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Breeding Vanessa #2
Ruining Vanessa
To survive, I need to give them what they want--but giving in will ruin me.
I made a mistake.
I thought I could delay the inevitable. I thought if I was smart, I could put off getting pregnant, and buy myself time to find a way to escape.
I should have known they'd find out. I should have known there'd be consequences.
Slayer is happy to dole out punishments. Damien's quiet disappointment pierces me with guilt.
But Giulio's wrath? Giulio's wrath will ruin me.
Note: This work contains extremely dark themes with potentially triggering content, including forced pregnancy. Please review the content notes at the authors' websites.
I made a mistake.
I thought I could delay the inevitable. I thought if I was smart, I could put off getting pregnant, and buy myself time to find a way to escape.
I should have known they'd find out. I should have known there'd be consequences.
Slayer is happy to dole out punishments. Damien's quiet disappointment pierces me with guilt.
But Giulio's wrath? Giulio's wrath will ruin me.
Note: This work contains extremely dark themes with potentially triggering content, including forced pregnancy. Please review the content notes at the authors' websites.
364 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 22, 2022
163 people are currently reading
330 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
December 22, 2022
First and foremost. This is a DARK romance. Extra heavy on the dark. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY AS A READER TO CHECK THE TRIGGER WARNINGS. IT IS NOT FAIR (and frankly terrible) TO CHOOSE TO READ A BOOK WITH TRIGGERS YOU DONT LIKE OR CAN NOT HANDLE AND THEN REVIEW THE BOOK POORLY AS A RESULT. SHAME. ON. YOU. If you do this. 😠
With that being said.. 🙃
I. LOVE. THIS. BOOK. I am a binge reader and yet I really took my time reading this one because I didn’t want it to end. There was never a dull moment and I never found myself skimming.
The authors do a phenomenal job of breaking the reader down and then putting you back together again. You feel as though you are right there with our heroine and suffering alongside with her. She is soft and kind and yet has her own quiet strength. Those are my favorite types of FMCs!
Each character has their own very distinct voice and the different POV chapters never feel as if they are muddled. It’s also never overwhelming having more than a couple POVs, in fact I LOVE getting in each of the MCs heads! We really get to deep dive into why they are the way they are. SO GOOD.
Speaking of which, these men are TERRIBLE. Truly awful. Yet we see some character growth from them and some softness too, which is so necessary after the horrors that Vanessa has endured. The guys keep you guessing at every turn and they are so fascinating and truly unique characters. I find myself loving them and starting to let my walls down, thinking they’re starting to redeem themselves even though they are soooo terrible and then BAM, they throw me for a loop and remind me how awful they truly are.
The book hangover is real and I truly can not wait for the next book! I already miss these fascinating characters and want, no, NEED more.
I absolutely recommend this series (start with Lucia’s trilogy first if you can!)
I know I’m forgetting some wonderful things about this story, so just know it is GREAT. Definitely check it out!
12.3 bajillion stars.
——————-
THE BOOK HANGOVER IS REAL AND GLORIOUS.
RTC. I gotta get my thoughts together!
With that being said.. 🙃
I. LOVE. THIS. BOOK. I am a binge reader and yet I really took my time reading this one because I didn’t want it to end. There was never a dull moment and I never found myself skimming.
The authors do a phenomenal job of breaking the reader down and then putting you back together again. You feel as though you are right there with our heroine and suffering alongside with her. She is soft and kind and yet has her own quiet strength. Those are my favorite types of FMCs!
Each character has their own very distinct voice and the different POV chapters never feel as if they are muddled. It’s also never overwhelming having more than a couple POVs, in fact I LOVE getting in each of the MCs heads! We really get to deep dive into why they are the way they are. SO GOOD.
Speaking of which, these men are TERRIBLE. Truly awful. Yet we see some character growth from them and some softness too, which is so necessary after the horrors that Vanessa has endured. The guys keep you guessing at every turn and they are so fascinating and truly unique characters. I find myself loving them and starting to let my walls down, thinking they’re starting to redeem themselves even though they are soooo terrible and then BAM, they throw me for a loop and remind me how awful they truly are.
The book hangover is real and I truly can not wait for the next book! I already miss these fascinating characters and want, no, NEED more.
I absolutely recommend this series (start with Lucia’s trilogy first if you can!)
I know I’m forgetting some wonderful things about this story, so just know it is GREAT. Definitely check it out!
12.3 bajillion stars.
——————-
THE BOOK HANGOVER IS REAL AND GLORIOUS.
RTC. I gotta get my thoughts together!
April 15, 2023
I will have to think about the rating..
The authors are certainly very talented as I couldn't put this book down it was intriguing, unpredictable, cruel, evil and 🔥
But, I also am not sure if the only true way for Vanessa to get her HEA is all the Hs dying😌
The authors are certainly very talented as I couldn't put this book down it was intriguing, unpredictable, cruel, evil and 🔥
But, I also am not sure if the only true way for Vanessa to get her HEA is all the Hs dying😌
November 10, 2024
❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
😈😈
🥵🥵
Don’t expect these lads to get better, they get worse.
💋💋
😈😈
🥵🥵
Don’t expect these lads to get better, they get worse.
February 9, 2023
This book.
I have no words.
4,5/5⭐️
4,5/5📝
4/5🌶
100/10✅️ fucked up.
I have no words.
4,5/5⭐️
4,5/5📝
4/5🌶
100/10✅️ fucked up.
December 25, 2022
Wow - what a gripping, twisty book! I really didn't think I could warm to any of these men after the first book, but I was wrong. There is SO MUCH character development in this story, not only in the three MMCs, but in Vanessa, who begins to feel her way through a situation completely out of her control.
