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Skin Games
When a mafia princess falls for a two-bit hoodlum an unhappy don plays some rough games in order to separate the two lovers. SKIN GAMES, a brutal crime drama by Adam Pepper.
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.
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.
260 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
12 people are currently reading
130 people want to read
About the author
Adam Pepper
12 books30 followersAt 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 BN.com’s 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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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
March 23, 2013
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.
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.
February 13, 2019
Book source ~ ARC. My review is voluntary and honest.
This story is about Sean O’Donnell, a poor Irish-Italian kid who ends up working for a snob mob boss. Then he falls head-over-instalove for said mob boss’s daughter despite all the warnings to stay away from her. Damn. This guy is a moron. At least the mob boss’s daughter is also stupid, so they have that in common.
I was so close to just giving up on this one. Sean isn’t a very good character. He calls himself stubborn to a fault. Yeah, he is that. He’s also not smart. And he’s a tool. There’s also instalove between him and Nicole. Sure. Let’s believe that. Nicole is a caricature. The pretty, bratty, mob boss’s princess. She has no other identity other than this. Gag me. The whole book is one huge flashback. The best part was the ending. Not because it was the ending, but because the ending was pretty awesome. Other than that, it’s an entire book of meh filled with two-dimensional characters and clichés.
This story is about Sean O’Donnell, a poor Irish-Italian kid who ends up working for a snob mob boss. Then he falls head-over-instalove for said mob boss’s daughter despite all the warnings to stay away from her. Damn. This guy is a moron. At least the mob boss’s daughter is also stupid, so they have that in common.
I was so close to just giving up on this one. Sean isn’t a very good character. He calls himself stubborn to a fault. Yeah, he is that. He’s also not smart. And he’s a tool. There’s also instalove between him and Nicole. Sure. Let’s believe that. Nicole is a caricature. The pretty, bratty, mob boss’s princess. She has no other identity other than this. Gag me. The whole book is one huge flashback. The best part was the ending. Not because it was the ending, but because the ending was pretty awesome. Other than that, it’s an entire book of meh filled with two-dimensional characters and clichés.
March 15, 2012
Skin Games is an excellent crime novel with a Romeo-and-Juliet twist. Adam Pepper must have had a good time writing this knowing he would be turning the reader on their ears in anticipation on how this thriller would end. What starts out sounding like a simple revenge story quickly becomes a crime noir coming-of-age tale with themes about loyalty and making commitments. The main protagonist is telling his story to a woman who wants him to avenge her family. She needs to know if she can trust him. What followed is his tale and the answer to her question which becomes the plot that will glue the reader to their chair for the next day or two. Often witty in a razor-blade way but mainly tense and violent, this is an excellent addition to the slew of crime noir novels out there and, like cream, this one will rise to the top.
January 30, 2012
I received this book for free from the author in exchange for a review.
No matter what genre Adam Pepper writes in, he always manages to write an intriguing story with characters that are credible. In his newest release, Skin Games, Pepper proves this statement as true.
Pepper's stories are always intriguing, but it is truly his characters that make his stories. A great plot is a fantastic thing, but any plot with flat characters just won't hold up. Pepper's characters are a study in human nature. What makes us the way we are? What drives us? What causes us to respond the way we do?
Skin is the perfect example of how we are all a product of our genetics, our upbringing, and our environment. He is a combination of the part of us that works so hard to not be like our parents and the part of us that inevitably is. In some cases those traits are flaws, and in other cases those traits actually turn out to be attributes.
In this crime thriller, Skin Games, Skin is approached by Maria when she asks him to carry out an act of revenge for the death of her father and brother. The only hesitation Maria has is that she needs to know that she can trust Skin when he gives his word. From here, we delve into the past history of Skin. We learn of his worthless and abusive father, Skin's own foray into the criminal world, and ultimately the consequences of his actions.
It is through this telling that we, and Maria, learn of Skin's history and how it will determine the outcome of her request, along with how she will know that Skin will never go back on his word.
No matter if it's a crime thriller such as Skin Games or a science fiction thriller such as Symphony of Blood (reviewed on November 26, 2011) Adam Pepper's stories are thrilling, intriguing, insightful, and entertaining.
No matter what genre Adam Pepper writes in, he always manages to write an intriguing story with characters that are credible. In his newest release, Skin Games, Pepper proves this statement as true.
Pepper's stories are always intriguing, but it is truly his characters that make his stories. A great plot is a fantastic thing, but any plot with flat characters just won't hold up. Pepper's characters are a study in human nature. What makes us the way we are? What drives us? What causes us to respond the way we do?
Skin is the perfect example of how we are all a product of our genetics, our upbringing, and our environment. He is a combination of the part of us that works so hard to not be like our parents and the part of us that inevitably is. In some cases those traits are flaws, and in other cases those traits actually turn out to be attributes.
In this crime thriller, Skin Games, Skin is approached by Maria when she asks him to carry out an act of revenge for the death of her father and brother. The only hesitation Maria has is that she needs to know that she can trust Skin when he gives his word. From here, we delve into the past history of Skin. We learn of his worthless and abusive father, Skin's own foray into the criminal world, and ultimately the consequences of his actions.
