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Once Upon a Time #2
The Bride and the Beast
Teresa Medeiros makes her hardcover debut in this magnificently sensual and romantic tale filled with passion, humor, and suspense. It is the unforgettable story of two indomitable characters whose love affair is the stuff of which legends are made. . . .Gwendolyn Wilder did not believe in dragons. But the superstitious villagers of Ballybliss did, and so Gwendolyn found herself bound to a post as a sacrificial offering to the Dragon who haunted the ruins of Castle Weyrcraig. Fifteen years earlier, someone had betrayed the Laird of Weyrcraig and his handsome young heir to the English for a thousand pounds in gold. Now the Dragon was demanding that very amount. The frightened Highlanders hoped that instead of gold, the fair virgin would satisfy the beast's insatiable appetite. As for Gwendolyn, she never doubted that the so-called Dragon was a fraud. She knew there was a perfectly good explanation for the mysterious lights seen flickering in the crumbling castle and the unsettling sound of bagpipes drifting through the glens. But as she waited for whoever—or whatever—to claim his prize, she could not help trembling as a furious storm lashed about her . . . and she saw what appeared to be dark wings and a stream of silver smoke emerge from the shadows. Rumor had it that the Dragon could take the form of a man, and so he did with Gwendolyn—a man who would not show her his face. He carried her into his lair and made her his prisoner, his pampered pet. And while she didn't expect to be eaten by the fire-breathing Dragon of Weyrcraig, neither did she expect to be warmed by his sensuous caresses or devoured by his passionate kisses. The Dragon had demanded gold and the fools had given him this golden-haired maiden. She was the very last thing he expected—and now there was no way he could let her go. She could never know that he was no monster but a flesh-and-blood man who had just laid eyes on the one woman who could slay him. Still, this supremely handsome man of devastating virility was more dangerous than any dragon. He would take it upon himself to enchant the practical Gwendolyn as she had enchanted him. He would weave a spell of sensuous magic around her that would defy all her commonsense notions and tempt her to believe in something even more unlikely than dragons and more powerful than the past that threatened them both—true love.
354 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 1998
273 people are currently reading
4216 people want to read
About the author
Teresa Medeiros
51 books2,577 followersNew York Times bestseller Teresa Medeiros wrote her first novel at the age of twenty-one and has since gone on to win the hearts of both readers and critics. All of her books have been national bestsellers, featured on the New York Times, USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestseller lists. She currently has over 10 million books in print.
She is a seven-time Rita finalist, two-time PRISM winner, and two-time recipient of the Waldenbooks Award for bestselling fiction.
GOODNIGHT TWEETHEART was released in January 2011 and her latest historical THE PLEASURE OF YOUR KISS is coming from Pocket Books in December 2011. Teresa lives in Kentucky with her husband and her cats, Buffy the Mouse Slayer and Willow Tum-Tum.
She is a seven-time Rita finalist, two-time PRISM winner, and two-time recipient of the Waldenbooks Award for bestselling fiction.
GOODNIGHT TWEETHEART was released in January 2011 and her latest historical THE PLEASURE OF YOUR KISS is coming from Pocket Books in December 2011. Teresa lives in Kentucky with her husband and her cats, Buffy the Mouse Slayer and Willow Tum-Tum.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 473 reviews
January 1, 2012
Love Medeiros!
My favorite quote from the story:
"How could I have let you do any of those things when I've never even seen your face? When I don't even know your name?"
"That may be true," he said quietly, "but for just a moment there, I would have sworn you knew my heart."
My favorite quote from the story:
"How could I have let you do any of those things when I've never even seen your face? When I don't even know your name?"
"That may be true," he said quietly, "but for just a moment there, I would have sworn you knew my heart."
December 30, 2009
This is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast set in 1700's Scotland.
The story starts with our hero Brandon. His family, the lord of a village was betrayed to the English by one of the villagers. His family was killed and he was taken prisoner for many years. He is hiding back out in his ruined castle after many years away.
The heroine Gwen is 25 and thought to be strange by her family and village because of her love of science in a time of superstition. The villagers think there is a half man/half dragon living in the castle (or possibly a ghost) because of strange sounds. They tie her up and leave her in the ruined castle for an appeasement for their guilt.
This story is a popular staple for re-imagining into romance novels. This book is a little different in that the language and the tone is especially fairy tale like. You can practically imagine it with wood carving illustrations. This isn't a bad thing because it makes for an interesting change.
I liked this book but there is one aspect that really bugged me. The heroine mentions a million times that she is a bigger curvy girl, and it gets irritating. There is one point where Brandon tells Gwen she has incredibly soft skin and she replies that most fat girls do. WHAT?! Way to break the mood Gwen. Learn to take a compliment. :)
The story starts with our hero Brandon. His family, the lord of a village was betrayed to the English by one of the villagers. His family was killed and he was taken prisoner for many years. He is hiding back out in his ruined castle after many years away.
The heroine Gwen is 25 and thought to be strange by her family and village because of her love of science in a time of superstition. The villagers think there is a half man/half dragon living in the castle (or possibly a ghost) because of strange sounds. They tie her up and leave her in the ruined castle for an appeasement for their guilt.
This story is a popular staple for re-imagining into romance novels. This book is a little different in that the language and the tone is especially fairy tale like. You can practically imagine it with wood carving illustrations. This isn't a bad thing because it makes for an interesting change.
I liked this book but there is one aspect that really bugged me. The heroine mentions a million times that she is a bigger curvy girl, and it gets irritating. There is one point where Brandon tells Gwen she has incredibly soft skin and she replies that most fat girls do. WHAT?! Way to break the mood Gwen. Learn to take a compliment. :)
November 21, 2011
I swear!!! I try, try and try but this lame book was to much for me! Abandoned (after 1 day and more than 100 pages of boring reading!).
Hate the main female character!
All hers possible jokes was terrible! Hate the way she describe every woman as a who** and only she is the virtuous one! (come on! Soooo terrible some jokes about her sisters!)
Hate even more the main male character!
OMG, someone PLEEEEEASE tell me why I should be charmed by one so annoying as him!
So, my point is.... I'm paying good money to dragons slayers...
if someone know one please give him my cell phone!
The world will be a better place without the terrible dragon of this book.
Thanks.
One star... if I could would give minus 5!
