Jude Camden is a straight laced FBI agent who doesn't only take his job seriously, but his life as well. So when he has to pose as Gemma Clare's boyfriend on an undercover operation, her bold exuberance and the way she embraces messiness throws him off kilter, even if he doesn't want to admit it. And as he's drawn to her, he has to keep reminding himself that the FBI takes a hard stance against romances on operations. But as much as Jude likes following rules, this one may be worth breaking.
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What an excellent second edition to this series. Let's address the side characters first. I loved the continuation of storylines introduced in the first book, as well as the debut of new side characters and their stories. The way all the points of view are presented makes you immersed in every facet of everyone's story without you feeling overwhelmed.

Now the main story... Jude and Gemma are the sweetest match! Their differences play nicely together and they compliment and need each other. I loved how she teased out his playful side and he made her a bit more contemplative. Plus the way their relationship went from fake to real had me giggling and turning pages to see what happened next.

I loved how faith played a bigger role in the plot of this one while still serving the story.

This book can be read as a stand alone, but I really recommend reading Memory Lane first because there are side storylines that are a continuation of those in the first book.
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This is a closed door, kisses only rom com.

Content warnings: Alzheimer's, stroke, alcoholism, gun violence, incarcerated parent, infidelity, family strife

Thanks to Netgalley and Becky Wade for the gifted book. All opinions are my own.

I adore Becky Wade and this is her best book yet! The plot was inventive, fun, refreshing, and Gemma might be one of my favorite book characters of all time. Cannot recommend this series enough!

I received an advanced reader copy from NetGalley--all opnions are my own.

Such fun! I can’t believe how quickly I devoured this book! Ever since Becky’s previous novel, Memory Lane, I’ve been hoping and waiting for Jude’s story. And here it is! What can you expect from this book? How about romance, a little mystery to solve, romance, opposites-attract trope, romance, an undercover FBI sting, romance, faith. Did I mention romance?

Honestly the leading lady's personality is not my favorite but I actually liked her for the most part.

I preferred this book over the first in the series but I loved catching up with the main characters from the first book in this one. The ground work laid for the third book is awesome without taking away from this storyline.

I enjoyed the premise of the main storyline and loved how it played out. It had me thinking and eager for what the author was plotting.

The secondary story of the great-grandmother's past is a little unnecessary since I didn't think it added anything to the characters or the main storyline in anyway.

#RockyRoad #NetGalley

I really didn't think this was possible, but I loved this one more than the first. I loved the meeting, the cheeky filtration, the use on smell to influence the mood. It was such a neat perspective. I have never read a novel with this similarity. I also thought the grandma's story added so much. It was a complete package book and I cannot wait to read the next!! Pick this one up, it will NOT disappoint!!

thank you so much to Becky and the publisher for letting me really wonderful book

i loved the plot to the story i have not read the first book but i will be now i will be , the book was so much much with little plot twists and a bit of scandal with fake dating perfect .

i thought it was very well paced and the story kept me wanting more Becky story telling i thought everything you want in a Rom-com .

i very much enjoyed each of the characters They all had fantastic personalities

i am giving the loveable 4 stars

Rocky Road is the second in the Sons of Scandal series and does not disappoint those who loved the first in series. Becky Wade always writes series that make readers anxious for the next one to be published and after this one, I can't wait for the third book.
Gemma Clare comes from a history of famous perfumers, but owns a small shop in Maine, very far from the family's fame in France. FBI Agent Jude Camden asks her to help catch her French cousin in an unlawful business transaction acting as a couple. During this story we are introduced to Gemma's family, including her grandma with Alzheimer's who has her own secret she asks the family to help her remember. As the couple works together to bring cousin down, they grow closer together, which is against FBI rules.
I enjoyed this book and the continuation of storylines from book one about Jude's family. The storyline involving the FBI case was a back story to the romance story and the mystery of Gemma's great grandma was my favorite.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley, but all opinions are my own.

I loved this book! It was sweet (both figuratively and literally with chocolate references), mysterious, and something new from the author. Jude is alittle more reserved and broody, the grumpy hero. And Gemma is sunshine, fun, and quirky. I loved Gemma’s job as a perfumer which seemed so elegant. They work together to take down Gemma’s cousin Cedric with some side quests. Sweet, clean romance with a tinge of mystery that will the hairs on your arms standing up!

Sweet, funny, and perfect. Romance, humor, AND mystery? Yes, please!

I’m a huge Becky Wade fan- I’ve read every single book… and this is one of her best! I just loved Gemma and Jude! I loved the contrast in their personalities and how they were just what each other needed. The rocky road of their relationship was lined with humor and angst and so much sweetness. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.

I’m a lover of procedurals, so Jude’s case was so up my alley. Ohh Cedric was such a good bad guy. His history of growing up with Gemma draws you in only for his true nature to come out to shatter you a little like poor Gemma. How dare he! I just love that Becky Wade has started bringing a little bit of mystery and suspense into her romances. The combination just hits me exactly right. She always seems to work it into the story so well, both the main thread and the secondary mystery (on behalf of Gemma’s great grandmother).

