We finally get Penn's story! I've been waiting for his HEA since Tumble, and I was not disappointed in the least.

Adriana Locke keeps getting better with every book I read, and Trouble is my favorite book of the Dogwood Lane series so far. Also, I have to note that Adriana is one of THE BEST authors at banter between characters. Seriously. I can't get enough of it.

Penn Etling was hot as hell, cocky and confident, but he also showed a different, sweeter side of himself that made him even better.

Avery Perry was an excellent addition to Dogwood Lane. She was strong, sassy and smart: the perfect complement for Penn.

Ok. I'm ready for Matt's story now.

***I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy generously provided by the author.***

Penn Etling. I’ve been waiting for Penn’s story since he first made his appearance in Tumble. The witty, funny guys that have undeniable chemistry with nearly everything they come in contact with are the ones that always win my heart and he is no exception.
Avery, his perfect match really put up a fight against his wooing. I loved seeing her dish it all back to him and in the end make him see his true worth.
Trouble was the perfect third installment in the series. I can’t get enough of this small town and all the characters living in it.

4.5 stars

Ohhh Penn. He finally caved!!

While the beginning started off a bit slow, the second half packed a punch. Really exploring the things we hide behind and that hold us back. Lovely to be back in Dogwood Lane.

But now I really need Matt and Claire to get their own.

This is the third book and I don't know about you guys but I have been waiting for it, I love Penn and his craziness. He gets reacquainted with Avery but he doesn't remember it, ouch, however don't go getting all upset for Avery yet, see when he met her she was a teenager going thru some stuff so she was emo- black hair, dark lips and going by the name of Abby, so I get. He broke my heart with his feeling of worthlessness that he hid with his easy going manwhorish ways, yes at times I got mad at him when he would diminish he relationship with Avery which cheapened it and at the same time breaking her heart slowly but surely. He needed someone to hit him with a 2 by four to wake him up so that he did not lose the best thing that happened to him, and Matt did the job and I can't wait for his book I have loved him from the beginning. Enjoy!

Five Stars for ‘Trouble’ by Adriana Locke

Many thanks to NetGalley, Montlake Publishing, and Adriana Locke for an ARC in exchange for an honest book review of Trouble (Dogwood Lane #3). My thoughts and opinions are 100% my own and independent of receiving an advance copy.

Here is a synopsis:

“She wants something real. He wants something now. Together they’re trouble in USA Today bestselling author Adriana Locke’s sexy and funny twice-in-a-lifetime love story.

With his shameless grin and let’s-play swagger, carpenter Penn Etling leaves women wanting in Dogwood Lane. What do they get? Avery Perry knows: a one-night stand. She’s been there. She remembers every hot pulse as if it were yesterday. But Penn? He doesn’t remember a thing. Now he’s making new moves, and Avery’s not falling for trouble…again. Is she?

How could the beautiful stranger resist him? Avery is going to be a challenge for the bad boy. She’s the kind of woman who digs deep—deep enough to see there’s more to Penn than meets the eye. But first she has to give him a chance. She has to say yes. Could she also be the woman to make him change his playboy ways?
When these two come together, it’s hard to pull them apart. But with love and trust on the line, can Avery and Penn get what they both want? This time for keeps?”

Penn, in the previous books in this series, is kind of a funny character. He’s full of swagger and braggadocio that you’re not quite sure he can back up. But when it comes to his book, he is finally revealed to be a remarkable and vulnerable character who is equally matched by Avery, a newcomer to Dogwood Lane. This book is a slow burn in which Penn is slowly revealed to be an incredibly tender-hearted and kind man to those he loves but a very foolish man nonetheless who doesn’t believe he is deserving of love. He truly comes into his own in this book and becomes the book boyfriend and hero we all knew him to be.

Avery is the first woman to turn Penn down, much to the delight of Penn’s friends. She is also the first person to truly see Penn as more than who he presents himself to be to the world. At first, I think Penn is in it for the challenge Avery represents to him and then he slowly gets to know her and values her friendship. Friendship becomes something more but then Penn gets in his own way. Will he be able to fix it?

This is a beautiful book. It describes two people’s different difficult relationships with their families and the damage that does to them and their own love lives. The town of Dogwood Lane is also a significant character in the book as well and a welcome one! It’s absolutely delightful. I loved Penn and Avery’s story. I couldn’t put it down. Highly recommend!

I have watched Penn as a side character for several books now. He’s always been one of those guys that I roll my eyes at and move along. I did not expect to love his book as much as I did! I found Penn to be honest and worthy of his own book. The growth between both Avery and Penn was lovely. Watch out for the slow burn!! After reading the first chapter, you might wonder how on Earth a slow burn I possible, but Locke is pretty much a genius. Happy reading!

