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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I think Penn might be my new Locke hero.
The southern twang to the tone is the kind of thing that dreams are made of. A smile that touches my lips as I revel in the idea of living in a place where voices can almost be forplay. Just one of the many quotes I highlighted. I enjoyed Penn and Avery’s story so much.
Oh Penn. You so fine. You blow my mind. i reallyyyyy loved Penn and his sweetheart ways. So good of a guy! He doesn’t even realize it. But i love him. And i loved Avery and i love how she made him work for her attention not just giving in to his charms. But i loved seeing the folks of Dogwood Lane again. I really hope we get Matt’s story.
Adriana Locke has done it again! Penn’s story is amazing! It was great to catch up with some old favorites on Dogwood lane and get to know more about Penn and get to know Avery! This book will make you smile, laugh and shake your head at the characters all while swooning at them.
4.5 stars
Penn Etling is Trouble with a capital “T”…at least to ladies’ hearts. He is more of a one-and-done than a happily-ever-after type of guy.
Avery Perry just moved to Dogwood Lane from LA and is working in her Aunt’s beauty shop. One look and Penn knew he wanted more. But what he does not remember was that ten years he already had his one with her…and for her she knows it needs to be done. So she is going to try hard to resist him this time.
But Penn is charming, charismatic, seductive, and oh so persistent. He wants her…at least for some fun. But Avery is trying to start a new life and it does not involve a meaningless frolic.
I loved their fast, furious, witty, and flirty banter and undeniable chemistry. I liked that she knew their past, but he was not putting the pieces together.
She is a challenge to him. He is the bad boy she should protect her heart from. Challenge accepted. Advances rejected. Then they are walking the line between friends and attraction. But Avery knows her own worth and does not want to settle for less anymore. But will she or his friends be able to convince Penn that the is worth more too? My heart hurt for Penn and how he was conditioned not to believe in himself and was always expecting the fail. And Avery can be patient, but still has her own insecurities as well.
This is fun, sexy, and sweet, and has just enough angst and emotional turmoil. I loved seeing under Penn’s easy-going playboy facade to get to his softer heart. It brings back the crew from the first two books and gives you the feeling of coming back home. They are a self-made family of friends that love to taunt and push each other, but at the same time have each other’s backs. I hope Matt’s story is next!
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review
**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
I have been eagerly awaiting Penn’s book in this series and I’m so happy to report that it was very much worth the wait!
Penn Etling is that small town guy that everyone likes; the guys want to be friends with him and the women just want him. He’s a stud and while he knows that, he also is terrified of commitment. He didn’t have the easiest childhood and like most of us, he was effected by things he endured.
Avery Perry is looking for somewhere that she feels she fits. She’s lived in California for years and she was tired of the fake people in her life and so she’s come to the one place she has good memories. She’s going to be living and working with her Aunt and she’s also given an opportunity to do some artwork for a new local project.
When Penn and Avery meet, the chemistry is immediate. The problem is, both Penn and Avery know what they want – he wants to continue his “playboy” ways and she wants forever. As they become friends, things begin to change, but are they going to be on the same page as things progress?
I absolutely loved the witty banter, the teasing and most of all the connection that Avery and Penn shared. Avery knew exactly what she wanted, but the revelations that Penn had also made me swoon for him. This book, and Penn, were definitely worth the wait!
In case you are wondering whether this can be read as a standalone, it definitely can! I have not read the other books in the series, in fact I’ve never read anything by this author before but I was in the mood for a romance that wasn’t too angsty and had a mischievous hero with a twinkle in his eyes and that’s exactly what I got in Penn. Don’t get me wrong, he had hidden depths and a backstory that kept me from giving up on him when he ran away from his feelings, but overall, he was sweet and a genuinely kind and caring guy, just what I was in the mood for.
I also loved Avery. After years of putting up with marginal relationships with both her family and her friends in LA, she had the courage to completely change her life and go looking for what she wanted – a real connection to other people. She didn’t sit around and whine, she got out there and did something positive to improve her life. She knew what she wanted and wasn’t willing to settle for less. That’s my kind of heroine. These two together were a really great couple, both seeing the best and bringing out the best in each other.
I couldn’t wait for Penn’s story. When you read books 1 and 2 in the series you will absolutely fall in love with him. He’s sweet, funny, loyal and a major Playboy but with a heart of gold. You don’t have to read one and two but I definitely recommend that you do. In this story you get to really know Penn. You learn about his past and his inner feelings. You fall in love with him all over again. Avery is perfect for Penn. She’s sweet, sassy and drives Penn crazy. She’s tired of life in California and how fake the people are in her life. So when she sees Penn again she turns him down. She down with smooth talkers and that’s exactly what she thinks he is. But her aunt Harper has other ideas you keeps throwing them together. There chemistry is off the charts. Absolutely love these two together there bantering and how they grow and change together. Love how strong and loving they both are. Can’t wait for Matt’s story.