Hate the main female character!
All hers possible jokes was terrible! Hate the way she describe every woman as a who** and only she is the virtuous one! (come on! Soooo terrible some jokes about her sisters!)Hate even more the main male character!
OMG, someone PLEEEEEASE tell me why I should be charmed by one so annoying as him! So, my point is.... I'm paying good money to dragons slayers...
if someone know one please give him my cell phone!
The world will be a better place without the terrible dragon of this book.
Thanks.
One star... if I could would give minus 5!
March 6, 2021
This is a quite well-written, quite entertaining book, but ultimately I found it very disappointing. It didn't live up to its blurb and I found the heroine a pain in the backside. With the exception of the hero, I disliked almost every other character. The 'Dragon' thread made no sense to the story and seemed so clumsily added on to the plot as to be redundant.
As a Scotswoman, I was appalled at the historical errors, the lazy stereotyping, and the total lack of understanding of clan structure and principles. Her Scots villagers were depicted as a mob of miserable, unkind, superstitious, and unintelligent cowards.
Warning: major rant follows:
I know a lot of people are simply not bothered about historical authenticity. I can suspend my own pedantic tendencies when reading historical fantasies such as those written by Tessa Dare, Lisa Kleypas, or Julia Quinn because they are truly entertaining and they simply ignore or manipulate historical facts. Tessa Dare can make me laugh out loud with her wit and humour.
Let me start with the names of our protagonists - Bernard and Gwendolyn. Gwendolyn is a Welsh name. It wasn’t used in 18th century Scotland. No clan chief would have named his son Bernard, which is a Germanic name. Most highlanders were native Gaelic speakers and would not have picked a lowland Scots name. Incidentally, much of the populace was Catholic (hence the support for Bonnie Prince Charlie), whereas lowland Scots were predominantly Presbyterian. The portrayal of the minister reflected neither a Catholic Priest nor a Presbyterian minister so quite who he was is anyone's guess.
The Jacobite rebellion was not a battle for independence from England. It was the last attempt to replace the constitutionally selected Protestant monarch of the UK, with a Catholic, Stuart one.
It was supported by people from all nationalities across the UK just as it was equally opposed by folk from all nationalities across the UK. It came close to being a UK Civil War - not a war between England and Scotland.
The British Army led by The Duke of Cumberland at Culloden, had Scots, English, Irish and Welsh soldiers - not just English. If Charles had been successful, he would have taken up the throne in London as King of the United Kingdom - not of a separate independent Scotland. James wanted to be the British king, not simply a Scottish one.
The story was filled with many annoying errors, stereotypes, and inaccuracies. Myths and legends were presented as if facts.
The basic premise could have been good and I found Bernard an interesting and engaging character. Gwendolyn however was a prickly, smug know-it all and I could not take to her.
I can see that if I wasn’t Scottish, I might have read this book and enjoyed it so much more, despite the plot flaws and character weaknesses but I just find it so insulting that a writer would set her story in Scotland and then perpetuate myths and legends about our history and depict us in such a negative light. Sorry - rant over. Not my cup of tea. 2 stars.
As a Scotswoman, I was appalled at the historical errors, the lazy stereotyping, and the total lack of understanding of clan structure and principles. Her Scots villagers were depicted as a mob of miserable, unkind, superstitious, and unintelligent cowards.
Warning: major rant follows:
I know a lot of people are simply not bothered about historical authenticity. I can suspend my own pedantic tendencies when reading historical fantasies such as those written by Tessa Dare, Lisa Kleypas, or Julia Quinn because they are truly entertaining and they simply ignore or manipulate historical facts. Tessa Dare can make me laugh out loud with her wit and humour.
Let me start with the names of our protagonists - Bernard and Gwendolyn. Gwendolyn is a Welsh name. It wasn’t used in 18th century Scotland. No clan chief would have named his son Bernard, which is a Germanic name. Most highlanders were native Gaelic speakers and would not have picked a lowland Scots name. Incidentally, much of the populace was Catholic (hence the support for Bonnie Prince Charlie), whereas lowland Scots were predominantly Presbyterian. The portrayal of the minister reflected neither a Catholic Priest nor a Presbyterian minister so quite who he was is anyone's guess.
The Jacobite rebellion was not a battle for independence from England. It was the last attempt to replace the constitutionally selected Protestant monarch of the UK, with a Catholic, Stuart one.
It was supported by people from all nationalities across the UK just as it was equally opposed by folk from all nationalities across the UK. It came close to being a UK Civil War - not a war between England and Scotland.
The British Army led by The Duke of Cumberland at Culloden, had Scots, English, Irish and Welsh soldiers - not just English. If Charles had been successful, he would have taken up the throne in London as King of the United Kingdom - not of a separate independent Scotland. James wanted to be the British king, not simply a Scottish one.
The story was filled with many annoying errors, stereotypes, and inaccuracies. Myths and legends were presented as if facts.
The basic premise could have been good and I found Bernard an interesting and engaging character. Gwendolyn however was a prickly, smug know-it all and I could not take to her.
I can see that if I wasn’t Scottish, I might have read this book and enjoyed it so much more, despite the plot flaws and character weaknesses but I just find it so insulting that a writer would set her story in Scotland and then perpetuate myths and legends about our history and depict us in such a negative light. Sorry - rant over. Not my cup of tea. 2 stars.
March 20, 2025
The Dragon and Gwendolyn
Gwendolyn fell in love with the son of the Laird of Ballybliss when she was nine years old. He had rescued her young self from her tormentors and her crush became love that lasted a lifetime.
Years after the Laird and his family had been murdered in the castle, a dark presence calling himself The Dragon took up residence there. The lonely sound of bagpipes could be heard floating through the darkness, and the Dragon sent notes demanding offerings. One offering was more than the villagers could pay, so they tied the town’s only virgin to a stake outside the castle.
Gwendolyn was a serious young woman, not prone to chasing young men, but instead was intent upon learning. Suddenly, the Dragon had a voluptuous young woman with a sharp tongue foisted upon his darkness.
This is a story of legends, betrayal and so much romantic drivel that you can’t possibly get bored. Of course it is also filled with the dark and brooding leading man needing saved by an innocent trope, but that didn’t detract from the enjoyment. If you like a well written romance, this could be for you. Five stars for the romantic drivel.
