She wants something real. He wants something now. Together they’re trouble in USA Today bestselling author Adriana Locke’s sexy and funny twice-in-a-lifetime love story.
With his shameless grin and let’s-play swagger, carpenter Penn Etling leaves women wanting in Dogwood Lane. What do they get? Avery Perry knows: a one-night stand. She’s been there. She remembers every hot pulse as if it were … hot pulse as if it were yesterday. But Penn? He doesn’t remember a thing. Now he’s making new moves, and Avery’s not falling for trouble…again. Is she?
How could the beautiful stranger resist him? Avery is going to be a challenge for the bad boy. She’s the kind of woman who digs deep—deep enough to see there’s more to Penn than meets the eye. But first she has to give him a chance. She has to say yes. Could she also be the woman to make him change his playboy ways?
When these two come together, it’s hard to pull them apart. But with love and trust on the line, can Avery and Penn get what they both want? This time for keeps?
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Trouble. That’s Penn Etling to a tee. His ego is big enough to fill a football stadium and he’s about as deep as a toddler’s wading pool. At first glance, that is. His easy charm and swoony smile let him get away with most everything and makes all the girls in town vie for his attention. But as we get to know him, the multitude of layers peel back and his unrepentant, devil-may-care attitude hides the part of him who’s still that little boy his parents couldn’t love due to their own inadequacies and brokenness.
Avery has lived all of her life trying to stay out of the spotlight of her famous parents. She’s hoping her move to Dogwood Lane, TN, will help her build real friendships with people who see her for who she really is, rather than someone to take advantage of for their own selfish purposes. And Penn clearly has one thing in mind when it comes to Avery, but she apparently hasn’t gotten the same memo all the other single women of Dogwood Lane have, because time and time again, she shoots Penn down.
Settle in and prepare yourself for a romping good time with these two, because they’re just so darn fun! The tension, push and pull, and banter between Penn and Avery will have you gobbling up their story, and the heart tugs will have you deep in a well of emotions. I’ll admit, I was underwhelmed by Penn to begin with, but it wasn’t long before he owned me, heart and soul.
Dogwood Lane is one of those small towns I’d love to live in, with the quaint, inviting setting and colorful secondary characters. If this writer is new to you, this is a perfect place to start since the books in this series stand alone. There’s a reason she has so many loyal readers, because once you read one book, you’ll be eager for more from this talented lady. Grab your copy today and get ready to fall in love with the best kind of trouble!
This is the third book and I don’t know about you guys but I have been waiting for it, I love Penn and his craziness. He gets reacquainted with Avery but he doesn’t remember it, ouch, however don’t go getting all upset for Avery yet, see when he met her she was a teenager going thru some stuff so she was emo- black hair, dark lips and going by the name of Abby, so I get. He broke my heart with his feeling of worthlessness that he hid with his easy going manwhorish ways, yes at times I got mad at him when he would diminish he relationship with Avery which cheapened it and at the same time breaking her heart slowly but surely. He needed someone to hit him with a 2 by four to wake him up so that he did not lose the best thing that happened to him, and Matt did the job and I can’t wait for his book I have loved him from the beginning. Enjoy!
Rcvd and ARC at no cost to author..(netgalley) voluntarily reviewed with my own thoughts and opinions.
Great book! Great Series! I loved every word of Penn & Avery’s book and almost had it finished in one sitting, but work got in the way!
She wants something real – a tag line that could not be more appropriate. Adriana Locke I bow down to you. I have loved the first two books in the series but this one is heads above the others. True, honest, emotional and captivating are only a few things that come to mind after I finished the book. It captivated me from the opening pages and Penn and Avery’s relationship had so many layers. Between the baggage they both survived through and the way they both made each other better is the epitome of the perfect HEA. You broke the mold Adriana – job well done!! This deserves more than 5 stars.
Adriana Locke has done it again! I fell in love with her writing a long time ago when I first discovered how amazing she is by reading “Swing”. She has the ability to pull you into her stories from the very beginning. Her characters are so realistic, raw, imperfect, make mistakes and most have done things in their past that they aren’t proud of. Meaning, her characters seem like actual people that you not only would know in real life but people that you would also want to be friends (or A LOT more) with. I never can seem to get enough of her writing. Like it was said in the movie Field of Dreams (If you build it, they will come) I feel the same about Adriana’s writing: If she writes it, I will read it! She is an instant, no blurb necessary one-click author for me.
I have been looking forward to reading Penn’s story ever since we met him in Tumble-Book 1. In the first 2 books he was hinted at being the ultimate playboy with the untouchable heart. We learn his truth in Book 3 and I absolutely loved learning his true story. I am a huge sucker for a small town, bad boy meeting the girl that eventually causes him to show just how big his heart really is. I knew from the very beginning that it would take a no nonsense, independent woman to cause him to see what he was really missing out on in life by not opening his heart. Avery was just that! She literally fell into his life,was able to see Penn for who he truly was and show him who he was meant to be all along.
