Tales From Seldon Park Series by Bethany M. Sefchick

Lady Lucy Cavendish is in a bit of a quandary. Her uncle, the current Earl of Wellsford has abandoned her at a coaching inn outside of London with no money and no way to contact her contracted fiancée, Archibald St. Vincent, the younger brother of the Duke of Enwright. Except that Lucy quickly learns that not only is Archibald not coming to claim her, but that a far worse fate than abandonment awaits. She is to be sold to a house in Covent Garden to work as a prostitute rather than marry anyone... moreLady Lucy Cavendish is in a bit of a quandary. Her uncle, the current Earl of Wellsford has abandoned her at a coaching inn outside of London with no money and no way to contact her contracted fiancée, Archibald St. Vincent, the younger brother of the Duke of Enwright. Except that Lucy quickly learns that not only is Archibald not coming to claim her, but that a far worse fate than abandonment awaits. She is to be sold to a house in Covent Garden to work as a prostitute rather than marry anyone. Desperate and alone, Lucy strikes out on her own, hoping to make her way to Fairhaven, the spring residence of the duke, and throw herself on his mercy. Or the mercy of his staff, at least, for as it's nearly Christmas, it's doubtful that the duke would be anywhere near a home he only uses a few weeks out of the year. Adam St. Vincent, the Duke of Enwright, is furious. His brother has concocted yet another nefarious scheme, and this time, he doesn't think he can buy his brother's way out of trouble. Things become even more complicated when the lady in question arrives at Fairhaven where Adam is waiting for his brother. Cold and wet, it's clear the lady is ill and needs medical attention, so Adam whisks her off to his home at Overlook Hill to recuperate. He might be called the Devil Duke, but he's certainly no monster! Not to mention that it's the only proper and decent thing to do. Only things are never quite as uncomplicated as they appear and soon, it becomes clear to Adam that he must marry Lucy in order to keep her safe and out of Archibald's hands. Can Lucy, a woman of so-called "tainted blood," due to her partially Indian heritage, ever come to love a man like the Devil Duke? And will Adam ever allow anyone in to see past his icy facade and to the warm and caring man beneath? When family members on both sides return in an attempt to ruin the fledgling romance, more than a little Christmas magic is required for Lucy and Adam's happily ever after. This 31,300-word short novel is written in the modern, adult romance style for a slightly hotter read. It may not be appropriate for younger audiences. less

Lady Julia Rosemont should be enjoying her first season among London's elite. However nothing could be further from the truth. Even though she's the sister to the Duke of Candlewood and has been schooled in all of the dictates of polite society, she's also slightly on the shelf and has lived a rather sheltered life at her family's country seat, Seldon Park, in Sussex. Then, of course, there is the small matter of her scars... moreLady Julia Rosemont should be enjoying her first season among London's elite. However nothing could be further from the truth. Even though she's the sister to the Duke of Candlewood and has been schooled in all of the dictates of polite society, she's also slightly on the shelf and has lived a rather sheltered life at her family's country seat, Seldon Park, in Sussex. Then, of course, there is the small matter of her scars. Garish and all-together too visible, the unusual pattern of scars has defined Julia's entire life, for she cannot remember a time when they were not a part of her. It seems as if they have always been present, the result of an animal attack when she was a child. Now a debutante in town, Julia is finding it difficult to navigate the ballrooms of London, where being different is greatly frowned upon. Thankfully, she has her best friend, Benjamin, to offer assistance on occasion. That she is also deeply in love with him, and has been for ages, is entirely beside the point and of no consequence. Benjamin Sinclair, the Duke of Radcliffe, has known both Julia and her brother Nicholas since they were all children. There is nothing he wouldn't do to protect her. Except that the only reason she's having a season at all is because he insisted - secretly, of course. Her misery, therefore, is entirely his fault, and he will do anything he can to ease her pain. Even if that means becoming her escort for the remainder of the season. All he has to do is make certain that his heart does not become involved. For the last thing he wants to do is risk his long-standing friendship with Lady Julia. However when someone threatens to expose long-kept secrets about both Julia and Benjamin, secrets that could plunge both of their families deep into scandal, both of them must decide whether or not to face their fears. Including how they feel about each other. Is love worth the risk? Can Julia finally catch the duke of her dreams? Or will Benjamin forever be just beyond her reach? This 59,000-word short novel is written in the modern, Regency romance style for a slightly hotter read. It may not be appropriate for younger audiences. less

