I loved this! I had never read Becky Wade’s books before but now I’ll be looking for more! This was well-written and paced nicely. The characters are great and the story is fun. It is so rare to find a clean romance that isn’t cheesy. I will read more of Wade and will recommend her books!

I think the story seemed like an intriguing story with both points of view being important. That said, I couldn't quite get into it due to the male narrator's voice. His voice was too abrasive for the character. He projected too much and I kept envisioning someone more crass than what I believe the author intended. That said I had to DNF the audio version.

The Sons of Scandal series by Becky Wade has been a blast to read! I loved the first two books, Memory Lane and Rocky Road, and the newest release, Uneasy Street, is a great ending. This series is packed full of complex family relationships, beautiful romance, mystery, humor and faith.

Uneasy Street is Max’s story and as we learned in the previous books, Max’s life has been a complicated one. He has endured scandal and judgement from other people’s actions. After a rocky beginning, in Uneasy Street, his true colors come out- he’s confident, funny, kind and caring. His devotion to those he loves is apparent.

Sloane’s character is quite complex due to her childhood and family trauma. She too has been hurt by people in her life and her journey to learn to trust again is very evident in this story. She has been through so much in her life, but still she remains a woman of grace and integrity.

Max and Sloane have a past. They were close friends and business partners at one time. But when their business relationship imploded, so did the friendship. As the two of them join forces to help Sloane’s niece, Ivy, find her birth father, they have no choice but to confront their history head on.

Uneasy Street is an enemies to lovers story with themes of family and forgiveness. I felt the character development and growth was strong and I did enjoy the banter and humor.
There are quite a few subplots going on in this book, but I feel like that stems from the author trying to wrap up the previous characters' stories from the other books. Due to this- I definitely recommend reading the other two books first or I think you might be a little lost.

Read Uneasy Street if you love:
-enemies to lovers
-forced proximity
-complex family relationships
-interesting supporting characters (I loved Ivy!)
-engaging subplots
-closed door/ clean romance
-faith-based life lessons

ALC Review: I felt the audio performance was fair. The female narrator did a great job, but the male narrator was a bit monotone at times. Overall, I enjoyed the listening experience.

This book is not just a great rom-com full of humor it has so many layers of complexity and plot twists, including two separate sibling stories that have me crying. It has 4 or 5 POV, but it's not hard to follow because of the age differences, genders, and storylines. I've gotten caught in all the stories and was sorry the book ended. I can't say enough about it! My first book by Becky Wade and definitely not my last!

I’m not sure how I ended up listening to Wade’s Uneasy Street, but here I am. I enjoyed aspects of it, but most annoyed the heck out of me. I liked the first book in the series, Memory Lane, thought it handled the heroine’s sexual assault past with sensitivity. And, given it set hero and heroine on her isolated island home, it kept some of those annoying aspects in the background. Before I outline what I liked and didn’t, the blurb to orient us:

Once upon a time Max Cirillo and Sloane Madison were close friends and business partners. But when their business relationship imploded, so did the friendship.

Now, four years later, Max is a rich CEO. Sloane’s a not-so-rich etiquette expert who returns to Maine to serve as her niece’s temporary guardian and help the girl search for her birth father. Sloane and her niece move into a darling garage apartment but Sloane’s joy in their accommodations soon turns to horror when she realizes their apartment belongs to Max. Thanks to an unbreakable lease, she’s stuck living right next door to him.

Max pulled strings to bring Sloane into his orbit because he needs closure on what went wrong between them. Quickly, though, his scheming comes back to bite him. The world might view him as a cold-hearted rake, but this one woman has dangerous power over his emotions.

They’ll have no choice but to confront their history—and the undeniable spark between them—while living side by side on uneasy street.

