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Lady, Thy Name Is Trouble

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Trouble is Tara Triannon's middle name. As swords for hire, Tara and her sister Laraina thrive on the danger. But a surprise invasion throws them into chaos... and trouble on a whole new level. Pursued by the Butcher, a terrifying assassin more wolf than man, Tara and Laraina must get a prince marked for death and a young, inept sorceress to safety. There's only one problem - eluding the Butcher has never been done. Aided by a secretive soldier of fortune, they flee the relentless hunter. Gifted with magic and cursed by nightmares that are all too real, Tara must stop an army led by a madman and fend off an evil Being caught in a centuries-old trap who seeks to control her magic and escape through her dreams - all while keeping one step ahead of the Butcher.

394 pages, Paperback

First published February 27, 2015

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57 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 - 18 of 18 reviews
Profile Image for Kitty G Books.
1,684 reviews2,973 followers
July 14, 2020
*Another #SPFBO book and certainly one I enjoyed on the whole*

This story focuses on Tara and her sister, a travelling mercenary duo of fighters and intelligence. They have travelled all over the realm together and appear to be inseparable at first, although as we learn more of them it becomes clear that trials face them when it comes to their futures.

The plot starts with the invasion of the kingdom that the sisters have been staying in. They are with the Prince at the time and manage to help him flee, but the Butcher is hot on their heels and as a famed terror they must flee through some dangerous terrain to get away. The plot moves quickly and they have to think on their feet constantly and add new people to their party to help them.

What I liked best about this is that although the book felt like it moved quick, there are some downtime moments where the reader can get to know the sisters and their motives and passions more. They each have their own troubles and secrets, and I liked that they weren't just swords, but actually had personality too. It's also very refreshing to see a pair of female sell-swords in a sword and sorcery story, and I definitely think that this pair had a lot of potential to tell many tales, similar to Hadrian and Royce from Michael J Sullivan's titles.

I definitely enjoyed this and I think my only quibbles came from wanting more mystery to the plot direction, and feeling like some sections could have been explored further. It felt a little like there were a few threads of the story pulled together at times, but in general it was a good read :) 3.5*s (7/10 for Spfbo)
19 reviews
March 10, 2015
As the name suggests 'Lady, Thy Name Is Trouble' is a fantasy adventure full of ups and downs. It doesn't take long for the action to start and continues at a high and exciting pace through to the very end. At times the book is quite dark and tense – with some sad moments too -, making the sprinklings of romance and humour all the more delightful.

I found myself developing a fondness for the characters as they desperately try to flee the butcher, a wolf like assassin who is pursuing them. In some ways the story feels like it's more about the characters and how they grow and change, with the rising Sulledorn army providing a means for this to happen. Even the butcher offers a lot of interest and mystery – at first he seems inhuman and invulnerable, only to develop towards the end to the point that you can almost sympathise with him. The main character also appears to be strong and undefeatable, only to have to face self doubt for what seems like the first time. These character arcs help to drive the story forward. Back stories are also trickled through to help explain some of the character's motives, but there is enough held back to leave you always wanting to find out more.

The two most interesting characters are the sisters Tara and Leraina – referred to as fire and ice with the looks and personalities to fit. While in the beginning they seem like your typical swords for hire, they develop in complexity as the story progresses. While their relationship feels unwavering at first - just like the characters themselves -, it later becomes apparent that each sister's own desire is in conflict with maintaining what they share. Their similarities and differences both leave an impact on how the plot and characters develop, and it was an aspect of the story that I thoroughly enjoyed. I can imagine many more exciting tales could be told about the adventures of these sisters.

The way the story is written particularly appealed to me; it flows quite nicely and is easy to read. It doesn't overwhelm you with descriptions and explanations, which is a problem that can easily crop up in the fantasy genre. At the same time there is enough depth there to help bring it all to life. It feels like you're jumping into the world and based on the encounters the characters have you can sense there is a history to it that is yet to be revealed. I would have liked to have found out more, but it is left open for the next book; Even so, the ending felt very satisfying. Can't wait for book two.

