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Alfonzo #11
Adversary
An ancient guard formed to protect the offspring of African and Italian royalty emerge. The Protezioni Segreti, have come from the heart of the Motherland to punish one of their own who has violated a sacred oath. But, there are far more dangerous adversaries lurking to strike at the heart of the Giacanti clan many believe are the founding family of organized crime. Africa's homeland is where Don's find their warrior heart as they are forced to kiss ancient soil.
THE ALFONZO SERIES
♠
ALFONZO: VOLUME I
ASCENSION: ALFONZO VOLUME II
ANARCHY: ALFONZO VOLUME III
ATONEMENT: ALFONZO VOLUME IV
AWAKENING: ALFONZO VOLUME V
ANNIHILATION: ALFONZO VOLUME VI
AFTERMATH: ALFONZO VOLUME VII
AFFIRMATION: ALFONZO VOLUME VIII
ASSOCIATES: ALFONZO VOLUME IX
ANIMUS: ALFONZO VOLUME X
ADVERSARY: ALFONZO VOLUME XI
THE ALFONZO SERIES
♠
ALFONZO: VOLUME I
ASCENSION: ALFONZO VOLUME II
ANARCHY: ALFONZO VOLUME III
ATONEMENT: ALFONZO VOLUME IV
AWAKENING: ALFONZO VOLUME V
ANNIHILATION: ALFONZO VOLUME VI
AFTERMATH: ALFONZO VOLUME VII
AFFIRMATION: ALFONZO VOLUME VIII
ASSOCIATES: ALFONZO VOLUME IX
ANIMUS: ALFONZO VOLUME X
ADVERSARY: ALFONZO VOLUME XI
First published May 24, 2013
6 people are currently reading
164 people want to read
About the author
S.W. Frank
55 books235 followersS. 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."
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."
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
June 12, 2013
Solid 4 Stars
The 11th book & I can't believe I'm still in love with this series!
WOW! The last few chapters of this book took me through some things. My heart was in my throat. Ms. Frank, why do you torture me so?
I knew you would when it came to my babies Alfonzo, Giuseppe, & Nico, but I still must ask... WHHHHHHHHY?! Nico! WHHHHHHY?!
Nico has always been able to push my buttons in the worst, most delicious way that has me feeling as though I am unfaithful to my baby Alfonzo sometimes. But this book? Nico was doing so well before what occurred here in this story. Trust me ladies, Nico will have you like..
Then...
Then...
Then back to Ticked Off Ville...
So where Nico is concerned, I'm left feeling like this..
Giuseppe is no better, trust me. He had me so ticked at him I was spitting nails. He and Shaunda had some heart breaking but hilarious moments. But in the last chapter G reminded me why I love his a**! The Jerk Monkey finally got it. I only hope it sticks.
Alfonzo My heart. *sighs* sexy as ever! And so so loving. I felt for him in this one, I really did. He kinda ticked me off too but I still understood as I did with all of them. Battles. The struggles. Internal & external it doesn't matter, they're all still conflict right? It's never going to cease. Such is the price of such a life that they lead. What's amazing is they all continue to stand up strong. No matter what is thrown their way.
Sergio is getting better. Every time I read him. he sneaks into my heart a little bit more each time. what is going to come of him? Will he finally be what he wishes to be perceived as? And if it happens will it be a bittersweet ending for him? Gawd I hope not. He's really trying and you see it. He still has a lot to learn and ALOT of growing to do, but I'm so happy to see the progress with him.
Tony I fall in love with this male a little more every time I'm graced with his presence. *shudders* Tiffany is one lucky trampoline, let me tell you! LOL
We get drama in the States as well as the Mother Land, but what happens in the Mother Land will have you on edge.
And why is everyone so dang perceptive when it comes to others' secrets?
Love, lust, romance, drama & danger are ever present here in this installment. But new sacred bonds are formed through the act of deception.
