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Razors & Ruin: A Dark Romance Sweeney Todd Retelling
The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, retold as the darkest of dark romances.
Sweeney
Ten years of exile left me a hollow shell. Now I’m back with a new name, ready to tear apart every soul who wronged me.
But when I set foot inside a place from my past, there she is.
Nellie Lovett. I barely remember her, but she remembers me. God, does she remember.
There’s devotion but also true madness in her eyes. To me, she’s useful. Nothing more.
I don’t need her. I don’t need anyone.
If Nellie wants to worship the broken pieces of who I was, let her. I’ll take what I want until there’s nothing left of her to ruin.
I am no longer a man. I am the blade that will cut this city—and her— wide open.
Nellie
The moment I saw him spill blood in the streets and howl his rage at the world, I knew he was the one.
I waited, tearing myself apart in the darkness until yearning scarred every inch of my skin. I knew he’d come back.
Now he’s finally here, looking at me like I’m nothing, and I want to scream.
If he thinks I’ll let him ravage my heart and body only to pass through my life like a phantom, he’s wrong.
I’ll make him stay. I don’t care if I have to burn the city to cinders—if I can’t have him, no one can.
Because he and I are the same; he just doesn’t know it yet.
It’s Sweeney and Nellie for all eternity. Even if we spend it burning in Hell.
Please this is a very dark romance retelling of Sweeney Todd. You are advised to check content warnings before diving in. But be assured - Sweeney and Nellie get their HEA!
Sweeney
Ten years of exile left me a hollow shell. Now I’m back with a new name, ready to tear apart every soul who wronged me.
But when I set foot inside a place from my past, there she is.
Nellie Lovett. I barely remember her, but she remembers me. God, does she remember.
There’s devotion but also true madness in her eyes. To me, she’s useful. Nothing more.
I don’t need her. I don’t need anyone.
If Nellie wants to worship the broken pieces of who I was, let her. I’ll take what I want until there’s nothing left of her to ruin.
I am no longer a man. I am the blade that will cut this city—and her— wide open.
Nellie
The moment I saw him spill blood in the streets and howl his rage at the world, I knew he was the one.
I waited, tearing myself apart in the darkness until yearning scarred every inch of my skin. I knew he’d come back.
Now he’s finally here, looking at me like I’m nothing, and I want to scream.
If he thinks I’ll let him ravage my heart and body only to pass through my life like a phantom, he’s wrong.
I’ll make him stay. I don’t care if I have to burn the city to cinders—if I can’t have him, no one can.
Because he and I are the same; he just doesn’t know it yet.
It’s Sweeney and Nellie for all eternity. Even if we spend it burning in Hell.
Please this is a very dark romance retelling of Sweeney Todd. You are advised to check content warnings before diving in. But be assured - Sweeney and Nellie get their HEA!
313 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 25, 2024
28 people are currently reading
181 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
February 18, 2025
I loved this book so much definitely going to be I. My top books of 2025. Lived how unhinged and obsessed they where. The where one thing I just hated by their relationship and was worried it was going to ruin my enjoyment however it got resolved in a good way.
January 20, 2025
This was so dark and nasty and spicy! Decent plot and totally unhinged characters made this a really fun read!
November 20, 2024
Nellie & Sweeney. Sweeney & Nellie.
I couldn’t get enough of Nellie & Sweeney. As always, Cara Bianchi’s words and vivid descriptions took me on a magical journey. Whether I will come back the same or forever changed by her dark retelling matters not. If I could rate this a ten, I would.
I couldn’t get enough of Nellie & Sweeney. As always, Cara Bianchi’s words and vivid descriptions took me on a magical journey. Whether I will come back the same or forever changed by her dark retelling matters not. If I could rate this a ten, I would.
October 25, 2024
Cara Bianchi
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Unhinged-ness- 🔪 🔪🔪🔪
He beckons me with a curled finger. “Come here and kneel.”
I think my first comment to my husband about this book was after only a handful of pages and I said “ma’am… it’s chapter 1! 🥵 that’s hot for chapter 1!”
This book is fast paced, hot AF, royally depraved, and amazingly epic.
I was singing the Sweeny Todd songs in my head the entire read.