She wants something real - a tag line that could not be more appropriate. Adriana Locke I bow down to you. I have loved the first two books in the series but this one is heads above the others. True, honest, emotional and captivating are only a few things that come to mind after I finished the book. It captivated me from the opening pages and Penn and Avery's relationship had so many layers. Between the baggage they both survived through and the way they both made each other better is the epitome of the perfect HEA. You broke the mold Adriana - job well done!! This deserves more than 5 stars.

Adriana Locke has done it again! I fell in love with her writing a long time ago when I first discovered how amazing she is by reading "Swing". She has the ability to pull you into her stories from the very beginning. Her characters are so realistic, raw, imperfect, make mistakes and most have done things in their past that they aren't proud of. Meaning, her characters seem like actual people that you not only would know in real life but people that you would also want to be friends (or A LOT more) with. I never can seem to get enough of her writing. Like it was said in the movie Field of Dreams (If you build it, they will come) I feel the same about Adriana's writing: If she writes it, I will read it! She is an instant, no blurb necessary one-click author for me.

I have been looking forward to reading Penn's story ever since we met him in Tumble-Book 1. In the first 2 books he was hinted at being the ultimate playboy with the untouchable heart. We learn his truth in Book 3 and I absolutely loved learning his true story. I am a huge sucker for a small town, bad boy meeting the girl that eventually causes him to show just how big his heart really is. I knew from the very beginning that it would take a no nonsense, independent woman to cause him to see what he was really missing out on in life by not opening his heart. Avery was just that! She literally fell into his life,was able to see Penn for who he truly was and show him who he was meant to be all along.

One of the things that I love about Adriana's stories is having characters that are behind the scenes (like the hero/heroine's siblings, friends, co-workers etc) and getting just enough of their stories to intrigue you but not so much that it takes your attention off of the main characters of the stories. One character in this book that piqued my interest in this book was Matt. I do believe that he would be a definite heartthrob! He gave me one of my favorite quotes from this book:
"Being in a relationship with someone doesn't mean you promise to get it all right, Penn. It means you decided she's worth you trying to get it right more times than not."
I mean....Swoon! Penn definitely needed him as his best friend!

Penn and Avery's story was perfect for me. It wasn't rushed or have a lot of useless drama thrown in just to draw out the story. I really enjoyed following their story and seeing them literally both grow as individuals throughout this story. I will certainly be adding this story to my list of books to read again and again! A definite highly recommended book for me!

I think Penn might be my new Locke hero.
The southern twang to the tone is the kind of thing that dreams are made of. A smile that touches my lips as I revel in the idea of living in a place where voices can almost be forplay. Just one of the many quotes I highlighted. I enjoyed Penn and Avery's story so much.

Loved this book! We get to return to Dogwood Lane with Penn this time but don't worry all the friends make appearances too. He's the epitome of a flawed bad boy. The chemistry between him and Avery is amazing-you can feel it as you read the words. Avery didn't have the best life growing up either but together she and Penn figure out they might just have a chance at having it all!

Avery Perry moves to a small rural Tennessee town, Dogwood Lane, where her aunt lives to escape the plastic, narcissistic, and deeply unsatisfying life of a daughter of Hollywood. At nearly thirty, Avery is tired of living her worst life wanting to find a peace in a place where people are genuine. Ten years before she had an encounter with Penn Etling who is the town playboy. It has always been special to Avery, but she is embarrassed and hurt when he does not seem to recognize her.

Penn relishes his reputation as a bad boy and ladies’ man. His affable personality keeps things on a surface level because he believes that is all he has to give. Penn is drawn to Avery but she continues to resist him because she wants more than another one-night stand. Penn can’t believe Avery is able to ignore his charm and winning ways. As they work together on a town project, Penn and Avery have a hard time fighting the mutual pull between them. Penn feels he is not good enough for someone like Avery and is willing for her to walk away rather than take a chance on love. He convinces himself that casual is the only way.

While I liked Avery quite well, Penn is a bit hard to take. From the way he speaks, Penn’s age would seem to be more like fifteen rather than closer to thirty. He talks in crude innuendos, flirts continuously, and lacks any real maturity. There is only so much his genial persona that covers up parental baggage can account for without being difficult to take. Fans of the series will most likely enjoy this book. This third in Dogwood Lane series but can be read as a standalone.

