What did you like least about "Deceptive Calm" by Patricia Skipper?

[Drue Tibbits]

I didn't like the ending - did someone tell the author "Pencils down!" Because that's what it felt like. What happened to Trisha? Did she survive? Were Tod and his father convicted, or did their wealth render them immune? What about all the other characters and story lines? Aside from that, I also did not like the sex scenes. Now, I'm all for well-written sex scenes; the sex scenes in this book were written in an odd way (to me).

[Drue Tibbits]

I didn't like the ending - did someone tell the author "Pencils down!" Because that's what it felt like. What happened to Trisha? Did she survive? Were Tod and his father convicted, or did their wealth render them immune? What about all the other characters and story lines? Aside from that, I also did not like the sex scenes. Now, I'm all for well-written sex scenes; the sex scenes in this book were written in an odd way (to me).

[KRYSTAL Grace 19]

While "Deceptive Calm" offers an intriguing blend of romance and historical fiction, some readers may find the pacing uneven at times, with certain plot developments feeling rushed. Also, it is not suitable for young readers.

[M Grogan]

As with almost all of these commenters, the sex scenes were my least favorite part. The language used was really odd...sometimes medically accurate anatomy was named, and sometimes words that a toddler would use to describe a certain body part were used.

[Satya Emanuel]

Honestly a lot of people have already said this, but the sex scenes were too much for me. Specifically I hated that there were so many graphic scenes of sexual assault. Plus I can’t believe she ends up with Barry! The only time they have penetrative sex, she doesn’t really want to AND he is cheating on her!

[Kim Bilodeau11]

I did not like the sexual scenes in this book, as they had no real contribution to the plot and they were overly detailed and graphic.

[Natalie MT]

I least liked the graphic sex scenes. I think the book could have a wider audience if those were toned down.

Agreed. Honestly, they were overly detailed and really uncomfortable to read. They didn't add anything to the plot, and I would have been significantly happier with a fade-to-black scene.

[Natalie MT]

My biggest disappointment with Deceptive Calm was the amount of exposition. Rather than demonstrating emotions and reactions, we got a lot of "in their head" thoughts. Nowhere near as interesting as seeing the characters do something wild.

[Steeve Bowen]

The plot idea of the book does not align with the severity of the sexual content. Making the romantic element little less severe would help it appeal to more audience.

[Alicia Tickler]

This book wasn't my favorite read in general, but overall my biggest dislike is that (in my opinion) it reads as if from the perspective of an outsider, not the person of color that it was meant to portray.

[Jeffrey Gough]

The aggressive sexual behaviours and escapades, perpetrated by Tod von Westercamp on his wife, are very unsettling to read about. I can't recall having read a book with such detailed accounts of disordered, immoral and inappropriate perversions. I would even go so far as to say these detailed descriptions are repulsive. I don't think they are necessary. My review of this book will take this into account.

[Samantha Green Tolson]

This book has a lot of history interwoven through its pages which gives the book some depth. However, the author includes history so much that it feels forced. It draws away from the plot because it breaks up the scenes. Also, the sexual content of this book is off the charts. It really takes away from what the book is trying to get across. And, again, the sex scenes seem forced and choppy.

[Alicia Blake]

I struggled to get through the graphic sexual scenes and the abortion scene. They could have had more impact by focusing on what Vanessa was feeling at the time rather than the cold way the scenes were presented. None of the scenes came across as romantic. Some of the time they almost seemed more like assault.
The book had so much potential but just fell flat. I think the book really needed a POC's perspective. A White woman writing it felt inauthentic.

[Tales+Teacups]

I disliked the scene where Tod sexually assaulted her (I say she was SA'd because she didn't give consent to what happened, plus she just got back from work she needed to rest) and when she tried to speak to both the priest and Trisha about it, her feelings were summed up as her being naive and not used to such activities. In general any scenes with Tod- I disliked.

[Brigitta Hegyi]

I didn't like the sexual scenes, where Todd forced Vanessa to do things for him, I felt so sorry for her and for every girl who goes through this. Maybe this was important for the story and the whole picture, to understand the characters, but it was a bit too much.