April Kihlstrom: The Reckless Wager

The Reckless Wager was published by Signet in November 1991 and is the story of the Earl of Basingstoke and the wager he accepts that he'll pretend to be a poor younger son and propose to an unknown gentlewoman. When he meets Elizabeth Mayfield, he thinks his wager is won until she rejects his proposal and the game begins!

Allan Kass presents our couple in front of a modern 1800's mansion! The gardens looks pristine and delightful with flowers blooming on a warm spring day. It tempts our couple to take a stroll before the sun is too hot. The heroine's gown is pretty and I like the accent ribbons on the bodice. Our red headed hero is handsome and dashing. Elegant is the result!

April Kihlstrom: An Outrageous Proposal

This book by April Kihlstrom was published in July 1998 and is one of the last illustrated by Allan Kass.

Lady Penelope Westcott agrees to a scheme by Geoffrey Talbot in order to stay single and stop others from nagging her to wed. They set up a pretend betrothal that Geoffrey hopes one day to make real!!

Even though this is one of Allan's later works, it's a stunningly detailed cover for someone in their 80's! The hero is tall and straight while the heroine is elegant as she leaves the carriage. The horses are well drawn along with the landscape in the background. It was sad not to see any Kass covers after 1998.

April Kihlstrom: The Nabob's Widow

The Nabob's Widow by April Kihlstrom was published in July 1986 for Signet's Regency Romance line. Drusila Lawford is now a wealthy widow and society wants to believe the worse about this lady, including the handsome Lord Richard Pensley!

Allan Kass illustrates our couple in a small room that is decorated with a hunting theme. Our couple wear riding clothes, so it's appropriate that they are standing inside! While our couple is typical Kass in look and pose, I find the painting in the background--Stubbs?--and the crested stained glass intriguing.

I believe Signet also entitled another of their regencies "The Nabob's Widow". Usually they were careful about not reusing titles!

April Kihlstrom: The Mysterious Governess

The Mysterious Governess was published by Signet in April 1984. April Kihlstrom tells the story of Mr. Darnell Somerton and his romance with Elizabeth, who looks a lot like a lady governess he once helped.

This cover is prettier in person than the photo! Allan Kass shows our couple standing on a balcony and it looks like they are sharing a quiet story. Our hero's jacket of purple compliments the heroine's yellow day dress. Note his large white cuffs! I like the touches of weathering on the stone railing and the tree growing up alongside the wall of the house.

April Kihlstrom: Miss Redmond's Folly

June 1988 is the publication date for this Signet regency romance by April Kihlstrom. Miss Redmond's Folly is the story of Eleanor Redmond and her first London season where she falls for the impoverished French emigre against the advice of her friend, Frederick Leverton.

Allan Kass shows our couple in an outdoor scene on the grounds of a pretty estate. They stand near the edge of a stream or lake and definitely share a passionate moment. Note Allan's skill as the heroine tilts back her neck and we see the muscles. One of the things I've always liked about his artwork is that his people are drawn to scale and movement.

April Kihlstrom: An Improper Companion

An Improper Companion was published by Signet in February 1983 and is the story of Heather Wade who is forced to leave school once she finds out that she has no family but her first job finds her quickly married to Sir Leslie Kinwell and then trying to find her way into society.

This cover is a typical early Allan Kass one: it's detailed, has a strong hero and beautiful heroine, and the colors are gorgeous. Our couple stand in a small parlor or office. I love the heroine's dress; even though it is for daytime and one color, it has some elegant embellishments and her brooch and hair ribbon are perfect accessories. We get the feeling that they care for each other, even if it's hard to say the actual words.

April Kihlstrom: An Honorable Rogue

An Honorable Rogue was published by Signet in June 1997 for author April Kihlstrom. It is the story of Lady Barbara Westcott, an heiress who accepts a bet that she could be a barmaid for an evening! While working, she meets Lord Damian Farrington, a rogue who decides he wants Barbara and as the review states, "it was not her bet she has to worry about losing, but her virtue and her heart!"

Allan Kass gives us a scene from the pub with our heroine dressed as a barmaid and cuddling with the hero. We get the impression of a warm and cozy room with two people who definitely care for one another. I think it's interesting that the heroine is wearing a gold bracelet and earrings, which a barmaid wouldn't be able to afford!