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Alfonzo #19
Alliance
Alliance: Alfonzo Volume XIX
Alfonzo and family return in the popular crime drama where each new twist and turn leads right to the heart of a Puerto Rican Mafioso. In Volume 19, we catch up with Alfonzo and his family. Selange wonders, has Alfonzo returned to his old ways? Is there a 'Woman With Wide Hips' doing her husband? Has Al's many secrets opened the doors to doubt once again?
Giuseppe is stuck in an arranged marriage and eager to flee.
Nico's doing his job, but he's stretched mentally thin. It's only a matter of time before frustrations escalate and a Don's unilateral decision to form an alliance leads to a death and acrimony between brothers.
Warning, this material is not suitable for children!
Alfonzo and family return in the popular crime drama where each new twist and turn leads right to the heart of a Puerto Rican Mafioso. In Volume 19, we catch up with Alfonzo and his family. Selange wonders, has Alfonzo returned to his old ways? Is there a 'Woman With Wide Hips' doing her husband? Has Al's many secrets opened the doors to doubt once again?
Giuseppe is stuck in an arranged marriage and eager to flee.
Nico's doing his job, but he's stretched mentally thin. It's only a matter of time before frustrations escalate and a Don's unilateral decision to form an alliance leads to a death and acrimony between brothers.
Warning, this material is not suitable for children!
- GenresMafia Romance
218 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 29, 2016
9 people are currently reading
38 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 - 16 of 16 reviews
June 2, 2016
Well I have been stalking Amazon and Facebook anxiously awaiting the arrival of Book 19 to the Alfonzo story. Every once in a while when the craving would get too much to bear I would go to my kindle library and attempt to experience the euphoric feeling that gripped me all those years ago when I read Crazy Blue Eyes aka Alfonzo for the first time. It never gets old and as you can see I'm still rocking hard with my girl. Now before I jump right into this review I have to say that I'm a little low-key ticked with Ms. Frank. Now don't get all up in arms people because it's not what you think. I loved everything about this book. The reappearance of some of the most memorable characters that I've ever read went a long way in soothing the the pangs of longing that I experienced while awaiting this highly anticipated sequel. But in the midst of all of that I was still left with a feeling of dissatisfaction because unfortunately the book came to an end all too quickly. Of course we were able to reconnect with Al, Selange, Giuseppe, Nico, Ari, Amelda, and the entire cast of crazy kids that Al & Selange brought into the world. Geo of course is still his normal impatient self, jumping head first into a situation without analyzing all of the repercussions prior to acting. I really need for Geo to grow the heck up. He constantly creates unnecessary drama for the family and never ever understands the weight of the crown that Al has been forced to wear. While it was good to see Amelda interact with the ladies, it was equally exhausting to watch how entitled and overly rude she can be to others for no apparent reason than the fact that she is Mafioso. But alas, that's what family is all about you have to take the good, bad, and ugly because you love them in spite of their faults LOL. I was very glad to see the kids growing up and see the experiences that they are encountering as they enter into adulthood. I think after Al my favorite person to see doing well was Nico. The fact that he has somewhat mellowed out and seems to be more intuned with the wants and needs of his family was a welcoming change. Now it pained me to only give 4 stars but I'm going to attempt to explain my reasoning. While I would never attempt to tell an author how he or she should write or end a book I really felt that we were missing some significant pieces to this story. This felt more like a novella than a complete novel to me. We only get to skim the surface of what is going on in the lives of these characters. I think Ms. Frank has spoiled us by giving us the deep intricate backstory of each character when she writes a new segment and that unfortunately was missing for me. We didn't get to experience the anguish of what the family went through during Selange's cancer scare. We didn't get a very intimate and up close and personal exposure to Geo and his much-hated bride Kenya. I don't feel as if we ever got closure with Aldonza and the boy that she bumped into at the end of book # 18. And while I understood why Carlo was living with Selange and Al after everything that went down with Geo I'm not clear as to why he is still there with them. We received a very cursory glance of Lorenzo and his girlfriend, Chocolate but what about Sergio? I get a kick out of his antics and missteps but we didn't get the opportunity to see that with this book. I will continue to ride with Ms. Frank but I'm going to need a WHOLE lot more for Book 20. Let's have a GREAT BIG FAMILY REUNION!!!! I'm missing the familial antics that we've become accustomed to and think that it was an integral part to the overall success of this novel. I get that overtime things change but for me the very foundation in the midst of all of the blood, crime, and mayhem the familial bonds that were ever present made everything make sense!!! So Good Job Ms. Frank I will be anxiously stalking and waiting for you to come out with the next installment hopefully sooner than later.
