Edith Layton: False Angel

False Angel by Edith Layton was published in October 1985 by Signet. Lady Leonora is falling in love with the Marquess of Severne as she guides her cousin Annabelle through the season. When Severne begins to show interest in Leonora, Annabelle's jealous schemes almost keep them apart.

An unusual action cover by Allan Kass, here we see our hero and the two ladies involved in this story. Annabelle is the blonde that the hero is helping with the bow and Leonora stands behind watching. I like the beautiful depiction of the grounds with the topiary gardens. It's also an interesting cover since The Hunger Games has made archery popular again.

Edith Layton: The Duke's Wager

The Duke's Wager is our next novel by Edith Layton and was published by Signet in February 1983. This book is a prequel to yesterday's The Disdainful Marquis in that it also contains the hero from that book, the Marquis of Bessacarr, who is a suitor to the hand of Regina Berryman. Along with the Duke of Torquay, they both are rivals in life and now love. Regina needs all of her instincts to decide which is her heart's desire.

I like this cover because we see both heroes with our heroine! Allan Kass does a superb job illustration the angelic duke with the rakish marquis and their jealousy. I think the heroine is gorgeous in her mint green ball gown and love her matching jewels. It's an elegant cover and one of Allan's best examples of his "early regency" work.

Edith Layton: The Disdainful Marquis

The Disdainful Marquis by Edith Layton was published by Signet in August 1983. I am lucky to have an autographed copy and treasure it! This story is about Catherine Robins who was the companion of the Duchess of Crewe, but was expected to please the duchess's male friends, one of who was the rakish Marquis of Bessacarr!

I think this ranks as one of my favorite covers by Allan Kass! I love the hero, who is a typical Kass hero: mid 30's, handsome, chiseled, and well dressed. The heroine is lovely in her sapphire blue gown, which flatters her dark hair and matches her blue eyes. They stand in an elegant room full of beautiful objects of art where you can almost feel the heat of the fire, too. Click to enlarge and enjoy!

Edith Layton: The Abandoned Bride

Next we come to author Edith Layton, who was lucky enough to have Allan Kass as her illustrator on all of her Signet regencies, save one! The Abandoned Bride was published in May 1985 and is the story of Julia Hastings, who eloped with Nicholas Daventry's nephew but was never wed to him. She becomes a companion when she realizes that her elopement has hurt her family and meets Nicholas, who has no love for her.

Allan Kass creates a romantic cover for this novel. I like the simplicity of the park setting with our heroine dressed as if she had been taking a stroll in the garden. We definitely feel as if we're intruding on an intimate scene!

Sadly, Edith Layton died a few years ago, but she became a very popular romance author. You can find her book list at edithlayton.com

Emma Lange: The Unwavering Miss Winslow

The Unwavering Miss Winslow was published in September 1989. Jessica Winslow was beautiful but only a paid companion, so her admirers were persistent and didn't offer marriage. She was on the verge of accepting a dull, but respectable minister when the dashing Earl of Roxham floated into her sphere!

Allan Kass creates an intricate cover for this book. I love the heroine's braided hair. Her simple dress and shawl are elegant, but fitting for a companion. The hero wears an unusual shade of blue for his jacket which suit his coloring. I like the elegant features of this room; Allan always adds the extra detail!

Emma Lange has written other titles for Signet that weren't illustrated by Allan Kass.

Emma Lange: The Reforming of Lord Roth

The Reforming of Lord Roth was published by Signet in December 1990 and written by Emma Lange. Isabella Ramsey was a country miss whose biggest challenge was to keep her household together until she met the worldly Marquess of Roth and realized how ignorant she was!

I like this cover by Allan Kass of our couple at a ball.  Our heroine is prettily dressed for the occasion. I like the combination of green and gold with her red hair. The hero is dashing in formal wear and it's always interesting to see extra couples in Allan's covers.

Emma Lange: The Irish Rake

The Irish Rake is a May 1996 Signet publication for their Regency Romance line and written by author Emma Lange. Miss Gillian Edwards was engaged to staid Lord Lionel but she only had eyes for the rakish Marquess of Clare!

This is such a beautiful cover by Allan Kass! I love the outdoor setting and it looks so cool and idyllic. Our hero is definitely dashing and the heroine very pretty in her purple riding dress. It seems as if they've come to an understanding while standing in this sylvan area.