I enjoyed both of The "Trouble" books. I love that they captured my attention from the first sentence and I could not wait to see what happened next!
Action-packed adventure with a pair of kick-ass sister heroines mixed with intrigue, mystery, magic, and romance! I highly recommend this book and its sequel to all epic fantasy readers, especially those who love strong heroines and swordplay!
"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!
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.
Reviewed By Lit Amri for Readers’ Favorite
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 the story flows almost seamlessly into this one.