It is through this telling that we, and Maria, learn of Skin's history and how it will determine the outcome of her request, along with how she will know that Skin will never go back on his word.
No matter if it's a crime thriller such as Skin Games or a science fiction thriller such as Symphony of Blood (reviewed on November 26, 2011) Adam Pepper's stories are thrilling, intriguing, insightful, and entertaining.
January 10, 2013
When Maria needs help to save her business from mobsters, she turns to Skin, a shadow of a man who lives in the dark. But Maria wants to know if Skin is the right man for the job so he tells the story of Sean O’Donnell.
O’Donnell is New York Irish who grew up in the Bronx. When still young his father disappears, so his mother is forced to perform sexual favours in order to survive. Before long Sean is drawn into the mob world, stealing cars for Vinny Macho, a low level gang member. However he falls for Nicole, a troubled wild child – unfortunately her father is the mob boss Don Mario. The Don tries to dissuade O’Donnell from seeing his daughter, applying ever-increasing pressure to ensure the message gets through.
There was a lot to like about Skin Games. The sense of place in gritty New York was well drawn, the characters were generally strong (O’Donnell himself was a good protagonist) and the dialogue interesting. The story moved along at a decent pace as we watched O’Donnell back himself further and further into a corner because of his strong will and deep-seated need to never break a promise, despite the heap of trouble it ultimately gets him into.
First and foremost O’Donnell is loyal, initially to the mob (the police put him under pressure, but he won’t give) and then to Nicole (who applies her own demands on O’Donnell with her behaviour). Skin Games is also about friendships but most surprising was the gradual realization that underlying the mob life and violence this is ultimately a love story.
This was a good book, well written and enjoyable.
**Originally reviewed for Books & Pals blog. May have received free copy**
O’Donnell is New York Irish who grew up in the Bronx. When still young his father disappears, so his mother is forced to perform sexual favours in order to survive. Before long Sean is drawn into the mob world, stealing cars for Vinny Macho, a low level gang member. However he falls for Nicole, a troubled wild child – unfortunately her father is the mob boss Don Mario. The Don tries to dissuade O’Donnell from seeing his daughter, applying ever-increasing pressure to ensure the message gets through.
There was a lot to like about Skin Games. The sense of place in gritty New York was well drawn, the characters were generally strong (O’Donnell himself was a good protagonist) and the dialogue interesting. The story moved along at a decent pace as we watched O’Donnell back himself further and further into a corner because of his strong will and deep-seated need to never break a promise, despite the heap of trouble it ultimately gets him into.
First and foremost O’Donnell is loyal, initially to the mob (the police put him under pressure, but he won’t give) and then to Nicole (who applies her own demands on O’Donnell with her behaviour). Skin Games is also about friendships but most surprising was the gradual realization that underlying the mob life and violence this is ultimately a love story.
This was a good book, well written and enjoyable.
**Originally reviewed for Books & Pals blog. May have received free copy**
March 22, 2013
4.5 stars.
This book will stick with me for a long time, like blood on a wall. It's a crime drama with a stubborn Irish young man involved with the neighborhood Italian gang. Sean O'Donnell makes the classic mistake of falling in love with the boss's daughter. The boss hates young stubbon Irish men. Need I say more? The story is unsettling, to say the least, made more so by Sean's blankness when it comes to expressing his emotions. And so the burden of feeling falls onto the reader. By the end of the tale, I'm as raw and desolate and hopeful and reconciled as Sean is--or maybe not--feeling.
Adam Pepper has a whole bunch of books available, and I'd recommend taking the time to pick one. He's worth experiencing, at least once.
This book will stick with me for a long time, like blood on a wall. It's a crime drama with a stubborn Irish young man involved with the neighborhood Italian gang. Sean O'Donnell makes the classic mistake of falling in love with the boss's daughter. The boss hates young stubbon Irish men. Need I say more? The story is unsettling, to say the least, made more so by Sean's blankness when it comes to expressing his emotions. And so the burden of feeling falls onto the reader. By the end of the tale, I'm as raw and desolate and hopeful and reconciled as Sean is--or maybe not--feeling.
Adam Pepper has a whole bunch of books available, and I'd recommend taking the time to pick one. He's worth experiencing, at least once.
July 11, 2013
It is a different read... It's about life growing up working for the mafia, from father to son... falling in love with the mafia boss's daughter... Sean is something else, he is amazing... this is his story... I love how the story ended.... if you're looking for happily ever after, this is not for you...
August 23, 2021
`Rough Justice, Sweet Revenge, Inevitable Retribution'
The author of `Skin Games: A crime drama`, Adam Pepper, describes the book as a crime/drama, yet, in my opinion, it is so much more. Yes there is crime and drama in spades, but there is no escaping Adam's trademark acerbic wit and his propensity for indulging in the thrills and horror of a story, which had me on the edge of my seat all the while I was reading.
One small caveat ... As you would expect from a story of this nature, there are a couple of sexual references, although these are not particularly graphic. There are also several acts of violence, which are described in reasonably graphic detail. All are completely within the context of the overall story and none are gratuitously added as an unnecessary enhancement to the plot.
