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As many of you may know, our beloved sister hostess SHARON DONOVAN, tragically passed away on 11th April 2012. We who knew her, loved her, and were inspired by her courage and determination to face head on whatever life threw at her. When she could no longer see to paint she turned to writing and showed her amazing talent in the Inspirational Romance and Romantic Suspense genres, and her story 'Charade Of Hearts' was awarded the coveted Predators and Editors Award in January 2011.

This Blog was a source of great delight to her, she was one of the founder hostesses and she contributed to the fun and silliness in her own original way, and was kind enough to let her unique creation, the hunky butler 'Oliver' join us for our Friday romp and prepare 'virtual breakfast' for the guests on the following morning. It's beyond hard to have to go on without her, but we know that she would have been the first to insist that 'the show must go on.' She is, and will always be with us in spirit.
Sharon, dear friend, we will never forget you.
The Author Roast and Toast is part of the legacy you left us. Let's raise a Toast to you as well as all our guests.
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Friday, March 5, 2010

Allison Chase enjoys her party and solves a mystery in the process!!

Undercover agent, Lady Allison Chase Women Commentslooks over the guests as they enter, from her hiding spot behind a wall of flowers. This is one of the hugest, most ornate, places she has ever seen. Surely he would show and she could follow him and find where he hid the cameo set. If she sees him she will notify her superior in this mission. They say he's a charming rogue. She dons her long gloves and pushes an errant curl back into her head dress.

Dozens of broughams line the drive at Bath's Assembly Rooms' spectacular Grand Ball Room. The largest ballroom in the city, the Georgian ballroom accommodates some five hundred people. The cream of society, who are staying in Bath to partake of the spa waters, are exiting their fancy horse drawn carriages. Groomsman place steps in front of the carriage door to aide the women exiting while dressed in their lovely Victorian frocks.

Allison eyes her target. She rushes into a side door, runs to her dressing room and closes the door before anyone sees her. On her way she drops a note in front of a door kicks the note under the door and continues on.

He's here, he's hot and he's after her. She has notified her superiors, all she can do now is make her appearance. She has to find that cameo.

If only she could control the three women assigned to her. They appear to be bumbling and quite silly. It could get serious though and they were her only option if her connection failed her. Heck, she didn't even know who her connection was. All she knew was that he arrived and mingled amongst the guests.
Did he know who had the real cameo? What did he have to do with the cameo? Would the three women she was assigned to be anything more than the doddering fools they appeared to be?


The three hostesses primp together, shoving each other for space in front of a huge gilded mirror. They each check their feathered and bejeweled head dresses. All of them are wearing elbow length gloves. Each one of them happy with their lovely silk dresses.

Sharon in her lovely lilac frock and wonderful cameo nuzzled into her decolletage, and matching earrings, dreams about kissing her handsome escort.

Romantic CommentsRomantic Comments


Mary cannot wait to shine in her maroon dress, she wears garnet dangling earrings and a lovely three tiered necklace that matches it, she dreams of a dance in the arms of her escort.

Lyn in her amazing yellow gown with coral necklace and hanging matching earrings, dreams of gazing into her stunning escorts eyes as he holds her in his arms.

When they hit the dance floor they will be the envy of many a woman. At least they each hope so. Sharon has trouble squeezing into her corset, but between the two of them, Mary and Lyn, are able to lace her in tightly.

"Hope you don't get the vapors." Mary mutters.

"Stop it Lyn." Sharon smacks Lyn's hand as she reaches in to steal some of her perfume. "That came from Paris! Who told you, that you could use it?" While Sharon's back is turned to her and she is berating Lyn, Mary smiles, and steals a healthy spray of the expensive stuff.

Sharon picks up the bottle seconds after Mary put it down. Phew, that was close, Mary takes a deep breath. She quickly picks up and hands the bottle to Lyn, who uses it liberally while Sharon bends to fix her garter. She misses a lot when she bends over. Mary offers Sharon the use of her rouge and Sharon glops it on like chocolate sauce. Her rosy red cheeks give Lyn a good chuckle. They are all three wearing their beautiful jewelry. The three of them head down, smacking each other, tripping each other and calling names. As soon as they enter the main room their demeanors change dramatically. Each of them takes the arm of her escort and stands ready and waiting in the receiving line for Lady Allison to show.

Her party is almost ready to begin.

All three girls are escorted by Lords dressed in black tailcoats, brocade waistcoats, white linen cravats and ivory knee britches. They each take an arm of one of the three women, and guide them into the huge ballroom. The men are all devastatingly handsome and the girls are very pleased.

Oliver meanwhile, has designed a wonderful menu. He is just adding the finishing touches to his main desert. He has made the Chestnut soup perfectly.The soup will be followed by apple and cucumber salad, roast haunch of venison, braised partridge, Lobster Newburg, and galantine of fowl. For dessert,

marchchpane and almond puffs, raspberry florendine and in honor of Bath, we will have some Sally Lunns Buns.
For the main cake, a

"Victoria Sponge Cake" Her Majesty's favorite, a two-layer sponge cake filled with jam and whipped cream. It sounds as yummy as it looks and the wonderful smell of roasting venison permeates the whole place. On the tables, glasses of the wondrous waters of Bath sit ready to drink. The waiters are dressed smartly in green and gold livery, as are the footman.