I absolutely loved the faith present in this book, which felt organic, but also convicting, deep, and heartfelt. I appreciated both Jude and Gemma’s honesty with one another about all things, faith included.

Sigh, I’m in a happy little book coma after finishing this one so quickly. Looking backward in satisfaction from the first two books and eagerly anticipating the third.

I was provided a NetGalley ARC copy of this book from the author. I also purchased a paperback copy myself. I was not asked to leave a positive review. My opinions are entirely my own.

This is my first book by this author and I really enjoyed it and didn’t feel as if I missed anything by not having read the first book. FBI agent Jude Camden needs Gemma Clare’s help in his latest assignment and to be of help, Gemma needs to pretend that her and Jude are a couple. This is definitely an opposites attract relationship and I found it to be very humorous and heartwarming. I thank Netgalley and Author Becky Wade for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I really enjoyed this book - Gemma and Jude are excellent main characters. My only criticism is that I would have liked a little more Gemma and Jude content but overall really enjoyable.

I absolutely love Becky Wade's books and have been very impatiently waiting for book 2 of the Sons of Scandal series! Jude and Gemma's story is so much fun and humorous, even though he's FBI and looking to catch Gemma's cousin who has escaped the law in the past. I loved how straight-laced he is and how she gets him to loosen up. I also loved seeing bits of the previous characters from Memory Lane and learning more about Gemma's family as she searched for info her great grandmother.

All in all this was wonderful and now I'm off to wait, once again, impatiently, for Becky's next book!

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.,

Publication date: 14 February 2024

My first thought when I finished this novel? “This is the definition of top tier Christian romance.”

Becky Wade did not disappoint with this book. It's is witty and filled with soooo much creativity. It’s fast-paced without feeling like the romance started on page 1. Lemme tell you something, these two had chemistry!!! But it didn’t overpower the story. Every single chapter was not about their relationship and that was so refreshing.

What was also refreshing was how the MC approached the relationship. She was so emotionally mature about her feelings. And can I get an amen for a climax/conflict that didn’t have to include a breakup?? 🙌🏾

My one drawback was that I wanted a little bit more on the side of faith.

But this is a novel I can already see myself re-reading for all the feels! Rocky Road recently released and if you like romance, heart-warming stories and adorable families, you have to buy it today.

This was cute. The writing style isn't my favorite but I liked the characters. I would like an epilogue farther in the future but I'm assuming we'll get one after the last book.

I received an arc through netgalley.

Out of the Sons of Scandal series, so far, this is my least favorite. The first couple of chapters were so good and really got me hooked. When we were introduced to the side plot of Gemmas grandma's mystery, I started to feel disconnected. The change felt abrupt, and the momentum was gone. I didn't connect with that whole part of the story, although we did learn more about Gemma's family.

My main dislike of this story was that Gemma had a boyfriend when she was "fake dating," Jude. There were some hints to chemistry between Genma and Jude while she was still in a relationship. Jude was clearly having feelings, and after Gemma learned what perfume Jude was attracted to, she decided to wear it around him. The breakup didn't come until the halfway point. To me, the whole situation felt a bit like cheating, and I did not like those aspects from a Christian book.

Once Chaz was out of the picture, I felt much better about the budding romance between Gemma and Jude. I really enjoyed the faith elements of this book. Even though the faith wasn't heavy, it was sprinkled in just the right amount to really tug at your heart. Jude and Gemma asked each other about their faith journey, Gemma praying over her situation with family, and the come to Jesus/salvation was chef's kiss. It really redeemed all that I disliked in the beginning ♥️
I also swooned over Fiona and Burkes romance and thought it was so sweet! I can't wait to see more of that in the next book.

About halfway through reading, I did end up switching to the audiobook, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Audiobooks really bring out the characters and create a different reading experience. These narrators did just that! Overall, this was a good clean romance, and I am looking forward to Max's book next!

In the realm of romantic suspense, Becky Wade's Rocky Road emerges as a captivating tale that takes readers on a thrilling journey of forbidden love, action-packed intrigue, and self-discovery. At the heart of the story lies FBI Agent Jude Camden, a by-the-book professional whose life takes an unexpected turn when he's assigned to pose as the boyfriend of enigmatic perfumer Gemma Clare. Gemma, with her creative spirit, bold nature, and feisty demeanor, challenges Jude's rigid routine and awakens a side of him that he never knew existed. As they navigate their undercover operation, the chemistry between them sizzles, testing the boundaries of their professionalism. The author skillfully portrays the tension between duty and desire, as Jude struggles to maintain his focus on the mission while his feelings for Gemma grow stronger. The forbidden romance between these two characters adds a layer of emotional depth to the story, keeping readers captivated and rooting for their happiness. Wade's writing shines in the intricate plot that unfolds, weaving together elements of mystery, danger, and humor. The high-stakes operation that Jude and Gemma are involved in keeps the pace of the novel fast and engaging, with twists and turns that leave readers on the edge of their seats. Character development is another strength of Rocky Road. Jude's transformation from a stoic agent to a man capable of vulnerability and passion is believable and heartwarming. Gemma's resilience and determination make her a compelling protagonist, and the supporting cast adds depth and humor to the narrative. Overall, Becky Wade's Rocky Road is a well-crafted romantic suspense novel that offers a satisfying blend of action, romance, and character-driven storytelling. It's a perfect read for fans of the genre who enjoy a thrilling adventure with a touch of forbidden love.

