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Breeding Vanessa #3
Keeping Vanessa
I always wanted to be a mother. I just never expected the father to be a mafia man, let alone three of them.
This pregnancy has made Giulio, Damien, and Slayer even more obsessed with me. Damien's eyes hunger every time he sees my pregnant belly. Slayer's hinting that he wants to spend even more time with us. And Giulio goes from affectionate to horrifying at the drop of a dime.
My own feelings for them are confusing and overwhelming. How can I possibly care for these monsters who stole me away from my life?
One thing is certain though: they will leave a bloody trail behind if anybody so much as threatens to take me away from them.
Note: Keeping Vanessa is the final book in the Breeding Vanessa trilogy. Vanessa gives birth approximately halfway through the book, and the guys will deal with fatherhood and mafia politics alike. It is NOT a standalone. This work contains extremely dark themes with potentially triggering content, including torture. Please review the content notes at the authors' websites.
This pregnancy has made Giulio, Damien, and Slayer even more obsessed with me. Damien's eyes hunger every time he sees my pregnant belly. Slayer's hinting that he wants to spend even more time with us. And Giulio goes from affectionate to horrifying at the drop of a dime.
My own feelings for them are confusing and overwhelming. How can I possibly care for these monsters who stole me away from my life?
One thing is certain though: they will leave a bloody trail behind if anybody so much as threatens to take me away from them.
Note: Keeping Vanessa is the final book in the Breeding Vanessa trilogy. Vanessa gives birth approximately halfway through the book, and the guys will deal with fatherhood and mafia politics alike. It is NOT a standalone. This work contains extremely dark themes with potentially triggering content, including torture. Please review the content notes at the authors' websites.
374 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 28, 2023
About the author
Raissa Donovan
19 books146 followersThere is a certain beauty in writing from the depths of darkness and despair, and Raissa has found catharsis in the abyss. Author of over 100 books of varying sizes and darkness levels, she revels in those moments when she gets to truly let loose and frolic in the toxic, twisted playground of her brain. (It's okay. She's fine. Really.) When she's not writing, editing, or endlessly playing the same video game over and over, she can be found... well... That's about it. She's a creature of habit like that.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
April 27, 2023
Keeping Vanessa is the third and final book in the Breeding Contempt series and maaaan was this sooooo freaking good. THIS CANNOT BE READ AS A STANDALONE, IT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED TO START WITH LUCIA'S STORY. I literally binge read this last night until my eyes got tired and first thing this morning. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS SERIES. Just a reminder, THIS ISN'T FOR THE FAINT OF HEART AND IS NOT SUITABLE FOR EVERYONE! Throughout this whole series, Vanessa has been through hell and the guys love her in their own twisted way. I'm honestly not one for pregnancy books, but if done right, like this one, I will devour it. What a way to end this trilogy!
November 10, 2024
❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
😈😈
🥵🥵
Great ending, check triggers this one’s very dark
💋💋
😈😈
🥵🥵
Great ending, check triggers this one’s very dark
April 30, 2023
Edit: So for overall series I would give ~4⭐ book 1 - 4⭐, book 2 - 4⭐, book 3 - 3.5⭐. I feel like rounding up as they remain true to their characters for most part and the characters as despicable as they sometimes are, are true to themselves for most part. 🤷♀️
Gah, I have a lot of respect for these authors as they write very uniquely and are lovely people to interact with, which is actually a big thing for me. This is dark romance and certainly with true anti-heroes but as always, it's fascinating and sucks you in, regardless of how ..ergh ..deplorable.. the characters are.
The writing was good as always and I literally finished this in about 24 hours.
But...
There was no resolution or explanation why Vanessa falls in love with them! It lacked that development point!
Do I believe they love her in the end? Yes!
She supposedly loves them... But.. Why does she love them?..erghhh, I genuinely don't know!
They did all sorts of horrible stuff to her in the previous books and then in this one they just decided to be "decent" and that's it? Ofc, they saved her when she was kidnapped, I do believe they love her.. but she already loved them at that point already.
I guess my confusion is because none of it undoes anything they did before, and just I couldn't believe that everything they did just stopped bothering her? They are certainly not the type to grovel, but there was no moment anywhere where they realised what they did to her, not a twitch in their heart pretty much. Also the s€x trafficking point still remained unaddressed - she just let them do that when they sold her "friend" and when they now have a daughter? Really wish that was addressed..
Also Elena's point/story in here feels unaddressed, especially with how she snitched on Vanessa in last book..
Damian is still a mystery, and actually dislike him the most as he doesn't feel genuine about her. Well to me anyway.
Giulio is a true psycho, but at least I could feel for him. And actually liked him to an extent at the end.
Same with Slayer. I believed in him too. Well still wish the cabin was addressed by him. Even if I didn't expect that from Giulio.
So to recap...It's Damien that makes it most frustrating for me, as I think that everything was due to him, so just wanted, at some point for something to click for him and realise how he made her feel, what he did to her. It was just lacking feeling from him.