June 1, 2016
I am so happy that Alfonzo and the family are back. I've missed them so! I have been impatiently waiting for Alliance, which is #19 in the series, to drop, and I have to say it was well worth the wait. I know some people say they don't like books that are a part of a series, but I'm definitely not one of them.
Visiting with the Giacanti's is like visiting with family, and we all know how loving, entertaining, and just downright annoying a family can be. This Mafia family is know different with Selange and Alfonzo trying to stay alive and stay ahead of anything or anyone that's trying to bring them down while trying to provide as close to a normal life as possible for their kids. You never know who to trust when you're known as Crazy Blue Eyes and you've spent the last couple of years making more enemies than friends. Then you have Nico who, it seems, has spent his entire life looking out for others, and not enough time figuring out what he wants. When you carry the burden of protecting those you love at any cost, it's bound to make you a little unhinged. But, Nico has finally found something and a couple of someone's for him and him alone, so when he feels that he's losing himself to the darkness, all he has to do is think of what is important to him and it immediately points him towards the light. Then there's Giuseppe, arrogant, spoiled, and self entitled, who just keeps finding his way into situations that he has to kill his way out of.
We can't forget the beautiful, independent, strong women of the family, who without them , this family would know doubt suffer. When Selange and Ari, get together, you know there's bound to be drama, but throw in Amelda, the mini-me of Giuseppe, and the fun really begins. In last couple of books, we haven't seen much of Amelda so It was really good to see her hanging out with the girls and getting on with her life after the untimely death of her first and only love Matteo. Of course his death was at her hands, but all of is die hard Alfonzo fans know he deserved it.
It was so good to visit with family again, and dare I say it after just finishing Alliance not even and hour ago, but I can only hope and impatiently wait for volume 20. Thank you once again S. W. Frank for another ride in the sexy, drama filled, action packed lane with Diaz-Giacanti Clan!
Visiting with the Giacanti's is like visiting with family, and we all know how loving, entertaining, and just downright annoying a family can be. This Mafia family is know different with Selange and Alfonzo trying to stay alive and stay ahead of anything or anyone that's trying to bring them down while trying to provide as close to a normal life as possible for their kids. You never know who to trust when you're known as Crazy Blue Eyes and you've spent the last couple of years making more enemies than friends. Then you have Nico who, it seems, has spent his entire life looking out for others, and not enough time figuring out what he wants. When you carry the burden of protecting those you love at any cost, it's bound to make you a little unhinged. But, Nico has finally found something and a couple of someone's for him and him alone, so when he feels that he's losing himself to the darkness, all he has to do is think of what is important to him and it immediately points him towards the light. Then there's Giuseppe, arrogant, spoiled, and self entitled, who just keeps finding his way into situations that he has to kill his way out of.
We can't forget the beautiful, independent, strong women of the family, who without them , this family would know doubt suffer. When Selange and Ari, get together, you know there's bound to be drama, but throw in Amelda, the mini-me of Giuseppe, and the fun really begins. In last couple of books, we haven't seen much of Amelda so It was really good to see her hanging out with the girls and getting on with her life after the untimely death of her first and only love Matteo. Of course his death was at her hands, but all of is die hard Alfonzo fans know he deserved it.
It was so good to visit with family again, and dare I say it after just finishing Alliance not even and hour ago, but I can only hope and impatiently wait for volume 20. Thank you once again S. W. Frank for another ride in the sexy, drama filled, action packed lane with Diaz-Giacanti Clan!
