1.75/5 stars! This is the second book in the Sons of Scandal series by Becky Wade. I quite liked the first book, but that was because the Christian angle wasn't hard pressed in book one. It felt like it was more at the forefront in this book, which was offputting for me.

ARC REVIEW:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Gemma Clare hails from perfume royalty. Her family is credited with creating one of the best fragrance recipes known to man. In fact, it is so sought after, a limited quantity is produced and sold per year. Thus, it is no surprise that her cousin Cedric is looking to illegally off load the secret recipe, in exchange for an astronomical amount of money. Agreeing to work with the FBI, will Gemma be able to prevent the secret from getting out, or will she fail to protect generations of hard work?

Rocky Road is the second book in Becky Wade’s Sons of Scandal Series. This book focuses on Jude Camden, a devoted member of the FBI. Despite growing up in the spotlight and being unfairly judged for his parent’s decisions, he dedicated his life to making the world a safer place.

This book possesses many layers. While the heart of the story is a romance between Gemma and Jude, it is surrounded by overarching themes of faith and a bit of a WWII mystery. Wade does a fantastic job of melding them into one cohesive book!

Jude’s character arc beautifully revolves around his ability to forgive and rediscover his faith. While he was previously traumatized by the church and its members, his realization that even those who claim to do things in the name of the Lord are not exempt from sin.

As much as I adored Jude, my favorite aspect of this book was hands down learning about Gemma’s great-grandmother. I am not a history buff so I had no idea that women played an integral role in decoding messages during WWII. I loved being along for the ride as Gemma deciphered the clues that unlocked a buried love story. I look forward to learning more as I continue to read about this topic and time in our history!!!

Be sure to read this book for:
-MMC FBI Agent
-FMC Perfumer/ Store Owner
-Maine Setting
-Multiple POVs (Gemma and Jude)
-Fake Dating
-Opposites Attract
-Women Decoders
-Complex Family Dynamics

Special thanks to NetGalley and Becky Wade for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

I was hooked on Rocky Road as soon as I started reading it. Becky Wade had me laughing out loud. I absolutely love her books, and This was no different. I really enjoyed the first book in the Sons of Scandal series (Memory Lane), so I was looking forward to the second installment of the series. Rocky Road is a fake romance with Jude and Gemma that includes a great balance of a bit of suspense, romance, and is just all around sweet and swoony - my favorite combination. I am thankful I had the opportunity to read Rocky Road through NetGalley. I also listened to the audiobook through Hoopla through my local library. The audio version is excellent as well.

This book was a mix of sweet and fun, loved the aspect of fake dating with a fix of crime fighting. Loved a sweet story!

Rocky Road is the second book in the series Sons of Scandals. This one covered Jude Camden as an FBI agent. He is a very strict by the book lawman. His latest assignment is to pose as a boyfriend to Gemma Clare. She owned a perfume and fragrance store. Her cousin, Cedric is admitting to sell the manufacturing secrets. He would be violating the foreign commerce and break the Economic Espionage Act. Cedric texted her and asked about her boyfriend and would he want to sell the secrets. Jude is going to go undercover as her boyfriend in an attempt to arrest him in the act. But Gemma is also a feisty lady and will give the run for his money.


This book is filled with romance and mystery and comes into a love triangle. It was interesting to read along of their adventures to stop a stop to her cousin from selling the family recipe for the perfume. I enjoyed the setting and how they had to pretend to be a couple. This is a rocky wild ride for them since they are opposites. There is also discussions of faith and why bad things happen to good people. This series is going to be a very popular read for Christians who enjoy fiction.

We love a great clean romance! The MC'S are so memorable and will grab your attention with the wholesome romance and plot. If your looking for a christian romance this is for you !

FBI agent Jude Camden is a rule follower. He is a by-the-book, straight laced, humble, FBI agent who is on the hunting down a world class criminal. To do so, he must quickly go undercover and pretend to be in a relationship with the criminals cousin, Gemma. Gemma is a spontaneous, distracting redhead perfumer who annoys Jude at every encounter. And as with any fake dating trope, the two quickly fall for each other and what is fake becomes all too real for them. Throughout the story we also get to know a little bit more about Gemma's as she works with her mother and grandmother help her great-grandmother, who suffers with dimentia, remember her own love. I also really enjoyed the faith aspect brought up. Jude and Gemma discussed their faith easily and often throughout the story, questioning why bad things happen to good people. I loved that Rocky Road is a closed-door, sweet, faith-filled romance. I have recently begun reading more romance and enjoy this type more so than the spicy romance books that put in more than I'm comfortable reading. While this book is the second in the Sons of Scandal series by Wade, this one can be read as a stand alone, which is what happened to me. I didn't realize it was a sequel until I had already requested and been approved for it. I'm very eager to go back and read book number one and then continue with this series. If you enjoy cute, "clean" romance stories with strong male leads and fun female main characters, you will enjoy Rocky Road by Becky Wade! I highly recommend.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest thoughts.

Rocky Road has one of the best boy-meets-girl scenes I’ve read. It’s the perfect rom-com introduction—unique, not cringey, and the perfect introduction to both characters: the staid and responsible Jude Camden, and the outgoing and impulsive (but secretly equally responsible) Gemma Clare.

Jude studied law before deciding he wanted to track down the bad guys, not defend them. He’s now an FBI agent, and his new assignment has him working undercover with Gemma to collect evidence against her cousin, Cedric.

Gemma blames Cedric for her father ending up in jail, not least because Cedric is still walking free despite being the brains behind her father’s crimes. So she’s more than happy to post as Jude’s girlfriend to get him close to Cedric if that means Cedric will face the consequences of his actions.

Of course, the one rule of undercover work is that the couple aren’t to form any kind of attachment. Jude doesn’t think this will be a problem—he’s never met a rule he can’t follow. Gemma is not so sure … and that’s going to ruffle Jude’s calm demeanor.

One of the things Becky Wade is famous for is the banter between her characters, and Rocky Road is full of banter. Gemma and Jude were perfect opposites and that meant they were each the perfect foil for the other … which leads to lots of wonderful banter. But there’s also some serious points, especially when it comes to matters of faith.

I appreciated the way Becky Wade crossed the boundary from fun to faith without it seeming forced. I was about a third of the way through the story before I realised the connection between this story and Memory Lane, the first in Becky Wade’s Sons of Scandal series. For those who read and enjoyed Memory Lane, we get enough of Jeremiah and Remy to keep us interested, as well as more of an introduction to Max, the third Camden son… who is clearly being positioned to be the hero of the next book. I can’t wait.

Recommended for contemporary Christian romance fans, especially those who like an element of rom com and suspense.

Thanks to the author and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.

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.