Forever is the Sweetest Con

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 simple: 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.

“Clever, intoxicating, and filled with crackling chemistry, Forever Is the Sweetest Con explores what happens when survival, ambition, and attraction collide. Cleo has made a career out of faking it, until a mysterious offer lands her on a reality-TV set where the line between truth and performance blurs in dangerously seductive ways. Equal parts suspense and slow-burn romance, it’s twisty, sharp, and utterly addictive — a love story wrapped in a con you’ll never see coming.”

Kristin Wollett, author of As a Last Resort

“What an exciting debut! Joanna Thurlow brings wit and heart to a fast-paced, reality-show adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat while rooting for Cleo and Kei.”

Dani Collins, USA Today Bestselling Author

“A reality-TV show competition set in northern Ontario quickly turns into a fight — not only for one another, but also for survival. This romantic suspense will have you on the edge of your seat! I couldn’t put it down!”

Shannon MacNaughton, Slow Burn Books, Calgary, Alberta

“Forever is the Sweetest Con is a perfect read for anyone who loves a good dose of reality TV. In this Love Island meets Survivor mashup, we wonder if Cleo’s life is going to go from bad to worse when “Camp Couple-Up” isn’t quite what it appears to be. While hunk and resident camp do-gooder Kei agrees to Cleo’s fake dating idea, little do they know they are the ones about to get faked out. Forever is the Sweetest Con will have you guessing with unexpected twists and turns as Cleo confronts not only a bear, but her own doubts as well, all while realizing that faking dating may indeed get you ready to survive for-real love.”

Kendra Bernt, The Book Boudoir, Edmonton, Alberta 

“Truly a unique plot that Joanna executed with such wit and charm, while keeping romance at the heart of the story!”

Kearston Bergeron, Hopeless Romantic, Toronto, Ontario

Forever is the Sweetest Con

ISBN: 9781998129805

$24.95 CAD | Paperback / softback

Height: 8.125"

Width: 5.5"

Pages: 292

Publication Date: June 16, 2026

Joanna Thurlow is a writer & editor, yoga teacher, and professionally trained baker who proudly claims to make the world’s best chocolate chip cookies. Over the past two decades, she has taught yoga with @modoyoga, owned several studios, and lived in five different countries while completing her MA in Spanish. A lover of books, sunsets at the family cottage, and “pie-in-a-bathing-suit” season, Joanna is happiest with her husband, their two children, and the dog she never expected to adore. This is her debut novel. Find her online at www.joannathurlow.com

*Author photo by Alexa Cude