Allison enters the room, her dazzling black dress stands out like a rose in the snow. She wears a choker of precious diamonds embedded into a ribbon in a dog collar style. She is beautiful and ooh's and aahh's can be heard around the tremendous room. They appreciate her gently beauty.
Victorian dress
Oliver takes her hand and escorts her to the seat of the guest of honor. Before she sits, she speaks. "Welcome my friends, welcome. I hope you enjoy the ball. Please eat, dance and be merry! My latest book is about to be published and I am thrilled. Cheers!" Allison raises her glass and holds it aloft as those around her and in the room clink glasses gently together. "Let the celebration begin!!!
A thunderous roar echos through the room, then the dancing begins.


(Now here's the prize question - who has the cameo?)

Queen VictoriaBallroom Dancing
Most Eagerly Yours - Book #1 in Her Majesty's Secret Servants Series
Synopsis:
Raised on their uncle's country estate, the four orphaned Sutherland sisters formed a close friendship with the young Princess Victoria. Shortly before her coronation as queen, Victoria asks the sisters to serve her in matters requiring the utmost discretion.
They are to become her secret servants...
Laurel, the eldest, is the first to be called. The Queen is threatened by her jealous cousin, George Fitzclarence, who is known for speaking treason. She asks Laurel to pose as a wealthy widow and use her charms to win George's trust, then find out what he is really plotting. Laurel is prepared for the risks of acting a part, but she encounters an unexpected and formidable obstacle in the Earl of Barenforth--George's friend and a notorious rake, whom Victoria has warned her to avoid...
An undercover agent for the Home Office, Aidan Phillips, Earl of Barensforth, is on the trail of a financial hoax involving alchemy, murder...and George Fitzclarence. When a lovely young widow wanders into his path and turns his well-laid plans on end, he senses she is hiding something. Aidan is no stranger to seduction, or to the wiles of beautiful women. And he intends employing wiles of his own to uncover the lady's secrets...
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Books-A-Million

EXCERPT

As soon as the frigid air hit Laurel 's skin, she realized her mistake, yet the stone terrace overlooking the backs of nearby buildings offered a haven she could not resist. The terrace stood empty, and as the din of the ball faded to a muted hum behind her, she welcomed the chilly air against her cheeks. She tugged off her cream satin gloves and leaned her hands on the balustrade.

Behind her, the door opened. "Good evening. It is Mrs. Sanderson, is it not?"

Laurel whirled and pulled up short at the sight of him .

He stood framed in the doorway, the light behind him gilding his silhouette and draping his face in shadow. Nevertheless, she recognized the Earl of Barensforth immediately. No other man stood as he did, tall and solid and steadfast, with broad shoulders and a bearing she could term only . . . noble. However fanciful a description, she could not help thinking it.

Her heart clamored, then stood still, then clamored again as he stepped toward her like the hero of a beloved fairy tale walking off the timeworn pages.

"Yes, it is Mrs. Sanderson." On his lips, her false name took on a world of meaning, of innuendo. Tingles showered her spine. He raised a hand, the light from inside glinting off an object grasped in his long fingers.

"I thought perhaps you could use this."

When Laurel merely gaped up at him like a fox at the hounds, he reached for her hand and pressed a champagne glass into her palm.

"I thought only tea and punch were served here."

"Madam, spirits are always available in the card room. Drink. It will revive you."

She obeyed with a small sip. He was right. The bubbles tickled her throat, instantly making her feel more alert and not nearly as overheated.

No, the flush warming her skin now had nothing to do with the sweltering crush inside, and everything to do with how Lord Barensforth's eyes held her, traveling a leisurely course across her face and her bared décolletage.

"Thank you." She inhaled, her breath audibly trembling. Why did he make her feel so capricious, so unlike herself? Until this instant, she had even failed to notice a highly pertinent detail. "How do you know my name?"

"We have a mutual friend." He smiled with a quirk of his lips she remembered from Knightsbridge; now, as then, her pulse leaped at the sight of it. "Beatrice Fitzclarence. She pointed you out to me."

"Did she?" Good heavens. How ironically inconvenient for Lady Devonlea to bring her to the attention of the one person Victoria most wished her to avoid. "If you'll excuse me, sir, I must return to the tearoom. Lord Wentworth will-"

"I shouldn't worry about him. His own fault for abandoning you as he did. Any fool could see you were feeling unwell."

"Lord Wentworth didn't abandon me," she clarified. "He went to find me something to drink."

"It looks as though I have beaten him to it. His loss." His voice dipped. "And my gain."

Was it? His attentions left her flustered. It had been for George Fitzclarence's benefit that Victoria had meticulously selected her wardrobe to emphasize her very best features-her blond hair, her slim figure, and, yes, her supposed wealth. Her amber gown was of the finest-quality silk; her slippers, reticule, and fan had been purchased at Bond Street 's most exclusive shops.