'Lady, Thy Name Is Trouble' is an action packed adventure containing aspects of humour and romance with an interesting array of characters.
Profile Image for LAWonder10.
953 reviews738 followers
November 16, 2015
Although the two sisters were very different - Fire & Ice - They were very close and committed to each other. They were excellent fighter because they were forced to in order to survive their youth.
Tara & Laraina were always a team. Is that going to change now, after all those years? New, frightening, and deathly milestones are occurring. This may be the end of their bonding or even their total existence! What will become of them? What does their future hold...if anything at all?
These pages of this historical fiction are filled with action/adventure, mystery/suspense, violence, humor, romance and creepy critters!
The characters are very well though out, and presented in a way they each feel real...even the creepy ones. There are situations and events that will titillate your emotion, cause you to feel anxious to assist, run & hide, and cause one to dream of the impossible. The scenes are truly portrayed well.
The Title is perfect for a sub-title but I feel the book would be more appealing to the "browser" if the series had a more attention-getting name. Had I not been sent it for a review, I doubt I would have given it a second thought by reading the title...I would have sorely missed an opportunity to read a truly great story!
Although two of the main characters are women, there are equally awesome male leading characters. The men will likely enjoy it, too! The Book Cover is very "fitting" but could include a couple of more background details. There are a coupe of sexual situations but not explicit. The is morbid violence, yet,the author does not dwell on that either.
This is a page turner and I found it very hard to put down before I was through it. A strong ending left the reader begging for more! I cannot hardly wait for the next one!

I was sent this book in exchange for an honest review, of which I have given.

Lori MacLaughlin
Profile Image for Sue Archer.
Author 2 books11 followers
February 27, 2015
Great characters, solid world-building – and a lot of fun!
If you are a fan of sword and sorcery adventure tales, then you are going to love this book. Lori MacLaughlin has created a wonderful set of characters that really drew me in to the story. I found myself caring deeply about what happened to them. The moments of dialogue were especially well done, with some fantastic humorous moments mixed in with the more serious events.

Female fantasy protagonists are often stereotypically drawn as tough kick-butt women fighting their way through a man’s world. MacLaughlin has instead created Tara, a swordswoman whose fighting prowess (along with her sister’s) is taken for granted by all the characters. I believe this is the first time I’ve read a book where the female fighter is better than the men and no one comments on it. Tara has wonderful depth, and the romance subplot that is woven into the story is both believable and satisfying.

I was particularly impressed with MacLaughlin’s skill at describing the setting of the story. She provided just the right amount of detail to make me feel like I was actually there, without going overboard. It’s clear that she has taken care with the physical details of her world and the various creatures that live in it.

MacLaughlin’s writing style is clear and the plot resolves well, while leaving room for further adventures in a sequel. I look forward to getting my hands on Book 2!

Note: This review is based on an advance review copy of the book, which was provided to me in return for an honest review.
Profile Image for Allison.
7 reviews
May 8, 2015
Lady, Thy Name is Trouble is an epic story that builds an interesting world, and even more interesting characters. The story quickly drew me in with the sudden invasion of the castle where Tara and her sister were staying and it took a while before the reader (or characters) got a chance to catch their breath.

The first of multiple books, Thy Name is Trouble, does slow down at moments, taking the time to provide rich descriptions that helps us to understand the land which the characters are traveling through. The characters are well-developed, and the interactions between them read very real.

There were moments of laughter, and times of sadness. All of the characters grow and change through their journey, learning about themselves and each other as they travel on their journey. I felt I was given a chance to understand all of the characters to some extent, and was left still wanting to learn more. Enough seeds have been planted in this book that I desperately want to read the next to see what happens. I look forward to getting to the next story, watching as the characters continue in their journey and seeing their relationships evolve.
Profile Image for Juneta Key.
Author 10 books41 followers
June 25, 2016
I am absolutely in love with the cover of this book. Beautiful! This epic saga with a strong female heroine and wildly fascinating hero/antagonist. I cannot wait to read book 2.

This story was different. You have certain expectations of saga fantasy, but the delivery and twist held me, fascinated me and drew me in. Warning, when you get to the end you will saying "damn" where is book 2. Hurry up Lori, we want to know what happens next and the secrets and twist implied in the wonderful first book.

You will read about kingdoms, epic battles, fascinating villains and hero's. I want more. Definitely, recommend this read for those who love epic fantasy, and even those who are not quite into it. Read it, stick with it and you will be glad you did.


