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?