Emily Hendrickson: The Abandoned Rake

Next we offer a series of books by author Emily Hendrickson that were illustrated by Allan Kass. Emily is one of Signet's prolific authors and The Abandoned Rake is a June 1995 publication.

Joanna leaves London after a disastrous season and a narrow escape from a dreaded marriage. She flees to a rural locale which houses, unknown to her, Sir Lucas Montfort, premier rake of the realm!

Looking at this outdoor cover scene by Allan Kass, we don't get the impression of a wicked rake! The dog near the rowboat seems to lighten the picture of seduction. Our couple lounge relaxed under a tree and our heroine seems rather dressed up for her outing with gloves, jewels, and a parasol! Our hero seems more casually dressed, as if he had been rowing and saw her walking along the shore.

Veronica Heley: Kate

Kate, by Veronica Heley, is a Coventry Romance for Fawcett, numbered 185 and published in May 1982. This is the only book by Heley illustrated by Allan Kass, but I believe she wrote a few other regencies. This book is considered Victorian, which was the time frame after 1830.

Kate was in love with Max, who was engaged to Amy. Unfortunately for him, he is falsely accused and thrown into prison, so his fiancee marries another. Kate ends up helping him, but finds out that through all of this torment, he is still in love with Amy. We'll end here, but realize that the cover is probably the best part of this book!

Allan Kass creates a rare Victorian illustration for this cover with our couple standing in a room with an elegant fireplace! Our heroine's dress is emerald green, full and fancy. I like the headband of ribbons that match her gown and the lacy, frilly gloves. It's the gown of a young girl, but beautiful in its detail. The hero wears a suit similar to our modern tuxedo, where his cravet resembles a tie.

Sandra Heath: The Wrong Miss Richmond

The last Sandra Heath book illustrated by Allan Kass is The Wrong Miss Richmond, published by Signet in April 1989. Christina Richmond realizes that her sister is now her rival when she meets her sister's fiance, the handsome Lord St. Clement! Will love triumph over family?

Allan Kass has our couple near a ruin of a church. Our couple are walking while their horses eat grass nearby. Both are dressed in riding habit with our heroine's in a military style popular during regency times. We seem to be interrupting an important conversation between the two. I like the early morning sky lighting up between the cloud bank.

Sandra Heath: The Unwilling Heiress

The Unwilling Heiress by Sandra Heath was published by Signet in May 1981. Janine Oldfield finally learns her mother's secret: that she is the legitimate daughter of Henry Winterton. Her actress mother sends her to her grandfather in order to be recognized, but while there, Janine falls in love and wonders if she could be an imposter!

I think this cover by Allan Kass is so pretty. Our couple share an embrace and you can just feel that they love each other. They stand in a relaxed fashion in front of a pianoforte. The heroine's yellow gown is unique for being sleeveless and shows off her full figure. The hero is dressed for a ball and looks very elegant.

Sandra Heath: The Smuggler's Daughter

The Smuggler's Daughter is one of Signet's earlier regencies published in August 1979. Coralie Somerford was raised in rural England but once she meets Madoc Vaughan, she knows this rake is the one she's meant to marry. However, Averil, a local smuggler's daughter, who is engaged to the area lord, also wants him and will he choose love or money?

This is a nice view of a little village and its main or high street. We see a coach just leaving and wonder whether one of our couple meant to be a passenger? This is Allan Kass at his best. Look at the detail of the buildings and sky scape. Our hero and heroine are handsome and elegant in their features and dress.

Sandra Heath: The Sherborne Sapphires

May 1982 saw the publication of The Sherborne Sapphires by prolific author Sandra Heath. Amy Van Allen, an American, met a new friend while attending a Presidential dinner and Olivia Sherborne invited her to spend a holiday in England and stay for her wedding. On the way, Amy discovers the story about the Sherborne sapphires and Olivia's late sister in law. She is determined to hate Jonathan Sherborne, but then she meets him!

Allan Kass creates a simply elegant picture for this cover of our couple. Our heroine wears the sapphire necklace as she shares a moment with the hero. They are dressed for dinner and stand in an ornate sitting room. The heroine's hairdo isn't too formal, but may be a style that suits her American personality. The letter she lightly holds intrigues me...perhaps from a past suitor?

Sandra Heath: Shades of the Past

Shades of the Past, a regency/time travel romance by Sandra Heath, was published by Signet in June 1996. Laura Reynolds, a modern day actress flies through time and she plays the role of a lifetime: a dead ringer for a handsome Lord's late wife!