The extra information and little moments of insight we get into the men really altered the way I read them. It didn't make them less terrible, but I understood a little more about why they were that way to begin with. I loved the idea of their common ground coming to light.
Their developing relationships with Vanessa felt genuine and plausible, and I'm particularly interested to see where things go with her and Slayer, who moved from my most hated MMC to my most liked over the course of this book.
They all just felt much more real - damaged and messed up and angry - and because of that I was able to invest in their situation even more than I did in the first part.
For those new to or unsure about dark romance, PLEASE, check the triggers. We don't all like the same things, and this is a book that will upset a lot of people. If you're reading, go in knowing what you'll find, and don't complain when you find it!
Well done, Vanessa Team!
The extra information and little moments of insight we get into the men really altered the way I read them. It didn't make them less terrible, but I understood a little more about why they were that way to begin with. I loved the idea of their common ground coming to light.
Their developing relationships with Vanessa felt genuine and plausible, and I'm particularly interested to see where things go with her and Slayer, who moved from my most hated MMC to my most liked over the course of this book.
They all just felt much more real - damaged and messed up and angry - and because of that I was able to invest in their situation even more than I did in the first part.
For those new to or unsure about dark romance, PLEASE, check the triggers. We don't all like the same things, and this is a book that will upset a lot of people. If you're reading, go in knowing what you'll find, and don't complain when you find it!
Well done, Vanessa Team!
April 26, 2023
Ruining Vanessa is the second book in the Breeding Contempt series. Guys, THIS IS NOT YOUR SUNSHINE AND RAINBOWS TYPE OF ROMANCE, this is something dark, something sinister, and I am soooo here for it!! PLEASE HEED THE TRIGGER WARNINGS. Literally, my toxic trait is falling for characters like Giulio, Damian and Slayer. They are absolute monsters but I cannot find myself to hate them. I thought Lucia has been through some shi....but Vanessa, definitely takes the cake. Annnnd we are left on this cliffy!!! Can't wait for the next book!!
December 20, 2022
As if you couldn’t feel any worse for Vanessa after the first book, the second book in the series comes out swinging and never really stops.
Of the three, Giulio, Damian and Slayer, I can’t decides who is more reprehensible. They each have their own flavor of awful that shouldn’t be so palatable. We should hate them utterly, and yet…yet we somehow still keep reading.
Vanessa, while seemingly weak by nature, still endures everything these guys throw at her. Beneath the weak exterior lies a spine of steel that makes itself known when you least expect it. There were times I really wanted her to stand up for herself, but I tried to understand where she was coming from. At this point, she really should know she can’t keep secrets from them. When one of her secrets come to light, she pays dearly for it and we get to see just how deeply unhinged Giulio really is. He is absolutely fascinating to me. Slayer has his own brand of brutality that shines through, though how he deals with Brad, Vanessa’s ex, was on point, if a little lenient. Damian appears to be the softest of the three but still not the type of soft I’d want in my life.
I am so exited to see how the rest of this story plays out, especially now that the little white blob has taken root. The evolution of the “relationship” these four have has been insane to witness. The story has already taken us on the joyride of a lifetime so I can’t even imagine what’s in store next but I know I’ll definitely be ready to ride.
Of the three, Giulio, Damian and Slayer, I can’t decides who is more reprehensible. They each have their own flavor of awful that shouldn’t be so palatable. We should hate them utterly, and yet…yet we somehow still keep reading.
Vanessa, while seemingly weak by nature, still endures everything these guys throw at her. Beneath the weak exterior lies a spine of steel that makes itself known when you least expect it. There were times I really wanted her to stand up for herself, but I tried to understand where she was coming from. At this point, she really should know she can’t keep secrets from them. When one of her secrets come to light, she pays dearly for it and we get to see just how deeply unhinged Giulio really is. He is absolutely fascinating to me. Slayer has his own brand of brutality that shines through, though how he deals with Brad, Vanessa’s ex, was on point, if a little lenient. Damian appears to be the softest of the three but still not the type of soft I’d want in my life.
I am so exited to see how the rest of this story plays out, especially now that the little white blob has taken root. The evolution of the “relationship” these four have has been insane to witness. The story has already taken us on the joyride of a lifetime so I can’t even imagine what’s in store next but I know I’ll definitely be ready to ride.
December 18, 2022
While I am still not a huge fan of Vanessa in general this book has softened my heart toward her a bit. She still comes off as weak but there is a backbone brewing in there now I hope to see develop even more in the next book. I am reluctantly in love with these three men though, these authors have done it again and I have a soft spot for these psychopaths. I love the way the author's slowly bring these men to their knees for Vanessa while also keeping their true colors of crazy. Can't wait for book three!
January 14, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐: Outstanding plot, really gripped me into the plot. Not a slow burn; threw me right into the spice that worked very well with the plot. The story was written well.
Introduction:
This is my overall book review of a trilogy titled Claiming, Ruining, & Keeping Vanessa by Raissa Donovan & Addison Wolf. I am a big fan of Donovan & Wolf’s collaborative work so this isn’t my first time reading any of their books. These opinions are my own and I am giving them voluntarily.
Summary:
The Vanessa trilogy starts with Claiming Vanessa. Vanessa is at her sister Lucia’s wedding to a very bad man who is repeatedly named in other books in this mafia universe, Emilio Pavone. Damien helps Vanessa get out of the church when the shooting starts and he takes her to Giulio where they bring her back to a very seedy strip club that serves as a front for a human trafficking business. Damien and Vanessa have a history so she may not have thought anything of this until she was told that she couldn’t go home.
