Cover Image: Trouble

Trouble

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Member Reviews

Trouble is the third standalone in the Dogwood Lane series by Adriana Locke. I have been waiting for Penn’s story and it was so worth the wait. I just love a man-whore with a heart who finds a woman to bring him to his knees.

Avery was over the fake-ness of her life so on a Wednesday she decided to move away from LA and by Friday she was on her way to Dogwood Lane to live and work with her Aunt Harper. She was there to be real. Real to herself. To be real with her job as hairdresser. To be with someone real in a relationship. Not to be with someone who wants something in return then to leave when they get it. And on her first day of work, he walks in. Her one-night stand from ten years ago. He was no longer a boy who fumbled through the night. He was now a man with swagger and a sexy grin. A man who makes her melt. A man who doesn’t recognize her.

Penn wanted her. Bad. The new girl had an ass that wouldn’t quit and a sassy mouth made for sin. The kicker? She turned him down. Flat. And that only turned him on more. she intrigued him like nobody else. He saw in her eyes that there was a chance and he would do anything for just one. And if that chance was only in friendship then he would take it. He had to have this woman no matter what he had to do. She was that awesome.

Aw...I love these two! They both don’t want to be judged by who their families are. They just want to be real even if Penn doesn’t see what everyone else sees in him. What Avery sees in him. A man who is so sweet, giving, and unselfish. And Penn sees her. A woman who wants something real. She wants to be happy. Together, they are hilarious with their banter. Hot with their chemistry. And deeper than I would have imagined. I have fallen for Penn over the series but damn...I have completely fallen now.

I can’t wait for the next book!! There are two single men who I would love to see have stories so who will be next? Hmmm....

Quotes:

“Look—if you’re gonna tell me you’re a woman who likes to skip feelings and get right to the good stuff, I might marry you right fucking now.”

“She just told him no,” Claire gasps. “Matt. Did you hear that?”
“Shh . . . ,” Matt says. “Let’s watch and see what it looks like when Penn gets turned down.”

“Every part of me hurts,” she says. “Parts of me hurt that I didn’t know could hurt.”
“Those city boys don’t know how to put it down, huh?” She smacks my chest.

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Adriana Locke's books are so steamy, if youre looking for a great time, read her books. they'll do the trick.

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Trouble is the third book in the Dogwood Lane series and tells the story of Penny, and I have to say that this book was a pleasant surprise and I really enjoyed it. I think it's easily my favorite in the series so far!

Penn is a cheerful, fun boy who can't be disliked. A stud from the small town they live in who is afraid of commitment. In his brief appearance in previous books I confess that I didn't put much faith in him, but here, knowing him better, he won my heart.He is a boy with a heart of gold and it was impossible not to smile and fall in love with his journey by falling in love and navigating this world unknown to him. Avery is a great protagonist too, and the perfect match for Penn.I loved how she made him fight for her attention, and I loved seeing her little by little deal with her relationship with Penn and the new life she was forming. Together they formed a couple that melted my heart and made me smile throughout the book with their sweet, clever and shrewd dialogues.

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I've read this book a while back but forgot to post the review - this story was (for me) about coming into what you were destined to be. Penn was a boy trapped in a man's body. As his relationship with Avery began to develop we get to see why he is the way he is. As for Avery; she really was a great person with a big heart. It was hard to read how she felt when he wouldn't "claim" her in front of the world.

But as usual; when both characters got their head on straight HEA was inevitable and I was left feeling happy.

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Welcome back to Dogwood Lane, Adriana Locke! And boy did she do it with a bang. I thoroughly enjoyed Trouble and can't wait for more from this spectacular series! Its the one I have been waiting for since I first read Tumble! Trouble was amazing!! Penn's story was everything I had hoped it would be and more, he's my new favourite from this series. Penn is the charmer who is full of one liners, cheeky innuendos and trouble (in the best way possible) with a capital T. But he has met his match with Avery and it’s one journey you don’t want to get off of, as you find out how these two fabulous characters get their HEA. Also it’s always lovely catching up with the rest of the Dogwood Lane residents and can't wait for the next one in the series, I am keeping my fingers and everything else crossed there is another book in this spectacular series. Happy reading!!

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Hilarious, relatable & unputdownable are just three words that eve begin to remotely describe my reading journey with 'Trouble' by Adriana Locke. This was my first time reading one of her works, and I'm pleased to say that right off the bat that I'm definitely going to be diving into more. Especially if they are all liken to Trouble.

Right from the beginning, I could tell that this book was going to be different to ones that are in the same genre, mainly with the reoccurring theme of trust and insecurity which does not fall to the woman in the story, but instead the male. A refreshing twist to see a more vulnerable, open, rawly sentimental side to a male character that isn't always written into books. It's good to see this side to a man represented well within a book.

Moving steadily through the book, I found the plot and storyline seamlessly entertaining, gripping, oozing comedy and innuendo at every turn (which personally, I absolutely love and tip my hat to Adriana for), which in turn made me enjoy every single page from start to finish. There are very few books, or authors, out there which are able to do that for me, but the storyline to Trouble was a beautiful blend of the ordinary day-to-day, with Adriana's creative flair mixed within to give a good, hearty, feel-good read everyone will enjoy.

Overall, I really and thoroughly enjoyed everything about this book from the characters and their progression, the rollercoaster to reconciliation, the laugh-a-minute double entendre from Penn, and a story that left me feeling good and happy after finishing the last page. This read is definitely one that everyone should read this year, as I believe it's a contender for my top 10 of 2020. I most definitely will be placing an order for a paperback!

After all, you can't just have one dose of Penn to feel satisfied!

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Penn, Penn, Penn. What shall we do with you?

He is impossible to dislike as a character. Even when he gets it wrong (and he does). But there is a childlike naivete to him which leaves him genuinely perplexed as to what is going on with Avery. Or not going on. Take your pick. And it was wonderful!

This series, these people, they feel familiar. They feel grounded. And real. And I want more. Much, much more. (Please and thank you)

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

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4.5 stars

I really enjoyed Trouble by Adriana Locke, it's one of those books you don't want to put down once you start reading.

The writing is well done, the storyline is entertaining, the characters Penn and Avery are likable, passionate, fun and the chemistry between them was smoking!

Overall, Trouble is a wonderful addition to the Dogwood Lane series and I highly recommend it.

*Thank you to the publisher via Netgalley for the ARC.*

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Trouble, that’s what Penn Etling is and Avery Perry knows it. Adriana Locke has given us another installment of the Dogwood Lane series that will entertain you. A second chance romance that is both heartbreaking and funny, Penn and Avery’s story will have you page turning.

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Adriana Locke delivered another sweet, small town love story. Penn isn't looking for forever, but he sure does find it. Your heart aches for the Hero and Heroine with their backstories and you fall in love right along with them. I fully recommend everyone to come to Dogwood Lanes and read about these fellas and their leading ladies. Penn's story did not disappoint! 4.5 stars!

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This is the third book in the dogwood lane series about a Playboy, Penn Etling and a girl who was tired of the one night stands and the playboys in general, Avery Perry. The both have met and had sex before but Penn doesn't remember. Avery is trying to find more meaning in her life other than one night stands and Penn is not about that but she was falling in love with him.

Did they get together probably, most likely, I have no idea because I dnf'ed this book at 43%. I was really trying to push through this story in order to give a decent review but I just couldn't. I wasn't connecting with the characters. They seemed forced and the plot kinda let me down because I was anticipating to learn about the fling they had or at least learn about a good bit about Penn's background before 40% of the story and that did not happen.

All I know is Penn is a playboy and his parents wasn't so great. There wasn't any in dept background detail to really understand him. The plot was more focused on Avery instead of Penn and the book description started up with Penn so I was expecting to learn a little more about him and not so heavily on Avery.

This story wasn't bad but for the reasons above I just had to stop reading because it was putting me in a reading slump.

I would try to finish read this book in the future and hopefully give it a higher star rating but for now its a 3 star rating.