The main focus of the book is Sean, (Shamrock), (Skin)'s absorbing and compelling personal story, which had me engrossed as I became more and more embroiled in his absorbing life. His character is complex and multi-dimensional. He has a strength and fierce loyalty well beyond his years, in his determination that he should never turn out to have inherited any of his fathers weak and wastrel traits. His word is his bond, no matter to whom he has made his pledge or promise. So firm is he in his beliefs, that I found myself almost `rooting' for him, even whilst he was carrying out unspeakable acts of cruelty and retribution, on behalf of the mob, towards often very vulnerable people, although the sympathetic and compassionate side of his character often shines through his facade and he does stand up to his masters on more than one occasion, taking their punishment for this disobedience without complaint.
Sean has a weakness though and one which will ultimately cost him dearly. Nicole, the Don's spoilt, petulant and demanding daughter. Her character was so sharply defined, that I found most of the scenes with her in, wanting to slap her for her pathetic attempts at trying to empathise with Sean, whilst all the while, winding him around her little finger, so that she can cajole him into granting her every stupid whim. Don't get me wrong, I also wanted to shake Sean until his brains rattled, in the hope that he would actually come to his senses and start to see her for what she really was. I think that for both of them, the underlying reality of an impossible situation and a relationship that isn't going anywhere, because the Don's vice-like grip on power, and his financial and emotional hold over his motherless daughter is just too strong, is an outcome that they both know is inevitable and they are also both only too aware of which one of them will suffer for their disobedience.
The supporting cast of characters are, to a person, complex studies of human behaviour, who are all linked in some way to the violence and complexity of the rule of the mob. Jealousy and rivalry are seemingly traits of the job, with each almost trying to outdo the other in the heinousness of their actions and the lengths which they will go to, to `curry favour' with their boss.
The story also invokes a great sense of `place' and `time'. New York shouts from the pages, authentic in its physical detail, from `Throggs Neck' to the `Meatpacking District' and with the characters identifying with and absorbing into their own defined and protected territory. So much so that I could almost imagine myself there, living in fear and awe of these shadowy figures, as they go about their disturbing business of extortion and `protection', amongst the fearful members of those communities.
The plot is action-packed and fast-paced, involving the reader in an experience which is authentic and disturbing, particularly when confronted with Mario, `The Don', who has a justice system which transcends any official channels and codes of conduct and who demands a loyalty from his employees which is almost disturbing in its intensity and depth. However, Mario also has one weakness, his daughter Nicole. No demand from her is too much, no wish too much to grant .. until it comes to her choice of a partner who may have the potential to take her away from the protection of her father .. In this matter, he will have the final word and his word will be law, whatever Nicole's wishes may be. Retribution for daring to flout his commands, is swift and brutal. Yet perversely, he is also a man of his word, which ultimately, is both `Skin's' undoing and his saving.
If I had one small observation to make about the story, it would probably be that there is not enough correlation between the opening couple of chapters for me. I can see why Maria would want revenge and retribution from the mob and why she therefore seeks out `Skin' and `Griffin'. What seems a little skewed, is the way in which `Skin' tells her his whole experience at the hands of the mob, including all the more personal details of his relationships and family, when he has only just met Maria and knows nothing about her. Perhaps this is just me being a little pernickety and this small point does absolutely nothing to detract from the overall power and strength of the storyline and characters. The poignant and touching ending to the story, is one of hope for the future, now that Sean has finally expunged the memories of his parents, both good and bad and is almost able to move on with his changed life, living, one suspects, by his own rules and disciplines, going into the future.
Powerful, fast-paced, action-packed, this is a story of one man trying to find his place in the scheme of things and maybe finding it eventually, in a place and time which he least expects.
The author of `Skin Games: A crime drama`, Adam Pepper, describes the book as a crime/drama, yet, in my opinion, it is so much more. Yes there is crime and drama in spades, but there is no escaping Adam's trademark acerbic wit and his propensity for indulging in the thrills and horror of a story, which had me on the edge of my seat all the while I was reading.
One small caveat ... As you would expect from a story of this nature, there are a couple of sexual references, although these are not particularly graphic. There are also several acts of violence, which are described in reasonably graphic detail. All are completely within the context of the overall story and none are gratuitously added as an unnecessary enhancement to the plot.
The main focus of the book is Sean, (Shamrock), (Skin)'s absorbing and compelling personal story, which had me engrossed as I became more and more embroiled in his absorbing life. His character is complex and multi-dimensional. He has a strength and fierce loyalty well beyond his years, in his determination that he should never turn out to have inherited any of his fathers weak and wastrel traits. His word is his bond, no matter to whom he has made his pledge or promise. So firm is he in his beliefs, that I found myself almost `rooting' for him, even whilst he was carrying out unspeakable acts of cruelty and retribution, on behalf of the mob, towards often very vulnerable people, although the sympathetic and compassionate side of his character often shines through his facade and he does stand up to his masters on more than one occasion, taking their punishment for this disobedience without complaint.