For all the bait they had set, had she hooked the wrong fish?

Allison Chase enjoys a busy life in the warmth of the South Florida sunshine with her husband of more than twenty-five years and their two wonderful and very talented daughters. Allison is a member of the RWA and the Florida Romance Writers, and in large part credits both organizations for her success as a romance author.

Originally from New England , she grew up with a deep appreciation for the rich history of her surroundings, and admits that, "If living in the past is a bad thing, then I've been bad all my life!" She and her family love to travel, especially throughout the British Isles and Ireland, and she's never happier than when exploring historic sites such as castle ruins, ancient abbeys, or the rambling gardens of old country manors.

When asked what inspires her creativity, Allison says traveling, of course, but not even necessarily to the places where she sets her stories. "Any time I find myself somewhere new, where my family and I can experience lifestyles and adventures that are unique to anything we can do at home, I feel recharged and excited to sit down and write. It can be a cruise to Alaska , or a weekend at Disney World - hey, just get me out of the house!"

Inspiration also comes from reading books by fellow authors, many of whom have become good friends as well as mentors over the years. Before Allison ever sat down to write, she was an avid reader and continues to enjoy a fairly wide variety of styles and genres. Her favorite romance subgenres are historical, paranormal, and romantic suspense. She also loves historical fiction and nonfiction, her favorite eras being the Middle Ages, Tudor times and the Regency.

Allison's hobbies include archery and collecting period costumes. In a pinch, she can be anyone from Maid Marion to a Celtic Queen to Jane Austen!
Visit her website

117 comments:

  1. Welcome to your celebration, Allison! We hope you enjoy yourself and have fun. Your book sounds really good, and this ball is so grand!

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  2. And welcome from me too, Allison, we're looking forward to entertaining you and your guests. Your books sounds fascinating and is especially interesting for me, since I'm a Brit and have passed through Bath, although I don't know it well.

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  3. Ladies, thank you, this fete exceeds my wildest expectations! How exhilarating to be here, it's such a delight! I can only hope that cameo turns up soon though! Perhaps our guests will be gracious enough to help find it. In the meantime, ooh, I never could resist men in black tails and knee breeches...and the cake looks scrumtuous too! Ah, I hear the music starting...

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  4. Lyn! Sharon rushes to hug her chum. How fine you look, and you will indeed turn heads. Under her breath, she mutters, so long as no one notices your feet. And how stunning you look, Allison. I adore Victorian ballrooms and this will be so much fun. Now if Oliver will show up with the bubbly, we'll be all set. Any sign of Mary, Lyn?
    They share a chuckle, imagining her trying to squeeze her bubble butt into the gown.

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  5. Thank you, Lady Sharon and Lady Hywela. I wonder where Lady Mary is hiding. Why is that her kissing that tall, rather spectacular gentleman behind the potted palms? Or perhaps my eyes are deceiving me?

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  6. Allison, this will be a ball to remember. I adore a good who done it, and something tells me, this will get wild and wooly. And here's Oliver. Can he bring you a drink or an appetizer? Some cake? Oh, I see you are already being dragged onto the dance floor.

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  7. Of course it's her. Who could miss that bubble butt?

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  8. Hello Alison, how lovely you look!

    And Sharon - Lyn returns Sharon's hug with gusto. "I'm not sure where Mary is," she whispers into Sharon's large, shell shaped ear - "I'll get you back for making fun of my poor little feet - I heard her mutter something about a cameo,perhaps she's gone to look for it. I'm sure she'll be here soon."

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  9. "Oh, you're right Allison. Of course that's her behind the potted palms. what a handsome gentleman, pity he's obviously so short sighted!

    Lyn chuckles wickedly.

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  10. Welcome to your party Allison! This is gonna be one fun day.
    I particularly love your cover. Sooo romantic!
    So have you any leads on the cameo?

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  11. Ah, Mary dear friend, how beautiful you look. We thought you were searching for the cameo but you were obviously otherwise occupied (chuckle)

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  12. I'll have you know that my bubble butt is encased in a tight corset, so you can't see mine. However, we couldn't find a corset to fit Sharon so we just used a pulley and chain mechanism to squeeze her into her dress.
    But Lady Alison, you look lovely!
    I understand you have a mystery on your hands?
    Better than Lady Lyn's feet anyways.

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  13. Oh I do agree about the cover, Allison, it's really dramatic and eyecatching, beautiful!

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  14. And tell me what's wrong with my feet, pray?

    (I wasn't going to mention your nose, but while we're at it, I have a beautul crimson bow that would match beautifully, tied onto the end!)

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  15. So you are aware Lady Allison is on a mission?
    We are supposed to be looking for a lost cameo. Apparently there is something special about this cameo.

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  16. Lady Allison, do tell us more about this engaging book. Mary, dear, Sharon hugs her, and they share a chuckle as Lyn trips over her own two feet whilst dancing with the handsome stranger in a top hat.

