Rating: 
Summary: Great rendition, but ripped-off storyline.
Review: 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!
Rating: 
Summary: Sabrina Revisited
Review: Yes, the story is Sabrina, but since I love that story, I don't care. The characters are likable and the dialogue is funny. I especially loved the conversation Throckmorton has with his mother half way through the book. I laughed outloud.
I read this book twice because it was so much fun.
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