In a nutshell, Uneasy Street is too much: too many plot points, too many side-lines to secondary characters, which results in not enough of what is good about it: Max and Sloane together, bantering and/or speaking seriously, both modes good. Wade’s aim, however, is saga and sweep, focussing on three “sons of scandal”, with a romance for each. But it’s the scandal that often takes over: a convoluted, tedious plot about who slept with whose husband and produced which son, which wife had which son…centred around a patriarch of dubious morality and much promiscuity. In Max’s case, he’s the illegitimate son and, as such, has a relationship only with his mother and her family. (A side note here that Wade has made the unfortunate choice to make Max’s maternal side of Greek origin. She doesn’t know squat about Greek immigrants beyond food, moussaka to be exact, the oiliest most disgusting of Greek dishes, and gets the Greek words’ inflections she insists on peppering in the narrative, wrong.)

There are wives, divorcées, mistresses, and sons galore. There are two other plots to follow: Sloane’s niece’s search for her biological father and, wait for it, a mystery involving a Princess Eugenie tiara that Max’s mother apparently stole from Max’s father, her employer (she was the maid) and husband to a her good friend, his then wife…who, BTW, also has a friendship/relationship to work out, that’s the secondary romance. Add Sloane’s memories of her sister Harper (her niece’s, Ivy’s, mother) who died of an overdose and we have yet another bad childhood backstory to add to Max’s.

There’s more: Max and Sloane’s college entrepreneurial venture which caused no end of hurt and heartache and now, enmity and resentment, with lingering attraction and many feels. There are many pasts to work out. In this is buried a pretty good romance: with banter and outings and passionate kisses, especially for an inspie romance. Wade doesn’t treat her characters, though all is modest, as if they’re, as Archie Bunker once described angels’ sexual nature, “smooth” down below. The passion and attraction are there, bubbling beautifully under the surface, making her inspie characters fleshier than most…to her credit.

Lastly, the inspie part is white and Protestant and, given the “inspiring” capitalist ethic Max and Sloane espouse, definitely right-wing. ’nuff said, right? Not quite, I have yet more quibbles. Religion is kept to a minimum (minimum isn’t a quibble): Sloane keeps a morning faith journal, reads some scripture, and attends a nondescript church on Sunday, a denominational nonentity. But if Max was brought up Greek Orthodox, we certainly don’t get a sense of it, though that would be the case given his mother’s background and still-living grandparents who are the essence of “yiayia and pappou” as stereotyped everywhere. Despite quibbles, Max and Sloane are funny, endearing, and beautifully banterish. That they have stuff to work out is well executed, but the endless family-saga-elements and multiple narrative threads interrupt their romance and make the story sag and drag till we’re back with Sloane and Max.

On a final note, what of the narrators? I quite enjoyed them. Their voices were well-modulated and I liked that Sloane and Max had male and female narrators, respectively. The romance interruptions I mentioned above were made more obvious and less likeable by the audiobook format. When I’m eyeball reading, I can skim the boring bits, but audiobooks don’t give you that option. I did glaze over and tune out, but had to backtrack to keep “track” of the goings-on. But the narrators were smooth and brought Sloane and Max alive nicely. An uneven novel, but a lovely hurt-feelings-and-unforgiving protagonists make their way to sympathy-understanding-care and finally love, that’s the best part. Shave two hours off and give us more Sloane and Max together and I would have liked this a lot better than I did. Miss Austen agrees, Uneasy Street offers “tolerable comfort,” Northanger Abbey.

Becky Wade’s Uneasy Street is a production of Victory Editing Netgalley Co-op, which I think is the equivalent of “self-published”, “self-audio-ed”. I received an audio-file via Netgalley. The above is my honest, AI-free opinion.

Uneasy Street is the third book in Becky Wade’s Sons of Scandal series. Max Cirillo is the third son of very wealthy Felix Camden. The scandal of his parentage came out when Max was 14 and sent his youth topsy turvy, but at least Felix had never denied him, nor had he interfered with the close relationship Max has with his two half brothers Jude and Jeremiah. However, the only role Felix had played in Max’s upbringing was to pay for his college, which Max took only the bare minimum to pay for his tuition, books, room, and board. Max was determined to be a success despite Felix not because of him.