Gwendolyn fell in love with the son of the Laird of Ballybliss when she was nine years old. He had rescued her young self from her tormentors and her crush became love that lasted a lifetime.
Years after the Laird and his family had been murdered in the castle, a dark presence calling himself The Dragon took up residence there. The lonely sound of bagpipes could be heard floating through the darkness, and the Dragon sent notes demanding offerings. One offering was more than the villagers could pay, so they tied the town’s only virgin to a stake outside the castle.
Gwendolyn was a serious young woman, not prone to chasing young men, but instead was intent upon learning. Suddenly, the Dragon had a voluptuous young woman with a sharp tongue foisted upon his darkness.
This is a story of legends, betrayal and so much romantic drivel that you can’t possibly get bored. Of course it is also filled with the dark and brooding leading man needing saved by an innocent trope, but that didn’t detract from the enjoyment. If you like a well written romance, this could be for you. Five stars for the romantic drivel.
October 1, 2009
After reading the cover blurb and through Chapter 2, you can pretty much see exactly how the rest of the book will go. Now, that's no problem, if engaging characters, rich dialogue, or humorous situations keep you entertained while you read. No such luck.
Hero is boring, emo, 1-D. Dragon analogy is stretch throughout the book in non-clever, corny ways. I must be revenged! What? I love her? Ok.
Gwen is curvy/plump. Don't worry about forgetting it, because it's shoved in your face about once a page. Besides having an IQ higher than an orange and a childhood crush, that's her main personality.
Side romance is also shallow. Not charming, as I think it was going for. Dumb as rocks sister falls for kind/boring/harmless sidekick.
Mostly for plot purposes, villagers transcend idiocy past the point of belief. It was awful.
Their "love" comes more from mutual attraction than anything else. They interact a few times (nothing happens) and all of a sudden they are in love. And we're suppose to believe it. It's actually very annoying.
Ugh.
Hero is boring, emo, 1-D. Dragon analogy is stretch throughout the book in non-clever, corny ways. I must be revenged! What? I love her? Ok.
Gwen is curvy/plump. Don't worry about forgetting it, because it's shoved in your face about once a page. Besides having an IQ higher than an orange and a childhood crush, that's her main personality.
Side romance is also shallow. Not charming, as I think it was going for. Dumb as rocks sister falls for kind/boring/harmless sidekick.
Mostly for plot purposes, villagers transcend idiocy past the point of belief. It was awful.
Their "love" comes more from mutual attraction than anything else. They interact a few times (nothing happens) and all of a sudden they are in love. And we're suppose to believe it. It's actually very annoying.
Ugh.
February 17, 2025
Timing is everything for this “mood” reader.
I love a fairy tale inspired story and none is more favored than Beauty and the Beast! Throw in a plump bookworm spinster, the Highlands, and a Dragon and I’m a goner!
It was just what I’d hoped for!
I love a fairy tale inspired story and none is more favored than Beauty and the Beast! Throw in a plump bookworm spinster, the Highlands, and a Dragon and I’m a goner!
It was just what I’d hoped for!
November 11, 2020
Super fofinho, não tão bom como o anterior mas muito agradável e rápido de ler.
Teresa Medeiros conquistou-me com esta série.
Uma besta que não é besta e uma noiva que se julgava um patinho feio (aqui nem se pode dizer que era bela).
Previsível o grande segredo mas com as idas e vindas, ainda houve umas dúvidas.
Houve alguns exageros nas personagens, o que tornou a história não tão boa.
Como sempre, o herói passa por uma fase que só apetece andar à estalada, neste livro ele recuperou muito rápido. Brandon é fácil de se gostar. Principalmente como consegue que Gwendolyn se veja a si própria, visto ter uma auto-estima muito em baixo.
E como não poderia deixar de ser, o humor está sempre presente.
Teresa Medeiros conquistou-me com esta série.
Uma besta que não é besta e uma noiva que se julgava um patinho feio (aqui nem se pode dizer que era bela).
Previsível o grande segredo mas com as idas e vindas, ainda houve umas dúvidas.
Houve alguns exageros nas personagens, o que tornou a história não tão boa.
Como sempre, o herói passa por uma fase que só apetece andar à estalada, neste livro ele recuperou muito rápido. Brandon é fácil de se gostar. Principalmente como consegue que Gwendolyn se veja a si própria, visto ter uma auto-estima muito em baixo.
E como não poderia deixar de ser, o humor está sempre presente.
January 21, 2014
It is very heart warming romance and it has a little mystery and humor.
The storyline is original and really catches your attention..
I really enjoyed this book
Thanks VERİ!
The storyline is original and really catches your attention..
I really enjoyed this book
Thanks VERİ!
September 23, 2023
The bride is Gwendolyn Wilder, the only maiden in a Scottish glen where most of the time virginity is only a memory at 15; the beast is Bernard MacCullough, laird of the glen who has returned to his broken-down castle to find out which of the villagers of Ballybliss betrayed his parents to the English. Bernard has kept his people away from Castle Weyrcraig by pretending to be the “Dragon.” He and his best buddy, Tupper get their provisions by sending threatening shopping lists to the village. The mention of "innocent blood" in one message leads the frightened glen folk to tie Gwendolyn to a stake in the castle courtyard, in case the Dragon has a taste for virgins...which seem to be in short supply in the village. Bernard cuts her down and gives her room and board. He’s afraid that if he lets her go, she’ll reveal and upset his plans for revenge. As the Dragon visits her under cover of darkness, so that she won’t recognize him, Gwendolyn falls in love with him. I guess scales don't bother her all that much. He doesn’t seem to mind that she’s a bit on the chubby side. He likes her curves, her spirit, and her intelligence, which also seems a bit lacking in this village. Before she gets a chance to offer him her virginity, though, the villagers return to slay the Dragon themselves. To save Gwendolyn’s life, Bernard reveals himself to his people. Heartbroken when she learns that her "sexy beast" (her word) ...is just another guy, she's angry, disappointed, relieved, all, in equal measures, then she rushes home, where she has spent much of her life tending to her mad father, who the traitor Bernard has been searching for. When he learns her secret, Bernard tells Gwendolyn he’ll spare her dad if she’ll marry him. After an awkward few words and a couple of chapters that they declare their love, and Gwendolyn's virginity, or now lack of, is no longer a problem, the couple move quickly to happy-ever-after. I've read some of Teresa Medeiros' "witchy" romances which she does really well. Fairy tales, dragons, and virgins????...not bad but not really her best.
