Animus

Alfonzo #10

by S.W. Frank

A shooting on the steps of cathedral in Palermo, on a day of celebration has left scars in the hearts and bodies of the Giacanti family. Alfonzo cannot forgive the cowards who struck at men when women and children were present. An enforcer goes hunting as the injured lay wounded in hospital beds. It is the vow of an aching heart, which one man recites in silence.

'If an injury has to be done to a man it should be so severe that his vengeance need not be feared.'
-Niccolo Machiavelli


Follow the continuation of this ongoing action drama, filled with romance and suspense in this tenth installment of Alfonzo.

Genres: Interracial Romance, Romance, Mafia Romance, Adult, Erotica, Contemporary

284 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 31, 2013

About the author

S. W. Frank resides in New York. Art, poetry, music and writing were always quiet joys. A former NYC emergency medical worker and contributing writer for her law school journal, the author decided to pursue the obsession of storytelling full-time. Since then she dusted off manuscripts and decided to share stories with the public.

The Guardian, 2013 article, 'The Gems of Indie Publishing' readers' have stated, "[S.W. Frank] is bold and unapologetic in her delivery."

The Alfonzo series, voted on Goodreads as 1 of the Best Mob and Multicultural/Interracial Romance's for 2012.

The author states, "I write stories with multicultural characters that are desirable, smart and intriguing. They're stories of interesting people that I wanted to read and my small contribution to literary world to include diversity."

Reviews

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

So, I am in the mist of reading this book....after book 3 the series has gotten a lot better. So far I am not liking this book too much. Mainly because almost everyone in this book is just dumb! I mean really dumb. We leave the last book with a massacre that could rival the valentines day massacre in Chicago during the Capone days. After the event Shanda was like...oh I got to go! Tell me why is everyone hating on this girl?!? why is everyone calling her stupid?!? Shanda is probably the smartest person in the damn series! Sophie, Salange, Nico, and Ari all called this girl stupid because she just witness a mass murder in which her child almost died! So she is stupid because she is a mother who wants to protect her kid? First off none of these dumb ppl can call anyone stupid, especially Salange. Sophie killed a girl for revealing a secret ok...not nice but could be a reason why the church was shot up. Dumb Sophie. Nico, is just killing ppl and had the dumbest affair in the whole book and Salange is on this tip too. No one and I mean no one can really say why the affair happened. How did Salange and Nico relationship go from being big brother/ little sister, even father/ daughter to them humping?!? can we say really dumb and now they are friends?!?! where do they do that at?? just stop. Ari is just as dumb...lol I can't...I won't...ok...I will. At what point did she really believe she wasn't going to get caught up with them? Really, I left my divorce papers out so I had to fake my death? Stop it.

I didn't agree that Shanda didn't wait until Geo woke up but on the real she did the right thing by leaving. The child would probably be better protected on the south side of Chicago at night! lol I am looking at this for the point of view of black ppl and violence. If I saw my kid getting shot, there would be no reason for me to stick around a family that gets violence and brings violence...Yea, Geo. You know what you did! Black ppl never run towards anything dangerous lol ...Shanda wasn't about that life and she wasn't trying to be either! That makes sense. All this respect, loyalty and honor crap they keep spitting out is crap. Shanda leaving was about respect and loyalty and whatever else they are talking about...that commitment was to her son...boom! Parents do what they have to do to protect their kids and she made the decision as a mother and so what she called her parents. That is what real parents do... they try their hardest to protect their young. Which I would also like to point out that Alfonzo wanted to do the same with his wife and kids! Thank you! He wanted them to leave so they could not be in danger. All this love crap Salange keeps trying to throw out about standing by her man...Salange is a terrible friend like for real...to not even understand the mother's point of view but worried about if Shanda's love for Geo was real is just plain stupid. Geo is a big boy who did big boy things that now he is living with the big boy consequences....look, at some point common sense has to come into play. This chick as been shot twice! are we really trying to race to be the next 50 cent? and it just seems like every time they get attacked Salange becomes more dumb. I get this is a fake story but really, come on....just by the fact that the family is killing ppl and not thinking no one will come after them is just plain stupid! Again Geo...really?!? Why is everyone hating on Shanda? Along with Geo when he isn' t a complete ass he and Shanda are really the funniest of characters in the series.

