Flexible Virtues is kind of a slow-burn romance-meets-psychological drama set in New York. It follows Sandy Gray, a seemingly plain librarian who gets caught between two very different men—Cam, the dangerously charming lawyer with secrets, and Oggie, the awkward but sweet tech guy. But it’s more than a love triangle. The book dips into trauma, trust, transformation, and the emotional whiplash that comes with trying to feel safe again. All of it plays out in libraries, cafes, limos, and even during federal busts.

I thought this would be your standard shy-girl-meets-handsome-guy story. But wow, it turned out to be way more layered. I felt for Sandy. That scene where she gets nervous when Cam first asks her out for coffee? I got it. She’s not just shy—she’s recovering from trauma, and the book doesn’t gloss over that. When she changes her hair and makeup, it’s not about impressing a guy. It’s about taking back control. And the dynamic between her and Cam? Yikes. Red flags waving like parade banners. That twist where we find out Cam was assigned to get close to her for a court case was a gut punch.

I was rooting for Oggie, even though he’s a bit of a lovable mess. The Valley Forge date was adorable. That kiss-that-went-wrong was heartbreaking. I actually laughed and cringed at the same time. He’s trying so hard, and his awkwardness feels real—not forced or quirky for the sake of it. The writing lets those moments breathe. The emotions felt raw and messy in a good way. And then when Cam comes back and just kisses her in a parking lot like nothing happened? Ugh. I wanted to shake her, but also, haven’t we all been there?

Then the story shifts—literally and emotionally. After the fallout in New York, Sandy relocates to Tennessee. The small-town setting brings a breath of fresh air. Two new men enter the picture. Henry MacDonald, a kind, steady neighbor, and Vance Chambers, a soft-spoken veterinarian who manages the farm animals and, like the other three men, vie for Sandy’s affections. I felt like these new relationships aren’t just about romance, they’re about rebuilding. The emotional stakes feel different but just as intense, and watching her gain confidence in this new environment was satisfying.

The writing style is super readable. It’s not showy, not overly “literary,” which I appreciated. There’s this ease to it, but it still manages to carry emotional weight. I found myself breezing through chapters and then pausing to sit with the aftermath of certain scenes. The author doesn’t over-explain or give every little emotion a name. It’s just there, simmering under the surface.

Flexible Virtues hit me harder than I expected. It’s for anyone who’s ever second-guessed their gut, who’s tried to rebuild themselves, who’s learned the hard way that charm isn’t the same as character. It’s not a fluffy romance—it’s messy, complex, and kind of exhausting (in a good way). If you’ve ever had a Cam in your life, or an Oggie, or if you’ve been a Sandy… read this. Just be ready to yell at the book and then hug it after.

Pages: 187