Memory Lane was one of my favorite reads last year, so I was so excited to read Rocky Road as soon as it came out! I loved reading Jude and Gemma’s story and watching them both grow and change over the course of their story. This books has a lot of my favorite tropes: fake dating, opposites attract, he falls first, forbidden love. I thought Gemma being a perfumer was a very unique profession, and it was interesting to get a little insight into what goes into creating perfume. And as a big fan of romantic suspense, I love the mystery/suspense aspects of this book - not only the FBI case, but also Gemma’s investigation into her great-grandmother’s past as a code girl. While there are some faith elements weaved into the story, it is pretty light until the very end. Overall, this was another fantastic story from Becky Wade, and I can’t wait to read Max’s story next!🩷

A big thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for sending me an e-ARC of this book! All thoughts and opinions above are my own.

“I agree to help the FBI but it’s getting real with my fake boyfriend… Who’s off-limits obviously.”

🦋 Forbidden Relationship
✨ Opposite attracts
👫 Fake Dating
🥑 “Clean” Romance

I got this as an earc, and this is my honest opinion. It's a 3,5stars for me, (but as always I'm rating above because we can't add half stars....)

I have exactly the same opinion as the first book. The story was great, the whole FBI and undercover agent was awesome, the chemistry between the main characters was obviously there. But I don’t get why we also have their mother’s point of view ? I mean, it’s connected I know, but I didn’t really care about her… I cared about Gemma and Jude !!

I really like Gemma and her whole personality. She’s a girl boss, she does what she likes and what she wants to do. She loves her family and tries to help all her relatives (and she has a lot). I really like how she goes for what she wants as soon as she realizes it. Same with Jude. Also, their chemistry was so great ! Their first kiss was so heartbreaking but so right at the same time. Loved it !

Something I didn’t like was the representation of Alzeimer’s with Gemma’s great grandmother. I know this condition is different for everyone, but my experience with it (as family I mean, not the one who has it) is really really different. Maybe I have the worst case scenario, but it felt like the author was just using it for the story without researching beforehands. I mean, Alzeihmer isn’t just people with “I know I’m forgetting something but I don’t know why”. I felt like it was dismissing this disease. Again, maybe I just witnessed the very bad several time. But it still bothered me a lot…

Man, oh man. I love a good Becky Wade romance, and Rocky Road was the sweet read I needed.

Wade includes plenty of swoon, but she also doesn’t skimp on the banter. I loved seeing Gemma ruffle Jude’s feathers, and her playful attitude is a perfect contrast to Jude’s serious personality.

The suspense element was a nice addition. If you have trouble with romantic suspense, don’t worry. The storyline is light enough that this is still a feel-good story, but it also grabs your attention and makes you wonder what’s going to happen next.

I also loved the hints for Max’s book and getting to see Remy and Jeremiah again.

Overall, Rocky Road was a sweet romance with plenty of humorous moments, making it a perfect way to unwind at the end of a long day.

“Jude Camden. So ironed and correct and polished. It was almost impossible to shake him, but it turned out that she liked him shaken.”

And Gemma Clare definitely shakes him up! Oh my goodness! I am completely in love with this story and these characters!

Jude works as an FBI agent. He’s proper, self-controlled, calm, and a rule follower.

Gemma is a successful perfumer and shop owner. She’s funny, forthright, outgoing, daring, and spontaneous.

Gemma’s cousin is a shady character and is responsible for her dad being in prison. When Jude approaches her, asking her to help take her cousin down while posing as his fake girlfriend, she agrees.

It’s not too long before their fake relationship starts to feel very real.

I have a weakness for fictional, buttoned up men who are completely undone by a woman. The chemistry between Jude and Gemma was tangible, and the way he unravels and falls so hard for her was perfection!

What I loved:
Opposites attract
Witty dialogue and banter
Lots of humor and depth
Complex characters
Info about creating scents and perfumes
Hope and Spice Perfume
Danger and intrigue
Slow burn
He recites poetry
Jude’s word aversions
Maine setting

There are a couple of secondary storylines that added to the story – a mystery surrounding Gemma‘s great grandmother’s marriage and a secret occupation during WWII. And a later-in-life budding romance between Jude‘s mom and an old acquaintance.

This is the second book in the Sons of Scandal Romance Series and can be read as a standalone. I highly recommend both books!

I received a review copy through NetGalley and Becky Wade, but a positive review was not required. All opinions expressed our completely my own.