Review: Wonderful Short Story
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 12 29, 2013
THE MAD EARL'S BRIDE is a short story that has a connection with Loretta Chase's classic LORD OF SCOUNDRELS.  The couple from that book, Dain and Jess, make a small but significant appearance here.This story is the romance between Gwen and Dorian.  The two meet because of an arranged marriage because Dorian is dying of an inherited brain disease that killed his mother and is expected to soon kill him.  Before he dies, however, he is expected to father an heir.  Gwen agrees to the marriage because she seeks the influence and money that marriage will give her so that she can open a hospital.  She does not mind that her future husband will soon be a lunatic because she has studied medicine and had wished to be a doctor (of course, she is not permitted to do so because she is a woman).  Dorian initially does not wish to marry at all , but decides to help Gwen realize her dream.The romance between the two is sweet and full of angst as they are living under the sadness of having such a short time together.  Dorian is reluctant to engage in a true relationship because he cares for Gwen but she overcomes him.  What I liked best about this story is how he respects Gwen's abilities and trusts in her judgment.  The resolution of the story comes not from miracles, but rather the intelligence of Gwen and the trust between the couple that uncovers the solution.I really enjoyed this story and I highly recommend it.