Review: Storming the Castle by Eloisa James
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 06 1, 2014
Book #1.5 in Eloisa James' Fairy Tales series, this is a novella.This is the sweet and very romantic story of Wick, Gabriel’s brother from A Kiss at Midnight. Wick (short for Berwick) is the son of a grand duke “born on the wrong side of the blanket.” He and Gabriel are extremely close and Wick has voluntarily installed himself in Gabe’s life and employ as his majordomo/butler. He has a gentleman’s education but can never hope for true respectability in Polite Society. He is a reserved and honorable man whose sensible counsel and cool head manage the castle and royal family.Miss Philippa Damson of Ha’penny—love these names!—gave her virginity to Sir Rodney Durfey, her betrothed since childhood. Only after they’ve done the deed does she realize her grave mistake, so she plans an escape when she discovers that the Princess’ new baby has taken ill at nearby Pomeroy Castle. Her uncle is a physician so she has learned about medical care in addition to her lady’s education and she’s confident that she can help the royal family as a nursemaid.I love the way Philippa “storms” the castle with her no-nonsense, take-charge attitude. She shocks and delights Wick—and it doesn’t hurt that she’s beautiful, too. She discovers the infant has “collywobbles,” a stomach upset and proceeds to settle in until he’s well.Wick is immediately taken with her “silver-colored” hair as well as her quirky manner but he quickly discovers that she is a lady of quality escaping something, and he determines to find out what it is.And so Wick and Philippa begin a courtship of sorts as they take care of the infant with their midnight strolls in the portrait gallery of the castle. She comes to learn his true identity and he learns her secret.“It was as though the obscurity of the night gave them sanction to be their true selves.”So he’s a bastard grand duke’s son and she’s a lady working as a servant, and both are ruined in the eyes of society.  Wick feels he cannot possibly marry a gentleman’s daughter since he’s both a bastard and a servant, even if he is of royal blood. But, of course, he’s torn when he falls for her and rationalizes that it might be possible if the servant is a lady. It sounds a little convoluted, but it’s a very cute plot as each feels they are not good enough for the other.The Prince and Princess, Kate and Gabriel, are grateful for Philippa’s help. Gabe is as devoted to Wick as ever and Philippa notices their close relationship.”’Yet he can’t manage without you? Would he not wish the same happiness for you?’”As in all of Eloisa James’ stories, there are many humorous, laugh-out-loud moments. Life at Pomeroy Castle is very casual, unpretentious, and family love is abundant.“‘You may be in a castle, among royalty of sorts…but I’m afraid you’ll find, Miss Damson, that we descend to the lowest type of behavior while in private.’”Memorable moments:“‘If I were a man, I’d be a doctor, and no one could tell me what to do.’”"He smelled delicious, like lemon soap and something else, like the wind on the moors."“‘I know the type. I think it goes along with the English ancestry. I expect he hunts, and delights in shouting absurdities like tallyho.’”The ending is wonderful and reminds me just why I read and love historical romance.