October 9, 2016
Well this was a very quick read. I am not really sure what this book was about. What did we learn:
1. Alfonzo did not have another son running around that he did not know about.
2. The Donna gave a woman a beat-down whom she believed slept with her husband.
3. Sal is behaving like a teenage boy.
4. Geo made another mistake because he was impatient.
Not a lot new in this book. I have to say I was disappointed with this instalment.
1. Alfonzo did not have another son running around that he did not know about.
2. The Donna gave a woman a beat-down whom she believed slept with her husband.
3. Sal is behaving like a teenage boy.
4. Geo made another mistake because he was impatient.
Not a lot new in this book. I have to say I was disappointed with this instalment.
January 31, 2018
This one seemed soooo short it was over before anything could really take off. Seems like the author is losing focus on where the story should go next. This one was more a filler than a full out like the others were in the beginning. Hopefully, the next one will shed some light on Raul and why we're back to Marisol, I thought her situation was a couple books back but I didn’t re-read the last to find out. Either way, this one was really slow compared to what I’m used to with these.
August 3, 2019
Suspense
Boy Al needs a crown for not killing Geo yet this guy is my favorite love /hate person in this series the things that comes out of his mouth the trouble he gets into and him blaming everybody else but himself he’s a hot mess happy that the kid turned out not to be Al’s Selange would have pull that chick out of her grave she goes from 0-1000 in 2 seconds
Boy Al needs a crown for not killing Geo yet this guy is my favorite love /hate person in this series the things that comes out of his mouth the trouble he gets into and him blaming everybody else but himself he’s a hot mess happy that the kid turned out not to be Al’s Selange would have pull that chick out of her grave she goes from 0-1000 in 2 seconds
September 14, 2020
Another Good One
A lot of moving parts. Diane needs to get her Shi together. Still not sure about Kenya. I wish Giuseppe could get his act together. What is going on with Ari. This is all crazy.
A lot of moving parts. Diane needs to get her Shi together. Still not sure about Kenya. I wish Giuseppe could get his act together. What is going on with Ari. This is all crazy.
December 19, 2016
Pacing is everything and she didn't pace this book
I'm back again and I don't want to seem overly critical. But geezus, this book bugged me. From the last book Sofie wasn't happy about Geo's new wife. She leaves in dramatic fashion and the book abruptly stops. We get into this book and weeks have passed since that incident. But why skip all of that? Will there be other stories told from those missing weeks?
The book starts off slow. Geo isn't growing, him giving Sal advice was the closest thing to maturity for him. What can or does Geo do as a professional? All I get is that he grew up a spoiled child and makes bad decisions. He can't fight, he can't negotiate, I need Geo to have a talent here.
Then here we go will Al wanting to knock ppl off again with no evidence. "This person stole chocolate, knock off their cousin's baby mamas sister".
Then Sal, I mean it was random. Al will probably knock her off as well. Nico had a moment of clarity maybe he doesn't have to kill everybody. Sergio pops up every now and then. Why did Al mention anything about him and his wife's relationship? Midway through this book picks up an extremely fast pace. I'm done, I'm like why? Can we have bettered paced story.
I'm back again and I don't want to seem overly critical. But geezus, this book bugged me. From the last book Sofie wasn't happy about Geo's new wife. She leaves in dramatic fashion and the book abruptly stops. We get into this book and weeks have passed since that incident. But why skip all of that? Will there be other stories told from those missing weeks?
The book starts off slow. Geo isn't growing, him giving Sal advice was the closest thing to maturity for him. What can or does Geo do as a professional? All I get is that he grew up a spoiled child and makes bad decisions. He can't fight, he can't negotiate, I need Geo to have a talent here.
Then here we go will Al wanting to knock ppl off again with no evidence. "This person stole chocolate, knock off their cousin's baby mamas sister".
