TROUBLE (Dogwood Lane Book #3) by Adriana Locke is another great contemporary romance in the Dogwood Lane series. This romance has another of the lifelong friends meeting their match with all of the fun, sex and emotional angst I have come to expect in Ms. Locke’s romances. This book can be read as a standalone romance, but being set in a small-town all of the main characters crossover.

Penn Etling had a rough start growing up, but he is now the laid-back, fun loving friend who is always willing to help. He is a player, but everyone knows and understands what they will get from him. No harm and no foul.

Avery Perry has moved to Dogwood Lane to live and work with her aunt. She can no longer take the type of life she was expected to live in L.A. as the daughter of a movie star. She is excited to make real friends who want to know her without expectations. As she is attempting to hang a speaker, she falls right into Penn’s arms. Avery knows guys like Penn and she is not willing to go there. She wants a real relationship, not a one-night stand.

When these two come together the sparks fly, but is Penn willing to give more of himself than ever before and stop his playboy ways? And will Avery tell Penn the secret she is keeping and give him a chance to prove he can change?

I absolutely love Penn. His hard body, bad boy persona, but his soft heart are why all the girls want him and he is the perfect opposite for Avery. And yet, they were not opposite in their emotional scars from their upbringings. Avery is the type of heroine I like because even though she falls, she is still willing to pull away and stick up for what she truly wants in her life. All the secondary characters are fully fleshed out and many carry over from the previous two books.

In this series, Ms. Locke has written realistic and fun dialogue, sex scenes that sizzle and burn up the pages and characters in this small-town setting that make you want to be friends with them all.

I recommend this contemporary romance and all the books in the series!

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆
M/F Romance

Penn is the fun-loving womanizer of his group of friends. He is also a hardworking carpenter who is always willing to lend a hand or pick up a job. When he is about to take his first vacation in two years, Penn is interrupted when his boss call in a favor. Despite knowing he has earned his vacation, Penn just razzes his boss and says he’ll help out.

Avery is finding herself. She knows that where she’s come from is definitely not where she wants to be. She has fond memories of Dogwood Lane and being near her aunt, so she picks herself up and heads there. While working at her aunt’s salon, she runs in to Penn... again. He doesn’t recognize her, and she isn’t sure if she’s upset or embarrassed that she was so easy to forget.

Avery is keeping a secret from Penn and Penn is trying to woo a woman who knows all of his tricks. Can they see past the walls that they each have in order to climb over and find happiness?

This is a sweet, semi-second-chance romance that has hilarious characters and friendships that would make anyone jealous. I really enjoyed this story and hope we get to see more of them soon.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the third book in the series, and both the previous couples feature in the story. You could start here and go back if you want to, I don't think it would spoil too much for you. You will understand the dynamics of Dogwood Lane a little better if you are up to date.

Avery has come back to Dogwood Lane to start afresh. Her life in LA was shallow thanks to her famous parents and everyone wanting something from her because of them. She visited her aunt there as a teen, but since then has been too wrapped up in the banal – but no more! So when the beautiful Penn comes into her aunt's hairdresser's and starts to chat her up – with no memory of their first encounter several years ago – she is not interested. Not. At. All. She left LA to get away from the shallow hookup, and Penn has a reputation for exactly that.

Penn works in construction, enjoys spending his free time enjoying female company and avoiding all manner of serious. He had a really unhappy childhood; his mother suffered from addiction and his father was abusive and vindictive. So really, he has no intentions of settling down in case he is like his dad – which, yes, completely makes him a darling guy!

There are so many lovely bits in this book, little details which make you really only want the best for both of them. They definitely deserve each other, it is just them who need to understand that... and ideally at the same time. Locke makes sure that we feel the tension, cheer them along, and then smile the biggest smile when it finally all works out.

Very enjoyable read, I recommend it to you.

Trouble has everything I look for in a book. Small town, close friends, playful banter, cocky guy with a heart of gold, a strong female. I'm so excited to have finally read Penn's story! It was so much more than I'd ever imagined it would be. I absolutely love this series!

Trouble is the third book in Dogwood Lane Series, and it was the one I was wanting most since it's Penn's story. I have liked Penn from the moment he was introduced in Tumble, he's a charmer that's for sure, he's funny, loyal, but he also hides his true feelings. I liked Avery too, she's sweet, but cautious due to her upbringing. I laughed at the back and forth banter between these two. I'm loving this little town, and characters and I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

I received this book from Netgalley.