February 28, 2019
I am re-reading all my 5 star rated romance novels. There are 60 on my shelf. This is book 28.
(Tropes: Spinster, Enemies to Lovers, Fairytale-Retelling, Mistaken Identity/Disguise, Unrequited Love)
This is how my 28th re-read held up.
Downgraded to 3 stars
If you’re a fan of Beauty and the Beast, can suspend your disbelief, ignore some melodrama and apprecaite some witty banter this book will suit you just fine. I enjoyed re-reading it – but it was definitely not as great as I remember.
*****
“Gwendolyn stiffened. "Do forgive me for having the ill manners to disturb your precious solitude, M'lord Dragon. I can just picture you sitting with your cloven hooves propped up on the hearth, enjoying a nice warm cup of kitten's blood, when you heard the shouting of the mob.
'Damnation!' you must have growled. 'I do believe someone has left another human sacrifice on my doorstep.' "
He was silent for so long that Gwendolyn began to tremble.
But his reply, when it finally came, was as dry as the rattle of dragon bones. "Actually, I was enjoying a nice glass of port when I heard the commotion. I had to swear off kitten's blood because it gave me dyspepsia."
*****
Quick plot: Gwendolyn is the only gay in the village. Wait, no that’s the wrong story. Gwendolyn is the only one with brains in the village. So when the village is “terrorized” by the Dragon (a man or beast hiding in the old castle of the village), their ignorant asses decide to sacrifice their only virgin. But is it beast or man hiding, and what does he have against the village?
(sounds familiar?)
- The dragon of Weyrcraig prowled the crumbling parapets of his lair, fighting the urge to throw back his head and unleash a savage roar. He'd been a prisoner of the daylight for too long. Only when the shadows of night cloaked Weyrcraig could he cast aside his chains and roam unfettered through the castle's maze of passages.
- "This is 1761, not 1461, and I'm not some ignorant peasant you can intimidate with your superstitious nonsense!"
- "There will be much I require. I strongly suggest that you double your demands for food. As you can see by my appearance, I am a woman of hearty appetites, and I shall expect them to be well satisfied."
He seemed to have something stuck in his throat, making his reply sound choked. "I'll consider it my privilege. I just hope you'll find me up to the task."
"And surely you can't expect me to spend the remainder of my incarceration garbed in this—this— rag." He didn't have to know that the cool satin felt like bliss against her bare skin compared with the scratchy wool she usually wore.
"Most certainly not. You can remove it anytime you like."
- He cupped her face in his hands, his voice as fierce as his touch. "If you're not a goddess among women, then why is Aphrodite over there turning green with jealousy at the prospect of your unveiling?"
Gwendolyn laughed shakily. "Are you sure it's not just moss?"
(Tropes: Spinster, Enemies to Lovers, Fairytale-Retelling, Mistaken Identity/Disguise, Unrequited Love)
This is how my 28th re-read held up.
Downgraded to 3 stars
If you’re a fan of Beauty and the Beast, can suspend your disbelief, ignore some melodrama and apprecaite some witty banter this book will suit you just fine. I enjoyed re-reading it – but it was definitely not as great as I remember.
*****
“Gwendolyn stiffened. "Do forgive me for having the ill manners to disturb your precious solitude, M'lord Dragon. I can just picture you sitting with your cloven hooves propped up on the hearth, enjoying a nice warm cup of kitten's blood, when you heard the shouting of the mob.
'Damnation!' you must have growled. 'I do believe someone has left another human sacrifice on my doorstep.' "
He was silent for so long that Gwendolyn began to tremble.
But his reply, when it finally came, was as dry as the rattle of dragon bones. "Actually, I was enjoying a nice glass of port when I heard the commotion. I had to swear off kitten's blood because it gave me dyspepsia."
*****
Quick plot: Gwendolyn is the only gay in the village. Wait, no that’s the wrong story. Gwendolyn is the only one with brains in the village. So when the village is “terrorized” by the Dragon (a man or beast hiding in the old castle of the village), their ignorant asses decide to sacrifice their only virgin. But is it beast or man hiding, and what does he have against the village?
(sounds familiar?)
- The dragon of Weyrcraig prowled the crumbling parapets of his lair, fighting the urge to throw back his head and unleash a savage roar. He'd been a prisoner of the daylight for too long. Only when the shadows of night cloaked Weyrcraig could he cast aside his chains and roam unfettered through the castle's maze of passages.
- "This is 1761, not 1461, and I'm not some ignorant peasant you can intimidate with your superstitious nonsense!"
- "There will be much I require. I strongly suggest that you double your demands for food. As you can see by my appearance, I am a woman of hearty appetites, and I shall expect them to be well satisfied."
He seemed to have something stuck in his throat, making his reply sound choked. "I'll consider it my privilege. I just hope you'll find me up to the task."
"And surely you can't expect me to spend the remainder of my incarceration garbed in this—this— rag." He didn't have to know that the cool satin felt like bliss against her bare skin compared with the scratchy wool she usually wore.
"Most certainly not. You can remove it anytime you like."
- He cupped her face in his hands, his voice as fierce as his touch. "If you're not a goddess among women, then why is Aphrodite over there turning green with jealousy at the prospect of your unveiling?"
Gwendolyn laughed shakily. "Are you sure it's not just moss?"
November 29, 2018
This was so nice.
I was so depressed after reading Teresa's Fairest of Them All cause it turned out to be nothing like I thought it would be but this made up for all that heartache.
There wasn't anything new brought to the table but it was sweet.
I'd recommend this to old-time readers who cut their tooth on Julie Garwood's historicals and others of the era.
Some of my favourite quotes I'll leave below, I find quotes really cement my decision in reading a book or passing it off...
“How could I have let you do any of those things when I've never even seen your face? When I don't even know your name?"
"That may be true," he said quietly, "but for just a moment there, I would have sworn you knew my heart.”
Okay. Probably not that big a deal but I sigh every time I read it :p
“I suppose I didn’t believe I could ever be worthy of her.”
“Then you’re a bigger fool than I thought. Since when has any man ever been worthy of the woman he loved? It’s only by God’s grace that they love us in spite of ourselves.”