Lady Jane Ashford has been known as "Plain Jane" for as long as she can remember. Never a favorite with the gentlemen of the ton, she has remained on the fringes of ballrooms for years until one night at the height of the season, she encounters a man who is everything she has ever desired - Lord Sebastian St. Giles, the dashing and much-sought-after Earl of Covington - and in an instant, her heart is lost... moreLady Jane Ashford has been known as "Plain Jane" for as long as she can remember. Never a favorite with the gentlemen of the ton, she has remained on the fringes of ballrooms for years until one night at the height of the season, she encounters a man who is everything she has ever desired - Lord Sebastian St. Giles, the dashing and much-sought-after Earl of Covington - and in an instant, her heart is lost. Captivated by Lady Jane, Sebastian is determined to make her his, at least until business calls him out of London. When he returns, he is dismayed to discover that in his absence, his mother has taken it upon herself to select his bride, and she has chosen the worst possible candidate, Jane's half-sister, Lady Elizabeth. Now as Christmas fast approaches, Sebastian is forced to attend a house party where he is expected to announce his betrothal to Lady Elizabeth. Except that he cannot forget about Jane, the woman he truly desires. Unable to resist her, he finds himself spending every spare moment in her company, often times in the dark of night. Will he find a way to make Jane his by the time the clock strikes midnight on Christmas Eve or will their fairy tale romance end before it even begins? This 72,937-word novel is written in the modern, Regency romance style for a slightly hotter and sexier read. It may not be appropriate for younger audiences. less

It's Twelfth Night and Lady Amelia Banbrook, the daughter of the esteemed Earl of Hollinworth, finds herself in a bit of quandary. She is in love with her family's country neighbor, the perennial bachelor, Lord David Rutledge, the Earl of Weatherby. Friends since their youth, Amelia is convinced that there is no possible way that David returns her love, no matter how much she might wish it or if he even remembers the night when her feelings for him changed... moreIt's Twelfth Night and Lady Amelia Banbrook, the daughter of the esteemed Earl of Hollinworth, finds herself in a bit of quandary. She is in love with her family's country neighbor, the perennial bachelor, Lord David Rutledge, the Earl of Weatherby. Friends since their youth, Amelia is convinced that there is no possible way that David returns her love, no matter how much she might wish it or if he even remembers the night when her feelings for him changed. As the renowned Earl of Weatherby, David Rutledge is used to women falling at his feet. All except for the one he most desires, of course - Lady Amelia. The house party he has planned for Twelfth Night has done little to help his cause with Amelia, much to his chagrin. With title-grasping women chasing after him, can he find a way to seduce the woman he loves and make her understand that his love is real and not just some fleeting Christmas infatuation? Or will fear keep them apart and drive him into the arms of another? This 24,400-word novel is written in the modern, Regency romance style for a slightly hotter and sexier read. It may not be appropriate for younger audiences. less

Popularly known throughout England as "The Bloody Duke," Lord Nicholas Rosemont, Duke of Candlewood is not a spy. No matter what anyone thinks. He is simply extremely observant, a talent he has put to good use over the years - both to his benefit and his country's. Lady Eliza Deaver, daughter of the Marquess of Framingham, has known Lord Candlewood for years, even though few in society realize their unlikely connection. Eliza's brother Stephen was one of Nicholas' best friends... morePopularly known throughout England as "The Bloody Duke," Lord Nicholas Rosemont, Duke of Candlewood is not a spy. No matter what anyone thinks. He is simply extremely observant, a talent he has put to good use over the years - both to his benefit and his country's. Lady Eliza Deaver, daughter of the Marquess of Framingham, has known Lord Candlewood for years, even though few in society realize their unlikely connection. Eliza's brother Stephen was one of Nicholas' best friends. That was, until Stephen walked away from his duties and his family to join the army and never returned, dying at sea and plunging the entire family into deep mourning. Now a man has appeared claiming to be Stephen, but is he really? Neither Eliza nor Nicholas think so, but then, after so many years away, who can say for certain? Still, bringing this man back into the Framingham family is a risk, one Eliza is not willing to take without some little bit of confirmation that the man is really her brother. Can Nicholas, who has always felt responsible for both Stephen's departure and Eliza's well-being, use his vast resources to determine if this man really is his long-lost friend? More importantly, can he resist the sweet charms of the suddenly very delectable Lady Eliza? Or will she manage to do the one thing no other woman has - seduce the Bloody Duke into marriage? less

