Skin Games: A Crime Drama

By Adam Pepper

When a mafia princess falls for a two-bit hoodlum an unhappy don plays some rough games in order to separate the two lovers.

Sean O’Donnell is a man who always keeps his word, especially to a lady. His good-for-nothing old man left his mother flat. When she gets ill, Sean assures her that he will never be like his father; if he makes a promise he will keep it, no matter what the cost. When local mob boss Mario Torretta’s daughter Nicole falls for Sean, the Don is not pleased, and makes it known that Sean is not good enough for his princess. However, Nicole is in love and begs Sean to stick by her. Once Sean gives his word, no amount of pressure from the Don will weaken his resolve. Sean will endure and persevere to keep his promise to Nicole, and to his mother.

Adam Pepper writes with zeal, verve, and a steak knife to the throat.
-Scott Nicholson, Author of Liquid Fear

Reservoir Dogs meets Romeo and Juliet in this brutal crime drama for fans of Dennis Lehane, Andrew Vachss and Charlie Huston.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Adam Pepper
• Release date: Jul 4, 2012
• ISBN: 9781476010922

Adam Pepper

At times disturbing and grim, others raunchy and comical, Adam Pepper’s work is known for a unique blend of horror, suspense and speculative fiction. MEMORIA, Adam’s debut novel, reached #1 on the Dark Delicacies Best Seller list and received rave reviews from Cemetery Dance and Chronicle. "Super Fetus," his outrageous Bizarro novella was called "In-your-face, allegorical social commentary" by esteemed reviewer, Paul Goat Allen. His quick-hitting short work has appeared in genre magazines including THE BEST OF HORRORFIND, Vol. 2 and SPACE AND TIME. Adam’s non-fiction credits span from NEW WOMAN MAGAZINE to THE JOURNAL NEWS. Learn more about Adam at his website: www.AdamPepper.com.

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Reviews for Skin Games

[calicocat901 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This is not my favorite genre, so I am not very well experienced in reading this type of novel. I thought it was well-written. and a good plot and interesting characters. I thought some of the action sequences were typical for the genre and some of the characterizations seemed stereotypical, but it was well thought-out.

[srfeike · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Sean O'Donnell is an excellent protagonist. He has a strong character, but he is not perfect. He makes bad decisions. On the outside he is the classic "bad boy," but when you understand why he does the things he does, lines get blurred. At times during the story, I was not sure if I should love him, hate him, or just feel sorry for him. But, Sean is a man of his word, always keeping a promise no matter the cost. But when he falls for the mob boss's daughter, things get rough. Disguised as a crime novel, this romance was excellently written, fast paced, and easy to follow. Though there may not always be a happily ever after, vengeance is almost just as good.

[ma_bu_34 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Good written book about Italian mafia.When I started read the book,I wasn't so much into it,but then more I read,then more I like the story.It was interesting personality of Nicole,and Sean.It could be the story from real life from Brooklyn,NY.

[crazy_bunny_lady · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I really enjoyed it. It was well written & kept me reading until it was done. A hard to put down book!

[ritakhavich · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This actually wasn't bad! I didn't know what to expect at all but I found myself interested in this Italian Mafia story.I was interested in what was going on in the beginning but when Skin started telling his story, I almost forgot he was telling it to Maria for some reason. I've never read mafia or mob type stories before (I haven't even watched the Godfather yet) so for me, this was new and interesting - definitely not pleasant though! I wasn't thrilled with how it turned out though... I was hoping for a happier ending with Skin and Nicole together again, but I was happy Skin got out and allowed the little boy to call him Sean. I guess I prefer happy endings and this one was bittersweet. I found the story intriguing and I was invested the whole time.