Welcome to 2024! I have a book recommendation for your must-read in 2024 CCR (contemporary Christian romance) list. Becky Wade’s upcoming Valentine Day’s release, Rocky Road, is a fabulous book. In a few weeks we’ll be recording our StoryChats @ InspyRomance podcast/YouTube episode featuring Becky talking about Rocky Road that will drop on February 16.
Here’s the book description for Rocky Road:
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.
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.
Escape to Maine for this swoon-worthy “fake romance”! Banter, humor, perfume, and a mystery from the past intertwine in this sweet Sons of Scandal love story.
Narelle’s Thoughts:
I enjoyed reading Rocky Road, the second book in Becky Wade’s Sons of Scandal Romance series set in Maine. Jude Camden is a FBI agent who does his best to avoid the public spotlight that’s always on his famous family. He’s assigned to a case that involves working undercover with Gemma Clare and posing as her boyfriend.
Gemma is a talented perfume creator who has a perfume store in her Maine home town. Her French relatives own the centuries old secret recipe for the magnificent Rhapsodie perfume. Gemma is wary of the FBI due to her French cousin’s illegal business dealings that led to Gemma’s father taking the fall and serving time in prison.
The meet cute between Gemma and Jude at her perfume store is hilarious and adorable. Jude arranges their fake relationship and sets up a sting operation to arrest Gemma’s French cousin. What should be a simple business relationship becomes complicated when Jude and Gemma develop feelings that are against the rules and could compromise the FBI operation.
There are so many things to love about Rocky Road. Jude is a strong protector hero who is torn between duty and love. There are real world consequences if the fake relationship tips into real relationship territory. Gemma’s mother, grandmother, and her 103 year old great grandmother Gracie are all red heads who share a close family bond. I was intrigued by the historical mystery connected to Gracie and her life during WW2.
The series story thread involving Jude’s mother, Fiona, and past family scandals that’s introduced in Memory Lane (book 1) is explored further in the story. I recommend Rocky Road to contemporary romance readers who like law enforcement fake relationship romances with suspense and mystery story threads and a relevant faith element in the story.
Many thanks to the author for the advanced reader copy. Rocky Road releases on February 14, 2024, and is available for preorder. Learn more about Becky Wade and her books at her website.
Questions for you: Have you read the delightful Memory Lane, which is book 1 in the series? Is Rocky Road on your want-to-read wish list? Do you like reading fake relationship romances where the hero is in law enforcement? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Margaret Nelson says
I read Memory Lane and really enjoyed it, so have Rocky Road pre-ordered!
Trudy says
I haven’t yet read any of Becky Wade’s books. I’ve heard a lot about them, but haven’t yet read one. I do like reading about fake relationships, as there’s usually a great story behind them, and a great story to come out of them!
Dianne K says
I haven’t read any of Becky’s books. Generally I prefer not to read where there is a fake relationship, but I can see the value in pretending to bring justice.
RuthieH says
Happy New Year Narelle!
I haven’t read Memory Lane yet, but Becky Wade’s books were recommended on here a while back and I read another of her’s- this series sounds great, will definitely be adding to my TBR list and looking forward to hearing her on Storychats!
Pam K. says
I’ve read all of Becky Wade’s other books so am really looking forward to reading Rocky Road. Her books are always so, so good!
Bonnie says
I haven’t read any of Becky Wade’s books. This book really sounds like a great one.
Debra Pruss says
Thank you so much for sharing. I have not read book 1. I love to read stories with law enforcement. God bless you.
Narelle Atkins says
Hi Margaret, yes, you’ll enjoy Rocky Road, too. Happy reading and thanks for commenting. 😊
Narelle Atkins says
Hi Trudy, I hope you’ll have a chance to try a Becky Wade book. She has a large backlist and they might be available from the library. Thanks for commenting. 😊
Narelle Atkins says
Hi Dianne, yes, I agree the premise matters regarding how the fake relationship is set up. Becky’s book had a solid fake relationship reason that wasn’t contrived and made sense for the story. I hope you’ll have a chance to read one of Becky’s books. Thanks for commenting. 😊
Narelle Atkins says
Hi Ruthie, Happy New Year! I’m really enjoying Becky’s Sons of Scandal series and I hope you’ll have an opportunity to read them. I’m looking forward to chatting with Becky on StoryChats. Thanks for commenting. 😊
Narelle Atkins says
Hi Pam, yes, Becky consistently delivers great stories and I hope you’ll have a chance to read Rocky Road soon. Thanks for commenting. 😊
Narelle Atkins says
Hi Bonnie, yes, it’s a great read and I hope you’ll have an opportunity to try Becky’s books. Thanks for commenting. 😊
Narelle Atkins says
Hi Debra, You’re very welcome and I also enjoy reading law enforcement stories. Thanks for commenting. 😊