Forever is the Sweetest Con - Review

Forever is the Sweetest Con

By: Joanna Thurlow

Expected Publication: June 16, 2026 by Sugar Shack Books

292 pages

Genre: Adult, Contemporary

( Goodreads | Amazon )

*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--Cleo Des Rochelles doesn’t believe in love—not after being swindled by her ex and left to repay his debts or risk losing her home and her mother’s safety. Desperate for cash, she signs up for Camp Couple-Up, a reality dating show with a $250k prize.

But instead of a glamorous retreat, Cleo finds herself in the wilds of Canada’s Northern Ontario, scrubbing toilets and faking romance with Kei, a charming musician with lofty dreams of stardom. Their pact is play pretend, win big, and never catch feelings.

Then the crew vanishes. With no food, no phones, and no refill of Kei’s insulin, the stakes skyrocket from love and money to sheer survival. As danger closes in, Cleo discovers a strength she never knew she had—and a love too real to fake.

Poor Cleo. Her sorry, ex-boyfriend scammed her. Not only did she come home one day to an eviction notice, but the dude took all of their stuff and ghosted her. And on top of that, he left her with a mountain of debt in the form of a loan she co-signed for him. She's been bartending, and not that I approve of her methods, but she's been charging customers extra and pocketing it to pay her bills. Unfortunately, her mom isn't in great health, and her childhood home has been deeded to Cleo, which will be taken as collateral if she can't start making some payments on this loan that her ex defaulted on. One night at the bar, she gets a card for a guy recommending her to his friend's dating show. Cleo isn't interested until she finds out that she's about to lose the home her mother lives in. Desperate, she decides to ignore some red flags to join this dating show in hopes that she can act her tail off and win the $250,000 prize.

Camp Couple-Up is the name of the TV show. And Cleo is one of 8 contestants. There are 4 girls and 4 guys. Two producers. One host. Camermen, as well as hidden cameras everywhere. The contestants are taken to this camp on an island in Canada. The camp seems a bit run-down, and all of the contestants are assigned chores like cleaning, cooking, and trash. They have some challenges and various tasks they have to do. Cleo is determined to win through acting, so she zooms in on Isaias, whom she thinks will be her best shot at winning with. Only, he also has eyes for Sue-Ellen, whom Cleo takes an instant dislike to. But Kei zeroes in on Cleo. They've met before, both in the bar that Cleo used to work at and on the airplane. Kei and Cleo decide they might actually be able to win the competition if they stick together.

One thing about Cleo that annoyed me early on in this book is how judgmental she is. She's had horrible taste in men. She's made poor financial decisions. She has no problem with stealing from customers or her job. She is willing to borrow another woman's lingerie. Yet she's immediately turned off by a guy's long hair, a guy traveling with a guitar, and a guy giving a thumbs up. Not to mention her immediate dislike and competitive attitude toward Sue-Ellen. I really couldn't tell if this was character-specific about Cleo or if this was a case of the author inserting her own "icks" into the story. And if I can't tell the difference between the character and the author, I often take that as a negative thing.

Ultimately, Cleo grows as a character. She learns not to take everything at face value. She has to face challenges and come out the other side. She has to face surviving or not to save someone else, multiple people actually.

Forever is the Sweetest Con did not go in the direction that I really expected it to. And despite Cleo being an annoying character to start with, I did really enjoy this story. And I'm happy to give Forever is the Sweetest Con 4 Stars. It does have language and a little spice, but nothing too drastic. Have you read Forever is the Sweetest Con? What did you think? Let me know!

Sunday Post - 06/14/26

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba @ The Caffeinated Book Reviewer ~this meme was inspired in part by ~ In My Mailbox~ It's a chance to share News. A post to recap the past week, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up for the week on our blog.

This summer is blowing by. I can't believe we're mid-June already. Monday, Big Girl had pitching lessons. Tuesday, the kids had dentist appointments. That all went well. We spent part of the day with my parents. Then we did grocery pickup. Tuesday and Wednesday were challenging parenting days. Tuesday evening was martial arts. Wednesday evening we went to church. Thursday was a better day, and Thursday evening the Big Kids went to martial arts. Friday, my dad came to get Big Boy to teach him about changing the oil in his lawnmower. He wants to start teaching him some basic skills concerning tools and various things. I pray it'll be good for my son. He did the same for my nephew, and it has helped him a ton in his life so far. Friday was a very peaceful day. Saturday, I just didn't feel like doing much, plus I was sucked into the book I was reading. I got a little around the house done, but mostly I read.

