What do you think?
Rate this book
Bride Enchanted
Though Eve Faraday was beautiful and intelligent, she never expected to be wooed by the devastatingly handsome and utterly charming Aubrey Ashford, the most eligible bachelor in all of London. Skeptical of the sudden attention, she tries hard to avoid temptation, but the alluring Aubrey—and his kisses—prove impossible to resist! She accepts his offer of marriage and moves with him to his ancestral home at Fair Isle. But after such a whirlwind courtship and lightning-quick marriage, Eve begins to wonder if she really knows Aubrey at all. There is something mysterious, something magical and primeval about her new husband.
Aubrey is not who he appears to be—that much is certain. But his feelings for Eve are true. And only when he reveals his astonishing secret will Eve realize that she and Aubrey might have a chance at a love that will last forever.
Aubrey is not who he appears to be—that much is certain. But his feelings for Eve are true. And only when he reveals his astonishing secret will Eve realize that she and Aubrey might have a chance at a love that will last forever.
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 28, 2007
6 people are currently reading
144 people want to read
About the author
Edith Layton
80 books103 followersEdith Layton wrote her first novel when she was ten. She bought a marbleized notebook and set out to write a story that would fit between its covers. Now, an award-winning author with more than thirty novels and numerous novellas to her credit, her criteria have changed. The story has to fit the reader as well as between the covers.
Graduating from Hunter College in New York City with a degree in creative writing and theater, Edith worked for various media, including a radio station and a major motion picture company. She married and went to suburbia, where she was fruitful and multiplied to the tune of three children. Her eldest, Michael, is a social worker and artist in NYC. Adam is a writer and performer on NPR's Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me. Daughter Susie is a professional writer, comedian and performer who works in television.
Publishers Weekly called Edith Layton "one of romance's most gifted writers." Layton has enthralled readers and critics with books that capture the spirit of historically distant places and peoples. "What I've found," she says, "is that life was very different in every era, but that love and love of life is always the same."
Layton won an RT Book Reviews Career Achievement award for the Historical genre in 2003 and a Reviewers' Choice award for her book The Conquest in 2001. Amazon.com's top reviewer called Layton's Alas, My Love (April 2005, Avon Books), "a wonderful historical." And her recent release, Bride Enchanted, is a Romantic Times 2007 Reviewers' Choice Award Nominee.
Edith Layton lived on Long Island where she devoted time as a volunteer for the North Shore Animal League , the world's largest no-kill pet rescue and adoption organization. Her dog Daisy --adopted herself from a shelter-- is just one member of Layton's household menagerie.
Edith Layton passed away on June 1, 2009 from ovarian cancer.
Graduating from Hunter College in New York City with a degree in creative writing and theater, Edith worked for various media, including a radio station and a major motion picture company. She married and went to suburbia, where she was fruitful and multiplied to the tune of three children. Her eldest, Michael, is a social worker and artist in NYC. Adam is a writer and performer on NPR's Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me. Daughter Susie is a professional writer, comedian and performer who works in television.
Publishers Weekly called Edith Layton "one of romance's most gifted writers." Layton has enthralled readers and critics with books that capture the spirit of historically distant places and peoples. "What I've found," she says, "is that life was very different in every era, but that love and love of life is always the same."
Layton won an RT Book Reviews Career Achievement award for the Historical genre in 2003 and a Reviewers' Choice award for her book The Conquest in 2001. Amazon.com's top reviewer called Layton's Alas, My Love (April 2005, Avon Books), "a wonderful historical." And her recent release, Bride Enchanted, is a Romantic Times 2007 Reviewers' Choice Award Nominee.
Edith Layton lived on Long Island where she devoted time as a volunteer for the North Shore Animal League , the world's largest no-kill pet rescue and adoption organization. Her dog Daisy --adopted herself from a shelter-- is just one member of Layton's household menagerie.