Now Max is the very successful CEO of Libres, an online library with far reaching access. Max and his best friend since his sophomore college year Sloane Madison created the company. Max is carrying guilt regarding how Sloane was pushed out of the company some years ago. Now the head of her own California based etiquette company, Sloane is back home to stay with her teenage niece Harper while Harper’s geologist parents are on assignment in the Mideast. Unbeknownst to Sloane or even Harper’s parents the garage apartment they had rented for Sloane and Harper was on Max Cirillo’s property.

This story follows many threads that are all neatly tied in a bow at the conclusion. These threads include troubled childhoods, open versus closed adoption, mental health, and, most importantly, forgiveness. I very much enjoyed this book and I do recommend it.

He wants closure from a past friendship that ended in betrayal and she comes back into town to temporarily take care of her niece. A second chance romance with lots of cute moments but also the banter between them is hilarious. They try really hard to hate each other but end up falling in love.

Man, I 100% forget how much I adore Christian romantic suspense until I read a new one. This beautiful story from Becky Wade (a new author for me) has it all...mystery, intrigue, depth, raw emotion, slow burn, and the sweetest pining. I smiled and nearly cried (a huge deal for me) and couldn't get enough. I was constantly reaching for my headphones (since I was listening to the audiobook) and couldn't wait to find out what would happen next! Since this is the third in a series and I absolutely loved it, I definitely plan to go back and read Jeremiah and Jude's stories sometime soon.

Sloane...Man, the trauma this girl went through from such a young and tender age...It was inspiring to see what she came from and then accomplished in spite of that. Sloane is such a girl boss. I loved her gumption, work ethic, and sheer determination. And who doesn't appreciate a girl who emulates Princess Kate?

Max...I always love a bad boy turned good. Max was such a player, but there were clear reasons for that. It was wonderful to see him put that part of his life away and strive to become a man worthy of Sloane. I love that he went to church with her. Sure, it was only to spend time with her at first, but he ended up having a true life-changing experience that made him even more worthy of Sloane. I also really appreciated how sweet Max was to Ivy. ❤️

Things I loved:
❤️Scheming 😂
❤️Multiple POVs
❤️Multiple mysteries
❤️The rats (which I never could have imagined)
❤️Sloane and Ivy's relationship
❤️Ivy in general (so pure and genuine)
❤️Libri
❤️Neat spin on the Golden Rule
❤️Forgiveness
❤️The search for more of Ivy's birth family
❤️Sandwiches and etiquette lessons
❤️The solar eclipse
❤️Reuniting (for multiple characters)
❤️The scene with Sloane and her dad towards the end
❤️Fiona's side story
❤️Great voice acting in the audiobook

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️

Once, Max Cirillo and Sloane Madison were friends and business partners—until everything crashed and burned. Now, Sloane’s back in Maine, unknowingly moving into Max’s garage apartment. He pulled strings to bring her close, but the past won’t stay buried.

I lived in Maine for (almost) six years, so I couldn’t help but pick up this coastal romance from a well-loved Christian author (my first by her!). I was immediately obsessed with Sloane’s obsession with Kate Middleton (team Will/Kate over here 🙋🏻‍♀️), and at first, I found her love of etiquette charming. But then… it started feeling odd? The self-care aspect quickly turned into strange expectations of others.

And speaking of others—there was the strangest side-story mystery that I still can’t understand the purpose of. Maybe it was meant to add more intrigue, but I was happy just focusing on the adoption mystery for Sloane’s niece. Get rid of the weird family drama and throw in more chemistry-building moments for Max!

I haven’t read a billionaire romance before (and Max was more of a millionaire), but the tone of this book made me wonder if this is what a clean version feels like. Maybe billionaire romances just aren’t my style 😅 It just made me feel… uneasy.