I received a Advanced Readers Copy and I’m leaving a voluntary review
5 “Hometown Feels” Stars
Finally! I got my hot little hands on the deliciousness that is Penn Etling. Penn, the loveable man-whore of Dogwood Lane. The man that carries so much guilt from his past that he’s written off ever falling in love. The man that has stolen the show throughout this entire series. The man who completely swept me off my feet and has stolen my heart. Avery has moved to town to get away from her famous family and a fresh start to find that person to spend her life with. She just didn’t think that person was going to be Penn Etling. These two have major chemistry and just can’t seem to stay away from each other no matter how hard they try. I loved both these characters individually, but as a couple, they made my heart sing. Adriana Locke knows how to write small hometown romance and Trouble has all the hometown feels.
Angela – Alphas Do It Better Book Blog
Avery had me at hello and in the end I loved Penn just as much. It took me a few chapters to get into Penn. He came across as slightly narcissistic, juvenile, and well…couldn’t put together a sentence that was not dripping with innuendo. All of this would have been fine because his actions do speak to his obviously big heart but even his internal monologuing wasn’t all that charming. And then I realized that my issue with Penn was his worst enemy as well, himself! The walls he built to protect that big old heart of his and the way he had been hurt in the past and was so scared of being hurt again had him acting all kinds of crazy. I really appreciated that Avery gave him leeway and wanted Penn for Penn without losing sight of what she wanted and needed in the relationship. She never came across as naive or stupid or any of the things that cause heroines to occasionally make ridiculous decisions. I was team Avery the entire time. I wish she had a bit more support from her Aunt who I realize was push push pushing Penn on her for all the right reasons but also made me feel a little lonely for her. It also made me like and respect her even more because Avery did what she knew was right for herself. Penn shows some serious growth and once he turns the corner…wow! Get ready to melt! He is trouble alright and I want all of it!
This is exactly what I like to see from Adriana Locke. Light and easy to read with the right amount of heart, drama, and steam.
I love everything about this book! I love that Avery wasn’t easy on Penn, and the more she pulled back the harder it was for him to let go. They both had growing to do, but all of that they could do together. I loved how thoughtful he was. He was always taking care of other people. This book felt like it could have been set in my hometown. I loved it!
Trouble is the third book in Dogwood Lane Series, and it was the one I was wanting most since it’s Penn’s story. I have liked Penn from the moment he was introduced in Tumble, he’s a charmer that’s for sure, he’s funny, loyal, but he also hides his true feelings. I liked Avery too, she’s sweet, but cautious due to her upbringing. I laughed at the back and forth banter between these two. I’m loving this little town, and characters and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
I received this book from Netgalley.
Broken and wall building Penn. I knew it was more to his story than the playboy attitude. I never guessed it to be as deep as it was though. I was kind of in awe of how Adriana had his back story. You would have never gotten that from the guy we met in the other stories. Through in Avery and you have a recipe for fun and emotional rollercoaster.
I enjoyed the push and pull. The sly way Penn put himself out there and the hard realities coming from Matt. I totally got where Avery was coming from but in reality she knew the man, he just had to know himself. He got there growling and all.
I have loved reading the Dogwood Lane series, and particularly Penn Etling. He’s the guy you can’t help but love from the get-go, even when he is infuriating and frustrating. He’s gorgeous and funny, and self-deprecating. He’s cocky to the point of arrogant, and let’s face it, every woman lusts after him. Except Avery. She’s seen way too many guys like him in LA, and she doesn’t want to have anything to do with that.
I loved seeing Avery rebuff Penn at every turn. He was beside himself with her, because he just didn’t know what to do with her. No woman turned him down – ever. And normally, that would be no big deal for Penn, there’s always another woman out there. But there’s something different about Avery.
Adriana is such a master at writing the small town romance story. I am so ready to pack up right now and move to Dogwood Lane! I’ve been saying that since book 1 and if it were a real town, I’d be bugging the hubby to find us a place there!
There’s a serious side to Penn that we haven’t seen until now, and my heart went out to him for what he went through as a kid that has molded a lot of who he is today. Avery sees it, and sees the man that Penn truly is, even though he doesn’t see it himself. Avery hasn’t had the best upbringing either, her Aunt Harper the only one who she can count on. She wants a stable and long term relationship and she wants it with Penn. Can these two find a future together?
I loved seeing the whole gang and catching up with what’s going on in their lives. I’m trying to decide who I’d love to see a story about next. I’m thinking Matt, but maybe Jake, or maybe Claire… any of them would be great!
Thank you, Adriana, for bringing us Penn’s story!
Oh Penn! From the moment he was introduced to us in Tumble, the first book in the Dogwood Lane Series, I knew his story would make me laugh and make me cry and he did just that. Adriana couldn’t have written a better counterpart to Penn’s over-the-top, crazy, mischievous, sweet and sexy personality than Avery. I loved Penn’s innocent innuendoes and Avery’s witty comebacks and their surprisingly slow burn romance. This author certainly knows the small town romance genre because she nails it every single time. Another 5-star read in the Dogwood Lane Series. I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC for NetGalley.