THE PAST WEEK

Monday: Review of An Accidental Marriage (The Gentlemen's Gamble, # ?) by Deborah M. Hathaway (4.5 Stars)
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Spirit Lands (Spice Road Trilogy, # 3) by Maiya Ibrahim
Thursday: Review of A Foolish Proposal (The Gentlemen's Gamble, # ?) by Kasey Stockton (4 Stars)

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: Review of Forever is the Sweetest Con by Joanna Thurlow
Tuesday: Top Ten Tuesday?
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Wednesday
Thursday: Reivew of Igniting Lies (Burning, # 1) by Rebecca Donovan
Friday: Homeschool Friday - The Spooky Sound

NEW BOOKS:

Silver Elite (Silver Elite, #1)

By: Dani Francis

Publication: May 6, 2025 by Del Rey

512 pages

Genre: Adult, Fantasy

Source: Personal Kindle Library

( Goodreads | Amazon )

*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--Psychic gifts are a death sentence and there are rules to survival: Trust no one. Lie to everyone. And whatever you do, don’t fall for your greatest enemy.

TRUST NO ONE.

Wren Darlington has spent her whole life in hiding, honing her psychic abilities and aiding the rebel Uprising in small ways. On the Continent, being Modified means certain death—and Wren is one of the most powerful Mods in existence. When one careless mistake places her in the hands of the enemy and she’s forced to join Silver Block, their most elite training program, she’s finally handed the perfect opportunity to strike a devastating blow from inside their ranks.

LIE TO EVERYONE.

But training for Silver Block can be deadly, especially when you’re harboring dangerous secrets and living in close quarters with everyone who wants you dead.

AND WHATEVER YOU DO, DON’T FALL FOR YOUR GREATEST ENEMY.

As the stakes grow ever higher, Wren must prove herself. But that’s easier said than done when your commanding officer is the ruthless and infuriatingly irresistible Cross Redden, who doesn’t miss anything when it comes to her. And as war rages between Mods like her and those who aim to destroy them, Wren must decide just how far she’s willing to go to protect herself . . . and how much of the Continent is worth saving.

That's it for my shelves and recaps of my past and upcoming week. What did you add to your shelves this week? Any bookish news you want to talk about? Let me know!

A Foolish Proposal - Review

A Foolish Proposal (The Gentlemen's Gamble, # ?)

By: Kasey Stockton

Publication: February 5, 2026 by Golden Owl Press

256 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction

( Goodreads | Amazon )

*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--One careless remark. One outrageous proposal. One Season to discover love where they least expect it.

Caroline Whitby needs a husband. Unfortunately, her charmingly infuriating neighbor Tristan Shepherd just ruined her best prospect—and then had the audacity to propose himself. If only she didn’t despise him and his insufferably flirtatious grin.

***The Gentlemen's Gamble is a series about seven men racing to the altar in order to avoid losing a wager. Starting January, the books will release in surprise order so as not to give away who the final bachelor and loser of the wager is.

Tristan and six of his friends (including his twin brother) are on the way home from their Grand Tour when their boat is caught in a storm that the friends think will result in their deaths. Spurred on by the seriousness of the situation, the friends make a gamble about which will be the last friend to get married. The last unwed bachelor ends up paying all of the others 100 pounds each. The friends returned safely, and the wager is forgotten, until one friend sends letters around to all of the others that he has successfully married and is expecting his winnings. Since then, two others have also gotten married.

Tristan needs to marry well to secure his future. His older brother is the heir to their family estate, so he can't depend on that for his income. So he's decided that it's about time to start looking. Only shortly into his search, he unintentionally ruins the marriage prospects of Caroline Whitby, who was a neighbor growing up. He knows her well and commented on her dislike of horses, which the man she was hoping would offer for her loves to the point of talking about them all the time. That man feels like he's been lied to and takes a step back from courting Caroline. Unfortunately, Caroline has to marry for money also. Their family has been economizing after her father made some bad investments. So, despite Tristan stepping up to try to fix the mistake he made by ruining her marriage prospect, he just doesn't fit the bill. Caroline does agree to allow Tristan to help her recover her lost suitor. And she will help Tristan look for a suitable wife. The only trouble is, Caroline's crush on Tristan from when they were kids isn't quite as vanquished as she hoped.

Favorite quotes:

-"When I am that lonely, do not allow me to find companionship by meddling, Caro. I am relying on you to keep me properly occupied."

-"I had not intended to renew a proposal so abhorrent to you."

A Jane Austen reference if ever I heard one.

-he rather wondered if she liked toads more than she had led him to believe.

-"Will you marry me, Caroline? Even though I am not a toad?"

-"My love is not transactional."

Tristan and Caroline's story hasn't been my favorite so far. That belongs to Tristan's twin brother, Charles & Marie. But I still blew through this book. I haven't read anything by Kasey Stockton yet, and as these series with multiple authors are designed to, I certainly will be seeking out more of her books in the future. A Foolish Proposal gets 4 Stars. Have you read A Foolish Proposal? What did you think? Let me know!

Can't Wait for Spirit Lands

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings to spotlight and talk about the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they're books that have yet to be released as well. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking the Spine. Find out more here.