What will occur in the next installment of this Mafia Saga?
Only time will tell. Ms. Frank, throw a Sista a bone please??
I highly recommend this read & series. Please start from the beginning.
The 11th book & I can't believe I'm still in love with this series!
WOW! The last few chapters of this book took me through some things. My heart was in my throat. Ms. Frank, why do you torture me so?
I knew you would when it came to my babies Alfonzo, Giuseppe, & Nico, but I still must ask... WHHHHHHHHY?! Nico! WHHHHHHY?!
Nico has always been able to push my buttons in the worst, most delicious way that has me feeling as though I am unfaithful to my baby Alfonzo sometimes. But this book? Nico was doing so well before what occurred here in this story. Trust me ladies, Nico will have you like..
Then...
Then...
Then back to Ticked Off Ville...
So where Nico is concerned, I'm left feeling like this..
Giuseppe is no better, trust me. He had me so ticked at him I was spitting nails. He and Shaunda had some heart breaking but hilarious moments. But in the last chapter G reminded me why I love his a**! The Jerk Monkey finally got it. I only hope it sticks.
Alfonzo My heart. *sighs* sexy as ever! And so so loving. I felt for him in this one, I really did. He kinda ticked me off too but I still understood as I did with all of them. Battles. The struggles. Internal & external it doesn't matter, they're all still conflict right? It's never going to cease. Such is the price of such a life that they lead. What's amazing is they all continue to stand up strong. No matter what is thrown their way.
Sergio is getting better. Every time I read him. he sneaks into my heart a little bit more each time. what is going to come of him? Will he finally be what he wishes to be perceived as? And if it happens will it be a bittersweet ending for him? Gawd I hope not. He's really trying and you see it. He still has a lot to learn and ALOT of growing to do, but I'm so happy to see the progress with him.
Tony I fall in love with this male a little more every time I'm graced with his presence. *shudders* Tiffany is one lucky trampoline, let me tell you! LOL
We get drama in the States as well as the Mother Land, but what happens in the Mother Land will have you on edge.
And why is everyone so dang perceptive when it comes to others' secrets?
Love, lust, romance, drama & danger are ever present here in this installment. But new sacred bonds are formed through the act of deception.
What will occur in the next installment of this Mafia Saga?
Only time will tell. Ms. Frank, throw a Sista a bone please??
I highly recommend this read & series. Please start from the beginning.
May 9, 2016
Stop with the nonsense!
I’m tired of the trying to justify cheating like it’s done for a purpose. All the while the men speak about honor, family and protecting them like it’s first and foremost. I thought Nico had learned his lesson but now I’m reading this like I’m being fed a tub of sh*t and being told it’s popcorn. I thought Gamba would be a good opponent but with the ending I was soooo disappointed in him. Giuseppe still needs to grow up but I’m hoping he’s learned something now and will make it right. Seems like Shanda is growing but I’m not so sure about the two being together, seems like she needs to let him grow up more before he’s willing to settle down. Bianca needs her head kicked off her shoulders, that’s just nasty; her kids look at him as their brother, come on!
I’m hoping Aaron is not going to end up dating his aunt, I just can’t take that. I’m wondering what Selange is going to do with the bit of info she has, she probably will keep her lips shut which is soooo messed up. She already went there with him and played Ari, the least she can do is drop the woman a hint. I hope Ari can find what she needs because it’s clear that Nico is just not the one, unless that’s what she needs. Seeing she knew about the others without a problem so maybe she already knows or something. Don’t know but I hope I find out in the next one.
I’m tired of the trying to justify cheating like it’s done for a purpose. All the while the men speak about honor, family and protecting them like it’s first and foremost. I thought Nico had learned his lesson but now I’m reading this like I’m being fed a tub of sh*t and being told it’s popcorn. I thought Gamba would be a good opponent but with the ending I was soooo disappointed in him. Giuseppe still needs to grow up but I’m hoping he’s learned something now and will make it right. Seems like Shanda is growing but I’m not so sure about the two being together, seems like she needs to let him grow up more before he’s willing to settle down. Bianca needs her head kicked off her shoulders, that’s just nasty; her kids look at him as their brother, come on!
