Cover Image: Trouble

Trouble

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Member Reviews

Penn is exactly the type of hero I love to fall in love with. Arrogant, sarcastic, flirty, and someone you want to be with 24/7. Penn is also the type of guy that Avery has been running away from. But there is something different about Penn compared to the other guys she's dated. He has a heart. He doesn't care who her family is, he really clicks with her on a totally new level.

The problem is that Penn is a serial playboy. He's never had a girlfriend and he definitely isn't looking to settle down. The exact opposite of what Avery is looking for. Plus Avery has a little secret that once Penn finds out, he may never want to talk to her again.

Penn and Avery's story left me with a huge smile on my face. I laughed and even shed a tear here and there. Overall, I adored this book. Such a fun and flirty book. I highly recommend this series!

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From the start Penn just rubbed me the wrong way. He’s a man-whore and his “flirting” is based on one-liners leading to a one-night stand. And only that.
His jokes or how he talks to Avery made me cringe and I felt sorry for her that he didn’t recognize her, but she just saw the handsome, rugged outside. She was also hoping for the Penn from the past to reappear.
I did enjoy the first book, but this one was not my cup of tea. I skipped a lot and just didn’t feel the characters where good together.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this ebook copy in exchange for an honest review.

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I loved this one even more than book 1.
I have to confess that I don't remember Penn from book 1. I'll have to go back to book 2 to
see about his back story -and the other couples in Dogwood Lane.
I also was able to listen to the audio for a most of the time. I do love Adriana Locke's writing.
Such colorful descriptions. I love a character driven book, and the town of Dogwood Lane was definitely a character in this story.
I was surprised that Penn's manho ways did NOT bother me. As the ladies in Steel Magnolias say,
"There's a story there!"
Avery comes to town to get away from her mom and the Hollywood scene. Avery's mom has gone off the rails after Avery's dad leaves her mom. Thankfully, Avery's mom is just talked about in the story.
The chemistry is red hot between Avery and Penn. Avery resists Penn's charms. It just drives Penn crazy. He can't figure out why. Several years ago, they had a one night stand. Avery remembers Penn but does he remember her?
I love how Avery brushes him off.
Avery's aunt Harper is a great sounding board and a great supporting character. Matt is also a great supporting character. He gives Penn a lot of great advice. Penn is scared by his dad's horrible abuse
when Penn was young. Penn doesn't think that he's worthy. He has to come to his own realization.
He does do some sweet and kind things, especially to the elderly folks in town.
This was so fun to read. I loved the audio too. Rock Engle is so good. Absolutely great casting for Penn.
I have to say that I didn't like the audio/sound for Laurie West's audio. I liked it more and more as the story went on.
I will definitely reread/relisten to this story. This can be a standalone. You can start on this book-no problem. 5 stars!

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I voluntarily offered to review this book with no obligations and my opinions are honest!
This was a great book !
Avery knows that Penn is only good for one-night stand kind of relationship.
Penn wants to prove Avery wrong.
Let the wooing begin !
Loved the characters + the storytelling !
It has all the ingredients that you need for a great book!

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I really liked this book. The characters were Charming and well-developed. I enjoyed the dialogue and witticisms. All of the sub characters were great I laughed I was sad I was happy this book had all the feels. This was a Non-Stop read for me and it kept my interest all the way through. Thank you netgalley for the Arc in exchange for an honest review.

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Definitely my favourite book in the series so far! I loved getting to know the real Penn and seeing why he acts the way he does - but I wouldn't change it as he is such a loveable person. He is so adorably sweet there is no way you can not fall for him!
Avery suits him perfectly and can handle his one liners like no one else can. 
Some seriously funny moments that had me laughing out loud for sure. I love the Dogwood Lane family/community and I am very much looking forward to Matt's book from what we read about him.

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Wow...another great book by Miss Locke. This is the third book in this series and probably my favorite. I've been waiting for Penn's book and it was definitely worth the wait. I loved him and Avery together. Another amazing book.