I have written views about Salange on amazon and I still don't like her. She really hasn't done anything to really make me like her and all of this doting coming from the other characters on what an awesome person she is becoming annoying. She still hasn't done anything she started to mature a little but that maturity is coming at a snails pace...geez! And with the attitude she is popping at Shanda...Salange is back at the bottom for me...lol I am sorry. This girl is about nothing...like I said Shanda is more interesting and has more of a back bone than this Salange. At some point the author has to do something with her... I don't know what? but something....Salange is good with Alfonzo but this series is just giving me a headache I don't need.
--
Dawn

[~*~Princess Nya Vasiliev~*~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid 3.5 Stars

Animus... Great title for this book.

Who made this installment work? Alfonzo of course, Nico(Oh he broke my heart & put it back together), Giuseppe, and Tony... I don't know what it is, but he's a solid character. I like him. I hope to see much more from him.

Sergio, Okay I will be the first to admit that he surprised me in this one. It's been no secret that I can't stand this male. I am a bit pleased though with the push and pull concerning his way of life versus his hidden need to be seen & held as a true member of the Giacanti Clan. To be acknowledged in all ways as his father's son. The scenes with he and Nico were hilarious, dangerous, yet beautiful. I was lovin that.

Giuseppe OMGOODNESS! Can I just say I'm so pleased with how he's growing. He's still silly and crazy but he has a temperment now that is calmer, wiser, more free to love and be loved. He still holds it down don't get me wrong, but I'm lovin the growth I see in him within this book. The scenes between he and Alfonzo were beautiful, amusing, just flat out touching. I just wish that where his love is aimed was not with Shaunda. I can't stand her. Really wish he was with someone else.

Nico What can I say? My heart bleeds for him, his journey. But I am so lovin the road he's traveling now when it comes to his family, his place, his understanding of himself and those around him. It's a hard journey but it's beautiful. I'm understanding and loving him more and more. Hoping on this front things only get better for Nico.

Alfonzo What can I say about the love of my life? He held it down in this one as always. With class. Although he did have me wanting to pop him upside the head with his "fears" in this one, but he got over them. And in the most heart stopping way I might add ;)



Loved how everyone Alfonzo and Selange have helped or touched, when they learned of the tragedy that happened, all came to them. No questions. They needed to see for themselves that all was well or soon would be. Loved watching this unfold.

There were definitely some LOL moments in here for me. Especially in the epilogue *giggles*

Now, why the 3.5 rating you ask? Cos while the back and forth, tosses and turns for shock value abound in this one, I'm missing that decadent all consuming passion that is usually present. That underlining "something" I don't know. It just wasn't here in this one for me. Annnnnnd....The cliffhanger ending in the last book that left me insane, was not at all appeased by the lack luster outcome you get in this book concerning that. I was like "Really? That's what happened? That's all?"

All in all this was another good addition to this saga. Not sure where this one is leading us, with all the happenings that have been occurring over the last few books, but you will certainly will be eager & panting to learn, that's for sure.

I would highly recommend this Mafia Saga. Please read in order.

Happy Reading :)

[Vallsykes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another flip in the pages of a mafia saga that still holds my interest. This one was short. It speaks "aftermath".

Some by-ways to the next conflicts in store for Alfonzo and La Famiglia were fledgling, but just enough to restart intrigue. However, some actions and explanations of revenge and power-seeking feel either "staged" or without cohesiveness(i.e. the story of Nico's mother or the dealings of Bianca).

Furthermore, the usual moderate steam and robustness in the characters seemed to be lessened and half depicted. This is most assuredly owed to the some books, especially the later one, in the continued story being like short serial writing. The reader has to "wait" to see how it all unfolds, but can't help but ask "where can it go from here?"

Readers of this saga will still "believe in" Alfonzo's love for his lady, Selange [it's an awesome thing and enhances Alfonzo's character, creating a sharp duality to his role as il Capo de Tutti, a modern-day king elected by legacy, tradition and royalty].

As for Selange, her recently renewed avowal of allegiance to and fervor for Alfonzo is duly noted. Yet, all this is not without a lingering residue of past betrayal and an ill-favored, but poignant relationship between a dark soul and his muse (a bane for Alfonzo despite his struggle to forgive).

Other players in this drama have been given more page time; the most noticeable is Sergio. He is learning the ropes of the dark trade of his father. Two other characters to follow closely are Nico and Giuseppe. Both men a formidable, but both do not have relationships as profound as Alfonzo's. Nico's wife still feels like a filler and Giuseppi's woman, Shandra, is quite inconsequential, IMO.

