In my world there is a wonderful week each year where I read Becky Wade’s newest novel, and then there are the other 51 weeks during the year where I wait for her next novel.

Rocky Road by Becky Wade is the second in her Sons of Scandal Romance Series. This is a stand-alone novel, but you revisit some characters from the first book which is always lovely. Gemma Clare is a perfumer who is bold creative and a free spirit. Jude Camden is an FBI agent who likes thing to run according to plan. Gemma makes her own plan.

Gemma is delightful, and Jude is a wonderful hero. I enjoyed their banter, chemistry, and funny moments. It was a pleasure to get to know Gemma and Jude’s family and learn their history. The setting of Maine, the mystery, and the perfume industry drew me into the story, and I did not want to leave.

Rocky Road by Becky Wade is a fabulous tory with great banter, romance and characters I cared about. I loved this book and can not wait for the third book in the series! I highly recommend!

I was given a copy by the publisher and not required to write a positive review.

Cute Cover. Cute Story. Cute Couple.

Mistaken identity. Hysterics. Allergies. This wonderful rom-com starts off with our lovely vibrant Gemma who accosts Special Agent Jude Camden, "beware of citronella." *Pure gold*

The following request the agent has for Gemma Clare involves Rhapsodie perfumes and criminal activity undercover. Cedric, her cousin, having messed up royally.

Chaz, with his dad humor and lack of any real depth, made me roll my eyes. That was a character I couldn't care less for.

Cryptoanalysts. Great grandmother's. World War ciphers. Chocolate chip croissants, which is very pertinent to the ongoing case. Baits. Butterfly obsessions.

Very cute, very funny romantic with a twist. The bereau and the agents and the operations was an interesting twist on the fake dating trope. Would recommend to a friend 🌟🌟🌟🌟/5 Stars!

Loved this sweet book. I have been a Becky Wade fan since her very first book and this did not disappoint. Loved the fake dating and forbidden romance troupes. Plan to read again and again!

Ahhh, Jude Camden and Gemma Clare’s fake relationship was … amazing! I haven’t reread a book in years, but after I finished Rocky Road, I simply refused to let Jude and Gemma out of my life. So I reread Rocky Road ~ and loved it even more the second time around! The premise was expertly crafted and conflicty ~ he’s an FBI agent who wants her help with a case and she has a personal reason not to like the FBI. They are so opposite that their interactions made me laugh out loud many times. Especially, early on, when Gemma squashed a piece of his shirt between her fingers, leaving a wrinkle on his starched and perfect shirt. LOL. His perfection drove her crazy, and she also wanted to see what his reaction would be to the wrinkle. Such a fun book. Kept me engaged from beginning to the end. A must read!

Rocky Road is the second book in her newest series and does not disappoint. Becky Wade is a gifted writer and her stories are very engaging. She has a great ability to draw you into the lives of her characters through the dialogue and character development. The story has a very predictable plot with no surprises.

I really enjoyed Memory Lane so when I saw the opportunity to read the next book in the series I was so happy! I absolutely loved Jude and Gemma's story. You will fall in love with them and their families. This is a clean romance book which is refreshing sometimes. I felt like this book had a good flow to it and that made it a quick read for me. I can't wait to see what Becky has in store for us in the next book. I would highly recommend this book if you want a sweet and clean romance story.


Thank you NetGalley and Becky Wade for allowing me to read this ARC in advance for my honest opinion.

When FBI agent Jude has to work with Gemma for an undercover assignment, he believes it will be an easy assignment. He did not expect his reaction to Gemma or her impact on him.

It took me several chapters to get into this book, but once I did, I enjoyed Jude and Gemma's story. The two were exact opposites which made aspects of their fake dating relationship entertaining.

Readers will be reminded that unforgiveness separates us from God and can ruin relationships. There was also a theme of being hurt when the church doesn't act like the body of Christ.

I enjoyed getting a peak into the progression of Jeremiah and Remy's relationship, and look forward to Max and Sloane's story.

