Member Reviews

Penn and Avery were great in this friends to lovers, contemporary romance from Adriana Locke, her third installment of the Dogwood Lane series. This book can be read as a standalone within the series as it features two new main characters. Told from dual perspectives, Trouble finally gives us Penn's story. And he definitely meets his match since Avery gives as good as she gets while simultaneously and completely upending Penn's precariously built world. Their dialogue and banter both are witty, hilarious, and fun to read as Adriana Locke navigates the both of them with precision among the chaos, low angst, and lovely storytelling.

As with the previous works in the Dogwood Lane series, the setting, storytelling, and characters are full of charm and effortless romance. It's quite easy to fall into these books and be transported away in the slow burn love stories by Locke. I'm entertained while reading them and in Trouble especially I laughed a lot at Penn's quick wit and goofy antics. I'm so glad for the woman that came into town to shake things up. There was something special about this couple and how their story played out. And as with the previous two, the friendships and secondary characters of Dogwood Lane play a huge role in the charm of the story.

Was this review helpful?

This was a sweet, funny book. Penn and Avery had such great chemistry and he was so sincere in trying to be a good friend. Their friends were hilarious and the town was beautiful. Can't wait for more in the series.

Was this review helpful?

So happy to start the year off with a great read. I loved how the relationship built up, the emotions were real and believable. At first I wasn't sure if I would warm up to our H Penn, but as I got to know him and see him become "real" with the h Avery I started to really like him and appreciate his growth. This story as was funny, but also dealt with some serious topics. Overall, a very enjoyable story. *I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and this is my voluntary and honest review.

Was this review helpful?

I didn't think I would like Penn but I just fell in love with him. In the other books he comes across as a player but there is so much more to him. Once you figure him out and he showes his trueself you will swoon. I enjoyed the banter between Avery and Penn. This is a sweet love story. I enjoyed getting to know each character's background and what made them keep going forward in life. Then seeing how this brought them together. Another great love story.

Was this review helpful?

Penn is lovable and humor right from the start. There is nothing not to like, but he doesn't understand that. He gets around. He doesn't believe in love or anything more than fling here and there. Avery comes to town and withstands all of Penn's advances. He's not used to having to work for a girls attention.

I loved their banter. I loved that Avery challenged him every step of the way. I loved that it wasn't cut and dry and easy to just be together. They both had issues to work together, so maybe friendship would work. Only Penn has never had a girl that is just a friend.
Maybe Avery could be something more.

I loved how this story wrapped up. It wasn't what you'd think exactly, but it was real.

Was this review helpful?

Trouble by Adriana Locke is amazing. What can I say Penn is the best and hot and all we can ask for. Avery is going to be a a challenge for Penn but oh what a challenge it will be. Penn and Avery are amazing and Trouble will be an amazing read that will keep you hooked? Adriana did an amazing job like always make sure yo one click.

Was this review helpful?