Sean has a weakness though and one which will ultimately cost him dearly. Nicole, the Don's spoilt, petulant and demanding daughter. Her character was so sharply defined, that I found most of the scenes with her in, wanting to slap her for her pathetic attempts at trying to empathise with Sean, whilst all the while, winding him around her little finger, so that she can cajole him into granting her every stupid whim. Don't get me wrong, I also wanted to shake Sean until his brains rattled, in the hope that he would actually come to his senses and start to see her for what she really was. I think that for both of them, the underlying reality of an impossible situation and a relationship that isn't going anywhere, because the Don's vice-like grip on power, and his financial and emotional hold over his motherless daughter is just too strong, is an outcome that they both know is inevitable and they are also both only too aware of which one of them will suffer for their disobedience.
The supporting cast of characters are, to a person, complex studies of human behaviour, who are all linked in some way to the violence and complexity of the rule of the mob. Jealousy and rivalry are seemingly traits of the job, with each almost trying to outdo the other in the heinousness of their actions and the lengths which they will go to, to `curry favour' with their boss.
The story also invokes a great sense of `place' and `time'. New York shouts from the pages, authentic in its physical detail, from `Throggs Neck' to the `Meatpacking District' and with the characters identifying with and absorbing into their own defined and protected territory. So much so that I could almost imagine myself there, living in fear and awe of these shadowy figures, as they go about their disturbing business of extortion and `protection', amongst the fearful members of those communities.
The plot is action-packed and fast-paced, involving the reader in an experience which is authentic and disturbing, particularly when confronted with Mario, `The Don', who has a justice system which transcends any official channels and codes of conduct and who demands a loyalty from his employees which is almost disturbing in its intensity and depth. However, Mario also has one weakness, his daughter Nicole. No demand from her is too much, no wish too much to grant .. until it comes to her choice of a partner who may have the potential to take her away from the protection of her father .. In this matter, he will have the final word and his word will be law, whatever Nicole's wishes may be. Retribution for daring to flout his commands, is swift and brutal. Yet perversely, he is also a man of his word, which ultimately, is both `Skin's' undoing and his saving.
If I had one small observation to make about the story, it would probably be that there is not enough correlation between the opening couple of chapters for me. I can see why Maria would want revenge and retribution from the mob and why she therefore seeks out `Skin' and `Griffin'. What seems a little skewed, is the way in which `Skin' tells her his whole experience at the hands of the mob, including all the more personal details of his relationships and family, when he has only just met Maria and knows nothing about her. Perhaps this is just me being a little pernickety and this small point does absolutely nothing to detract from the overall power and strength of the storyline and characters. The poignant and touching ending to the story, is one of hope for the future, now that Sean has finally expunged the memories of his parents, both good and bad and is almost able to move on with his changed life, living, one suspects, by his own rules and disciplines, going into the future.
Powerful, fast-paced, action-packed, this is a story of one man trying to find his place in the scheme of things and maybe finding it eventually, in a place and time which he least expects.
January 4, 2020
Good read!!
September 27, 2012
Skin Games Book Review ~ 4.5 stars
“The author said that this book is emotionally charged. Well, I just have to say is that it is sooo true! And SO MUCH MORE! I cried, got scared big time, troubled, and most importantly, it got me curious. Curiosity that made me finish the book in one sitting. I also loved Sean and Nicole - they are so good together.” – Ara of My Book and My Coffee
This book, Skin Games, was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.
As you probably know, I have a great interest in crime and thriller novels as well. I really don't know why. Before I start my review, I just want to remind all of you that Skin Games is a crime drama. The book includes violence as expected.
Let’s talk about the story. To tell you honestly, when I started to read the first chapter of the book, I was a bit confused. I had to check the book description again to see if I have the correct book. I did, so I continued reading. After the first chapter, the confusion turned into curiosity. I became really interested to know more. After the second chapter, I found myself smiling and feeling excited to continue reading. The way the author wrote the story flow was a bit out of the ordinary but it’s rather appealing. I like it. It was really detailed. It’s a story. *hint hint* :)
Sean O’Donnell is the main character in this book. I actually don’t know if I will like him or not. He’s one of those bad boys that you’ll love and hate… but you’ll love him because he’s a man of his word. I mean, one way or the other, you’ll really love him because he’s a man with ‘balls’. He’s a donkey (you’ll get that reference too when you read the book *wink*) and when he says that he loves you and he’ll stand by you, he will – even though it means that he’ll take a beating. And not just a beating, a super painful and deadly beating.
He is one of those bad boys. But wait, define “Bad Boy”, right? He’s not one of those hoodlums that just wanted to have fun and kill people. He doesn’t have a license to kill, no, he’s not 007. He was once a young, innocent boy once who, under challenging circumstances, needed to grow up and fast because he just needs to. He needed to be strong for his mother. He was a teenager who was led to a certain path. And now, he’s the bad boy who fell in love with the mafia princess.
Bad boy + Nice girl with super duper bad boy father = I don't even want to answer.
The mafia princess, Nicole, falls in love with Sean, too. She’s really cool and I felt that she’s a bit clueless. Anyway, it’s like Romeo and Juliet all over again. Although, this time, Juliet’s father is worse than ever, and I mean to the highest level. Bad, bad, bad.
In all fairness, I really felt Sean and Nicole’s connection. They simply clicked. The author did a good job in writing their love for each other. I was in. I don’t want to divulge any more information as I think it will be giving too much already. :) You have to read the book in order to know what happened next.