I’m hoping Aaron is not going to end up dating his aunt, I just can’t take that. I’m wondering what Selange is going to do with the bit of info she has, she probably will keep her lips shut which is soooo messed up. She already went there with him and played Ari, the least she can do is drop the woman a hint. I hope Ari can find what she needs because it’s clear that Nico is just not the one, unless that’s what she needs. Seeing she knew about the others without a problem so maybe she already knows or something. Don’t know but I hope I find out in the next one.
June 21, 2013
Hmmm, ok. I have read all 11 books from the Alfonso series and I have to be honest and say, that this one I enjoyed the least. I felt it was both really cheesy and corny at times and not in a James Bond way. Really, the cheese was almost cringe worthy at points.
There were also parts that were written as though the Author was trying to be poetic and dramatic and in her head it may have worked but as a reader, it just seemed like pointless waffle that added nothing to the story other than a little disorientation.
Final complaint was that the action didn't really kick off until 80% in. This may have been to lay the foundations but it was too much for the amount of excitement you got in return.
Having said all that, I still enjoyed it to some extent (hence the 3*'s) but that was mainly due to the affinity I feel for all the characters and just being happy to know how they're getting on (yes, I need to get a life).
What happened with Nico suited his character, even the way he seemed to see it as 'beyond the call of duty' so quickly, he has an artistic soul in an enforcer's body after all. In fact, it was about time the men behaved a little more true to their lifestyle instead of Guiseppe being the odd one out.
There were also parts that were written as though the Author was trying to be poetic and dramatic and in her head it may have worked but as a reader, it just seemed like pointless waffle that added nothing to the story other than a little disorientation.
Final complaint was that the action didn't really kick off until 80% in. This may have been to lay the foundations but it was too much for the amount of excitement you got in return.
Having said all that, I still enjoyed it to some extent (hence the 3*'s) but that was mainly due to the affinity I feel for all the characters and just being happy to know how they're getting on (yes, I need to get a life).
What happened with Nico suited his character, even the way he seemed to see it as 'beyond the call of duty' so quickly, he has an artistic soul in an enforcer's body after all. In fact, it was about time the men behaved a little more true to their lifestyle instead of Guiseppe being the odd one out.
August 16, 2016
I have picked up again with this series.
I was greatly disappointed after reading this book. Once again we have a family that says they are about honour, love, duty and family. In this book we find Nico again being unfaithful to Ari as well as Giuseppe to Shanda and then they say in the same breath that they love their women. At least Alfonzo and his wife appeared to have grown from the experience of his wife's betrayal with Nico.
I find that the author can get really preachy about certain topics instead of give us dialogue of how the characters are feeling about their own circumstances and emotions.
This book did not have a lot of substance for me and allowing the characters to repeat the same mistakes over and over does not show character development in my mind.
I will however, carry on reading the series.
I was greatly disappointed after reading this book. Once again we have a family that says they are about honour, love, duty and family. In this book we find Nico again being unfaithful to Ari as well as Giuseppe to Shanda and then they say in the same breath that they love their women. At least Alfonzo and his wife appeared to have grown from the experience of his wife's betrayal with Nico.
I find that the author can get really preachy about certain topics instead of give us dialogue of how the characters are feeling about their own circumstances and emotions.
This book did not have a lot of substance for me and allowing the characters to repeat the same mistakes over and over does not show character development in my mind.
I will however, carry on reading the series.
August 8, 2013
4.5 STARS
FULL REVIEW TO COME!
FULL REVIEW TO COME!