Allan Kass brings a modern touch to this cover with our heroine's flowing hair. We see a prominent clock, symbolizing the timed theme of our story. Our heroine is dressed in regency clothing, but has a modern feel to her because of her hairstyle. Our hero is handsome and wealthy. This is one of Allan's later covers and we can see his signature at the bottom right corner.

Regency time travel romances have been popular, but not very many have been published. Jo Ann Simon wrote a few from the 1980's that were good. Signet has also done a few. They were a precursor to the gothic and paranormal genre.

Sandra Heath: The Second Lady Southvale

March 1990 is the publication date of The Second Lady Southvale by Sandra Heath. American Rosalind Carberry accepts the offers of Lord Philip Southvale against the wishes of her family. It's only once she arrives in England that she realizes the odds against happiness in her marriage.

Allan Kass shows our couple sitting on a sofa near a pianoforte. Our heroine wears a pretty dress of green that suits her blonde coloring. Our hero is precisely dressed in a red coat and dark trousers with an elegant gold waistcoat. I like the instrument behind them with the open sheet music! Some Kass touches include her graceful hairdo and gold bracelet and ring.

Sandra Heath: A Scandalous Publication

A Scandalous Publication was published by Signet for author Sandra Heath in October 1986. The notorious Max Talgarth bought the estate of Charlotte Wyndham's father. He was odious and she was angry. So she wrote about him and all London read!

This is a pretty cover by Allan Kass. We see no sign of stress between our couple as they enjoy a fine spring day. Our heroine sits on the bench with flowers around her in this walled garden spot and it looks like a favorite place of hers. Her purple day dress blends in well with the surrounding flowers while her hair is almost the color of the hero's jacket! I love Allan's use of light in this picture and his drawing of the human form is always correct.

Sandra Heath: A Perfect Likeness

A Perfect Likeness by Sandra Heath was published by Signet in May 1985. Bryony St Charles is debating who to love: Sebastian Sheringham, who selected her as his bride based on a miniature portrait, or the Duke of Calborough, his cousin and rival, who entices her to flout convention.

The regency romances of the 1980's typically featured a plot line of a heroine choosing between two or three suitors.

Allan Kass illustrated this cover and he shows our couple standing near a wall in a hallway or room. Our hero stands out with his golden hair, which looks like it's curled in the style of the late 1700's (think George Washington) even though his dress is Regency and not Georgian. Our heroine is typical regency in her Grecian styled white gown with gold trimmings. A letter sits on the table nearby which could be a love note!

Sandra Heath: The Opera Dancer

Sandra Heath's The Opera Dancer was published by Signet in October 1981 for its regency romance line. Nonna Lambert was all the rage of London, but only one man knew the secret of her past and he would use and discard her, even though she loved him.

I will admit here that this is one of my favorite covers by Allan Kass! I love the expression of the heroine and she's beautiful in her dark green gown, which sets off her red hair and the pearls she wears. Our hero is enchanted and handsome. I like the musical references to our heroine's occupation with the piano, the metronome, and the engravings on the wall behind them. It's simply a gorgeous cover.

Sandra Heath: My Lady Domino

My Lady Domino was written by Sandra Heath and published by Signet for their Regency Romance line in December 1983. Adele Russell decides to crash the Duchess of Bellingham's masquerade, one that she would have been invited to last year! Since her father's death, she is a penniless working girl. Can she still be tempted when she sees her ex fiance there?

I like this relaxed pose by our couple by illustrator Allan Kass. Our heroine sits on a swing with the hero nearby. She looks like a flower herself in the pretty purple gown and the hero is dashing in his red coat. We seem to catch them in a pensive moment while enjoying a bright spring day.

Sandra Heath: A Matter of Duty

A Matter of Duty by Sandra Heath was published by Signet in March 1988. Lord Christopher and Louisa were being pushed into a loveless marriage by the dying wish of her brother. She is resolved to make the best of the matter even though he is enthralled with his mistress and she with another!

Allan Kass shows our couple on board a yacht. Our couple is nautically attired and enjoying a sail on a bright summery day. I like that they are in love with one another and enjoying each others company. It's definitely a grab and read cover and an unusual nautical themed one by Kass.