‘I don’t want to give; I want him to take. To make my body his plaything and my pussy his come-dump, now and whenever he likes.’
It also helps that I was able to picture Johnny Depp in all of these 🌶️ scenes 😂 made it so much hotter. Lol
Read and believe the trigger warnings. The movie and regular story itself is gory, but this book takes it to a whole new level.
It’s absolutely incredible I couldn’t recommend it more!!
“God won’t give you what you need, my love. Beg me.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Unhinged-ness- 🔪 🔪🔪🔪
He beckons me with a curled finger. “Come here and kneel.”
I think my first comment to my husband about this book was after only a handful of pages and I said “ma’am… it’s chapter 1! 🥵 that’s hot for chapter 1!”
This book is fast paced, hot AF, royally depraved, and amazingly epic.
I was singing the Sweeny Todd songs in my head the entire read.
‘I don’t want to give; I want him to take. To make my body his plaything and my pussy his come-dump, now and whenever he likes.’
It also helps that I was able to picture Johnny Depp in all of these 🌶️ scenes 😂 made it so much hotter. Lol
Read and believe the trigger warnings. The movie and regular story itself is gory, but this book takes it to a whole new level.
It’s absolutely incredible I couldn’t recommend it more!!
“God won’t give you what you need, my love. Beg me.”
October 25, 2024
*Dark romance
*Sweeney Todd retelling
*Smut
*A lot of triggers (check them before you read)
This is a retelling of Sweeney Todd. It’s a quickly read, even with your 300 pages, the
ambience and the background makes you dive in the story. The only flaw (for me) it’s the
quick development and lack of the second story in this book (everything is focused on
Sweeney and Nellie). It’s a good choice if you like the depravity and dark story between
these characters.
*Sweeney Todd retelling
*Smut
*A lot of triggers (check them before you read)
This is a retelling of Sweeney Todd. It’s a quickly read, even with your 300 pages, the
ambience and the background makes you dive in the story. The only flaw (for me) it’s the
quick development and lack of the second story in this book (everything is focused on
Sweeney and Nellie). It’s a good choice if you like the depravity and dark story between
these characters.
October 28, 2024
I was obsessed! This retelling was fantastic—Sweeney and Nellie were utterly unhinged, making the perfect twisted pair. The story had me hooked from start to finish, and I couldn’t put it down. I devoured this book!
January 8, 2025
3.75
I’m a huge Sweeney Todd fan! But I love how this retelling still kept me on my toes and wanting answers. The spice was well done and didn’t over shadow the story.
I’m a huge Sweeney Todd fan! But I love how this retelling still kept me on my toes and wanting answers. The spice was well done and didn’t over shadow the story.
October 31, 2024
Wow Amazing!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶🌶🌶🌶
Well well I have to say this was delicious 😋
A Sweeney Todd retelling that hits every spot. The way Sweeney and Nellie come together in their depraved love is awesome.
This is a Dark Horror Romance so please check your Triggers. The passion between them is amazing, the way that they fit together is devilishly hot.
The way they met was done in a way that was very much "them", their relationship develops when they meet again later in life. Absolutely love this novella and agree with Cara when she says they are sickos but they are my sickos. Stunning!
Definitely a 5 star read for me, spice was spicing. But again check your triggers!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶🌶🌶🌶
Well well I have to say this was delicious 😋
A Sweeney Todd retelling that hits every spot. The way Sweeney and Nellie come together in their depraved love is awesome.
This is a Dark Horror Romance so please check your Triggers. The passion between them is amazing, the way that they fit together is devilishly hot.
The way they met was done in a way that was very much "them", their relationship develops when they meet again later in life. Absolutely love this novella and agree with Cara when she says they are sickos but they are my sickos. Stunning!
Definitely a 5 star read for me, spice was spicing. But again check your triggers!!
