Penn is his own worst enemy when it comes to finding true love, folks. Despite having friends quick to point out what he’s doing wrong, it still takes this knucklehead quite a while to come to his senses.

Avery does a good job at first of repeatedly turning down this Casanova, confirmed bachelor/ONS, perpetual flirt, player, which only makes him want her more. As you can imagine, the game is on and both have their minds and hearts set on controlling the outcome. The back and forth banter was amusing as she kept putting him in his place.

We are given the full details on how this couple first met as teens. With a ten year separation, it’s not surprising neither were celibate during that time. Avery has had enough of lying, wayward men and is determined to settle only for a Mr. Forever Good Guy, who wants her for her alone. Penn starts to feel trapped between a rock and a hard place because he doesn’t want to let her go, yet doesn’t believe love lasts. Fortunately for us, he loses his heart but ultimately stomps on Avery’s in the process. Yeah, this guy’s got some groveling to do.

Title: Trouble, Series: Dogwood Lane (Book 3), Author: Adriana Locke, Pages: 296, stand-alone but part of a series, turns him down repeatedly, steamy late in book, no OM drama, no significant OW drama, stomps on her heart, briefly grovels hero, HEA, both not celibate during ten year separation, had a ONS as teens, writing flows.

Book 1 - Tumble
Book 2 - Tangle
Book 3 - Trouble

(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not given any payment or compensation for this review. There is no affiliation or relationship between this reviewer and the author/publisher/NetGalley.)

This is book 3 in the Dogwood Lane series but each can read as a standalone. This is the first that I have read of the series and I really enjoyed the book. Loved Penn and Avery. The chemistry between them was so good. I can’t wait to go back and read the first 2 books of this series and to read more of her work.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

This is it, this was the story I was waiting for and it was worth the wait. Penn has been the player, the comic relief for the past two stories in the Dogwood Lane series. He always had me laughing out loud, but toward the end of Haley's story, he started to show another side. Did we want him to clash with Grace? Sure!! But this story was even better as far as I'm concerned. Kind of brings in a second chance, with a truly wounded character...because that is what Penn really is. He doesn't really believe in love because he doesn't remember ever really having it. His story was painful to read....Avery and Penn's history was both beautiful and painful. Seeing Penn become MORE was worth every word.

I hadn't read any of the other books in this series and I wasn't lost at all. Penn is funny and made me laugh pretty much throughout the whole book. He could turn any conversation into a naughty one, everyone thinks he's this player and he is BUT there's more to him. When he first lays eyes on Avery he REALLY wants to know her.

Avery just moved to town and is working on who she wants to be. She doesn't need any distractions not even good looking ones that make her laugh. She turns him down for a date on many occasions and I have to laugh with his reactions and his friends reactions.

I love small town romances where everyone knows who you are, and what everyone's business is. Throw in laughter, good advice and love and I'll read it. This book runs through your emotions and I freaking loved Penn and Avery, separately and watching them grow throughout the book. I will definitely be reading the previous books in this series!!!

I love small town romances and Adriana writes these so well. Back we go to Dogwood Lane in this book for Penn and Avery's story and how wonderful this trip was. Once I started it there was no putting it down.

Penn is the gorgeous and he knows it stud around town. He has women falling at his feet but fortunately he is not too much of an ass about it, he seems to take it as his due, and makes sure that he just wants to have fun with no ties. Avery is the daughter of a famous actress. She leaves behind the fake world of Hollywood and arrives in Dogwood Lane to live with her Aunt. But it is not the first time she has been here, ten years ago she met Penn in what became a night changing night by the lake for both of them, but at the time she told him her name was Abby.

When Penn and Avery meet again there is immediate off the charts chemistry. Though Penn thinks he has met her before he is not sure because her name is different. Avery is so upset that he doesn't remember her and because she is sick of feeling used and unforgettable to men, that she refuses his advances time and again.

Fate has other ideas for them and they keep running into each other and finally decide to compromise and become friends, but with no benefits. Penn cannot believe that he is doing this, but he is willing to do anything to spend time with Avery but is terrified of it becoming more. Avery wants a future with someone who will see only her, and she refuses to compromise.

This story is both heartbreaking and hilarious as these two dance around each other, both of them having suffered in their pasts are unwilling to admit their feelings for fear of hurt and rejection, even if their friends and the rest of the town think that they are an item. Adriana paints such a realistic picture of a small town and it's residents with everyone cheering them on just as I was. A very enjoyable installment to the Dogwood Lane series, probably the best one for me. I might just have to go back and read them all again!

