[.ca] In My Wildest Dreams (ISBN 0380819627)

From Amazon.com:
Beautiful 17-year-old Celeste Milford is only the gardener's daughter, but she falls madly in love with the younger brother of the very rich and powerful Garrick Throckmorton the Third. Lady Bucknell, proprietress of the Distinguished Academy of Governesses and a family friend, assesses the hopeless situation and graciously offers to enroll and train Celeste as a governess at her academy. So Celeste leaves for London and Paris, protesting loudly. Four years later, Celeste returns to Blythe Hall a poised, well-traveled, independent woman experienced with the intrigues of politics after a stint as governess to the children of the Russian ambassador. Hired by Garrick to be governess to his motherless daughter and niece, Celeste has a not-so-hidden agenda, for she plans to charm Ellery Throckmorton away from his fiancé. Garrick has no intention of letting Celeste's plans come to fruition and sets out to monopolize her time and seduce her away from thoughts of Ellery. Much to his surprise, Celeste enchants him, fills him with lust, and destroys his famous self-control. Celeste is equally stunned to find herself drawn to Garrick--and she begins to see Ellery in a less flattering light. But Garrick doesn't believe in love, and when Celeste's appeal threatens to overwhelm him, he's determined to send her back to Paris. Before he can do so, however, he'll have to resolve the question of who's leaking information about his spy activities. Could it be Celeste? And just how does she know so much about spying, anyway? In My Wildest Dreams is author Christina Dodd's historical homage to the classic film Sabrina. Dodd gives the story a unique twist with a heroine more sophisticated and wise than Sabrina and a hero more forceful than scheming. Readers also get witty dialogue, a colorful English setting, and very sexy love scenes in this well-written and thoroughly delightful romance. --Lois Faye Dyer

Sabrina could only Dream of being this Wild!:
Up until four years ago, Celeste Milford had been living at Blythe Hall with her gardener father, and dreaming of the day she would marry Ellery Throckmorton. She was a teenager at the time, and Ellery, who didn't really know she was alive, was the rich, handsome, and wild younger son of the estate. Then it was suggested that she attend the Distinguished Academy of Governesses, and since she wasn't given much choice, she complied. During her time away, she has traveled to many places in the world, become poised and self-assured, and even gained knowledge of political affairs, while filling a position as governess for the children of a Russian ambassador. Now she has returned to Blythe Hall at the request of Ellery's eldest brother, Garrick Throckmorton, to care for the widower's child and his niece. Upon arrival, Ellery is enthralled with the beautiful Celeste, whom he doesn't recognize. But he is betrothed to Lady Hyacinth, and people are arriving presently for the engagement festivities. Celeste's feelings for Ellery have not changed, and she sees this as her opportunity to win the man she's always wanted. Alas, Garrick is determined the wild and unpredictable Ellery settle down with the heiress he's engaged to, and he'll do whatever it takes to insure that happens. Therefore, Garrick plans to monopolize Celeste's time and her affections. What he doesn't count on is the overwhelming passion he ends up feeling for her, which threatens the strict self-control he has adopted for years. Celeste is confused by Garrick's attentions, because she has always viewed him as Ellery's levelheaded, boring older brother. Now her heart races in his presence, and she can't stop thinking about him. Garrick knows he must maintain composure, if he is to discover whom in his organization is leaking information to the spies they are trying to infiltrate. This was one of the first books I read by Ms. Dodd, and I immediately recognized the vast similarities to "Sabrina", one of my favorite movies (the original). Even though so much is the same, Ms. Dodd did make it her own, and with writing this excellent, who really cares? I greatly enjoyed reading it to the point I could hardly put in down, and that's why I read in the first place. This was a much more lighthearted story than some of the previous Governess Bride entries, and I welcomed that change. Ms. Dodd's trademark humor was also present here in spades, and the love scenes were page-burners. This book remains on my keeper shelf, where it's most likely to stay. A definite must read!

Sabrina 1843 w/ more romance & a stronger heroine:
I honestly don't understand the ruckus over the Sabrina theme. There are no new stories; the differences come in the details & the telling. And Christina Dodd has done a fabulous job of rewriting the "Sabrina" storyline, which is itself a variation of the Cinderella story. Personally, I enjoyed the correlation. Garrick is my favorite of the Governess heroes; he's strong, intelligent, and interesting, but not overly macho. Responsible almost to a fault, but not at all "high in the instep," Garrick starts out seducing Celeste to keep her away from younger brother Ellery, but winds up falling for her. Celeste, meanwhile, comes to admire & then love the inigmatic older brother, although she'd had her heart set on Ellery, who is newly betrothed in an important family alliance. Ellery is a self-centered adult boy, much like the younger brother in "Sabrina." Garrick is a widower who desperately needs a governness for his daughter and...another girl. Celeste, the head gardener's daughter, is the perfect fit; the girls love her instantly. The chemistry & sensuality are there; Celeste & Garrick are a thoroughly believeable couple. The spy storyline worked for me; it was just enough for the tone of the book. I considered giving it 5 stars, but 4 & 1/2 is more accurate.

Great rendition, but ripped-off storyline.:
I liked this book, but my gosh...it was the EXACT story of "Sabrina." Besides the addition of the hero's daughter, it was almost identical. Of course, in "Sabrina," there are no sex scenes and the story takes place in the 20th century... I liked this book, but I do think it was sort of smarmy to steal a storyline from a movie. This was my first Christina Dodd book...I might try another one and see if it gets any more original.

Arrest this Author for Plagarism:
This is the most blantant plagarism - this story completely retells the story of "Sabrina" and doesn't even do it in a remarkble way. I was astounded to discover just how closely this book followed the Sabrina story/movies, and I just couldn't believe what I was reading. Obviously this author lacks for talent and original material. The most amazing thing is that she didn't even take the time to change those small details that make Sabrina such a wonderful, timeless story. I would NEVER ever recommend this author to anyone and certainly hope that people can see her for what she is, a plagarist. This is the type of thing that can ruin a writing career - did the author not see that??!!

A Very Nice Dream:
This was my first read in Dodd's Governess Series and I was not disappointed. The SABRINA-esque storyline is apparent from the first few chapters yet the characters themselves and the regency setting kept my interest. The author also adds an underlying spy intrigue for some suspense in between the sizzling love scenes. All of the characters in this novel make up an excellent ensemble and the writing has them interacting and behaving in very believable ways. This was an enjoyable read which got me hooked to learn more about Dodd's other governesses!