From Library Journal
As the only virgin left in the Highland village of Ballybliss, Gwendolyn Wilder finds herself being sent off as a sacrificial offering to the legendary Dragon of Weyrcraig and ends up winning his heart instead in this light, creative version of the classic Beauty and the Beast fairy tale. An outspoken, irreverent, and somewhat overweight heroine; a wounded, noble hero; and an ample supply of lively, whimsical humor and excellent writing make Medeiros's first hardcover romance a debut to remember. Medeiros (Charming the Prince) is a popular writer of light, humorous historical romances and lives in Hopkinsville, KY. Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From Kirkus Reviews
A first hardcover in the warmed-over fairy-tale tradition of Jude Deveraux and Julie Garwood.The bride is Gwendolyn Wilder, the only maiden in a Scottish glen where most 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 sidekick Tupper get their victuals 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. Bernard cuts her down and plies her with room and board. He's afraid that if he lets her go, she'll blow 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. He doesn't seem to mind that she's a bit chubby. He likes her curves, her spirit, and her intelligence. 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 her sexy beast is just another guy, Gwendolyn rushes home, where she has spent much of her life tending to her mad father, the traitor Bernard has been seeking. When he learns her secret, Bernard tells Gwendolyn he'll spare her dad if she'll marry him. After an awkward dénouement, the couple will move quickly to happily-ever-after.Instead of purveying such copycat fables, Medeiros would be better off sticking to the witchy romances she does best. -- Copyright © 2000 Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Dear Reader,
I'd been prowling the crumbling ruins of Castle Weyrcraig for so long that I could no longer remember if I was man or beast. Then one stormy night the superstitious Highlanders of Ballybliss decided to leave a helpless virgin bound to a stake in the castle courtyard to satisfy my insatiable appetites. My demands might strike terror in the hearts of men, but this bold beauty dared to defy me. After she informed me that she didn't believe in dragons, I had no choice but to make her my prisoner—or risk being exposed to those I had sought to deceive with my dangerous masquerade. Soon I found myself stealing into the moonlit tower just to watch her sleep. Little does she know that beneath this beast's gruff exterior beats the passionate heart of a man. Gwendolyn Wilder may not believe in dragons, but I intend to use all my sensual wiles to teach her to believe in something even more magical—true love.
Eternally yours,

FROM THE CRITICS

Kathe Robin - Romantic Times

Revenge, redemption, guilt and innocence, wonderful storytelling and a romantic plot are the magic behind this spellbinding, beautifully rendered tale. Teresa Medeiros' talent for incorporating humor and poignancy into a captivating fairy tale confirms her status as a spinner of the finest an most memorable of romances.

Library Journal

As the only virgin left in the Highland village of Ballybliss, Gwendolyn Wilder finds herself being sent off as a sacrificial offering to the legendary Dragon of Weyrcraig and ends up winning his heart instead in this light, creative version of the classic Beauty and the Beast fairy tale. An outspoken, irreverent, and somewhat overweight heroine; a wounded, noble hero; and an ample supply of lively, whimsical humor and excellent writing make Medeiros's first hardcover romance a debut to remember. Medeiros (Charming the Prince) is a popular writer of light, humorous historical romances and lives in Hopkinsville, KY. [Previewed in Prepub Alert, LJ 3/1/00.] Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.\

Kirkus Reviews

A first hardcover in the warmed-over fairy-tale tradition of Jude Deveraux and Julie Garwood. The bride is Gwendolyn Wilder, the only maiden in a Scottish glen where most 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 sidekick Tupper get their victuals 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. Bernard cuts her down and plies her with room and board. He's afraid that if he lets her go, she'll blow 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. He doesn't seem to mind that she's a bit chubby. He likes her curves, her spirit, and her intelligence. 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 her sexy beast is just another guy, Gwendolyn rushes home, where she has spent much of her life tending to her mad father, the traitor Bernard has been seeking. When he learns her secret, Bernard tells Gwendolyn he'll spare her dad if she'll marry him. After an awkward dénouement, the couple will move quickly to happily-ever-after. Instead of purveyingsuchcopycat fables, Medeiros would be better off sticking to the witchy romances she does best.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

Teresa Medeiros weaves a rich tapestry of a tale all lovers of romance will cherish well beyond the turn of the final page. A beguiling blend of myth and magic, The Bride and the Beast is sure to win your heart. — (Tami Hoag)

A beautiful, enchanting fairytale that is guaranteed to sweep you away. The Bride and the Beast is the ultimate romance reader's fantasy—a novel so vibrant and poignant you can bare to see it end. If you are a fan of Julie Garthworths you owe it to yourself to read Teresa Medeiros. — (Kristen Hannah)