Penn is a one-night stand kinda guy. Avery is a forever kinda girl. The two have crossed paths before and had one incredible not, but Penn has no memory of it. He's working hard to get a yes out of her, but she's resisting as hard as she can. She says yes and gives him a chance and shows Penn that there's more to her than what meets the eye. Soon they both want more, but can they both get what they both want?

This was a sweet, small town love story. There was great chemistry between Penn and Avery. It could also sorta be considered a second chance romance. Loved being back in Dogwood Lane! Such a great read!

Thanks to NetGalley and Montlake Romance for an eARC is this book in exchange for an honest review.

I’ve been waiting for Penn’s book since book one in this series and I’m so glad I got the chance to read an ARC.

Penn was one of my favourite side characters since Dane’s book. I love his charm, humor, thoughtfullness. He’s funny, loud but not obnoxious. I love how he cared for other people. Avery came to Dogwood Lane to change the scenery. She knew what she wanted and I’m so glad that she didn’t fall for Penn immediately. I mean, yeah, he wanted her since day one but she turned him down which is something that doesn’t happen to Penn. Ever.

So they start as friends but we all know how that turns out eventually…;)

I love how this book turned out. It was a little slow burn which is not something I usually like but it was done perfectly in Trouble. I really recommend this book but if you haven’t read the previous books, my advice would be that you do that first.

5 stars.

I really think that there is not much that Adriana can write that I won’t like. Penn Etling is a shameless flirt and playboy. He has no desire to settle down with one person. That is until Avery Park arrives in Dogwood and refuses to fall for his charms, Avery just moved in with her aunt leaving the life she hated in LA. Instead of getting Avery in his bed, like he really wants, Penn settles on he and Avery become friends. The spark between Penn and Avery is undeniable but Avery refuses to fall for Penn’s charm since she has been hurt before. It is soo great to watch the ones who swear they do not want a relationship slowing realize that’s with the right person, a relationship can only add to your life. Such a good read. Their chemistry is electric, and so is their banter. Loved this book

Another sweet book by one of my favorite authors. Penn is hilarious. His confidence is sexy. The way he talks to little old ladies makes you fall in love with him. Avery and Penn are such a cute couple. She is exactly what he needs and vice versa.

I love Penn. I'm not sure if I really need to say anymore than that I feel like this sums up the book well.
He is just so amazing. I loved how he had to get in touch with his feelings, it was brilliant. I really enjoyed the storyline in this book and I loved the characters and the glimpses of the others in the series. I couldn't get enough of this story at all. It is just so good. I look forward to reading more about Dogwood Lane.

With chemistry that jumps off the page, banter that keeps you smiling, and intimacy that builds as the story goes on, this is everything you could want in a rom com. It gets deeper and more emotional as the story goes on, but doesn’t linger on the heaviness. Tangle was one of my favorite books of 2019 and Trouble does not disappoint as a follow up.

The story follows Penn, the endlessly playful and sexy player we met in the previous books (though this 100% stands on its own). He’s got some self worth issues that prevent him from ever taking things too seriously, and no one has ever pushed him to be more. That is until Avery enters the picture. Penn knows she’s not immune to his charms, but Avery won’t give in. And why would she? They slept together years ago, and Penn doesn’t even seem to remember her.

It’s a sexy slow burn with plenty of sexual tension, depth to the characters, and a hero you’re gonna love. I knew I’d like Penn’s story, but Locke hit it out of the park with this. He’s such a great guy - completely lovable - but his self esteem issues have held him back from expecting more for himself. Avery is the perfect complement to him - she’s strong and vibrant, but she also expects more from Penn. I loved this one from start to finish and can’t wait to see which resident of this small town finds love next. I was lucky enough to receive an ARC via NetGalley (then purchased it for my collection) and am voluntarily leaving a review of this light, sexy romance.

A lovely romantic comedy with more feelings than you can expect. I loved both Penn and Avery.
It’s a very slow burn second chance at love story that made me smile all the time while reading.
It’s my first book by the author but won’t be the last. It’s the third in the series but can be easily read as a stand-alone because I didn’t have any trouble connecting with all the characters.
I’ll recommend it for a great reading time.

Penn is a loyal friend, always willing to help out anyone and everyone in town and has a way with flirting that not only has everyone woman in town wanting to date him, but you will as well. He has set his attention on Avery, the new woman in town, however even though she seems immune to his charm he isn’t about to give up.

Avery has decided that her life in LA is not what she wants so she decides to move to Dogwood Lane to be close to her aunt. She hasn’t been there for years but her last visit definitely left a lasting impression even if Penn can’t remember it. She has heard all about Penn’s reputation so the last thing she wants is to get involved with a man who has commitment issues, but friends is another matter.

These two were so much fun and absolutely adorable together. Their flirty banter will have you laughing out loud, the chemistry is intense but it is how they accept each other for who they truly are and realizing that loving someone doesn’t make you perfect that was the biggest lesson of all.