Sandra Heath: Mannerby's Lady

Mannerby's Lady, by Sandra Heath, was published by Signet in June 1977. Sarah Jane Stratford lived at Mannerby, but was essentially a prisoner of her father because she wouldn't marry the man he had chosen for her. She was in love with Jack Holland, but it was Paul Ransome who seemed to understand her best.

Allan Kass's illustration is typical of his earlier work: great detail and realistic individuals. This cover is no exception with our hero sitting on the arm of the chair while the heroine stands nearby. Note that their proportions are true. Also note the detail of the Chinese fireguard, the marble topped table, and the chair. Allan's work was always above and beyond most romance illustrators of this time.

Sandra Heath: Mally

Mally, by Sandra Heath, was published by Signet in August 1980. Mally had been in love before, but now two very different men were vying for her attention. Sir Christopher was desperate to marry her while Richard Vallender, Christopher's best friend, was kind and comfortable. Who will she choose??

Allan Kass creates a stunning cover for this book. Our couple stand in a library which has an ornate desk and muted blue walls. A shelf of books with a clock makes it homey and a retreat for the owner. Our heroine is pretty in a pink gown, plain of decoration. Our hero's red coat compliments her dress. I guess we'll have to read to find out which of the suitors this is!!

Sandra Heath: The Makeshift Marriage

The Makeshift Marriage by Sandra Heath was published by Signet for its regency romance line in May 1983. Laura Milbanke was visiting Venice when she impulsively married Sir Nicholas Grenville after he fought a duel for her. Now they've returned to England and both are regretting the marriage when they see others that they might have married!

Allan Kass pictures our couple on the canal in Venice in a gondola and we see all of the romance of that city! Our couple seem in love as they share an embrace. This is an older Kass illustration and I like the detail of the heroine's face along with her pink dress. The lighting is interesting, too. It seems to focus on the people and is darker behind them.

Sandra Heath: Lord Kane's Keepsake

Lord Kane's Keepsake by Sandra Heath was published in January 1992 by Signet. Emma Rutherford was engaged to the handsome and wealthy Gerald Kane. Her parents pushed for the marriage and she wondered how she could fall in love with a man who seemed to love another.

We have an action cover by Allan Kass showing teh aftermath of a duel. Our hero looks victorious as the others escort the conquered away. He is dashing with his gun and red ruby holding his cravet lace still! Our heroine seems scared, but relieved.

Sandra Heath: Lord Buckingham's Bride

May 1991 saw the publication of Sandra Heath's Lord Buckingham's Bride. Alison Clearwell is on her way to Russia to stay with her uncle while her father is out of the country making his fortune! She finds that her only ally is Francis Buckingham, but he's her aristocratic best friend's fiance!! Allan Kass portrays Spring in Russia as we see our couple standing in the formal garden of a beautiful estate! Our heroine is pretty in her yellow day gown sharing an embrace with the hero who is bright in blue and gold. The fountains behind are exquisitely detailed and very different and unusual. Sandra Heath wrote a lot of regencies for Signet. Here is a list of some of her other romances:http://nalauthors.com/author6

Sandra Heath: Lady Jane's Ribbons

Lady Jane's Ribbons, by Sandra Heath, was published by Signet in February 1987 for their Regency Romance line. Lady Jane Derwent is a great driver and is determined to win the race to Brighton. She has not only the other contestants to consider, but Lord Lewis Ardenley, who doesn't think she is capable.

Allan Kass illustrates our couple sitting on a sofa and sharing an intimate moment together. Our hero looks as if he's trying to persuade our heroine in some way. I like the close setting of this cover and how our heroine's loveliness is emphasized. Another grand illustration!

Thanks for being patient between posts. It's been a busy summer, but I plan to blog more consistently this fall.

Sandra Heath: An Impossible Confession

An Impossible Confession by Sandra Heath was published by Signet in September 1988. Helen Fairmead was new to society, so her older sister selected the perfect suitor. However, another suitor, handsome and scandalous, seems perfectly suitable to her!

Allan Kass illustrates our couple outside taking the air in a park. We see a group of carriages behind them with sightseers. Our heroine is pretty in a pink walking dress with a matching bonnet. Her dress is low and plain, but accented with a darker shawl. Our hero is dashing in his top hat and striped waistcoat. I like the illusion that they are the only two people around when they look at each other!

Sandra Heath: A Highland Conquest

A Highland Conquest by Sandra Heath was published by Signet in February 1994 under the regency romance line. Lauren Maitland was an American who comes to England to claim an inheritance. She meets two brothers who are interested in her, but is it for the right reason of love or wrong reason of money?

