Rocky Road by Becky Wade is a delightful and playful romantic comedy that combines humor, chemistry, and a dash of suspense. FBI Agent Jude Camden is all business, adhering strictly to the rules as he takes on his latest assignment: posing as the boyfriend of the bold and spirited perfumer, Gemma Clare. Gemma, with her vibrant personality and creative flair, quickly tests Jude’s carefully controlled demeanor, leading to a simmering tension between them that is impossible to ignore.

Wade does a fantastic job of crafting a "fake romance" that feels anything but fake. The chemistry between Jude and Gemma is palpable, with their witty banter and contrasting personalities providing plenty of sparks. Jude’s by-the-book professionalism and Gemma’s free-spirited nature create the perfect tension, and as the two grow closer, the line between their staged romance and real feelings blurs.

Set against the backdrop of Maine, Rocky Road offers a lighthearted escape filled with laughter, romance, and a hint of mystery from the past. The intriguing blend of perfume-making and FBI drama adds an unexpected layer to the story, keeping readers hooked. This is a fun, swoon-worthy read for fans of fake relationships and sweet, slow-burn romances. Wade’s writing is sharp, warm, and full of heart—Rocky Road is the perfect pick for a cozy, feel-good escape.

Rocky Road by Becky Wade is book 2 in the Sons of Scandal Series. I love every book this author has ever written and her characters are always robust and interesting. But I have to say that Jude has a special place in my heart. I love his strait laced attitude and how it meshes with his weakness for ice cream. This is such a fun, sweet rom com and I highly recommend it. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own. I also purchased a copy.

Rocky Road is the second book in the Sons of Scandal series and such a good read! I enjoyed the first book, but this one was even better! I liked how we got a hint of this storyline in the first book (Jude going undercover as Gemma's boyfriend).

I read this book mostly by listening to the audio while reading the print copy. The audiobook was read so well that it made the read even more enjoyable.

I liked how this story's romance wasn't too heated and that there was a good element of faith. I thought the ending was intense and yet so good. I also loved the side story about Gemma's grandmother, Gracie.

All in all, Rocky Road was a great read and I recommend it to fans of contemporary romance. I can hardly wait for the next one, which is about Max.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Even though I think Jude is the best brother (so far, we'll see when Max's book is out), his book didn't fully work for me. And it's not bad by any means, I was just expecting a bit more from it.

✔️forced proximity
✔️fake dating
✔️ opposites attract
✔️ christian fiction


I loved this book so much! It's always such a delight to read something by Becky. Granted, I've only read two books by her, but both have been wonderful. After reading Memory Lane, I was so excited to read Jude's story. And I have to say it did not disappoint me at all!

I loved the chemistry between Jude and Gemma. They're complete opposites but so perfect for each other. Gemma was the beautiful chaos Jude needed in his life. And I can't even begin saying how much I loved Jude. He is perfect and must be protected at all costs.

Gemma's great-grandmother's story was a lovely element, and it was fun to read about her love story and all of Gemma's family.

As always, I love how Becky talks about God in her stories and the spiritual journey her characters experience, like Jude's in this book.

If you enjoy fun and sweet romances or are looking for a great Christian fiction romance, you must give this one a chance. As for me, I'm itching to read Max's book. I already know I'll love his story.

Thank you so much to Becky Wade and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Rocky Road
Sons of Scandal Series, Book 2
by Becky Wade
Pub DateFeb 14 2024
Author Becky Wade
Christian| General Fiction \(Adult\)| Romance


I received a copy of Rocky Road from Author Becky Wade and Netgalley to review:


Agent Jude Camden handles every aspect of his job with professionalism. Taking on the role of perfumer Gemma Clare's boyfriend shouldn't be any different from his previous assignments.


With Gemma, however, things are different. She is feisty, creative, and bold. She wants to loosen Jude up, wrinkle his perfect shirts, and test every ounce of his self-control as soon as she meets him.


The FBI prohibits romances between those who work together on operations. Jude respects all rules. Gemma is becoming increasingly irresistible to him as time passes, so adhering to this one will be difficult.


Hold on tight! There will be a lot of bumps along the way.


I give Rocky Road five out of five stars!

Happy Reading!

What an exciting book! The story grabs you at the beginning and keeps you on a crazy ride till the awesome end. I couldn't put this one down. The characters were likable at the start. As they developed and their relationship grew, I liked them even more. It was so fun to read this adventure! I highly recommend it and of course any book by the gifted author, Becky Wade.

Gemma and Jude are a sweet pair indeed. I really liked the story and their relationship development. The fake dating trope is always a good one and this is no exception. Jude is a sweetie and Gemma was a delight!

I am truly happy to say this is one of those books that you have to at least read once, It was fun and the writing made you forget that you were reading a book, I dropped everything just to sit down and read it. I hadn’t read the first one but now i kind of want to go back and read it. It was so so good.

Rocky Road is Jude and Gemma's story. Their first encounter is hilarious and a laugh out loud moment.I enjoyed getting to know Gemma's female relatives and her side mystery looking deeper into her great-grandmother's love story. I also enjoyed the side characters and am looking forward to Max's story in this series.

This is the second book in a series with great fake romance and opposites attract tropes. Filled with plenty of chemistry and humour, I quite enjoyed this clean romance story the whole way through. It was a refreshing and quirky read; I loved the genuine characters with all the little backstories.

