A love too strong to disguise, a disgrace too deep to ignore.

eBook ISBN · 1-59998-532-2
Print ISBN - 978-1-59998-520-6
Publisher · Samhain Publishing
Genre · Sensual Historical Romance
Length · Full Length Novel

A love too strong to disguise, a disgrace too deep to ignore.

Orlando Garland, Lord Blyth, has spent a lifetime restoring the family fortunes but now it's time for him to think of himself for a change. When he hires a dowdy companion for his invalid sister, it doesn't take him long to suspect "Charlotte" is more than she appears. Yet the lively young woman proves to be good for his sister. And Orlando can't ignore the seductive beauty behind the disguise.
Violetta Palagio's mask has never chafed before-until now. She longs for the freedom to love the handsome Orlando. Yet to reveal herself would be disastrous for them both. She is La Perla Perfetta, the daughter of London's most successful courtesan. For most of her life, her mother has cleverly kept Violetta's identity a secret. Will she risk all that, now the threat that kept them in disguise for so long is finally gone?
For the first time in her life, Violetta is in love. Can she find the courage to come out from behind the mask?
And if she does, will Orlando chance everything he has worked so hard to rebuild-for a courtesan's daughter?

cover art by Anne Cain

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Take it off."
"What?" The word was a question and an expression of disbelief. What did Lord Blyth want?
"The wig. Take it off."
He stopped a bare six inches away from Violetta. She dared not disobey. Faced with this absolute determination, she knew he would rip it off rather than allow her to leave. Bending her head she took out the long, black-headed pins with shaking fingers. She didn't know what to do with them, so she kept them in her hand. Lifting her head she met his hard gaze and lifted the offending article away from her head. She tilted her chin.
Something else entered his eyes. Appreciation. She had seen it too often before to deny it. "Why did you do this?"
Violetta decided suddenly she would go the whole hog. She removed her spectacles and met his gaze fearlessly. They stared at each other for a fraught minute. Violetta let him look. "Would you have employed me looking like this? How could I be sure? And once employed, how would I prevent men laying hands on me?" She trembled with anger and the frustration that she hadn't seen this coming.
He swallowed, his throat moving soundlessly before he spoke. "Is that the only reason?"
She looked away, unable to lie to him at such close quarters. She felt ashamed of her actions. He had trusted her with his only sister, and she had entered his house under false pretences. She knew she was at fault.
He put his hand under her chin and turned her face back to his. The action was gentle, despite his agitation. "Tell me."
There was no escape. At the end of the day she might find herself out, back at her mother's house but this time with her reputation in shreds, but she had to tell him. She had come to like Lord Blyth and his sister, and hoped the service she was doing Lady Perdita was enough to make amends for her deception. It was not. She didn't flinch, but met his gaze. It was too close, too potent, but she could bear it. For now. After this he would turn away from her disgusted. Who would want her once they knew who she was, what she came from? "It's my mother. She's notorious, in her field."
"La Perla?"
The two words almost struck Violetta dumb. She found a small breath, enough to say, "How could you know that?"
He reached out a hand, touched her hair, fastened in tight braids close to her head. "There is only one woman in London with hair and eyes like that, or so I thought. Only one woman with eyes so deep a violet that a man could drown in them, hair so black and glossy it reflects the sun. Now there's you. Where else could you have come from?" He put his hand over her hair, smoothed, and then dropped it back by his side as though the touch burned him.
Violetta dropped her glance. She couldn't meet that searing gaze any longer. She had wronged him. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to cause any harm or anxiety."
"Then why in God's name do it?"
Tears came to her eyes. She blinked them away. She couldn't tell him of her mother's friendship with his mother. It would break the trust between Aunt Virginia and her family. "I wanted to be of some use to somebody."
His hand was still under her chin. He pushed it up when she would have turned away and he gazed at her. "What's your name? Your real name?"
"Violetta."
"Violetta." He repeated the name, breathing it gently. She felt the hot breath on her face. The finger supporting her chin urged her closer. She felt herself dropping into a void, out of which she had no way of climbing. His lips met hers, and she let herself go.
Just once. Just this once.
When she swayed she felt his arms sweep around her in support, firm against her back. She didn't fight him; she doubted she could. When she opened her mouth under the gentle pressure of his, his tongue tasted her lips, and then surged inside, taking possession with an urgency that made her tingle.
It felt right. It felt as though this was what should happen, this was the natural conclusion to everything she had done so far. Letting herself go, just this once, she felt bliss, joy she would never allow herself to feel again, but it didn't matter, because at the end of this day she would be back in her mother's house. Back where she started.
He didn't try to move his hands, held them still, supporting her while he plundered her mouth, took her soul. This was Violetta's first real kiss, the first she had let herself feel. Men had tried before, but either she had endured or had got away. This time she responded, lifting one arm to rest her hand at his waist, heavy with his plain cloth coat.
He took his time, once she made it clear she wouldn't fight him off. Drawing her closer so her head rested on his shoulder, he continued his exploration. Violetta felt herself drowning in his spell, sinking into sensuality. He lifted his head only to drop a series of small kisses on her face and return to her mouth. She submitted, and responded as he seemed to wish, touching her tongue to his, eventually accepting his invitation and entering his mouth, to explore it in her turn.
It seemed forever before he lifted away and regarded her through lids slumberous with desire. "Is this what you wanted? Is this all an attempt to trap me?"
The jolt in the vicinity of her heart was almost painful. Violetta wrenched herself away from his arms, strode to the door then turned back, her face set in a blank mask. She would leave this room with some dignity. She bent to pick up the hated wig. Only to meet his hand, also on the offending article. "What is it? What's wrong?"
"In answer to your question, sir," she spat out the last word, making it an insult. "No, it isn't what I wanted. No, it's not an attempt to trap you. I have no need of that."
Swiftly he moved to bar her exit, standing before the door. "Then why?"
"Perhaps I saw someone who needed help."
"You came here from Thompsons. You didn't know where you were going before you came here."
She stood before him, patently demanding to be let out, but he would not let her. "I knew. If Mrs. Thompson had offered me any other position I would have refused it."
"I want you."
"Why? Because you think I'm available?"
He shook his head. "When you came through that door on the first day I felt something. I was worried, considering how you looked that day. The padding, the wig, the spectacles. I believed them all, but something told me it wasn't right, it wasn't you. I was right, wasn't I? You're lovely, Violetta, every man's dream." He reached out a hand, then dropped it back to his side.
"Which is why I wear the disguise," she pointed out, not impressed by his compliments. She'd heard too many of the same in her mother's salon to have her head turned that way. "I have chosen my path, and I intend to take it."
"Governess companion? When you could have so much more?"
Her ire rose within her like a living thing. "Are you offering?"
His smile was slow and sensuous. "I would love to. Would you accept?"
Yes, she wanted to say. Yes, anything.