Allan Kass creates a close up view of our couple as they stand overlooking a beautiful mountain and lake scene. We see a castle in the background but our attention is focused on the hero and heroine who are dressed for riding. Our heroine wears an amber colored riding habit which is echoed in the hero's waistcoat. It's a good match with her complexion and hair color. I like the detail of ruffles on her blouse and the gauze bow on her hat. The hero is calm and seems peaceful with the heroine and the surroundings.

Sandra Heath: The Fawn's Folly

The Fawn's Folly by Sandra Heath was published in June 1998 and is one of Allan Kass's last illustrations for Signet. Anne Willowby is engaged to marry Gervase, the new Duke of Mowbray, but he has returned from Italy enchanted and only she can break the spell so they can find true love.

During the late 1990's, more regencies were written with fantasy themes in order to attract the large and growing paranormal readers.

Allan Kass didn't like the crazy elements that the publishers wanted him to produce into the illustrations. I assume this wasn't one of his favorites. However, it's a pretty cover of our couple and the fawn is enchantingly cute.

Sandra Heath: Fashion's Lady

October 1982 is Signet's publication date for Sandra Heath's Fashion Lady. Susannah Garland is a proper young lady, but decides to go into trade as a dressmaker. She is enabled by the handsome Sir Jeffrey Stratton, but being wooed by another man who she adores!

Allan Kass shows our young couple in front of an ornate fireplace mantel. Our heroine clasps the back of an interesting chair while our hero is enticing her. She dresses as a fashionable lady with her ornaments of a watch. I like how Allan's covers could be a picture of our ancestors.

Sandra Heath: A Commercial Enterprise

Sandra Heath's A Commercial Enterprise, was published by Signet in September 1984 for their regency romance line. Caroline Lexham turned the elegant London mansion she inherited into a fashionable hotel. What she didn't expect were those who were wishing for her downfall, among them the dashing Sir Henry Seymour!

Allan Kass creates a cover of our couple dancing in an elegant room with exquisite paintings and people! Our heroine is striking in her jewels and finery while our hero is handsome! I consider Kass's work during the 1980's some of his best when it comes to the regency covers. This one is a good example with the details to the couple and room itself!

Sandra Heath: A Christmas Courtship

A Christmas Courtship, by Sandra Heath, is one of many delightful themed romances that Signet would publish for its readers. This copy has a publication date of December 1990. Blanche Amberley thought she loved one man and hated another. Will the Christmas holiday show her that she could be wrong?

Allan Kass illustrates our couple sitting in a cozy room near a roaring fire. Our heroine is warm in her lilac dress. Her hair color really stands out on this cover being a silvery gold. Our hero is dashing in his red uniform.

Some of these holiday stories and Signet's books of short stories by multiple authors are great favorites to read again during the season!

Sandra Heath: A Change of Fortune

October 1985 is the publication date of A Change of Fortune by Sandra Heath. Miss Leonie Conyngham is beautiful, but her family has just lost its wealth and even though she has important suitors around her, another lady is determined to eliminate her as a rival for one of them! Will a change of fortune leave her brokenhearted?

Allan Kass creates a beautiful snowy scene with our couple inside a warm room standing in an embrace. Our heroine wears a long sleeve green day dress decorated with lace and ribbon. Our hero is dashing and romantic in his dark jacket. I like the heroine's gold necklace, which is a typical Kass touch!

Sandra Heath: Camilla's Conscience

We begin with a series of Regency Romances by the talented Sandra Heath, who wrote many for Signet. Camilla's Conscience was published in February 1995 and is the story of a widow who is being courted by the man who tried to break off her engagement to her late husband and she is wondering if she can withstand his campaign against her!

Allan Kass illustrated quite a few of Heath's books and we see our couple standing in an Oriental inspired park. Our heroine wears a typical regency day dress while our hero is informal in his buff jacket and loose knotted tie. It's one of Allan's later illustrations, but beautiful and elegant.

Monica Heath: Woman in Black

Woman in Black is the last book by Monica Heath that Allan Kass illustrated. September 1974 is the publication date from Signet. Julie is looking forward to visiting her father but she finds out that he has recently died and his family believes she's there to claim the family fortune!

Allan Kass's heroine is dressed in black and shades of amber illuminate this cover as she walks through a cemetery with the big house in the background. I love the use of color with the lighter sky and lantern but the darker dress of the heroine and her red hair.