June 10, 2018
Enemies of my Family
I recently re-read 11 of the Alonzo series. I had to buy two of them because when I first read them, I didn't realize they were loaners and I would have to return them. Some of the books in the series are better than others. Some are too short and should have been combined into one book. Adversary is one of my least favorite. Some of the plot was nonsensical. Nico and his stepmother in a relationship as Protector? No, they're committing adultery. Nico always has an excuse when he cheats. There's always a higher reason for him doing do. Selange needed him - for more than one time, right! Selange needed her husband and Nico should have told her that. And, what's with him and the foolish women having unprotected sex with him. Bianca needs his protection. He gave her that and that night should have ended it. Still, they continued the affair. Bianca pretended she wanted him to go take care of his wife and family but did nothing to ensure that he stop coming to her.
Ari pretends to be blind to Nico's indiscretions when others see clearly that Nick and Bianca are lovers. What will Geo do now about Nico and Bianca? More importantly, what is Shanda going to do with his cheating behind?
Why would Nico's mother and Sophie set them up like that. I realized that I stopped reading this series on purpose because so much of the cheating was incestuous and just got tired of them. Yes, Selange's and Nico's cheating was incestuous. I've read book 12 but borrowed it so I'll purchase it because I want to know what happens with Shanda. Don't know if I'll continue the series because as much as I like Alfonzo but his constant searching to do the right thing renders him TSTL when it comes to his family.
Even though I've re-read the previous 11 books, this is the only one I'm reviewing for now. As I stated, this was one of my least favorite. They all have grammatical errors, misspelled words, wrong usage, etc. Unacceptable when you're purchasing books. As short as they are, it won't take much for an editor to correct the errors. Spellchecker with Grammar checking would take care of most of the errors.
I recently re-read 11 of the Alonzo series. I had to buy two of them because when I first read them, I didn't realize they were loaners and I would have to return them. Some of the books in the series are better than others. Some are too short and should have been combined into one book. Adversary is one of my least favorite. Some of the plot was nonsensical. Nico and his stepmother in a relationship as Protector? No, they're committing adultery. Nico always has an excuse when he cheats. There's always a higher reason for him doing do. Selange needed him - for more than one time, right! Selange needed her husband and Nico should have told her that. And, what's with him and the foolish women having unprotected sex with him. Bianca needs his protection. He gave her that and that night should have ended it. Still, they continued the affair. Bianca pretended she wanted him to go take care of his wife and family but did nothing to ensure that he stop coming to her.
Ari pretends to be blind to Nico's indiscretions when others see clearly that Nick and Bianca are lovers. What will Geo do now about Nico and Bianca? More importantly, what is Shanda going to do with his cheating behind?
Why would Nico's mother and Sophie set them up like that. I realized that I stopped reading this series on purpose because so much of the cheating was incestuous and just got tired of them. Yes, Selange's and Nico's cheating was incestuous. I've read book 12 but borrowed it so I'll purchase it because I want to know what happens with Shanda. Don't know if I'll continue the series because as much as I like Alfonzo but his constant searching to do the right thing renders him TSTL when it comes to his family.
Even though I've re-read the previous 11 books, this is the only one I'm reviewing for now. As I stated, this was one of my least favorite. They all have grammatical errors, misspelled words, wrong usage, etc. Unacceptable when you're purchasing books. As short as they are, it won't take much for an editor to correct the errors. Spellchecker with Grammar checking would take care of most of the errors.
July 21, 2017
Giacantis
Don't
Take their women and Gio's eyed were opened. This is getting so good. Brava S. W. FRANK! BOOK 12....
Don't
Take their women and Gio's eyed were opened. This is getting so good. Brava S. W. FRANK! BOOK 12....
July 28, 2019
When messing with the wrong family goes wrong
What can I say but when you come for Alfonzo and his family know what you’re doing because it’s not gonna turn out well
What can I say but when you come for Alfonzo and his family know what you’re doing because it’s not gonna turn out well
September 10, 2020
What a Man-Whore
There was a lot of crap that happened in this book, but all that stuck out to me was Nico, I'm so disappointed.