I truly believe this goes both ways.
But hell, what do I know. *shrugs*
August 9, 2016
Another take on a beauty and the beast theme, although the Dragon is hardly a beast.
The Bride and the Beast is a revenge and forgiveness story with a dash of humour and sadness to even the things out. This other part goes into a Monty Python's Flying Circus territory. One of the scenes reminded me of a Monty Python scene involving a mob (I can't really say which one exactly since it would be a bit spoiler-y; fortunately, they had a lot of those). Hilarious and horrific at the same time.
I liked both characters and it doesn't really matter if you need to suspend your disbelief. This is a fairy tale retelling of sorts after all.
The Bride and the Beast is a revenge and forgiveness story with a dash of humour and sadness to even the things out. This other part goes into a Monty Python's Flying Circus territory. One of the scenes reminded me of a Monty Python scene involving a mob (I can't really say which one exactly since it would be a bit spoiler-y; fortunately, they had a lot of those). Hilarious and horrific at the same time.
I liked both characters and it doesn't really matter if you need to suspend your disbelief. This is a fairy tale retelling of sorts after all.
March 3, 2017
I'm a BIG fan of Teresa Medeiros' books, I love her work which is why this was really frustrating for me to read because it disappointed me so much. I was surprised by this book. I don't know what happened but this isn't at all like her other work.
What I liked: The nod to the fairytale story of Beauty and the Beast. Who doesn't love that story? A woman falling in love with a lonely beast.
What I didn't like: I quickly started losing interest in the second chapter with all the cartoon-like characters who seemed more contrived then real. I know this is part of her fairytale series but even for a fairytale story there were things that were a bit far fetched and not really fleshed out. You have a village full of people who can't read, who all believe in a fire breathing dragon and the women are all busy making babies. Apparently the only sensible person in the entire village is Gwendolyn and that's emphasized repeatedly, she's such a good girl who can read and is 'fat' (not really). It was as if Medeiros was trying very hard to convince me of it by constantly bringing it up. Gwendolyn's sisters for another I just thought were a bit much. All three of them are complete light skirts who get a thrill out of finding men to have sex with like it's a competition and have no sense at all. I'm surprised the youngest one Kitty even got paired with a man with all her wailing and naivete. And then the father who supposedly went crazy over some big 'secret' only to find out it's not really a secret. I found myself getting more agitated then sympathetic to the characters which wasn't a good sign.
My biggest problem: The love story wasn't really much of a love story. The 'dragon' and Gwendolyn barely interact throughout the book. They share two 'scandalous' kisses while she's staying at the castle then all of sudden she's giving him her heart saying she loves him even when she's never seen his face. The idea behind it was nice and had a nice moral to it but it just came off superficial. I just could not buy it. Then to have her be furious with him over revealing his identity just came out of left field. I tried really hard to like the main characters in this and believe the story but I felt they were very one-dimensional. The ending wasn't very fulfilling more anticlimactic then anything. Just none of the characters made any sense to me and came off more cartoonish then believable. There was a lot missing which is what made it so disappointing for me.
Comparing to her other works this is my least favorite. It just was completely boring and underwhelming overall. Not at all what I was expecting to get from a Medeiros book. She's an amazing story teller I just don't think this was her best work.
What I liked: The nod to the fairytale story of Beauty and the Beast. Who doesn't love that story? A woman falling in love with a lonely beast.
What I didn't like: I quickly started losing interest in the second chapter with all the cartoon-like characters who seemed more contrived then real. I know this is part of her fairytale series but even for a fairytale story there were things that were a bit far fetched and not really fleshed out. You have a village full of people who can't read, who all believe in a fire breathing dragon and the women are all busy making babies. Apparently the only sensible person in the entire village is Gwendolyn and that's emphasized repeatedly, she's such a good girl who can read and is 'fat' (not really). It was as if Medeiros was trying very hard to convince me of it by constantly bringing it up. Gwendolyn's sisters for another I just thought were a bit much. All three of them are complete light skirts who get a thrill out of finding men to have sex with like it's a competition and have no sense at all. I'm surprised the youngest one Kitty even got paired with a man with all her wailing and naivete. And then the father who supposedly went crazy over some big 'secret' only to find out it's not really a secret. I found myself getting more agitated then sympathetic to the characters which wasn't a good sign.
My biggest problem: The love story wasn't really much of a love story. The 'dragon' and Gwendolyn barely interact throughout the book. They share two 'scandalous' kisses while she's staying at the castle then all of sudden she's giving him her heart saying she loves him even when she's never seen his face. The idea behind it was nice and had a nice moral to it but it just came off superficial. I just could not buy it. Then to have her be furious with him over revealing his identity just came out of left field. I tried really hard to like the main characters in this and believe the story but I felt they were very one-dimensional. The ending wasn't very fulfilling more anticlimactic then anything. Just none of the characters made any sense to me and came off more cartoonish then believable. There was a lot missing which is what made it so disappointing for me.
Comparing to her other works this is my least favorite. It just was completely boring and underwhelming overall. Not at all what I was expecting to get from a Medeiros book. She's an amazing story teller I just don't think this was her best work.
August 18, 2016
The hero and the heroine lacked charm and so did the story.
Even the ending couldn't save this for me. :( Would not recommend.
Even the ending couldn't save this for me. :( Would not recommend.
May 23, 2024
I loved the first book in this series, Charming the Prince. Maybe I just wasn’t in the right mood, but this one felt flat as a pancake. It dragged. It was tedious and unconvincing. The heroine kept doing stupid things for nonsensical reasons and I wish Barnard really had been a dragon because the whole village of Ballybliss needed to be turned into a cinder. It certainly wasn’t the worst thing I’ve ever read but I was bored beyond belief by the time I finished it.
As a fairy tale it lacked charm and magic. As a historical romance, it lacked romance and contained only a speck of history. What a letdown.
As a fairy tale it lacked charm and magic. As a historical romance, it lacked romance and contained only a speck of history. What a letdown.
November 1, 2018
I am a fan of author Teresa Medeiros and I chose this read as part of one of my club challenges related to Rubenesque Romances. The story is a spinoff of the fairytale Beauty and the Beast, however contrary to the GR reviews I read prior to reading this story, I thoroughly enjoyed it and read more into it than just a fairytale.