Avery comes from a family where everything is about never having privacy, everyone wanting to know you and use you to get what they want. This was a part of her life she hated and wanted away from, so she returns to the one place she had where no one knew who she was, Dogwood Lake.
Penn was born, raised and still living in Dogwood Lake. Having always wanted to escape from his own life, he often reflects on the one time someone truly looked at him, listened to him and made him matter. It was only one night, but the memory has lived on in him. That night he met Abby and she changed his life in ways she will never know. They only had that one night, or so he thinks
Fate brings Penn, Avery, and Abby together. Are they able to work through the past to get to a future? Or will the baggage from their pasts and their scared hearts be to much for them to overcome?
Adriana Locke knows how to create characters that will make you fall for them, root for them, and cry over them. While you may never know what emotions Locke is going to unlock within you trust that she will reach you in ways you have yet to be touched.
oh Penn, he is quite the charmer, and so much more as he totally made me swoon!! Penn is friendly, funny, and kind. Despite being liked by everyone, they see him as irresponsible. Avery is tired of being used by everyone, including her parents. She picks up her life in California and moves to Dogwood Lane and in with her Aunt Harper. She yearns for a new life with genuine connections. Penn has always had it easy connecting with people and getting anyone he wants with his smooth talk and charming grin. He was completely thrown when it didn’t work on Avery. The harder he tried to get Avery in his bed, and failed, the more amused his friends were. Avery is so daring, creative, and funny. She is the perfect challenge and match for Penn. But she has seen it all, and no matter how attracted she is to him, she doesn’t want to be another notch on his bedpost. I loved the fun banter along with the fiery chemistry between Penn and Avery. The progression of their relationship felt so genuine, and real, just like them. I love their friends and family as well. They were so quirky, and fun, and loved to raz each other but were completely loyal and supportive. This is such touching, heartfelt romance with rich characters, hilarious banter and sizzling passion! I am so in love with Dogwood Lane! It’s the kind of place that draws you in, and makes you feel right at home. This is a great series, and I can’t wait for more!
Avery and Penn stumble upon each other when they are still in their late teen years—he is having the worst day of his life, and she is tired of being used, and just wants someone to like her for her, not for her family connections (her mother is an actress; her father is a director). They are both miserable, and spend the night commiserating, connecting, and understanding each other. Then they have sex. The next day, she gets called back to CA, and Penn never sees her again—or so he thinks—but he feels a very strong connection to her, and the memory of her helps him get through some difficult times.
Fast forward ten years later, and Avery moves into her aunt’s home to try to figure out what she wants in life. She’s finished with being used for her family connections and she is hoping to experience unconditional love. One of the first people she sees is Penn—and he doesn’t remember her at all. To protect her heart, she pretends to not know him as well, and rebuffs his flirtatious advances. She’s through with settling! Penn can’t figure out why his legendary charm isn’t working and his friends are enjoying his discomfiture.
This leads to some fun and interesting banter, and the cause of much of the tension…Will she succumb? When? Has Penn finally met his match? Why are they so comfortable sharing deeper truths with each other? Will he ever figure out who she is?? The pacing is spot-on and holds the interest of the reader throughout the story. The characters have depth and are fleshed out adequately, although I wanted more details on Penn’s past and on Avery’s present.
Penn’s friends and their acceptance–of his foibles, and of Avery as a newcomer to their circle–is a thing of beauty. The banter between the guys is a good part of what elevates this story. It’s just so darn fun to read! It’s believable for the most part and much of it is just the way young men often talk to each other. It’s irreverent and crass at times. When it matters, his friends come through for him.
Penn’s character arc is well-done. He does grow into his character, but it takes much of the book. Avery starts as a strong character, and only gets better. Her relationship with her aunt has a profound impact on her life. Her parents will never win any parenting awards, but her aunt fills the gap of mother and confidant beautifully.
Rather immature:
Penn is adverse to anything other than the physical, casual side of things and has a lot of growing up to do. However he also has a vulnerable and insecure side which is rather endearing. Meanwhile Avery has had a tough upbringing in LA and is looking to start over in small town Tennessee. She is longing to find a place to belong and to be loved for who she is.
Overall I found this book to be rather crude and immature. While I get it was supposed to be about reforming a bad boy, it took a long time to get there. I didn’t like how everyone was pressuring Avery to have a one night stand despite her having stated on numerous occasions that she didn’t want to as she was looking for a deep, meaningful relationship instead. I ended up enjoying the final third of the book much more as it felt authentic and real and I also thought the ending was well done.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
Love this series. Penn is so freaking adorable. I can’t wait to see what else these characters have to show. Couldn’t put it down.
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!