October 18, 2024
Espooky Mami’s ARC REVIEW 📕
Book rating: 5 / 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Spice level: 4 🌶️/ 5
The way I literally just finished watching Sweeney Todd before I read this book. I relished it the absolute bloody brilliancy of the author’s mind. The world building was done masterfully, each layer to the pie creatively and cleverly tucked in. I was devouring every single page. I read this in one sitting and not even midway through I was messaging my booktok girlie club that this is a MUST READ! I cannot explain how feral I was for their level of devotion to each other. The way their relationship beautifully and meretriciously unfolded and slowly filled with more passion overpowering the original lust in the beginning was insanely satisfying. This book is not just the whole buffet but dessert included. Everything served on a warm platter.
Nellie and Sweeney’s passion, and drive for each other is one for the books. The spicy scenes are definitely catered for the acquired taste of darker romance lover. Not to be confused as fluffy, cutesy or demure. It was very demonic, very devilish and very diabolical. And if you have taste for twisted tales and sinister lovers this will take the pie for you. Again read your tw’s. For me this was baked perfectly for my liking. Well LOVING to be more exact.
The way I NEED a copy of this BOOK ASAP is an understatement. I already made a video review I will be posting tomorrow because I was so excited and fulfilled by this book. I am an insanely stingy star reviewer, as of 2024 I dont even have 10 5 stars book reviews yet. But this? This is easily a 5 star in my books. It was an absolutely pleasure to be an arc for this book. One thing is for certain Cara Bianchi can slice up a mean piece of meat pie novella that I will gladly gobble down. I am forever a fan. It was so fucking absolutely devilishly delicious and scrumptious. Thank you for the absolutely ravishing buffet of meat pies.
Your ever so full,
*licks fingers, and licks the whole plate clean*
EspookyMami 🖤
I received this book as an ARC. And all opinions are truthful and are solely mine. Thank you for the opportunity!
Book rating: 5 / 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Spice level: 4 🌶️/ 5
The way I literally just finished watching Sweeney Todd before I read this book. I relished it the absolute bloody brilliancy of the author’s mind. The world building was done masterfully, each layer to the pie creatively and cleverly tucked in. I was devouring every single page. I read this in one sitting and not even midway through I was messaging my booktok girlie club that this is a MUST READ! I cannot explain how feral I was for their level of devotion to each other. The way their relationship beautifully and meretriciously unfolded and slowly filled with more passion overpowering the original lust in the beginning was insanely satisfying. This book is not just the whole buffet but dessert included. Everything served on a warm platter.
Nellie and Sweeney’s passion, and drive for each other is one for the books. The spicy scenes are definitely catered for the acquired taste of darker romance lover. Not to be confused as fluffy, cutesy or demure. It was very demonic, very devilish and very diabolical. And if you have taste for twisted tales and sinister lovers this will take the pie for you. Again read your tw’s. For me this was baked perfectly for my liking. Well LOVING to be more exact.
The way I NEED a copy of this BOOK ASAP is an understatement. I already made a video review I will be posting tomorrow because I was so excited and fulfilled by this book. I am an insanely stingy star reviewer, as of 2024 I dont even have 10 5 stars book reviews yet. But this? This is easily a 5 star in my books. It was an absolutely pleasure to be an arc for this book. One thing is for certain Cara Bianchi can slice up a mean piece of meat pie novella that I will gladly gobble down. I am forever a fan. It was so fucking absolutely devilishly delicious and scrumptious. Thank you for the absolutely ravishing buffet of meat pies.
Your ever so full,
*licks fingers, and licks the whole plate clean*
EspookyMami 🖤
I received this book as an ARC. And all opinions are truthful and are solely mine. Thank you for the opportunity!
November 6, 2024
Themes
• Sweeney Todd Retelling
• Serial Unalivers
• Jealous OTT
• Pr1mal Play
• BL00D Play
• Toxic Love
The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, retold as the darkest of dark romances.
Razors & Ruin is a pitch black, dark romance retelling of the tale of Sweeney Todd. As many of you may be familiar with a version of this story I won’t give my usual synopsis, but I will say if you’re a dark romance fan who adores the demon barber – this one is for you.
Both of our MC’s are utterly unhinged, feeding off the other’s deviances and devilry. Sweeney and Nellie are the perfect match made in hell - one desperate for revenge, the other capitalising on their joint murderous tendencies. A true tale of depravity.