The story begins in the village called Ballybliss under the rule of the Laird of Weyrcraig. The highlanders were a people who lived happy and joyous until someone in their clan betrayed the Laird to the Englishman named Cumberland. The Laird and his family were slaughtered. Some fifteen years later, the highlanders, because of their betrayal to the Laird, were living in a sad state of poverty to include being taxed by the English when they could barely survive themselves. They also lived in fear of a mythical creature they believe was a dragon and its claim to Castle Weyrcraig. This so-called Dragon had formed such a fear in the minds of the clan that they believe in their own superstitions and provided it whatever it demanded to include a thousand pounds of gold that was believed given to the traitor of the late Laird.
Gwendolyn Wilder is a young woman lives by her virtue while her three sisters’ resort to being free with their favors. She attends to her ailing father who was once the steward to the Laird. Gwen does not possess the beauty of her sisters, but she is the responsible one of the family. She was made the joke at every turn for being plain and plump so to speak. All of that did not matter to her, as long as she was happy with herself and taking care of her father. When everyone was into their own needs, she reverted to a life of literacy. Her only downfall was that she was one of the few in the clan that could read the letters of demand left by the Dragon. Gwen was never one to believe in dragons and anything else absurd for that matter. However, when the demands of the Dragon became greater than the clan could pay, they decided to give him a virgin sacrifice to appease the hefty price.
After being tied to a stake at the castle, she eventually comes face to face with the Dragon… a flesh and blood man who lives of the lives of the clan. He doesn’t like the fact that they have left her on his doorstep and she doesn’t like the fact that he hides himself like the coward in the shadows. In her captivity, she is treated like a princess despite her looks and full-figure but he is angered with the way the clan has treated her. She longs to be with her father and on the other hand is fascinated and intrigued by this man who hides himself from her. Each day, Gwen is swept away under the Dragon’s spell.
Both Gwen and the Dragon have secrets and scars. He has a past that haunts him and has little trust in Gwen to speak of them. There are predictable and not so predictable surprises in the plot. Although the attraction is not as strong as it could be, it is there between the two characters and they both can’t escape it or explain it. The Bride and the Beast is a story of revenge and forgiveness, it is witty, charming and a delightful read. 😊
4- Stars
The story begins in the village called Ballybliss under the rule of the Laird of Weyrcraig. The highlanders were a people who lived happy and joyous until someone in their clan betrayed the Laird to the Englishman named Cumberland. The Laird and his family were slaughtered. Some fifteen years later, the highlanders, because of their betrayal to the Laird, were living in a sad state of poverty to include being taxed by the English when they could barely survive themselves. They also lived in fear of a mythical creature they believe was a dragon and its claim to Castle Weyrcraig. This so-called Dragon had formed such a fear in the minds of the clan that they believe in their own superstitions and provided it whatever it demanded to include a thousand pounds of gold that was believed given to the traitor of the late Laird.
Gwendolyn Wilder is a young woman lives by her virtue while her three sisters’ resort to being free with their favors. She attends to her ailing father who was once the steward to the Laird. Gwen does not possess the beauty of her sisters, but she is the responsible one of the family. She was made the joke at every turn for being plain and plump so to speak. All of that did not matter to her, as long as she was happy with herself and taking care of her father. When everyone was into their own needs, she reverted to a life of literacy. Her only downfall was that she was one of the few in the clan that could read the letters of demand left by the Dragon. Gwen was never one to believe in dragons and anything else absurd for that matter. However, when the demands of the Dragon became greater than the clan could pay, they decided to give him a virgin sacrifice to appease the hefty price.
After being tied to a stake at the castle, she eventually comes face to face with the Dragon… a flesh and blood man who lives of the lives of the clan. He doesn’t like the fact that they have left her on his doorstep and she doesn’t like the fact that he hides himself like the coward in the shadows. In her captivity, she is treated like a princess despite her looks and full-figure but he is angered with the way the clan has treated her. She longs to be with her father and on the other hand is fascinated and intrigued by this man who hides himself from her. Each day, Gwen is swept away under the Dragon’s spell.
Both Gwen and the Dragon have secrets and scars. He has a past that haunts him and has little trust in Gwen to speak of them. There are predictable and not so predictable surprises in the plot. Although the attraction is not as strong as it could be, it is there between the two characters and they both can’t escape it or explain it. The Bride and the Beast is a story of revenge and forgiveness, it is witty, charming and a delightful read. 😊
4- Stars
July 9, 2017
I have a mixed feeling about this book.
This book is based on a fairy tale-themed story beauty and the beast set in Scotland.
Overall the book was not that bad, but it lacked certain things. I feel there was little chemistry between this couple and heroine fall for the hero way too quickly. Time to time her behavior and dialogue irritated me. And of all the time she is trying to be sacrificed herself for those villagers who left her in the hand of the beast deliberately to die. On the other hand, our hero wanted to avenge against the person who betrayed her father and destroyed his whole family. I couldn’t blame him for his action and the way he feels.
Overall, It was ok.
This book is based on a fairy tale-themed story beauty and the beast set in Scotland.
Overall the book was not that bad, but it lacked certain things. I feel there was little chemistry between this couple and heroine fall for the hero way too quickly. Time to time her behavior and dialogue irritated me. And of all the time she is trying to be sacrificed herself for those villagers who left her in the hand of the beast deliberately to die. On the other hand, our hero wanted to avenge against the person who betrayed her father and destroyed his whole family. I couldn’t blame him for his action and the way he feels.
Overall, It was ok.
April 8, 2021
Not one of Teresa Medeiros's best so it won't be on my reread list though, but it was an easy read. I felt the H/h fell in love way too soon because they barely interacted. I did enjoy the prologue when they met as kids.
March 9, 2017
It was a sweet book.
I have heard a lot about this author and decided to start with this series. The first book was pretty average but I was impressed by this book.
This is the story of Gwendolyn, the beautiful belle who falls for Lord Bernard during childhood.
She grows up under the shadows of her petty sisters and hearing tales of the dragon who terrorized Werycraig, while Bernard is thought to be dead.
When the cruel villagers lead her to be a virgin sacrifice for the beast, she ends up meeting the mysterious and caring dragon and they end up falling for each other.
Slowly, as identities are revealed- old feuds are rekindled.