The second book, Ruining Vanessa shows Vanessa trying to take a stand against the guys as a man named Slayer is added to the harem by this time which completes the three man harem. She decides that being bred by them is her ticket to death and never getting away so she steals contraceptives. Unfortunately, in this mafia world people aren’t loyal and someone rats her out to Giulio. By how angry Giulio is at her actions and the punishment for trying not to get pregnant and also escaping, we see just how much Vanessa is starting to mean to these men.
The third and final book in the trilogy, Keeping Vanessa is where Vanessa is going through her pregnancy. The men are gentle with her and genuinely showing her affection as her belly grows in her pregnancy. This is where we’ve seen a lot of growth from all the men. Vanessa seems resigned now in her position with the men and realizes that this baby is the final nail in her coffin. They’ll never let her go, “If I wanted what was best for her, I wouldn’t have drawn Giulio’s attention to her. Now that I have, we can never let her go.” There’s a lot of mafia politics happening in the background and a mafia family that increasingly doesn’t believe that Giulio is fit to take over the business left to him after his father, Emilio’s murder. Someone threatens Giulio, but takes one step further and adds in Vanessa and the new baby which causes Giulio to make some murderous decisions, “How many people had died for the egos of these mafia men?” These decisions lead to his family being kidnapped and tortured.
Giulio - volatile, unpredictable, doesn’t show his emotions in a normal way. He often scares people with his many moods. Giulio is a very complicated and complex character but his core vulnerabilities are losing those that he loves and that can be in different ways.
Damien - loyal, committed, and matter-of-fact. Damien is a loyal soldier for Giulio and loves him unconditionally, but he wants a family. Damien kidnaps Vanessa because he knew that she would be a good mother and lover for Giulio and himself. His core vulnerability is that he wants to be unconditionally loved back.
Slayer (aka Ryan Graham) - volatile and complicated but his complexities are easy to follow. His core vulnerabilities are being needed by the entire group; he needs to know where he fits in this dynamic.
Spice Level:
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️: A lot of sex scenes and not a slow burn. The scenes were a great length with great description. Also give it 💋because there were some really great intimate moments between Vanessa and the guys that needed to happen to drive their relationship.
Conclusion:
This was a 4 star read because there was a decent amount of spice and plot; sometimes I needed more plot than spice. At times, I needed more intimacy than spice.
Question to the Readers:
Would you give into your captors or keep fighting even if the outcome could be your death?
Warning to the Readers:
There’s a lot of triggers in this. Be sure to read all of them before getting into the stories.
Recommendation:
I recommend these trilogies, read in order.
Introduction:
This is my overall book review of a trilogy titled Claiming, Ruining, & Keeping Vanessa by Raissa Donovan & Addison Wolf. I am a big fan of Donovan & Wolf’s collaborative work so this isn’t my first time reading any of their books. These opinions are my own and I am giving them voluntarily.
Summary:
The Vanessa trilogy starts with Claiming Vanessa. Vanessa is at her sister Lucia’s wedding to a very bad man who is repeatedly named in other books in this mafia universe, Emilio Pavone. Damien helps Vanessa get out of the church when the shooting starts and he takes her to Giulio where they bring her back to a very seedy strip club that serves as a front for a human trafficking business. Damien and Vanessa have a history so she may not have thought anything of this until she was told that she couldn’t go home.
The second book, Ruining Vanessa shows Vanessa trying to take a stand against the guys as a man named Slayer is added to the harem by this time which completes the three man harem. She decides that being bred by them is her ticket to death and never getting away so she steals contraceptives. Unfortunately, in this mafia world people aren’t loyal and someone rats her out to Giulio. By how angry Giulio is at her actions and the punishment for trying not to get pregnant and also escaping, we see just how much Vanessa is starting to mean to these men.
The third and final book in the trilogy, Keeping Vanessa is where Vanessa is going through her pregnancy. The men are gentle with her and genuinely showing her affection as her belly grows in her pregnancy. This is where we’ve seen a lot of growth from all the men. Vanessa seems resigned now in her position with the men and realizes that this baby is the final nail in her coffin. They’ll never let her go, “If I wanted what was best for her, I wouldn’t have drawn Giulio’s attention to her. Now that I have, we can never let her go.” There’s a lot of mafia politics happening in the background and a mafia family that increasingly doesn’t believe that Giulio is fit to take over the business left to him after his father, Emilio’s murder. Someone threatens Giulio, but takes one step further and adds in Vanessa and the new baby which causes Giulio to make some murderous decisions, “How many people had died for the egos of these mafia men?” These decisions lead to his family being kidnapped and tortured.
Giulio - volatile, unpredictable, doesn’t show his emotions in a normal way. He often scares people with his many moods. Giulio is a very complicated and complex character but his core vulnerabilities are losing those that he loves and that can be in different ways.
Damien - loyal, committed, and matter-of-fact. Damien is a loyal soldier for Giulio and loves him unconditionally, but he wants a family. Damien kidnaps Vanessa because he knew that she would be a good mother and lover for Giulio and himself. His core vulnerability is that he wants to be unconditionally loved back.
Slayer (aka Ryan Graham) - volatile and complicated but his complexities are easy to follow. His core vulnerabilities are being needed by the entire group; he needs to know where he fits in this dynamic.
Spice Level:
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️: A lot of sex scenes and not a slow burn. The scenes were a great length with great description. Also give it 💋because there were some really great intimate moments between Vanessa and the guys that needed to happen to drive their relationship.
Conclusion:
This was a 4 star read because there was a decent amount of spice and plot; sometimes I needed more plot than spice. At times, I needed more intimacy than spice.
Question to the Readers:
Would you give into your captors or keep fighting even if the outcome could be your death?
Warning to the Readers:
There’s a lot of triggers in this. Be sure to read all of them before getting into the stories.