Spirit Lands (The Spice Road Trilogy #3

By: Maiya Ibrahim

Expected Publication: June 9, 2026 by Reign Publishing

448 pages

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Mythology

( Goodreads | Amazon )

*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--In this shocking finale to the instant Sunday Times bestseller Spice Road, Imani, Taha, and Qayn are forced to face lingering ghosts as they venture into the nightmarish landscape of the monster’s realm to protect their land once and for all. A daring fantasy adventure for fans of Children of Blood and Bone and An Ember in the Ashes.

New monsters have appeared outside the kingdom of Qalia, roaming the desert and spreading into the Sahir, ruthless and hungry in their attacks. No matter how much Imani and Qayn battle the monsters outside the city walls, it has become clear that combat will not be enough to stop the onslaught taking over their land.

To Imani’s surprise, Qayn determines that there is only one way for them to find a they must venture to the home of the monsters themselves.

Voyaging into the realm of the monsters might be Imani’s most dangerous undertaking yet, but she would never let Qayn go in alone. As Imani, Taha, and their group navigate the nightmarish path before them, Imani must come to terms with the shocking reality of her world and confront a dangerously tempting power that could destroy them all.

What are you guys waiting on this week? Let me know!

An Accidental Marriage - Review

An Accidental Marriage (The Gentlemen's Gamble, # ?)

By: Deborah M. Hathaway

Expected Publication: March 19, 2026 by Draft Horse Publishing

232 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction

Source: Personal Kindle Library

( Goodreads | Amazon )

*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--He expected a quick visit. He left with a wife instead.

He expected a quick visit. He left with a wife instead.

Charles Shepherd is in no rush to marry. With good looks, a comfortable fortune, and considerable charm, he’s certain love will find him eventually. Unfortunately, his mother has other plans.

Returning home for a short visit, Charles reluctantly agrees to meet Miss Marie Oakley—a woman as fortunate as he in both looks and manners. What is meant to be a simple introduction, however, ends in a sudden marriage, and Charles, who values his freedom above all else, is livid.

Mercifully, Marie is as uninterested in the marriage as he is. After a disastrous first day together, they strike a mutual bargain: do whatever it takes to end the marriage as quickly as possible. Charles is determined to reclaim his independence and find love on his own terms. But as forced proximity turns into reluctant understanding, he must face an unsettling possibility—what if the woman he’s trying to leave is the very one he can’t live without?

***The Gentlemen's Gamble is a series about seven men racing to the altar in order to avoid losing a wager. Starting January, the books will release in surprise order so as not to give away who the final bachelor and loser of the wager is.***

Now this was a fun book to read! I've never read Deborah M Hathaway before, but I definitely will now.

Charles and his 6 friends (including his twin brother) made a wager in the heat of a moment several years ago when they all thought they might very well die. Charles's friend Thomas has written to let the group know that he has now married and is ready to collect on their wager. The last gentleman to marry will owe the other six 100 pounds each. Not to mention that Charles's other friend, Andrew, is now married too. Meaning, two down and five to go. To make matters worse, Charles's mother is constantly trying to marry him off. She has been writing him for about two years about marrying a neighbor, Marie Oakley. Charles responds to his mother in letter form, dripping in sarcasm. The trouble is: sarcasm is hard to detect in written form, particularly if the reader is unfamiliar with the author.

Marie has no intentions of trapping anyone in a marriage. It's simply that she is of an age where suitors are less and less likely. She believes that Charles has decided to enter into a marriage of convenience willingly. She doesn't know that his mother has tricked him. And now her reputation may be on the line. At least before, marriage to someone else was possible. But now, her reputation likely won't survive being spurned. Marie feels she has no choice but to proceed. Yet she is willing to annul the marriage if that is what Charles wants.

These two go on their honeymoon to a secluded cottage. They do have servants with them, but even I knew there would be no way to annul the marriage without Marie's reputation suffering from it. Yet they find that maybe they don't want to annul the marriage afterall.

I tell you. I enjoyed this book much more than I was expecting to. And it's possible that this might end up being my favorite of the series, even though we are only two books in.

Favorite quotes:

-“Actions reveal far more.” “Cannot actions be feigned, as well?” he countered. “Not for long. In the end, a person always reveals who he or she is on the inside by their actions.”

-“Sooner or later,” she replied, “as the night wears on and propriety and politeness wane, the drink becomes stronger and the tired eyes become weaker, a person reveals his true character. How he treats others during those late hours is very telling.”

-“Why would I ever reveal to you who I truly am if you are simply to reject that version of me, too?”

-Childish Charlie had met his match in Immovable Marie.

The banter was fun. The fountain scene was delicious. And I just thoroughly enjoyed this entire book. An Accidental Marriage gets 4.5 Stars. I can't wait to continue the series, as well as delve deeper into Deborah M Hathaway's other books. Have you read An Accidental Marriage? What did you think? Let me know!