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 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 episode in Leenie Brown's Other Pens, Mansfield Park 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.