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Trouble By Any Other Name

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Tara Triannon is no stranger to trouble. She's yet to find an enemy her skill with a sword couldn't dispatch. But how can she fight one that attacks through her dreams?

With her nightmares worsening, Tara seeks answers but finds only more questions. Then her sister, Laraina, reveals a stunning secret that forces Tara to go to the one place Tara's sworn never to return to. Her troubles multiply when Jovan Trevillion, the secretive soldier of fortune who stole her heart, is mentally tortured by an ancient Being intent on bending him to its will. And worst of all, the Butcher -- the terrifying wolf-like assassin she thought she'd killed -- survived their duel and is hunting her again.

Hounded by enemies, Tara sets out on a harrowing quest to discover the true nature of who she is, to come to grips with the new volatility of her magic, and to defeat the evil locked in a centuries-old trap that will stop at nothing to control her magic and escape through her nightmares.

500 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 16, 2016

2 people are currently reading
18 people want to read

About the author

Lori L. MacLaughlin

3 books25 followers
Lori L. MacLaughlin traces her love of fantasy adventure to Tolkien and Terry Brooks, finding The Lord of the Rings and The Sword of Shannara particularly inspirational. She's been writing stories in her head since she was old enough to run wild through the forests on the farm on which she grew up.
She has been many things over the years – tree climber, dairy farmer, clothing salesperson, kids' shoe fitter, retail manager, medical transcriptionist, journalist, private pilot, traveler, wife and mother, Red Sox and New York Giants fan, muscle car enthusiast and NASCAR fan, and a lover of all things Scottish and Irish.
When she's not writing (or working), she can be found curled up somewhere dreaming up more story ideas, taking long walks in the countryside, or spending time with her kids. She lives with her family in northern Vermont.

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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
Profile Image for Juneta Key.
Author 10 books41 followers
June 25, 2016
The story picks up right after the celebration where she ended the first book, "Lady, Thy Name is Trouble".

We are immediately plunged deeper into the story with Tara using her gift without really understanding it or how to control it, something she has been warned not to do, but her sister's husband is dying. I love the feel of the never-ending story we get as we begin the second book.

In the first book we met Captain Natiere, the Butcher who our heroine barely defeats, or did she, because he and his wolves are back, but he is not the only enemy to contend with.

Tara's gift is one of healing but using it she risks her life and opens a door to great evil through her dreams. She saves a life but at what cost to the rest of the world? And if that is not bad enough you have ancient wizards entering the game friend or foe, and quickly becomes clear they are not a friend.

Tara makes a decision to the mounting danger away from her sister and her husband's kingdom since it appears the danger is directly related her past and her mother.

There are many questions in this story her companion and new love is keeping things from her, should she trust him or does he have another agenda as well?

The story is one long adventure with a surprise around every corner and some unexpected results. A grand adventure. Everything I love about high fantasy.

If you have not read the first book in this series, Lady, Thy Name is Trouble you should the adventure flows almost seamlessly into this one.

Merged review:

The story picks up right after the celebration where she ended the first book, "Lady, Thy Name is Trouble".

We are immediately plunged deeper into the story with Tara using her gift without really understanding it or how to control it, something she has been warned not to do, but her sister's husband is dying. I love the feel of the never-ending story we get as we begin the second book.

In the first book we met Captain Natiere, the Butcher who our heroine barely defeats, or did she, because he and his wolves are back, but he is not the only enemy to contend with.

Tara's gift is one of healing but using it she risks her life and opens a door to great evil through her dreams. She saves a life but at what cost to the rest of the world? And if that is not bad enough you have ancient wizards entering the game friend or foe, and quickly becomes clear they are not a friend.

Tara makes a decision to the mounting danger away from her sister and her husband's kingdom since it appears the danger is directly related her past and her mother.

There are many questions in this story her companion and new love is keeping things from her, should she trust him or does he have another agenda as well?

The story is one long adventure with a surprise around every corner and some unexpected results. A grand adventure. Everything I love about high fantasy.

If you have not read the first book in this series you should, Lady, Thy Name is Trouble the story flows almost seamlessly into this one.
1 like ·
Profile Image for Lori L MacLaughlin.
Author 3 books25 followers
August 25, 2016

Reviewed by Lit Amri for Readers' Favorite

(copied here with permission)

The adventure of Tara Triannon continues in Trouble by Any Other Name by Lori L. MacLaughlin. The story carries on from where the first book in the series, Lady, Thy Name is Trouble, ended. The evil presence haunting Tara’s dreams and mind is getting stronger, and it seems it’s just a matter of time before it is able to fully engulf Tara in darkness. Tara’s sister, Laraina, decides to tell her a family secret, one that holds a clue to Tara’s hidden past. To find more answers, Tara has to revisit some places that she'd rather not go, where she discovers more truth about the realm’s ancient race, wars, and old gods.

It’s a great joy to join Tara and Jovan again in their adventures, as well as meet other memorable characters in the world filled with ancient magic and mysteries. MacLaughlin maintains her clear cut prose and, just like its predecessor, the plot is well written, and has some solid twists for the readers. Tara’s old enemy, the Butcher, is back and new enemies are emerging. Her relationship with Jovan is tested by dangers and an issue of trust. The characters’ development is kept on an upward trend, which is another strong point of the story. All in all, Trouble by Any Other Name is highly enjoyable and engaging. Fans of the series will not be disappointed. It is definitely another commendable work from MacLaughlin. I loved the ending and I look forward to see how the story continues.
3 reviews
June 15, 2016
"Trouble By Any Other Name" is a perfect sequel to Book 1, "Lady, Thy Name Is trouble". The moonlit scene on the cover beckons you to follow Tara on her continuing journey to find the answer to her quest. Its forty-one chapters are filled with action, excitement, humor and romance. This book is even more spell-binding than the first. It keeps you wondering what is going to happen next. The author has a knack for writing descriptions of people, places and things that brings every scene to life and makes you feel like you're there. The companions who accompany Tara on her journey become very real, each adding their own individual personality. The ending ties everything together from both books, and yet leaves the door open to what the future might hold. Books 1 and 2 would make fantastic movies!
Profile Image for Tyrean.
Author 63 books96 followers
June 2, 2016
Wow! I just finished this book a few minutes ago, so that's the main thought in my head - just "wow!"
I think the second book in this series may have been even better than the first because of the deepening complexities of character development and plot twists. The world-building, action, narrative, dialogue, description, and plotting was excellent! Lori L. MacLaughlin is an amazing writer!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews

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