Recommendation:
I recommend these trilogies, read in order.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 4, 2023
4.5 stars
- Heroine: Vanessa
- Harem: Giulio, Damien, Slayer
- POVs Included: Multiple POVs (Vanessa, Giulio, Damien, Slayer)
- Book Playlist (Italian Mafia Romance Book Playlist)
-----------------------------------
-----------------------------------
SUMMARY: (SPOILER WARNING)
After Vanessa tried to escape to report Giulio and the others to the police, she was disheartened to find out that Slayer was a lead detective there.
So she realizes there’s no hope to escape. But she still tries to prevent getting pregnant by using some contraceptive sponges from the strip club. Of course they find out though and sell off her friend Stef in punishment.
As Vanessa resigns herself to her fate, she finds out that she is indeed pregnant and there is no hope of escaping these three crazy men who have become obsessed with keeping her.
-----------------------------------
-----------------------------------
REVIEW:
Another crazy psycho ride with these villain kidnapper lover boys! lol
I enjoyed the second book in the series. Lots of crazy stuff. I did feel like the first one had more shock value, but this one was still really good.
We do find out some background on the guys, especially Damien and why he is obsessed with Vanessa having Giulio’s baby. Speaking of which, after hearing his backstory I really hope the baby ends up being Damien’s even though he thinks he’s sterile. Stranger things have happened! And that’d actually be really sweet after hearing his side of things. Plus she’s all about the spicy foods right now (like Damien is) so it could totally be a clue that it’s his baby!
They are all still crazy AF of course, but I like that about them. I also love their adorable little hobbies. Like Giulio and his reptiles. And Slayer with his train set. These little moments make them feel more human and less 24-7-cray-cray.
And Giulio seriously cracks me up with his on-the-fly roleplaying. Half the time he forgets what they were even roleplaying. Or he’ll “workshop it” as he goes. It’s hilarious. Despite the dire circumstances, there are actually a lot of lol moments in these. I feel like the guys (especially Giulio) take themselves a lot less seriously than the guys in Lucia’s series and it’s kinda funny.
Vanessa is OK. She did annoy me a little more in this one though. I get that she doesn’t want to be in this situation. I do. But her decisions still seem rather dumb to me sometimes. For example:
- I didn’t really understand her motives when it came to using the contraceptive sponges. Because at some point they were either going to find out and be pissed, or they would think she can’t have babies at all and give up with her and sell her off to someone else. She can’t do that forever. And it didn’t seem like she had any sort of plan beyond that, so it just made the whole thing seem like a really dumb idea.
- Also, why in the world was she trying to protect Traci? She pushed her down the freakin stairs! And she’s clearly the traitor. I don’t get why she would want to protect her. This whole thing just pissed me off.
Still, overall these are still so good! The sex is smoking hot. I like seeing the guys slowly fall for her, even if they aren’t going to soften, I like seeing them start to care for her. And I’m looking forward to seeing what happens in the final book!
- Heroine: Vanessa
- Harem: Giulio, Damien, Slayer
- POVs Included: Multiple POVs (Vanessa, Giulio, Damien, Slayer)
- Book Playlist (Italian Mafia Romance Book Playlist)
-----------------------------------
-----------------------------------
SUMMARY: (SPOILER WARNING)
After Vanessa tried to escape to report Giulio and the others to the police, she was disheartened to find out that Slayer was a lead detective there.
So she realizes there’s no hope to escape. But she still tries to prevent getting pregnant by using some contraceptive sponges from the strip club. Of course they find out though and sell off her friend Stef in punishment.
As Vanessa resigns herself to her fate, she finds out that she is indeed pregnant and there is no hope of escaping these three crazy men who have become obsessed with keeping her.
-----------------------------------
-----------------------------------
REVIEW:
Another crazy psycho ride with these villain kidnapper lover boys! lol
I enjoyed the second book in the series. Lots of crazy stuff. I did feel like the first one had more shock value, but this one was still really good.
We do find out some background on the guys, especially Damien and why he is obsessed with Vanessa having Giulio’s baby. Speaking of which, after hearing his backstory I really hope the baby ends up being Damien’s even though he thinks he’s sterile. Stranger things have happened! And that’d actually be really sweet after hearing his side of things. Plus she’s all about the spicy foods right now (like Damien is) so it could totally be a clue that it’s his baby!
They are all still crazy AF of course, but I like that about them. I also love their adorable little hobbies. Like Giulio and his reptiles. And Slayer with his train set. These little moments make them feel more human and less 24-7-cray-cray.
And Giulio seriously cracks me up with his on-the-fly roleplaying. Half the time he forgets what they were even roleplaying. Or he’ll “workshop it” as he goes. It’s hilarious. Despite the dire circumstances, there are actually a lot of lol moments in these. I feel like the guys (especially Giulio) take themselves a lot less seriously than the guys in Lucia’s series and it’s kinda funny.
Vanessa is OK. She did annoy me a little more in this one though. I get that she doesn’t want to be in this situation. I do. But her decisions still seem rather dumb to me sometimes. For example:
- I didn’t really understand her motives when it came to using the contraceptive sponges. Because at some point they were either going to find out and be pissed, or they would think she can’t have babies at all and give up with her and sell her off to someone else. She can’t do that forever. And it didn’t seem like she had any sort of plan beyond that, so it just made the whole thing seem like a really dumb idea.
- Also, why in the world was she trying to protect Traci? She pushed her down the freakin stairs! And she’s clearly the traitor. I don’t get why she would want to protect her. This whole thing just pissed me off.
Still, overall these are still so good! The sex is smoking hot. I like seeing the guys slowly fall for her, even if they aren’t going to soften, I like seeing them start to care for her. And I’m looking forward to seeing what happens in the final book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 17, 2025
Alright, back again.
