The Sweet Spot takes the concept of the “dreaded ex” to a whole new level! New to Monica Myers, I wasn’t sure what to expect and while the laughter was front and center, the story was deep and borderline dark. Imagine if the Hallmark Channel and Lifetime had a baby, that is the best way to describe this book. She didn’t stick to the typical light and fluffiness of a romantic comedy, she brought true life stories into the mix. With triggers of cyberbullying, emotional abuse, and stalking, Monica weaves a cautionary tale about finding love in the modern day.

Three years since opening, Erin couldn’t be prouder of Sticky Treats, her less than conventional cake and confections bakery. Having come back strong from the brink after a devastating cyberbullying attack by her ex Stirling, Erin is cautious yet focused on keeping Sticky Treats successful, meaning her life is all work, no play, and with as little exposure to risk-taking as possible. To the opposite effect, Nolan works hard and plays even harder. A corporate lawyer with an incredible record, his law firm has learned to simple turn a blind eye to his post-relationship retributions. As far as he is concerned, if he is destined to be like his father, why ruin the life of a decent person. He can’t break something (or in his case someone) that is already broken. Dedicated to his iron-clad rationale, Nolan is the envy of most of his coworkers and the perfect candidate to organize an upcoming bachelor party. With a suggestion from his PA and a delivery mishap by her assistant, Nolan and Erin find themselves in a very unfortunate yet highly comical “meet-cute”. Being a lightening rod of disaster, Erin is determined to keep her distance from Nolan but fate (with the help of Nolan’s family and Erin’s friends) has an agenda of its own. 

What I liked about this book: While there were moments in this book that made me a little unsettled, the story itself was captivating, witty, steamy, and at times laugh out loud hilarious. The banter between Erin and Nolan was priceless. Throw in Alana, Madison, Olivia, and Granny V and composure was just a lost cause (I think I laughed so hard I snorted at one point!) Monica’s approach of mixing the wonderful fantasy world of romantic comedies with the realistic underbelly of dating was an angle I had not read before. The truth is, not every relationship ends with a mutual understanding and well wishes. Stirling was the primary example of a man who fed off the emotional fear and insecurities of Erin. Even if he couldn’t have her or be with her, being able to still control her was all he needed. For Heather, if she couldn’t be in Nolan’s life by choice, she would do it by force. The thought of two people being that capable of things so terrifying was deeply disturbing and the fact that the real world can back these types of incidents is even more jarring. 

What I love about this book: Monica did an epilogue! There is nothing more frustrating when a book ends and you still have questions about a storyline that was deeply nestles into the book but is not concluded. When I got the last chapter, the question “well what happened to…” came to mind and frustration settled in. When I swiped and say “Epilogue”, I nearly jumped for joy and Monica wrapped up everything beautifully.

While this book may be triggering for anyone who has been in an abusive and/or toxic relationship, the outcome is inspiring and heartwarming. The Sweet Spot really does hit you right where you need it, bringing you moments of joy, binges of laughter, and a true reminder that we are not defined by how others see us and fear doesn’t make us powerless. Monica shows us that while we are capable of drawing strength from within ourselves, there is absolutely nothing wrong with finding the courage we need through others.