I received an advanced reader's copy from the publisher through NetGalley, a positive review was not required.

Thank you for Becky Wade for this gifted book!*

Synopsis: “She was going to have to set aside her bitterness toward the FBI and deal with whatever consequences came for her and her family down the road. Because the thing that mattered most was this. Cedric must be stopped.” Perfumer Gemma Clare has a rocky past with the FBI due to family history, but when her cousin threatens to reveal the trade secrets of her family business, she knows he has to be stopped. Enter Agent Jude Camden, FBI. Jude approaches Gemma with a proposition: be her fake boyfriend and catch Cedric in his crimes. But as polar opposites, can they really pull this off? As Jude and Gemma navigate their fake relationship, they begin to realize maybe it’s not so fake after all. But both have current issues like the FBI regulations and past histories to overcome if a relationship is actually going to work. It’s sure to be a Rocky Road.

Analysis: This sweet, clean romcom is so much fun! I loved the witty banter, fake dating trope, and family dynamics in this book. The supporting characters will leave you reminiscing of your own family and friendships. And Jude and Gemma 😍 Polar opposites attract and a touch of grumpy sunshine make the chemistry between these two a favorite in my book! I also loved the layers in this book! It’s so much more than just a romcom. With a bit of mystery, historical fiction, faith, and of course romance, you’ll find yourself turning the pages for more!

Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

*All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

4.5 stars! Just as cute as the first book! Was the perfect Valentine’s Day read! I didn’t realize it was a Christian romance, but I ended up loving that about it! I enjoyed the dual narration and really fell in love with both of the main characters. Definitely worth the read!

Rocky Road
The second book in Becky Wade's Sons of Scandal series is fantastic! When we met Jude in Memory Lane you just knew his story would be intense and interesting and Rocky Road did not disappoint.
Gemma Clare is the perfect woman for Jude as she's everything he isn't: spontaneous, open, daring. She makes him uncomfortable in a good way. Wade writes their story in a perfect back and forth banter between a rule follower and a rule bender that endears the characters to the reader. The undercover operation mixed with the mystery of Gemma's Great Grandmother makes this a great story.
I received my copy from NetGalley. The opinions and views above are my own freely given.

<b>A fabulous continuation of <i>The Sons of Scandal</i> series.</b>

I was blessed with an advanced copy of Ms Wade's latest release about a week ago, but having not read book one, I HAD to buy myself a copy. 😉🤣 I sucked down Jeremiah and Remy's story, loving every moment (please read <i>Memory Lane</i> if you haven't yet), and was soon ready to start Jude's story.

First off, I love Jude. Straight-laced, rule-follower Jude. 😍 He's a perfect "opposites attract" to Gemma's carefree ways. He contrasted with his brother in Jeremiah's book, as in this one, and I appreciated his hidden depths. Such self-control and restraint, honing his body and emotions to seem so... unaffected. Kinda reminds me of my hubby in some ways (except he's a crier. LOL). And the reasons for not wanting to fail... the poor love. 😣 What a tough time Jude experienced when his parents' marriage exploded.

I enjoyed being immersed in Gemma's world, meeting her family and journeying with her while she rediscovered Gracie and Paul's love story. 😍 I felt great sympathy for Gemma from the moment Jude approached her, and was happy she assisted the FBI. But, wow, the struggles she endured, supporting her mum after what happened with her dad. Gemma was brave and funny. I loved the banter between her and Jude (when Jude relaxed, ha ha).

A wonderful story with faith elements, a mystery to solve plus a little danger, wonderful family interactions, and the colliding of two different worlds.

NB I received an ARC of this novel.

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! Thank you, NetGalley and Becky Wade, for the opportunity to read and review this advanced copy.

Glimpses of Jeremiah and Remy were so fun, and we got Max pov’s can’t wait for his book. Loved the opening to this book, the introduction to Gemma and Jude was spectacular. Had fun reading a faking a relationship for an FBI sting.