Though editing mistakes are apparent, they are not as interfering as with most express-published or self-pubbed pieces out there, and when getting used to Frank's written style, one can still appreciate prose laden with dark mafia-esque mood, rich with a mix of multiple languages, and colored with smart descriptions.

If you like Mafia, this will provide a great fix.

[Alexis *Reality Bites* · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED IT!!!

[Tanielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went in the book on edge just wanting to get down to who made it and who didn't. I thought for sure Giuseppe would go out on this one but man, I also didn't want anyone else to go. I'm glad Tyree is back for an update. I thought they'd all bump into each other in the hospital but the way they found out was better. I had to take a break before going into chapter 26, I was so done after that mess. I couldn't even take Nico going because he's the one holding them all together.

Shanda is a mess! I'm tired of the back and forth and I was wondering if Sophie would get involved. Wondering if the mess at the parents’ house is going to fall back on Shanda's parents or not. Not sure why that was pointed out but hopefully we'll get another Franky or something. Sergio stays in something and his latest...I'm wondering how it's going to come into play. Still not sure just what Bianca and her clan are up to but to see Nico's boys following suite is pretty sad. I was hoping they could protect themselves but also go the legal route, at least Darren. Not sure just who the African is but I can't wait to see what he's brings with him.

[Mspraise50 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay surprise surprise I am still no Selange fan. I think the author sealed Selange's fate with me from book 1 when she was so vile to her mother simply because she had found happiness with someone else after her dad had been dead for years. This set the tone of dislike for her where I am concerned. First impressions and all that and my view has not changed.

Well Shanda was growing on me until she did something so cowardly I wanted to slap her. This is not how we behave when we say we love someone. I can understand her being afraid, I would have been too but there were lots of other women involved and none of them did what she did. She could have gotten courage from other women. Back to first impressions again. I did not like Shanda from book 1 but she was growing on me. Shame.

Sergio is coming into his own and still cracking me up.

[Bee'sBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a solid 3.5-3.8 stars

Look, I don't know what is going on with Frank, but when is she going to give Selange some kind of real substance, other than being beautiful (blah), kind (blah) and always loving and supporting her man (blah)? Well, at least now, she's all loving and supportive, since she stopped tipping around on him with Nico. but I digress. I mean, Selange as a character literally, gives me NOTHINNNNG! She is so boring, not well fleshed out for a main character, hell, for any kind of character. She is just annoying and lackluster and I really hate her being in these books period. Upon reading, about the aftermath, of what happened at the church, I really was hoping that Frank would have just killed off Selange; but alas, that wasn't meant to be and she is still here and making me sick. I was extremely upset with Selange for getting mad at Shanda for wanting to leave and protect her baby from the Mafia life after the shootout, WHAT?!! Who gets mad at someone for thinking of their safety and the safety of their child and tells them they aren't loyal and a coward for leaving. NO SELANGE, as a mother and someone with basic COMMON SENSE, you should feel a way, about staying in harm's path with your child or children; but of course she is too stupid to understand this. Selange feels that if you love someone, no matter what, you should be "ride or die" to the end. I am so sick of this stupid "ride or die" mentality people have nowadays because they think it is something noble and shows loyalty and strength of character. Uh, no it shows STUPIDITY and LACK OF SOUND JUDGMENT! If you are in a constant/potential state of danger, it is natural for one to think of self-preservation and trying to get to a place of safety. NOW, when you have a CHILD involved, getting your child to safety, is or at least should be, one's foremost thought. Children CANNOT defend themselves and rely on the mother/father or guardian(s) or an ADULT(s), to aid them and keep them safe. Just because, Selange is a dummy and has decided to "stick by her man" and show her loyalty, by having a nation of babies and keeping and raising them in this nonsense and lifestyle, doesn't make her "ride or die" and loving, it just makes her STUPID! And, for her to really believe she is in the right and for her to cast aspersions against Shanda for having the good sense to "get the hell out of Dodge", doesn't make Shanda wrong and Selange better for staying. Plus, all of this "riding and dying" is usually heavy on the dying part, so Selange and anyone that thinks like her needs to chew on that food for thought, I'm just saying. Ugh, Selange is just so clueless, the Lord knows I can't stand her! I know this is just a book and she is a character, but I DESPISE her, as if she is a real life person that has seriously transgressed against me. I just can't with her.