One of the things that I love about Adriana’s stories is having characters that are behind the scenes (like the hero/heroine’s siblings, friends, co-workers etc) and getting just enough of their stories to intrigue you but not so much that it takes your attention off of the main characters of the stories. One character in this book that piqued my interest in this book was Matt. I do believe that he would be a definite heartthrob! He gave me one of my favorite quotes from this book:
“Being in a relationship with someone doesn’t mean you promise to get it all right, Penn. It means you decided she’s worth you trying to get it right more times than not.”
I mean….Swoon! Penn definitely needed him as his best friend!
Penn and Avery’s story was perfect for me. It wasn’t rushed or have a lot of useless drama thrown in just to draw out the story. I really enjoyed following their story and seeing them literally both grow as individuals throughout this story. I will certainly be adding this story to my list of books to read again and again! A definite highly recommended book for me!
Penn and Avery’s story is utterly “awesome.” These two had me laughing, occasionally shedding a few tears and sighing in bliss at different times throughout this exceptional read.
WOW!
I’m kinda speechless!
Penn Etling’s Story is not anything like I expected but so much more!
His book has so many elements that when I finished I had the biggest smile on my face!!
It was entertaining, innuendos galore, sizzling chemistry and fantastic banter that brought his story full circle! Hes just something else entirely! Yes he’s good looking, good with his hands and incredibly charming but hes also a little dumb in regards to certain things in life! It does take his good friends telling him like it is to get him to shape up!
What I genuinely loved about this story was the support network, the sense of friendships in the small town and how accepting they are of Avery!
I loved everything about this beautiful book! It was a highlight of my week reading this! Ms Locke has definitely written something she should be immensely proud of!
You just have to read it for yourself, so go 1 click, you will be so glad you did!
I will be the first to admit, I didn’t know what to expect for Penn. Yes, he was a part of the first two books. And he was told to be the bad boy/playboy of Dogwood Lane, but I wasn’t clamoring for a book of his like I had for other characters of Adriana’s. Oh boy, was I wrong.
You should want Penn. You should need Penn. You should wrap Penn up in a blanket and cuddle him forever. Because this man is everything.
He’s a little bit of trouble, a little bit broken and a whole lot of sweet. He’s the man who doesn’t know how good of a man he is, which to me, is the best.
And then there is Avery, who is a little lost in her own way as well. I love stories where characters have similar, yet different, paths and they come together to only find out that their broken paths are meant to fit together.
That’s what this story is. It’s classic Adriana Locke. No one does blue-collar, small-town like she does. Your favorite characters from Dogwood Lane make appearances.
Don’t be a fool like me. Want Penn’s book. Need Penn’s book. Love Penn’s book.
In Trouble, book 3, we return to Dogwood Lane with another great small town romance, this time involving Penn Etling and Avery Perry. Penn is the local ladies’ man, he is charming, loveable and all round goofball. He has never had a problem being without a woman, but he has a self-proclaimed allergy to commitments. But with the appearance (or re-appearance) of Avery, things start changing for Penn. Avery has had the worst luck with people and relationships, they always want something from her or her connections. She wants more and she is ready for commitment and she knows Penn is not the man for her. Unfortunately for her, she was not prepared for a very determined Penn.
It was fun watching the back and forth banter between Penn and Avery. Penn and his one-liners and not so subtle innuendos was really amusing as was Avery’s rejection to his advances. But as their paths keep crossing, they developed a friendship, especially since that was all Avery was willing to give until the attraction could no longer be denied. We learn so much more about Penn and what makes him tick and you learn he has so much more depth than what he portrays. It was wonderful watching their connection grow and see how right they were for each other.
Thank you Netgalley and Montlake Romance for giving me the opportunity to read this complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
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!
Definitely my favourite book in the series so far! I loved getting to know the real Penn and seeing why he acts the way he does – but I wouldn’t change it as he is such a loveable person. He is so adorably sweet there is no way you can not fall for him!
Avery suits him perfectly and can handle his one liners like no one else can.
Some seriously funny moments that had me laughing out loud for sure. I love the Dogwood Lane family/community and I am very much looking forward to Matt’s book from what we read about him.
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
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!
Adriana Locke has brought back all the lovable characters to Dogwood Lane. You become part of the small community in this small town when you are reading this series.
Avery has moved to Dogwood Lane to get away from all the Hollywood self centered people who have only ever used her for her connections. Even her family use her to move forward against each other.
She moves in with her Aunt Harper. The first day in the hair salon she is up on a ladder trying to hang a speaker when Penn Etling walks in, she falls from the ladder and he catches her.
Penn has grown up all his life in Dogwood Lane. He has tried to hide all the good deeds he helps the residents. Like fixing the broken step of the Inn run by a 90 year old lady.
He knows that he is not the one to settle down. After how he witnessed his parents failures while growing up, he is determined not to repeat them.
Penn has asked Avery out. She has turned him down on multiple occasions. She explained to him the she is looking for a long term relationship. She doesn’t believe that Penn is a relationship kind of guy, which he all but tells her he’s not.