Loved that the narrator actually pronounced Bangor, Maine correctly lol

Thank you @netgalley for the ALC 🥰

Perfect for you if you like:
Etiquette and girly girl FMCs
Coastal small-town settings
Mix of mystery and other characters
Second chance, enemies to lovers

Similar to:
Beachy Keen by Kasey Stockton
The Catch by Amy Lea (open-door)

⛔️closed door romance (kisses only)
⚠️adoption, childhood neglect, cheating, family drama, rats

If you’ve read the first 2 books in the Sons of Scandal series, you know that baby brother Max has had a difficult life. However, this illegitimate son of a big muckety-muck made good with whatever push he got, and turned himself into a wild success story. Unfortunately, he chose to step on the toes of his best friend and business partner, Sloane in the process. Years later, he orchestrates a tête à tête with Sloane and to finally clear the air. It’s at that point that readers really figure out that their story is far from over. The swoony banter, the heartfelt moments, the side stories of Sloane’s niece Ivy and Max’s mom…it’s all absolutely wonderful and makes for an irresistible story! I especially loved the audio, and the narrators were incredibly entertaining. I received an audio ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.

I've loved this series and I loved this addition to it. I listened to this in audio form and the narrators did fabulous. There was no pulling me out of the story with their narrarating. I appreciated their inflection and ability to differentiate the different characters consistently. I would listen to these two narrarat again.
For the stroy I'm glad we got a dual pov. I liked getting to see both sides of how the other betrayed the other and fractured the relationship. In the beginning I was definetly seeing Max's side. I could see how her actions would warrent his reaction. As the story progressed I could see how they both made mistakes. I enjoyed the layered and thoughtful characters and plot in this book. This had me intrigued for every single minute. I loved the side quest with the niece. I think she as a person added nicely to the story and her quest helped move the story along very naturally.
I thought each character added to the story though I did not like them as person if I'd knew them in real life. Each person was still written really well and human with our strengths and flaws. There were a lot of parental figure behaving badly while rationalizing away their behavior.
As the story unfolded I saw the themes of the story of grace and forgivness unfold beautifully. I really liked how she showed the contrast of bitterness and not accepting your role in poor decisions in other chracters. Bitterness is a cancer. I appreciated those subtle messages and food for thought. I did like Fiona's character growth. The female main characters ephinay at the end was great.
*Thank you to Netgalley for an arc of the book. All opinons are 100% my own.

I loved this audio book. Both narrators were excellent. The story itself had a lot more going for it than just a enemies to more. Many characters within extended families which all blend together nicely. I enjoy the stories running parallel to the main story. I enjoyed both main characters and there development. I particularly liked the running etiquette theme. It was something different and enjoyable.

I absolutely loved this audiobook and had a hard time pressing pause to live normal life. I had been waiting for Max and Sloane’s story ever since I read Jeremiah and Jude’s stories. The whole 3 book series was so well done, and this one tied up some additional loose ends from some other characters while also give us Max’s turn at love. The epilogue was so fantastic!
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the advanced copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.

If you've enjoyed Becky Wade's Sons of Scandal series, you are not going to want to miss this entertaining and endearing conclusion.

Max Cirillo longs for closure. His friendship and business partnership with Sloane Madison ended badly, and now he has the chance to come face to face with her again. Not only that, he has the chance to put her at his mercy. He's not going to be too diabolical, of course. Just enough to make sure he has answers.

Sloane believed she was in for a wonderful, golden summer with her teenage niece Ivy. That was before she learns her nemesis Max is the landlord of the apartment they've rented and Ivy declares she wants to find her birth father. Sloane is able to rely on her faith and good etiquette to pull her through and navigate the twisting path of these various relationships.

I have to admit that I am not the biggest fan of either Max or Sloane, but I loved this story. The side characters and plot really bring it to life. I feel compelled to point out that this is the third straight series where Becky Wade tackles the "looking for biological family" trope, but she does each one so well that I don't mind at all. The side plot about the missing tiara seems strangely out of place at first, but was incredibly moving in the end.