I actually didn’t expect the ending to be that way. I wanted it to end differently but the way it ended was somehow realistic. And I can understand that.
To all my friends, followers, readers and visitors, if you have an interest in crime drama / crime thriller books, then you should really read Skin Games. It’s a very good read for me. I’m giving it 4.5 stars.
To view the full review, visit this link: Book Review ~ Skin Games by Adam Pepper
“The author said that this book is emotionally charged. Well, I just have to say is that it is sooo true! And SO MUCH MORE! I cried, got scared big time, troubled, and most importantly, it got me curious. Curiosity that made me finish the book in one sitting. I also loved Sean and Nicole - they are so good together.” – Ara of My Book and My Coffee
This book, Skin Games, was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.
As you probably know, I have a great interest in crime and thriller novels as well. I really don't know why. Before I start my review, I just want to remind all of you that Skin Games is a crime drama. The book includes violence as expected.
Let’s talk about the story. To tell you honestly, when I started to read the first chapter of the book, I was a bit confused. I had to check the book description again to see if I have the correct book. I did, so I continued reading. After the first chapter, the confusion turned into curiosity. I became really interested to know more. After the second chapter, I found myself smiling and feeling excited to continue reading. The way the author wrote the story flow was a bit out of the ordinary but it’s rather appealing. I like it. It was really detailed. It’s a story. *hint hint* :)
Sean O’Donnell is the main character in this book. I actually don’t know if I will like him or not. He’s one of those bad boys that you’ll love and hate… but you’ll love him because he’s a man of his word. I mean, one way or the other, you’ll really love him because he’s a man with ‘balls’. He’s a donkey (you’ll get that reference too when you read the book *wink*) and when he says that he loves you and he’ll stand by you, he will – even though it means that he’ll take a beating. And not just a beating, a super painful and deadly beating.
He is one of those bad boys. But wait, define “Bad Boy”, right? He’s not one of those hoodlums that just wanted to have fun and kill people. He doesn’t have a license to kill, no, he’s not 007. He was once a young, innocent boy once who, under challenging circumstances, needed to grow up and fast because he just needs to. He needed to be strong for his mother. He was a teenager who was led to a certain path. And now, he’s the bad boy who fell in love with the mafia princess.
Bad boy + Nice girl with super duper bad boy father = I don't even want to answer.
The mafia princess, Nicole, falls in love with Sean, too. She’s really cool and I felt that she’s a bit clueless. Anyway, it’s like Romeo and Juliet all over again. Although, this time, Juliet’s father is worse than ever, and I mean to the highest level. Bad, bad, bad.
In all fairness, I really felt Sean and Nicole’s connection. They simply clicked. The author did a good job in writing their love for each other. I was in. I don’t want to divulge any more information as I think it will be giving too much already. :) You have to read the book in order to know what happened next.
I actually didn’t expect the ending to be that way. I wanted it to end differently but the way it ended was somehow realistic. And I can understand that.
To all my friends, followers, readers and visitors, if you have an interest in crime drama / crime thriller books, then you should really read Skin Games. It’s a very good read for me. I’m giving it 4.5 stars.
To view the full review, visit this link: Book Review ~ Skin Games by Adam Pepper
April 12, 2012
You know, this was a great freakin' book.
By the end I was completely blown away; but I wasn't quite impressed at first. Though the beginning was pretty intense, once we got into the protagonist's story, I thought his voice was sterile and he moved events along too quickly. But while I was mentally bitching about those qualities, the story was also speeding along like a runaway train and I was totally snared BECAUSE of those qualities. No frou-frou soliloquies, no meandering notions; just the facts, ma'am. Which actually made it remarkably easy to stay engrossed (and therefore kept my mind from wandering) because the protagonist hasn't been reminiscing about how the quality of the midsummer sky reminded him of the relationship he had with his daddy... for 12 damn pages. I grudgingly began to appreciate the character's style, though I lamented the lack of action.
Buy, did I ever have it coming for me.
When the action hit, it was fast and furious. But not 2Fast 2Furious.
Thank Christ.
It was then that I realised that I had been party to one hell of a buildup (sneaky, I didn't even know I had been invited until I was there!) and the attitude of the protagonist, which I had deemed somewhat flat at first, made him all the more terrifying for all the trauma he encountered, and continued to encounter.
By the end, Skin Games had delivered one hell of a whallop, and as I turned the last page I found myself crying like a bitch; or like a fat kid over a dropped box of jelly donuts (true story, I had them balanced on my bike handlebars, I hit a bump, and !BAM! there went all the donuts); or a sports fan that had their team lose to Oakland; or like a dad that just found out his son still loves him: or like a kid who has to turn off the XBOX.
It could have used a little more embellishment - more details, more depth. I like longer sentences and the occasional sprinkling of exclamation points. But the story as is stands amazingly well, and I'm not sure any changes would actually improve it.
See, the whole tone of the book is set by the protagonist, and he's one cold ass motherfucker. Right from the beginning he's calm, cool, and collected. As an initial introduction, he's not terrifically endearing. When I started the book, I wasn't too keen on him, and therefore, felt somewhat detached from the story. But as the story progressed, and he began getting mixed up with scarier shit, I found myself drawn in by how he kept it together in situations where I would have been... well, crying like a bitch; once I finished, I was totally freaking fascinated and more than a little torn up inside. And I don't think our protagonist flinched once throughout the whole story... well, maybe once. Ugh. Seriously, the ending was one of the most gut-wrenching, squirm-inducing pieces I've ever read.
