Fastidious FBI agent Jude Camden is unflappable when it comes to his assignments, but this one will test him like no other. His chaotic meet-cute with perfumer Gemma Clare should have been the first warning sign. In a case of mistaken identity, Gemma invades Jude’s personal space like a force of nature in that first meeting at her boutique. Jude tells Gemma he needs help taking down her criminal cousin, Cedric Bettencourt, a wealthy French perfumer. Gemma’s father had been Cedric’s accountant and now serves time for embezzlement, tax evasion, and money laundering. Cedric lives in the South of France completely unscathed. Gemma has remained on good terms with Cedric, but she also wants justice served.

Dubbed Operation Scent-sible, Jude will pose as Gemma’s fake boyfriend who is interested in buying a proprietary formula and manufacturing secrets for pricey perfume, Rhapsodie. Cedric knows that Gemma’s real boyfriend is in the perfume industry. Gemma has kept Chaz’s name and photo off the Internet though to hide her relationships from her family. That way her family is none the wiser if she breaks up with the guy, especially her rascally brothers, Hugo, Nicholas, and Ronan who love to tease their big sister. Jude will become her fictional beau, Jude McConnell.

If everything goes as planned, the FBI will finally have enough to charge Cedric for his crimes, including violating the Economic Espionage Act. With Jude’s new identity backstopped by the FBI, he meets with Gemma’s after dark to prepare. As they spend time together, Gemma works to take down the walls put up by private, buttoned-up Jude. They share meals often and talk on the phone each night for weeks. Soon, both look forward to those talks. But Jude knows the FBI has a strict “no-dating” policy when it comes to cooperating informants. Plus, Gemma has a real boyfriend. Both know their relationship skirts the line. They don’t realize though that their hearts have already crossed that boundary.

I love that the publication date coincided with the fictional timeline of Jude and Gemma’s story. The story released on Valentine’s Day and the tale begins two days later. Wade uses omniscient narrator in her tale, which gives her control of the internal thoughts of her various characters. I understood why she made that choice. I noticed her pick up and drop several threads in this novel apart from the main plot. The main plot with cousin Cedric and Operation Scent-sible threads through all the others. I’m not used to reading a novel with many threads, but it made sense in that Wade would need to plan for the next books in her series. I did find myself wanting to jump ahead in my reading to the main story’s next mention in the novel.

But overall, I did become invested in the lives of both families. Gemma’s family reminded me of fictional and real family get-togethers. Gemma’s grandpa Stevie either has a hearing aid or he doesn’t. All the ladies in Gemma’s family will discuss things back and forth, with Stevie chiming in with “What?” That had me laughing.

I also enjoyed escaping to picturesque Maine with Wade. The more I read, the more I wanted to visit IRL. Gemma and her family go out to eat at this renovated 1856-Gothic-Revival church that’s been turned into a restaurant. “Grace” is a real place in Portland, Maine. It closed as a restaurant (in 2018) but is open as a venue for weddings and other events. In the book, Grace has a church-family atmosphere with deacons as servers and bulletins for menus, a place of fellowship where they feed the flock good food.

And I can’t forget this bonus: I learned “secret knowledge” about the perfume industry. Gemma explained to Jude how a perfumer, a “nose,” works to marry different notes in a scent to mix based on the inspiration provided by the client. That first note fades while the middle and base notes last longer. I now know why I sometimes regret buying a perfume that I spray on myself in store. I might like the top note on me, but not the middle and base. I found the process of creating new scents as interesting as the blooming romance between Jude and Gemma.

Superb:
This was an outstanding Christian romance with a touch of intrigue. I thought that the plot was interesting and unique and I loved that there were two separate lines of mystery.
Jude and Gemma made a wonderful couple, although they had quite a few obstacles to overcome in order to be together. I enjoyed seeing their personal growth and that they were quirky and not perfect. The faith elements were handled extremely well and came across as authentic and meaningful.
This book is part of a series but can be enjoyed as a standalone. However I personally loved reuniting with some of the past characters and I eagerly look forward to seeing what comes next.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

I went into this book blind because I'll read anything Becky Wade writes and was completely surprised by the fake dating trope especially with him being undercover FBI! But this book had a fun meet cute, a great cast of side characters, and a fun mystery on the side.

Truthfully my favorite part of this book was the family learning their matriarch's history as they helped her uncover lost memories due to Alzheimer's. It was so intriguing. Also intriguing was Genna's job as a perfume creator. It was fun to read about her process and how affected people were by her scents.

With so much of this book revolving around an undercover relationship I didn't get the romance feel at first, but when the romance did enter it was great. I loved Jude and Gemma and their wild and crazy families. I'm looking forward to Max's book.

I received an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley. This is my honest review

My bestie Katie told me about this series and author, so I immediately looked into both and I was so glad I did.

I love books with humor, heart, and suspenseful moments. This book had it all. I adored Gemma and Jude. And their meet cute was so funny! I appreciate “series” books that can be read as standalones, especially when I am discovering new-to-me authors.

Gemma is the perfect character. I love spunky FMCs and Jude and Gemma’s chemistry was fun to read. I loved the sense of family and relationships. There is so much about this book I adored. I will absolutely searching out more of Becky Wade’s books.

I received a Netgalley approval for this book. All views and opinions are my own.

I received a complimentary copy and all opinions expressed are mine.

Rocky Road is perfect for fans of slow-burn romance and fake dating. It follows Jude an FBI agent and Gemma who runs a perfume business and has to pretend to be a couple. They pretend to be a couple to bring down a criminal but the lines between fake and real get blurred. I enjoyed the plot, the characters and the pacing of the book. Recommend there be read in sequence tho although there can be stand-alone.

Becky Wade does it again! Who did not fall in love with the Camden brothers right away? This was a much needed addition after we first met Jude in book 1 (Memory) Lane) I loved getting to know more about the brother who lived in the shadows of his high profile family. The subdued, quiet Jude met his match when he meets Gemma aka little miss sunshine. I immediately fell in love Gemma as she is much me as a character if I was written into a book. Watching the two of them overcome the obstacles placed in their way by the FBI was a blast. I read many hours into the night with this one as it was a page turner for sure! The audiobook is a must read as the duet really brings the book to life. I am really hoping we get a third book to find out about brother number 3!

Full disclosure, I lost myself in the experience of Jude and Gemma! Take a free spirit and a tight-laced agent with instant chemistry and you can’t help but lose yourself in the story. Both personalities are so well written that I could easily empathize to both points of view. While I love Gemma, I have to say Jude stole my heart. He fell hard and fast before he even knew what hit him. I love how he remains stoic and professional, and she still manages to get under his skin. Watching him fall and watching her trust in him and the audacious plan they have developed was nothing short of perfection. There is wonderful dialogue, instant chemistry, great storyline, and storytelling perfection. The opening scene alone will testify to how great Wade handles this couple. This a clean, laugh out loud rom com with plenty of sweet romance to move even the most unshakable reader.
I received a complimentary copy from the author via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with this arc for my honest review.

I really enjoyed this fake dating, slow burn romance.

The main characters are Gemma, a perfume business owner and Jude, an FBI agent. Jude poses as Gemma’s boyfriend in his undercover operation to bring down her criminal cousin.
Jude tries to resist Gemma as it’s forbidden to date her!
Alongside their romance, we also get a lot of insight into Gemma’s family and her great-grandmothers past relationship.

Overall it’s a fun, clean romance which is a lovely read.

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.