Then Sal, I mean it was random. Al will probably knock her off as well. Nico had a moment of clarity maybe he doesn't have to kill everybody. Sergio pops up every now and then. Why did Al mention anything about him and his wife's relationship? Midway through this book picks up an extremely fast pace. I'm done, I'm like why? Can we have bettered paced story.
March 6, 2024
Omg, there's always something.....
....with the Diaz/Dichenzo familia. I have come to love all members of this famoly. All they want is just to have a normal life and be loved. Now that Selange is in remission, the love between she and Alfonso just gets tighter. I love their love and their children. It's going to be interesting to see how Ari Nico handles her new delima.
Poor Geo is still looking for his love but he still has a Russian problem to settle after his rescue debacle.
Sergio and Lorenzo are getting on with their lives with their loved ones.
Love this series it always holds my attention. My only complaint is that they end too soon
....with the Diaz/Dichenzo familia. I have come to love all members of this famoly. All they want is just to have a normal life and be loved. Now that Selange is in remission, the love between she and Alfonso just gets tighter. I love their love and their children. It's going to be interesting to see how Ari Nico handles her new delima.
Poor Geo is still looking for his love but he still has a Russian problem to settle after his rescue debacle.
Sergio and Lorenzo are getting on with their lives with their loved ones.
Love this series it always holds my attention. My only complaint is that they end too soon
June 4, 2016
Seemed Like 2 Different Writers
Some parts of this book read like it was written by 2 different people. The drama was not as explosive as past works. Maybe because it was a much shorter read. I'm still a fan of the series, but I feel that for the price it should have had more content
Some parts of this book read like it was written by 2 different people. The drama was not as explosive as past works. Maybe because it was a much shorter read. I'm still a fan of the series, but I feel that for the price it should have had more content
June 5, 2016
Too short
I am a little disappointed about the length of Alliance hence the 3 stars...having said that..it's an explosive start to the next to the Jewish Mafiya alliance between Yosef,Giuseppe,Alfonzo,Sofie and the Families...Sal is 16 and boning his teacher...oh my..I hope the next installment is longer...there's too much going on....
I am a little disappointed about the length of Alliance hence the 3 stars...having said that..it's an explosive start to the next to the Jewish Mafiya alliance between Yosef,Giuseppe,Alfonzo,Sofie and the Families...Sal is 16 and boning his teacher...oh my..I hope the next installment is longer...there's too much going on....
November 7, 2016
Great Read
I have read every book in the series. Yes there are some things in the series I didn't like such as certain deaths however, I do understand why.
There were a few spelling errors they did not take away from the book but, they are distracting. Even still great job Ms. Frank off to read the next book.
I have read every book in the series. Yes there are some things in the series I didn't like such as certain deaths however, I do understand why.
There were a few spelling errors they did not take away from the book but, they are distracting. Even still great job Ms. Frank off to read the next book.
June 1, 2016
Amazing
What amazing read again in Ms. Frank Alfonzo Series Alliance was well worth the wait. I loved how the family is all back together an Alfonzo an Nico are still a force to be reckoned with. I can never get enough of the Alfonzo series an Ms Frank amazing writing.
What amazing read again in Ms. Frank Alfonzo Series Alliance was well worth the wait. I loved how the family is all back together an Alfonzo an Nico are still a force to be reckoned with. I can never get enough of the Alfonzo series an Ms Frank amazing writing.
June 2, 2019
And up still wan more.
Wow..the past won't let them go. Poor gio I feel.so badly for him. I loved this installment and still won't more.
Wow..the past won't let them go. Poor gio I feel.so badly for him. I loved this installment and still won't more.
June 27, 2016
Not as good as all the other books but it tells a story. 3.5
Read
June 23, 2016Like a Kardashian sighting.
Everyone has been accounted for but there is no meat to the story. Lots of threads with no real pattern.
Everyone has been accounted for but there is no meat to the story. Lots of threads with no real pattern.
September 25, 2016
And the saga continues
Time to move on to book 20. As always I can't wait to find out what will happen next. This was another good one.
Time to move on to book 20. As always I can't wait to find out what will happen next. This was another good one.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews