Pure and Untouched

Pure and Untouched is #164 in the Bantam series and was published in October 1982. The Duke of Ravenstock finds out on the eve of his marriage that his fiancee and good friend are cheating on him. Leaving England, he flees to France and visits his sister, a Reverend Mother, to see if she can find him a "pure and untouched" wife and plots a way to get revenge on the others!

This is an interesting cover with the heroine kneeling on the floor lighting a lamp or heater. The hero is behind her in a low to the floor bed. It's an intimate scene and unusual, since it makes us wonder where they are and if they are hiding or in danger.

Caught by Love

Caught by Love is #162 in the Bantam series and was published in September 1982. The Marquis of Broome leaves London to buy some horseflesh and while he's on this journey, realizes that he's picked up a hidden passenger: Cara. Cara is running away from her guardian and an arranged marriage, but he manages to find them and forces them into an unwanted marriage.

This cover shows our hero serving the heroine while she sits in an ornate bed. He holds a tray on which sits two wine glasses and carries a bottle of wine in his hand. Done by an unknown illustrator, it doesn't have a risque feel to it. He does get the heroine's short haircut correct, though!

Mission to Monte Carlo

Mission to Monte Carlo is #161 in the Bantam series and was published in August 1982. Craig Vandervelt is sent by the Secretary of State to Monte Carlo to find British Agent Randall Sare and investigate Lord Neasdon, who has been seen with a beautiful Russian woman named Aloya. He is intrigued with Aloya, who may not be what she seems....

I've always loved this cover of the beautiful girl standing at the casino table with the hero gazing from across it. I assume the man sitting at her left is Lord Neasdon and others are there to enjoy the gaming. This book is set in 1900 and another great intrigue by Cartland.

Second photo from Barbara Cartland.com's website. Note the different color dress!

Wish for Love

Wish for Love is #160 in the Bantam series and was published in August 1982. Mariota's brother dresses up as a highwayman in order to have money. Unfortunately, the Earl of Buckenham is injured and they bring him to their home to heal. In a sweet romance, both Mariota, her father, and her brother find love!

This cover shows our couple being held up by a highwayman! Our heroine wears a white muslin regency gown and dashing hat while our hero is recovered from his wounds! The highwayman carries a long gun that looks very dangerous!

Kneel for Mercy

Kneel for Mercy is #159 in the Bantam series and was published in July 1982. Marista Rockbourne lives in a cottage with her siblings on her father's estate, after he gambled it away to the Earl of Stanbrook. Once the earl arrives, he requires the rent on their cottage to be paid. Not realizing that Marista and her family are destitute, he comes up with a plan to introduce them into society and make up for the way he treated their father.

This cover is by an unknown illustrator, but it shows our couple, with our heroine kneeling at the chair of the hero, as stated in the title! She makes a pretty picture in her yellow regency gown.

The Call of the Highlands

The Call of the Highlands is #158 in the Bantam series and was published in June 1982. Lord Alistair McDonon becomes the heir to the Clan when his brothers die in a fishing accident. He needs to find a bride because he is expected to marry his brother's betrothed! He meets Arina Beverley and convinces her to go as his "wife" which she is willing to do in order to be able to help her sick mother.

This cover shows our hero saving our heroine from drowning in the sea. We see a servant wearing a tartan plaid kilt along with the castle in the background. Done by an unknown artist, it shows the allure of a story set in Scotland!

Music from the Heart

Music from the Heart is #157 in the Bantam series and was published in May 1982. Ilouka is traveling to stay with a relative when she is involved in a carriage accident and is persuaded to continue on to the Earl of Lavenham's home in order to help a poor actor with his performance in the Earl's private theatre. The Earl is enchanted with this newest performer and offers to make her his mistress!

This scene pictured is after the Earl saves Ilouka from one of his houseguests, who has intruded into her bedchamber. It's a tender and caring picture and I like the red and orange lights which echo our heroine's hair color.