Consummate rake, Lord Robert Tillsbury, the current Viscount Chillton - also known as Frost - is bored out of his mind and the Season is not yet at an end. So when Frost's good friend the Duke of Candlewood sends him on a mission deep within London's newest brothel, Lycosura, to uncover the truth about a woman known only as Ianthe, he can hardly resist the temptation. Except that there is far more to Ianthe than meets the eye and she becomes a puzzle that Frost is almost desperate to solve... moreConsummate rake, Lord Robert Tillsbury, the current Viscount Chillton - also known as Frost - is bored out of his mind and the Season is not yet at an end. So when Frost's good friend the Duke of Candlewood sends him on a mission deep within London's newest brothel, Lycosura, to uncover the truth about a woman known only as Ianthe, he can hardly resist the temptation. Except that there is far more to Ianthe than meets the eye and she becomes a puzzle that Frost is almost desperate to solve. Miss Lavinia Tremont, otherwise known as Ianthe, is living her version of hell on earth. The granddaughter of a duke, she has lost her place in Society and though is still chaste, knows that her place in life is now that of a fallen woman. Or is it? For when Frost frees Lavinia from Lycosura and installs her in his home as a long-lost relative, her world changes dramatically. When he takes her out into Society on his arm, she is even more terrified, believing that the secrets of her past might return to cause trouble for everyone involved. More importantly, she fears that she is falling in love with a man that she can never have. Especially once he discovers who she really is. less

There was a time when the Duke of Hathaway was a title to be respected. However that was before current duke, Lord Adam Reynolds, made an utter mess of his life by throwing over his betrothed, dallying with unsuitable women, and generally behaving like the rogue he now believes himself to be. Given the cut direct by most of proper Society, Adam has one final chance to redeem his reputation by attending the Devil Duke of Enwright's annual summer house party... moreThere was a time when the Duke of Hathaway was a title to be respected. However that was before current duke, Lord Adam Reynolds, made an utter mess of his life by throwing over his betrothed, dallying with unsuitable women, and generally behaving like the rogue he now believes himself to be. Given the cut direct by most of proper Society, Adam has one final chance to redeem his reputation by attending the Devil Duke of Enwright's annual summer house party. Provided, of course, that he doesn't muck up this opportunity as well. Miss Abigail Northrup is the daughter of a wealthy merchant who is tired of being pursued for nothing more than her dowry and fortune. Her final social event will be her friend's grand house party before she officially declares herself a spinster. However when she encounters Lord Hathaway - in a rather questionable state of undress, no less - the morning after her arrival, she quickly discovers that he is far from a disreputable rogue. Is there more to this "Dastardly Duke" than Society sees? Or is Abigail risking everything, including her heart, for a man who is not quite as he appears? less

Facing a dire lack of funds, Lord William Davenport, the Earl of Blackthorne, is about to do the unthinkable for a man of his station. He is about to sell his body to one of the wealthiest and most unhappily married Society matrons in all of England. The idea of becoming some bored, rich woman's plaything is abhorrent to him, but he has no other choice - at least not if he wants to save his dear, sweet sister Anna, from a man who would abuse her... moreFacing a dire lack of funds, Lord William Davenport, the Earl of Blackthorne, is about to do the unthinkable for a man of his station. He is about to sell his body to one of the wealthiest and most unhappily married Society matrons in all of England. The idea of becoming some bored, rich woman's plaything is abhorrent to him, but he has no other choice - at least not if he wants to save his dear, sweet sister Anna, from a man who would abuse her. Born with a lame leg, Lady Miriam Bexley has no desire to marry. In fact, she doesn't much care for people at all. All of her life she has been pointed at and whispered about due to her infirmity, particularly by the gentlemen of London. Why on Earth would she wish to bind herself to such a horrible fate for the rest of her natural life? No, she is better off with her stars and her telescopes for they, at least, do not ridicule her and they are always in perfect order. The moment Miri accidentally overhears someone make Will a scandalously indecent proposition, she suddenly sees an opportunity she might be able to use to her advantage. If she has enough coin, perhaps she can pay Will to court her so that she might fool her family into believing that she finally has a suitor. It seems like the best decision she has ever made. Or quite possibly the worst. Can Will and Miri convince even those closest to them that they are really a courting couple? Or is it actually Will and Miri who are fooling themselves? less

Lord Daniel Weston, the new Marquess of Lansdale is something of a curiosity. Born in England before being whisked off to America by his mother when he was a mere child, Daniel is a mix of both the land of his birth and his adopted homeland. He is also not the sort of peer stiff English society is accustomed to dealing with. However his golden boy looks and suave ways forgive many a sin... moreLord Daniel Weston, the new Marquess of Lansdale is something of a curiosity. Born in England before being whisked off to America by his mother when he was a mere child, Daniel is a mix of both the land of his birth and his adopted homeland. He is also not the sort of peer stiff English society is accustomed to dealing with. However his golden boy looks and suave ways forgive many a sin. Except that beneath this illusion of perfection lurks a man that no one knows and not everyone would like if they did. The recipient of one of the highest honors a London debutante can aspire to, Lady Anna Davenport is thoroughly enjoying being celebrated by Society. Having lived in poverty most of her life, she is unable to hide the thrill of being fawned over by eligible young gentleman and toasted by Society matrons. However her good fortune only lasts for the length of the Season, so she must select a husband - and soon. However the man her head knows she should marry is in love with another, and the man that makes her heart race is the one she should avoid at all costs. Can Daniel prove that he has conquered his demons and is worthy of a woman's love? Will Anna choose with her head or her heart? And will their decisions be ones they can live with for the rest of their lives? less

