Although this is not my first book by this author, this is my first book from this series. I wasn’t sure I was going to like Penn as he seemed extremely gigolo-ish but as I continued to read and found out his background, I understood his insecurities. I loved that Avery was mature enough to know what she wanted from a relationship and didn’t settle. There was a wonderful dynamic between Penn and Avery as well as all the secondary characters. I loved Matt and hopes he gets a story. An engaging read.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Montlake Romance for providing this free advanced ebook copy in exchange for an honest review!

I was so excited to read this newest romance from Adriana Locke, seeing as I just binged Crank (Gibson Boys #1) a week earlier and finding this on NetGalley was an amazing surprise. It’s a small-town romance featuring Penn and Avery. Penn is a cute little muffin from page one, with tier one flirting and a heart of gold. His pick-up lines are as cheesy as they are sweet and swoon-worthy, but he's allergic to monogamy. Enter Avery: she’s a daughter of a famous actress and up-and-moves from LA to Tennessee - who does that? But she is a strong 30 year old woman who had her reasons and knew what she needed - someone to care about her for her, not to just climb the social ladder.

This romance between Penn and Avery starts from the very beginning (maybe even before the beginning) and develops into a healthy and realistic romance that other romance writers should pay attention to. I loved this book so much because it didn't have a huge "twist" like so many romance books try to pull off, and also it features a realistic relationship, one which communication problems occurred but didn't have you yelling at the characters to JUST TALK TO EACH OTHER (like I do a lot nowadays). I also enjoyed the cast of supporting characters: Dane, MATT, Harper, and Claire and hope to see these characters in more stories to come (definitely reading the other two Dogwood Lane stories that were previously released!) I also loved how the plot was focused on the two of them, their struggles together and apart, their personal troubles, and didn’t over-complicate the story with twists and turns that didn’t belong. It gave the story time to make their relationships and chemistry believable.

I think that the ending 10% of the story needed to be shorter, and could have been much more condensed, but overall it was a highly-enjoyable, binge-able realistic romance that will have me reaching for more of this author’s books in the future!

I really like this series - light drama but still good stories. I was surprised the heroine wasn’t a different character given the ending of the previous book, but this heroine worked out better.

I am utterly smitten with Dogwood Lane.

A sucker for these sort of quirky, small town stories - my heart is delighted every time I get to go back and visit this charming little town and its colorful cast of delightful characters.

And then?

Enter Penn Etling.

And now my heart doesn't even know what to do with itself. It's in a full-on swoon. And that's despite the fact that I wanted to knock him upside the head a couple times (an urge that was satisfied by some equally wonderful secondary characters in this story). Y'all this is the cutest, sweetest, most banterific thing ever. I smiled so hard. I laughed out loud. And I fell in love with Penn and Avery as they fell in love with each other.

I adored Avery too. She's the perfect match for Penn and I admired her commitment to herself and the way she was never willing to sacrifice her own dreams or self worth for Penn. And yet, she was patient and understanding and strong enough to walk him through uncharted territories. I loved the subtle emphasis on how equally they shouldered the load. This was just a completely lovely love story.

On top of that? The secondary character game is still so very strong. The banter between Avery and Penn was fantastic, but the banter between Pen and his friends was even better. Ms. Locke writes these characters with such an authentic voice, I wanted to pull up a chair and join them at the table - laughing, making fun, and reveling in their friendships.

Trouble is another Dogwood Lane hit for me. It's that perfect mixture of humor, heart, and heat that keeps me coming back for more, and leaves me happy and satisfied in the end. If you haven't been introduced to this fantastic series yet, this seems like the perfect time to start!

Trouble is that book, that has instantaneous witty banter. It reels you in, with the one of a kind dialogue. I just struggled a tad with the development. I will say it is some what of a slow burn, but I struggled with the end of the beginning through the middle of the book. There was so much back and forth and self doubt, that it seemed repetitive. Personally, I think it brought the story down. I feel like it didn't set the pace of what this author was going for. Not only that, I feel as if the main Hero was immature in the ways he handled himself. Other than that, I did like the book. The chemistry was there. The secondary characters were a huge help in many ways, the were adventurous and supportive. The plot was not some big crazy thing, which made for a nice change of pace. Overall, I am glad I gave his story a chance.

Avery has set certain goals, that she plans to achieve. She has her reasons as to why she does what she does, and she is not going to let anyone change that. She is smart, and artsy. Friendly, and can banter with the best.

Penn is on a whole different breed. He is extremely outgoing, and friendly. Conceited, actually very conceited, but has a heart of gold. He would do anything for anyone with no questions asked.