Hell, I think maybe the author could have just be messing with us - "I'll start off calm, lull the reader into a false sense of security, and then !BAM! donuts everywhere! I mean, !BAM! I punch the reader in the face with more violence and heartache than an entire season of Gossip Girl! Metaphorically, of course." Well played, Mister Pepper. Well played.
Basically, the things that I didn't like about Skin Games at first seemed to, in the end, make the story what it was: a damn fine piece of reading. It wined me, dined me, pulled out the gimp mask and bent me over the table in a corner booth, and promised it would call me later.
Get it. Read it. And try not to cry like a bitch.
By the end I was completely blown away; but I wasn't quite impressed at first. Though the beginning was pretty intense, once we got into the protagonist's story, I thought his voice was sterile and he moved events along too quickly. But while I was mentally bitching about those qualities, the story was also speeding along like a runaway train and I was totally snared BECAUSE of those qualities. No frou-frou soliloquies, no meandering notions; just the facts, ma'am. Which actually made it remarkably easy to stay engrossed (and therefore kept my mind from wandering) because the protagonist hasn't been reminiscing about how the quality of the midsummer sky reminded him of the relationship he had with his daddy... for 12 damn pages. I grudgingly began to appreciate the character's style, though I lamented the lack of action.
Buy, did I ever have it coming for me.
When the action hit, it was fast and furious. But not 2Fast 2Furious.
Thank Christ.
It was then that I realised that I had been party to one hell of a buildup (sneaky, I didn't even know I had been invited until I was there!) and the attitude of the protagonist, which I had deemed somewhat flat at first, made him all the more terrifying for all the trauma he encountered, and continued to encounter.
By the end, Skin Games had delivered one hell of a whallop, and as I turned the last page I found myself crying like a bitch; or like a fat kid over a dropped box of jelly donuts (true story, I had them balanced on my bike handlebars, I hit a bump, and !BAM! there went all the donuts); or a sports fan that had their team lose to Oakland; or like a dad that just found out his son still loves him: or like a kid who has to turn off the XBOX.
It could have used a little more embellishment - more details, more depth. I like longer sentences and the occasional sprinkling of exclamation points. But the story as is stands amazingly well, and I'm not sure any changes would actually improve it.
See, the whole tone of the book is set by the protagonist, and he's one cold ass motherfucker. Right from the beginning he's calm, cool, and collected. As an initial introduction, he's not terrifically endearing. When I started the book, I wasn't too keen on him, and therefore, felt somewhat detached from the story. But as the story progressed, and he began getting mixed up with scarier shit, I found myself drawn in by how he kept it together in situations where I would have been... well, crying like a bitch; once I finished, I was totally freaking fascinated and more than a little torn up inside. And I don't think our protagonist flinched once throughout the whole story... well, maybe once. Ugh. Seriously, the ending was one of the most gut-wrenching, squirm-inducing pieces I've ever read.
Hell, I think maybe the author could have just be messing with us - "I'll start off calm, lull the reader into a false sense of security, and then !BAM! donuts everywhere! I mean, !BAM! I punch the reader in the face with more violence and heartache than an entire season of Gossip Girl! Metaphorically, of course." Well played, Mister Pepper. Well played.
Basically, the things that I didn't like about Skin Games at first seemed to, in the end, make the story what it was: a damn fine piece of reading. It wined me, dined me, pulled out the gimp mask and bent me over the table in a corner booth, and promised it would call me later.
Get it. Read it. And try not to cry like a bitch.
March 3, 2012
Maria knows they well kill her if they find her. They have killed her brother and father, burned the family restaurant down and are now after her. She needs to find refuge and pursues a man referred to as “Skin” to help her seek retaliation. She finds him and he recounts his personal story to assure her of his commitment and trustworthiness.
Sean O’Donnell, aka Shamrock, aka Skin tells his own unique story which is the essence of this book. When his rough Irish father left him and his Italian mother alone to fend for themselves he was forced to grow up fast. He was lured into a life of crime in order to help his mother financially and becomes embroiled in the mob. This life suits him and rolls along smoothly until he starts dating the mob boss’s daughter.
This first person account is enticing as the character of Sean takes us into his world of many dimensions and compels the reader to become absorbed in his life. His portrayal as a strong, loyal, trustworthy and yes even sympathetic character encourages you to have great sense compassion for him. All the characters are intricately defined and contribute to the complexity of the story. The constant banter between the characters is believable and enticing.
This story is an examination of loyalty, friendship, love, honor, greed and the struggle for power. The realistic characterizations of life in the mob filled with violence and betrayal keeps you deeply involved in the plot and anxiously waiting for more. SKIN GAMES is a fast paced, action packed wild ride to the disturbing depths of the mob that will command your attention.
This is the first book that I have read from Adam R. Pepper and will definitely NOT be the last.