Edith Layton passed away on June 1, 2009 from ovarian cancer.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
April 6, 2022
Very Twilightesque vibe but a better written one in my opinion (the writing in Twilight is juvenile so let's not even go there).
The hero, Aubrey isn't human. He came from a race that can live a very long time (elder people, faerie, elves - hey, take your pick). Not to say that he cannot die, it's just that he'll be around for a very long time. In Twilight, Edward glitters but here, Aubrey glows. He has an otherwordly appearance that you'll be struck dumb by his appearance. His race is dwindling as no one has ever reproduced in the last century or so. He's looking for a human female descendant from the old bloodline and that's where Eve came in.
Eve is considered average looking so she didn't understand why Aubrey would be attracted to her. She was dazzled by him when he singled her out so, of course, she agreed to marry him. On Aubrey's side, his feelings turned genuine even though his only purpose in marrying Eve initially was to procreate (yeah, I know, it sounds tacky when you put it that way).
When the truth came out about Aubrey (due to his sister's interference), it's up to the couple to decide if their love is worthy of the sacrifices they have to make.
I liked the way the author portrayed Aubrey. He has been around for 300 years so it makes sense for him to sound so weary. He's also calm and patient. Eve is a bit insecure but also sounded mature for her age.
The ending here is better than in Twilight. Aubrey decided to give up his immortality to be with Eve and if the child they have is more human, then that is fine. I think this story raises a lot of interesting questions. Is a long life worth living without love? Aubrey's race has a long life but they only indulged themselves in the pursuit of their pleasure and they don't invent or build things as humans do. As the saying goes 'Complacency breeds stagnation'.
This book sounds like your typical romance but it is so much more than that. I find that Edith Layton wrote deep and compelling books disguised under simple stories. Don't be put off by the first 20% as Eve kept going about Aubrey's attractiveness. I find the journey to be worth it. It's a character-driven story so it is a bit slow moving. Hmm... I wonder if the author was influenced by Twilight as this book was published a few years after Twilight hit the scene?
The hero, Aubrey isn't human. He came from a race that can live a very long time (elder people, faerie, elves - hey, take your pick). Not to say that he cannot die, it's just that he'll be around for a very long time. In Twilight, Edward glitters but here, Aubrey glows. He has an otherwordly appearance that you'll be struck dumb by his appearance. His race is dwindling as no one has ever reproduced in the last century or so. He's looking for a human female descendant from the old bloodline and that's where Eve came in.
Eve is considered average looking so she didn't understand why Aubrey would be attracted to her. She was dazzled by him when he singled her out so, of course, she agreed to marry him. On Aubrey's side, his feelings turned genuine even though his only purpose in marrying Eve initially was to procreate (yeah, I know, it sounds tacky when you put it that way).
When the truth came out about Aubrey (due to his sister's interference), it's up to the couple to decide if their love is worthy of the sacrifices they have to make.
I liked the way the author portrayed Aubrey. He has been around for 300 years so it makes sense for him to sound so weary. He's also calm and patient. Eve is a bit insecure but also sounded mature for her age.
The ending here is better than in Twilight. Aubrey decided to give up his immortality to be with Eve and if the child they have is more human, then that is fine. I think this story raises a lot of interesting questions. Is a long life worth living without love? Aubrey's race has a long life but they only indulged themselves in the pursuit of their pleasure and they don't invent or build things as humans do. As the saying goes 'Complacency breeds stagnation'.
This book sounds like your typical romance but it is so much more than that. I find that Edith Layton wrote deep and compelling books disguised under simple stories. Don't be put off by the first 20% as Eve kept going about Aubrey's attractiveness. I find the journey to be worth it. It's a character-driven story so it is a bit slow moving. Hmm... I wonder if the author was influenced by Twilight as this book was published a few years after Twilight hit the scene?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2019
.
His thoughts as he wanders off after his proposal to her; "And he might, he thought, even come to love her. That was, to love her insofar as he was capable of it. He rode home through the shadows, smiling."
