As a child Gwendolyn had fallen (literally LOL!) for the young lad who would one day be laird of her clan, Bernard MacCullough. But, when the English came to destroy the castle and everyone in it, the small province of Ballybliss gave their laird up without a fight, bringing a curse upon the townspeople and breaking young Gwendolyn's heart. Now, years later, a dragon has come to the destroyed manor demanding retribution and payment from the townspeople for their past sins. In an attempt to atone the townspeople decide to give up what they think the dragon would want the most, an innocent maiden. Unfortunately, Gwendolyn is the only maiden in town and promptly finds herself tied to a steak in a courtyard ruled by a monster.

This was, overall, a very entertaining little tale. There are many simple little mysteries that we can guess at over the course of the book and even when I was proven right, it was more of a satisfying feeling than frustration that I knew what was going to happen. I really enjoyed the dragon and his past with Gwendolyn and even though Gwendolyn kind of went on a bit about her weight, I found her interesting as well. It is unusual to have a "woman of size" in a romance novel and being one myself, I have to say it adds an interesting slant. I enjoyed the side characters, even the obligatory animal, and thought the story, while predictable, was certainly a worthwhile historical romance. ( )

Medeiros at her best, I think. This is my favourite of her fairy-tale treatments. The Beauty and the Beast element is certainly present, but you don't get hit over the head with it. I love her choice of setting -- it makes a nice break from the usual Regency romance. ( )

** spoiler alert ** Another hilarious read from Teresa Medeiros. I'm lucky that Medeiros has intriguing cover images because if she didn't I probably wouldn't have ever picked it out of the large box of books I got it from. If I hadn't I would have missed out on a delightful read.

Gwendolyn Wilder has lived with a life long crush, since before the age of nine she has wanted no one other than Bernard MacCullough when she believed him dead the year she turned nine, she was devastated and never really m...more Another hilarious read from Teresa Medeiros. I'm lucky that Medeiros has intriguing cover images because if she didn't I probably wouldn't have ever picked it out of the large box of books I got it from. If I hadn't I would have missed out on a delightful read.

Gwendolyn Wilder has lived with a life long crush, since before the age of nine she has wanted no one other than Bernard MacCullough when she believed him dead the year she turned nine, she was devastated and never really moved on. She hid her nose inside books, covered her body in drab clothes and let the world criticize her weight. She even believed they were right and that she in some way deserved their insults while her beautiful, thin, promiscuous sisters deserved their attention. She was the smart reliable sister, who took care of their addled and aging father and did what needed to be done.

When the town becomes plagued by what the residents believe is a real life fire breathing dragon making demands upon their village it is Gwendolyn they turn to read his demand notes. And it is Gwendolyn they decide to offer as a virgin sacrifice when they are unable to meet his hefty demands.

Bernard MacCullough had his life stolen from him at the age of fifteen when his clan betrayed their laird, his father for one thousand pounds in gold. Since that day when he saw his parents slaughtered by the English before his eyes for offering sanctuary to the Bonnie Prince, while the clan they led cowered in fear, locked away safe in their homes he has wanted naught but revenge. Taken prisoner and forced into service for the Royal Navy he's made his own lot in the world without even his name to guard him.

Fifteen years after that fateful day when his dreams burned before him, Bernard is back and he will have his revenge on the town who betrayed his family. He will learn who traded his parents lives for a mere thousand pounds in gold. What he didn't plan on was the beautiful virgin sacrifice that was left on his doorstep as an offering when the traitor in their midst wouldn't give up his gold to save his town. She had the power to ruin everything for only she knew he was not a beast, but a man and only she had the power to unlock his heart.

The interplay of these two stubborn characters is not one to be missed as you join them on their journey of letting go of the past to embrace the future, and opening their hearts to fall in love. He gives her the confidence to see the beauty she's hidden away and she gives him the light he's hidden from for fifteen years. She gives him a person he can trust which is something he's not had for fifteen years. They argue and thwart each other at every turn, keeping a reader turning the pages and laughing at their antics.

It's a definite must read. ( )

When she was younger Gwendolyn Wilder dreams of being swept off her feet by Bernard McCullough, the heir to succeed as the laird of Ballybliss. Disaster strikes and someone betrays his father the castle is attacked and no survivors are left.

Fifteen years later Gwendolyn still leaves in Ballybiss where she takes care of her father and sisters. Although Gwendolyn never believed in Dragons the town did and recently discovered a letter left by him, which they approach Gwendolyn and have her read his current demands. The Dragon ask for more food and now money, the town believe they can chase him away with a virgin sacrifice and the only person that fits that description is Gwendolyn.

The town takes her ties her up and leaves her for the Dragon, when the he appears out of the mist she faints. He takes her back to his lair where he pampers her never revealing his face. She becomes quickly becomes attracted to him and the mystery surrounding this façade of his. He wants to tell her the truth, but decides he cannot the town people soon discover that he is a man and come to capture him. Gwendolyn persuades him to go on without her she will stall them, he leaves but returns in time to rescue her again from the people and he decides to reveal himself to her. Betrayed and heartbroken she leaves, but can the Dragon make her understand his motives and maker her love him again. ( )

A retelling of Beauty and the Beast with a few interesting twists. The "beauty" is a full-figured woman who doesn't think of herself as pretty, let alone beauty. The "beast" turns out to bear all his scars on the inside. ( )