Now, for Shanda, I understood her reasons for leaving these people and Giuseppe. I hate that she had to get such push back and negative thoughts/comments from her bootleg "friend" Selange, Alfonzo, Giuseppe's mother, Sophie and Ariana, who has the ABSOLUTE gall and nerve to be rude to Shanda, when SHE is another thought process/common sense reject, when it comes to her and Nico's relationship. I don't really love Shanda's character either, but her relationship with Giuseppe, I enjoy reading about. They are funny and in their way, they are trying to figure things out with themselves and baby Carlo. Unfortunately, people can't just let them do that without adding their unwarranted two cents. Shoo, even Giuseppe wasn't angry she left and understood her side of things. I wish, Shanda would have waited until Giuseppe woke up to tell him she was leaving, but I get it, so I wasn't mad at her either.

Ariana, Ariana, Ariana! She is a pure fool. To be so smart, she is so dumb, when it comes to Nico and most of all, Selange. Now, maybe it is me, but in what world is it acceptable, to not only BEFRIEND, but also agree to WORK FOR the woman that was out creeping with your man? Please, someone tell me, who does that? And where and when is that ever okay?! I swear reading about Ariana and Selange is like reading about Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum at this point and I am over both of them, they are just too stupid together.

Alfonzo is Alfonzo as always. He is the only one that is loyal and trustworthy out of this whole bunch so far. Of course, people always act like he is the blame for things that happen, but it is never him, he just always cleans up their messes. I want Alfonzo to just go completely HAM, in one of these books and I prefer it end with him dropping Selange. But, I will settle for him breaking on her and laying all of his lingering feelings about her out on the table. Selange put him through a lot and caused him to have residual trust issues about her and his cousin Nico, which are being stirred up again. However, everyone always acted like he was doing Selange wrong and that is why she strayed and came back yada yada yada. Nope, she strayed because she was a BUM and WEAK and used her parents' death, as an excuse to indulge in an affair. I just wish Alfonzo wasn't so blinded by his love for her and her beauty. I feel, as of now, that is his character's greatest downfall and danger and MY biggest pet peeve with him.

Giuseppe is my guy! He was such a jerk in the beginning of this series, but I still liked him, but now, I LOVE HIM!!! Giuseppe is still a player and has gigolo moments, but he is really trying for Shanda and baby Carlo and he really does love them a lot. It is nice to see Giuseppe care for someone other than himself and his mama, Sophie. Giuseppe and Shanda still have progress to make, in learning to comfortably and lovingly co-exist with one another, but they are steadily finding their path and provide lots of entertainment along the way.

Sergio is still ridiculous, but he is learning, VERY SLOWLY and is finding his way, so we shall see how things continue to work out for him.

I like the new guy Tony, so far and I hope he becomes more of an integral character in the series.

I am tired of all of these secret protection orders and oaths and nonsense, they waste so much reading time and plot space, not to mention the ever present "Soapbox/Teachable Moments" from Frank, throughout every story.

Overall, I thought the story was pretty good and can't wait to see what is up with these new African characters. I am sure there will be more trouble brewing for Alfonzo and his family, so I am still here, for some of the drama that the series is providing, so on to the next installment.

[Tish · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love this series and have faithfully bought each book the moment they become available. The characters are well written flaws and all. Let me start off by saying I don't think Shanda deserves Geo's love. My 3 star rating is largely due to her. Out of the entire series this is my least favourite. The plot felt rushed and my suspension of belief was stretched too far.

I've grown to like Selange because she has matured a lot. At times I felt Alfonzo and Nico were assholes but considering the amount of times they've been betrayed you can't blame them. Well.... maybe a teeny bit. Geo is my man and has been from the start. Sergio is the one member of the family that I'm sure most of us have. The screw up who you can't help but love. I cannot bring myself to like Shanda. She has no redeeming qualities. Selange's anger was justified. It's too bad that she will be Geo's only love interest. Just because you have a child with someone it doesn't mean they're the "one". I say this has a child of divorce whose parents remarried and are very happy.

I cannot wait until the next instalment!

[Nile Princess · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 I'm good on this series. No longer really holds any interest for me.

[Leanna Terrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Winner

This book brought out more twist and turns with regards to who are your allies/frienemies and who are actual enemies.
Still don't like Shandra , she gives me such heartburn and she's just not ready. She is not worthy of Crazy a as Giuseppe.
It'll be interesting to see how Sergio comes out of his mishap.
Great book/series!

[Krystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series

This entire series grabs your attention and doesn't let go. I love Alfonso and his whole family! Can't wait to read #11!