1 like ·
Profile Image for Celine Jeanjean.
Author 32 books239 followers
August 6, 2016
A great fun and easy read. Lori MacLaughlin has created a rich and detailed world, in which her wonderfully varied cast of characters get into all sorts of trouble. The worldbuilding was stellar, I really felt like I was in there with the characters.

The main character Tara is a refreshing take on the kick-butt woman fighting her way through a man's world. She is acknowledged as being one of the best fighters out there by men and women alike. The story focuses instead on Tara's inner conflicts, and the decisions she has to face.

All in all I'd really recommend this for anyone who likes sword and sorcery and kick-butt female characters.
Profile Image for Kristy.
1 review6 followers
May 23, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed this first installment of what I hope will be a lengthy series! Lori has a phenomenal way of presenting a story that draws the reader in quickly. The lush descriptions of the characters' surroundings, the depth she brought to the characters, enmeshed in a truly captivating story arc makes "Lady, Thy Name is Trouble" a most enjoyable and entertaining read! I loved the mixture of bits of humor and romance tossed in to relieve the overall tension that was present throughout the characters' perilous journey. Can't wait to read the sequel!
1 review
August 21, 2015
This story has all the makings of a great movie. Engaging actions scenes that grab you from the very first page, interesting and multidimensional characters (including the main antagonist) that grow and change over the course of the story, tantalizing glimpses of the history of the world, high adventure, romance, mysterious locations, hidden alliances, all these and more are here. It even has a multistage climax that resolves the major plot points while still leaving you hungering for more.

Very hard to put down; I finished it in two days and am very much looking forward to the next!
Profile Image for M. Larose.
Author 2 books17 followers
April 2, 2016
I enjoyed this book, which delivers a well-written swords & sorcerers tale. I found the ending to be very satisfying, especially as the author revealed nuances of the villain's character that left me curious to see what will happen with him in the next book. I actually began to like the villain and am definitely intrigued to see where the author takes him and the women who are the heroines of the story. A good ending is very important to me when I read a novel and this book ends nicely, leaving a sense of completion along with an intriguing story-line to be continued.
3 reviews
May 15, 2015
I highly enjoyed "Lady, Thy Name Is Trouble". It kept me on the edge of my seat, and wondering what was going to happen next. The cover is very intriguing, and the characters very real! I can't wait for the next book!
Profile Image for Tatum.
78 reviews
May 14, 2025

I was quite reluctant to read Lori MacLaughlin’s Lady, Thy Name is Trouble, but I had heard of the book through the grapevine and was in need of more young adult fantasy. I did not own the book, and it was not in the library because it was new, so when I showed up to the Vermont Comic-Con and saw a table with the book, I decided to act. It took five months for me to pick up Lady, Thy Name is Trouble from my own bookshelf. However, once I picked it up I could hardly put it down.
This book has the perfect amount of adventure, humor, mystery, and romance any geek girl like me would want from a novel. Like any good story, the main “group” needs a diverse range of skills. The heroine of the story is Tara Triannon, the colder half of a soldiers of fortune duo. Tara’s sister, Laraina, makes up the fiery half of the duo. Together they must rescue the demanding Prince Kaden and his amatuer sorceress cousin, Aurelia, from his invaded kingdom to an allied kingdom. Along the way they pick up the old adventurer, Dominic, who becomes a father figure to both Tara and Laraina, and they also acquire the mysterious Jovan Trevillion. The group travels across the western kingdoms of Alltyyr in hopes of getting the prince to safety and escaping the hands of the vile tracker, the Butcher.
Their list of troubles goes from one extreme to the next during the day, such as going over waterfalls, getting stuck in a rock slide, mystical hallucinations, quicksand, and encounters with The Butcher. The pace of this novel moves quickly but is nicely balanced with night watches where the characters seem to get a break and have a chance to develop. The tricky part of novels like these is that it is hard to develop each and every hero of “the group.” This is where the author usually picks favorites to develop more than others.
Throughout the book Tara Triannon and Jovan Trevillion take center stage. The reader becomes well acquainted with these two characters since there is more background information provided about each of them. As the book progresses, MacLaughlin goes on to develop most of the other characters as well. I was surprised when reading to discover the Butcher is not the stereotypical villain and received a certain degree of spotlight. He has emotions and a destiny of his own as well.
Which leads to the fact that it is clearly evident that this whole novel was well planned. MacLaughlin is a self-published author and therefore did the majority of the work on her own. This is quite impressive due to the vast number of connected kingdoms, the detailed allusions to life before the events of the book, and the hand drawn map at the beginning of the book that basically blew my socks off. Lori MacLaughlin is a native Vermonter, so the details of nature and the characters’ reaction to their physical world were familiar to someone raised in this beautiful state
Profile Image for Lori L MacLaughlin.
Author 3 books25 followers
September 13, 2015
Reviewed by Tracy A. Fischer for Readers' Favorite