Sean O’Donnell, aka Shamrock, aka Skin tells his own unique story which is the essence of this book. When his rough Irish father left him and his Italian mother alone to fend for themselves he was forced to grow up fast. He was lured into a life of crime in order to help his mother financially and becomes embroiled in the mob. This life suits him and rolls along smoothly until he starts dating the mob boss’s daughter.
This first person account is enticing as the character of Sean takes us into his world of many dimensions and compels the reader to become absorbed in his life. His portrayal as a strong, loyal, trustworthy and yes even sympathetic character encourages you to have great sense compassion for him. All the characters are intricately defined and contribute to the complexity of the story. The constant banter between the characters is believable and enticing.
This story is an examination of loyalty, friendship, love, honor, greed and the struggle for power. The realistic characterizations of life in the mob filled with violence and betrayal keeps you deeply involved in the plot and anxiously waiting for more. SKIN GAMES is a fast paced, action packed wild ride to the disturbing depths of the mob that will command your attention.
This is the first book that I have read from Adam R. Pepper and will definitely NOT be the last.
February 26, 2012
Skin Games starts out with mobsters attacking a local restaurant, the waitress Maria barely escapes and goes to a guy names Skin to get his help plotting revenge on those that hurt her family. After Maria meets Skin she of course has questions and the most important one is how she can trust him. And then his story begins.
Now I will say that I haven’t read anything quite like this but I really enjoyed it. In a way it reminded me of the Soprano’s with the way that the characters and the atmosphere was built. Sean – Shamrock – starts his story as a child and growing up. He tries his best to help his mother when he father left and the only work around is for the mobsters. Sean slowly gets more and more work, and then the unthinkable happens. The Boss’ daughter falls for him at the same time that he falls for her. This of course is a no-go but what can Sean do? He has given his word that he wouldn’t be scared off and he is a man of his word. We get to see friendships and families pushed to the limits and see how far people will go for the ones that they love.
There is a great amount of suspense and action that takes place in Skin Games and there are moments that had me gasping, but then again this is the Mob that we are talking about so some things shouldn’t have come as a shock. This was a very entertaining read, I got through it in just a couple hours. I love that Sean stayed who he was throughout and the ending, after a while, did leave me satisfied. If you’re looking for a change in scenery while reading, or wanting an action packed novel with a love interest involved than this is the one for you.
Now I will say that I haven’t read anything quite like this but I really enjoyed it. In a way it reminded me of the Soprano’s with the way that the characters and the atmosphere was built. Sean – Shamrock – starts his story as a child and growing up. He tries his best to help his mother when he father left and the only work around is for the mobsters. Sean slowly gets more and more work, and then the unthinkable happens. The Boss’ daughter falls for him at the same time that he falls for her. This of course is a no-go but what can Sean do? He has given his word that he wouldn’t be scared off and he is a man of his word. We get to see friendships and families pushed to the limits and see how far people will go for the ones that they love.
There is a great amount of suspense and action that takes place in Skin Games and there are moments that had me gasping, but then again this is the Mob that we are talking about so some things shouldn’t have come as a shock. This was a very entertaining read, I got through it in just a couple hours. I love that Sean stayed who he was throughout and the ending, after a while, did leave me satisfied. If you’re looking for a change in scenery while reading, or wanting an action packed novel with a love interest involved than this is the one for you.
March 31, 2012
Skin Games by Adam Pepper is a gripping star-crossed love story set against the backdrop of crime novel. It is a page turning tale that tosses romance with the mob and comes up a winner.
Skin Games has an interesting format, as it is essentially a flashback story, bookended by a minor subplot. This design works well, due mainly to the strong first person voice of the protagonist; as a reader I didn’t even notice the switch in point-of-view as the story moved in and out of the enclosing segments. From the first tense action sequence to the poignant conclusion, the book compels your attention.
This story could have easily turned into a Romeo and Juliet cliché, but the authenticity of the characters moves the narrative splendidly and you get the genuine feel of people caught in a situation spinning beyond their control. The author does a marvellous job of creating a claustrophobic world of crime and mobsters, while still maintaining empathy for its inhabitants.
Skin Games is a taut, engaging book and I recommend it.
Skin Games has an interesting format, as it is essentially a flashback story, bookended by a minor subplot. This design works well, due mainly to the strong first person voice of the protagonist; as a reader I didn’t even notice the switch in point-of-view as the story moved in and out of the enclosing segments. From the first tense action sequence to the poignant conclusion, the book compels your attention.
This story could have easily turned into a Romeo and Juliet cliché, but the authenticity of the characters moves the narrative splendidly and you get the genuine feel of people caught in a situation spinning beyond their control. The author does a marvellous job of creating a claustrophobic world of crime and mobsters, while still maintaining empathy for its inhabitants.
Skin Games is a taut, engaging book and I recommend it.
February 2, 2012
Title: Skin Games
Author: Adam Pepper
Publisher: Self Published
Published: January 2011
Genre: Crime Drama
Thugz, Drugz and hardcore Skin Games..zz await you in this story …
Growing up in the Bronx is hard enough to do without being part of the Mob. Dating the Boss’s daughter is taboo but hardheaded Sean O’Donnell soon finds that out. Nicole and Sean devise a plan so they can be together but ..if… they are discovered the consequences will be brutal. “You have to do what you have to do to survive” is the lesson that his Mom taught him.