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  17. Well as long as you use the oars they gave you with those shoes.
    Besides, it's only a small pimple.

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  18. No leads on the cameo yet. To tell you the truth, right now I'd rather sip this glorious champagne and hobnob with our illustrious guests. You three dahlings look simply gorgeous! And the love you show each other - so sisterly! So heartwarming!

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  19. Thank you Lady Allison, we are quite close.

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  20. You asked about my book, did you, my dear? I'm not sure how much I should say, for you see, it's all classified information. My hero, Aidan, and my heroine, Laurel, are on secret missions of their own and must solve a murderous mystery before the very foundations of the monarchy are jeopardized! If only they could resist the temptation to fall into each other's arms...

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  21. Indeed, let's get Cuddles and Junior on it, finding the lost cameo. Sharon wrinkles her nose. What is that smell? Slaps Mary, then turns and slaps Lyn too, detecting her exquisite French cologne on both of them.
    She glares at them, turns to the party guests with a big smile and announces, "I wasn't aware they let ladies of the evening in to the ballroom tonight."

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  22. Sharon dear, is that where you got that perfume - and you told us you'd been given it by a French nobleman!

    Lyn claps her hand to her mouth as she realises she's given herself away.

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  23. Allison, your book sounds so intriguing. What an original idea for an historical novel, I love it!

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  24. Mmm mumble. I'm gonna get those two.

    Ahh Lady Allison, I understand, you are on a double mission. Phenomenal!
    I'm not sure about those FRW women. They look like a bunch of floozies.

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  25. Yes, Lady Allison, Sharon chokes on her bubbly. We three are quite close. Now about your book. I must get it with my love for mystery. And I love the name Aden. Irish, is it not?

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  26. So, Lady Allison, tell us a bit about the hero and heroine, will you.

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  27. Sharon and Lyn elbow one another the second Mary turns around. A little pimple? They cackle wildly. Hope no one's near her when that acorn pops.

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  28. Sharon can't resist when Mary returns to the circle. Couldn't find any Clearasil in that huge cosmetic bag you tote about, dearheart?

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  29. Ah yes Lady Alison, we three really are like sisters! She smiles and flutters her eyelashes innocently.
    Of course I'm so much YOUNGER than they are though! (She hopes no-one notices her fingers crossed behind her back)

    Did you have to do a lot of research for your book - and was it difficult getting the historical facts together?

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  30. I wouldn't talk bubble butt.
    One of these days Sharon, you'll fly all the way to America and back on one single bounce off that thing. But that is a beautiful dress you're wearing, (using as camouflage for that huge posterior).

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  31. Sharon appears out of nowhere, screeching with laughter. Liar liar pants on fire. Lyn, your pantaloons are showing. Hmmm. I didn't think women so...ahem...young wore such large drawers. Turns to Lady Allison. Indeed, what a wonderful setting for a book.

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  32. She is always appearing out of nowhere. She cackles a lot too. Do they burn witches in this place?

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  33. Is the young Queen expected to show today?

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  34. Aidan may be an Irish name, but I assure you, dearest, he is as English as they come and soooo suave! With a flick of his deft fingers he will have your corset off and tie you up with its laces, before you can cry, "Good heavens, sir, I am a maiden!" Oh, my! Did I just say that? The bubbly must be going to my head...

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  35. And Laurel - she's been a good girl all her life...and so hoping for a chance to be the slightest bit naughty! Do you think she'll find her opportunity tonight?

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  36. Oh, that Aden sounds like quite the roguish character. Is he here by chance? Sharon beams.

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  37. Sharon, if Aidan is here, I'd keep my distance if I were you. Laurel wouldn't like it and she happens to be packing a tiny pistol - a gift from the queen - at the bottom of her reticule.

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  38. Boy, she's the jealous type?
    I'm not even dancing with the rogue. Is he true to her?
    Oh look, there seems to be a scuffle!! One of the Lords who just arrive has been taken into custody! Wow!
    Ha! Sharon's escort of course, figures.

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  39. Laurel just arrived. Is that Aidan shoving everyone out of his way to get to her?
    He's verrrry handsome!

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  40. OOOh, Lyn almost swoons at the sight of the handome gentleman who has just arrived. Wow, I bet Laurel has to use more than a fan to waft the girls away from that one!

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  41. Aidan is here? Hubba, hubba, he is hot.
    Watch yourself Sharon, um...the gun.

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  42. Lady Sharon shrugs as they escort her man away in cuffs. Ah, well. Spotting Aden and a few looker lords at the entrance, she smiles. As they say, love the one you're with.

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  43. Sharon smiles when the others leave. Pats the diamond her escort slipped in her corset whilst they were doing the waltz. They'll never know. Sips her champagne and blows kisses to Aden and the hot looking men who all stare in the hopes of a dance...

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  44. I think Lyn has the cameo, cause she has an awesome name and steals French perfume. LOL.

    Great except Allison.