Monica Heath: Raneslough

Raneslough, by Monica Heath, was published by Signet in July 1976 for their gothic romance line. Quinn O'Toole is an amateur historian and is interested in her paternal roots, so she flies to Ireland to find out more about her father's mysterious death. Raneslough Castle holds the clues, but her extended family isn't welcoming.

This cover is a bit different for Allan Kass since the heroine's face has a "out of focus"feel to it. She is pretty and in his style wears silver jewelry with her outfit. I like his use of aqua in the sky and sea, which makes the castle and cliff seem even darker and more mysterious.

Monica Heath: Mistress of Ravenstone

March 1973 saw the publication by Signet of Mistress of Ravenstone by Monica Heath. Lorraine Laughlin is the new bride of Ravenstone but is haunted by the legend of another bride who was killed by that long ago ancestor in order to be able to marry another. Is there a curse on the mansion?

Allan Kass's illustration for this cover isn't one of my favorites, I must admit. I don't like the "all in one" pictures where there is no definition of the scene or person. While his work is wonderful, we must wonder if this is what the publisher was wanting, knowing that this was a popular style during the 1970's?

Monica Heath: House of the Strange Woman

House of the Strange Woman by Monica Heath was published by Signet in May 1977. Carey McKee goes looking for her father after the death of her aunts, but finds that he has died, but left a wife. She decides to visit her only to find danger following her with every movement.

Allan Kass creates a vision on the cover of this book! Our heroine is lovely and elegant in her red gown with a peep of a petticoat. Her black hair is long and reminiscent of other Kass heroines while her gold jewelry are a trademark of his artistry. She stands out in a sea of brown with everything else portrayed in that color. It's an interesting juxtaposition of elegance and crudeness.

Monica Heath: Dunleary

Dunleary, by Monica Heath, was published by Signet in January 1967. My copy looks like a third printing. Deirdre Rynne is stunned when the Laird of Inish Laoghaire chooses her for a bride! She is married and taken to Dunleary, a castle that sits on a cursed island!

Allan Kass illustrates our heroine as she flees the haunted castle. I like that the building isn't far in the distance and the clouds and water almost look identical. She sports Kass touches: her gold bracelets and hoop earrings. The photo isn't as rich and beautiful as the book, which we see was originally bought in a drugstore!

Monica Heath: Duncraig

Duncraig, by Monica Heath, was published by Signet in January 1974. Corry Collins visits Duncraig, a castle on the Irish Sea, where someone is threatened by her claim to the family fortune!

Allan Kass creates a stunning cover for this book with a heroine, dressed in a mint green gown which echoes the color of the sky, fleeing from a ruin behind her. Her red hair is wild and free flowing and I like the Kass touch of the arm bracelet! Kass didn't do a lot of gothic romance covers, but this is one of his best with the cover not only being beautiful, but also giving off a feeling of menace.

Monica Heath: Clancumara's Keep

Clancumara's Keep by Monica Heath is next in our list of Allan Kass illustrations. This book was published by Signet in November 1978. Kerry Carillo is searching for the truth about her mother and hoping to find the father she's never met. Her clues lead her to Clancumara and the mystery that she finds there!

Allan Kass's gothic romances are infinitely better than most! We see a beautifully illustrated heroine along with all of the gothic touches: lonely castle, lone light, and eerie time frame! I am amazed at how modern his women look, even 30 years after the illustration! We see a beautiful brunette, in black and green velvet, outside of the keep, which is dark and mysterious. Sorry that my book isn't in the best of condition.

Monica Heath: Chateau of Shadows

Back to Gothic romances with Chateau of Shadows, first from author Monica Heath. This book was published in October 1973 by Signet and is the story of Marva McLarnen, who is drawn to a handsome doctor, whose wife has died mysteriously.

Allan Kass creates a sweeping illustration for this book with our heroine, pretty in a lilac gown, running up a steep hillside. We see the chateau and mountains with waterfalls. The blues in the painting give us a cool, chilly feel of this scene, along with the eerie light showing on the castle tower! The heroine is typical Kass with her sweeping hair, gold jewelry, and fine boned structure.

More Monica Heath books to come in the next few days!

Barbara Hazard: The Turnabout Twins

The Turnabout Twins was published by Signet for author Barbara Hazard in May 1986. Ladies Amelia and Anne Fairhaven share a lot, including an attraction to the same young suitor! Can they both find love and happiness?

