, steps up and suggests a solution and finds himself unwittingly drawn into the problem. Addie finds herself falling for the ever studious Robert and entangles him into an idea of her own.
I recommend this story for those who like a quick read with a HEA.
Addie: To Wager on Her Future (Other Pens, Mansfield Park Book 5)
By: Leenie Brown
5 out of 5 stars
The story Addie: To Wager on Her Future (Other Pens, Mansfield Park Book 5) by Leenie Brown is a historical romance book. It is a story that pulled me in from the beginning and didn’t let me go until the final page. I enjoy reading about characters and stories from different time periods. I loved reading about the characters of Adela Atwood and Robert Eldridge. Adela is a woman who is strong and wishes to be independent. The time at which she lives doesn’t view women the same as today and it was not seen as proper for a young lady to talk or be part of business matters. Adela also loves the horses in which are on the family’s farm. She does very well in understanding them. Adela finds herself caught up both in her father’s illness and a situation that her brother has found himself in and involves her losing the one thing she holds very dear. Robert is attracted and drawn to Adela. He is willing to help her any way he can. Adela also feels an attraction to Robert. Will Robert and Adela act on their feelings for each other? Will the situation that her brother has found himself in be settled? Read this book to find out. This story also has other additional characters that I enjoyed reading about. Don’t miss out on a book that will have you hooked from the very beginning. I highly recommend reading it.