Anyway, this book is certainly well crafted as keeps me asking these things and thinking..
And, as always, it's witty, dark, steamy and humorous with all the "role play" (🤣🤣). But just those 3 things reeaallly needed addressing for me here.
Anyway, look forward to the next series from these authors.
And I will have to reflect on rating for this series.. just don't know atm🙈
Gah, I have a lot of respect for these authors as they write very uniquely and are lovely people to interact with, which is actually a big thing for me. This is dark romance and certainly with true anti-heroes but as always, it's fascinating and sucks you in, regardless of how ..ergh ..deplorable.. the characters are.
The writing was good as always and I literally finished this in about 24 hours.
But...
There was no resolution or explanation why Vanessa falls in love with them! It lacked that development point!
Do I believe they love her in the end? Yes!
She supposedly loves them... But.. Why does she love them?..erghhh, I genuinely don't know!
They did all sorts of horrible stuff to her in the previous books and then in this one they just decided to be "decent" and that's it? Ofc, they saved her when she was kidnapped, I do believe they love her.. but she already loved them at that point already.
I guess my confusion is because none of it undoes anything they did before, and just I couldn't believe that everything they did just stopped bothering her? They are certainly not the type to grovel, but there was no moment anywhere where they realised what they did to her, not a twitch in their heart pretty much. Also the s€x trafficking point still remained unaddressed - she just let them do that when they sold her "friend" and when they now have a daughter? Really wish that was addressed..
Also Elena's point/story in here feels unaddressed, especially with how she snitched on Vanessa in last book..
Damian is still a mystery, and actually dislike him the most as he doesn't feel genuine about her. Well to me anyway.
Giulio is a true psycho, but at least I could feel for him. And actually liked him to an extent at the end.
Same with Slayer. I believed in him too. Well still wish the cabin was addressed by him. Even if I didn't expect that from Giulio.
So to recap...It's Damien that makes it most frustrating for me, as I think that everything was due to him, so just wanted, at some point for something to click for him and realise how he made her feel, what he did to her. It was just lacking feeling from him.
Anyway, this book is certainly well crafted as keeps me asking these things and thinking..
And, as always, it's witty, dark, steamy and humorous with all the "role play" (🤣🤣). But just those 3 things reeaallly needed addressing for me here.
Anyway, look forward to the next series from these authors.
And I will have to reflect on rating for this series.. just don't know atm🙈
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 28, 2023
What a conclusion. I don’t know how they do it, but somehow Donovan and Wolf write these deplorable characters that you end up loving. Although, I will say that we get to see a more vulnerable side to Giulio, Damien and Slayer in Keeping Vanessa.
After all she’s been through, Vanessa gets to add forced birth to the list. She also has more of a backbone in this book than we’ve previously seen and I loved that for her. To be completely honest, I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about Vanessa throughout this series. But there is a certain strength that comes from doing whatever you have to do to survive. Vanessa does that in spades throughout the series. Giulio, Damien and Slayer all have their pros and cons, mostly cons, but I digress. Each showcases those throughout but I have to say, I was particularly enamored with Slayer’s level of vulnerability here. The whole birth scene was just a delightful Slayer snapshot.
After the baby is born, we get to see more sides of the men. We also see Vanessa truly embracing what and who she is. There are so many facets to each character that it really is amazing that they are written so well. Just when you think you dislike all of them, you start to think maybe they aren’t that bad. lol That’s good writing there. Watching these three men swoop in like avenging angels to keep Vanessa was fantastic. There were just so many great aspects of this book and series. It truly has been spectacular.
After all she’s been through, Vanessa gets to add forced birth to the list. She also has more of a backbone in this book than we’ve previously seen and I loved that for her. To be completely honest, I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about Vanessa throughout this series. But there is a certain strength that comes from doing whatever you have to do to survive. Vanessa does that in spades throughout the series. Giulio, Damien and Slayer all have their pros and cons, mostly cons, but I digress. Each showcases those throughout but I have to say, I was particularly enamored with Slayer’s level of vulnerability here. The whole birth scene was just a delightful Slayer snapshot.
After the baby is born, we get to see more sides of the men. We also see Vanessa truly embracing what and who she is. There are so many facets to each character that it really is amazing that they are written so well. Just when you think you dislike all of them, you start to think maybe they aren’t that bad. lol That’s good writing there. Watching these three men swoop in like avenging angels to keep Vanessa was fantastic. There were just so many great aspects of this book and series. It truly has been spectacular.
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 7, 2023
- Heroine: Vanessa
- Harem: Giulio, Damien, Slayer
- POVs Included: Multiple POVs (Vanessa, Giulio, Damien, Slayer)
- Book Playlist (Italian Mafia Romance Book Playlist)
-----------------------------------
-----------------------------------
SUMMARY: (SPOILER WARNING)
Vanessa is due to deliver any day now. As her and the guys move in together and the feelings between them grow, so does their family.