Allan Kass creates a great cover with our couples all together. The ladies are dressed identically while the heroes seem to be paying court to the lady standing. It's amazing how much detail Allan puts into this with each person standing differently, not to mention trying to create identical people! Even the marble topped table and rich green curtains enhance the elegant picture.

Barbara Hazard now writes historical romances set mainly in regency times. She is one of the genres favorite authors.

Barbara Hazard: The Tangled Web

Barbara Hazard also wrote regency romances under Fawcett's Coventry Regency line, which was published from 1976-1982. The Tangled Web was published in April 1981.

Mariel is part of a comic mishap of romantic entanglements where everyone is in love with one, but courting another! Can the tangled web of our title ever get straightened?

This cover is a bit of a departure for Allan Kass. Our heroine is rescuing the hero from a carriage accident! It is action oriented and we can almost see it happening. Beyond the drama of the cover, I really like the rich colors Kass uses in the vivid purple of the heroine's clothing and the hero's red coat. The other colors seem to mute and blend in with the outdoor scenery.

Barbara Hazard: A Surfeit of Suitors

March 1983 is Signet's publication date of A Surfeit of Suitors by Barbara Hazard. Lady Georgina Spalding is 25, but is courted by a variety of suitors including the dashing American, David Linwood and Regency rake, Lord Holland! Which will she pick?

This cover by Allan Kass is unique since it's a mix of casual and elegant. The pose of our couple, their clothing, and the setting all scream casual, but the stone bench with the large planter has elegance about it. I like that our couple seems comfortable with each other and that Allan compliments the color of their clothing. We don't know if this was a planned meeting or a casual encounter. All I know is we are transported into the picture!

Barbara Hazard: The Singular Miss Carrington

August 1984 saw the publication of The Singular Miss Carrington, a Signet Regency Romance by author Barbara Hazard. Claire Carrington was independent and scandalous for London society! So the ton was amazed and astounded when Lord Tyson, the most elegant and dashing gentleman, wanted her for a bride! Too bad what they didn't know was that it was all a pretense!

Allan Kass shows our couple standing in front of an easel in a room that is dedicated to painting. Our heroine wears a vivid red gown and her black hair is tied behind her head in a simple manner. Our hero embraces her with fervor. The sunlight emphasizes his golden hair. We don't know what's on the easel and assume that the heroine is the artist.

Barbara Hazard: The Runaways

The Runaways, by Barbara Hazard, was published by Signet in July 1997 and is one of Allan Kass's later illustrations, since he retired in 1998.
Harriet Winthrop-Bates and the Earl of Morland were once in love, but a quarrel separated them until their children fall in love with each other. Now they band together to break up their children, but find that first love may be the best and lasting love!

I like this cover by Allan Kass because he doesn't depict our couple as very young, but as mature parents. The heroine looks almost 40, but is still pretty. She carries a sunshade to protect her complexion while out driving with the hero, who looks happy to be with her! The background scene of sheep grazing and a lake is nice. Too bad the title blocks some of the view.

Barbara Hazard: The Royal Snuff Box

The Royal Snuff Box, by Barbara Hazard, was published by Signet in March 1987. Lady Julia Reynolds was a beautiful widow who burst onto London society and captured the interest of some of the most renown men in society, even the Prince, himself! After a disastrous first marriage, how does she chose wisely a second time?

Allan Kass shows our couple sitting in a comfortable library. Our heroine wears a simple evening gown that is adorned with diamonds! Our hero is rugged and dressed for evening. I like the contrast of their formal clothing with the coziness of the room.

Barbara Hazard: Mad Masquerade

Next in the group by Barbara Hazard is Mad Masquerade, published by Signet in April 1985. Lady Laura Lockridge is forced to masquerade as the wife of Lord Vare as they travel through Italy even though neither one plans to marry soon, much less each other. It's a battle of self control as they match wits against bandits and each other!

Allan Kass illustrates our couple in a romantic lake setting. We see a gazebo in the distance and a comfortable concrete bench behind where one can sit and dream. Our heroine is pretty in her lilac gown and gold jewelry, which is a Kass signature. Our hero holds her from behind which seems to be one of Kass's favorite poses. I like the use of the greens and blues to create a calm scene, which seems out of place with the title of the book!

Barbara Hazard: Lady at Risk

Lady at Risk was published by Signet for Barbara Hazard in February 1997. Sarah Eaton inherits a legacy from her grandfather which makes her a very wealthy heiress. Soon she is besieged by suitors and wading through the world of romance is a risky future, indeed!

