Member Reviews
Sherri B, Reviewer
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. |
Sharla B, Reviewer
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. |
Michelle C, Reviewer
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. |
Betsy N, Reviewer
Penn is a charming and fun guy. He doesn’t stick with one woman for more than a couple of nights, but he’s so good-looking and nice that he gets away with it. At least until Avery shows up in their small town. She is sick of players and has vowed to only fall for a guy who is interested in a long-term relationship. That’s not how Penn operates so she just keeps turning down all his innuendos and invitations. But it’s getting harder and harder to turn him down. As she gets to know him, she learns that there is much more to his player reputation. And the more we get to know him, the more appealing he is. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review. |
Tracy G, Reviewer
My favorite book in the Dogwood Lane series! Penn and Avery met a few years back when she visited her aunt. They hooked up! They made a connection that night! They got each other, Years later she moved from California to live with her aunt because she was tired of being used to the advantage of others... be it her Dad, Mom, sister or boyfriend! She met Penn again but he thought he knew her but couldn’t remember. The had a connection. Penn was the daddy of “hookups” thinking he couldn’t/wouldn’t love because of who his parents were. Boy was he wrong! Not wanting to put a label on things they decide to be friends. Avery wants more but Penn is skeptical. Eventually he comes to his senses and realizes he can’t live without her. Great book! |
This was a really cute book! An easy light read, great for the beach or vacation. I loved the characters, and would like to read more of their stories. |
Bethany L, Reviewer
Trouble by Adriana Locke contains every element I love about Romance. I laughed, shed a tear, and grinned while ready Penn and Avery's story. Penn is sexy, funny, and arrogant with a heart of gold, and Avery is strong, resilient, and hesitant about giving in to Penn's appeal. But chemistry is hard to deny and these two have it in spades. Dogwood Lane is the perfect setting for this Small Town Romance. With colorful residents and a charming backdrop, it's the ideal place for these two stubborn, relationship-weary characters to fall in love. Locke has another winner on her hands! |
Trouble - you would think that the title is built for Penn, but I actually think it is a better fit for Avery. She is the perfect amount of sass for him. This book of the three actually had me smiling the most with their antics. I can't wait to see where the end up hopefully further in the series. Dogwood Lane is a fantastic place setting for this series. I love this novel especially for the story telling of the town itself and I can vividly picture it in my mind and image walking around the town and seeing all the characters. This book was my first introduction to Adriana Locke, quickly downloading the first two before reading this, but it could very much be read as a stand alone novel. I will definitely be looking for her other works. I love her style of writing and a great holiday book to read without too much to think about. Thanks for a great read |
Amy L, Reviewer
Penn has been a jokester through this whole series so far. I’m so happy he got his own story and how he finally fell for someone! Avery was the perfect match for him and I loved reading about these two! Would love a follow up on these couples a few years down the road. While the book could probably be read stand alone, I highly recommend you read the series in order. Especially to have a better appreciation of Penn as a character in this story. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/46660368 |
Debbie O, Reviewer
Adriana Locke has done it again! Penn’s story is amazing! It was great to catch up with some old favorites on Dogwood lane and get to know more about Penn and get to know Avery! This book will make you smile, laugh and shake your head at the characters all while swooning at them. |
Janet H, Reviewer
I absolutely love Dogwood Lane. These characters are so fun. Penn has been my favorite from the beginning. He brought out all my feels. I always love when I get pulled into the book world of the author and this author always pulls me in and keeps me intrigued til The End. I can't wait for more of this series. I hope there will be more. I highly recommend this series. But be aware that Penn Etling is mine. |
Robin L, Reviewer
This is the third book in the Dogwood Lane series. We are introduced to Penn and follow his antics through the first two books. You do not have to read those before you start this book as they are independent of each other. Penn Etling is a self-proclaimed ladies man and is not used to hearing no from a woman. Avery left her home town for a new start and is looking for a long term relationship and not just a fun fling. As you can imagine, when Penn turns on the charm, sparks fly. I love the connection that these two characters have. Will they come together or will Penn be shot down?? You will just have to read the book to find out!! I |
Marissa Y, Reviewer
Kindle Copy for Review from NetGalley and Montlake Romance. I received a free, advance copy of this book and this is my unbiased and voluntary review. Penn Etling is the hot local carpenter who leaves a trail of women along his path. He is not looking for commitment just enjoying the moment at hand. He will soon find himself drawn to someone who wants more than just a one-night stand, she wants forever. Will this player finally meet his match as she sees his moves? Will each take that chance at love or let the attraction be for not? Once again the guys of Dogwood Lane will makes things hot. |
I love banter! Good banter and this book has it all through out! I really liked the beginning and end of this book. The middle needed some help. There was a lot of back and forth with them struggling internally. I skimmed a lot of that because it was becoming repetitive. Then you start to get to the heart of everything and I really enjoyed reading Penn’s past and how Avery deserves someone to love her! “You’re talking about monogamy, aren’t you?” “Penn . . .” “I’m allergic.” “You are not allergic.” |
This was the first book I read by this author and after finishing I immediately bought and read the other books in this series. There is something so classic about a reformed "bad boy" and I loved that we saw Penn's hidden kindness all throughout this story (and not just at the end as a result of a good woman). Penn's good character is hidden beneath cocky vibrato, but is always present. And I always love a female lead with curves and confidence. This leading lady's back story is well written and I love her strength and passion for life. These two characters had great history and great chemistry and I loved their love story. |
Penn and Avery's story was heartbreaking and wonderful at the same time. Both have such awful backstories that are clearly affecting them in every way and I loved watching them work through their issues together and most importantly on their own. I love how Avery recognized her issues and used them to change her life into what she wants and only let them affect her life positively. Penn had more to work through but he had his closest friends making sure he didnt mess up his life too badly. I loved this book and really hope Matt's book is next! |
Krystal S, Reviewer
I love Penn so much and I Avery was perfect. I’ve been waiting on Penn and his story did not disappoint. He was such a sweet guy without even trying. Him and Avery make such a perfect couple and complement each other in every way. Can’t wait for Matt’s book 🤞🏻 |
Throughout the series so far, I've been waiting for Penn to finally meet his match, and Avery is definitely the one. I mean, I wanted to punch him even while I understood why he acted like a jerk. But I loved how his good memories and his friends played a big part in the story, and helping him realize he deserved love! Avery is absolutely awesome, and I'm glad they got this second chance! Now, I can't wait for Matt's story (and any other planned in this incredible little town)! |
Nicole C, Reviewer
Adriana Locke has done it again! Trouble has lived up to the hype. I have been impatiently waiting this book since the release of the last one! When Penn meets Avery for the first time he feels a connection that but he can’t figure it out. Avery, however, knows instantly that he is the boy from ten years ago, She’s disappointed when she realize he doesn’t remember that night So, when he tries to pick her up, she declines again and again until she finally gives in. But will he let his past dictate his future happiness? I would 100% recommend this to everyone. I can’t wait until Matt’s book!! |
Helen W, Reviewer
I got totally invested in the characters not just the main ones as well. Relaxed and enjoyable read with background stories to make the characters real and flawed. Follow the twists and turns making you keep reading and turning the pages with your fingers crossed for the outcome you want. I will be looking out to see if any follow up stories for the supporting characters and any other books by this author |