But everything isn’t rainbows and sunshine. They are having some issues with a once-allied family who seems like they’re becoming an enemy. Slayer is having conflicting feelings about remaining a cop. And they are all learning how to be a family with their new baby in toe.
-----------------------------------
-----------------------------------
REVIEW:
The conclusion of Vanessa’s story was good. But definitely not as good as the first two books.
It was (in my opinion) a lot slower paced and on top of that longer (page wise). There wasn’t a whole lot of action until the very end. And the guys are a lot more tame towards Vanessa, which is good since this is the conclusion of their story, but also meant a lot less of the darker kinks in play from the previous books.
I also felt like (as with Lucia’s books) we finished off with far too little backstory for each of the guys. Sure, we know some. But we don’t really get to learn many other things, like:
- How did Slayer and Giulio first meet? It doesn’t sound like Slayer started off as a corrupt cop, but we never learn how they first met and how they ended up friends.
- For that matter what about Giulio and Damien? We know Damien was Giulio’s father, Emilio’s, consigliere. But at what point (and how) did Damien and Giulio start a relationship with each other?
- What about the mysterious ex girlfriend who hurt Giulio and closed him off to women? We never get to find out about her more.
- I also would’ve loved a more serious moment from Giulio explaining how he ended up the way he is. I love his personality, but it’s clear he uses humor as a form of armor, and I would’ve loved to have a serious moment with him talking about this and his childhood in general.
There are also a lot of other questions and plot lines left hanging. Like:
- Elena. Why did she act the way she did towards Vanessa? If I didn’t know any better I’d say she was jealous of her and Giulio. I found her behavior very strange and confusing and I would’ve loved some closure and understanding there.
- Why did Giulio close Ntimacy? Did he close his other strip clubs too? Is he getting out of the skin trade altogether? This just…happened. But none of it was explained.
- Were the suspicions surrounding Giulio murdering Nilo with the police dropped? I guess so, but it would’ve been nice if this would’ve been wrapped up better.
- Who is the biological father of Pandora?! I really thought we would find out and it would end up being (surprisingly) Damien! Was really hoping for this, especially with Vanessa craving spicy things like Damien likes during pregnancy. Would’ve been a cool twist.
In the end I liked how they came together and formed an alliance with Victor Corvi. I was hoping for that to happen. But I gotta say, I really didn’t like how Lucia acted towards Vanessa wanting to stay with them. Seriously? Like her situation was that different? I liked Lucia in her series, but this really annoyed me and her reaction seems very hypocritical to me.
Still I enjoyed the book overall, but not as much as the first two. I like Vanessa and her guys and I thought the authors did a good job gradually softening them TOWARDS VANESSA but not necessarily changing their dark personalities (which I liked). I’d recommend the series to fans of DARK mafia RH romance.
- Harem: Giulio, Damien, Slayer
- POVs Included: Multiple POVs (Vanessa, Giulio, Damien, Slayer)
- Book Playlist (Italian Mafia Romance Book Playlist)
-----------------------------------
-----------------------------------
SUMMARY: (SPOILER WARNING)
Vanessa is due to deliver any day now. As her and the guys move in together and the feelings between them grow, so does their family.
But everything isn’t rainbows and sunshine. They are having some issues with a once-allied family who seems like they’re becoming an enemy. Slayer is having conflicting feelings about remaining a cop. And they are all learning how to be a family with their new baby in toe.
-----------------------------------
-----------------------------------
REVIEW:
The conclusion of Vanessa’s story was good. But definitely not as good as the first two books.
It was (in my opinion) a lot slower paced and on top of that longer (page wise). There wasn’t a whole lot of action until the very end. And the guys are a lot more tame towards Vanessa, which is good since this is the conclusion of their story, but also meant a lot less of the darker kinks in play from the previous books.
I also felt like (as with Lucia’s books) we finished off with far too little backstory for each of the guys. Sure, we know some. But we don’t really get to learn many other things, like:
- How did Slayer and Giulio first meet? It doesn’t sound like Slayer started off as a corrupt cop, but we never learn how they first met and how they ended up friends.
- For that matter what about Giulio and Damien? We know Damien was Giulio’s father, Emilio’s, consigliere. But at what point (and how) did Damien and Giulio start a relationship with each other?
- What about the mysterious ex girlfriend who hurt Giulio and closed him off to women? We never get to find out about her more.
- I also would’ve loved a more serious moment from Giulio explaining how he ended up the way he is. I love his personality, but it’s clear he uses humor as a form of armor, and I would’ve loved to have a serious moment with him talking about this and his childhood in general.
There are also a lot of other questions and plot lines left hanging. Like:
- Elena. Why did she act the way she did towards Vanessa? If I didn’t know any better I’d say she was jealous of her and Giulio. I found her behavior very strange and confusing and I would’ve loved some closure and understanding there.
- Why did Giulio close Ntimacy? Did he close his other strip clubs too? Is he getting out of the skin trade altogether? This just…happened. But none of it was explained.