When Penn and Avery come together, they are a force to be reckoned with. Can Avery and Penn have more that they ever dreamed possible?

*I recommend this book.

I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Just like the first two books in Dogwood Lane, Trouble was cute enough. In it, you will meet Penn and Avery. They were cute enough and I liked that Avery made Penn work for everything - like her attention. It wasn't easily given and there was nothing insta-y about their relationship. As a couple, they were it, goals, and more. Wasn't expecting to like them so much but glad that I got this ARC!

Definitely fell in love with these two falling in love with one another. No drama/surprises that annoyed me throughout the book. It was just really cute and made me swoon.

⁣The Golden Bad Boy of Dogwood Lane!⁣
⁣
Penn Etling puts all the other Dogwood boys to shame! I’ve read every book written by Adriana and 𝘗𝘦𝘯𝘯 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘨𝘰𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘧𝘢𝘷𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘢𝘭𝘭...𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐞𝐜𝐤 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐧 🤭 ⁣
⁣
Yes, I know that is 𝐛𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐮𝐬.⁣
⁣
There’s just something about a tatted up bad boy with a heart of gold. This story gives you all the feels. I have never laughed so much one minute and swooned the next as I did reading this book.⁣
⁣
Avery is an amazingly well written character with her realistic outlook on life that’s caused her to view the world for what it is. She’s driven and determined to be who she truly is.⁣
⁣
Then we have Penn, the quintessential playboy, but also the man who looks out for the little old lady everyone loves. I love that he is hard working and a loyal friend. Paired together, they are 𝘮𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘤!⁣
⁣
Their chemistry and friendly, often times sarcastic, banter is 𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐘𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐆! They compliment one another so well. ⁣
⁣
Just when I think Adriana can’t get any better with her characters, she knocks another one out of the park. Being the 𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐓𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 should definitely be the title given. This book was every Hallmark movie I’ve ever seen with the added sexual innuendos and off the charts sexy time we are all dying to witness. ⁣
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Hats off to you Adriana!

Penn Etling just ruined my world..and I fn’ loved it!

Trouble brings us back to the wonderful world of Dogwood Lane, and it is my favorite book in the series so far! Each book gets better and better.

I loved the relationship between Penn and Avery, and Penn and Matt, and Penn and Dane, and Penn and... okay maybe I just loved Penn once he stopped the constant innuendo. He takes a real journey on the love train to find out his views of himself and relationships maybe aren't as hard coded as he thought. There is hilarious banter, serious sparks, and lots of familiar favorites from the previous books.

Review posted on Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3109287218)

Adriana Locke writes the best romance novels. I loved reading this story of what one may call I forgotten love. The pair come together after many years apart and the sparks are flying. Penn at first doesn’t realise the Avery is the girl he spent one incredible night with all those years ago. He also finds it difficult to express his feelings and feel self worth.
This was a delightful read with a happy ending that leaves you smiling

I actually didn’t want this one I accidentally requested it and it came on my Netgalley. I have a lot of ARC’s to get through but I’m sure I’ll come back to this one in a few months

Oh Penn, how I adore you.

I really liked this book. Both characters were flawed in their own way but yet they were so much fun and the banter was off the charts.

Penn is this playboy who owns it. Everything out of his mouth has some sort of sexual reference. He is just a fun guy and when he sets his sights on you, you don't stand a chance. I loved watching this self proclaimed fun single guy start to have feelings and be jealous but yet not even realize it. It was fun to read when his friends would point it out to him.

Avery has her own issues and I loved that she was very forthcoming with what she wanted out of a relationship. That she realized that she wanted more, she wanted to be someone "lobster" and she didn't want to settle. However then Penn entered the picture. She fought him the whole way which was fun to read. However when there is chemistry like the two of them had. There is no denying it.

Trouble is such a fabulous read. It is book 3 in the Dogwood Lane and you will just love it. Penn is fabulous and you will just get drawn into him by his charm. Penn is so likable that you can't help but feel deeply for him as he comes to terms on how he handles relationships. I love Avery. She is the light that Penn needs. I call them a second chance but you'll have to read this to see for yourself what I mean. Avery tries to resist Penn and it's fun to watch her handle him the way she does. I love the banter between them and the fact that Avery doesn't give in to the charm of Penn right away. You will love their chemistry and the sweet moments they share. You will just love the changes in Penn throughout this one. This is such a fabulous read that you will not want to miss out on.

Yes, she has done it again! I absolutely love this author. I have read almost all of her books and she never disappoints. Small town romance with a swooney hero? Its all there and as you read it time flies by without you understanding. I'm really happy that this was my first book of 2020. It sets the stands for good things to come, but one this I am sure of, whenever Adriana writes a book, I'm be reading it.

Penn and Avery have completely stolen my heart!! This story was terrific from start to finish. Their chemistry together was funny but with so much steam. Penn is a total playboy that you'll love, but there's a whole other side to him that will leave toy wanting a Penn of your own. And Avery is perfect for him. She's a very strong heroine who knows what she wants but can't deny how her heart feels. The storyline was romantic and completely a 5 star all the way!

I absolutely love the Dogwood Lane series and was seriously intrigued about fun-loving Penn Etling who just stole the show in Tumble & Tangle! However, I had no idea that I would end up putting him on the Locke Men pedestal right next to Fenton Abbott and Lincoln Landry!

Trouble is the story of Penn and Avery, two people who have such chemistry, they just can’t seem to stay away from each other. However, Avery knows good and well about Penn’s past and doesn’t want to get into trouble, again.

Penn and Avery were both a breath of fresh air. A woman who knows what she wants and needs in life and a man who is NOTHING like what he seems. The witty banter, the fun-loving give and take, the sexiness and the overall connection that Penn and Avery have brought this small-town romance right to the top of my favorites list. What a way to start of 2020!

Penn and Avery meet at Avery's aunt Harper's hair studio where Avery is beginning her journey to start her life over. Penn is a hot and charming local who loves no strings attached fun. As soon as he sees Avery he wants her, but little does he know she won't fall for his games and will continually reject him at every turn. Great read!

Avery Perry needs a major change in her life, fortunately for her, she knows just where to get away from the spotlight of her parent's careers. Moving in with her aunt in the tiny southern town of Dogwood Lane seems to be the perfect fit until someone from her past comes back. Penn Etling just wanted a haircut, but now he can't get the beautiful woman who's new in town out of his mind, she seems familiar to him, and she's the only woman to ever shoot him down. Not deterred by her dismissals he promises to be her friend, now all Avery has to do is keep her heart protected.

I loved this third installment of the Dogwood Lane series. Penn Etling was everything I dreamed he would be, bad boy on the outside, but with a heart of gold. Of course, he has a tragic backstory that makes him happy with a string of one-night stands or short term relationships until he meets Avery. I have to admit at their first meeting, and for a while afterward, where he didn't recognize her I was a little heartbroken for Avery. I admired Avery's strength to make such a huge move to have a better life for herself. This story has such a rollercoaster of emotions, I didn't expect so much angst, but it was definitely there. I adore Adriana Locke and her small-town romances, they make me a little homesick for the tiny town I grew up in. Trouble is funny, angsty (but not too much), sweet, and all the other feel-good words, highly recommend.

Trouble is about Penn Etling, a playboy who doesn't see himself ever settling down.
That is until Avery comes to Dogwood Lane. She has escaped LA to find herself and what makes her happy.
What people don't know is that Avery and Penn have a history..Even Penn seems to have forgotten.

Trouble is cute and Penn is one of a kind. His past explains a lot of why he is the way he is.

Adriana Locke delivered with Trouble! Everything about this story is incredible! I want to live in Dogwood Lane. Penn Etling truly is all the things. He is funny, charming, sexy, confident, cocky and sweet. I legit could gush about him for hours. His one flaw is that he does not see in him what others see in him. Avery showed up in town and turned his world upside down. Unlike most women, she didn't fall at his feet when he turned his charms on her. I really loved Avery and the way she bantered with Penn!

I am so flipping happy Adriana Locke wrote Penn's story. I sure hope we get Matt's story next! This series makes my heart happy!

4.5 stars
This is my first read in this series of Dogwood Lane. I quite enjoyed it. Penn is the adorable bad boy, or so it would seem. I would term him as the innocent bad boy. I feel this way because there is so much he hasn’t been privy to before in his life. From a readers view you want to wrap him up and take care of him. Then there’s Avery. To me, she is the real hero of this story. Here’s a person who has been basically used as a prop her whole life. She’s made a decision and is determined to stick by it, even though she is more than tempted. Avery has grit. I would love to discuss this story but I don’t do spoilers. I don’t think it’s fair to the author. You should read the book. What you will get when you read this book is that we get to see behind the curtain and see how people are shaped into who they become and realize your can’t always judge a book by it’s cover, no matter how good looking they are. What you will see is there can always be so much more. People see what we want them to see and sometimes they don’t even know they’re hiding their true self. You should definitely take a trip to Dogwood Lane and discover all the beauty and down home charm that one little town and book can hold. I already know I will be going back to read the other stories in this series. Yes, it was that good.