My very favorite part of the story was how Sloane purposefully lived out a rephrasing of the Golden Rule: "Give to other people what you need." In each situation, she evaluates what she needs, whether that be attention, respect, care, or so on. She then gives that to the other party. I found this to be an intriguing rephrasing that I've instinctively lived out in many areas of my own life. I want to continue to ponder this and see how it brings light to the words of Jesus.

I listened to the audiobook version of this book and the narrators do a wonderful job bringing the story to life.

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

ONCE up on a time Mac and Slone seré best friends and bussiness partners. But four years ago their relationship imploded and Max Kepa their company and Slone started solo again. This summer, Slone is back in Maine to stay with her niece and agrees to help her find her biological father. They are going to stay in Max’s apartment. Can they work together and find the closure from their fight or will they really face their demons, feelings and past mistakes and find their HEA? The audiobook with a Reba Buhr and Ryan Hudson is delightful. Thanks to NetGalley for the ALC copy. This is my honest review.

Thank you, Net Galley, and the publishers of Uneasy Street by Becky Wade for the opportunity to listen to and review this book!
I have never read anything by Becky Wade and was unaware that there was a series. I will definitely be searching for these because I loved it! It is a stand-alone novel for sure! I enjoyed the romance, humor and mystery! The characters were interesting and relatable. I especially enjoyed the faith aspect in the book. Themes of forgiveness, acceptance and self-love are big factors and come thru loud and clear. I loved the male voice! Strong and very self-assured exactly what Max is! Multiple plots develop simultaneously, keeping you eager for more. It had everything thing. Solid 4 stars.

Sloan Madison would do anything for her niece, including spending several months living in her former business partner's garage apartment. Only thing is, she doesn't realize it's her former business partner's apartment she's renting until she's literally face to face with him.

Max Cirillo only wants one thing, for Sloan to own and apologize for how things went south in their friendship and business partnership four years ago. Sloan does not give up Max's requested apology so easily though.

Through countless verbal jousting matches and the running water in the garage apartment held hostage, Sloan and Max do in fact find themselves living on Uneasy Street.

Listen, I think Becky Wade has made a believer of the enemies to lovers trope out of me. Yes, you read that correctly. I, the individual who has loudly proclaimed from the rooftops that friends to lovers is the superior trope, thoroughly enjoyed an enemies to lovers book. My roommate has mentioned several times in the past that one of the great things about enemies to lovers is the banter, and boy howdy did this book have banter in spades. Hilarious banter.

It also had two rats, a missing tiara, and a set of Greek grandparents. You had to be there to get it.

If you're looking for a sweet rom-com with kisses only, plenty of hilarity, and a slight faith element to read this Valentine's Day, Uneasy Street will be the perfect read for you! Also, the audiobook narration and production gets a 10/10 from me!

TW: Neglect, someone is mentioned to have passed due to a drug overdose.
Content: Kisses only, no swearing.

Thank you to Becky and Victory Editing Netgalley Co-Op for providing a copy of the audiobook for my honest review!

I have published my review on Goodreads (link below).
My review will be published to my bookstagram (@thebookwanderings) on Tuesday Feb. 11.

This audio production of Uneasy Street brought the characters to life beautifully. I loved the narrators and could not get enough of the story. Just like the others in this trilogy, this final book is excellently written and very distinctive. I can't wait to see what Becky Wade publishes next!

I enjoyed listening to this book. The story was intriguing. I liked the characters and their crazy families.
There was romance, but also a good dose of mystery as well. It wasn’t as predictable as some stories I’ve read. Kept me wondering right to the end.
I loved that there was both a male and female narrator- it was wonderful to listen to,

As someone who has read the entire Sons of Scandal series, I loved Uneasy Street! Becky Wade delivers another heartfelt romance with a perfect mix of mystery, faith, and deep character growth. The story kept me hooked from start to finish, and the chemistry between the leads was fantastic. This series just keeps getting better!