The couple does get married and eventually their HEA.
I did enjoy the couple and their sweet chemistry. The heroine was fiesty and the beast was sweet yet fierce.
The writing was very poetic and a beautiful experience. Did enjoy the chase between the h and H
However I was really angry with the mob and secondary characters- and except for the best friend and Kitty- pretty much disliked everyone.
The love scenes were average.
Overall, a good read with BATB feels.
Safe
3.5/5
I have heard a lot about this author and decided to start with this series. The first book was pretty average but I was impressed by this book.
This is the story of Gwendolyn, the beautiful belle who falls for Lord Bernard during childhood.
She grows up under the shadows of her petty sisters and hearing tales of the dragon who terrorized Werycraig, while Bernard is thought to be dead.
When the cruel villagers lead her to be a virgin sacrifice for the beast, she ends up meeting the mysterious and caring dragon and they end up falling for each other.
Slowly, as identities are revealed- old feuds are rekindled.
The couple does get married and eventually their HEA.
I did enjoy the couple and their sweet chemistry. The heroine was fiesty and the beast was sweet yet fierce.
The writing was very poetic and a beautiful experience. Did enjoy the chase between the h and H
However I was really angry with the mob and secondary characters- and except for the best friend and Kitty- pretty much disliked everyone.
The love scenes were average.
Overall, a good read with BATB feels.
Safe
3.5/5
February 7, 2021
Teresa Madeiros is one of those authors I've loved and yet I stopped reading her books sometimes ago, with no sound reasons other than I merely forgot about her. Clearly I need to rectify this situation.
Anyhow, this book was bittersweet for me. From the blurb, I thought it'll be one of those rom-commy historical, the campy highlander romance I usually read... I didn't expect the whole aftereffects of Culloden and rebellion of '45. Oh god, it tore my heart apart. It was heartbreaking to see these people surviving after the attack, adapting in their own way. Remember the townspeople in Beauty and the Beast, oohh yeahhh, that's how they adapted.
Anyhow, I love it. There were some aspect about the hero just turned me off, especially at the end, but the heroine won me over. The whole seduction act was deserved!
Anyhow, this book was bittersweet for me. From the blurb, I thought it'll be one of those rom-commy historical, the campy highlander romance I usually read... I didn't expect the whole aftereffects of Culloden and rebellion of '45. Oh god, it tore my heart apart. It was heartbreaking to see these people surviving after the attack, adapting in their own way. Remember the townspeople in Beauty and the Beast, oohh yeahhh, that's how they adapted.
Anyhow, I love it. There were some aspect about the hero just turned me off, especially at the end, but the heroine won me over. The whole seduction act was deserved!
March 5, 2023
Me ha costado terminarlo, a pesar de estar bien escrita. Es una historia exenta de acción y sabes como va a acabar desde el segundo uno. Se me hizo lenta y repetitiva.
November 9, 2009
Long ago, someone in the village of Ballybliss betrayed the Laird of Weyrcraig to the English and both the nobleman and his family were slaughtered. Years later, a fearsome creature - a dragon no less - claims Castle Weyrcraig, demanding food and drink be brought to him, as well as a thousand pounds of gold, the reward given to betray the laird. The superstitious villagers accede to the Dragon’s demands, including giving him the fair Gwendolyn, an innocent, to appease his unceasing hunger.
Yet, the Dragon is no mythical beast, but a ghost from the past. This formidable man comes to Gwen under cover of darkness. His voice rumbles from the shadows and he disappears with the dawn, but his inherent kindness to her is unmistakable. Although Gwen is a prisoner in the castle, the Dragon transforms her room into a sort of gilded cage, bringing her fine apparel, food and drink, as well as books for her inquiring mind.
Little by little, Gwen falls under the Dragon’s sweet spell. When this angry man finally releases her, will her love be enough to save the villagers from the Dragon’s revenge? Find out in this marvelous tale, The Bride and the Beast.
Yet, the Dragon is no mythical beast, but a ghost from the past. This formidable man comes to Gwen under cover of darkness. His voice rumbles from the shadows and he disappears with the dawn, but his inherent kindness to her is unmistakable. Although Gwen is a prisoner in the castle, the Dragon transforms her room into a sort of gilded cage, bringing her fine apparel, food and drink, as well as books for her inquiring mind.
Little by little, Gwen falls under the Dragon’s sweet spell. When this angry man finally releases her, will her love be enough to save the villagers from the Dragon’s revenge? Find out in this marvelous tale, The Bride and the Beast.
April 21, 2016
As a retelling of the often retold 'Beauty And The Beast' I expected this book to be painful and contrived. Or painfully contrived. But it was good!
When Medeiros tried to be funny, it was funny. When she tried to be clever, it was clever. That alone is rare, but her characters were also lovable and had a lot of depth.
I'm still confused as to how Tupper isn't gay though...I was so sure...
When Medeiros tried to be funny, it was funny. When she tried to be clever, it was clever. That alone is rare, but her characters were also lovable and had a lot of depth.
I'm still confused as to how Tupper isn't gay though...I was so sure...
May 9, 2016
The characters felt a bit shallow, and there were a few unnecessary twists and turns. Full review coming soon.
March 4, 2017
The village of Ballybliss is terrorized by a dragon who makes demands of the village. When the demands get a bi too high, the villagers offer up their last remaining virgin, Gwendolyn. When she's left at the castle, Gwendolyn discovers the dragon isn't really a dragon, but a man, bent upon revenge and hiding his face. Gwendolyn is a pretty cool heroine - being the only one with any sense and intelligence in her village, but her insecurities annoyed me. I might have gotten irritated if the hero didn't also call her out on those insecurities. The hero, Dragon is a tortured soul who believes himself to be a beast, as that is what revenge has turned him into. He seems a nice enough guy - not too alpha or dominating. He doesn't get annoying until the end.
I kind of think this book was a bit longer than it really needed to be. The first part of the book, between Gwendolyn and the "Dragon" was fantastic. Loved it! The second part of the book, when we learn the Dragon's real identity and Gwendolyn's slightly irrational reaction (not a good one) should have been the end. I can't help but think that anything that kept them apart after that was really forced and very contrived. It didn't feel real. It felt like the angst was being forced upon us.