But there is a familiarity and connection that Penn feels with Avery. Even with her turning him down, he has decided that he will be her friend. That friendship becomes easy and they discuss each other’s past and why they have chosen their paths.
But Avery has kept a secret from Penn, and when he discovers the truth before she has a chance to tell him herself, he turns to his friend Matt to try to explain.
When Penn tries to deny any relationship with Avery, she tells Penn that she was upfront about what she wanted her future to hold.
Can Penn’s friends help him work through his issues of the past so that he can go after Avery and make her happy?
I just knew from the first page that I was going to love this story, no ifs, no buts, it was everything I love in a romance novel. Yes, Penn Etling was a cocky ladies man, but he had the whole, fun, sexy, cute vibe going on. I loved him. No long term commitments in his future, ever, he’s happy being the ultimate bachelor. Enter Avery Perry, she’s definitely got Penn’s number, and she most definitely won’t be getting drawn into his webb. Avery is looking for commitment, she wants love, marriage, kids, the whole shebang, and she knows that Penn is someone she needs to stay far, far away from. Fate however keeps throwing them together, and a friendship ensues, they tell each other their deepest darkest secrets, their worries, their everything, well almost everything, there’s that one thing that Avery is withholding. A wonderful story. I’m really loving the characters of Dogwood Lane (this book can be read as a stand-alone, but please note the first two books are equally as enjoyable). A super cute, fun read, with faultless writing and a story that kept me enthralled from the first page. I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is my honest review.
Trouble is book three in the Dodwood Lane Sreies, but can easily be read as a stand alone. For best reading experience I recommend to read the books in order. The previous books are Tumble and Tangle. Trouble is published by Montlake.
Meet Penn and Avery.
Penn is a carpenter, proud of his work, a good guy. He’s single and enjoys it.
That’s about to change, only he has no clue, yet.
Avery Perry is new in Dodwood Lane. She moved from LA and works as hairdresser in her aunts salon. She changed her famous parents and the glitz and glanour of HW for a small town life and is happy.
Penn and Avery are like magnets, when they meet fro the first time, you can feel their instant attraction in every word, goosebumps included.
But they haven’t much in common, Penn is Penn, untamable and Avery wants to settle down, have relationship and a picked fence life. What to do when the concept of dating makes one of the characters ill and the other one finds it crucial.
Trouble is my favorite rom/com by AL. The writing is excellent and I connected very easilky with the characters. There isn’t a villain or a victim – both are normal people with normal dreams, normal problems and normal everyday lives. And I loved it.
The book is a read cover to cover in one sitting story, unputdoenable, sitting in the edge of my seat and couldn’t let it go read.
I recommend the book and the series, 5 stars.
Oh, my word!! Adriana Locke has done it again!
Trouble certainly lives up to its name and Peck is the bringer of it. Not in a bad way, just with his fears and insecurities from growing up the way he did. It’s those fears and his belief that he isn’t capable or deserving of love that holds him back, even when he can’t see it for what it is.
Peck and Avery have a past connection that he feels when she returns to Dogwood Lane, but he can’t figure it out and dismisses it.
Avery, however, recognized the boy from ten years ago, the one who lit up her life for one spectacular night. She’s disappointed when she realizes Peck doesn’t remember that night… at all!! So, when he tries to pick her up, she brushes him off in her signature snarky, sassy manner.
Peck’s not used to being told no, in fact, Avery is his first failure and he can’t accept it. He keeps trying and she finally caves- who wouldn’t. This guy, is the sweetest, kindest, sexiest of men. He doesn’t even know the half of how good he is and that’s what makes him so appealing. Yeah, he’s a bit full of himself, but not in a truly cocky or arrogant way.
But… yeah, there’s always a but, lol, he is ruled but those insecurities and he lets them get inside his head.
Avery knows she’s tried her hardest, and that she has to do what’s best for her. Peck is that best, but can he overcome his fears and face the future with the girl who owns his heart?
Seeing the previous couples from Tumble and Tangle was fun too and I can’t wait to see who is next to get a book set here.
4.5 Trouble Stars. I absolutely adore Penn. He’s sweet, sexy, flirty and extremely confident. I loved the sizzling hot chemistry and banter between Penn and Avery. I was hooked from beginning to end. A definite must read in this series.
Trouble is book 3 in the Dogwood Lane Seris by Adriana Locke. 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 but that’s just between you and me (Don’t tell Lincoln)! Penn is the charmer everyone knows it, full of one liners, cheeky innuendos and trouble (in a good way) with a capital T. But he has met his match with Avery who is the only person he has never managed to charm first time around or did he?! As always loved catching up with the rest of the Dogwood Lane residents and can’t wait for the next one in the series.
Thank you Adriana and Netgalley for the ARC and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
Trouble
Adriana Locke
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If this is what trouble looks like I want all the trouble!!
Penn is everything I wanted him to be and then some!! I absolutely love this story and this series !! Seriously though who wouldn’t love a tattooed man in a tool belt !! Whoop
Whoop !!
Adriana Locke never lets me down !!