    Lyn
    xoxo

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  45. Lyn simpers behind her fan.

    Moi, Lyn? You think? I really am not at liberty to make a comment -
    other than to thank you for the comliment on my name, and of course we share the three letter one,

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  46. Yeah, Lyn does try to act innocent and Sharon is already wearing a cheap paste cameo set.
    I know I don't have it. There are so many guests. Isn't that the famous author everyone is talking about? The handsome man who just came in. Sharon, stop drooling, who is he?

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  47. Another Lady Lyn, and might I add, one with considerably smaller feet. Sharon elbows Mary and tells her to stop drooling. Lady Allison, a mighty fine man, your Aden...

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  48. Aidan, boy Sharon your drooling so bad you forgot how to spell the Lord's name!
    I'm sorry Lady Allison, she tips a bit.

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  49. Hello Allison! Intrigue, Romance, and undercover to Queen Victoria, an intriguing combination for a book/series. Rocking party. I'd like to be escorted by a regal lord too.

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  50. Oliver, please find a handsome escort for Lady Beth please. She likes them tall and rugged, as well as sexy.

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  51. Sharon blushes, kicking Mary in her bubble butt and turns to the guests, fanning herself. Oh, my sincere apologies, silly me. I meant Aidan, but of course. I was just so in awe and was typing so fast, one would swear my fingers were on fire.
    How are you, Lady Beth? Such a grand affair, despite the commoners. Bubbly, dear?

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  52. This is so much fun!!What a way to celebrate a new book :)

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  53. Oh - and with impeccable manners too,just like you, please Oliver, I'm sure Beth will appreciate that!

    Whispers behind her hand Trust Mary to forget the manners! LOL

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  54. Welcome to the ball, Lady Tracy. Can Oliver bring you some bubbly and a platter of delicious food or cake? Oh, maybe after that handsome lord is through dancing with you!

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  55. Welcome to the party, Traci.

    I have to say I really want to read Allison's book, it sounds splendid!

    Lyn puts on her best English accent, we are, after all, in the presence of 'quality' Allison and the guests that is, not counting the other two - er - hostesses. Bless them, I do love them but they are a little on the -er - shall we say 'common' side! :)

    I'm sure Oliver will be pleased to bring you a glass of champagne and an escort, Traci, once, he has done the same for Beth. He's certainly busy today!

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  56. Pssst, Traci, the one with the phony English accent is a surf and cares for horses.
    The other with the bulging corset and enough rolls to open a bakery, is touched.
    Oliver, however, is a great host. Do allow him to find a dance partner for you Lady Beth. Perhaps Oliver himself will take you for a turn.
    Lady Traci, I see you are alone today, would you care for an escort. I see you like the food, Oliver has outdone himself. Lady Sharon, please don't speak with your mouth full, you are flinging food particles everywhere.

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  57. Yes, bless their touched hearts, I do love them.

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  58. Sharon smiles at the guest. Turns to Mary, giving her a gentle nudge with her willowy, but wirey frame, knocking her face down into the punch bowl. Oh dear me, Lady Mary. Your entire face matches your nose to pure perfection. No one will even notice that horse zit on your honker.

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  59. Lady Lyn dear, such a pity your escort left you for that ah...much younger woman. Ah well, grab another drink. You know what they say, you get less choosy the more you belt down.

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  60. Mary stands up, punch dripping down her nose. She turns to Cuddles, who smiles and hugs her touches her nose with her unicorn horn. And Mary's nose is back to normal for good. Powerful animal that unicorn. Junior brings her a new dress, a duplicate of the one she wore tonight... She had an idea Sharon would resort to physical retaliation. She discretely leaves, changes, and returns, like new, only better. Fresh makeup too.
    A young gentleman approaches her and asks if her dance card is filled. Since it was ruined in the punch fiasco, she agrees, but not before she laughs with her escort and several people standing around at the sign on Sharon's back. It says 'Say hello to my bubble butt'.
    Lyn notices and laughs so hard she pops the buttons on her bodice.

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  61. Hi ladies! Allison, this sounds absolutely wonderful -- best of luck!

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  62. OOOps! Cuddles, come here a moment boy, can you sew on buttons with your horn?

    In the meantime I'll just place my fan where it matters. Oh look, here comes another handsome lord.

    Welcome sir, may I interest you in some champagne - and a slice of cake.
    Er no, I would actually avoid the punch, I think it may have too strong a 'nose'!

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  63. How lovely that Ladies Traci, Beth and Helen have graced us with their illustrious presence! Welcome Ladies, I do hope you're enjoying yourselves. I slipped out for a bit to search for that confounded cameo and ended up having to dodge the advances of a drunken old duke. Ouch! Do I have a loose stay or did he just pinch me?

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  64. Hello Helen, do come and sit over here away from the crowd. Champagne?

    Ah, here's Lady Alison, we missed you my dear, no, I think your stays are staying! I wonder where that cameo can be.?

    Anyway, do tell us some more about your book. I understand it's one of a series?