A lot if action and suspense, this Series the ish!
There was a lot of crap that happened in this book, but all that stuck out to me was Nico, I'm so disappointed.
A lot if action and suspense, this Series the ish!
February 22, 2024
As always, a great adventure
My heart was thumping in my throat reading about the family's adventure in the motherland. I was so happy they all survived with the help of the Protezione Sagete (Bianca Luca). It is strange to see Selange and Ari becoming such close friends after Selange and Nico's indiscretion. Will Ari figure out that Nico is back to old habits? It seems that two too many people have figured that out with one interaction.
Geo, I think has finally figured out that he disrespected Shanda with his dalliances. He saw himself in Gamba and did not like what he saw. I'm so happy that Shanda stood her ground and refused to be treated in any kind of way by Geo. That little excursion she and Selange took to teach philandering Geo a lesson was so funny. I laughed my head off at the mental images conjuring up in my head. And, I cringed when Allie ran her mouth too much. That girl is going to be a mess before she grows up.
I just love the way the author writes Alfonzo and Selange's love. They've been to hell and back but they are thoroughly in love with each other. They take their marriage vow seriously this time around. They have come to understand that they are each other's soulmates whose hearts beat as one... thump....thump....thump!
My heart was thumping in my throat reading about the family's adventure in the motherland. I was so happy they all survived with the help of the Protezione Sagete (Bianca Luca). It is strange to see Selange and Ari becoming such close friends after Selange and Nico's indiscretion. Will Ari figure out that Nico is back to old habits? It seems that two too many people have figured that out with one interaction.
Geo, I think has finally figured out that he disrespected Shanda with his dalliances. He saw himself in Gamba and did not like what he saw. I'm so happy that Shanda stood her ground and refused to be treated in any kind of way by Geo. That little excursion she and Selange took to teach philandering Geo a lesson was so funny. I laughed my head off at the mental images conjuring up in my head. And, I cringed when Allie ran her mouth too much. That girl is going to be a mess before she grows up.
I just love the way the author writes Alfonzo and Selange's love. They've been to hell and back but they are thoroughly in love with each other. They take their marriage vow seriously this time around. They have come to understand that they are each other's soulmates whose hearts beat as one... thump....thump....thump!
June 24, 2013
Wow Nico is insane dude have an obsessed with woman lol. Shanda need some serious help and wake up call, why she have to be so angry at the world but it was funny as hell what they did to Giuseppe car lol. Giuseppe really need to change his way before Shanda put him where he belong.I don't know how long Nico gonna be able to deal with Bianca until Ari found out, I still find the situation weird though and Giuseppe did his things at the end very proud of him I love that family so much I go to withdraw waiting for the next book, hope I don't have to wait long for the next one.
My favorite quotes:
"When you socialize it shouldn't be sitting in a room by yourself for hours with a keyboard and screen as companion."
"For a coward dies a million times, they are corpses pretending to be living."
My favorite quotes:
"When you socialize it shouldn't be sitting in a room by yourself for hours with a keyboard and screen as companion."
"For a coward dies a million times, they are corpses pretending to be living."
June 1, 2013
As usual Ms Frank did a great job I loved the story. Solange and Alfonzo are still going strong in their relationship and that is great. Giussepe on the other hand I'm beginning to think will never change but at least he is trying and we can be sure Shanda will always call him out when he steps out of line the biggest disappointment however is Nico, I thought he was over the self recriminations that make him do stupid things like cheat on Ari..she should have left his a** for good when she decided to divorce him the first time. I enjoyed the development of the back story of Semirah. S.W. Frank
January 31, 2014
Where will the plot turn...?
Ideas came from seemingly interesting angles, but I kind of hit my limit for now. I shall return to the series later.