Amazing book! Penn is swoon worthy, Avery is hilarious, as is Penn, their chemistry is on fire, and it makes you feel the whole spectrum of emotions. I don’t think there is much else you’d want out of a book! Definitely a must read! Ps. Penn I think took the lead as my new favourite 😱

4.5 Stars

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.

In addition to the novel, I loved reviewing the small-town vibe that the author created here. I loved seeing the friendship of Penn and Matt and Avery being so well received by the city.

Trouble is a lightweight book with no surprises along the way, but it's a beautifully written story with charismatic characters and a captivating story. I don't know if we will have more stories from this universe, but it is my wish that Matt will also win his happy ending in the near future.

The latest book in this series.

Penn is a ladies man, and doesn't want a relationship with anyone. When new girl in town Avery resists him, he doesn't know what to do.

What Avery is not letting on is that they have met before. She has moved to Dogwood Lane for a fresh start and to keep away from men like him, no matter how much she is drawn to him.

Can they both let go of their past and give each other a chance?

In Trouble, book 3, we return to Dogwood Lane with another great small town romance, this time involving Penn Etling and Avery Perry. Penn is the local ladies’ man, he is charming, loveable and all round goofball. He has never had a problem being without a woman, but he has a self-proclaimed allergy to commitments. But with the appearance (or re-appearance) of Avery, things start changing for Penn. Avery has had the worst luck with people and relationships, they always want something from her or her connections. She wants more and she is ready for commitment and she knows Penn is not the man for her. Unfortunately for her, she was not prepared for a very determined Penn.

It was fun watching the back and forth banter between Penn and Avery. Penn and his one-liners and not so subtle innuendos was really amusing as was Avery’s rejection to his advances. But as their paths keep crossing, they developed a friendship, especially since that was all Avery was willing to give until the attraction could no longer be denied. We learn so much more about Penn and what makes him tick and you learn he has so much more depth than what he portrays. It was wonderful watching their connection grow and see how right they were for each other.

Thank you Netgalley and Montlake Romance for giving me the opportunity to read this complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

***I received this book from NetGalley***

Holy smokes this book was amazing!!! This is now my favorite Adriana Locke book! 😍 Penn and Avery😍 You will not be disappointed with this book!!!

Oh Penn!! I have loved him from the beginning. His humor, lovable personality and overall good nature had me swooning. All of the Dogwood Lane books have been great but Penn holds a special place in my heart. Trouble can be read as a stand-alone but trust me, this series shouldn’t be passed by!

Avery came back to Dogwood Lane to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. The last time she was in town, a single night gave her a sliver of hope, but would they have that same connection all those years later? Unfortunately, they do, but not in the way Avery wanted it.

Penn may think Avery seemed familiar, but he doesn’t remember why. When his charm did not immediately work on her, how far outside his playboy ways would he willing to go? For some reason, he can’t get her out of his mind. Would he be able to figure out what he wanted before it was too late? Would their second chance work out better than their first? Something that everyone else could clearly see was a mystery to Penn! Would he be able to see past his inner insecurities or give up on the best thing he had ever experienced?

Penn and Avery’s connection was so deep; it was something that came natural to both of them. It was so great to see just how far Penn was willing to go!! By far my favorite book of the series!! Can’t wait to see what’s next for Dogwood Lane!

I am in love with Dogwood Lane. I love the town and the people. This book is the third book in this series and it is just as incredible as the first two. Honestly I think that this one might be my favorite but it is really a toss up because they were all so good. This book is about Avery and Penn. Penn is a player and he loves women and women love him. Avery is a lost soul who came to live in Dogwood Lane to try to make a better life for herself. Penn and Avery actually meant a long time ago and it was a memorable experience for both of them. Now they come face to face again. Avery remembers Penn and Penn thinks she is familiar but does not know why. He only knows he wants to be with her and spend time with her. What happens when he remembers who she is? Honestly pickup this book and find out because you will not be disappointed at all. This book took me into 2020 thinking very deeply about a lot of things. The one that really sticks to with me is that sometimes we can only be the best of who we are and if you love someone and trust in them with everything you have then that should be enough. (said in the book in a similar way and really stuck with me) Thanks NetGalley. I voluntarily reviewed this book in exchange for an honest review.

Adriana Locke does it again. This is a great story in the Dogwood Lane series. I love Penn so I had been awaiting his story and wasn’t disappointed. Pick this one up, you won’t regret it.

I am loving this series! Penn was a funny, complicated guy. More to him than meets the eye. Falling for Avery is definitely not in his plans. Trouble is the perfect title for their story. Plenty of LOL moments, great chemistry and a healthy dash of feels. I really enjoyed it.