Did "Deceptive Calm" by Patricia Skipper have any depth beyond being a romance novel?

[Uggie Bear]

I wouldn’t consider this novel a romance per say, while it did explore a little sexual intimacy and relationship the depth was more in tune with racism, hidden identity, inherent superiority, betrayal and self love.

[Loueva Wynn]

There was humor, love, action, and betrayal. A little bit of everything.

[Loueva Wynn]

In my opinion yes. There was history, humor, romance, suspense, betrayal, and heartache.

[Meghan Sica]

I don't think there was much depth within this book. The story felt rushed, with some historical facts thrown in and lots of sexually explicit details that could have been left out.

[Esther-David]

I wouldn't say there was any romance. Anyone who thinks the sexual assault is romantic (including the author)...yikes. I do think the author was trying to portray the history of racism and sexism in the United States, but did so in a weird way. It's actually kind of sad and concerning to me that a man who sexually assaulted Vanessa multiple times was portrayed as her great romance. I'm not sure Skipper got across any messages in a good or clear way.

[Bridget Bennett 1]

I don't think this book was so much about romance but relationships.

[Joe Alex 2]

Yes, the book has depth beyond being a romance novel. First, there was no real romance, just words, second the characters are well developed even the minor characters were properly utilized and not just left as a plot filled but rather as a driving force of the plot direction.

[Afia Bonsu 1]

I think calling it a romance novel is generous, considering both her romantic relationships ended on a bad note and her final romance is left on an open note.

[Harmen Aerts]

Like many other reviewers responding I feel that deceptive calm has been miscategorized as a romance novel in the first place. There were romantic plot points throughout but I really don't believe the book centered on those.

[Ali Pinar]

I think the main character seeking acceptance of others was an interesting but was not completely developed.

[Ruth Shirk]

I do not like most romance books. I loved this story. It is so easy to get caught up in the other details. I laughed and cried while reading this story.