Carla Kelly: Marian's Christmas Wish

Marian's Christmas Wish by Carla Kelly was published by Signet in December 1989. A loss chess game and a stolen kiss begin a Christmas romance by Lord Gilbert Ingraham and Marian Wynswich. But some state secrets and spy games make for an exciting holiday and confirm Marian's heart's wish.

Allan Kass portrays our couple under the mistletoe in a festively decorated room that looks warm and cozy. Our heroine's bright golden yellow gown seems overly trimmed but her accessories are perfect. I like that the hero just gently holds her and is rapt with admiration. A very handsome cover.

Carla Kelly: Libby's London Merchant

Carla Kelly is one of the most popular Regency romance authors. Her books are a treat, so get them if you can!! She writes about naval officers and rarely about Dukes! Libby's London Merchant was published by Signet in April 1991. Libby is intrigued by Nesbitt Duke, a merchant who is recovering after an accident. Dr. Cook, who has always loved Libby, is concerned when he sees their relationship develop.

I think this is a pretty cover of our couple. Our candy merchant hero brings sweets as he woos the heroine. They share a tender moment together and we wonder if she will say "yes"!

Harold Keith: Susy's Scoundrel

Now a departure from the romances with a child's/young adult story by Harold Keith. Susy's Scoundrel was published by Signet in September 1976.  Susy Zook lived in Oklahoma and had a pet coyote named Reddy. After Reddy left for the wild, the government put a bounty on all coyotes killed in order to stop the population growth! She was afraid for her pet and when he comes back to her house, she's determined to keep him alive!

This is a nice change for Allan Kass and I believe he enjoyed these illustrations. We see a farm with a little Amish girl and her beloved pet coyote. I like the feeling of acreage and also the affection that the little girl has for her pet.

Michelle Kasey: The Toplofty Lord Thorpe

The Toplofty Lord Thorpe was published by Signet in November 1986. Lucy Gladwin was convinced that she was in love with Lord Thorpe and began a plan of campaign for his heart that was the entertainment of the season! This book is a sequel to The Beleaguered Lord Bourne.

Our cover by Allan Kass is all darkness and shadows. I like the setting outside near an ornate wall. Our hero looks as if he's captured the heroine. I wonder if she has taken a walk before dinner since her hair isn't done, but is in a ponytail. The hero looks dressed for the evening and I wonder if this was an accidental meeting.

Michelle Kasey: The Somerville Farce

The Somerville Farce was published by Signet in March 1991. The Duke of Glynde doesn't see what hits him when the daughter of his hated enemy waltzes into his life, complete with her governess, Trixy, who has a plan to make this duke launch the daughters of his enemy into society!

No one does action covers like Allan Kass! I love that we see our couple dancing. Allan is the master when it comes to fluidity in motion. It looks as if this private waltz takes place either before or after the ball! I love the heroine's ornate hairdo with pearls and she also wears pearls as her accessorizing jewelry. The hero is elegant in black formalwear and I love that they both wear gloves.

Michelle Kasey: The Ruthless Lord Rule

The Ruthless Lord Rule was published by Signet in October 1987. Lord Tristan Rule, former spy, is determined to find the mystery behind the latest beauty, Mary Laurence! She has suddenly appeared with a wealthy guardian and is taking society by storm.

Michelle Kasey wrote other regencies under the name Kasey Michaels. You notice the themed titles; she has other books titled similarly.

Allan Kass creates a stunning cover for this book. I love the heroine's evening dress and tiara (Downton Abbey, anyone?!). The hero is in full evening dress as they prepare for a night at the playhouse. I love the richness of the box and elegance of the draperies.

Michelle Kasey: Moonlight Masquerade

Moonlight Masquerade is a Signet Regency Romance by Michelle Kasey (Kasey Michaels, popular author) and was published in August 1989. Christine Denham ends up snowbound with the Earl of Hawkhurst, a libertine who was exiled from society. She is interested and he is attracted, but can their romance flourish once away from his home?

