A cute story of fake dating, unexpected romance and adventure. This is a charming rom com filled with interesting twists and turns that will keep you turning pages. Gemma and Jude were darling together and I found myself cheering for them to make their "fake" relationship real. I adored the clean and faith filled content. The storyline was so entertaining, enjoyable and fun. This wonderful romance will surely brighten your day.

Rocky Road was one of the sweetest love stories ever combined with mystery, intrigue, suspense, and betrayal. The book had me both laughing and feeling the emotions of the characters.

When an extended family member is part of the reason Gemma Clare’s father is currently locked up in prison, there’s not so much as a hesitation when handsome FBI agent Jude Camden asks for her help in nabbing her cousin in his latest illegal scheme. The two must pretend they are a couple and try to entice Gemma’s cousin to sell their family’s perfume recipe that has been top secret for generations. Will the fake couple be able to respect the FBI’s strict rule against romances during secret operations? If you’re a fan of humour, witty banter and a dreamy Maine setting, Becky Wade’s new book is for you.

Poignant Christian read

I enjoyed the continuation of the Sons of Scandal series and look forward to reading Max's story and finding out more about Fiona and Burke. I loved Gemma's career and the connections her family had to the perfume industry. Her family was fun and lively. Jude was a swoony and dutiful hero.

This was a sweet romance that I enjoyed and would rate PG for mention of side characters having a child out of wedlock, minor thematic violence, and kissing. There were Christian themes, but they fit well within the story.

Jude Camden is a calm, cool, and collected FBI agent who is used to holding his family together. Free-spirited perfumer Gemma Clare is also used to holding her family together, especially since her father's incarceration. Now her cousin Cedric, who has continued in his illegal dealings, is about to sell the secret recipe for their family's centuries-old bestselling perfume. Jude, who has been keeping an eye on Cedric, approaches Gemma about an undercover operation to finally get Cedric behind bars where he belongs.

Gemma harbors resentment for the role the FBI played in convicting her father but letting Cedric go free years earlier. However, for a chance to save the family legacy, she's willing to let Jude pretend to be her boyfriend in order to catch her conniving cousin. But she's not willing to stipulate to all the rules that Jude would like, leading to some interesting compromises.

While Jude and Gemma pose as boyfriend and girlfriend, Gemma is also helping her great-grandmother remember her WWII romance by tracking down her diaries and other mementos. When the stories Gemma is uncovering don't line up with family history as it has always been told to her, she begins to suspect there are secrets lurking beneath the surface.

This second book of the Sons of Scandal series is a wonderful blend of romance, humor, suspense, and faith. I laughed out loud so many times and also hung on the edge of my seat as I listened to the audiobook. I loved staid Jude with his very controlled life being slowly undone as genuine care for Gemma swept over him. Gemma's family is a riot and it was fun to follow the multigenerational relationships and banter.

Though Rocky Road could be read as a standalone, characters from the first book do make an appearance, and I think you'd enjoy it more if you read Memory Lane first. I look forward to the conclusion of this series and seeing how the threads between books tie together.

I received my copy of the book from the author. All thoughts in this review are my own.

If you read my review for book 1 of this series you know that it wasn't my favorite of her books BUT hear me out this one was SO different. This one had all the elements that reminded me why I love her so much as an author. There was witty banter, a grumpy/sunshine/fake dating trope that was perfection and the faith threat was present. I also enjoyed the small storyline of Gemma's grandmother. I thought it was a great addition to the overall story.

Gemma and Jude were great characters and you couldn't help but smile as you turned the pages. The way their relationship progressed through the story was believable. They definitely had their swoony moments and did I mention the romance was perfection?!

Although this is part of the series and Jude does get introduced in the first book I don't think it will take away if you pick this one up first. You will see the characters from the first book in this one as they are family but you will not be lost by reading them out of order. I can't wait to see what she does with the third brother's storyline in the next book. I am definitely looking forward to reading it.

Overall if you enjoy romantic stories then you will definitely enjoy this one. If you have read stories by Becky Wade before this one will take you back to her earlier works as it did me. Either ways I think you will enjoy it and should go grab it!

I received a copy of this book from the author for review. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

Rocky Road
by Becky Wade
Pub Date: February 14, 2024
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Christy Award Hall of Fame Author

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.
I've been wanting Jude and Gemma's story since there were teasers dropped in the first book, Memory Lane. Which, if you haven't read Memory Lane yet, go do so! You really should read them in order to have a better understanding of everything happening. This one can be read as a stand alone since the author does a great job in backstory.
This book has some kisses, a couple more passionate kisses but nothing further than kisses. Some mild moments of peril. This is a Christian fiction novel so there are some moments that Faith and God are mentioned. I thought it flowed very nicely and I don't think it would be off putting to readers who don't normally read that genre. I highly recommend this book if you enjoyed book one in the series.
5 stars

I love this book! I love this couple! I found their love story very sweet and tender, and it's interesting how everything develops.

Jude is an FBI agent who needs Gemma, the owner of a small perfume shop and who comes from a long line of former perfumers, to pretend to be his girlfriend so he can approach her cousin who is about to illegally sell the secret formula of a famous perfume.

There is not only romance, there is also a bit of mystery, but I don't want to give away any spoilers so you can enjoy it better.

Honestly, my heart was tied to this book and it was because of Jude. I found the MC to be one of the sweetest and kindest guys I have ever read. He has a heart of gold, I mean, he tried to help Gemma even before they were in a serious relationship. Plus, he loves poetry and when he quoted poetry to her my heart was beating out of my chest. It was so cute and romantic. I mean, he looked directly at his eyes while he said: “The spring sun shows me your shadow, the spring wind bears me your breath, you are mine for a passing moment, but I am yours to the death” Omg!!! I love him!!!!!

I don't want to give away spoilers so I'll just say that even when his life was in danger, Jude could only think about Gemma and how much he loved her. THIS BOOK IS EVERYTHING I NEEDED!!!!!

NOW, I can't wait to read Max's book and I can't say that I'm not ready 😚🤌🏼

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.
_____
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.
_____
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