(copied here with permission)

In a wonderful new release, Lady, Thy Name is Trouble, by debut author Lori L. MacLaughlin, readers will find themselves immersed in the world of sisters Tara and Laraina Triannon, swords for hire. Both sisters are highly skilled at what they do, and they do their business well. But when they find that they are being stalked by the notorious Butcher, the one that no one has escaped from, just at the time when they are charged with protecting a prince and a sorceress who needs to work on her skills, to say the least, well, things just don't seem to be going in the sisters' direction. When a mysterious soldier of fortune helps them, and they are able to elude the Butcher's grasp, that's when the real adventure begins.

I loved this book. Loved it. Author Lori L. MacLaughlin has done a masterful job at creating an amazing female protagonist in a piece of fantasy, one that the reader will be rooting for all the way. I enjoy fantasy as a genre in general, but if the main character is a heroine instead of hero, I'm just that more intrigued. The author is also highly skilled at world creation, and writes with just the right balance of detail so that the reader will truly feel a part of the story and the world without feeling bogged down by too many confusing details. This in itself is quite a feat in a work of fantasy. Any reader who loves fantasy, action and adventure with a little bit of romance thrown in, or just a fun and exciting read in general will love Lady, Thy Name is Trouble. I'm happy to highly recommend this book, and am very much looking forward to seeing what the very promising new author, Lori L. MacLaughlin, has in store for us next!
Profile Image for EJ Roberts.
100 reviews2 followers
April 18, 2016
I have been reading fantasy since I was about 16. Let's just say that's a long time and leave it at that. With such an extensive background in this genre, I've been hard on indie writers who attempt fantasy. It's not an easy genre to write by any means. The intense world building and the ability to create characters and scenarios that are relatable is a difficult combination. Throw magic in the mix with its own set of rules and it can spin out of control. However, Lori. L. MacLaughlin balanced it all beautifully.

Tara and her sister, Laraina, continually get into trouble, but the way Lori gets them out is well done. It's nothing more than quick, creative thinking, but you can't help but keep turning the pages to see how it turns out.

While holding the perfect balance of magic, adventure, and action with a touch of romance, I found I could easily set the book down to tend to other things. That could merely be because I've read so much fantasy, because I would easily recommend this book to any lover of the fantasy genre. The world building was extremely well done and the reader could easily submerge themselves in it.

*I was given a free copy of this book in return of an unbiased review.*
Profile Image for Sara.
1,403 reviews166 followers
July 28, 2016
Lady, Thy Name is Trouble is a fantastical novel filled with action, sword & sorcery, magic and danger...even a little romance!

Tara is pretty kickbutt when it comes to her fighting skills. She is always getting herself in trouble, but when trouble finds her she and her sister can hold their own. They are underestimated which gives them a nice element of surprise.

Character-building and descriptive prowess are McLaughlin's strengths! This book is an immersive experience with the way McLaughlin describes the world and characters. Let's talk about the characters. Tara is one strong female heroine. I loved her. The secondary characters are developed enough you can picture them in your head. My only complaint was that it was a bit slow at times, but for the rest of the book, I can get over that.

This epic novel is a stunner! (Warning, it ends on a heck of a cliff-hanger!)

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Stephanie Faris.
Author 148 books100 followers
August 30, 2016
If you're a fan of fantasy and adventure, Lady, Thy Name Is Trouble is your book! The action kicks off from the start and continues throughout the book. Best of all, it has two kick-butt female characters that you grow to love! Lori wrapped everything up perfectly while still making you eager to pick up Book Two. Best of all, you don't have to wait, since Book Two is now available!
Profile Image for Tyrean.
Author 65 books96 followers
May 22, 2016
Just re-read this novel in anticipation of reading the second. I love the swashbuckling adventure, the strong development of characters, and the action-filled plot!
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