The "adversary" holding a 3-to-four-generational grudge(i.e. African princess story); the reverting to vice due to a marred soul or self-analyzed justification(though very realistic); the "yet" another person to test his/her mettle against Alfonzo; the selfish bent-toward-she-bitch character of a best friend...
Ideas came from seemingly interesting angles, but I kind of hit my limit for now. I shall return to the series later.
October 24, 2013
Meh,this book was okay but not my favorite!Getting tired of Alfonzo having to cater to Selange when she hardly returns the favor!Alfonzo is starting to be portrayed as soft and weak basically a punk to pacify Selange!Which shouldn't be the case considering he's suppose to be a Don!Have been feeling this way since the beginning but I don't feel that Selange's character brings anything to the table at all,her character seems to never have developed which is really frustrating!I feel that her character needs to be killed off or go away for a while,Alfonzo deserves a better companion imho!!
May 30, 2013
I just finished this book and I can truly say I have read what all the fuss is about but I understand why things happened like they did and Nico is a a bad MF. It was good to read about one of my favorite mob families and this books makes me wonder how many more will be in this series. Alfonzo and Selange's children are so funny in this book ,the personalities are so strong they come off the pages. This was interesting read I will wait for the next book.
June 17, 2013
This story was ok, wasn't my favorite in the series. I just hate to get so into the book and poof it over quickly and I have to wait for the next part to find out what happens. Yes Alfonzo and Nico are still some bad MF's, and it was nice to see Sergio finally becoming apart of the family, but I am ready for Giuseppe to step up to the plate with Shana. It is becoming long overdue. I hope the next part comes out fast because I felt like I was left hanging here.
June 6, 2014
Another drama and action packed book. I am pissed that Nico cant stay faithful to save his life and everybody acts like its okay, It wasnt okay when he was doing it with Selenge and it aint okay now. THen he would be looking stupid if Ari left his ass again. The Geo needs to grow up with his cheating ass also, he need to learn that he cant control people people and he should love them and try to be a better person.
April 8, 2015
Loved the story but.....
I hated the fact that you (S W) let Nico cheat. If he wanted to stay a cheater he should have never remarried Ari. That really sucked. I couldn't even read that whole part of the book it was so disgusting to me. If I didn't like the series I would have given this book 3 stars and made this my last read...smdh
I hated the fact that you (S W) let Nico cheat. If he wanted to stay a cheater he should have never remarried Ari. That really sucked. I couldn't even read that whole part of the book it was so disgusting to me. If I didn't like the series I would have given this book 3 stars and made this my last read...smdh
March 26, 2015
So far, this book I like the least. I have been a fan of Nico from the first book, but he has pissed me off right now. He has been through so much with Ari, he just can't keep that d**k in his pants! ARGHHHH
January 19, 2014
I still like the series but could have been more to the African. Nico, Nico, Nico...what can you say. Stands and Geo will definitely keep us going as thus story goes on, although I don't think enough to be a stand alone story.
May 30, 2013
Another great part to the Alfonzo series,look forward to reading the next one
June 1, 2013
4.5 Loved it not just because I'm Shona but this series is GREAT ....kinda feel sorry for nico though... its like I'm attached to these characters ...can't wait to see what happens next!
July 22, 2013
Love all 11 books! Can't wait to read 12! Hurry up, can't wait too much longer!
August 2, 2015
Another good book
Great characters
Great characters
December 29, 2015
Awsome as always
June 29, 2013
Another great book to the Alfonzo series. I'm looking forward to the next one.
May 5, 2015
I love this series
Read
April 12, 2017As much as I Love this series, I didn't like the ending as much as the others. Having said that, I love the characters but I'm a little disappointed in my love Nico. To bad he has to have more than one woman. I hope Ari can deal with him, cause I really like him as the family man. I understand he is the protector but so sorry has to protect Bianci and more sorry that a relationship formed. Alfonzo always comes thru I hope he continues to be the man of my dreams. He is the reason I will read this entire series. I LOVE THE SERIES!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews