Joan Smith: An Affair of the Heart

Prolific author Joan Smith wrote An Affair of the Heart in 1977 for Fawcett crest books. Regency romances were beginning their popularity and Smith was one of the earlier authors of the genre. This is a lighthearted story about two sisters and their beau!

Allan Kass illustrates an elegant cover for this romance with our couple standing in a library. The heroine wears a simple gown but an elaborate hairstyle! The hero is Kass handsome. Some of these early covers are his best and I wish the picture was larger for viewing. I love the beauty of the couple and detail he takes with their clothing and setting.

Virginia Kester Smiley: Guest at Gladehaven

Guest at Gladehaven by Virginia Kester Smiley was published by Dell Candlelight in July 1972. It's the gothic romance of Mandy who married musician Eddy, who took her to Gladehaven, his mansion in the Florida swamplands.

It's rare to find Allan Kass illustrating anything for Dell, so this was a fun find. I like how our heroine seems to be coming up out of the murky water but those don't look like Florida trees! The heroine is a pretty girl in her 20's and I really like the colors he uses on this cover.

Barbara Sherrod: Gamester's Lady

Gamester's Lady by Barbara Sherrod was published by Signet in September 1994. Sherrod also is published under the name Barbara Neil. Their parents are trying to match Miranda Troy and Charles Hastings but can this mismatched pair find true love?

I like this risque cover by Allan Kass with our couple sitting in a bedroom playing cards! It's unique! The hero gazes on the heroine with affection while she is intent on her hand. I like her pink gown and jade jewelry. Note Allan's signature on the table!

Barbara Sherrod: Daughter of the Dreadfuls

Back to Regencies with Barbara Sherrod's Daughter of the Dreadfuls. Published in January 1994, Emma Drenville came to London for the season but her unusual family makes her a butt of jokes. She wonders if Nicholas Hale is truly interested or just entertaining himself at her expense.

Allan Kass shows our couple near the sea and our hero is dressed as a dashing naval officer. The heroine is pretty in pink and they stand on the deck of a ship. I like the skyline of blues in the background.

Elizabeth Seifert: The Two Faces of Dr. Collier

February 1974 is the publication date for The Two Faces of Dr. Collier and it's the story of a brilliant surgeon and the scandal that threatens his career and marriage.

Allan Kass outdoes himself with this cover. It's very 1970's in color, dress, and hairstyles, but he gives us a scene where we can envision a quarrel about to start, if that's his wife walking into the room! I love the redhead being embraced. She's so elegant and stylish.

I don't think Kass illustrated any other of Seifert's novels, but contact me if you run across any, please.

Elizabeth Seifert: Doctor's Kingdom

Now we shift to a doctor romance by Elizabeth Seifert. Published by Signet in December 1974, it is the story of Malcolm Anderson who was a brilliant heart surgeon and the whirlwind caused when Abby Bennett entered his life!

Allan Kass didn't illustrate many doctor and nurse romances as they were not as popular when he began illustrating in the late 1960's but this one is an interesting study with our doctor, standing pensive in the foreground, his love interest, and a nurse at her desk. I like how he can use very little detail to convey a story in this picture. I have another book that Allan illustrated by Seifert, but would love to know if there are any more!

Margaret SeBastian: Byway to Love

May 1980 is the publication date for Fawcett's Byway to Love by Margaret SeBastian. Numbered #40, it is the story of Sophie Sandringham who meant to wed her neighbor Oliver but when she and her sister went to London, she began to wonder why she should settle!

Allan Kass illustrates our couple standing outside an inn. The light is fading and we wonder if they've missed their coach or have just arrived. My copy isn't the best but you can still see the beauty of the scene.

Amanda Scott: Ravenwood's Lady

Ravenwood's Lady is our last Amanda Scott book. This was published by Signet in March 1984 and is the story of Cicely whose father, a duke, promised her to the Viscount Ravenwood. She marries him but she vows to stay her own person.

Allan Kass portrays our heroine as a bright light in this dark and heavy setting. The hero even feels dark as he embraces her and her gold jewelry is a Kass trademark. I like her hair hanging long and full and the emerald green color of her gown.

Amanda Scott: The Madcap Marchioness

May 1989 is the publication date of The Madcap Marchioness by Amanda Scott. Lady Adriana Blackburn was newly wed to the Marquess of Chalford and their marriage was off to a rocky start!

Allan Kass does an up close cover, which is unique for an earlier illustration. The couple is definitely the focal point and we have a handsome romantic scene set here. I like the hero's gray/blue coat and the heroine's two toned empire dress. Note how Allan gets the physicality of their bodies just right!

Amanda Scott: Lord Lyford's Secret

Lord Lyford's Secret was published in September 1990. Amanda Scott tells a tale about Gwenyth Traherne who confronts Lord Marcus Lyford when he won't consent to her best friend's marriage. While she thinks he's a cruel guardian, she is attracted to him!

