Affliction

Alfonzo #13

by S.W. Frank

A family is granted a reprieve in their mourning by a wedding. A matriarch receives a stay of execution from an Israeli Mafiya. But, can someone hell-bent on revenge really be trusted?

For the wonderful fans of the Alfonzo series, Volume XIII continues the saga. Strap in, there are more thrill rides to come.

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

250 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 20, 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

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

Solid 3.75 Stars

This one was definitely better than book 12. But does everyone have to be a wh*&%, Ms. Frank? My GAWD when will the skin slappin madness end? LOL

You get a few eye popping things here. Reveals & growth. The hard love that only the Giacanti clan can pull off. Plenty of sexy & just flat out skankiness too.

And Darren (Nico's son) WTHeck?! I mean I knew that was gonna happen but still... And Geo's mom *rolls eyes*

Lucia...Can I please just beat her down?


And don't even get me started on the mess that awaits Nico's butt. I mean....

When is he gonna learn? And I don't even feel sorry for what surely awaits Ari she's a dummy for accepting the mess for so long.(And I'm speaking on events that occur in books 11&12 leading you here & of course into the next book)

You get more from Tony & Sergio and I love that. And I really like Tiffany's sister, Nicole

As I said, I did enjoy this chapter a lot better than the last, but I feel like maybe it's time we bid fare well to the Giacantis' So much is going on with so many different people that the plot devices are beginning to become just way too contrived for my tastes. I just feel as though it's becoming difficult, more like a chore, in keeping this story going & the characters & their plights authentic.

I fear that what has kept me coming back to this saga these last 4 books, is that I'm really hoping for a good, strong, solid finale. Where closure with the characters I've come to love & love to hate is done with flair and a sense of completeness. But it doesn't appear that will be coming any time soon. Since there are new characters/foes being brought into the story.

With that being said will I be back for book 14? You better believe it! But I can't help but wonder "When is it going to end?" And when it does, will it be on a high note, or a low one? And will I still be here to see that closure happen?


This was another decent addition to this Saga & I would recommend this read. Please read series in order.

[Darlene Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Affliction! Volume 13, Wow! I've got to say it again...Wow! S.W. Frank truly outdoes herself and shows her prowess and unique creativity, to pen a book so full of wisdom, and truth. As the Alfonzo, Mafia Crime Family Saga continues, it also continues to excel with such vigor and strength, in its plots and story lines that even Shakespeare, Hemingway and Whitman themselves would rise up and applause the excellence! Thinking back to 'Avarice' and the many emotions and social issues it covered, I can honestly say that I couldn't see beyond the many trials Alfonzo and Selange had already endured. I cried for Selange as she buried her best friend; rejoiced with Alfonzo as he dealt, justifiably in my opinion, with a traitor; mourned deeply with a father and a child who would never again see his mother; and I pumped a fist for Nico finding a little peace and declaring love. However, from the time my fingers touched Affliction, and my eyes peered upon the pages to read, the bar of excellence and excitement rose to another level, and I knew this too would join the list of Best Sellers! Affliction begins with a past debt making others genuflect, while calculating an avenue of freedom, and devising a plan to turn the debt into a commitment. We find Alfonzo and Selange in New York, tying up loose ends and handling business, when Selange detours a little to reminisce and visit her old neighborhood. While there she sees an old friend, helps a young single parent in need, and ultimately runs into Shanda's mother, who sets off the time bomb of suppressed anger and pain Selange had been trying desperately to hide, but stands her ground, resulting in a mother finding herself on her A$$ for her disrespect! So as the pages turn, the emotional roller coaster ride begins! S.W. not only entertains and fills her pages with a diverse blend of betrayal, love, passion, death, murder, kill, anger, sorrow, and a plethora of laughter, she also pauses the ride to pick up readers for a trip back in history to revisit and educate on the horrors and long lasting effects of the Holocaust. Once again she so brilliantly shows the mental effects and actions of a woman, who is unable to openly deal with the traumatic, unexpected loss of a best friend, her last connection to her past life before marriage and children, and who for a short time turns to alcohol as a buffer. She then takes her readers to the ring, where she uses the tactic of the rope-a-dope, delivering a one, two, knockout punch with real life social issues, plaguing the world today, for hunger and poverty is alive and well, right here on the streets of this great Nation! Affliction holds true to its meaning as it touches every character in this book in a very unique way, it also changes the course of the Alfonzo Series. As the family moves to Italy, you'll find laughter as a mother tries her hand at cooking, and as some would say, burns the water; Weddings are being planned, but a family is outraged by a grooms decision to break tradition; You'll become excited and leery as a woman gets her groove back; You'll want to champion a strong, mature, established woman who challenges a Don; You'll see a well deserving man pass the Vincent test; You'll see puberty hot and in full effect; And last but not least of all, LOVE PREVAILING over the Multitude of Sins! S.W. Frank's Affliction is a Highly Recommended Must Read that will have you up all night reading and praying that the wait will not be long for Volume 14! A job well done S.W. Frank!

[Yolanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I grow disappointed with this series it shouldve ended several books ago. The story/plot has grown weak and I feel things are done for shock value not necessarily what was good for story. We have Nico with this prego lady he dont know about sure his marriage will be over soon. Then you have Geo with this new chick 7wks after Shanda died hth is that love. The story is a mess and it started out so good.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the story, but I am getting a little tired of these brief glimpses into the Alfonzo storyline. There is no way this book is 250 pages, it was just over too quickly, and again we are left hanging. I think this author needs to write a full length and wrap this series up. The short "books" with cliff hangers are getting old. I am starting to get disinterested in these characters.

[Tanielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Selange really went there in this. The full foolishness of Domingo was so sad seeing how they should’ve stuck together. I’m hoping Giuseppe gets his stuff together and get it right. The mess with Darren and Sophie I can’t wait to read what happens, especially when Ari finds out. Great read not as action packed but drama filled none the less.

[Alexis *Reality Bites* · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 STARS

[Loette Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just when you think it’s over

This series has more twists and turns than a roller coaster Selange and Ari partners in crime Geo still nutty as ever Babies on the horizon the family is growing

[Leanna Terrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

MmmmHmmm

I think chicks are coming home to roost. What's up with Lucia? What's gonna happen now that he mystery painting has been found? What a mess with Anna and Darren.
What a series.

[Renita · Rating 5 out of 5]

The journey continues

Selange finds it difficult to continue after losing her best friend. Geo finds a new love? Sophie's time is running out.......

[Cherryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a tangled mess we weave!

Selange, girl what were you thinking? She's really having a hard time mourning Shanda's death. First, she dealt with Mrs. Johnson, then the aggravating Signora Peglesse bit off more than she was expecting. Bianca has taken off bearing secrets and Darren has gotten involved with the wrong divorcee. At least, the one person who I expected to tear up the world and act out over Shanda's death is not. Geo seems to be trying to adjust and get on with his life, at least for Carlo's sake. Selange and Alfonzo are coming back in stronger love after going through a setback due to mourning Shanda. I have a feeling the next book is named Armored for a reason, things are getting ready to explode. Speaking about exploding, Sophie has really thrown a bomb in her famiglia's relationship through her unholy tie with the Israeli mafia don Yosef.

S.W. Frank wrote another enjoyable book full of drama, mystery, and just the right amount of comic relief with the children of the family.

[Jasmine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't know if it's because I love this series so much... but this book felt so short! it ended so quickly and has just left me wanting more... as usual!

this book focuses on a lot of stories... nico and ari... Alfonzo n selange...sophie .... Geo... Sergio... a lot going on but nothing you can't follow...

I did find myself craving more of Alfonzo and Selange...I didn't feel there was nearly enough of them... so here's waiting for No.14! that was over way too quick!

[Harrietta P · Rating 4 out of 5]

This installment was outstanding. Since I have followed the series from the beginning, this installment answered many questions for me. (Other questions still remain from previous installments), but I am confident that as I continue this journey, much more will be revealed. You will not be disappointed and it's a page-turner. Can't wait for others from this author.

[M.J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is my addiction! I am. avid reader.I read maybe 2 to 3 books a week( used to be more now I work full time and have a husband and kids) This is by far the best series I ever read and that is saying a lot.pleas KEEP THESE BOOKS COMING! I hope this series never ends.they have everything, I am quickly falling in love with Geo and Nicole, Nico &Ari and the kids.

[Mspraise50 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well at long last Selange avenges Shanda death. She shows she can be a bad-ass as well.

The whole Sophie, Darren, Anna and Yosef story-line is totally messed up Plus the drama with Bicana and Nico's baby. Lord the whole thing is getting totally messed up. I am finding it difficult to keep track of it all.

[sunsetdn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I mostly enjoyed this series but now I think it's time to put it to bed. I struggled through this and actually read a few other books in between chapters of this book. I really had no interest in Sophie's sex life and there were enough characters without having to introduce Yosef.

[La · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too short...I still like the story, but tire of the constant cliffhangers. One book rushes to end the villiam the next he just lingers, but hey on to the next one. Hopefully it will be what I've come to expect from this group of characters.

[Veronica A Garnett · Rating 4 out of 5]

you had me with the cover

I've read these books several times now the correct order. The Three Stooges get better and better each outing. Still have issues with Selange but that's just me.

[Angelia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was over when it just started getting good......time to rap this series up......

[Mirrlees · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 good but need this series to keep the momentum

[Alisia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the series, but I find myself being really greedy and wanting more. The book still left a lot more open questions than answers, so I will be patient and wait for the next book.

[Avid Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Though this was a good read I found myself wanting this series to end after so many books/installments. There isn't much new ground to cover in this resent installment.

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow wow wow

[K Nikki Waden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good book in the Alfonzo series