- Were the suspicions surrounding Giulio murdering Nilo with the police dropped? I guess so, but it would’ve been nice if this would’ve been wrapped up better.
- Who is the biological father of Pandora?! I really thought we would find out and it would end up being (surprisingly) Damien! Was really hoping for this, especially with Vanessa craving spicy things like Damien likes during pregnancy. Would’ve been a cool twist.
In the end I liked how they came together and formed an alliance with Victor Corvi. I was hoping for that to happen. But I gotta say, I really didn’t like how Lucia acted towards Vanessa wanting to stay with them. Seriously? Like her situation was that different? I liked Lucia in her series, but this really annoyed me and her reaction seems very hypocritical to me.
Still I enjoyed the book overall, but not as much as the first two. I like Vanessa and her guys and I thought the authors did a good job gradually softening them TOWARDS VANESSA but not necessarily changing their dark personalities (which I liked). I’d recommend the series to fans of DARK mafia RH romance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 16, 2025
Final book.
Vanessa has had the baby and is now trying to navigate life as a mother with three unhinged jerks as her baby daddies.
If you’ve read my other reviews, I will say, that this book is where some feelings change for the characters.
Giulio seems to actually mellow out a little now his baby and baby mama are okay. He is still a jerk, but for the most part, he’s not half bad.
Slayer starts to genuinely feel something for Vanessa and laments several times that he feels left out of the group dynamics. Also-I will say-the constant teasing he gets over his dick size pisses me off. Obviously, most of us read these romance books for the super ripped, super hung dudes who will bend to their girl’s every whim. I like the fact he was realistically written in that he wasn’t some type of horse-cock super soldier. But to talk about it almost constantly drove me insane.
Damien really did settle into the family man role well. He doted on Vanessa, and was dedicated to being a real father to Pandora despite having to rein in Giulio when he went off the rails.
I rated this book three stars because the dynamics of the characters changed to more caring and genuine instead of just treating Vanessa like she was nothing more than a vessel to carry a child like in the first book. I felt like they finally saw her as a person and cared about her, especially when shit went down towards the end.
The final role play spicy scene was hilarious and I giggled along with the characters because this time, they had costumes. If anything, Giulio is dedicated to the bit. I’ll give him that at least. I did like that Lucia finally tried to step in and save her sister, but it made me frustrated that she waited so long to do it. Again, I haven’t read her trilogy so I can’t say for sure why she didn’t and I’ll allow that my review on that may not be accurate.
So final thoughts.
If you like pitch black captive romances, complete with Stockholm syndrome, then this trilogy might be what you like. Crossing swords, some M/M action, actual affection and genuine interactions that gave me warm fuzzies. (Let’s be real, PP is a real bitch to get through for any woman and the fact the guys told Vanessa over and over that she was beautiful and desirable despite everything they did to her gave me hope.)
I hope you enjoy the review even if you didn’t enjoy the series.
Vanessa has had the baby and is now trying to navigate life as a mother with three unhinged jerks as her baby daddies.
If you’ve read my other reviews, I will say, that this book is where some feelings change for the characters.
Giulio seems to actually mellow out a little now his baby and baby mama are okay. He is still a jerk, but for the most part, he’s not half bad.
Slayer starts to genuinely feel something for Vanessa and laments several times that he feels left out of the group dynamics. Also-I will say-the constant teasing he gets over his dick size pisses me off. Obviously, most of us read these romance books for the super ripped, super hung dudes who will bend to their girl’s every whim. I like the fact he was realistically written in that he wasn’t some type of horse-cock super soldier. But to talk about it almost constantly drove me insane.
Damien really did settle into the family man role well. He doted on Vanessa, and was dedicated to being a real father to Pandora despite having to rein in Giulio when he went off the rails.
I rated this book three stars because the dynamics of the characters changed to more caring and genuine instead of just treating Vanessa like she was nothing more than a vessel to carry a child like in the first book. I felt like they finally saw her as a person and cared about her, especially when shit went down towards the end.
The final role play spicy scene was hilarious and I giggled along with the characters because this time, they had costumes. If anything, Giulio is dedicated to the bit. I’ll give him that at least. I did like that Lucia finally tried to step in and save her sister, but it made me frustrated that she waited so long to do it. Again, I haven’t read her trilogy so I can’t say for sure why she didn’t and I’ll allow that my review on that may not be accurate.
So final thoughts.
If you like pitch black captive romances, complete with Stockholm syndrome, then this trilogy might be what you like. Crossing swords, some M/M action, actual affection and genuine interactions that gave me warm fuzzies. (Let’s be real, PP is a real bitch to get through for any woman and the fact the guys told Vanessa over and over that she was beautiful and desirable despite everything they did to her gave me hope.)
I hope you enjoy the review even if you didn’t enjoy the series.
May 7, 2023
Amazing ending
I had strong mixed feelings about this book. At the end, I think it is a 5 stars read for me regardless any issue I had.