This is one of Allan Kass's close up covers. Our couple stand outside of a beige colored mansion. It looks as if the heroine may be leaving after being snowbound and the hero is saying goodbye. I like the demon top of his cane and the heroine's name makes me wonder if this book is a nod to the popular show, Phantom of the Opera?

Michelle Kasey: The Enterprising Lord Edward

The Enterprising Lord Edward was published by Signet in February 1989. Emily Howland is her cousin's companion and is guiding her through the London season. She becomes concerned when Lord Edward Laurence, a handsome rake, starts showing interest in Georgiana and decides to distract him!

This is one of Allan Kass's simple, but elegant covers. I like that our couple is sitting and the only detail besides them is an open book and stained glass window since it throws our focus onto them. The hero obviously admires the heroine, whose dress is simple. I dislike the lace over her breast; otherwise, the folds and drapes are elegance itself.

Michelle Kasey: The Beleagured Lord Bourne

Next we have some regency romances by Michelle Kasey, a pseudonym for author Kasey Michaels. The Beleaguered Lord Bourne was published by Signet in January 1986. The Earl of Bourne just wanted peace and pleasure after fighting in the wars but he ends up marrying Jane Maitland, who wanted to be wed as little as he, after saving her from a animal trap in the woods and stealing a kiss!

This cover by Allan Kass is very pretty. I really like the juxtaposition of the statue with the heroine--the drapes of fabric show the Grecian influence in Regency clothing. I also like how her shawl blends with her gown but has golden embroidery that makes it an elegant accessory. Our hero is mostly hidden, but we get a feeling that he does care about the heroine.

Annabel Jones: The Radiant Dove

The Radiant Dove by Annabel Jones was published by Fawcett in March 1976. Jane Bird has become impoverished but takes a position as governess to a seventeen year old on the brink of her season. When Jane finds herself the belle of the ball, her charge decides to stop that once and for all!

This cover has a typical Kass hero, handsome and elegant. I like that our heroine looks a bit timid. She is simply dressed in dark aqua with pearls. I like the couple standing behind whispering about them, too! Note the wine glass in the hero's hands!

Julia Jeffries: The Clergyman's Daughter

The Clergyman's Daughter, by Julia Jeffries, was published by Signet in January 1983. Jessica is the widow of Andrew Foxe and her marriage was deemed a mistake by his aristocratic family. However, now that she is a widow, they won't let her go, especially the Earl, her brother in law!

The hero looks angry in this cover by Allan Kass. Maybe morose is a better adjective as he's left his horse to see the heroine! Her brunette prettiness is simple but elegant. I think the large art portfolio she carries is almost overwhelming but the cover is picturesque.

Julia Jeffries: The Chadwick Ring

The Chadwick Ring by Julia Jeffries was published in February 1982 by Signet. Ginerva was the second wife of the Marquess of Chadwick and hated the fact that everyone knew he kept a mistress but he had a grown son who just might help make her husband jealous!

We see our hero and heroine in a reluctant embrace in this cover by Allan Kass. They stand in a dark corner of a room and the darkness is emphasized by the twilight outside. The heroine looks as if she is just submitting to the embrace, probably for reasons of her own. It's sad that we don't get a good look at the hero's face.

Elizabeth Jackson: Rogue's Delight

Rogue's Delight, by Elizabeth Jackson, is the only novel of hers illustrated by Allan Kass. Signet published this in July 1995. Susan Winston is chosen by the Viscount Everly as his latest flirt. She is certain he isn't interested in her since she is impoverished, but when he proposes, can she refuse this handsome rake?

I like this colorful cover by Allan Kass! The heroine's owl is a bit odd but everything else is grand. The hero is handsome and dashing; the heroine is elegant and their voyage looks to be one of discovery.