Aubrey is a charming, beautiful, wealthy man. And he wants to marry Eve, when they've only just met. Eve is pretty, even very pretty, but she's not beautiful and she's not wealthy and she's not really anything special... So why does Aubrey cross a crowded ballroom to sweep her off her feet?
This is a question that will nag at Eve throughout the story. After they marry, and after they arrive at his estate in the north, and after she meets his sister, when she had no idea he had one.
Although it's not spelled out til 3/4 in, Aubrey is not a man. And throughout the story, he definitely doesn't act like a man.
There's always a feeling of disconnect and a rather placid quality to his character. Some of this is the author's writing style, but some of it was his 'species'. He was OK, and I enjoyed his fall into love, but it was all so... placid.
I loved the h; Eve. She was AWESOME. She was honest to the point of bluntness and didn't play head games or hold grudges or any of the other annoying things that h's do in other books. And that is part of the reason Aubrey loves her too.
There's a sweet little epilogue
Safety is good
His thoughts as he wanders off after his proposal to her; "And he might, he thought, even come to love her. That was, to love her insofar as he was capable of it. He rode home through the shadows, smiling."
Aubrey is a charming, beautiful, wealthy man. And he wants to marry Eve, when they've only just met. Eve is pretty, even very pretty, but she's not beautiful and she's not wealthy and she's not really anything special... So why does Aubrey cross a crowded ballroom to sweep her off her feet?
This is a question that will nag at Eve throughout the story. After they marry, and after they arrive at his estate in the north, and after she meets his sister, when she had no idea he had one.
Although it's not spelled out til 3/4 in, Aubrey is not a man. And throughout the story, he definitely doesn't act like a man.
There's always a feeling of disconnect and a rather placid quality to his character. Some of this is the author's writing style, but some of it was his 'species'. He was OK, and I enjoyed his fall into love, but it was all so... placid.
I loved the h; Eve. She was AWESOME. She was honest to the point of bluntness and didn't play head games or hold grudges or any of the other annoying things that h's do in other books. And that is part of the reason Aubrey loves her too.
There's a sweet little epilogue
Safety is good
July 18, 2011
Now that I have distanced myself from this book I am calm enough to write a review! After the ending I almost threw it at the wall ;o)
Horrible book, to be blunt don't read it. The first 100 pages or so had real promise, dispite the really fast engagement/ marriage. As you really wanted to get at the reasons behind it.
But all down hill from there, especially since the book doesn't really hint at the fact it is a really bad paranormal romance.
Some of the themes were also rather disturbing, fairies who need to breed and if you leave them will steal your babies ... anyone else feeling a bit creeped out by that?
Horrible book, to be blunt don't read it. The first 100 pages or so had real promise, dispite the really fast engagement/ marriage. As you really wanted to get at the reasons behind it.
But all down hill from there, especially since the book doesn't really hint at the fact it is a really bad paranormal romance.
Some of the themes were also rather disturbing, fairies who need to breed and if you leave them will steal your babies ... anyone else feeling a bit creeped out by that?
March 28, 2013
Bride Enchanted was surprisingly enchanting, and definitely a book I am glad that I have had the opportunity to read. With Edith Layton sometimes I get drawn into the stories, and there are times where I have a hard time staying with it. Thankfully this was one of those, that I was completely drawn into, and captivated by the characters, and the plot was utterly satisfying. It begins with Eve Faraday, who is a beautiful woman, but has never had many suitors. Eve thinks she is not that enticing, and has doubts of when she will marry; that she might have to settle. Then one evening, the most compelling and gorgeous man she has ever seen asks her to dance twice in one evening. Eve is totally beside herself with shock. She has no idea what Aubrey see's in her. Eve knows there are many more women that he could choose that would be more beautiful and more smart. However, there is a reason why Aubrey chooses Eve, not the least of which is she is not as compelled by him and enthralled as every other person is. Aubrey is a member of a species that has been told in folklore, but is really known as one of the 'older ones'. Aubrey has special powers, and to mos humans, are enthralled by his mere presence. Eve is the only one that see's through it, and keeps logic and sense without being completely enthralled by him. For Aubrey, his race is dying, and he believes if he marries Eve, that she will be able to conceive his children. Aubrey conceals the true reason that he marries her. Once Eve finds out the real truth about Aubrey and his people, will she flee from him or will she decide to stay by his side and love him forever? I won't spoil it for you, but I will say I was definitely pleased by the ending.