The plot was brilliant. I loved it, mostly the events that start going on around the second half of it. The characters, every single one of them were amazing. Even the secondary characters seem so interesting that they had me wondering a lot about them, even if they were showing up just for brief moments. Along all characters, at least on this instalment, the most captivating character price goes to Giulio. It most be all that angst or his insane personality, but it was a joy to read him.
What I didn't liked about, well I guess Im the only one to blame about it because I knew what I was getting myself into and I still choose to read . I had a huge problem with all the pregnancy and baby issues, to the point I thought of stop reading. It has nothing to do with the writing, but is a particular subject I don't enjoy reading, so I guess no one else will have problems with it.
Overall the amazing ending wnd up fixing any issue i had with it, so I wouldnt hesitate recomending it. I guess who is reading book 3, might not have issues with gore so I bet a warning about it is not needed, but just in case anyone does have issue, beware with this one, it might be the darkest along the 3 of the series.
I had strong mixed feelings about this book. At the end, I think it is a 5 stars read for me regardless any issue I had.
The plot was brilliant. I loved it, mostly the events that start going on around the second half of it. The characters, every single one of them were amazing. Even the secondary characters seem so interesting that they had me wondering a lot about them, even if they were showing up just for brief moments. Along all characters, at least on this instalment, the most captivating character price goes to Giulio. It most be all that angst or his insane personality, but it was a joy to read him.
What I didn't liked about, well I guess Im the only one to blame about it because I knew what I was getting myself into and I still choose to read . I had a huge problem with all the pregnancy and baby issues, to the point I thought of stop reading. It has nothing to do with the writing, but is a particular subject I don't enjoy reading, so I guess no one else will have problems with it.
Overall the amazing ending wnd up fixing any issue i had with it, so I wouldnt hesitate recomending it. I guess who is reading book 3, might not have issues with gore so I bet a warning about it is not needed, but just in case anyone does have issue, beware with this one, it might be the darkest along the 3 of the series.
May 19, 2023
Wow, what an ending to this trilogy! I loved it. It’s my favorite out of Vanessa’s books. I honestly like Vanessa so much better than Lucia, and I really didn’t think I would from what we heard about her from Lucia’s trilogy. I like how Vanessa grows so much throughout these books.
I loved how the guys showed their feelings more and more throughout the story. I love each of them, but I think maybe Slayer is my favorite just because he’s a little bit more sweet than the others. I love Giulio’s humor though! It’s twisted and not always apparent if he’s joking or not, but he’s scary fierce when it comes to Vanessa and Pandora. And it’s so adorable to see. Damien I still have a bit of a difficulty getting a true read on. I like how into Vanessa he is, and how he loves Pandora. And it’s so sweet for him that he finally got his family. I would like a bit more of him, but oh well. I still love them all.
As with the other books in this trilogy - if you have triggers, maybe avoid these books. It has a lot of them! But if you don’t have a problem with dark and twisted shit - go for it! It’s an amazing ride.
I loved how the guys showed their feelings more and more throughout the story. I love each of them, but I think maybe Slayer is my favorite just because he’s a little bit more sweet than the others. I love Giulio’s humor though! It’s twisted and not always apparent if he’s joking or not, but he’s scary fierce when it comes to Vanessa and Pandora. And it’s so adorable to see. Damien I still have a bit of a difficulty getting a true read on. I like how into Vanessa he is, and how he loves Pandora. And it’s so sweet for him that he finally got his family. I would like a bit more of him, but oh well. I still love them all.
As with the other books in this trilogy - if you have triggers, maybe avoid these books. It has a lot of them! But if you don’t have a problem with dark and twisted shit - go for it! It’s an amazing ride.
March 3, 2026
This one was not as good as the first 2 but I still enjoyed it. I think it’s because the angst wasn’t really there. To be fair Vanessa is about to pop and does give birth and loses her fight imo. Damian is still my fave and this book made my dislike for guilo grow. He is so childish and unsafe with his own child. I didnt like how when they were in the hospital after Vanessa gave birth he named the baby Pandora, which isn’t a bad name, but that wasn’t the name Vanessa wanted and she even said she doesn’t want that name. Vanessa didn’t really fight other than a couple sentences, but she did just give birth so I’ll give her some slack. I still feel bad for her because her situation is very sad and unfair. Also slayer was so annoying too. How are you gonna be upset at the other three for living in the townhome and acting like a family but then you don’t do anything to put yourself in a position to be a part of that family and you don’t even say anything to anybody you just kind of react. 2 childish men smh Damian could never but he does bow down too guilo and doesn’t really stand up for Vanessa or the child against him so 3 losers tbh.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 28, 2023
I have been a fan of these writers since the start of Lucia's trilogy, so I knew Vanessa's story with the three terrors, Giulio, Damien and Slayer, was going to be a compelling read.
The first two books were great, and this conclusion is what I've been desperately waiting for, and definitely DID NOT disappoint. I know it's a why choose scenario, but I find myself bouncing from one man to the other, like oh yeah, no it's definitely him, and then another one wins me over.