Blurb:
FBI Agent Jude Camden handles every aspect of his job with by-the-book professionalism. There's no reason why his latest assignment—which calls for him to pose as the boyfriend of perfumer Gemma Clare—should be any different.

Except Gemma is different. She's creative, bold, and feisty. And as soon as she meets Jude, she wants to loosen him up, wrinkle his perfect shirts, and test every ounce of his towering self-control.

The FBI has an iron-clad rule against romances between those working together on operations. Jude's never met a rule he didn't respect. But adhering to this one is going to be tough because, as time goes by, he finds Gemma more and more irresistible.

Buckle up! It's going to be a rocky road.

This one was super fun. I love that this series has romance but also an element of mystery in the Sons and Scandals books. It makes me not want to put the book down.

Rocky Road is a contemporary romance novel written by Becky Wade. It is book two in the Sons of Scandal series, and while you don’t have to read the first one in order to enjoy this one, I highly recommend you read it because it’s so good!

Summary: Straight-laced FBI Agent Jude Camden is ready for his next undercover assignment.

He’s researched all of the pertinent players. He’s delved into the perfume world-determined to have this operation go as smoothly as possible.

But perfumer Gemma, who will pose as his girlfriend, is not as into conventional thinking. She prefers to see where her creative brainstorms take her-even if things end up being a little outside the box.

Can Jude learn to go with the flow, and can Gemma stay within the rules?

Only time will tell.

My Thoughts: I have been desperately waiting for book two in this series since I finished book one. This book did not disappoint. I loved it.

It was fun to delve into the world of perfume for this story.

And even though Gemma and Jude are opposites, the author did a great job bringing them together into a believable relationship-especially with the backstory.

The book was interesting, there was a good romance, and a little mystery and intrigue are thrown in as well.

I highly recommend this book, this series, and OH-I need a book three already!

Thank you to Becky Wade for providing me with a free digital copy of this book in exchange for my review.

I really enjoyed the second installment in Becky Wade’s Sons of Scandal series! Jude’s story was everything I hoped it would be. He melted my heart with his love and devotion to Gemma. And she is a total fireball! I giggled at a few of their interactions, and swooned at some other ones! I appreciated Gemma’s serious side, though, and her devotion to her family. I also appreciated her devotion to her faith and the church, and her challenging Jude in that area of his life. The family dynamics among Gemma and her female relatives were endearing, and I enjoyed the mystery she set out to solve! I really laughed when we got inside the mind of Fiona, Jude’s mom. I’ve enjoyed seeing her grow throughout the first book and this one, and I’m looking forward to the conclusion of her story. I thoroughly enjoyed getting back to Maine with and the Camdens in this book, and I can’t wait to read Max’s story!!
Thank you to the author for my prerelease copy. All thoughts above are my own; I was not required to write a positive review.

Becky Wade is one of my go-to authors for contemporary romance. She has a knack for placing loveable characters in amusing situations.

FBI Agent Jude Camden has worked hard to separate his career from his family’s reputation. Working undercover is tricky if you are instantly recognised. And his latest assignment requires him to pretend to be perfumer Gemma Clare’s boyfriend in the bid to uncover commercial theft. Strait-laced Jude is drawn to the outgoing Gemma. She’s not afraid to be her creative and determined self and let Jude know how she feels about him. But a relationship between them could be the end of the career Jude has worked so hard for.

Rocky Road is the second book in the Sons of Scandal series. This book is a fun romance, both funny and sweet. The characters have great chemistry and the threads of suspense as they work together moves the plot along.

Highly recommended and I look forward to reading the third book in the series.

The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.

A Christian Romance WITH some suspense too?! I mean what more could you ask for??? Sign me up for more.

This book was delightful from the first moment these two MC’s met each other! I loved every minute and especially loved seeing the old friends from Memory Lane! Definitely read in order… you won’t regret it! I was enthralled from the moment I started! Enjoy and settle in!

Thank you to NetGalley for this book! All opinions are my own!

Just adorable! Becky Wade creates worlds that give me the coziest vibes and I love the sweet romances she writes.

Thank you for this arc!

3.5 stars. I had a copy of this from NetGalley. Thanks! I really love some of Becky Wade's books and some of them are just ok for me. I enjoyed reading this one. I love a good fake dating trope and I loved the way this situation rolled out. The main characters were fun and the secondary characters were even better. There was some element of suspense in the story but it is kind of a lesser element. If you enjoy a great, light, clean rom com, I think you wil enjoy this book. There is some of the element of Christian worship in this but it really isn't a main part of the story. A fun read was just what I wanted and just what I got with this book.

Gemma is a free spirit ; known in town for her perfume. She makes scents that inspire and thrill each person individually .

Jude is the opposite of a free spirit. He is known for his reliability and loyalty. He is.a hard working FBI agent who is investigating Gemma’s cousin and needs Gemma to help him . Help how ? By pretending to be dating each other .

Gemma is not sure about the idea but quickly decides she likes Jude and likes talking with him and suddenly he is an active part of her life.

Only thing- is it just a job for Jude or is he interested her ?

The book is slow at first but quickly picks up pace. Both Jude and Gemma are likable and their relationship is fun “to watch” .
Both of their families could have their own stories too! I enjoyed reading their story despite the story being slow at times . I wanted to know what happened next : if the cousin would get caught , and if Jude and Gemma would fall in love or fall apart.

Thank you to Netgalley for a download in exchange for an unbiased review.