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The Ring That Bound Them: One Ring. Two Brothers. A Love That Defies All Odds.
One Ring. Two Brothers. A Love That Defies All Odds.
HE - Andrew McBride returns from the Napoleonic War with a soldier’s scars and a childhood promise… a ring meant for the girl he never forgot. But the man who steps back into society isn’t quite who he seems. His smile is softer, his gaze gentler, and beneath the charm lie secrets that could shatter everything.
SHE - Aurelia Gilmour… fiery, brilliant, and far too perceptive for her own good. A gifted singer and sharp-witted member of the Society known as the TON, Aurelia knows the Ton hides more than just gossip and glitter. Yet nothing prepares her for the man who claims her heart, and the ring promised her in childhood.
As whispers swirl and truths begin to crack, Aurelia must untangle a mystery that stretches from the battlefields of Europe to the glittering ballrooms of London. Trust, love, and identity collide in a sweeping Regency romance filled with wit, heart, and just a touch of passion, This clean Regency romance brims with youthful yearning, second chances, and the courage to follow love wherever it may lead.
HE - Andrew McBride returns from the Napoleonic War with a soldier’s scars and a childhood promise… a ring meant for the girl he never forgot. But the man who steps back into society isn’t quite who he seems. His smile is softer, his gaze gentler, and beneath the charm lie secrets that could shatter everything.
SHE - Aurelia Gilmour… fiery, brilliant, and far too perceptive for her own good. A gifted singer and sharp-witted member of the Society known as the TON, Aurelia knows the Ton hides more than just gossip and glitter. Yet nothing prepares her for the man who claims her heart, and the ring promised her in childhood.
As whispers swirl and truths begin to crack, Aurelia must untangle a mystery that stretches from the battlefields of Europe to the glittering ballrooms of London. Trust, love, and identity collide in a sweeping Regency romance filled with wit, heart, and just a touch of passion, This clean Regency romance brims with youthful yearning, second chances, and the courage to follow love wherever it may lead.
303 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 18, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
July 20, 2025
Aurelia, Caroline and Anna Eliza became best friends when they attended Ponder Ends School for Girls, and became known as ‘The Rebels of Ponders End’. When they were twelve, the girls explored the woods behind the school, venturing further than they had before, and found St. Mary’s School for Boys, where they met three young men, Simon Worthington heir to the duchy of Shrewsbury, Marcus Booth heir to the Barony of Dormer, and Andrew McBride heir to the duchy of Elfinstone. After a rousing game of blind man’s bluff Andrew slipped Aurelia a note remarking on her beauty and declaring that one day he was going to ask her to marry him. Throughout the next few years they would meet briefly and Andrew had shown her a ring he intended to give her one day. When Andrew went off to Oxford, he sent messages through his younger brother Malcolm who was still attending St Mary’s. One day Andrew demanded a meeting with Aurelia to tell her that he and his brother were going off to fight against Napolean. She was eighteen and he was twenty, and he informed her that he would come back and marry her. Malcolm was in love with Aurelia, but she was promised to his brother, whose treatment of her deteriorated through the years. Andrew was hit during the Battle of Quatre Bras but nobody could find his body, just a cameo and the promise ring, which they gave to Malcom. With Andrew presumed dead, Malcolm saw his chance to finally have the woman he loved. All it would take was some playacting and one gigantic lie. Although he tried stepping into Andrew’s life, Malcolm could not change the fact that he was much more caring and sensitive than his brother. He used the war to explain the change and Aurelia was happy to believe him. Malcolm faced challenges galore, not the least of which was what would happen if/when Andrew returned from the dead. This author has done a wonderful job of adding depth to her characters, especially since this story has a lot of relationship dynamics. Andrew dominated Malcolm, so much so that he convinced his brother to join the military with him. The three young ladies cajole, comfort and challenge each other, with Anna Eliza being the most aggressive and Aurelia being the least. But the people who surprised me the most were the Duke and Duchess of Elfinstone. Their reactions to their sons was not what I expected. I was sad to see the evolution of Andrew from a charming fourteen year old to an arrogant, condescending twenty year old…but was glad he found his own happy ending. This is a well constructed tale that will keep you engaged and entertained, and I’m looking forward to the third book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 22, 2026
This book was a charming read. It’s easy to follow, entertaining, and not too long. The story feels fresh, heartfelt, and realistic.
I’ve always had a soft spot for historical novels like this, and this story was no exception, it was a lovely and engaging read.
Aurelia, a young woman from high society, becomes engaged to a boy slightly older than her during their school years, with the understanding that they will marry in the future.
Everything seems to be going well, until his attitude and feelings suddenly begin to change. Despite this shift, he continues to hold on to the idea of marrying her, even promising, before leaving for war, that one day he will return and ask her to be his wife.
From that moment on, the story takes a more uncertain turn, but it unfolds in an interesting way.
While the plot is enjoyable, I did find parts of it somewhat predictable. Still, it was an enjoyable read overall, and I would recommend it.