The character evolution in this series is off the charts amazing, and the depth of change and growth just in this one book was mindblowing. Each character is so complex, and seeing each of them adapt to their new life with the pregnancy, and then the baby, was such a journey. I already know I'll be doing a full reread to immerse myself once more in this world, because I'm SO not ready for it to be over.
I honestly can't recommend these books enough. They're perfection.
The first two books were great, and this conclusion is what I've been desperately waiting for, and definitely DID NOT disappoint. I know it's a why choose scenario, but I find myself bouncing from one man to the other, like oh yeah, no it's definitely him, and then another one wins me over.
The character evolution in this series is off the charts amazing, and the depth of change and growth just in this one book was mindblowing. Each character is so complex, and seeing each of them adapt to their new life with the pregnancy, and then the baby, was such a journey. I already know I'll be doing a full reread to immerse myself once more in this world, because I'm SO not ready for it to be over.
I honestly can't recommend these books enough. They're perfection.
April 28, 2023
Keeping Vanessa is the final book in this series and let me say that it doesn’t disappoint.
We got to see a softer side to Guilo in this book which really surprised me. Yes, he’s still a nut job but I think it is because he doesn’t know how to act in a “loving” environment.
Damien is waaay OTT fussing like a helicopter (parent/boyfriend???) but I thought it was quiet endearing. He really just wanted a family and he got exactly that.
Slayer, I wasn’t sure what to make of him. I really, really didn’t like him in the previous books but he kinda grew on me. He finally found his place in their “relationship” and I think he just needed to know that he was wanted.
And Vanessa…my girl grew a backbone! I was so happy for her. I think that baby “P” really was what these 4 crazy people needed.
We got to see a softer side to Guilo in this book which really surprised me. Yes, he’s still a nut job but I think it is because he doesn’t know how to act in a “loving” environment.
Damien is waaay OTT fussing like a helicopter (parent/boyfriend???) but I thought it was quiet endearing. He really just wanted a family and he got exactly that.
Slayer, I wasn’t sure what to make of him. I really, really didn’t like him in the previous books but he kinda grew on me. He finally found his place in their “relationship” and I think he just needed to know that he was wanted.
And Vanessa…my girl grew a backbone! I was so happy for her. I think that baby “P” really was what these 4 crazy people needed.
May 7, 2023
Omg these ladies nailed this final book. This is the book we've been waiting on for a lil while now and mercy was it so worth the wait.
Well I was wondering if Guilio feeling's towards Vanessa would change, because you could never get a read on what he was thinking. But that's not the only thing as thank's to a stupid act now a gang war is coming and Vanessa and the baby are in the midst of it. That's all I'm saying I'd dont want to give thing's away. You just need to grab it for yourself. This isn't a standalone, so you'll need to start with book 1 Claiming Vanessa.
There was so many thing's going on left and right and some surprises as well. You couldnt help but stay glued to the pages to see how thing's were going to be played out. I'm going to miss Guilio's roleplaying, but I'm guessing Vanessa won't lol.
Well I was wondering if Guilio feeling's towards Vanessa would change, because you could never get a read on what he was thinking. But that's not the only thing as thank's to a stupid act now a gang war is coming and Vanessa and the baby are in the midst of it. That's all I'm saying I'd dont want to give thing's away. You just need to grab it for yourself. This isn't a standalone, so you'll need to start with book 1 Claiming Vanessa.
There was so many thing's going on left and right and some surprises as well. You couldnt help but stay glued to the pages to see how thing's were going to be played out. I'm going to miss Guilio's roleplaying, but I'm guessing Vanessa won't lol.
April 12, 2024
one thing about damien, guilio and slayer is that they will stick who they are. fuckers really didn't aplogized and was an asshole till the end.
guilio and his roleplay sex, damien with his dire need to become a father and slayer who just wants to fit in, every single one of them has something unique about them which was them so loveable (i know i can't believe it either).
vanessa, although i know you can't stand up to these three mean people, at least you saw the bright side if thing and found the positive things in each of your boys (may be limited but it's still there). just know you will always be loved bu guilio for sure.
the plot was intricate and it had a lot of details into it. it sweeps you in from the start and it will get you hooked from then on.
i will say though that lucia's story is a little better, but i loved the breeding and lactation kink in this one A LOT.
guilio and his roleplay sex, damien with his dire need to become a father and slayer who just wants to fit in, every single one of them has something unique about them which was them so loveable (i know i can't believe it either).
vanessa, although i know you can't stand up to these three mean people, at least you saw the bright side if thing and found the positive things in each of your boys (may be limited but it's still there). just know you will always be loved bu guilio for sure.
the plot was intricate and it had a lot of details into it. it sweeps you in from the start and it will get you hooked from then on.
i will say though that lucia's story is a little better, but i loved the breeding and lactation kink in this one A LOT.
April 26, 2023
Yet another great book! So far, they’re 6 out of 6 for me.
I love that we see a lot of the pregnancy, since that usually gets a bit glossed over in books. But not here! Vanessa has changed throughout the pregnancy, and I love it. While she’s still scared of the guys, she’s accepted that this is her life and she can’t get away so she’d better learn to like the few benefits. I love how the guys are written, they feel like real (although deranged) people.
I also loved seeing the baby, and how they were integrated into the story. Again, a lot of books kind of try to push the baby a bit to the background after they’re born, but here that’s not the case!
I was on the edge of my seat at a couple of scenes/moments and it really was such a wild ride.
I love that we see a lot of the pregnancy, since that usually gets a bit glossed over in books. But not here! Vanessa has changed throughout the pregnancy, and I love it. While she’s still scared of the guys, she’s accepted that this is her life and she can’t get away so she’d better learn to like the few benefits. I love how the guys are written, they feel like real (although deranged) people.
I also loved seeing the baby, and how they were integrated into the story. Again, a lot of books kind of try to push the baby a bit to the background after they’re born, but here that’s not the case!
I was on the edge of my seat at a couple of scenes/moments and it really was such a wild ride.
April 25, 2023
I absolutely loved this series of books, right from the start l so invested in Vanessa story. At the start l kind of hated the guys, Vanessa goes through so much. But as you get into the story my opinions kept changing, one minute l hated them, then loved them, they hated them again lol.
It was so nice seeing them all come together and the birth of the baby, no spoilers !! l did laugh at slayer lol 😆
You could see the love building between them.
Please read this book you won't regret it x
It was so nice seeing them all come together and the birth of the baby, no spoilers !! l did laugh at slayer lol 😆
You could see the love building between them.
Please read this book you won't regret it x
April 27, 2023
This writing duo is amazing!
This isn't every reader's cup of tea, and I worry about myself for about 10 seconds!
This is most definitely dark! But, even so, I found myself swooning for these mafia men and… I'm not going to say so you can enjoy!
Each man finds a way to endear himself to Vanessa and this reader!
Love Giulio's protectiveness! I'm thinking Vanessa may be able to help him heal!
I don't want this world to end, so, I hope we'll be hearing more about the Bellini women!
This isn't every reader's cup of tea, and I worry about myself for about 10 seconds!
This is most definitely dark! But, even so, I found myself swooning for these mafia men and… I'm not going to say so you can enjoy!
Each man finds a way to endear himself to Vanessa and this reader!
Love Giulio's protectiveness! I'm thinking Vanessa may be able to help him heal!
I don't want this world to end, so, I hope we'll be hearing more about the Bellini women!
May 12, 2023
Unbroken Circle
Addison Wolf and Raissa Donovan’s third book in their Breeding Contempt series came full circle and ended with a sigh of relief and contentment. The way these authors have written this series makes you feel as if the characters are actual living beings that really make you feel for them. I loved how Vanessa’s men finally showed their true love for her. This book has plenty of exciting adventure, suspense and steamy situations so riveting I couldn’t put it down until the very last page. Highly recommended and definitely a MUST read!
Addison Wolf and Raissa Donovan’s third book in their Breeding Contempt series came full circle and ended with a sigh of relief and contentment. The way these authors have written this series makes you feel as if the characters are actual living beings that really make you feel for them. I loved how Vanessa’s men finally showed their true love for her. This book has plenty of exciting adventure, suspense and steamy situations so riveting I couldn’t put it down until the very last page. Highly recommended and definitely a MUST read!
June 15, 2023
I Give this Book a 3.5/5 Star Rating, Listing as 4.
HEA(?): Yes
Relationship Type: RH>Reverse Harem: MMMF
M/M(?): MM Lite, I wish there had been more focus on the guy’s relationship, I feel like it was needed. And therefore with it being mainly Female Focused, the group as a whole kinda suffered in its own way.
Heat: 4/5
Romance: 3.5-4/5
Dark(?): 2/5, but this may be darker for others.
Pacing: Mid Fast
Drama: 3.5/5
Suspense: 2.5/5
I do feel like a big section of their story is missing, and getting to really know the characters, but as it is, it’s still not bad. I still loved it.
HEA(?): Yes
Relationship Type: RH>Reverse Harem: MMMF
M/M(?): MM Lite, I wish there had been more focus on the guy’s relationship, I feel like it was needed. And therefore with it being mainly Female Focused, the group as a whole kinda suffered in its own way.
Heat: 4/5
Romance: 3.5-4/5
Dark(?): 2/5, but this may be darker for others.
Pacing: Mid Fast
Drama: 3.5/5
Suspense: 2.5/5
I do feel like a big section of their story is missing, and getting to really know the characters, but as it is, it’s still not bad. I still loved it.
May 4, 2023
I was so excited to finish this series, I was not disappointed. I'm not gonna be specific because I don't want to spoil anything. I love the evolution of all the characters relationships. Not just their relationship with Vanessa but with each other. I love that I can never guess what is going to happen next and end up staying up way to late because I just couldn't put it down! These books are dark and taboo but if you don't have triggers I'd definitely jump into this series!