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  65. This sounds like a grand celebration. Can I come? I wonder what color gown I'd wear-- something vibrantly colored to attract attention but modest enough to pass muster from the Ton. Imagine, evening gowns at a ball and a mystery all in one. How intriguing! Allison, I love that your characters go on a secret mission in each story.

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  66. Lady Helen, grab an escort to dance with and Oliver will get you some bubbly. Yes, Lady Allison, series are big sellers. Do dish.

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  67. Why hello Nancy, come in and welcome, of course you can join us at the ball! Let me take you upstairs to my personal suite and You can take your pick of the gowns we have set aside for the use of guests and for - er - emergencies.
    (Can't think why, but Sharon, Mary and I seem to have quite a lot of those on these occasions!) *grin*.

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  68. Hi there, Alison you look lovely and I enjoyed reading your excerpt. Oliver, please behave I am not in bathing suit here. The weather is too cold and the ocean frigid.

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  69. Welcome to the ball, Lady Nancy. Of course, come in and be entertained by a lord in waiting. In the meantime, Oliver will bring you a beverage and some food. We are having so much fun at Allison's party, and she whispers, no one will know I know where the cameo is. But Mum's the word. Zips her mouth.

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  70. Why helo Mona, how lovely to see you.

    Oh dear, I didn't think Oliver would be able to keep up his Victorian gentleman act for very long. (You've got to admit he looks cute in a cravat though!)
    I think Sharon needs to have a quiet word with him - not that he ever listens to her! rin. I do believe he's a bit jealous of Aidan, he's such a good looking man isn't he!

    Talking about Sharon, she's up to something, I'm sure of it. I'm going to wander over and see what I can deduce.

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  71. Hello and welcome to the party, Lady Mona. Sharon turns to Oliver and whispers, do I have to spank you again! Be a gentleman!

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  72. Good evening Nancy,Countess of Cohen and Mona, Marchioness of Risk! So delighted you could come! Yes this book is only the beginning. Laurel has three younger sisters awaiting their turn for adventure and love. Ivy's up next in OUTRAGEOUSLY YOURS, where she has to disguise herself as a university student to recover something stolen from the queen. I know - a woman in breeches - Outrageous! Hence the title. The hero in this one is Simon, a dashing scientist whispered to be slightly mad... He's a handsome one, though, and Ivy will need to keep her wits about her!

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  73. lovely party Mary!. Allison, your writing sounds I'd enjoy it. good going!

    Isn't Oliver a prize?

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  74. Oooooo, I'm starving and there are lots of food pics on this post! :( Love the graphics. And you gals so make me laugh fighting over perfume, etc. I'm with Allison. I like changing from Maid Marion to a Celtic queen with the twitch of a nose--or the turn of a page.

    Thanks for the entertainment. Unfortunately, I can't escape with my 4 yr old singing LOUD songs...

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  75. Ladies Mary and Skhye, welcome. Yes, this is most grand and we are having a ball at Allison's celebration. Oliver is a prize all right, Sharon snorts. And if the lad can stop pumping his biceps, perhaps he will bring more cocktails and food. Oh, Lady Allison, more to come? I do believe you got a fan in me!

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  76. Thanks for stopping by Skhye, be sure to grab a beverage for the trip home!
    Hi Lady Nancy of Cohenville, welcome to Lady Allison's ball.
    Lady Mary, you look marvelous!You and Lady Mona are shining this evening. Oliver, please arrange for escorts, handsome escorts, to take the Ladies for a quick turn around the dance floor.

    Sharon, please don't do anything crazy, the ton can be very unforgiving.
    Besides I hear the Young Queen is looking for ladies in waiting.

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  77. I believe Sharon has the Cameo and she is has it on her neck.in plan site.
    sasluvbooks(at)yahoo.com

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  78. Welcome Stacey, around her neck, well let me see if I can see it amongst the...
    It looks phony, I suppose Lady Allison will be able to tell. It can't be that easy--

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  79. Lady Stacey, are you insinuating I liberated the jeweled cameo? Oh, dearheart, we must have a little chat. Oliver, some more bubbly, please...

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  80. Very fun. I enjoyed the excerpt. I will definitely be checking this one out. Good luck!

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  81. Welcome Lady Kristin. Oliver will be happy to bring you food and drink and a spin about the dance floor if you like.

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  82. Lyn suddenly appears, her gown, once more resplendent, her dainty feet clad in silk dancing slippers.

    Good afternnoon Ladies, Skhye, Mary and Kirstin and Stacey. Forgive the temporary absence, I was doing a little sleuthing of my own and I do believe I know who has the cameo - snigger - but ‘tis no use asking I ain’t I mean I am not going to tell!

    By the way, Mary dear one, did you call me a serf back there? That was hardly polite! I keep horses, but I have a ‘lad’ who grooms them for me don’t you know. And talking about horses, you are like a well bred Thoroughbred yourself, my dear. (Turns to Lady Allison and sniggers behind her fan.) ‘You know what they say about well bred horses your Ladyship - they should have a head like a lady’s maid and a behind like a cook! And our Mary’s certainly got the rump to prove it!'

