Corinna Cunliffe: The Unsuitable Chaperone

The Unsuitable Chaperone was published in February 1988 by Signet for Corinna Cunliffe. It is the last of the regency romances that I have of hers. Lady Laura Firle is a widow who is surrounded by men who wish to marry her. Can she make the right choice?

Allan Kass illustrates our couple outside a grand house during a twilight evening. We see the setting sun illuminating the sky and reflected on the water below. The hero and heroine stand on a bridge and it's obvious that they are in love. I like the heroine's lilac dress with the split sleeves and her pearl jewelry. Another great cover by Allan Kass!

Corinna Cunliffe: Play of Hearts

Play of Hearts was published in February 1986 by Signet and is the story of Perdita Chase, the daughter of actors, who is brought up by her wealthy grandparents and is raised to be most proper. After she marries Sir Jeremy Dole, she realizes that she'll need all of her latent acting talent in order to make her loveless marriage one of happy ever after!

Allan Kass illustrates our handsome couple in a small room or hallway. We see the mirror behind and the porcelain ornament on the table that mimics their pose! I like the bright blue of our heroine's gown with the gold trim. Note her jewelry, which is one of Allan's trademark looks! Our hero's hair is longer and bushier than usual. He seems a dark figure! I like how Allan uses the room to give the illusion of wealth.

Actors and actresses were very popular during the regency and people loved attending plays. They, however, were not accepted into polite society and many actresses were considered little more than prostitutes.

Corinna Cunliffe: Hand of Fortune

Hand of Fortune by Corinna Cunliffe was published by Signet in August 1985 and is 1 of 3 books by her that are illustrated by Allan Kass.

Henrietta St John loses her house and horse to Lord Hintlesham. In disguise as a stableboy, she persuades him to let her ride the racehorse to victory. Can she fulfill this vow and also stay incognito?

I like this cover by Allan Kass. He show our couple out riding. Our heroine wears a very fetching green riding dress and carries a crop. The blond hero stands behind her. I like the positioning of the tree and hill which gives the effect of them standing on a steep hillside. Also note the light playing through the tree branches and the well rendered horses grazing.