February 15, 2025
Love makes an appearance
Book 3 of this series really showed the development of the relationships between Canessa, Guilio, Damien, and Slayer. Their feelings became clearer, and while there was no redemption for past actions, there was acceptance and resolution.
I really liked how the guys ended up being with Vanessa. I thought they were all absolutely cooked in the first book, so by the time I got through book 3, I was pleasantly surprised.
Book 3 of this series really showed the development of the relationships between Canessa, Guilio, Damien, and Slayer. Their feelings became clearer, and while there was no redemption for past actions, there was acceptance and resolution.
I really liked how the guys ended up being with Vanessa. I thought they were all absolutely cooked in the first book, so by the time I got through book 3, I was pleasantly surprised.
July 14, 2025
Now, it was a good book; I wish it were longer or had one more book to it. Vanessa is still a good character and has found love with her men after everything. Her men fell in love with her.
Book 3 of this series showed the development of the relationships between Vanessa, Guilio, Damien, and Slayer. Their feelings became clearer, and while there was no redemption for past actions, there was acceptance and resolution.
There's not a lot of smut in this book because Vanessa gives birth midway through. This book was quite good, and I wish it were longer or that there was one more installment. Vanessa remains a strong character and has found love with her partners after everything that has happened.
Book 3 of this series showed the development of the relationships between Vanessa, Guilio, Damien, and Slayer. Their feelings became clearer, and while there was no redemption for past actions, there was acceptance and resolution.
There's not a lot of smut in this book because Vanessa gives birth midway through. This book was quite good, and I wish it were longer or that there was one more installment. Vanessa remains a strong character and has found love with her partners after everything that has happened.
April 26, 2023
What a way to end this trilogy. The emotions, the chemistry, the craziness of those men, make it a book you can't put down. I love how Vanessa's pregnancy was handled. Man they packed some good plot twists into this one. I loved seeing the bonds evolve between Vanessa, Guilo, Damon and Slayer. They are their own unique twisted family. Love love love it!
April 28, 2023
I received a copy of this book.
Woah. There is so much packed into this book. You need to have read the first two books and characters from the Spoils of Victory trilogy.
Vanessa has come into her own. The guys show their soft(er)side. The baddies are still around and bad.The warnings are there for a reason.
Woah. There is so much packed into this book. You need to have read the first two books and characters from the Spoils of Victory trilogy.
Vanessa has come into her own. The guys show their soft(er)side. The baddies are still around and bad.The warnings are there for a reason.
May 1, 2023
Great ending
This was a great series. Rey dark to start, but ended so well. I loved watching the guys fall in love with Vanessa. It took a long time for Vanessa to feel the same way, which was expected after all they put her through. The action towards the end was suspenseful but a little dark. Loved this series
This was a great series. Rey dark to start, but ended so well. I loved watching the guys fall in love with Vanessa. It took a long time for Vanessa to feel the same way, which was expected after all they put her through. The action towards the end was suspenseful but a little dark. Loved this series
September 20, 2023
Wow, just wow.
This series is incredible. The character development is SO well done and I think this series has some of the best dialogue/banter I have read in this genre.
This final book had me at the edge of my seat and I could barely put it down. There is a solid plot, hot sex, great dialogue, and a HEA. This whole series is also very well written.
Would highly recommend!
This series is incredible. The character development is SO well done and I think this series has some of the best dialogue/banter I have read in this genre.
This final book had me at the edge of my seat and I could barely put it down. There is a solid plot, hot sex, great dialogue, and a HEA. This whole series is also very well written.
Would highly recommend!
May 2, 2024
Wow what a ride!!
This has been an amazing read!
It's dark and so very delicious! Definitely not for the faint of heart that's for sure, so if you have issues with dubious and straight out no no then you probably don't want to read this universe at all. Hehe.
Personally I have absolutely loved it and I can't wait to read more.
This has been an amazing read!
It's dark and so very delicious! Definitely not for the faint of heart that's for sure, so if you have issues with dubious and straight out no no then you probably don't want to read this universe at all. Hehe.
Personally I have absolutely loved it and I can't wait to read more.
May 15, 2024
I'm so sad these books are over now, and they were a fucking ride that's for sure. If something like this happened to me though I would def take the easy way out if you know what I mean. The shit Vanessa went through?? Nah, unacceptable.
Five stars for the trilogy as a whole because I did eat this shit up.
Five stars for the trilogy as a whole because I did eat this shit up.
April 30, 2023
Ohhh man. This is everything I wanted for the end. I really liked all the characters this book. It took a long time for me to come around to Vanessa, but this book did it. I love how these 4 have figured things out. Lots of feelings in this one, surprised new a bit.
May 5, 2023
Was very excited to get the last book in this trilogy and this book did not disappoint. I was happy to finally see the three men treat Vanessa as one of their own. No wonder it was a “why only choose one” cause all three men definitely won me over!
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