“I have admired you for as long as I have known you.” 🩷🤩
I’ve always had a soft spot for historical novels like this, and this story was no exception, it was a lovely and engaging read.
Aurelia, a young woman from high society, becomes engaged to a boy slightly older than her during their school years, with the understanding that they will marry in the future.
Everything seems to be going well, until his attitude and feelings suddenly begin to change. Despite this shift, he continues to hold on to the idea of marrying her, even promising, before leaving for war, that one day he will return and ask her to be his wife.
From that moment on, the story takes a more uncertain turn, but it unfolds in an interesting way.
While the plot is enjoyable, I did find parts of it somewhat predictable. Still, it was an enjoyable read overall, and I would recommend it.
“I have admired you for as long as I have known you.” 🩷🤩
July 22, 2025
The story revolves around a younger brother’s love for the girl his older brother has picked, but didn’t love. The two brothers go off to war and the older brother is missing after a battle. He is presumed dead as some of his things are found including a ring he promised the young girl. The younger brother who is by far kinder, but looks quite a bit like his older sibling decides to take his place in order to marry his love. Things get complicated toward the end. I didn’t like the way the older brother treated the girl and a doubt a war would change his personality so much that she would fall for the identity switch, but it made for a good story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 19, 2025
The second romance of the Rebels of Ponders End!
This story is about the second of the Rebels of Ponders End to find romance. Well, actually she became kind of engaged during school. See, one of the boys the three girls met, the future Duke of Elfinstone, Andrew, makes Aurelia promise to marry him and promises to give her a ring when that promise is kept. Then he goes off to war, along with his younger, gentler brother. This story pulled me in and kept me turning pages to find out what happened next and how it all ended. A highly enjoyable read!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This story is about the second of the Rebels of Ponders End to find romance. Well, actually she became kind of engaged during school. See, one of the boys the three girls met, the future Duke of Elfinstone, Andrew, makes Aurelia promise to marry him and promises to give her a ring when that promise is kept. Then he goes off to war, along with his younger, gentler brother. This story pulled me in and kept me turning pages to find out what happened next and how it all ended. A highly enjoyable read!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 20, 2025
I was really not quite sure which book I was reading, when I started this second installment of "Romancing the Ton". The first chapter(s) were the exact replica from "A true heart". Which might be an stylistic measure, but then it would have to be announced or referenced in a way so that the reader might not question his/her sanity in the process.
I liked "a true heart better" in terms of writing style and story.
A clean romance as a continuation of the girls freinds' tales.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I liked "a true heart better" in terms of writing style and story.
A clean romance as a continuation of the girls freinds' tales.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 18, 2025
Whew! This was quite the mix up! The story started out with the characters being quite young, and it was interesting to watch them grow up and become the adults that had so many problems! I felt like the fmc was given a lot to bear in the troubles that kept coming her way, but she was strong and overcame them in ways that cleared the air and kept the romance strong!
July 19, 2025
gripping
Aurelia, Malcolm and Andrew´s story is gripping and full of twists and turns, I simply couldn´t put the book down. As we grow up, our perspective on things change, there are choices to make we are not happy about and as a stickler for HEAs my heart almost broke for all the pain and suffering going on in this book.
Aurelia, Malcolm and Andrew´s story is gripping and full of twists and turns, I simply couldn´t put the book down. As we grow up, our perspective on things change, there are choices to make we are not happy about and as a stickler for HEAs my heart almost broke for all the pain and suffering going on in this book.
July 26, 2025
I thought the book was good. Strong historical fiction vibes (very matter of fact writing style) with romance. I didn't think the case of mistaken identity was very believable, but maybe believable for that time. I didn't care for Andrew's character, but also how Aurelia just kept at it. 3.5 stars
August 3, 2025
This second book in the Rebels of Ponders End was a captivating and well written clean historical regency romance that is full of emotions, mystery, wit, heartfelt youthful yearning, second chances, and the courage to follow their heart. I enjoyed how strong the characters were and how their courage led to a beautiful love that was meant to be. I highly recommend reading!
February 25, 2026
A very interesting book! Romance and suspense! Very good twists and turns in the plot. There were some inconsistencies with certain details through the book. It was confusing. But did not inhibit the reading of it. It was a very good read. I enjoyed it throughly! It was a very fast read. A very clean romance.
July 19, 2025
I really enjoyed Allie’s book “The Ring That Bound Them”. She created endearing characters that were sufficiently flawed to be believable and relatable. The story took many twists and turns that kept you glued to your seat. Thank you, Allie!
July 21, 2025
Once I started Aurelia Gilmour's engrossing story I was not putting it down. I found the story to be well worth reading. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 29, 2025
An interesting tale of secrets. Watching Aurelia navigate the Ton and decide what she really wanted, and watching Malcom risk everything for his hearts desire, an enjoyable read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 10, 2025
The story drew me in right away and kept me turning the pages. I really liked the characters and couldn't wait to see what happened next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 18, 2025
Genre: Historical romance
Tropes: Mistaken/secret identity (really deliberate deception)
Setting: Regency England, France
Writing style: Triple POV, 3rd person, past tense
Character- or plot-driven: Both
Romance: Yes
Clean level: 1 thought of kissing, one dance. Woman thinks of man as “delicious.”