Thank you Netgalley, the author and publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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What happens when you try to escape a life full of drama only to reencounter a one night stand from years ago? Trouble. And that's an understatement! Penn's bachelor persona was one that got on my nerves many times because I knew he deserved better but he could never believe it! Instead, he's trouble incarnate and pursues Avery in a sort of shallow caveman way and I am soooo happy to see that Avery has a backbone and refuses to give in to his chiseled body right away! You go girl! Anyway, I loved this! I know it's part of a series but I read it as a standalone and it blew me away! Nothing fills me with more satisfaction than seeing characters learning to grow away from selfish ways to become better versions of themselves.

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Small town contemporary romance about Avery Perry, the daughter of a famous actress coming to live in Dogwood Lane, and meeting up with her teenage one night stand the gorgeous and strictly no commitments Penn Ealing.

Penn has dragged himself up to be a carpenter working with his friends in the local carpentry business. He is immediately attracted to Avery, and wants a casual fling, but he doesn’t recognise Avery as the summer fling he has never forgotten.

Avery tries to keep her relationship with Penn strictly platonic, as she really wants an emotional connection too, fed up of being used by her family, and being pursued by men for those connections, she is looking for real feelings. Almost against her will, they find it impossible to keep their hands off each other. Can Avery confess who she really is, and their previous interaction, and can Penn let down his defences to welcome Avery into his heart.

Sweet romance, with some nice interactions between men friends too. I liked that Penn was basically a decent guy, who found his thoughtful and caring side for Avery, eventually.

I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and all opinions are my own.

Also posted on Goodreads

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I really enjoyed this book, I have never read this author before but will be looking forward to reading more of there books.

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Avery and Penn had a very good story. I loved how they felt similar feelings with the way they grew up. Oh my goodness, I think I smiled just about every time Penn opened his mouth. He is so flirtatious and sexy, with a little Southern charm thrown in the mix. Throw in a man who helps out others without being asked and keeps it on the down low - major swooning. I just hated how low he thought of himself, but treasured the talk his friend gave him. Then there is Avery, a fierce young woman trying to find her own happy place and be at peace. I loved her character and the way she saw the real Penn, but not backing down from what she wanted and deserved. I loved their ending and how honest they were in their feelings.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review from the publisher through Netgalley.

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Title: Trouble Dogwood Lane
Author: Adriana Locke
Publisher: Montlake Romance
Series: Book 3
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:

"Trouble Dogwood Lane" by Adriana Locke

My Speculation:

This was a good story that featured Penn Etling and Avery Perry. We find Penn a fun person that everyone loves, some more than others, not ready to settle down with any one person, but most of all, just a sweet person if one can take all of his smooth-talking.

After Avery arrives in Dogwood Lane, TN, where she is trying to get out of the famous parent's spotlight in California, we find Avery is wanting to build a new life for herself and wanting people to see who she is. But will that happen for her as she sees someone from her past that was ten years ago? Will, he recognizes her? As time goes on, will they be able to be just friends? What will happen when Finn knows he wants more with Avery but doesn't know what to say to her and give her what she wants? What friends will come to the recuse? Well, to get all of these questions answered, you will have to pick up this read to see how that will all come out.

Be ready for a good emotional ride that will keep you turning the pages to see what was coming next for these two as they seem to try to want to get it all together. Will these two be able to find their forever?

Complimentary copy for review provided by Montlake Romance Publishing. All opinions expressed here are honest and entirely my own.

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Trouble by Adriana Locke

Penn Etling is a charming ladies man but completely anti relationship. He has a softer caring side few people actually get to see. Avery Perry is new in town and Penn finds her very attractive but she’s not interested as he’s only interested in one night stands and she wants friendship and the possibility of a relationship. Many years before Avery was visiting the town and had a passionate one night stand with Penn but he doesn’t remember.