I definitely enjoyed reading this book, it definitely drew me in. I have only read a few of Layton's book, and this is the first one that has the Paranormal genre within it. I definitely enjoyed having Aubrey being of another species, and I loved the aspect that he would never use his powers on Eve, unless she asked for it. How even though Eve at first is enthralled by his looks, see's through it with sense, and see's him for who he really is. Its truly a magical story that from beginning to end, is a journey of passion, love and a magic that surpasses time and will capture your heart.
I definitely enjoyed reading this book, it definitely drew me in. I have only read a few of Layton's book, and this is the first one that has the Paranormal genre within it. I definitely enjoyed having Aubrey being of another species, and I loved the aspect that he would never use his powers on Eve, unless she asked for it. How even though Eve at first is enthralled by his looks, see's through it with sense, and see's him for who he really is. Its truly a magical story that from beginning to end, is a journey of passion, love and a magic that surpasses time and will capture your heart.
August 16, 2009
This book is ridiculously bad. So bad that I'm not even bothering with the other Edith Layton I checked out. I had high hopes since several romance bloggers recommended her but this book sucked. The weird thing is that I had to finish it. If only to see if it ever got better. I thought surely I was missing something. Surely Aubrey would be less creepy, surely Eve would buy a clue so I could stop yelling at her that she was a fucking idiot, surely there'd be some action and something, anything, would happen. Nothing happened.
January 10, 2021
I think there could have been a bit more development in the plot.
June 23, 2022
When I realized where it seemed this book was headed, I said to myself, "Oh, surely not." Unfortunately, it was. I found the plot silly. Although the writing and flow were wonderful, the characters were a stretch, and I lost interest at about the three quarters mark. I did finish, but it wasn't the book I wanted to pick up when I had a chance to read during the day.
July 27, 2025
My first book I read by Edith Layton. I didn't care for it. I remember seeing some of this author's books listed as favorites of someone but it didn't work for me.
June 21, 2025
After reading THE DUKE'S WAGER by this author, I definitely wanted to check out more of her work. I actually just finished reading Susan Krinard's Fane series, which is a historical romance about immortal beings. When I found out that BRIDE ENCHANTED was also a historical romance about immortal beings, I was excited. There aren't a ton of older fantasy romances out there, and this one hadn't been on any of the lists I usually look at.
BRIDE ENCHANTED starts out super slow and the purple prose makes it so cheesy, but it ends up almost having these gothic Bluebeard vibes. The heroine, Eve, is plain and kind of looked over. So she's shocked when a handsome noble named Aubrey comes to town and appears to be in love with her at first sight. Given her low self-esteem about her looks, Eve is suspicious of this, and puts him off until she reluctantly admits to herself that maybe one oughtn't look a handsome husband in the mouth.
But then things get weirder. Like, he's a little too excited about children and a little too secretive about his past. He's cagey about his family and doesn't want her anywhere near his sister, who leers at Eve like she knows something she doesn't. Eventually, Eve gets super suspicious and goes to the sister, and she learns some really weird stuff about her husband, like that he was married before and didn't choose her for love.