Action packed drama with everything you would expect from the car stealing, drug dealing and the retribution for disobeying the “ Capo” of this mafia family.
My rating is ZZZZ and the Games..zz in this one are really hardcore!
This book is available at Amazon and Barnes and Noble
Please visit the author’s website @ www.AdamPepper.com
Author: Adam Pepper
Publisher: Self Published
Published: January 2011
Genre: Crime Drama
Thugz, Drugz and hardcore Skin Games..zz await you in this story …
Growing up in the Bronx is hard enough to do without being part of the Mob. Dating the Boss’s daughter is taboo but hardheaded Sean O’Donnell soon finds that out. Nicole and Sean devise a plan so they can be together but ..if… they are discovered the consequences will be brutal. “You have to do what you have to do to survive” is the lesson that his Mom taught him.
Action packed drama with everything you would expect from the car stealing, drug dealing and the retribution for disobeying the “ Capo” of this mafia family.
My rating is ZZZZ and the Games..zz in this one are really hardcore!
This book is available at Amazon and Barnes and Noble
Please visit the author’s website @ www.AdamPepper.com
March 5, 2012
Filled with Pepper's trademark acerbic wit and vivid depictions, Skin Games is a roller coaster ride on the wrong side of the tracks. The reader becomes very attached to the protagonist and even though you fear throughout the novel for his safety and his future, you can't help rooting for him. I find this particularly meaningful since Sean is not a typical "good guy" and makes many questionable decisions, but the reader never sways from seeing things from his side.
I'd say that 95 times out of 100 I really hate reading novels written in present tense - luckily Pepper uses it sparingly and in a way that makes the story more meaningful as much of the novel is describing past events. Overall, Skin Games is filled with meaningful interrelationships and builds into a well-crafted novel. True, Pepper fills it with his gory and stark depictions of violence and its aftermath, but rather than detract from the story he pulls the reader into the protagonist's world with a vengeance.
I'd say that 95 times out of 100 I really hate reading novels written in present tense - luckily Pepper uses it sparingly and in a way that makes the story more meaningful as much of the novel is describing past events. Overall, Skin Games is filled with meaningful interrelationships and builds into a well-crafted novel. True, Pepper fills it with his gory and stark depictions of violence and its aftermath, but rather than detract from the story he pulls the reader into the protagonist's world with a vengeance.
May 26, 2013
To this day, I still don't like hospitals. It doesn't make me unique. Nobody likes hospitals.
3.5 Stars! Firstly I fully blame Adam Pepper for my need to pig out on pizza last night. All that talk of pizza and how good it was completely did me in and i'm sure I will be working it off for the next week. This book had two of my weaknesses in it so I was really looking forward to this one. Not only is the story told from a male's point of view but it also has mobsters, oh how I love mobster stories. I was absolutely terrified for the main character the whole way through this book and some of the scenes were quite brutal and hard to read. Adam did a brilliant job of pulling you into the story and although the first few chapters were a little confusing once you got past them you were hooked.
3.5 Stars! Firstly I fully blame Adam Pepper for my need to pig out on pizza last night. All that talk of pizza and how good it was completely did me in and i'm sure I will be working it off for the next week. This book had two of my weaknesses in it so I was really looking forward to this one. Not only is the story told from a male's point of view but it also has mobsters, oh how I love mobster stories. I was absolutely terrified for the main character the whole way through this book and some of the scenes were quite brutal and hard to read. Adam did a brilliant job of pulling you into the story and although the first few chapters were a little confusing once you got past them you were hooked.
February 25, 2012
You think you know the story: good kid grows up on the rougher side of the tracks; a mafia henchman takes the kid under his wing, shows him the ropes. Same old, right? Not this time. Pepper takes that story and does what he does best: takes the whole thing up several notches to a brand new level. Characters in this novel lived and breathed in the room while I read. Tension, drama and adrenalin burst through in every chapter. While I loved Symphony of Blood, I think Pepper outdid himself. I give out 3 stars really easily, 4 stars not so much, but 5 stars… A novel really has to earn those, and Skin Games definitely did.
July 13, 2012
Not quite what I was expecting, but a great story nonetheless. I went in thinking it was going to be about some really violent mob guy, and it was, kind of, but it's also a love story. Great characters and very entertaining.
I actually think it might have been a little better without the parts about Maria, I found it hard to believe a person would just sit down with a stranger and tell their entire life story like that - but the life story itself was a really good one. Looking forward to reading more by Adam Pepper.
I actually think it might have been a little better without the parts about Maria, I found it hard to believe a person would just sit down with a stranger and tell their entire life story like that - but the life story itself was a really good one. Looking forward to reading more by Adam Pepper.
May 16, 2012
This is a great, straight up mob fiction story that has elements of Goodfellas, and a unique voice--think The Princess Bride meets Goodfellas. It's a great story that any fan of mob fiction will want to pick up. For my full review, go here: http://thedarkeva.com/2012/05/book-re....
May 13, 2012
Great story! Once I started didn't put it down til I read it. Haven't done that in a long time.
August 26, 2012
I guess it is just me. This felt like I had read the story a hundred times before,very typical all was expected no surprises.
November 10, 2012
it didn't shine
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