The book is well written and has an interesting storyline as the characters have quite a few underlying secrets now and in the past. It makes for an interesting read. Fun book about people and the secrets which individuals think are insurmountable but in life really aren’t and about the difference friendship makes when really people have already accepted you as you are.

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Really enjoyed this heartwarming, sexy, fun and action packed second chance journey filled with engaging charters, witty dialog, heart racing twists and undeniable passion. Was a great read from beginning to end.

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.75 Stars!!

When I first met Penn I knew he was the one I needed to know the most. There was just something about him that called too me. He threw humor and cockiness around, so I knew he was going to have some serious hang ups up relationships.

Penn has loved his bachelor life forever. He’s happy living the single life and has no plans of ever changing that. Yes he’s charming, funny and has a heart of gold. But underneath all of that lives a man who doesn’t believe he’s good enough and he’s a screw up. When he meets Avery, she’s a girl who might just be the one tame him. That is if he lets go if his holdups and lowers his walls.

Avery just recently moved to Dogwood Lane and is ready to finally find some happiness in her life. She’s tired of people using her because of who her family is and wants someone who will actually put her first. She wants to find that one true love, not a guy who just wants to have fun. When she meets Penn, she’s attracted to him, but she knows his game and she not falling for it. Or will she?

I loved the banter between these two. You could feel the sexual tension jumping at you as you read these two funneling through friendship to possible more. These two were exactly what the other needed. Now if they could just find their way, they might just get their chance at love.

Dogwood Lane is a town I could see myself living in. The small town charm and characters Adriana has shared make me love this place even more. I wanted more of this series and I hope we do

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I adored this book! Penn and Av were everything! once again Miss Locke delivers an incredible story!

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I really enjoyed this book. Penn was awesome throughout and I loved seeing him struggle and develop in the book. I love that Avery stuck to her beliefs and didn't just fall for Penn right away. I loved their chemistry and banter together and with the other characters.

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*4.5 Stars*

I have enjoyed every book in this series. Dogwood Lane is one of my favorite small towns, though I admit, I have quite a few. I'm a sucker for small town romance series. I was anxiously waiting for Penn's story after meeting him in the previous books and it did not disappoint.

Avery is new to town after leaving LA and her self absorbed celebrity family. Penn immediately tries to use his typical moves on her but she isn't having any of it. They both have very opposite ideas of what they want in life. While Penn stays as far away from commitment as possible, true commitment is all Avery wants.

Watching everything happen between these two is so enjoyable even though they both have moments that make me want to smack them. Seeing everyone else in the town, from the previous books, was so great. I especially love Harper, Avery's aunt so much! She knows just where to meddle, where to stand back, and I loved her personality that had me laughing out loud and rooting her on.

Grateful to have received a complimentary ARC copy to honestly review.

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Penn kinda stole my heart!

Trouble was just seriously amazing! I love Addy and her book world she shares with us. Her characters are always the best. Penn and Avery are golden. The universe was waiting to bring them back together.

Penn is trouble with a capital T! He had me cracking up with his self assured attitude. He makes me swoon and wish I was there being part of his crew.

Avery is a strong woman and I love every feakin’ moment. Her connection with everyone makes my heart happy. Her soul is beautiful.

All the characters in Dogwood are amazing and make you feel like you can be part of something special. I love it all! You need to read this book and get it now!! I promise you will love Trouble!!!!

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3.5-4 Stars --
Trouble was easy to get into, and fun to read the whole way through. I adored the small town, tight family vibes.

The relationship that blossomed between Avery and Penn was sweet, flirty, and was not short on playful bantering. Where I lacked full connection was with Penn's character. While he had a big heart and was full of charm (which I loved), I wasn't a fan of his countless innuendos and cocky remarks.
Still, I liked him enough to care about his journey, and felt he and Avery had an entertaining story overall.

If you love small town romance, check out Trouble, or the first two books in the Dogwood Lane series.


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**Complimentary copy for review provided by Montlake Romance Publishing. All opinions expressed here are honest and entirely my own.**

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