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  83. (Tony appears with handsome, red-haired man in tow) Hi everyone, Thank for inviting me Mary. Sorry I was late but the line at the postal courier was lone. Then I had to stop pick and pick up His Lordship here. I'd like to introduce Sarkin Trant, twenty-seventh Lord Craigsmeer. Some of you may remember him as the owner of Three Moon Station. Sar's just learned he's the heir to an earldom on Arcanis and he wanted to see what a ballroom looked like. Sorry I couldn't bring his wife Katy, too, but she's in the process of having a baby so Sar and I can't stay but a minute.

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  84. Please Lady Stacey you must let your inhibitions go. Dance the night away. Ah!! Here's is my cousin Lord David of Vermont, he is dashing in his lark cloak. He needs a partner. Lord David extends his hand to Lady Stacey. His best friend Lord James of New York. The gallant Lord James takes Lady Kristin off with the other two to dance. Sigh, so romantic.

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  85. Welcome Lady Toni, and thank you for bringing Lord Sarin to meet us. So sorry, you can't stay, but a baby will not wait on his father. Please Lord Sarin refresh yourself before you fly to your wife's side.

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  86. Tsk Tsk. How snide of you Lady Sharon, you are in rare form tonite.
    I'm gonna go look for my escort and dance awhile Bye Bigfoot.

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  87. Lady Toni and her escort, another lord, oh my! This party is hopping. Of course, I'd love to dance, His Royal Lordship swoops Sharon off onto the polished cherry wood floor. How grand!

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  88. Sar looks around at Oliver who appears and offers him a clute from his tray. M'thanks t'ya, lad. O'm na much of a drinker, but I'll propose a toast to all the lovely ladies at this party and to m'darlin' Katy who's e'en now making me a father. He raised the glass, bows to each and take a slow sip.

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  89. Lord David i would love to Dance have not Dance much hope i don't step on his feet.being an american and all don't have as many balls in America.just here visiting my cousin's
    sasluvbooks(at)yahoo.com

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  90. Sar nods to Oliver and returns the half-full flute to the tray. "Ya know, lad, if ya e'er get tired o' butlerin' for yon lass, I 've a place in m'retinue for ya. Toni tells me I'm goin' to be attendin' ceremonies at the palace an' things like that and that I'll be needin' a major domo who can take care o' things for me."
    Oliver looks surprised, then flattered, but shakes his head and bows.
    Sar nods. "Loyalty, eh? A good quality to have. The lass' is fortunate to have someone like that.

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  91. Toni's cell phone rings. She pulls it out of her pocket and flips it open, reads a message and smiled. "Sar, Your Lordship, we're going to have to go. Your son has just texted us a message that he's got a brother. Congratulations, Papa!" "'Tis a boy?" Sar takes back the champagne flute and downs the rest of it before returning it to the tray. "Then, ladies, excuse us, please. I've got to ge' to the hospital and see m'Katy!"
    Offering Toni his arm, they head for the exit, escorted by Oliver.

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  92. Oliver runs out with a bottle of champagne, corks it as the music stops. A new baby boy on this most special of night. Here here!!

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  93. I see that I was waltzing with all the men on my dance card, more guests have popped in! Mary, Skhye, Stacey and Kristin, I'm thrilled to see you here. And, oh good, Oliver has seen to your needs.

    But what's this? Lady Skhye believes she saw the cameo around Lady Sharon's neck? Lady Sharon, come closer, I must peer through my lorgnette to see if this is indeed the broach I seek...

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  94. Many congrats and salutations to Lady Toni and family!

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  95. Lady Allison, *giggle* please excuse me, I think I may have had a teensie weensie drop too much champaigne *hic* - but we must wet the baby's head.

    Then the next toast *hic* must be to your wonderful series of books!

    *hic hic, I mean hip hip hurrah!

    Ooh, it looks as if Sharon's disappeared, I wonder where she went?

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  96. Thanks, Allison, but I'm not nobility (I won't say I'm not a lady though). Just a friend of the new Lord's family and his new wife. (They've only been married ten months! The gentleman works fast!) Have a great rest of the party!

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  97. Oh Toni M'dear, we're all Ladies here - honorary titles, don't you know! Do you really have to go - why not stay and have another *hic*
    glass of champagne - I see Oliver headed this way!

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  98. Congrats to the baby boy.we all have had to much to drink i think but lets drink soom more to the baby boy.
    sasluvbooks(at)yahoo.com

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  99. Cheers Stacey *hic*

    Are we the only ones left still sober?

    and where is Lady Allison - and Mary and Sharon.

    *hic* Do YOU know where the cameo is hidden?

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  100. Hello, my friends. I know it is past time to post for the roast, but I must add my congratulations to Lady Allison for the book release!
    Also, it was a pleasure reading the roast postings :-)

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  101. I'm right here, Lyn, playing coy and hiding behind my fan. But here's the beautiful Princess Aleka - and she has a tiara to prove it. Seems like a good time to cut that yummy sponge cake. Could the cameo be hidden in the cream?