I have read all of Becky Wade's books and this is definitely a favorite! It is the second book in the Sons of Scandal series set in the beautiful state of Maine. It coulbe read as a standalone book, since the although there are a couple of continuing themes from the first book that will no doubt carry over to the third as well.

I loved Jude's character and watching his walls come down as cheery Gemma worked her way into his heart.

As with most of Becky Wade's books, there is more than just romance to the story. This one is well-rounded with additional plot lines and excellent writing.

One thing that I really enjoyed in this dual POV story, was that many times bother points of view were included in thr same chapter. It wasn't just alternating chapters from each perspective.

As a side note, I also listened to the audio version of this book. It was fabulous! Both the make and female narrators were able to give each character their own voice and they all sounded natural. Jude is super swoony with his voice being read aloud!

Many thanks to Netgalley and Becky Wade herself for the opportunity to read an advanced digital copy of this book. I am happy to leave an honest review.

PS... The book title is great!

This book is a fun sweet romance with mystery and a touch of suspense. Jude and Gemma's story was an absolute joy to read. Loved it!
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

What a Rocky Road it was! This clean romance had hints of intrigue mixed with a large dash of small town gossip. I’d give it more than five stars if I could. The first line had me hooked. “Though they’d never met, Jude Camden was an expert on Gemma Clare..” From that point on I could hardly set it down for even a second. Jude and Gemma had me holding my breath one minute, biting my nails the next, and cheering them on the whole time.

Heat level - won’t make mama blush.

Thanks to the author (who is the best) the publisher and NetGalley for gifting me an ARC. All opinions are expressly my own.

I'll admit that at first I was a bit lost and I wasn't sure I was going to like the premise of this book but I can happily report that this one stole my heart. Whimsical, sweet and funny this one was an all around sweet escape

I am partial to the handsome, self-controlled, very private hero who is always taking care of those around him without seeking attention or credit. The truly good and humble man who is content to stay in the background even though he belongs in the spotlight. Jude Camden, the hero of Rocky Road is that rare type of man. He is right in the middle between two much showier brothers but once the heroine, Gemma, begins to delve into Jude’s persona, she is surprised to find—not the stiff personality, too-perfect, inflexible person she expects—but a man capable of deep love and passion with a sense of loyalty and unwavering commitment to his people, no matter how messy their lives are. I really enjoyed this opposites-attract, fake dating story. There was a lot of clever banter between Jude and vivacious and outgoing Gemma as she sought to dismantle Jude’s need for control and distance. And there was mystery woven throughout the book involving Gemma’s great-grandmother’s history as well as an element of danger as Jude and Gemma work together on an undercover sting operation for the FBI. It kept me engaged from start to finish. I’ve really enjoyed this series so far and look forward to Max’s story next. This book could be read as a standalone but there were some recurring characters from book one and if you have the opportunity, I suggest starting the series from the beginning because of the importance of understanding the inter-relationships of Jude with his family members (plus it was a good book). Highly recommend! I received an ARC from the author via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

This is a sweet follow-up to the book Memory Lane that does not disappoint! The book follows Jude, Jeremiah's brother, as he meets and begins to love spunky, spontaneous Gemma, a cooperative witness he is working with for his job...which break all the rules as an FBI agent. As romance unfolds, there is a mystery entwined throughout the book that keeps you guessing nearly til the end. 4 generations of women work together despite vastly different personalities to get to the bottom of things, which is probably my favorite part of this book. The personalities are so well captured throughout and Wade really brings each one to life. This is a fun and mildly suspenseful book that will keep your attention to the end.

I really enjoyed this story! Jude was my favorite character in the first book in the Sons of Scandal series, Memory Lane, so I was very excited to read his story. Jude and Gemma were so great together, and I really enjoyed their banter. My favorite part was the search for Gracie's memory. That was so well-done, and I could read more books just on Gemma's family. Highly recommend!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.