It seems like a lot of books, especially series, have that one character who is a bit of a playboy/joker and on the surface you wonder why he’s such an integral part of the dynamic. In Trouble, we have a chance to get to know “that guy” of Dogwood Lane in Penn Etling. He is paired with a blast from his past, Avery, who has recently moved to town after an epiphany of her own.



Penn is a character that I have found amusing in the past and truly enjoyed getting to know better here. We get to see some of the things that contribute to his world view and start to understand the why behind some of his behaviors. The best part was seeing the good guy behind the facade and seeing a catalyst to bring the good guy out a little more.



Avery is a strong-ish leading lady. She’s not all the way there yet, but I liked how she had already struggled with not being happy and made efforts to change it. Her character sends the message that it’s okay to put yourself first sometimes and I think that is a good reminder.



Individually, these two are great, but they are even better together. In typical Ms Locke fashion, there is great banter among the cast, both primary and secondary, as we see Avery included in the community and her relationship with Penn evolve.



This is a fun book that also includes a couple of subtle messages that a lot of people might need to hear. I won’t go into detail because I don’t want to spoil the experience for anyone. This is the type of read that just does the heart good!



Trouble is very much a stand-alone effort. The secondary cast includes the couples from the first two books as well as the personalities that make up Dogwood Lane. Having read the first two books would add help with understanding certain dynamics, but is not necessary to enjoy Penn and Avery’s story. I am hoping we get to come back here soon!

I loved this romance. Both main characters come from disastrous childhoods and they are scarred from it. They make assumptions and feel they need to protect themselves in relationships. But, with the help of loved ones around them, they realize they must open their hearts to find love. The sweet and witty dialogue made me smile throughout the read. I received an advanced reader's copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was my first series by Adriana Locke. I listened to the audio for the first two books to become familiar with Dogwood Lane. These characters and her writing just grab you and make you wish you were there.
We meet Penn in the other books, but really do not get to know him until Trouble.
Penn was such a great character. He was charismatic and swoon worthy. He will bring a smile to your face and win your heart.
Avery is refreshing and the two together are a perfect match. They will melt your heart but it will take time, a little slow burn. They have amazing chemistry, but Avery makes Penn work for it.
This is such a great series. If you love small town romance, you must read this series!

Trouble by Adriana Locke is a fantastic small town romance! Bad boys turned GOOD always make me swoon and Adriana hit the nail on the head with this one. I think anyone who is a fan of sweet romances are going to want to check this one out!

The third book in the Dogwood Lane series and here comes trouble in the form of Penn Etling. Penn is a non stop flirt and friend to all of Dogwood Lane.
Avery is back in Dogwood lane to escape the superficial world she grew up in (Los Angeles). Avery once visited Dogwood Lane as a teenager and her an Penn spend a memorable night together. Well, memorable for Avery as she recognizes Penn immediately after he walks into the hair salon where she is working. Penn doesn't remember Avery, but is still drawn to her. The usual lines and flirtatious behavior doesn't work on Avery so they slip into friendship...while both pining for the other. Watching Penn open up to Avery and start to share his past and some deeper feelings had me falling in love with him, so you gotta know Avery is going to end up there!
This was my favorite Dogwood Lane book yet. I enjoyed how both Penn and Avery got to let down some of their walls and let go of their insecurities and it happened so naturally as their friendship grew.

PENN! I have been impatiently waiting for his story since the moment we met him. The title fits the man, too. He is 100% pure trouble and you can’t help be love the man.
Penn is easily my favorite Dogwood Lane resident. He is confident and everything he says has had me laughing throughout the series. Avery is new to Dogwood Lane moving their after escaping a life she wasn’t happy with in LA. The moment she see’s Penn, she recognized him immediately as the man she met 10 years prior and had a night she would never forget….Penn, however, doesn’t remember that night but is drawn to Avery.
They start as friends but the chemistry quickly sizzles between them and feelings start to shift. However, Avery continues to fight. Though, you can only fight for so long. Penn, I can’t help but love him. Trouble shed a whole new light on him and it only makes him more loveable.
This is the third book in a series, however, each book can be read as a complete standalone. Trouble was worth the wait and is a MUST READ!

Penn is the ultimate good time boy we have met him in previous books in this series and he has always come across as a fun guy who brings innuendo to an entirely new level I must admit I never though that he would settle down and it has taken a special kind of woman to do it. Avery is that woman she is strong knows what she wants and goes after it Yes he may be attracted to Penn but she knows his reputation and has no intention of becoming another notch on his bed post Only problem is the attraction between them is off the charts Will she give him a chance and do they have a future together You will have to read to see