Judith Harkness: The Montague Scandal

The Montague Scandal, published by Signet in November 1979 for author Judith Harkness, is the last of her books illustrated by Allan Kass. Roselind Arden needed to marry for wealth and her best prospect on the marriage mart was Reginald Darnley, even though others, like Peter Grey, told her it would be a disaster to marry him.

Allan Kass creates a great cover for this book. It is dark in tone because of the red curtains and wood paneling. Our heroine's dress echoes the colors in the room while the hero's red coat is the one bright spot in it! I like Allan's use of jewelry on the heroine and her long green scarf is elegant. Allan's commitment to detail shows with the ornate desk in the background.

Judith Harkness: Lady Charlotte's Ruse

Lady Charlotte's Ruse was published by Signet in August 1982 for Judith Harkness. Charlotte is ready to wed Gerald Kirkland until he flees and finds another. After finding herself engaged to the Marquis of Beresford, Charlotte realizes that her chance for happiness is slim to none unless she does something about it!

Allan Kass illustrated this cover and I like the distinctions of it with our couple standing in the china cabinet display room. Our heroine has a high color to her cheeks, but is a typical Kass heroine with her bangle bracelets and elegant dress. Our hero is handsome in a black dinner jacket. I wonder if they are preparing to go to dinner? His hair is a bit longer than most, which looks as if he needs a trim! The blue/purple tones on the wall give a soft light to the room and pick up the color in her gown.

Judith Harkness: The Determined Bachelor

The Determined Bachelor was published by Signet in February 1981 and was written by Judith Harkness. Anne Calder was a published author who was interested in writing about London society rather than marrying a local squire. However she needed an entree into society and decided the best avenue was to become governess in the house of Sir Basil Ives.

Allan Kass shows our couple either embracing or the heroine fainting. She is in riding dress and we see her hat and crop on the desk behind her. The hero also wears a red riding jacket, so maybe they were out together. I like the window and brick building in the background. The desk is also very unique though I am not sure at the little figurine which looks like it's standing on top of the candlestick!

Judith Harkness: Contrary Cousins

Contrary Cousins by Judith Harkness was published by Signet in September 1981 for their Regency Romance line. Lady Pendleton invites her two American nieces to London for the season in order to cause a sensation. Antonia and Serena, though, have their own ideas about a perfect match!

I like this cover by Allan Kass because it shows both of our couples in a ballroom setting. Our figures are dressed formally and it's interesting to see the different colors and styles that Allan uses to make this scene look realistic. I'm sure everyone will choose their favorite person in this busy, but elegant scene!

Judith Harkness: The Admiral's Daughter

Next we turn to author Judith Harkness, who wrote 5 Signet Regencies which Allan Kass illustrated. The Admiral's Daughter was published in April 1980. All Maggie had ever heard was hatred towards the Ramblay clan, so she is astounded when her father consigned her to their care and is unsettled by the Lord of the house!

I like this cover by Allan Kass. It's typical of his earlier work with our finely featured heroine with her gold bangle bracelets and a richly detailed surrounding. She is holding a rose from the bowl on the table that the hero may have given to her and seems a bit unsure about his embrace. I also like the simplicity of her gown against the hero's black coat. Click to enlarge.