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.

Rocky Road was a delight from start to finish. I fell for Jude and Gemma in the best way and pulled for them from heir very first encounter. I don’t know about you, but I love a good opposites attract story, and these two are very different people. Luke’s past has made him cautious and methodical while Gemma is flamboyant and spontaneous.

Luke Camden is an FBI agent on the hunt for a man trying to commit a major fraud. He needs Gemma’s help to bring him down and asks her to pose as his girlfriend in order to make this happen. Given that the man in question caused her father to be jailed, she’s happy to comply, and proceeds to Drive. Luke. Nuts.

As you’d expect with Becky Wade (one of my auto buy authors), the characters grab your attention and embed in your heart quickly. That’s where the late night reading and sneaking away for chinks of time to read start. I read this in three days, and was irritated life got in the way.

If you love a great contemporary romance with wonderful characters, including those in a supporting role, then this is a must read. Simple as that. I received a copy from the author via NetGalley, but also bought my own for my bookshelf. The opinions are all mine.


Grab a copy or read an excerpt here (US) or here (UK)

Visit Becky Wade’s website

Check out the first in the Sons of Scandal series

I love EVERY SINGLE THING Becky Wade writes.
Looking for natural FMCs?
Honest MMCs?
Beautiful Settings?
A series that follows a set of brothers from a broken family?
No 3rd Act Breakup?
Opposites attract banter?
Clean romance?

The Sons of Scandal series has all of this and so much more.

ROCKY ROAD is the second in series by Becky Wade, but is written so well you can read it as a stand-alone (although I HIGHLY recommend you read the first, loved that one too!). Thank you SO MUCH @beckywade for my early copy of this novel!

It follows Jude, younger, quieter, hidden son of famous football star Felix Camden. Jude has chosen to use his life for good, serving in the FBI (swoon). When he decides to pursue a famous perfumer trying to sell the secret recipe for Rhapsodie perfume.

Enter Gemma Clare, who in her own right is an amazing perfumer, and a whirlwind in Jude’s structured, defined existence. I just adored how she’d swoop in and muss up his world just a little and then leave a trail of Hope and Spice.

I could not stop reading and it was perfect for a long weekend, I may or may not have told my family to feed themselves. ;)

I really just cannot wait to head back into this family for the 3rd brother’s story!

Delightful addition to the Sons of Scandal series! Don't be scared off by the title of the series. This is a clean romance, but with plenty of chemistry that sizzles off the page. While this book can be read as a standalone, I would recommend reading the books in order. I have wanted to read Jude's story since I was introduced to him when I read Memory Lane.

This is probably one of the best 'fake dating' stories I have read. Gemma is asked to pose as Jude's girlfriend in one of his undercover operations. And of course, it quickly becomes more complicated. With plenty of witty banter, I found myself laughing out loud. This is definitely a case of 'opposites attract'. I absolutely fell in love with Gemma, her feisty spirit is a the perfect foil to Jude's serious demeanor. Jude is my favorite Camden son.

Ms. Wade skillfully weaves together several storylines into one delightful story. Loved the circle of love between the four generations of women in Gemma's family. This is definitely a sweet story of family, with all of its drama and secrets, but mostly of love and belonging. Looking forward to the last book in the series.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley and the author/publisher. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

4.5 stars!!

Thank you to NetGalley for the e-arc of this book!

FBI Agent Jude Camden has to go undercover as the girlfriend of creative perfumer Gemma Clare. Gemma is smart, feisty, creative and just what Jude needs in his life. Jude loves his job and is professional in every way but he can’t stop thinking about Gemma. The FBI is strict on romances within jobs so Jude has to tread carefully as he finds Gemma more and more irresistible whenever he sees her.

Oh I loved this story so much!! I did not want to put this down, there was a bit of thriller added to the storyline as well which I really enjoyed as it kept me on my toes! The only criticism I have is there are so many different characters in both their families I got a bit confused, but only because I’m not good with names; even though some of them were also in the first book of the series Memory Lane 🙈

Absolutely loved Jude and Gemma’s characters, I love the fake dating trope and I also loved the side stories about Gemma’s grandparents and their love story.

Definitely recommend this book for an easy romance book you won’t want to put down!

So sweet. And of course, a bit rocky.
I thoroughly enjoyed this one! I found it to be the perfect Valentines Day read.
FBI agent undercover, fake dating, and so much more.
This story had it all. A bit of mystery, romance, a dash of action, great characters.


Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

This book is absolutely delightful! It drew me in from the opening pages and made it difficult to put down making me excited to be able to pick it back up again. It has everything you want with wonderful characters, family drama, suspense, danger and heart pounding romance. I found myself feeling all the emotions right along with the characters.

Serious FBI agent Jude Camden finds his hands full when his new undercover job connects him with feisty, beautiful perfumer Gemma Clare. Gemma is determined to loosen up strait laced Jude during their “fake romance”. Throw in both of their families meddling and the FBI’s strict policy against falling for witnesses and you have the perfect recipe for a Rocky Road.

While I throughly enjoyed book 1, Memory Lane, Jude and Gemma’s story is my favorite! I absolutely couldn’t get enough of this book and hated to see it end. I cannot wait to see what waits in book 3!

I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

Such an adorable book! I really liked but one best of the series but this is a close second. I’m super excited to see where book 3 goes and to maybe get more glimpses into the lives of the brothers. The perfume story was kinda odd and hard to follow. There were quite a few side stories going on that keep the book moving.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

I loved this story! Jude is dreamy and their chemistry is red hot. Now, I want to read the other novels in this series and I’ve found an author to follow in Becky Wade. I couldn’t put this down once I got into it.

Another fantastic read from Becky Wade.
This story follows Jude and Gemma in their journey to happily ever after. They both have a past that has shaped who they are in the present which lead to misunderstandings and misinterpretations.
They are initially working together in a fake dating setting on a case to capture Gemmas cousin Cederic who is involved with selling the recipe for a perfume, this recipe being one that has been passed down through generations.
As real feelings however between Jude and Gemma start to develop things get more complicated. The chemistry between the two characters along with the struggles was lovely to read about. It draws you in with the Jude and Gemma but there are other side stories that also keep you reading well into the night.
The ending was faster paced than the beginning of the story but was exactly what it needed to be.
Thank you to Becky Wade and Net Galley for an advanced copy of Rocky Road. All thoughts and feelings expressed in the review are my own.
I would highly recommend this book and series to anyone who loves romance with mystery and faith.

I was really looking forward to Rocky Road, second book in the Sons of Scandal series and it was everything I hoped for and more! This book is sheer perfection and pure reading pleasure!

I loved the characters of Gemma and Jude, total opposites in every way! She's a free-spirited perfumer who speaks her mind and collects all kinds of antiques to cram in her little lakeside house. Jude's a strait-laced FBI agent who does everything by the book and likes his home streamlined and pristine. So many opportunities for humor and wit and Becky wade doesn't miss a one. Their first meetup is hilarious.

There's a line in the book that says, "banter was her love language". Its mine too so Rocky Road had me swooning with all the witty banter, poetry and humorous one-liners. I couldn't stop laughing at Jude's word aversions and Gemma's threats to use them against him. Their chemistry was off the charts. Gemma says it well, "He had her running a temperature of one hundred and fifty." Both their families added another layer of interesting dynamics to the already captivating story.

Becky Wade has exceeded her already high bar for fantastic writing with Rocky Road. I may have to reread it again just for the fun of it. I absolutely cannot wait to read Max and Sloane's story. I appreciate the author, via NetGalley making a copy available for review. All thoughts and opinions are my very own.

FBI agent Jude Camden handles everything by the book. There's no reason why his latest assignment, posing as the boyfriend of perfumer Gemma Clare, should be any different, and yet it is.

Gemma got on his nerves from the very first meeting, pushing his boundaries just to get a rise out of him because he was so committed to keeping everything professional. Romances between those working together on operations were forbidden so Jude definitely had a hard time fighting his attraction in order to stay as straight-laced as ever before.

I loved the action that was woven into the book for the mission they were undertaking. I also got a glimpse into the world of perfuming and what inspired Gemma's signature scents.

Another thing I loved about this story was that the side characters also had conflicts of their own to figure out. It kept the story interesting for me. Faith was also included, and I loved the growth the characters experienced in their belief in God and His will for their lives.

I've always wanted to try Becky Wade's books. I loved this one and will definitely read more! Thank you to Netgalley and Publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Having met the main character in book one, I was looking forward to this book, and did find it more to my liking. The banter between the two main characters was nice and the female main characters was fun and witty. It still didn’t have that pull into the story as her other books, but this book held my attention and I found myself reaching for it often in order to find out what would happen next.

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