I read ARCs of the other books in this series and I remember really enjoying them, so I was excited about this book releasing! I saw it on Netgalley and I was able to read it without requesting it, so I grabbed a copy and read it as soon as I could! After reading this book, I can say that I enjoyed it a lot! The plot had me intrigued right from the first chapter and I found myself reading a few more chapters every chance I had! The plot developed at the perfect pace and I loved the relationship development between the two main characters! It wasn't instalove, which I loved, and it actually took quite a bit of the plot for anything to happen! There was quite a bit of sexual tension though and then there were a few steamy scenes! There also wasn't any action or suspense in the plot, but there was a secret that shook things up and added to the plot! The secret was quite big and it did change things for the characters! The characters were also amazing and made this book even better! Avery was the main female character, and in this book she had moved from a big city and a flash life to a small town! I liked Avery a lot in this book! I felt like I connected with her and found her to be a very likeable character! She also worked hard and was enjoying her new life! I'm not sure why Avery didn't tell her love interest her secret, but she did feel hurt in a way and she wanted to get to know him again! Penn was the main male character and love interest of Avery! Penn was a complete playboy in this book and he thought that every woman wanted him! Avery changed things for Penn because he wanted to know more about her and she was fascinating to him! Penn also hid a lot of feelings underneath his playboy act and he had been through a lot! Penn opened up to Avery more as this book progressed and it was amazing to see a different side to him! I loved that this book was written from Avery and Penn's point of views! I was expecting it to be because the other books in the series have all been written from dual point of view! It helped me connect more with both characters and understand how they felt and what they were going through! It allowed for more things to happen in the plot, which helped as Avery and Penn didn't spend every second of the plot together and were going through their own things! I'm not sure if there's going to be more books in this series because I can't find any information on Goodreads or Amazon about more books! There wasn't anything at the end of this book either! I really hope there will be because I would love to read more in the series! I still have all of this author's other books to read though, so I have plenty of books to read whilst I wait for her next one or find out if there's going to be more books in this series lol! The cover for this book is absolutely stunning and I love it a lot! It really suits the book and I love how well it suits the other covers in the series as well! The cover models are the perfect Avery and Penn!

Was this review helpful?

What can I say about Penn? He is a pile of mush wrapped up in a "tough" exterior. This story was all you can hope for out of a love story. It had angst, fire, love, and laughter all in one little amazing package. Penn and Avery are so good together. They compliment each other so well that it makes the book flow smoothly. I started this and before I knew it, I was finished and wanting more. 5 stars!

Was this review helpful?

Trouble is book three by Author Adriana Locke in the beloved Dogwood Lane series.

This is Penn and Avery’s story. If you have read the previous books in the series you are familiar with Penn. He is the fun loving friend to everyone and bed warmer to many. He doesn’t have an interest in settling down. He is very multi layered and there is more to him than meets the eye. He really is a sweetheart under all the brash talk.

Avery Penn arrives to escape her Hollywood life and famous mother. She wants a real life and roots in a community where people care about each other. She is tired of her superficial life and phony friends in California. She decides to move in with her aunt. She has loved being there every time she has visited in the past. Speaking of visits...way back when Penn and Avery got to know each other biblically. He doesn’t seem to remember and that breaks her heart because that night meant so much to her.

Penn decides from the first moment he sees her and she literally falls for him that he wants her. The problem is Avery knows that Penn is all about right now and she wants a chance at forever. Can they find their forever? One-click and find out in this charming and heart warming story!

Was this review helpful?

Another great book by Adriana Locke! It was great to see Penn finally meet his match!! I would highly recommend this read!!

Was this review helpful?

“That sounds like a dare.” She presses off the car. There’s heat in her eyes that I can feel in my blood. “It’s not a dare. It’s a fact,” she says. “You can’t woo me. I’m un-woo-able.”

I have to be honest. I didn't think Adriana Locke would ever top Peck in Crazy, but darn it if I didn't love Penn and Avery just as much if not more. Her eccentric and independent personality up against the oh so cocky playboy was an explosive match! This story was totally engaging from beginning to end. Every single character in the book was fantastic, and I can't decide if I loved wacky aunt Harper or over the top Meredith more, I am truly looking forward to more from this crew (Matt?????!!!) and all that Dogwood Lane has to offer.

Was this review helpful?

Adriana writes small town romance that wraps you in all the things we love about, well, small towns! It’s not all home and hearth though. They’re sexy and sassy, with bad boys you can’t help to love and so much laughter! I found myself reading Penn’s story with a silly smile on my face, Locke’s characters just...pop! They’re memorable and adorable, even when they’re not acting quite so adorably. Hands down one of my favorite storytellers of all time.

Was this review helpful?

Penn has solidified himself as a favorite book boyfriend written by Adriana Locke. He is up there with Cane for me, which if anyone knows me, knows that means a lot! I absolutely adore these characters and this series. I love the banter. I love the chemistry. I love the slow burn and the way the relationship develops. Everything about this story just made me swoon and left me smiling. I can't wait for more from this series and this author. I couldn't put this book down.

Was this review helpful?

I loved this book. It was my first one from this author and to be honest, I was kinda leery because of it. Had no reason to be. This was an excellent book. Very well done.

Was this review helpful?

5 Stars for this romantic comedy!

Penn has never been in a relationship and doesn't ever want one. Women flock to him and never say no to his one-night stands. When Avery was 18, she was in Dogwood Lane and fell into Penn's trap and they shared a hot night together. Ten years later, Avery is back and she recognizes Penn immediately, but he doesn't remember her or what they shared. There is no way that Avery is gonna fall for Penn again ... can she continue to say no to him? Penn has never had a woman say no to him before and he doesn't quite know what to do. All he knows is he can't resist the beautiful Avery and will do anything to get her in his bed.

Penn just killed me and melted my heart at the same time. He is just so oblivious to the real world of dating, but he has a heart of gold. I loved how Avery just gave it back to him and he just didn't know what to do. This book had me laughing out loud at the banter between the characters. The interactions between Penn and Matt just seemed to realistic ... I could just picture guys talking like that to one another. This is a great addition to the series and I highly recommend it!

I received an early copy courtesy of Montlake Romance through NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.

Was this review helpful?

I like Dogwood Lane. It's a small town, where everyone knows everyone forever and there's only a couple places to hang out. Trouble is Penn's book, who is a huge flirt and playboy. The girl to maybe finally change his ways comes all the way from LA, and won't settle for less than she deserves. Her name is Avery and they actually met years ago!

This is mostly light with banter, cuteness, flirting and friendship. Penn has a sweet vulnerable side that comes out sometimes. Other familiar characters are in this from the series, and I love Avery's aunt. And of course Matt, who it sounds like we should expect more from in the future! I loved Trouble haha.

Was this review helpful?

This was another great story from Adriana Locke. This series is so cute. - small town romance at it's best. She is a one click author for me, every time!

Was this review helpful?

Trouble that is what Penn is in in this book! He is such a great character and I loved to watch him grow. Avery moves to Dogwood Lane for a fresh start with her aunt. She wants more than the craziness in LA. She wants real relationships and people in her life.

Penn and Avery have a connection, chemistry and so much more. What I love about this book is the kindness and support Adriana Locke creates in this small town.

What I really love is watching Penn grow throughout the book. As he falls for Avery, what he realizes about himself is awesome! I love all the Dogwood Lane characters and how they welcome Avery into their world. This book gives all the feels! I could not put it down!

Was this review helpful?

Penn and Avery - where do I begin...

Well Penn is such an interesting character. You think you know him from the other books but there is so much more that he keeps inside - even from the guys.

Avery is a lot like that too I guess. She seems to be more open with her Aunt Harper but not 100%.

I feel like Penn and Avery are both kind of “lost souls” but in different ways. They brought together (more than once, it seems)to help each other be found.

It’s not a smooth ride, but if it was it would be a very short book! LOL

This was another great piece by Adriana! I can wait too see what comes next! Maybe Matt???

I received this book from Net Galley for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Trouble by Adriana Locke a five-star read that wouldn’t give you any trouble to read. This is number three in the Dogwood Lane series and they each tell their own story, they can be read as stand-alone, but I have to admit that I have read them as a series and loved them. When we met Penn in the previous stories I didn’t much like him, I thought he was the original trouble boy, the one all the girls would want, the loveable rouge pretty boy, not usually my cup of tea, but reading his whole story I have me a new favourite Dogwood lane boy. Avery was like a breath of fresh air for me, as a character I really liked her and her whole being, how she came to town and why she has come as well. They have a great meet cute, but is that enough? This is a great story and one that will make you laugh so hard, but there is also heart and soul in the story as well. Do not miss this series and do not miss this story.

Was this review helpful?