Lady Aurelia Tillsbury is infatuated with Lord Hugh Hunt and has been for over a year. However, so much stands between them and marriage, including his family’s poverty and suspicions that he is a fortune hunter. Still, she believes those obstacles can be overcome. That is until her mother, in a fit of madness, demands that Aurelia either wed the man of her mother’s choosing or face the consequences... moreLady Aurelia Tillsbury is infatuated with Lord Hugh Hunt and has been for over a year. However, so much stands between them and marriage, including his family’s poverty and suspicions that he is a fortune hunter. Still, she believes those obstacles can be overcome. That is until her mother, in a fit of madness, demands that Aurelia either wed the man of her mother’s choosing or face the consequences. For Lord Hugh Hunt, the future Marquess of Strattfield, it was love at first sight the night he encountered Lady Aurelia, the youngest sister of one of his best friends. Hugh desires her for his wife, except that as a spy for the Crown, Hugh’s work is too valuable to allow him to simply walk away from his duties, no matter what he desires. When Aurelia is sent away from London and from him, Hugh knows that he must act quickly or lose her forever. However secrets from his past threaten both his happiness and her life. Can Hugh somehow make Aurelia his forever? Or will others come between them, costing them everything? less

Desperate to wed the man she loves, Lady Charlotte Cleary has done just about everything she can think of to push the man of her dreams to the altar, including tempting him in ways no decent lady should! However nothing she does garners a proposal and her time is running out, for if her father has his way, she will be wed to an ancient duke before the Season ends. Lord Francis Deaver, Viscount Underhill, wants nothing more than to make Charlotte his wife... moreDesperate to wed the man she loves, Lady Charlotte Cleary has done just about everything she can think of to push the man of her dreams to the altar, including tempting him in ways no decent lady should! However nothing she does garners a proposal and her time is running out, for if her father has his way, she will be wed to an ancient duke before the Season ends. Lord Francis Deaver, Viscount Underhill, wants nothing more than to make Charlotte his wife. However there is one very large complication standing in his way – since he can’t remember his past, he doesn’t know if he is already married or not. When Charlotte’s father sends her off to a house party to catch the eye of Lord Snowly, the ancient duke’s much younger heir and nephew, Francis has no choice but to follow her. Francis must convince Charlotte to wait until he can locate the mysterious woman from his past who might have the answers he seeks while somehow keeping Charlotte out of Snowly’s bed at the same time. This 90,000-word novel is written in the modern, Regency romance style for a slightly hotter and sexier read. It may not be appropriate for younger audiences. less

After a year of “almost but not quite” courting a particular lady, Bow Street Runner Harry Greer has found his attentions wandering as of late and he has no idea how to go about ending things gracefully – and without possibly losing a limb or two. In the meantime, Harry still has a job to perform and is currently keeping track of Lady Penelope Marshwood... moreAfter a year of “almost but not quite” courting a particular lady, Bow Street Runner Harry Greer has found his attentions wandering as of late and he has no idea how to go about ending things gracefully – and without possibly losing a limb or two. In the meantime, Harry still has a job to perform and is currently keeping track of Lady Penelope Marshwood. New to London, Miss Marshwood is suddenly everywhere about Town and ardently pursing the Duke of Fullbridge in hopes of becoming his wife – a position no lady of any sense could possibly want! Sent to London by her uncle in order to trap the duke into marriage, Penny has no real desire to ruin the duke or her own life in the process – assuming she can even find him, of course. At present, the only man she can find is Harry Greer and while he might make her toes curl, he has also made it clear he doesn’t trust her. Still, if she fails, Penny’s young cousin Josie will pay the price, being forced to take Penny’s place in the plot to trap Fullbridge. As Harry tracks Penny through the ballrooms of London, both of them begin to wonder if the other is playing some sort of elaborately wicked game? Because so far, the only man who has captured Lady Penny’s attention is Harry and he is not the sort of gentleman to steal another man’s lady! Except in this case, maybe he is. This 102,300 word novel is written in the modern, Regency romance style for a slightly hotter and sexier read. It may not be appropriate for younger audiences. less