Vanessa is pregnant in this book. I realize there is a bit of a time jump and a spin-off holiday novella that I didn’t care to read. But we ended the first book with her being newly pregnant and scared out of her wits (as she fairly should have), to now very pregnant.
The plot continued but she was no longer under lock and key like the first book. She’s still being held captive, but her feelings start to become muddied when it comes to the guys.
In this book, Slayer becomes more conflicted about his feelings regarding Vanessa and the other two. Damien is obsessed with her as well, and then there’s Giulio who in true psychopath fashion, blows hot and cold.
Vanessa starts sniping back here and there, but still isn’t fully on board with everything that’s happened.
I will say the role playing Giulio loves so much gets to be a bit much, since that’s all he likes to do if they get spicy. Him being bisexual wasn’t unwelcome either. Which you learn about in the first book. He does talk a bit about how people look down on him for being that way with Damien, so I can understand some of his issues surrounding that. But he’s still the same manic dickhead from the first book.
I rated this book two stars like the first one because I was hoping to see some growth from the MMC’s despite the authors’ warnings that again, this was a pitch black trilogy and not to expect that. It still would have been nice to see some remorse or even some actual affection for the FMC instead of just a pat on the back saying ‘job well done and I don’t care who’s kid it is’.
For my final thoughts, head over to the third and final book.
Vanessa is pregnant in this book. I realize there is a bit of a time jump and a spin-off holiday novella that I didn’t care to read. But we ended the first book with her being newly pregnant and scared out of her wits (as she fairly should have), to now very pregnant.
The plot continued but she was no longer under lock and key like the first book. She’s still being held captive, but her feelings start to become muddied when it comes to the guys.
In this book, Slayer becomes more conflicted about his feelings regarding Vanessa and the other two. Damien is obsessed with her as well, and then there’s Giulio who in true psychopath fashion, blows hot and cold.
Vanessa starts sniping back here and there, but still isn’t fully on board with everything that’s happened.
I will say the role playing Giulio loves so much gets to be a bit much, since that’s all he likes to do if they get spicy. Him being bisexual wasn’t unwelcome either. Which you learn about in the first book. He does talk a bit about how people look down on him for being that way with Damien, so I can understand some of his issues surrounding that. But he’s still the same manic dickhead from the first book.
I rated this book two stars like the first one because I was hoping to see some growth from the MMC’s despite the authors’ warnings that again, this was a pitch black trilogy and not to expect that. It still would have been nice to see some remorse or even some actual affection for the FMC instead of just a pat on the back saying ‘job well done and I don’t care who’s kid it is’.
For my final thoughts, head over to the third and final book.
December 28, 2022
Ok this book was just wow, and I just thought book 1 Claiming Vanessa was dark...nope, I was wrong, this book is so very dark and the triggers are aplenty in here, so if you have triggers I'd strongly suggest skipping, and if you read it before reading the trigger warnings don't be giving it a low rating that's not right, because this book is worth more than 5 ⭐'s even without the triggers.
I literally couldn't put it down. I was glued to the pages as Vanessa is trying to make the best of her horrible situation, because every time she think's she's getting one over on Guilio, Slayer and Damien there's always someone who snitches and the guy's are all to happy to remind her what happens.
I was trying to figure out why this girl kept doing what she did when she knew she's not getting away or out. You do see where the Damien and Slayer are slowly changing how they feel about Vanessa even Guilio, but I just get this feeling he's like a ticking timebomb where she's concerned.
This does end on a cliffhanger and I'm hoping that Guilio does change for the better, and the other two are half way there it's just going to take some pushing lol. Vanessa she's starting to 2nd guess herself in her feeling's for the guy's and maybe she's finally accepting her circumstance.
Absolutely a dark lovers's jam. Need to read!
I literally couldn't put it down. I was glued to the pages as Vanessa is trying to make the best of her horrible situation, because every time she think's she's getting one over on Guilio, Slayer and Damien there's always someone who snitches and the guy's are all to happy to remind her what happens.
I was trying to figure out why this girl kept doing what she did when she knew she's not getting away or out. You do see where the Damien and Slayer are slowly changing how they feel about Vanessa even Guilio, but I just get this feeling he's like a ticking timebomb where she's concerned.
This does end on a cliffhanger and I'm hoping that Guilio does change for the better, and the other two are half way there it's just going to take some pushing lol. Vanessa she's starting to 2nd guess herself in her feeling's for the guy's and maybe she's finally accepting her circumstance.
Absolutely a dark lovers's jam. Need to read!
December 22, 2022
Okay, this is not a traditional sweet romance, but that's not what I bought it for. I knew it would be dark, and that Giulio, Damien and Slayer were not good guys. They're deliciously bad, and they're ruthlessly committed to their goal; Breeding Vanessa.
Vanessa is so much braver than she realises, and goes to desperate measures to try and prevent them from reaching their goal. In this book we see so much character development with the guys too, and I loved every second of it. Damien's back story is heartbreaking, and explains so much. Giulio, well apart from being hilarious at times, he's complex and deadly, especially in anger, but there's a heart in there somewhere. Slayer? His character evolved deliciously in this book, and we saw small glimpses of the man behind the killer, FYI, he got hotter.
I honestly loved every minute of this book. I was on the edge of my seat a lot of the time, and fell in love with all three men, not for the first time, and definitely not for the last. Eagerly awaiting the final instalment!!
Vanessa is so much braver than she realises, and goes to desperate measures to try and prevent them from reaching their goal. In this book we see so much character development with the guys too, and I loved every second of it. Damien's back story is heartbreaking, and explains so much. Giulio, well apart from being hilarious at times, he's complex and deadly, especially in anger, but there's a heart in there somewhere. Slayer? His character evolved deliciously in this book, and we saw small glimpses of the man behind the killer, FYI, he got hotter.