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A great second chance romance that was entertaining and funny at times. Original characters. Beautifully written with a seamless plot

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This is the 3rd book in this fantastic series from Adriana and I knew it was going to be one of my favourites as I loved Penn from the minute we met him. He was hot, swooning and had some seriously panty-melting swagger. I also knew that it was going to take one hell of a woman to make him settle down and Avery was perfect for him.

Avery has moved back home from Los Angeles. She had met Penn before when she had a one-night stand with him but he doesn't recognise her when they meet up again. I absolutely loved Avery she was so real. It would be such an ego blow that he didn't recognise her but she wants more then a one-night stand this time and Penn will have to get over his commitment issues to win the girl.

This is definitely 1-click entertaining must read.

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If you've read the other books in this series you knew Penn was going to be special, and is he ever! If you haven't read the other books, don't worry you won't be missing out on anything. This is a complete standalone with each book about a different couple. We've just met Penn before in the other books and already had some exposure to his antics. Penn is the self-proclaimed eternal bachelor. I'd almost want to call him a player, but he doesn't quite fit that role. He just enjoys his single life and believes that he is not the type of guy to ever settle down. He's the goofball, fun-loving guy that everyone adores. Yes, he is hilarious and crazy, but there is so much more to him. I enjoyed seeing the layers pulled back to reveal the real Penn. He's kind, sweet, caring, and smart. He definitely met his match with Avery. It takes a special person to be brave and willing enough to not only peek behind the curtain, but to explore and want to stay there. This book was more than I could've hoped for. It's such a delightful and hopeful story. I highly recommend reading this story as well as the others in the series.

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This was a good book. I really enjoyed reading it. It did take me several days to finish it but overall great read! Thanks netgalley!

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Another amazing tale from Adriana Locke. I was impressed with the growth and development of Penn.

I love the small town charm and the recurring characters. Can’t wait to see what’s next.

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I love Adriana Locke’s small-town romances. Trouble is absolutely swoon-worthy and so much fun to read. I adore Penn and Avery, and I hope everyone has had a chance to meet them. Adriana is so generous and sent me a signed paperback AND one to share.

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What in the world. 🔥🔥🔥

This was so good. Not going to lie I was starting to get antsy because nothing had really happened between our two main characters. But once the sexy times hit, it was drool worthy. This is a major slow burn and the main characters were amazing. I really feel hard for this story. Love love LOVE. PLEASE EVERYONE GO READ. Thank you to Netgalley for sending me this for review. ❤️❤️❤️

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Trouble is exactly that. Penn has always needed his own story he is feisty, sexy, and always into something. He doesn't want anyone to know that he actually has a heart and has been through a lot in his life. When Penn meet Avery things change however they have met before and Penn has no idea. Avery has moved to be with her aunt and start her life over. She has her own history but she was a doll to read about. Her passion is hair and art and she doesn't need a man to help her with anything. However Penn is pushing the envelope and is trying to get under her skin. For the first time something is happening to him and he doesn't know what it is. But he can't get Avery out of his head. Will he remember and when he does will he bolt? Avery won't put up with Penn's crap and I love it. However can she handle all his baggage and hers?

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This is book 3 in the Dogwood Lane series and I would definitely read the previous books before reading this one. In this one we get Penn Etling and Avery Perry's story. Penn is the king of one-night stands and Avery knows this from experience. They had one, and Penn doesn't remember it. So when he starts making his signature moves on her, she refuses to play that game again. Penn believes Avery is a challenge, and that she is the one person who can see below the surface to the man he truly is. But is she the woman to make him change his ways?

I really liked this one! Penn is this guy that even though you dislike his way, you can't help but like him personally. There is definitely more to him than most people even take the time to see, more than even he, himself, thought he was capable of. Avery is the complete opposite of Penn but she is someone you definitely love from the get go. And you know what they say about opposites! The attraction is off the charts! My only drawback was the fact that he doesn't remember her. It kinda put me off at first because for all his player ways, he never really struck me as the type who wouldn't at least remember that he had been to bed with a woman. That part threw me. But on a whole, I liked it! There was laughter and of course drama, but above it all, a great love story!

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