Robert Eckert: The Duke's Gambit

I have not been recently blogging due to some volunteer work this summer. Thanks for your patience!

January 1987 saw the publication of The Duke's Gambit by Roberta Eckert, the only book Allan Kass illustrated for her. Andrea Howard has the number of the Duke of Haverford, and he's a womanizer in her book. She saves her cousin from a misstep with him, but wonders that she could be his next victim!

Allan Kass illustrates our couple sitting on a garden bench while a ball takes place in the room behind. Our hero wears black evening dress while our heroine wears a very low cut gown and simple silver trimmings. I like her bracelet and buttons, which give her gown a very Grecian appearance! Note the dancers in the crowded room along with the ornate windows and doors. Allan is the master of detail and I hope that you enjoy this picture! Click to enlarge!

Gail Eastwood: An Unlikely Hero

An Unlikely Hero is the last of Gail Eastwood's regencies that was illustrated by Allan Kass. She did write others for Signet. This book has an August 1996 publication date.

This is an interesting story of twin sisters, Venetia and Vivian who are called the Lioness and the Lamb for their personalities. Venetia finds a wonderful man for sweet Vivian, only to realize that he may be perfect for her!

Allan Kass illustrates our couple standing near a gated garden. Our hero is unique in that he has very light, almost white hair. Our heroine is pretty with her blonde hair and regency walking dress. I like the slit sleeves along with the royal blue trim that repeats itself on her bonnet and hair tie. Again, Allan outdoes himself with the little touches: her cameo necklace, the button at the top of her laced sleeves, the flowers over the garden wall and the hint of a bench inside the garden. Great cover that I hope you enjoy!

Gail Eastwood: The Persistent Earl

March 1995 saw the publication of Gail Eastwood's The Persistent Earl. Lady Phoebe Brodfield is a widow living in the same London mansion with the Earl of Devenham, who is recovering from war wounds. She believes that she is immune from his charm since she has decided to never fall in love again, but he is determined to win this lady!

Allan Kass illustrates our couple standing in a bookroom or library. Our heroine wears a pretty yellow day dress with a beautiful strand of pearls. Her black hair is piled high on her head and she wears button pearl earrings. Our hero is classically Kass in his pose and features. I like the details of the painting behind them and the ornate blue Chinese vase. Beautiful cover!!

Gail Eastwood: A Perilous Journey

A Perilous Journey is the next Allan Kass illustrated book by Gail Eastwood. See the nice comment Gail left on this site after my blog entry about her book, The Lady from Spain!

This book, published by Signet in July 1994, is about Gillian Kentwell and her efforts to escape an arranged marriage. She meets up with a man called Rafferty, who is willing to help her!

Allan Kass captures our couple in a playful moment as they rest from their journey. I love the hero's playful antics with the daffodil! Allan paints a lot of details in this cover: from our couple sitting on a tree log, to the daffodils at their feet. I love the ivy growing up the tree and the horses grazing in the background. It's a beautiful, serene cover that I hope you enjoy!

Gail Eastwood: The Lady from Spain

Now we're back to regency romance covers with Signet's publication of The Lady from Spain by Gail Eastwood. Published in September 1997, this story is about a lady named Falcarrah Colburne, who comes to claim a legacy as a daughter of a British noble! Is she who she says she is? Lord Jeremy Danbridge plans to find ou!!

Allan Kass illustrates our couple outside in a public setting. Our heroine wears a Spanish mantilla on her head and a rich red shawl over her white empire gown. Our hero is handsome in a top hat and formal wear with a caped greatcoat over his arm. I like the features of the other couple walking and the carriage behind our couple. Allan is the master of the detail with items like her fan and his cane bringing an elegant touch to this cover.

Margaret Eastvale: As the Sparks Fly

As the Sparks Fly was written by Margaret Eastvale and published by Fawcett for their regency romance line in October 1975. Catherine Woodleigh was glad to leave school and go live with her young guardian, but she finds herself falling in love with him. Unfortunately, he's engaged and his fiancee is throwing her at other men!!

Allan Kass illustrates our couple outside of a coach. Our heroine looks as if she's traveling and our hero is either picking her up or escorting her somewhere. I like the calm scene of the water and grass behind them. Our heroine wears a cloak over her dark green empire gown, which is cut low for traveling. Our hero wears a many caped greatcoat, but what's interesting is his large emerald ring! This is the only book that Allan illustrated for Margaret Eastvale.

Curtis Eady: The Twins

Curtis Eady's The Twins was published by Signet in July 1971. It's a novel about identical twins who decide to pay back the man who has been playing around with both of them! The ultimate novel of two women scorned!

This is Allan Kass's only R rated cover! The red color hides the nakedness of the people. It's an interesting study and a totally different cover than Allan usually did! I think drawing twins would be difficult and Allan did a few covers with twins on them. Well, I hope you're not too scandalized! What do you think??