I honestly loved every minute of this book. I was on the edge of my seat a lot of the time, and fell in love with all three men, not for the first time, and definitely not for the last. Eagerly awaiting the final instalment!!
February 15, 2023
That was a wild ride. Beware of the warnings because this isn't for the faint of heart.
I wasn't too convinced about this characters when I start, but the more I read, everyone became more and more interesting, to the point I just wanted to know so much nore about them. Happily, there is a next book in the series and I guess I will get all my questions answer then. For now, I'm more than happy about what I know right now.
I was very interested on emotions and how everyone react to things. It was beautiful to be so easily in touch with the emotions of the characters. It's exactly what i look forward when I choose to read a book.
The plot was nice, a bit less focus in huge events, an more in the day to day events and how they all deal with the problems that show up their ways. I loved that we get to know a lot more about the guys.
It had some very dark moments that might be uncomfortable to some readers, so beware the warnings before reading.
Overall it was an amazing read. It was hard for me to put it down. I cant wait to get more of this world.
I wasn't too convinced about this characters when I start, but the more I read, everyone became more and more interesting, to the point I just wanted to know so much nore about them. Happily, there is a next book in the series and I guess I will get all my questions answer then. For now, I'm more than happy about what I know right now.
I was very interested on emotions and how everyone react to things. It was beautiful to be so easily in touch with the emotions of the characters. It's exactly what i look forward when I choose to read a book.
The plot was nice, a bit less focus in huge events, an more in the day to day events and how they all deal with the problems that show up their ways. I loved that we get to know a lot more about the guys.
It had some very dark moments that might be uncomfortable to some readers, so beware the warnings before reading.
Overall it was an amazing read. It was hard for me to put it down. I cant wait to get more of this world.
October 24, 2024
❤️Thoughts❤️
This story is not for the faint of heart or for those who expect the villains to have a change of heart and become heroes. It’s an extreme dark read—and when I say extreme, I mean it. Vanessa is trapped, with no choices left, forced to obey or face dire consequences. If that sounds like too much for you, this might be a series to skip.
But if you’re intrigued by the dark and twisted, then dive in and brace yourself. This is one of the few series that has truly shocked me to the core, yet I’m still hooked, binge-reading Book 3 as we speak.
Read it if you dare!
🖤MMFM (There are MM scenes)
❤️Mafia
🖤Dark Romance (Very)
❤️RH
🖤Forced Proximity / Breeding
❤️BC Tampering
🖤The guys are extreme villains!
❤️Ends on a cliff hanger
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐⭐
Steamy:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
POV: Dual
Warning⚠️: Check the TWs!
Type📣: Book 2 in the series.
Recommend: Yes, but only for my dark romance readers.
This story is not for the faint of heart or for those who expect the villains to have a change of heart and become heroes. It’s an extreme dark read—and when I say extreme, I mean it. Vanessa is trapped, with no choices left, forced to obey or face dire consequences. If that sounds like too much for you, this might be a series to skip.
But if you’re intrigued by the dark and twisted, then dive in and brace yourself. This is one of the few series that has truly shocked me to the core, yet I’m still hooked, binge-reading Book 3 as we speak.
Read it if you dare!
🖤MMFM (There are MM scenes)
❤️Mafia
🖤Dark Romance (Very)
❤️RH
🖤Forced Proximity / Breeding
❤️BC Tampering
🖤The guys are extreme villains!
❤️Ends on a cliff hanger
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐⭐
Steamy:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
POV: Dual
Warning⚠️: Check the TWs!
Type📣: Book 2 in the series.
Recommend: Yes, but only for my dark romance readers.
December 19, 2022
So the Darkness has come to light! Yes, DARK!
Vanessa's situation cannot get worse! Or, can it?
The guys are showing some softness and Vanessa might even be starting to soften toward them! Might I say that her guys are starting to soften me up a little too!
I'm invested in the hope that Stef is okay!
There are several scenes that you might want to close your eyes from seeing, but, they're part of the world building! The mafia lifestyle is obviously not an easy one. This story shows glimpses of what it might be with total visual clarity.
It'll be hard to see how everything pans out for Vanessa and her men.
I am also wondering if she and Lucia will ever see each other again!
Vanessa's situation cannot get worse! Or, can it?
The guys are showing some softness and Vanessa might even be starting to soften toward them! Might I say that her guys are starting to soften me up a little too!
I'm invested in the hope that Stef is okay!
There are several scenes that you might want to close your eyes from seeing, but, they're part of the world building! The mafia lifestyle is obviously not an easy one. This story shows glimpses of what it might be with total visual clarity.
It'll be hard to see how everything pans out for Vanessa and her men.
I am also wondering if she and Lucia will ever see each other again!
December 29, 2022
So just to be clear, this is DARK. Very dark, even more so then the first book in my opinion due to some very specific scenes.
That being said, I loved this book! Vanessa is still a captive, but is slowly starting to adjust her mindset in order to survive and be more comfortable with the three guys.
The men are even more fascinating in this book. We get more background into Damian and Slayer, but it’s Giulio who is really twisted and gets all of them to play along to whatever he wants.
The story flows well and moves along at good pace. All four of the characters get their respective POVs across, which can be hard sometimes in RH/multi partner novels.
I’m excited to see what happens in the final book of the trilogy! Especially after reading that teaser at the end.
That being said, I loved this book! Vanessa is still a captive, but is slowly starting to adjust her mindset in order to survive and be more comfortable with the three guys.
The men are even more fascinating in this book. We get more background into Damian and Slayer, but it’s Giulio who is really twisted and gets all of them to play along to whatever he wants.