Lord Phineas Trew, the Duke of Fullbridge, must take a wife. Or rather a new wife. He is a widower, after all. However, after a string of balls, house parties and other social events, he is no closer to selecting a young lady to become his bride and his new duchess – save for one woman who is strictly-off limits. As the social season comes to a close, Phin decides to host one last house party in a desperate attempt to find the right woman. Or at least find a woman he can tolerate... moreLord Phineas Trew, the Duke of Fullbridge, must take a wife. Or rather a new wife. He is a widower, after all. However, after a string of balls, house parties and other social events, he is no closer to selecting a young lady to become his bride and his new duchess – save for one woman who is strictly-off limits. As the social season comes to a close, Phin decides to host one last house party in a desperate attempt to find the right woman. Or at least find a woman he can tolerate. Lady Josephine Marshwood is not in London under the best of circumstances. Her disgraced, scandal-attracting father, the Earl of Telford, has been found dead in the Thames. Thankfully, Josie has still been allowed entrance into Society so that she might make a decent match – and she believes that she has with the Duke of Fullbridge. However, everyone has been quite clear that Josie needs to avoid the duke at all costs, unless she wishes to stir up more gossip. Taking a risk, Phin invites Josie to his house party, hoping that if they spend more time together, he might grow bored with her or discover that they do not suit. After all, he is most certainly the wrong lord for her. Or is he? As Phin and Josie grow closer, they must decide if love will win the day, or if scandal and gossip will doom their chance for happiness. This 77,200 word novel is written in the modern, Regency romance style for a slightly hotter and sexier read. It may not be appropriate for younger audiences. less

Terrified of men from a young age, Lady Tabitha Maxwell has hidden in the shadows nearly all of her life. Tabby has since grown beyond that fear, but she still prefers the safety the darkness offers, especially since she has no wish to do as her father commands and marry her reprobate cousin. Her anonymity has also allowed her to cultivate a very successful – and extremely secret – career as the notorious gossip columnist, Lady A... moreTerrified of men from a young age, Lady Tabitha Maxwell has hidden in the shadows nearly all of her life. Tabby has since grown beyond that fear, but she still prefers the safety the darkness offers, especially since she has no wish to do as her father commands and marry her reprobate cousin. Her anonymity has also allowed her to cultivate a very successful – and extremely secret – career as the notorious gossip columnist, Lady A.Lord Joshua Bradford, the second son of the Marquess of Nye, is in something of a bind. A former navy man, Josh has been summoned home after his wastrel brother, Giles, perishes in a duel, leaving Josh as the heir. Now, Josh is in need of a wife – quickly – since it is quite possible Giles already sired an heir with an unsuitable woman. The task of finding a bride, however, would be a good deal easier if Josh could convince Lady A to cease writing about him in her infernal column.One night, Josh discovers Tabby’s secret and threatens to expose her. If he reveals the truth about Lady A, he can stop the rumors and finally find a proper wife. However, doing so will cost Tabby everything and leave her an outcast, something he isn’t certain he desires. Does Josh remain silent about what he knows, reveal the truth, or can he make a deal with the notoriously skittish Tabby and force her to find him a suitable bride so that they can both have what they most desire? less

Known as The Despicable Earl, Lord Noah Acton has one of the most wretched reputations in all of England. A rakehell of the worst sort, there is no merry widow he won’t flirt with and no courtesan he won’t bed. However, Noah, now the Duke of Springford, has a dark secret he’s kept hidden for years. A secret that has nearly corrupted his soul and could destroy him completely if it ever comes to light.Lady Priscilla Trew has been in love with Noah since they were children... moreKnown as The Despicable Earl, Lord Noah Acton has one of the most wretched reputations in all of England. A rakehell of the worst sort, there is no merry widow he won’t flirt with and no courtesan he won’t bed. However, Noah, now the Duke of Springford, has a dark secret he’s kept hidden for years. A secret that has nearly corrupted his soul and could destroy him completely if it ever comes to light.Lady Priscilla Trew has been in love with Noah since they were children. However, after her birthday ball, it’s become clear to her that Noah will never be hers. Fleeing to the Lake District, Cilla hopes to enter into a contract marriage with a half-Scottish, half-English viscount and hopefully forget how much she still loves a man who will never marry her.When Noah follows Cilla to the north, she quickly learns that getting over a man she’s loved all of her life isn’t nearly as easy as she believes, especially when he’s right there in front of her! Can Cilla and Noah find their way to the altar or will his secrets condemn him to a life alone and force her into a loveless marriage with a man who isn’t quite as charming as he appears? less