This book made me laugh and shake my head with it's antics. It's witty and the banter between Avery and Penn is perfect. It will have you rolling your eyes to the back of your head. But beneath that strong personality lies a vulnerability in these characters that makes them sweet. It humanizes them. Who doesn't want something better for themselves? Who doesn't build up walls to protect themselves? Who doesn't have self doubt from time to time? Even if it's the cockiest man alive like Penn. This is a great story with very good characters where their personalities are inverted and different from what you normally see.

Penn’s story is finally here! I loved Penn as the goofy side kick in the Dogwood Lane series. I’m so excited for his story with the delectable Avery! Adriana Locke’s writing is on point with this small town, slow burn, second chance romance. Penn and Avery will melt your heart 💜

For me, the book read a little slower that I’m used to for Addy’s books. It took me a while to read it since I wasn’t fully drawn in from the get go like I usually am. With every book, especially Addy’s, you know the best is yet to come and boy oh boy, Penn does not disappoint. The emotional arc hits you fiercely in the heart. It hits home that these two people are definitely meant to be. Avery is strong willed, independent and loving. She gives just as good as she gets from Penn. Their chemistry is chart topping from the beginning.

Overall, this small town romance hit me with all the feels! I hope you enjoy!

I absolutely adore the Dogwood Lane series by Adriana Locke and I loved Trouble! Penn and Avery were both great characters. I was so excited for Penn's story and it definitely did not disappoint. I can't wait to read more from Adriana!

Penn is so swoony!

I really, really loved this book! It was my first visit to Dogwood Lane, and I’ve since had to go back and read the rest of the series! Since I read these books out of order, I can absolutely tell you that they are all stand-alones, although I personally feel that you get the most richness from the overall community story threads if you read them in order.

Penn Etling is the confirmed bachelor, consummate flirt who’s never going to be tied down. Until he meets his match in Avery – new (again) to town, with a sassy wit, a creative spirit, and an amazing heart. Penn has never met anyone like her! Right…?

Penn’s character is SO well presented. You can’t help but love him even though he’s a bit of a player. He’s not jerky or dishonest, so it comes through as charming, with an undercurrent of true caring about his small-town community that he tries to hide beneath his happy-go-lucky exterior. Avery is here to escape her past and forge a new path for herself, embracing the small-town life with both arms open. I love these two together! A few war wounds from their experiences thus far, but they have so much in common (that they don’t even know!), and come out the other side 100x stronger together. A true winner, combining small town romance, witty dialogue, and sexy fun. What a perfect read!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC copy of this book, for which I’m voluntarily providing an honest review.

My general rating rationale:

3 – Perfectly fine story, perhaps some minor editorial errors. Entertaining. Typically with this rating I feel like there could have been MORE – be it believably/relatability, character development, internal dialogue, explanations or depth, richness to the overall storyline, etc. May lose a bit of engagement here and there but always finish reading.
4 – A very good book. Engaging, with well-developed characters, a great plot, relatable scenarios; keeps you invested to the last page. Would recommend to reader friends.
5 – Can’t say enough amazing things, loved the characters, fabulously detailed plot, a quick hook, intense investment in both story and characters (including supporting characters) throughout the book. Will tell anyone who will listen that they should read it.

this is my first book by this author. I must say that I loved the characters. It was spicy just the way I like them. And love was in the air. the characters had such sensual relationship. you couldn't help but love them. this will not be my last book by this author

This one was great! Penn was the happy go lucky one who joked his way through life until he walks into the salon and sees Avery on a ladder and catches her. There is something about her. She recognizes him but he doesn't her. She looks different than she did when she was in town before. When she was, he had just called the cops on his father and was a confused kid and she was running from her parents but they came together for one hot and steamy night that rocked both their worlds. Now, in present day, Penn tries all the crazy come-ons and they settle on friendship until they tip into more. This one was very good and I hope this series keeps going. Matt definitely needs someone!

**Received this ARC for review from the publisher via NetGalley**

Slow in the beginning, but overall an enjoyable and sweet and steamy romance. The characters were likeable and there was good chemistry between Penn and Avery.

I really, really enjoyed Trouble! Trouble is the third book in the Dogwood Lane series by Adriana Locke and dare I say is my favorite in the series! This book follows Avery and Penn. Avery comes to Dogwood Lane to get a fresh start in life and Penn... well, Penn is a player with a capital P. A few years before the book takes place, Avery and Penn meet each other. Now, Avery and Penn are brought together again. Avery remembers Penn and the time they met all those years ago but Penn doesn't remember Avery, he just feels a very strong connection to her and wants to be with her. But, what happens when Penn remembers who she is? Guess you'll have to read and find out, folks! I definitely recommend this for anyone looking for a sweet, small-town romance!