I don't want to say too much more about this book but I did like it. This is pretty wallpaper historical as far as fantasy romances go, but I did like how it followed the typical narrative arc of late-90s/early-2000s paranormal romances. One of the reviewers for this book said it was like Twilight, and I think that's a great comparison. Aubrey is patriarchal and overbearing in his "kindness" to the heroine. I wish there had been more action but it wasn't bad. It's too bad she didn't write anymore paranormals. I kind of wish there were more books set in this world.
3.5 stars
BRIDE ENCHANTED starts out super slow and the purple prose makes it so cheesy, but it ends up almost having these gothic Bluebeard vibes. The heroine, Eve, is plain and kind of looked over. So she's shocked when a handsome noble named Aubrey comes to town and appears to be in love with her at first sight. Given her low self-esteem about her looks, Eve is suspicious of this, and puts him off until she reluctantly admits to herself that maybe one oughtn't look a handsome husband in the mouth.
But then things get weirder. Like, he's a little too excited about children and a little too secretive about his past. He's cagey about his family and doesn't want her anywhere near his sister, who leers at Eve like she knows something she doesn't. Eventually, Eve gets super suspicious and goes to the sister, and she learns some really weird stuff about her husband, like that he was married before and didn't choose her for love.
I don't want to say too much more about this book but I did like it. This is pretty wallpaper historical as far as fantasy romances go, but I did like how it followed the typical narrative arc of late-90s/early-2000s paranormal romances. One of the reviewers for this book said it was like Twilight, and I think that's a great comparison. Aubrey is patriarchal and overbearing in his "kindness" to the heroine. I wish there had been more action but it wasn't bad. It's too bad she didn't write anymore paranormals. I kind of wish there were more books set in this world.
3.5 stars
January 3, 2022
I don't really write reviews but here we go.
This was not a book I actively enjoyed it frustrated me and any time there is a power imbalance between romantic interest it feels like twilight all over again. That is something I personally struggle with in reading. I did enjoy the fae lore and Mythical love interest trope on the surface
The heroine was described as level headed but she made and was unable to make very wise decisions at times. There was a lot of deceptions going on on the male leads end of things and the romance was not believable honestly I related the experience to my first crush not first love.
I am glad I read it but I don't think I will be reading it again.
This was not a book I actively enjoyed it frustrated me and any time there is a power imbalance between romantic interest it feels like twilight all over again. That is something I personally struggle with in reading. I did enjoy the fae lore and Mythical love interest trope on the surface
The heroine was described as level headed but she made and was unable to make very wise decisions at times. There was a lot of deceptions going on on the male leads end of things and the romance was not believable honestly I related the experience to my first crush not first love.
I am glad I read it but I don't think I will be reading it again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 11, 2020
Dull plot, dull characters it was a chore to read.
October 15, 2025
If you like books set in old time England and enjoy the mystic of fairies and romance then this is the perfect book for you. It was a super fast read.
October 5, 2012
Miss Eve Faraday is a 23 year old spinster, so she has started to get used to being a wallflower so when she gets the special attention of Lord Aubrey Ashford, she has a few doubts about his earnestness.
But they do get married and travel far to Ashford's ancestral home at Fair Isle.
I liked that Eve isn't a stupid heroine that never sees the strange things in her life, she knows that something is not quite right with Aubrey's quick courting/marriage with her. Although she is determined to enjoy it anyway. There are lots of hints from Aubrey's POV that he has been alive a very long time and he doesn't lie that he has had many lovers through the years (this would have been a great moment to add a little M/M spice, but apparently our hero is straight as an arrow). There is a few sexy scenes but they are short (1 page?) and really not important to the plot of the story where is based in fantasy and human love. So much of the story was so incredibly vague that I understand how that might rub lots of readers wrong and put them off to this sweet love story between two characters who are so very different from each other, but love and bind themselves together through marriage and then through a child.
This was different and I would not group it with the other historical romance novels because of the fantasy aspect, but I did like that both H/h had to compromise to find love and trust like any other couple in the world.