Sensitive aspects:
• 1 intimation of a female caregiver’s unavoidable exposure to her male patient’s private areas
• Description of a man wearing a costume “revealing scandalous parts of his body”
*There are some Christian elements, though aside from a reference to belief in the trinity, they’re not really explicitly Christian.
Thoughts on main characters: Aurelia is sweet but naive and too willing to put up with Andrew’s ill treatment of her because of her supposedly being bound to his declaration as a boy that she will marry him. She is all of 18 years old, so it is somewhat understandable, although this is a time period when I would still expect more maturity. Aside from Malcolm’s barely-thought-out judgement in deciding he has to pretend to be his brother to “win” Aurelia, he is a good man. Andrew is indeed a cad, as other characters describe him — flippant towards others, nasty, and bordering on outright cruel.
This book had its ups and downs for me, parts that felt unremarkable and parts that I enjoyed more. I wish there had been more of a focus on the development of Aurelia and Malcolm’s relationship, especially on the disconnect she experiences as “Andrew” begins to show the kindness, steadiness, and warmth that always belonged to Malcolm — qualities she notices but struggles to reconcile with the man she believes him to be.
Favorite Quotations:
• “She’ll be trouble,” she declared at once, eyeing Aurelia’s red hair as if it might ignite the ivy on the walls.
• “It is as though you went through the fire like a metal and came out purified.”
• “I see. You really do know your Bible, don’t you, Miss Cicely.” “Do you not? Are you telling me that the Ponders End school for Girls is one of those schools that teaches atheism?” Her voice was rising higher and higher. “No, no! Miss Cicely. We did learn all about the stories of the Bible. We also went to church faithfully. More faithfully than we do now, in fact.” “That is true!” said Cicely, with a certain amount of shock in her voice. “We must start to go again. It is of the utmost importance in securing the best possible church for a wedding.”
• It came out in a rush, as though the words had leapt over a barricade and refused to wait for permission.
• “[...]what is it that is bothering you, Aurelia?” “I suppose it is simply that I feel that I have been blessed, but I am not sure what I did to deserve it.” “To deserve a blessing? One does not do things to deserve a blessing. You simply receive it with thanks.”
• Malcolm was not the one who would sweep her off her feet, but he was the one she wanted to grow old with.
(I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am gratefully—voluntarily—leaving a review.)
Tropes: Mistaken/secret identity (really deliberate deception)
Setting: Regency England, France
Writing style: Triple POV, 3rd person, past tense
Character- or plot-driven: Both
Romance: Yes
Clean level: 1 thought of kissing, one dance. Woman thinks of man as “delicious.”
Sensitive aspects:
• 1 intimation of a female caregiver’s unavoidable exposure to her male patient’s private areas
• Description of a man wearing a costume “revealing scandalous parts of his body”
*There are some Christian elements, though aside from a reference to belief in the trinity, they’re not really explicitly Christian.
Thoughts on main characters: Aurelia is sweet but naive and too willing to put up with Andrew’s ill treatment of her because of her supposedly being bound to his declaration as a boy that she will marry him. She is all of 18 years old, so it is somewhat understandable, although this is a time period when I would still expect more maturity. Aside from Malcolm’s barely-thought-out judgement in deciding he has to pretend to be his brother to “win” Aurelia, he is a good man. Andrew is indeed a cad, as other characters describe him — flippant towards others, nasty, and bordering on outright cruel.
This book had its ups and downs for me, parts that felt unremarkable and parts that I enjoyed more. I wish there had been more of a focus on the development of Aurelia and Malcolm’s relationship, especially on the disconnect she experiences as “Andrew” begins to show the kindness, steadiness, and warmth that always belonged to Malcolm — qualities she notices but struggles to reconcile with the man she believes him to be.
Favorite Quotations:
• “She’ll be trouble,” she declared at once, eyeing Aurelia’s red hair as if it might ignite the ivy on the walls.
• “It is as though you went through the fire like a metal and came out purified.”
• “I see. You really do know your Bible, don’t you, Miss Cicely.” “Do you not? Are you telling me that the Ponders End school for Girls is one of those schools that teaches atheism?” Her voice was rising higher and higher. “No, no! Miss Cicely. We did learn all about the stories of the Bible. We also went to church faithfully. More faithfully than we do now, in fact.” “That is true!” said Cicely, with a certain amount of shock in her voice. “We must start to go again. It is of the utmost importance in securing the best possible church for a wedding.”
• It came out in a rush, as though the words had leapt over a barricade and refused to wait for permission.
• “[...]what is it that is bothering you, Aurelia?” “I suppose it is simply that I feel that I have been blessed, but I am not sure what I did to deserve it.” “To deserve a blessing? One does not do things to deserve a blessing. You simply receive it with thanks.”
• Malcolm was not the one who would sweep her off her feet, but he was the one she wanted to grow old with.
(I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am gratefully—voluntarily—leaving a review.)
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews