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A Legend To Love #1

When the Marquess Returns

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A Marquess in Waiting and the Cursed Heiress…

The ton is abuzz and mamas are lining up their daughters; identical twins Maximus and Lucius St. Albans are making their entry into society. But they’re not just eligible―they’re the missing grandsons of the Duke of Warrington, stolen as infants.

However, Maximus doesn’t relish the battle with his cocky, reprobate brother to be the next Marquess. And he has no time for the simpering misses now vying for his attention. Only Miss Sabina Teverton has his interest.

She was resigned to life as a spinster but from the moment Sabina meets Lord Maximus, her heart is torn. She dreams of a match with him―but how can that be when she’s been branded as cursed…and she knows secrets of that night long ago when Maximus and his twin were snatched from their cradles?

190 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2018

130 people are currently reading
69 people want to read

About the author

Alanna Lucas

50 books179 followers
Alanna Lucas grew up in Southern California. From an early age, she took an interest in travel, incorporating those experiences into her writing. When she is not daydreaming of her next travel destination, Alanna can be found researching, spending time with family, or going for long walks.

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5 stars
62 (50%)
4 stars
42 (33%)
3 stars
13 (10%)
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5 (4%)
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2 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Profile Image for N.N. Heaven.
Author 6 books2,142 followers
October 9, 2018
Maximus and his twin brother, Lucius, are the long-lost grandsons of the Duke of Warrington. After a tearful family reunion, Maximus is at a loss what to do. The mother who raised him is now pushed to the background and his real mother is a stranger to him. He’s at odds with this twin brother and they almost come to blows, something that has never happened before. But all that pales in comparison to his attraction to Miss Sabina Teverton, a beautiful woman the ton calls the Cursed Heiress.



Sabina is content to be a spinster and live with her dear friend but when the twins return, she tries to do the right thing and leave. But she needs Sabina now more than ever. If Sabina was honest, she yearns to be Maximus’ wife but it’s just a fanciful dream. He can’t afford the scandal of being attached to the Cursed Heiress, can he? When a terrible accident takes place, Sabina must decide between her head and her heart.



When the Marquess Returns is a stunning historical romance based on the roman legend of Romulus and Remus set in Regency England. Alanna Lucas has another gem on her hands. With a plot seeped in mystery, treachery, conniving relatives and a sweeping romance, I couldn’t stop reading. Intricate details from the time period from the clothes to the food added authenticity to the story. The characters, though, are what made this one of my favorite books of 2018. So well-drawn, I was sad when the story ended. I wanted more! Highly recommend, especially if you’re a historical romance fan.



My Rating: 5 stars



Reviewed by: Mrs. N



This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/si...
447 reviews14 followers
September 28, 2018
Maximus, his brother Lucius and their adoptive mother arrived to London at the theater. As the play progressed Maximus couldn’t help but fight with his brother. Maximus didn’t want to anger Lucius more than what he was already and left the box. As Maximus is strolling he hears an argument and a beautiful woman, Miss Sabina Teverton, with two different colored eyes one green the other brown collided with him ending up in his arms. Maximus reluctantly let Sabina go wondering if he would ever see her again. When Maximus, Lucius and his mother are summoned by the Duke of Warrington Maximus wonders why but goes anyway to find out what the duke wants with all of them. When the duke tells them that he suspects that both Maximus and Lucius are his long-lost grandsons Maximus is wary but is happy to have found more family, best of all Sabina is also a companion to his real mother. Maximus is even more intrigued by Sabina and the more he learns about her he becomes even more attracted to her but Sabina holds a secret to Maximus’s past that could destroy his future chances of happiness.
What an amazing story with a beautifully well-done cover. Sure there was a tiny bit of apprehension to read the story because of the older heroine/younger hero trope but in truth this book was so well-written that the age difference between the two became less of a problem as the book progressed. Also the fact that the heroine didn’t belittle the hero for being younger really clinched me in and made me like the book even more. I did wonder at the mystery and some questions did sprout up but the characters dilemmas didn’t diminish the quality of the story or bother me because I kept reading. Maximus was a great brooding serious introverted hero. I seriously just loved his quiet demeanor and how he was always thinking about everything and the ramifications of his change in status. He seemed more mature than his twenty-three years. While Sabina still was a strong unique heroine. I liked the fact that she looked different but to Maximus she truly didn’t. I do hope that Ms. Alanna Lucas writes more and maybe gives Lucius a story someday. Still this is a good book and one I really did enjoy. I will definitely read more by Ms. Lucas too.
1,296 reviews1 follower
September 8, 2018
Maximus and Lucius have never know who their parents are. By a twist of fate they find their family. Maximus also finds the woman of his dreams who is seven years older and known to carry a curse. This was a great story. I loved the older spinster line of the story but there was so much more to it. This book has so many different aspects and you will enjoy it all.
13 reviews
August 3, 2024
l loved the story and it made me cry…..however



The story was a sweet and romantic tale between Maximus and Sabina. I could understand her fears and reluctance about not wanting to be with Maximus. It did make me cry to hear their stories about the brothers being separated and Sabina’s mother being so cruel to her and calling her cursed. It was a well written story.

I have 2 criticisms: Towards the middle of the story it started to drag and I was getting impatient to hear what secrets Sabina was hiding. I think a chapter could have cut from the book and it would have been still a good read.

While romantic the love making scenes outside of marriage could have been reduced and the story wouldn’t have suffered. The last bedroom scene seemed unnecessary. They were by no means explicit. With but with this story the author could have had love making scenes prior to marriage and within

That is why I gave the book 4 stars.

However, I am looking forward to reading Lucius's story. I always love redeemed rake story. I also have other books by this author I am looking forward to read.
Profile Image for Madm007.
1,158 reviews6 followers
December 10, 2018
Intriguing Historical Romance💙
What a good read! All the mystery, romance, intrigue and drama surrounding one set of twins back in not so jolly old England.
This revolves a bit more around Maximus, one of the twins, and Sabina as the events of their pasts are revealed.
A quick read that had my attention throughout. This is the 1st book I've read by Alanna Lucas and I did enjoy the storyline. I didn't bond with any of the characters, but I think maybe that's the way it actually was in historical times, all about the ton and outward perceptions.
203 reviews
February 24, 2024
I don't usually read too many romance books. This book was enjoyable. I liked the story of the twins (Lucius and Maximus) not knowing where they were from and that their adopted mother was loved by them greatly. It was great that Larentia (adopted mother) did not interfere with their birth mother (Sylvia) coming into the twins life. I also liked how they all became a family, that no oone was turned away until later in the book.
Thank you Alanna Lucas for sending me the book. I will re-read this.
3,231 reviews68 followers
December 21, 2018
Bodice ripper style without any real bodice ripping. I found it to be full of angst and rather silly plot devices. The H is a twin and his brother is a stereo-type of a silly younger brother, jealous and generally a louche type of character, at odds with his too serious brother. The h has a quirk, so all evil is thought to be her fault as she's assumed to be cursed. They fall in love and so many OTT actions happen, the end. It will suit some readers, unfortunately it didn't suit me at all.
306 reviews1 follower
August 25, 2019
Jealousy and revenge

Absconded twin babies part of jealousy and hatred but twins many years later rediscovered such joy only to be turned upside down by hate and jealousies. Mix in a spinster well on the shelf and a twin enameled by this older woman woven into this mystery of of what happened 23 years before and who was responsible
Profile Image for Jennifer Shepard.
844 reviews121 followers
September 5, 2020
I purchased this book because of the amazing reviews on Amazon and oh boy, they were all right. Such a good book with great characters that keeps you obsessed with every page since the first one. I couldn't put this down until I ended. The love story between Maximus and Sabina is just so beautiful!! 😍
2,273 reviews44 followers
February 21, 2024
A variation on the story of Romulus and Remus comes to life in Lucas' book, When the Marquess Returns. Set in 1819 London it tells the story of identical twins Maximus and Lucius who were kidnapped as babies. Over twenty years later they are reunited with their grandfather, the Duke of Warrington. I enjoyed the author's twists and turns as well as the happily ever after!
Profile Image for Sally Hannoush.
1,883 reviews27 followers
October 15, 2018
Good reading

I enjoyed this historical romance very much. I liked the drama and love throughout the story. I’m glad things turned out the way they did in the end. Great storytelling and fun characters. Highly recommend this.
127 reviews1 follower
January 31, 2019
Romulus and Remus??

A tale twice told. It is a trite story and filled with repetitious musings on the part of the heroine. Tedious at best. I can’t recommend this storyline at all.
35 reviews
February 27, 2019
Excellent

This is the first novel I have read of Ms.Lucas, I found that from the first page pulled into the story and could not put it down until the final conclusion of a different take on the fable of Romulus and Remus twisted into a wonderful Regency Tale.
Profile Image for Kathy Stephenson.
25 reviews2 followers
September 28, 2018
Twins Brothers

This book was another win for Alanna Lucas . When i read this could not put it down till I finished it . If you haven't read it you need to read it
Profile Image for Beverly.
934 reviews38 followers
June 9, 2019
When the Marquees Returns (A Legend To Love Book 1)

This book was great. I enjoyed all the characters and their interaction. The story was tried but true with a twist that is new. I will put this in my pile of books to be re-read.
18 reviews1 follower
January 7, 2020
This book was one of the best I have ever read. Even had the perfect ending. I can't wait to read the next book about the other twin.
Profile Image for Lori.
603 reviews8 followers
September 9, 2019
I loved it!

When the Marquess Returns by Alanna Lucas was a splendid telling of twins stolen at birth and reunited with their family years later as adults. The love story between Maximus and Sabina is beautiful from the time the first bump into one another in the theatre until the very end. I can’t wait to read Lucius’s story!
Profile Image for Donna.
444 reviews
September 21, 2018
Twin grandsons of the Duke of Warrington disappeared as babes and are presumed dead. They were found by Larentia St. Albans, a spinster, who raised them with help from her father. She named them Maximus and Lucius and they had a good life with her until they visited London, where they discover they are heirs to a dukedom.

At the theater one night, Max sees Sabina Teverton and is attracted to her. Sabina is a little older and considers herself a spinster. Her mother, a widow, has always been mean to her so she lives with Lady March and the Duke as they took her in when she was a child.

Their grandfather insists they move in with him and their mother, Lady March. They agree if Larentia, the only mother they know, comes with them. Their father had died in a carriage accident while he was searching for his infant sons. As they were kidnapped, it is unknown who is the elder son and the Duke’s heir.

Their uncle, Lord Daniel, hosts a house party for them. Lucius takes to his uncle, but Max is suspicious. Sabina loves Max but feels unworthy. I won’t ruin the rest of the story as I will not spoil a good book, however there may be more than 1 HEA. I can easily recommend this book. It’s a keeper.
Profile Image for Lisa  Montgomery.
949 reviews4 followers
September 28, 2019
I would present this tale a 4.2 or 4.3 if it were possible to do so.

Ms. Lucas is a wonder in creating a story that is well-balanced in its emotional ride. She also is very talented when it comes to engaging the author with strong heroes and daring heroines.

There are quite a few typos and grammatical errors:

Split infinitives: to constantly be, to only speak, to not think, to supposedly has, to never have, to not let, to finally meet, to quickly change, to even attempt, to simply talk, etc.
Typos: "but couldn't the find words"
Spelling: alright (should be "all right")
One another vs. each other: Each other means 2; One another means 3 or more - "spoke volumes to one another," "respect one another," etc.
"between my brother and I" should be "between my brother and me" because "between" is a preposition and takes an object pronoun
Profile Image for Diane.
1,093 reviews
February 22, 2019
This book has it all. twins kidnapped shortly after birth, acursed heiress with 2 differnt eye colors, a wicked mother, a spinster who adopts twinsan evil uncle and a 23 year old mystery solved.
Coming to London, Maximus and Lucius are discovered to be the kidnapped grandsons of the Duke of Wallington. Even as they are being introduced to society, there are disgruntled peole working behind the scenes to cause mischief.
This was a fast read and you can't help but celebrate the love that the two main characters find in the midst of all the guilt and confusion. In addition, 2 secondary characters also find love. Providing a double Happily Ever After.
I received a free advanced copy of this book>
Profile Image for Rainelle.
2,217 reviews127 followers
July 4, 2020
When The Marquess Returns, by Alana Lucas is worth reading. Alana takes the reader into the world where twin boys Maximus and Lucias are reunited with their family. Instantly they are thrown into a world that they couldn’t fathom. At the same time of getting familiar with his new family, Maximus is developing feelings for Sabina, perhaps falling in love. Lucias finds his new life easy to get use to, but Maximus is struggling.
Alana’s writing tells the story so well. She pulls the reader in with the drama, between the two families. I recommend this book. I voluntary reviewed this ARC after receiving a free gifted copy.
899 reviews
April 1, 2020
This book was good. A very light read. Romance abounds. There is a bit of serious parts too. Its about twin boys Maximus and Lucius St. Albans. They were abducted at birth and really are the grandsons of the Duke of Warrington. There is a little battle between the brothers as to the heir will be. Maximus doesn't want it but Lucius is jealous of his brother and decides he wants it. It does cause a rift between the two brothers. Enter in a jealous Uncle who has been running the estate and you have a good story line. Recommend.
766 reviews4 followers
September 25, 2018
Very interesting Regency take on Romulus and Remus, with several twists. Mystery, treachery, and of course, romance. Very good story. I received an ARC of this book.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews

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