Eileen Jackson: The Wicked Corinthian

The Wicked Corinthian was published by Signet in June 1990.  A Corinthian was considered a gentleman who was well rounded in society. He was someone who was at home at a ball and also at a sporting event.

Emma Kendrick is unhappy that her younger sister is being forced to wed the Earl of Somerville. She is concerned about his reputation but begins to wonder if she may not be the better match for him!

Allan Kass gives us a close up of our couple, which is unusual. We see the hero gazing down at the heroine. I think it's surprising to see a medallion or watch around the hero's neck, but also a bit odd to see the jewel on the heroine's necklace suspended by a ribbon.

Eileen Jackson: A Servant of Quality

A Servant of Quality was published by Signet in July 1988. Lady Sophia runs away from an unwanted marriage into a disguise as a servant to a vain girl and meets society's most handsome rake, Lord Hugo Ramsey! She realizes her danger when he steals a kiss from the maid!

I'm glad Allan Kass didn't leave our heroine in her maid's clothing. Here is she dressed as a young lady in a pretty purple gown trimmed with lace. I like her gold necklaces and watch fob, too. Our hero is almost simply dressed with a blue jacket and pale pantaloons. The room in which they stand is either an office or library.

Eileen Jackson: The Secret Bluestocking

The Secret Bluestocking was published by Signet in November 1985. Emma Waring was an author under an assumed name and enjoying a degree of success however, the most sought after eligible bachelor, Viscount Kinver, was interested in her and smart enough to figure out her secret!

Allan Kass sets this cover of our couple in Bath near the Pulteney Bridge, which is an actual bridge over the River Avon that you can see today! It looks like a nice fall or spring day since both wear gloves but our heroine isn't wearing a pelisse or coat. I like the plum theme of their clothing and the heroine wears a very feathery hat. They look like they've either met unexpectedly or are taking a break while walking to view the bridge, which now has shops inside it!

Eileen Jackson: Lord Rivington's Lady #2

This Signet copy of Eileen Jackson's Lord Rivington's Lady is a reprint but doesn't give updated publication information. If I had to guess, I'd say it is dated somewhere around 1988-1989. I'm not going to rehash the plot which was part of yesterday's post.

Allan Kass now shows our couple inside a comfortable room. They are dressed for dinner and our hero is dashing in black while the heroine is pretty in aqua. She doesn't seem too pleased with the hero's attention, though! I like the little touches, like her gold bangle bracelet. Allan is the master of bodily proportion and never skimps on the details of the setting.

Eileen Jackson: Lord Rivington's Lady #1

Lord Rivington's Lady (copy #1) is an August 1977 publication of Signet. It's one of the first Signet Regency Romances. I have a later copy with a different Allan Kass illustration! Georgina has disliked Lord Rivington from her first meeting and subsequent ones hasn't changed her opinion. So why does she want to say yes to his proposal?!

Allan Kass chooses a spring day to showcase this couple. Our heroine has been gathering roses when the hero encounters her. She has a sweet expression while our hero looks thoughtful. He is dressed for riding as evidenced by the red (called pink) coat and riding crop.

Darrell Husted: Visitor from Vienna

December 1981 is the publication date of Visitor from Vienna by Darrell Husted. Catherine Fothinby is bored after being in glittering Vienna! Her cousin's house is dull and her suitor, Andrew Tarleton, even more so. But when Berthold de Caze visits, she finds all of the excitement that has been lacking!

Our couple is in a ballroom and our heroine is dressed plainly considering the room and the elegance of the hero. I like that the look of the band in her hair is still fashionable now. One of Allan Kass's talents is that his book covers don't look dated.

It's uncommon for a man to author regency romances. Most wrote under female names.

Florence Hurd: Night Wind at Northriding

Night Wind at Northriding was published by Signet in August 1977. It is the second book of Florence Hurd's that Allan Kass published. Victoria came to Northriding at the plea of her cousin, who died before she arrived. She is determined to stay for the sake of her cousin's son, but is baffled that her husband isn't in mourning for his dead wife.

This is the typical lonely castle on the coast which Allan Kass creates beautifully. Our heroine flees wearing a aqua colored gown and some great jewelry! I wish my copy was in better condition. I do like how she stands out and is the focal point of this book but the colors all harmonize.

Florence Hurd: The House on Russian Hill

The House on Russian Hill, published by Signet in January 1977, is the first of two books Allan Kass illustrated for Florence Hurd.  Emily was a widow and when she and her daughter went to live in the house, she soon realizes that it has unearthly tenants! Even though the handsome Blair Morgan found it for her, she's not sure how much longer she can stay there!

I think this is one of Allan Kass's prettier gothic covers. The heroine is all golden from her hair to her gown and it's a nice contrast to the dark house behind her. Her face is gorgeous in proportion and Allan excels with creating poses that look real. I also like the flow of her gown which is echoed in the billowing lace curtain in the window.

Richard Hough: Captain Bligh and Mr. Christian, The Men and the Mutiny

March 1974 is the publication date of the Berkley paperback of Richard Hough's Captain Bligh and Mr. Christian. This is a story about Mutiny on the Bounty and according to the preface, "a reinterpretation of the major characters forces this stirring saga of the sea to take on new meaning."

What I find more interesting is that Allan Kass illustrated the cover!! What's unique is that there are no women on it. It's one of the few books that only features either men or women only. We see our sailors and feel the tension of what is happening with the older man's hands tied and the younger brandishing a sword. My only wish is that this could have been a larger picture! Enjoy!

Hans Holzer: Gothic Ghosts

Gothic Ghosts by Hans Holzer is a series of true short stories that was published in March 1972. I'm not going to dwell much on the subject of this book except that the gothic was very popular in the 1970's with tv and fiction books being written, so a book of true encounters makes sense.

This is the first book I'm listing that I'm not 100% sure Allan Kass created the cover. I am mostly sure because I found the photo of this cover at his daughter's house and she kindly let me view all of the paintings, sketches, and covers ripped off of books that he saved in his portfolio when I visited in 2010! This was a cover and while I can't find a signature, it does have the feel of a early Kass cover. If anyone has any other information, please contact me. We see the typical gothic romantic heroine fleeing the spooky house in the background! I see the folds of her dress and her long necked physique as being very Kass in element.

Ray Hogan: Skull Gold

Skull Gold is the last of the westerns that I have written by Ray Hogan and illustrated by Allan Kass. This book was published by Signet in July 1973 and was #13 in the Shawn Starbuck series. This story revolves around Starbuck's brother, Ben, missing gold, and a beautiful girl!

Allan Kass paints a different pose for this cover with our hero almost close up in view. We see a stagecoach right behind him that it looks like he is trying to intercept or guard. It's a treat seeing the western terrain on these covers and fun to discover that Allan did some other covers than just the historical romances!

Ray Hogan: Passage to Dodge City

Passage to Dodge City was published by Signet in September 1972. Starbuck is on another cattle drive but this one is fraught by peril from a mysterious bushwhacker along with the terrain. #10 in the Starbuck series by Ray Hogan.

Allan Kass shows our hero as he chases after the bad guys. We don't get a good look at his face, but he looks like a force to be reckoned with. Note Allan's signature just below the horse's nose.

Ray Hogan: The Guns of Stingaree

The Guns of Stingaree is a rare Western illustrated by Allan Kass. This book was published in April 1973 by Signet and written by Ray Hogan. Mallory owned Stingaree and most of the Gila Valley, except for Arrowhead Ranch, which he coveted. He hires Starbuck to lead his band of raiders and he refuses but still gets caught up in the violence.

Allan Kass creates a dramatic cover of our hero about to leap into the saddle and rush away from a fire in the background. It's amazing to see the motion of the horse and man. I like the use of color; it creates a stark scene where our hero is prominently displayed.