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Reviews

Lynne Connolly has crafted a historical romance that just oozes passion and intrigue. The story is full of mischief and sensuality and hidden depths. This is a magical story that just pops from the pages. A Chance to Dream is a wonderful story that will please any fan of the historical romance genre.
Lynne Connolly has made this story truly amazing. The characters are sensual and intriguing. The story has drama and passion and intrigue and so many of the flavors that make historical romances marvelous. This is truly a magical, must have novel.
Kimberley Spinney for Cata-Romance

Despite the familiar premise, this story is quite refreshing in that both Orlando and Violetta are refreshingly honest about being attracted to each other.
Orlando is on the whole an interesting hero because he's a nice guy but he's nice without being bland or wimpy. He behaves like a man of his time but at the same time he can find humor in a situation to laugh at himself. I like him - he's pretty adorable. Violetta is also a refreshing heroine who for the most part has self-awareness and brainpower. She's not some silly ninny willing to make a martyr of herself in the name of love.
There are some really amusing moments of comedy that catch me by surprise and make me laugh and yes, I like the characters despite some of the things they do in this story.
Rating: 86 Mrs. Giggles

Ms. Connolly delivers a story full of witty dialogue, clever characters and sexual tension so thick you could cut it with a knife. As each person's tale is told and their personalities revealed, I found myself completely submerged in this tale of love against the odds. I wanted to cheer out loud as I read this story, each time one of its characters succeeded against his or her obstacles it felt as though I was right there with them. A CHANCE TO DREAM is aptly titled and is a down right pleasure to read. The ending is deeply satisfying and I for one cannot wait for the next installment.
Romance Junkies Reviewer: Jenn L 5 ribbons!

