skin contact
synopsis
A newly open marriage brings discovery, excitement, and upheaval to a young couple, and to the friends and lovers in their orbit.
Thirty years old and reeling from her mother’s recent death, Frances feels as if she’s lost her sense of purpose, her joy; her husband, Ben, will do anything to help her. So when she suggests that they open their marriage, he’s willing—and even a little intrigued. They invite a young woman into their bedroom, create a joint dating profile, and go on dates with other exploring couples, with mixed but often exciting results. Over the next five years, they explore their sexualities, navigating through jealousy, betrayal, desire, and obsession—and the friends and lovers in their circle find themselves asking new questions about their own lives and relationships. But when each is pulled in a new and unexpected direction, Ben and Frances are forced to confront the consequences of their experiment.
With warmth, humor, and sharp insight, Elisa Faison explores marriage’s many forms and possibilities—and announces herself as an exciting new voice in fiction.
Named one of the 40 most exciting books to read in 2026 by The BBC.
Named a most anticipated LGBTQ+ Book by Bookshop.org.
“Sexy and self-assured, Skin Contact is irresistible. While exploring the boundaries of desire and fidelity, Elisa Faison's characters ask big questions about the choices we make and how to negotiate what's beyond our control.” - Ada Calhoun, New York Times-bestselling author of Crush
“Elisa Faison's enthralling and unflinching Skin Contact gives us an intimate view of an intricately bound cast of characters, finding the hidden places where the real story lies. Shifting between the emptiness and uncertainty of loss along with the frightening and enthralling sensation of discovery, Faison has crafted a story that surprises us with its honesty, its passion, and its intensity.” - Kevin Wilson, New York Times-bestselling author of Nothing to See Here
“Skin Contact is so much more than a sharply observed portrait of a marriage, though it is that too. This novel sharply observes us: our petty thoughts and hidden lusts, our late-night fantasies and deepest hopes, all on display, laid loving yet unflinchingly bare. Faison has created a vibrant cast of characters, with each point-of-view richly developed yet effortlessly engaging. This book is the party of the year and I wanted to join in, opening the next door and the next, getting a bit gossip, sharing just one more story, stealing one more kiss. An absolute knockout of a debut.” - Gwen E. Kirby, author of Shit Cassandra Saw