The story flows well and moves along at good pace. All four of the characters get their respective POVs across, which can be hard sometimes in RH/multi partner novels.
I’m excited to see what happens in the final book of the trilogy! Especially after reading that teaser at the end.
September 18, 2023
No one is more surprised than I am that I gave this 5 stars…but I literally could NOT put this down.
Honestly, the writing is really well done as is the character development. I am literally hanging onto every word in this book and can’t wait to read more. This is deliciously dark but done in a way that is totally believable. None of my “pet peeve” troupes are found here, and Vanessa doesn’t become a mindless slave to her orgasms. She’s her own person who is fallible but trying to make the best of her situation. The smut is sometimes disturbing but definitely HOT, and I am SO DOWN with how obsessed they all are with this breeding kink.
Moving to the novella next and then to the last book!
Honestly, the writing is really well done as is the character development. I am literally hanging onto every word in this book and can’t wait to read more. This is deliciously dark but done in a way that is totally believable. None of my “pet peeve” troupes are found here, and Vanessa doesn’t become a mindless slave to her orgasms. She’s her own person who is fallible but trying to make the best of her situation. The smut is sometimes disturbing but definitely HOT, and I am SO DOWN with how obsessed they all are with this breeding kink.
Moving to the novella next and then to the last book!
April 21, 2024
yeah, again, i liked this. it’s probably still a 3.5. but i liked it.
it’s brain candy in a way that it’s not…a world you’re gonna lose yourself in, it’s not extraordinarily well constructed, it’s not a particularly complicated or intricate plot. this is a very basic dark kind-of romance.
but the characters are surprisingly well realized. they have distinct personalities, and they manage to feel shockingly realistic, despite how unhinged the plot is. there’s still some fun creativity and an interesting sense of newness in this series, considering that the basic plot is pretty similar to every other “kidnapped by the mob” kind of book i’ve read.
so this manages to be really entertaining and weirdly warm, even though it’s all about keeping a captive woman as a slave.
it’s brain candy in a way that it’s not…a world you’re gonna lose yourself in, it’s not extraordinarily well constructed, it’s not a particularly complicated or intricate plot. this is a very basic dark kind-of romance.
but the characters are surprisingly well realized. they have distinct personalities, and they manage to feel shockingly realistic, despite how unhinged the plot is. there’s still some fun creativity and an interesting sense of newness in this series, considering that the basic plot is pretty similar to every other “kidnapped by the mob” kind of book i’ve read.
so this manages to be really entertaining and weirdly warm, even though it’s all about keeping a captive woman as a slave.
March 26, 2025
*** Review ***
Ruining Vanessa by Raissa Donovan & Addison Wolf
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I'm completely hooked.
Ok so once I started to read this I couldn't put it down they guys start to show there more human gentle side in this book however it is very limited and the book is quite possibly darker than the first. I was completely sucked in as I just wanted more and if the next book was out already im certain I would have jumped right in. I'm dying to see more of the guys and learn more about them they really are still bit of a mystery and I am hoping that book 3 we will get to know them, there thoughts and emotion as well as there histories. I enjoyed the writing of this duo and have already been looking at the previous trilogy of the sister which im hoping I can read soon.
Ruining Vanessa by Raissa Donovan & Addison Wolf
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I'm completely hooked.
Ok so once I started to read this I couldn't put it down they guys start to show there more human gentle side in this book however it is very limited and the book is quite possibly darker than the first. I was completely sucked in as I just wanted more and if the next book was out already im certain I would have jumped right in. I'm dying to see more of the guys and learn more about them they really are still bit of a mystery and I am hoping that book 3 we will get to know them, there thoughts and emotion as well as there histories. I enjoyed the writing of this duo and have already been looking at the previous trilogy of the sister which im hoping I can read soon.
December 23, 2022
Psychotic Lover
The second book in Breeding Contempt series by Addison Wolf and Raissa Donovan isn’t ruining the enthusiasm for the readers. Vanessa, the main female character, is starting to speak a little more freely with Damien and Slayer. She, unfortunately, is still a little hesitant with Giulio who’s a little unhinged at times. This book is full of exciting adventure, mystery, suspense, steamy situations with twists and turns that was so riveting I couldn’t put it down until the very last page. I can’t wait to read the next book by these amazing authors. Highly recommended and definitely a MUST read!
The second book in Breeding Contempt series by Addison Wolf and Raissa Donovan isn’t ruining the enthusiasm for the readers. Vanessa, the main female character, is starting to speak a little more freely with Damien and Slayer. She, unfortunately, is still a little hesitant with Giulio who’s a little unhinged at times. This book is full of exciting adventure, mystery, suspense, steamy situations with twists and turns that was so riveting I couldn’t put it down until the very last page. I can’t wait to read the next book by these amazing authors. Highly recommended and definitely a MUST read!
December 23, 2022
I can’t say enough how I loved the growth of the guys in this book! Each one fighting to come to terms with their feelings for Vanessa. Slayer I think we had the most growth from, the way he shows emotion to his internal monologue gives me so much hope for the one person who I did not care for in book one. Giulio coming to terms and caring for his group in his own sick way. Damian telling his secret want for why he wants a baby. Vanessa still needs to find that backbone and come to terms with the world she wills born into, but I think she will soon enough! I look forward to seeing how book 3 plays out and to see what is in store for our poor Vanessa!
December 23, 2022
Pitch black hearts catch feelings!
When warned by the authors that this was darker than the first book, I was disbelieving, but omg, the first third of this was pitch black! I did at one point wonder whether I had actually found my limit, then quickly realised that I absolutely loved it! The confusion that Vanessa feels, how her body betrays her mind was intense and then watching the guys catch feelings for her, without understanding the emotions was funny. Especially when Slayer got jealous, omg, it was so cute! Giulio is still a complete and utter pysch0, but I do kind of love him, Daddy Damien and of course Slayer!