Happy reading!

~ Grace

I just love Adriana Locke's books. Full of small town charm, delicious characters and witty dialogue.
This is another must read contemporary romance.

I loved Penn's sharp but vulnerable personality and he's a true dream book boyfriend!

4 Stars / 2 Steam Fans

Penn's story was a story I was looking forward to reading in the Dogwood Lane series. Penn is a playboy with a reputation for sleeping around. However, when Avery arrives in Dogwood Lane Penn feels an instant connection to Avery. Come to find out Avery and Penn have more of a relationship than just the instant attraction they think they are feeling. I enjoyed their journey to finding love even though there were moments that I thought the dialogue was over the top and cheesy.
I am looking forward to reading more about other characters of Dogwood Lane.

Video review available in Week 9 Feb 23 – 29 weekly book reviews.

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Trouble is the 3rd in the Dogwood Lane trilogy but I did not read the rest of them before this, and I do not think it is necessary to read them in order.
This was a nice, romantic story about a guy who refuses to ever settle down and the daughter of a famous actress, who moved to a small town to get away from LA. Their love seemed very real and sincere, not too fast and the right amount of chemistry.
I recommend the book.

Loved this book so much!! Anything Adriana Locke writes instantly becomes my favorite. She gives me a "Book Hangover" every time!

Trouble by Adriana Locke is the story of Penn Etling and Avery Perry. Penn is the sexy town charmer who could win the gold if flirting was an Olympic sport. I fell in love with his character in the previous books of the Dogwood Lane series. Avery moves to Dogwood Lane from Hollywood, hoping to escape the spotlight from having famous parents. She visited Dogwood Lane ten years before and it represented what she always wanted, something real. It also has Penn Etling for a resident and since the two had a one-night stand while she was there, Avery is hoping for a rekindling. Of course, Penn doesn't remember her. Oh, Penn! There's nothing worse than having slept with someone and harbored feelings for them, only to find out they don't remember you.

Penn does find Avery familiar, but he doesn't remember their encounter. He decides he wants her, however, she isn't too thrilled, he doesn't remember her so it's a no for her. She sets down a ground rule of being friends only. Seeing Penn trying to change her mind was pretty funny. It's a slow burn going from friendship to more, but so worth the ride.

On a side note, I loved Penn in the previous two books. It's obvious there is much more to him than meets the eye. Having said that, I feel his character development in Trouble was limited. I don't want to take away from the book. I love Adriana Locke's work. I just felt like Penn's character got lost in his reputation and the constant innuendo he's famous for. I get there's hidden layers and he doesn't feel worthy of love yet somehow I wanted to see more. I don't know, maybe I'm being too critical.

I recommend Trouble for anyone who loves small-town romance. Adriana Locke is a master at making you feel you're apart of the characters' lives and I have to say I want to move to Dogwood Lane lol. I give four stars to Trouble and I can't wait for Ms. Locke's next book.

4 Stars
Review by Lisa
Late Night Support Group
Up All Night With Books Blog

Trouble aka Penn, is nothing but trouble. Trouble is the third story in the Dogwood Lane series by Adriana Locke. There is just something about this story that makes the heart swoon. This story can be read as a standalone but so much more enjoyable reading them in order, as we get to meet Penn earlier in the series and during his story, we get to visit our previous friends too.

Penn and Avery's story is almost a second chance story. But not in the traditional sense. Sometimes life can be hard and we get that second chance at life. And when Avery and Penn meet, chemistry flies along with can't help yourself verbal sparring.

Adriana Locke has brought amazing stories for this small-town romance series. So well written that you will fall in love with these characters right from the start to the very last page. Such a sweet romance that has realistic situations.

This book was so harmless and lovely and just right. Only reason it took me more then two days is because I was so busy.
I really like how although this is a romance book - and a really lovely enjoyable one at that - it also touches upon some slightly deeper issues. I love the story cantering around self acceptance and self worth they’re really important.
Honestly I think I would have preferred a little more of the couple scenes however I still enjoyed the book.
The chemistry between the main two was fabulous!

This is my first book from this author and I thought the story sweet and funny. I had a hard time getting into the story at first that's why I'm giving the book four stars.

I received a free ARC from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. All thoughts are my own.