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  102. Good evening, Aleka, er, your Highness! Never too late to join in the party!

    Ah there you are, Sharon dear, yes let's have some of that yummy sponge cake. *Grin* we might have to eat it all to see if the cameo's hidden in it!

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  103. She is supposed to be royalty I hear. She wears a princess tiara at every event. She is quite the organizer, Princess Aleka, she is known far and wide for her negotiating skills. And not to forget her entourage, welcome to the royal son and daughter Princess.

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  104. My, my what a wonderful ball. Was the cameo in the cake???
    Or what??

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  105. So we have cake and get to eat it to.well would not want to chock on it if the cameo is in it.I Think that I'm getting to drunk to stand may have to go soon.
    sasluvbooks(at)yahoo.com

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  106. So we have cake and get to eat it to.well would not want to chock on it if the cameo is in it.I Think that I'm getting to drunk to stand may have to go soon.
    sasluvbooks(at)yahoo.com

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  107. Don't let anyone drink and drive your carriage. And make sure your foot man is sober too!
    Let the party continue all nite!

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  108. Oh no I guess my carriage had a blow-out cause now I'm late to the ball. Shoot it looked like an awesome shing-ding but now everyone is a little smashed. Well Allison The book looks awesome and you might want to check Oliver after all the bulter always does it he might have the cameo


    -jennifer

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  109. Ah, the butler. Thanks, Jennifer! I shall pat Oliver down immediately. Anyone want to help?

    Anyone awake? I'm growing rather sleepy myself after all that cake and champagne and running around looking for the cameo and dodging that drunken duke. I've had a grand time here in Bath, ladies, and I can't thank you enough!

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  110. Dawn paints the skies of Bath a rosy pink. In the stables the occasional stamp of a horse's hoof is heard as they wait for the grooms to prepare their breakfasts.

    In the Assembley Rooms all is quiet, after the splendour (and mayhem) of the previous evening.

    What a wonderful ball we had to celebrate the latest release from that great author Allison Chase. 'Most Eagerly Yours'.

    What fun we had trying to track that mysterious cameo, especially when Meandi suggested the butler might have done it and we all took turns (well sort of) to check if he might have it hidden about his person! How he enjoyed it! We're sorry you had problems with your carriage, Menandi, but hope you enjoyed yourself here, nontheless, everyone is welcome and Oliver is happy to cater for latecomers, the more the merrier!

    Will the mystery be revealed today, I wonder. We shall have to wait and see.

    Thank you so much, Lady Allison, for being such a gracious and entertaining Guest of Honour. It was a real pleasure having you as our guest and learning more about your wondeful books.

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  111. Lady Sharon smiles, trying not to cringe at the snores and disgusting wheezes erupting from the numerous guests sleeping off their hangovers. Naturally, Lady Mary snores the loudest as she lay belly down, bubble butt high in the air. Sharon chuckles at someone's drunken humor, setting a tiara on her rather large posterior. Lady Lyn is sprawled belly up, mouth agape, a twisted grin on her mouth, a champagne flute tightly clutched in her fist.
    Tiptoeing out the ballroom door to the balcony, Lady Sharon reaches into her gown and retrieves the cameo in question. Tossing it into the ocean blue, she laughs, her wicked cackles echoing through the pre-dawn air. Ah, well, there's another story for the Hope Cameo. Just another Roast and Toast!

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  112. Ah hah! I knew there was something suspicious about Sharon last night! Those knowing smiles, those sidelong glances... You sly thing, you!

    But wait, there was one more mystery to be solved - who wins the copy of MOST EAGERLY YOURS!

    My reticule seems to have grown a bit heavier. That's because people have been slipping their calling cards inside. I reach in, grasp one between two gloved fingers and slide it out...

    Lady Stacey, it reads! Mystery solved, Stacey wins the book! So Stacey, drop me a line at allison@allisonchase.com and let me know where my footmen should deliver it.

    Thank you all for coming, and huge thanks to Mary, Sharon and Lyn for hosting me. You have the most creative blog I've ever seen! Bravo!

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  113. Congratulations, Lady Stacey! Lady Allison, what a delight you were. We had so much fun at your ball and sure hope you'll come back again. Grand affair. Now, let's all run out and buy our copy before this hot book sells off the shelves!

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  114. Congratulations Stacey, I'm sure you're in for an amazing read. 'Most Eagerly Yours' is certainly going on my wish list!

    Lady Allison, we so enjoyed having you as our guest, it was such fun and we're so happy you enjoyed it too.

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  115. Lady Allison had an amazing party don't you think Junior? Junior smiles and barks in agreement.Lady Sharon does not know the sign is still on her back. Only someone changed it. HAAHAHHHAAA It says I'm easy!!
    Just another day with the AR&T girls, another successful party!
    Lady Allison you were a delight!!
    Thanks for your participation.

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AUTHOR ROAST AND TOAST

AUTHOR ROAST AND TOAST
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