When warned by the authors that this was darker than the first book, I was disbelieving, but omg, the first third of this was pitch black! I did at one point wonder whether I had actually found my limit, then quickly realised that I absolutely loved it! The confusion that Vanessa feels, how her body betrays her mind was intense and then watching the guys catch feelings for her, without understanding the emotions was funny. Especially when Slayer got jealous, omg, it was so cute! Giulio is still a complete and utter pysch0, but I do kind of love him, Daddy Damien and of course Slayer!
March 6, 2023
I had a feeling I wasn’t going to like Giulio any better after reading this book since I’m guessing that’s supposed to be him on the cover of the book (frosted tips and all…need i say more??), and I was right…I’m just not feeling any kind of chemistry towards the h (I realize she’s supposed to struggle with her feelings towards the guys). I feel like Giulio and Damien just lean so far towards being gay (although they are supposedly bi) that I’m really struggling in their interactions with Vanessa…I appreciate that we got a little more insight into Slayer’s character, and even Damian’s somewhat, but Giulio is definitely making this read a struggle.
May 16, 2023
Twisted, cruel boys! But they are changing, they care more, even if they have a fucked up way of showing it.
And poor Vanessa. Her life isn’t easy by any means, but she makes the best of what she’s got. She should have thought about the consequences to her actions, but she is a bit naive and short shighted. She means well, but it rarely works out for her.
I like this story though. More than the first one. I’m looking forward to reading the last one and see how it ends.
Mind the trigger warnings though. There are a lot of them and if you have any you probably shouldn’t read this story. But if you have no problem with twisted, fucked up shit then have at it!
And poor Vanessa. Her life isn’t easy by any means, but she makes the best of what she’s got. She should have thought about the consequences to her actions, but she is a bit naive and short shighted. She means well, but it rarely works out for her.
I like this story though. More than the first one. I’m looking forward to reading the last one and see how it ends.
Mind the trigger warnings though. There are a lot of them and if you have any you probably shouldn’t read this story. But if you have no problem with twisted, fucked up shit then have at it!
July 3, 2023
First 50% of the book, until it reached its crescendo, was amazing. Couldn't put it down. The heroes got to a point with the h that was so irredeemable it was beautiful to read.
And then it all turned to shit, coz what's the point of shocking us readers if the mindless h bounces RIGHT GODDAMN BACK after being treated so horribly. I'm in for a break down and then a slow, gradual rehabilitation.
However, for Vanessa to be STARVING after being TORTURED and seeking comfort in her tormentors (not to mention her ever-orgasming body 😒)- yeah, that's not it.
So i settled for 3stars for three interesting heroes and that's about it.
And then it all turned to shit, coz what's the point of shocking us readers if the mindless h bounces RIGHT GODDAMN BACK after being treated so horribly. I'm in for a break down and then a slow, gradual rehabilitation.
However, for Vanessa to be STARVING after being TORTURED and seeking comfort in her tormentors (not to mention her ever-orgasming body 😒)- yeah, that's not it.
So i settled for 3stars for three interesting heroes and that's about it.
January 30, 2026
not worth the time
I hate this book so much. I literally cannot put into words how atrocious this is. I love dark romance, I love pitch black characters and all the triggers but this makes me want to quit reading all together. It’s cringey and it actually grosses me out. I’m all about pitch black characters but typically I can find some qualities about the main characters that make me actually enjoy the book. I can’t find any about any of the characters that I like. I don’t quit books once I start them, unfortunately for me this is a trilogy so I’m wasting moments of my life that I’ll never get back in order to finish this atrocity.
I hate this book so much. I literally cannot put into words how atrocious this is. I love dark romance, I love pitch black characters and all the triggers but this makes me want to quit reading all together. It’s cringey and it actually grosses me out. I’m all about pitch black characters but typically I can find some qualities about the main characters that make me actually enjoy the book. I can’t find any about any of the characters that I like. I don’t quit books once I start them, unfortunately for me this is a trilogy so I’m wasting moments of my life that I’ll never get back in order to finish this atrocity.
June 13, 2023
I Give this Book a 3.5-4/5 Star Rating, Listing as 4.
Cliffhanger(?): Yes
Relationship Type: MMMF
M/M(?): Yes, it’s still pretty Lite overall though, it’s is sadly still mainly female focused Lol. I really would love to see more action.
Heat: 4/5
Romance: 3/5
Pacing: Mid-Mid Fast
Drama: 4/5
Suspense: 3.5/5
I do wish that I saw more of the darker elements towards Vanessa, and some other darker parts in general but the read overall was pretty good. I did hard a harder time clicking with Vanessa in this one.
After this read, I’ll be reading the Treating Vanessa Novella then the final Book.
December 11, 2022
Every time I think these authors can’t write a book that will make me love it more than the previous, they prove me wrong.
Vanessa isn’t a very strong personality, but she has a quiet kind of strength to still be holding on (which I love in a female main character). The guys are as ruthless as always, but all show a softer side of themselves at times (in as far as they have a soft side).
I can’t wait for book number three!
Vanessa isn’t a very strong personality, but she has a quiet kind of strength to still be holding on (which I love in a female main character). The guys are as ruthless as always, but all show a softer side of themselves at times (in as far as they have a soft side).
I can’t wait for book number three!
December 12, 2022
This is book 2 in a series and let me tell you it gets really down to the nitty gritty of things. It definitely took me by surprise. I found that there was all sorts of twist and turns and varying shades of temperament between the men. But nonetheless it was an excellent story. It is a page turner that kept me interested in the story from the beginning. I look forward to reading what's next in this series.
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