Allan Kass illustrates a colorful country setting for this cover. I like how the hero and heroine's clothing is bright against the subtle color of the landscape. They seem to be sharing that secret as they sit and talk on the stone wall.

Amanda Scott: Lord Abberley's Nemesis

Lord Abberley's Nemesis was published by Signet in August 1986. Amanda Scott writes about Margaret Caldecourt who needs Adam Fortescue, the most scandalous rake in England, to help her get her inheritance from being stolen by unscrupulous relatives.

I like this cover by Allan Kass. The heroine wears an unusual dark blue gown which is bold and daring. She stands in an embrace with the hero, who is very handsome in his black dress. It's an intimate moment that is frankly romantic.

Amanda Scott: Lady Meriel's Duty

Lady Meriel's Duty is next by author Amanda Scott. Published by Signet in September 1987, it is the story of Meriel Traherne who travels to France to look at a school for her sister. On the way, she meets Sir Antony Davies who saves her life and steals her heart!

This is a favorite cover by Allan Kass. He illustrates our couple sitting on a bench in a cool garden with pretty pink blossoms floating around them. I like her plain purple gown and simple swept hairdo. The hero is enamored with her and it's a lovely and romantic picture!

Amanda Scott: Lady Escapade

Lady Escapade was published in January 1986. Amanda Scott writes a story about Diana Sterling who hastily married the Count of Andover and then wondered if she had made a big mistake when she met his brother!

Allan Kass gives us a couple standing in an office or library. They embrace like lovers. I like that the heroine is almost Nordic like in coloring. Her lilac gown is simple but decorated with lace. The room is not cluttered with detail but I like the screen near the fireplace. It would have been made and embroidered by a lady of the house.

Amanda Scott: Lady Brittany's Choice

Lady Brittany's Choice was published in May 1988 by Signet for prolific author Amanda Scott. Lady Brittany was happily enjoying her engagement until she met her fiance's best friend, the Marquess of Cheriton!

Allan Kass illustrates our couple maybe at the moment they met where she's looks intrigued at the man leaning on the mantel. Her dress is very low cut, which is unusual even in this day of low cut gowns! Her rubies proclaim her wealth and the hero looks on appreciatively!

Amanda Scott: The Kidnapped Bride

The Kidnapped Bride by Amanda Scott was published by Signet in April 1983. Sarah Lennox-Matthews was kidnapped by Darcy Ashton, the Earl of Moreland because he needed to marry her for her legacy. However, his uncle, Nicholas, may be more dangerous than the nephew!

Allan Kass illustrates a quiet golden scene here with our couple. Both are handsome and fair as they stand near a gazebo. I love the red haired heroine. Allan gets her right with her coloring, yellow gown, and accessories. Enjoy!

Amanda Scott: The Indomitable Miss Harris

Amanda Scott's The Indomitable Miss Harris was published in November 1983 and is the story of Gillian Harris whose guardian, the Marquis of Landover, is determined that his ward not become scandalous during her season.

This cover by Allan Kass is very elegant. I like the cool outdoor setting and we see our couple pausing during a walk after dinner. The heroine's green gown is pretty and summery and the hero is enthralled with her. Note all of the detail with the leaves and trees. It's a beautiful cover and shows off Allan's talent!

Amanda Scott: The Fugitive Heiress

The Fugitive Heiress was published by Signet in August 1981 and is the story of Catheryn Westering and her determination to have a London season by invading her distant cousin's house and demanding his help!

Allan Kass shows our couple in a library and we see our hero holding a document and our heroine glancing at it. I like our Kass elegant hero and the heroine's upswept hair and simple dress and gold jewelry. It's an older but better cover!!

Amanda Scott: The Battling Bluestocking

The Battling Bluestocking was published in July 1985 and Amanda Scott tells a story of Jessica Sutton-Drew and Sir Brian Gregory whose courtship is fraught with idealism from the fledgling women's movement since Jessica's aunt is their leader!

Allan Kass illustrates our couple dressed in their heaviest winter outerwear for this cover. I like the heroine's purple coat and elaborate bonnet with plume. Look at that muff!! The hero is layered with his greatcoat over his normal evening wear. It's an earlier Kass cover and one I hope you enjoy!

Amanda Scott: The Bath Eccentric's Son

The Bath Eccentric's son is the third book in Amanda Scott's Bath trilogy. Published in February 1992, it is the story of Nell Bradbourne who fled to Bath to avoid marriage to her cousin Jarvis. She meets up with the rakish Brandon Manningford and wonders if she's gone from scandal to scandal!

I like when Allan Kass uses real places in his illustrations! He places our couple in the Royal Crescent in Bath where the high society lived. The building eclipses the couple in my opinion with its beautiful sweep along the street and detailed architecture. A must visit in Bath, UK!

Amanda Scott: Bath Charade

July 1991 is the publication date for Bath Charade by Amanda Scott. It is the second in a trilogy set in Bath, UK, and tells the story of Carolyn Hardy who had many beau but her guardian, Sydney Saint-Denis, was trying to keep them all away!!

Allan Kass shows our couple outside a typical Bath shop. It's fun to wander Bath now because you can get a true feel of the regency there. This couple is enjoying the sunshine as they walk and I like the heroine's bonnet, which looks simple and elaborate all at once! Note the hero's quizzing glass, too!

Amanda Scott: An Affair of Honor

Next we have 14 books by prolific Signet regency author, Amanda Scott. An Affair of Honor was published in September 1984 and is the story of Eleanor Lindale who is a spinster guiding her 17 year old cousin through the London season. She meets the perfect man for Aurora but foolishly wonders if he'd be perfect for her!

Allan Kass illustrates the Pavilion in Brighton as a backdrop to this cover! It's an amazing building if you ever have a chance to visit in person. Our couple stroll in the grounds and our heroine wears a light summer dress and carries a matching pink parasol. Our hero is young and very handsome as he gazes on the heroine!

Irene Saunders: The Willful Widow

June 1988 is the publication date of The Willful Widow by Irene Saunders. This story is about Elizabeth, a widow whose father is trying to push her into another unwanted marriage.

Allan Kass gives us a pensive, tender moment with this cover illustration. I like the quiet feeling here with our couple sitting and not quite embracing. The heroine holds a flower that we hope the hero has given her. We wonder if she's received a proposal? Note the rich detail in the room that Allan creates!

Irene Saunders: Talk of the Town

Talk of the Town was published in August 1991 by Signet for Irene Saunders. Catherine Hayward was in a tight spot with her father gone and the gossips talking about her and her brother. A quick marriage was needed to keep her reputation.

Allan Kass gives us a bridal cover here. In Regency times, it was normal to wear your best dress; not necessarily a white one. Our heroine's dress is a bit modern in style but pretty in a satiny shiny way. I like the family standing in the background!

Irene Saunders: The Reluctant Bride

The Reluctant Bride by Irene Saunders was published by Signet in December 1986 for its regency romance line. Emmaline Grantley was reluctant to wed after the tyranny suffered under her stepfather but Lord Carruther's offer seemed deliverance under the circumstances.

Allan Kass illustrates our couple on a walk in a London park. We see a carriage behind them and the greenness of a cool garden. Both are elegantly dressed and opposite in coloring. It's hard to tell if this is before or after they are married, but it's an attractive cover.

Irene Saunders: A Lucky Lady

A Lucky Lady by Irene Saunders was published by Signet in October 1988. Annette De Jouer was a mysterious lady with a secret. One that was easily kept until she met the Earl of Longworth! As far as I can tell, Saunders wrote only for Signet.

Allan Kass gives us a visual of a scene in this story by the setting of men in a gambling house. It's different and interesting. Our heroine stands out elegantly among the black clad gentlemen and is the focal point of this picture. One thing I admire about Kass is how his women look so different from cover to cover.

Irene Saunders: Lady Lucinde's Locket

Irene Saunders tells the story of Lucinde Coldwell who was a hoyden who played by no one's rules until she met a man who considered propriety a must in a future wife! This book was published by Signet in November 1990.

Allan Kass illustrates our very cute couple in riding habit and we see a glimpse of his talent with animals, too. Our heroine is gorgeous in her black dress with turquoise embellishments. She has a beautiful heart shaped face and perfect features while the hero is young and handsome in a red coat. I'm sure the author was happy with this cover!

Irene Saunders: Laces for a Lady

Laces for a Lady by Irene Saunders was published by Signet in April 1989 for their Signet Regency Romance line. The 1980's was the heyday for regencies with many other publishers jumping on the popularity bandwagon during this time and into the 1990's.

This story is about Leonora Clairmont who played a dangerous game of smuggling with her brother until the handsome Lord Gerard Sinclair shows up and threatens their adventures!

Allan Kass shows our couple near the sea and it's clear that the hero is guarding or saving the heroine. She is pretty in a rose pink gown while the hero is dashing in violet. They are opposite in coloring and probably temperament! The background is lush and hazardous!

Irene Saunders: The Gambler's Daughter

The Gambler's Daughter was published by Signet in January 1990. Irene Saunders writes a story about Sylvia Danville and the steps she'll take to save her twin sister from the gambling folly of their father.

This cover by Allan Kass is one of the enlarged ones. We see the emphasis on the couple and less on the room or setting. I like the heroine's gown and hair, which is very modern, but the hero seems nebulous in face. I wonder if that's the color of the curtains and wall behind him?

Irene Saunders: The Dowager's Dilemma

Irene Saunders wrote 13 books for Signet's Regency Romance line, 9 of which Allan Kass illustrated. The Dowager's Dilemma was published in May 1991 and is the story of Sarah Wyndham, whose late husband's estate is now owned by the obnoxious Jethro Newsome.

Allan Kass illustrates a flirty cover for this book. It's a curious one where the hero doesn't look like a Kass hero and is a bit stockier than his normal figures. The heroine is pretty in purple and her orange shawl matches the rest of this room, which is full of detail.