370 pages published by Avon Romance
2 stars
But they do get married and travel far to Ashford's ancestral home at Fair Isle.
I liked that Eve isn't a stupid heroine that never sees the strange things in her life, she knows that something is not quite right with Aubrey's quick courting/marriage with her. Although she is determined to enjoy it anyway. There are lots of hints from Aubrey's POV that he has been alive a very long time and he doesn't lie that he has had many lovers through the years (this would have been a great moment to add a little M/M spice, but apparently our hero is straight as an arrow). There is a few sexy scenes but they are short (1 page?) and really not important to the plot of the story where is based in fantasy and human love. So much of the story was so incredibly vague that I understand how that might rub lots of readers wrong and put them off to this sweet love story between two characters who are so very different from each other, but love and bind themselves together through marriage and then through a child.
This was different and I would not group it with the other historical romance novels because of the fantasy aspect, but I did like that both H/h had to compromise to find love and trust like any other couple in the world.
370 pages published by Avon Romance
2 stars
October 1, 2010
I was totally disappointed in this one: thought the plot was practically non-existent, that the main issue between hero and heroine was repeated, and frankly, I kept expecting the story to get better, but nope... Unfortunately I bought a bunch of EL's other books along with this one, so I'll give her another try before giving up on this author... I rarely give out such a low rating, but 1.5 - 2 stars is all it's worth to me..
June 12, 2016
Compared to the other books I've read by this author, this was not the standard Layton, in that there was a magical aspect to it. I enjoyed the heroine who remained very grounded and not particularly prone to enchantment. I like reading about magic, so that was fun, but it was not necessarily the best I've read by this author. Entertaining nonetheless. I got this out of a bookcrossing bookbox, thanks.
March 30, 2009
i absolutely hated this book. i mean i usually don't judge a book to harshly but this book was such a drag. the whole book was written like poetry. the heroine had no back bone. the hero thought he was a fairy who had to enchant the heroine to get her pregnant. so on and so on. i would not recommend this book to anyone.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 10, 2016
i remember reading it and being disappointed by it. I was in Edith Layton frenzy back then, and was ready to devour anything she threw my way. To realize that she actually writes boring, ridiculous stuff like this was a huge disappointment. I don't even recall what this story was about except that it contains paranormal elements and put me to sleep.
May 17, 2024
Nice little gem. I do understand some of the low ratings. If you pick up this book without knowing about the fairy aspect, than perhaps you’ll be dissatisfied. And even if you know this, perhaps you will be disappointed still. I wasn’t as Aubrey says himself: nothing has really changed at the end regarding their future. He gives Eve everything.
Lovely fairytale.
5 stars
Lovely fairytale.
5 stars
June 22, 2011
This book was strange. It feels as if many things were left out of the storyline. Very incomplete. I hope this was the only piece of science function that Edith Layton wrote. I struggled to finish this one.
May 22, 2013
I started this book thinking I was reading the usual historical love story. But it is not, instead it is spectacular, wondrous and made me cry at the end. It is a beautiful and touching novel about true love. Sigh :)
June 9, 2008
I was a bit disappointed with this novel. It was a good read but wasn't as good as others that I have read.
Kristie Leigh Maguire
http://kristieleighmaguire.com
Kristie Leigh Maguire
http://kristieleighmaguire.com
January 16, 2010
Nothing bad, just silly fluff.
March 17, 2010
Really cheesy, fluffy read. I've read quite a few other romances that are leagues better than this book.
February 13, 2011
It was a bit too over the top for complete enjoyment! I must say that I found that I had read this before several years ago. Since no other book was beckoning, I reread it.
March 23, 2015
Not Layton's strongest book, and her foray into PNR (sort of), but still lovely.
January 10, 2016
Paranormal Regency! No need to say more. Absurd. What a bummer, because I love many of Ms. Layton's novels.
Read
January 9, 2010Fantasy,Romance
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews