Member Reviews
I've read this book a while back but forgot to post the review - this story was (for me) about coming into what you were destined to be. Penn was a boy trapped in a man's body. As his relationship with Avery began to develop we get to see why he is the way he is. As for Avery; she really was a great person with a big heart. It was hard to read how she felt when he wouldn't "claim" her in front of the world.
But as usual; when both characters got their head on straight HEA was inevitable and I was left feeling happy.
Welcome back to Dogwood Lane, Adriana Locke! And boy did she do it with a bang. I thoroughly enjoyed Trouble and can't wait for more from this spectacular series! Its the one I have been waiting for since I first read Tumble! Trouble was amazing!! Penn's story was everything I had hoped it would be and more, he's my new favourite from this series. Penn is the charmer who is full of one liners, cheeky innuendos and trouble (in the best way possible) with a capital T. But he has met his match with Avery and it’s one journey you don’t want to get off of, as you find out how these two fabulous characters get their HEA. Also it’s always lovely catching up with the rest of the Dogwood Lane residents and can't wait for the next one in the series, I am keeping my fingers and everything else crossed there is another book in this spectacular series. Happy reading!!
Hilarious, relatable & unputdownable are just three words that eve begin to remotely describe my reading journey with 'Trouble' by Adriana Locke. This was my first time reading one of her works, and I'm pleased to say that right off the bat that I'm definitely going to be diving into more. Especially if they are all liken to Trouble.
Right from the beginning, I could tell that this book was going to be different to ones that are in the same genre, mainly with the reoccurring theme of trust and insecurity which does not fall to the woman in the story, but instead the male. A refreshing twist to see a more vulnerable, open, rawly sentimental side to a male character that isn't always written into books. It's good to see this side to a man represented well within a book.
Moving steadily through the book, I found the plot and storyline seamlessly entertaining, gripping, oozing comedy and innuendo at every turn (which personally, I absolutely love and tip my hat to Adriana for), which in turn made me enjoy every single page from start to finish. There are very few books, or authors, out there which are able to do that for me, but the storyline to Trouble was a beautiful blend of the ordinary day-to-day, with Adriana's creative flair mixed within to give a good, hearty, feel-good read everyone will enjoy.
Overall, I really and thoroughly enjoyed everything about this book from the characters and their progression, the rollercoaster to reconciliation, the laugh-a-minute double entendre from Penn, and a story that left me feeling good and happy after finishing the last page. This read is definitely one that everyone should read this year, as I believe it's a contender for my top 10 of 2020. I most definitely will be placing an order for a paperback!
After all, you can't just have one dose of Penn to feel satisfied!
Penn, Penn, Penn. What shall we do with you?
He is impossible to dislike as a character. Even when he gets it wrong (and he does). But there is a childlike naivete to him which leaves him genuinely perplexed as to what is going on with Avery. Or not going on. Take your pick. And it was wonderful!
This series, these people, they feel familiar. They feel grounded. And real. And I want more. Much, much more. (Please and thank you)
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
4.5 stars
I really enjoyed Trouble by Adriana Locke, it's one of those books you don't want to put down once you start reading.
The writing is well done, the storyline is entertaining, the characters Penn and Avery are likable, passionate, fun and the chemistry between them was smoking!
Overall, Trouble is a wonderful addition to the Dogwood Lane series and I highly recommend it.
*Thank you to the publisher via Netgalley for the ARC.*
Trouble, that’s what Penn Etling is and Avery Perry knows it. Adriana Locke has given us another installment of the Dogwood Lane series that will entertain you. A second chance romance that is both heartbreaking and funny, Penn and Avery’s story will have you page turning.
Adriana Locke delivered another sweet, small town love story. Penn isn't looking for forever, but he sure does find it. Your heart aches for the Hero and Heroine with their backstories and you fall in love right along with them. I fully recommend everyone to come to Dogwood Lanes and read about these fellas and their leading ladies. Penn's story did not disappoint! 4.5 stars!
This is the third book in the dogwood lane series about a Playboy, Penn Etling and a girl who was tired of the one night stands and the playboys in general, Avery Perry. The both have met and had sex before but Penn doesn't remember. Avery is trying to find more meaning in her life other than one night stands and Penn is not about that but she was falling in love with him.
Did they get together probably, most likely, I have no idea because I dnf'ed this book at 43%. I was really trying to push through this story in order to give a decent review but I just couldn't. I wasn't connecting with the characters. They seemed forced and the plot kinda let me down because I was anticipating to learn about the fling they had or at least learn about a good bit about Penn's background before 40% of the story and that did not happen.
All I know is Penn is a playboy and his parents wasn't so great. There wasn't any in dept background detail to really understand him. The plot was more focused on Avery instead of Penn and the book description started up with Penn so I was expecting to learn a little more about him and not so heavily on Avery.
This story wasn't bad but for the reasons above I just had to stop reading because it was putting me in a reading slump.
I would try to finish read this book in the future and hopefully give it a higher star rating but for now its a 3 star rating.
A great second chance romance that was entertaining and funny at times. Original characters. Beautifully written with a seamless plot
This is the 3rd book in this fantastic series from Adriana and I knew it was going to be one of my favourites as I loved Penn from the minute we met him. He was hot, swooning and had some seriously panty-melting swagger. I also knew that it was going to take one hell of a woman to make him settle down and Avery was perfect for him.
Avery has moved back home from Los Angeles. She had met Penn before when she had a one-night stand with him but he doesn't recognise her when they meet up again. I absolutely loved Avery she was so real. It would be such an ego blow that he didn't recognise her but she wants more then a one-night stand this time and Penn will have to get over his commitment issues to win the girl.
This is definitely 1-click entertaining must read.
If you've read the other books in this series you knew Penn was going to be special, and is he ever! If you haven't read the other books, don't worry you won't be missing out on anything. This is a complete standalone with each book about a different couple. We've just met Penn before in the other books and already had some exposure to his antics. Penn is the self-proclaimed eternal bachelor. I'd almost want to call him a player, but he doesn't quite fit that role. He just enjoys his single life and believes that he is not the type of guy to ever settle down. He's the goofball, fun-loving guy that everyone adores. Yes, he is hilarious and crazy, but there is so much more to him. I enjoyed seeing the layers pulled back to reveal the real Penn. He's kind, sweet, caring, and smart. He definitely met his match with Avery. It takes a special person to be brave and willing enough to not only peek behind the curtain, but to explore and want to stay there. This book was more than I could've hoped for. It's such a delightful and hopeful story. I highly recommend reading this story as well as the others in the series.
This was a good book. I really enjoyed reading it. It did take me several days to finish it but overall great read! Thanks netgalley!
Another amazing tale from Adriana Locke. I was impressed with the growth and development of Penn.
I love the small town charm and the recurring characters. Can’t wait to see what’s next.
I love Adriana Locke’s small-town romances. Trouble is absolutely swoon-worthy and so much fun to read. I adore Penn and Avery, and I hope everyone has had a chance to meet them. Adriana is so generous and sent me a signed paperback AND one to share.
What in the world. 🔥🔥🔥
This was so good. Not going to lie I was starting to get antsy because nothing had really happened between our two main characters. But once the sexy times hit, it was drool worthy. This is a major slow burn and the main characters were amazing. I really feel hard for this story. Love love LOVE. PLEASE EVERYONE GO READ. Thank you to Netgalley for sending me this for review. ❤️❤️❤️
Trouble is exactly that. Penn has always needed his own story he is feisty, sexy, and always into something. He doesn't want anyone to know that he actually has a heart and has been through a lot in his life. When Penn meet Avery things change however they have met before and Penn has no idea. Avery has moved to be with her aunt and start her life over. She has her own history but she was a doll to read about. Her passion is hair and art and she doesn't need a man to help her with anything. However Penn is pushing the envelope and is trying to get under her skin. For the first time something is happening to him and he doesn't know what it is. But he can't get Avery out of his head. Will he remember and when he does will he bolt? Avery won't put up with Penn's crap and I love it. However can she handle all his baggage and hers?
This is book 3 in the Dogwood Lane series and I would definitely read the previous books before reading this one. In this one we get Penn Etling and Avery Perry's story. Penn is the king of one-night stands and Avery knows this from experience. They had one, and Penn doesn't remember it. So when he starts making his signature moves on her, she refuses to play that game again. Penn believes Avery is a challenge, and that she is the one person who can see below the surface to the man he truly is. But is she the woman to make him change his ways?
I really liked this one! Penn is this guy that even though you dislike his way, you can't help but like him personally. There is definitely more to him than most people even take the time to see, more than even he, himself, thought he was capable of. Avery is the complete opposite of Penn but she is someone you definitely love from the get go. And you know what they say about opposites! The attraction is off the charts! My only drawback was the fact that he doesn't remember her. It kinda put me off at first because for all his player ways, he never really struck me as the type who wouldn't at least remember that he had been to bed with a woman. That part threw me. But on a whole, I liked it! There was laughter and of course drama, but above it all, a great love story!
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!
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.
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!