Allan Kass shows our couple on a flower strewn garden. Our hero embraces the heroine, who wears a white day dress and a simple bun hairdo. Our hero is fancier with his yellow waistcoat and maroon jacket. I like the concrete wall of the garden which is ornamental in style and pretty with ivy and climbing flowers. It's a romantic cover and very pretty.

Barbara Hazard: The Enchanting Stranger

October 1984 is the publication date for The Enchanting Stranger by Barbara Hazard. Lady Patricia marries a wealthy man whose only aim is to be accepted into society. When they meet Viscount Reading, her husband proposes a most shocking idea to elevate them into London society!

Allan Kass creates a beautiful cover for this book! I like all of the shades of purple that our couple wears. We see a Spring setting with flowers blooming and the sun shining. Our couple stand in a garden and share a tender moment together, looking like they fit into the foliage.

Barbara Hazard: The Emerald Duchess

The Emerald Duchess by Barbara Hazard is next in the lineup and was published by Signet in January 1985. Emily Wyndham is penniless and hopeless after her mother, a scandalous woman, dies. She becomes a lady's maid and then falls in love with one of the highest men in the land!

Allan Kass creates a stunning picture of our couple for this book! They are flawlessly portrayed together as they stand in a room. The heroine holds a paper which she is either giving or hiding from the hero. I love her emerald green gown and necklace which set off her blonde coloring. Everything about this cover is elegant. Click to enlarge.

Barbara Hazard: The Dreadful Duke

Barbara Hazard's, The Dreadful Duke, was published by Signet in November 1985. Lady Juliet Manchester is in her 30's and unmarried, but is concerned about the Duke of Severn's 13 year old twin girls, who are motherless. She is not interested in becoming his wife, but the girls really need a mother!

Allan Kass poses our couple at the edge of an ornamental lake. It's an interesting pose since we see little of the hero since the heroine hides him from view. She is the focus of the cover and pretty in a simple day dress embellished with lace. I like how she leans into him!

Barbara Hazard: The Disobedient Daughter

The Disobedient Daughter by Barbara Hazard was published by Signet in June 1982. Janet Lambert is the youngest daughter of a very proper family! Her mother is pressuring her to marry a wealthy, but dull, suitor but she is interested in her music rather than settling with a country Lord.

Allan Kass paints a pretty picture of our couple in front of a harpsichord. Our heroine is dark and wears a very elegant purple gown with a darker embroidered shawl. She embraces the hero who is in evening dress. The detail on the cover of the harpsichord is amazing, but doesn't detract from the couple.

Barbara Hazard: The Cloisonne Locket

Barbara Hazard is our next author with 13 books illustrated by Allan Kass. Our first is The Cloisonne Locket and Signet published this book in November 1986.

The Duke of Rutland is convinced that Rosemary Barton is a fortune and title hunter, so he's planning on exposing her!

Allan Kass shows our couple in an elegant room. Our heroine wears the locket of the title connected with pearls. Her gown is richly embellished and she carries a pretty fan. I like the chair in the background that looks like it was covered with needlework.

Barbara Hazard is a regency author who now writes historical romance novels.

Molly Costain Haycraft: Too Near the Throne

Last by Molly C. Haycraft is Too Near the Throne. Signet published this story in June 1974. Arabella Stuart was in love with the Earl of Essex and had her cousin, Queen Elizabeth, as a rival!! Can she play this dangerous game?

I think this is my favorite cover Allan Kass did for Haycraft's books. Our couple are situated in front of a royal standard.We see the heroine, very Kass-like in facial features, holding a diary. The only downside to this cover is the couple isn't full length. Our hero also has a Kass-like masculine look and wears a ruff around his neck over his doublet and hose.

Molly Costain Haycraft: The Reluctant Queen

Next from Molly Costain Haycraft is The Reluctant Queen. Published by Signet in September 1974, it is the story of King Henry the Eighth's sister, Mary Tudor, and her love for Charles Brandon. A great recent show to watch this story is The Tudors!

This cover by Allan Kass seems less detailed than the others. His lady looks historically Tudor with her facial features and and elaborate headdress. Our hero is handsome in his regal robes. Note the full, heavy sleeves on the robe and shirt! Her gown has layers and a heavy shawl for the cold rooms of the castle. The blue background is mysterious and historical feeling.