[Loette Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Family

I love this series the laughter the moments when things come together and secrets are revealed and SW still has you hanging on

[Cherryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

The enemies of my famiglia are slowly gotten ride of....

....With the help of the Protezioni Segrete, and they are women. This was totally unexpected. The way that S. W. Frank inserts little breadcrumbs throughout the books that are resurrected again later in other books requires one to really pay attention to the drama unfolding. I love reading a suspenseful drama that makes the reader scratch their head to figure out what's happening in the storyline and S.W. Frank does that.

In this book, Nico finds out about his mother and her role in the Protezioni Segrete. He takes on Sergio and trains him but he still gets into trouble. Tony realizes he's not cut out for the 9- 5 normal guy routines. Geo blurts out a secret from his youth during a drug-induced psychotic episode and attacks Alfonzo during his hospital recovery. He goes to recover his son and his donna as soon as he's able. Alfonzo suffered from PTSD once he got home from the hospital and had to work through the fear of hurting Selange and losing her. Nico again, gives his all to the protection of the family and gains forgiveness from Alfonzo.

I have really enjoyed reading this series. I'm hooked and I'm dedicated to reading the series in its entirety.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice come back for this series. We were totally left hanging in the last book so it was nice to see some resolution here. The Giacanti family is stronger than ever after all they've been through. I don't know how authentic the language and mob history is, but this author has a keen knack for making it feel all so real. The things happening to Alfonzo and Geo I could see happening for real. It is really like reading a script to a Hollywood movie. This book excited me I'm anxious to see what direction this series will go.

[Sum1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

So after the drama we left in 'Associates' this felt like the rounding up of all the loose ends. Revenge was taken and secrets were revealed but it felt much less dramatic than the other books. You could definitely tell the end was nigh.

I have to say, I found Shanda really annoying. First because of how she dealt with the shooting and Geo and then how she behaved with her parents when she decided to leave again. Learn some manners, woman!!

Other than that, I was happy to see some happy endings and a funny end to a great series.

[Mel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dawn's Review pretty much is what I want to say. I agree with everything she said. I'll just add that I felt this book read like a filler book, adding on to what seems to be a long list of fillers. It's like the author is just writing a biography of Alfonzo and his family's life that's never ending. I'm okay with going on the ride, however long that may be, but that's only because I'm a Geo-Shanda fan, they're my OTP. So long as they, and lil Carlo, remain in the books, I'll continue reading them. When they're done so am I.

[Yolanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow i got sad for a minute during this book when i thought someone got killed. I liked the action that occurred and there is more to come. I fear some of them wont make it out of the series but you cant expect that from a mafia series. It seems everytime they get rid of one person another crazy comes around wanting to kill them. I was mad at Shanda for being a coward and listening to her family when they dont care about her ass. She lucky Gee didnt hold it against her but im not so sure about Selange since they havent talked.

[Alisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

As usual, S.W. Frank did not disappoint with the 10th book. This book is full of suspenseful climaxes, actions taken by characters that I did not think could shock me, sex with a point and of course return visits from our favorite men. The only down side....the book ended :( I'm more than ready for a book 11 but until then, I'll re-read the series.

[Deloris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so relieved that Alfonzo and Gio are OK , and shame on you dear author for keeping me biting my nails through this book. There were a lot of close calls in this book but I really enjoyed reading it. I felt like the story was coming to a conclusion but I know there is more coming I will be waiting for the next book in this series because Alfonzo is one of my favorite Mob bosses.

[Leo · Rating 4 out of 5]

yeah felt this book shanda annoyed me still to the end nico my dark knight he is everything nearly cried at one point buut love him. geo poor geo- warming to the hunk oof love and you can't forget bad ass Al bring it boy overall it was good :)

[Deidre · Rating 3 out of 5]

wow what a dramatic book this was, all kinds of secrets were being put out in the open. Poor Alfonzo had a hard time coming to terms with all that he had done and is still doing I can't wait for book 11. Bring on the drama!

[C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good job

[Lisa G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book in this series. It just keeps getting better and better. I keep looking forward to see what Alfonzo and Solage will do or go through next.

[H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series!

[La · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm very curious about the three and the African...

[Nancy L Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Going Strong

It just keeps getting better and better. I'm off to the next t book. Can't wait to see what h to Geo.....lol

[Sistar Tea · Rating 5 out of 5]

love it. on to part 11

[Selipperydickdip · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good book

Enjoying the series.