A Chance to Dreamfeatures characters that have appeared in an earlier book by Ms. Connolly, Last Chance, My Love. Violetta is a wonderfully drawn character. She is physically beautiful but there is an inner strength that emanates from her. Her feelings for Orlando are hard to hide as she finds herself attracted to him. Orlando is a gentleman and a product of his time. His feelings for Violetta are very strong and whether they can break the bonds of society is the question. The erotic scenes are tastefully done and perfectly in keeping with their relationship. There are quite a few secondary characters and they add so much to the story. This reader was very happy to see Violetta's mother again and the author gives us more information about her.
A Chance to Dream is another winning book! Ms. Connolly is in her element with her historical romances. The characters are expressive and feel real thus it was a pleasure reading this book.
Reviewed by: Susan T for Fallen Angels Reviews 4 stars.

Lynne Connolly writes an incredible love story between two people who can't possibly be together. Orlando's character is marvelous; he's handsome, strong, and sensitive. Violetta's character is caring and a little stubborn. I loved the way Ms. Connolly was able to weave another fantastic story with the right amount of sex and intrigue. I can't wait for the third book.
Reviewed by Julianne for Twolips Reviews. 5 lips

Lynne Connolly has deftly weaved the two love story together. Seamlessly revisiting the lives of the previous couple, Miranda and Daniel, the intricate complications of Orlando and Violetta's courting are brought to life in vividly colorful details of a glorious Georgian era. Lynne's TRIPLE COUNTESS series is looking to be another historical keeper not to be missed.
By Romance Junkies Reviewer: J.T.

This book is a must read, any historical romance fan will love this story. It has everything a romance lover could possibly want. Full of passion, intrigue, plot and counter plot. I loved this book.
I highly recommend it and have no hesitation in giving this book 5 roses. A thoroughly excellent read.
Reviewed by Mary for A Romance Review

A CHANCE TO DREAM is an extremely charming, sophisticated and intelligent, well-written story. It goes into detail about a society that condemns one person for circumstances beyond his or her control and the choices that have to be made to survive, and turns a blind eye in condoning the same type of behavior among the ‘nobility.’ Orlando’s mother, Lady Virginia Taverasall, has been married to three Earls and widowed twice. She has her own secrets and will not let Orlando and Violetta be hurt if she can help it. Lynne Connolly has done her homework and brings to life a time in history when women had few choices. It is witty, the dialogue is appropriate, and there are many players who move in and out of the games people play, even if that play harms others. A delightful read, I recommend A CHANCE TO DREAM.
Vi Janaway for Romance Reviews Today

Another wonderful historical from the pen of Lynne Connolly, lovers of this genre will fall over themselves to get this book on their hard drive.  Ms. Connolly gives her readers a rich, powerful story with characters that you can relate too.  Lord Blyth is not a larger than life type of hero, but nonetheless, he certainly got this reviewer’s heart palpitating.  There are some colorful secondary characters that give depth and life to the story.  She also keeps her readers guessing till the very end as to how the hero and heroine overcome all the obstacles to true love.  Ms. Connolly gives her readers some sweet, teasing sexual tension that culminates into hot, sensual, romantic sex scenes.  This reviewer totally enjoyed this story.  What this reviewer wants to know is why New York hasn’t snapped up this talented writer!
Valerie for Love Romances and More. 5 hearts!

Lynne Connolly is an author with lots of talent and creates excellent characters.
This book is a must read, any historical romance fan will love this story. It has everything a romance lover could possibly want. Full of passion, intrigue, plot and counter plot. I loved this book.
I highly recommend it and have no hesitation in giving this book 5 roses. A thoroughly excellent read.
Mary for A Romance Review. 5 roses