I also have to admit...it's not often that I find quotes in romance novels that I wish to remember, but this one had a great one. This author usually has at least one or two in a book now that I think of it. After nearly being seduced, the heroine wonders how she could have done that with a man whose face she'd never seen, who she didn't really know. And he replies, "That may be true, but for just a moment there, I would have sworn you knew my heart."
I kind of think this book was a bit longer than it really needed to be. The first part of the book, between Gwendolyn and the "Dragon" was fantastic. Loved it! The second part of the book, when we learn the Dragon's real identity and Gwendolyn's slightly irrational reaction (not a good one) should have been the end. I can't help but think that anything that kept them apart after that was really forced and very contrived. It didn't feel real. It felt like the angst was being forced upon us.
I also have to admit...it's not often that I find quotes in romance novels that I wish to remember, but this one had a great one. This author usually has at least one or two in a book now that I think of it. After nearly being seduced, the heroine wonders how she could have done that with a man whose face she'd never seen, who she didn't really know. And he replies, "That may be true, but for just a moment there, I would have sworn you knew my heart."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2020
He venido a ofrecerte algo más poderoso que un beso y más duradero que una caricia. -Se puso la palma de él en el pecho, sabiendo que él sentiría el temblor de su corazón-. Mi amor.”
Primer libro que leo de esta autora y tengo que confesar que me encantó. La historia se desarrolla en Escocia en 1761, en la ciudad de Ballybliss. Los lugareños un tanto peculiares temen a un dragón, que en realidad es un hombre que los tiene atemorizados y que les hace peticiones que tienen cumplir.
La única que no cree en dragones es la joven Gwendolyn Wilder, una chica dedicada al cuidado de su padre y que tienes otros intereses diferentes a los lugareños.
Un día el dragón pide unas mil libras que son imposibles de pagar por los ciudadanos. Por lo que ellos ofrecen a cambio la virginidad de la joven Gwendolyn.
Llevan a la chica a la cima del castillo y la dejan amarrada en una estaca abandonada. El dragón la desata y la mantiene cautiva sin saber las consecuencias amorosas para ambos.
La historia es un retelling de La Bella y La Bestia, con un toque diferente y acertado para mi gusto.
Primer libro que leo de esta autora y tengo que confesar que me encantó. La historia se desarrolla en Escocia en 1761, en la ciudad de Ballybliss. Los lugareños un tanto peculiares temen a un dragón, que en realidad es un hombre que los tiene atemorizados y que les hace peticiones que tienen cumplir.
La única que no cree en dragones es la joven Gwendolyn Wilder, una chica dedicada al cuidado de su padre y que tienes otros intereses diferentes a los lugareños.
Un día el dragón pide unas mil libras que son imposibles de pagar por los ciudadanos. Por lo que ellos ofrecen a cambio la virginidad de la joven Gwendolyn.
Llevan a la chica a la cima del castillo y la dejan amarrada en una estaca abandonada. El dragón la desata y la mantiene cautiva sin saber las consecuencias amorosas para ambos.
La historia es un retelling de La Bella y La Bestia, con un toque diferente y acertado para mi gusto.
April 29, 2018
There are some general problems I have with almost all historical romances, but putting that to the side it was an enjoyable read.
October 1, 2014
Scottish people are superstitious! So when "the Dragon" sends a demand that can't be met to the village of BallyBliss, they decide that it's totes okay to tie a virgin to a stake in his courtyard as a peace offering! Except Gwen's all like "it's 1761 not 1461 COME ON DRAGONS AREN'T A THING" except then metaphors, man. Of course there's dragons if they're SEXY dragons!! BUT OH WAIT HIS SHADOW-HAIR IS FULL OF SECRETS!!! WILL THEIR ROMANTIC BONERS BE ENOUGH TO OVERCOME THE ULTIMATE BETRAYAL!! TUNE IN NEXT TIME TO FIND OUT.
(I don't know why I yell so much in these reviews. It's stress relief, I think.)
1. SO MUCH MELTING SWEETNESS. SWEETLY MELTED. MELTING SOFTNESS.
2. Again: things went off the rails near the end. Back and forth to London and some shouting about feelings and lots of vagueness about why and I don't know. I felt very confused by it all. (Although I DEFINITELY wanted Gwen to swan up to the ladies in the ballroom near the end and be like "Oh, him? He's a SUPERB LOVER. I heard his wife can't even walk straight. FIRST HAND EXPERIENCE, LADIES." Basically I want my heroines always laying down the law when they're Getting It because yes.)
3. Overall, I enjoyed it EXCEPT FOR THE FACT THAT GWEN ONLY TRIED TO OPEN THAT FUCKING DOOR ONE TIME. It CLEARLY opens from the inside SOMEHOW but she never really tries after her first pass--when she doesn't even know where the door is. It really made me mad!
4. I was rather disappointed in the portrayal of Gwen's sisters--there's some slut-shaming language there that really set my teeth on edge, especially after Gwen is considering how she reacts to the Dragon. Like, her passion is a disgusting thing? Because it makes her more like her sisters? UGH.
(I don't know why I yell so much in these reviews. It's stress relief, I think.)
1. SO MUCH MELTING SWEETNESS. SWEETLY MELTED. MELTING SOFTNESS.
2. Again: things went off the rails near the end. Back and forth to London and some shouting about feelings and lots of vagueness about why and I don't know. I felt very confused by it all. (Although I DEFINITELY wanted Gwen to swan up to the ladies in the ballroom near the end and be like "Oh, him? He's a SUPERB LOVER. I heard his wife can't even walk straight. FIRST HAND EXPERIENCE, LADIES." Basically I want my heroines always laying down the law when they're Getting It because yes.)
3. Overall, I enjoyed it EXCEPT FOR THE FACT THAT GWEN ONLY TRIED TO OPEN THAT FUCKING DOOR ONE TIME. It CLEARLY opens from the inside SOMEHOW but she never really tries after her first pass--when she doesn't even know where the door is. It really made me mad!
4. I was rather disappointed in the portrayal of Gwen's sisters--there's some slut-shaming language there that really set my teeth on edge, especially after Gwen is considering how she reacts to the Dragon. Like, her passion is a disgusting thing? Because it makes her more like her sisters? UGH.
March 27, 2021
Gwendolyn Wilder and Dragon. Beauty and the beast. Plump heroine who is the only virgin in her village.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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