Sweeney has always been a caged beast in some form, until Nellie becomes the key to his entrapment. Whilst he is a total savage with a razor blade, I have to say I think Nellie’s psychotic side may actually upstage him. The love between the two is complex, obsessive and downright toxic – perfectly reflecting their unapologetic characters.
This is my first read by Cara Bianchi and I absolutely adored it. Despite being over 300 pages, I found myself absolutely flying through it. The writing is engaging, and I found myself eager to see what happened next. The way Cara brought these characters to life was nothing short of masterful. I can’t wait to see where Rare Horrors takes us next.
This read was neither light on the gore or the spice. Bloody and exquisitely hot – much like Mrs Lovett’s pies.
Dare I say it… a delicious retelling? 4 🌟
• Sweeney Todd Retelling
• Serial Unalivers
• Jealous OTT
• Pr1mal Play
• BL00D Play
• Toxic Love
The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, retold as the darkest of dark romances.
Razors & Ruin is a pitch black, dark romance retelling of the tale of Sweeney Todd. As many of you may be familiar with a version of this story I won’t give my usual synopsis, but I will say if you’re a dark romance fan who adores the demon barber – this one is for you.
Both of our MC’s are utterly unhinged, feeding off the other’s deviances and devilry. Sweeney and Nellie are the perfect match made in hell - one desperate for revenge, the other capitalising on their joint murderous tendencies. A true tale of depravity.
Sweeney has always been a caged beast in some form, until Nellie becomes the key to his entrapment. Whilst he is a total savage with a razor blade, I have to say I think Nellie’s psychotic side may actually upstage him. The love between the two is complex, obsessive and downright toxic – perfectly reflecting their unapologetic characters.
This is my first read by Cara Bianchi and I absolutely adored it. Despite being over 300 pages, I found myself absolutely flying through it. The writing is engaging, and I found myself eager to see what happened next. The way Cara brought these characters to life was nothing short of masterful. I can’t wait to see where Rare Horrors takes us next.
This read was neither light on the gore or the spice. Bloody and exquisitely hot – much like Mrs Lovett’s pies.
Dare I say it… a delicious retelling? 4 🌟
October 26, 2024
Check the trigger warnings because there are many in this novel. It is crazy, demented, and very spicy! Ultimately, this novel is about love, jealousy, and possession. The verbiage in this novel does remind me of Victorian days.
This is a retelling of Sweeney Todd. It takes place in London on Fleet Street where Sweeney Todd had his barber shop. Sweeney and Nellie will paint Fleet Street red with all their victims blood. "What a beautiful, precious horrorshow." Sweeney Todd and Nellie are equally matched in their crazy and murderous ways. I could not see the barber and the butcher ending up with anyone else.
The beginning of this novel tells how Sweeney and Nellie met. Sweeney Todd was not always his name. There's a big crescendo in this novel. Is Sweeney more monster or man? Has there been a reason for his killings all this time? Nellie accepted Sweeney for who he was, crazy murderous ways and all. Nellie can never have all of Sweeney when he's living partly in the past. The people in Sweeney's past did not accept him. That's probably why they didn't survive. The funny part though, nobody had a clue how deranged Nellie was other than Sweeney. I especially liked the poem at the end. I feel like this novel definitely lived up to my expectations.
I received a advanced copy of this book and voluntarily left this review.
This is a retelling of Sweeney Todd. It takes place in London on Fleet Street where Sweeney Todd had his barber shop. Sweeney and Nellie will paint Fleet Street red with all their victims blood. "What a beautiful, precious horrorshow." Sweeney Todd and Nellie are equally matched in their crazy and murderous ways. I could not see the barber and the butcher ending up with anyone else.
The beginning of this novel tells how Sweeney and Nellie met. Sweeney Todd was not always his name. There's a big crescendo in this novel. Is Sweeney more monster or man? Has there been a reason for his killings all this time? Nellie accepted Sweeney for who he was, crazy murderous ways and all. Nellie can never have all of Sweeney when he's living partly in the past. The people in Sweeney's past did not accept him. That's probably why they didn't survive. The funny part though, nobody had a clue how deranged Nellie was other than Sweeney. I especially liked the poem at the end. I feel like this novel definitely lived up to my expectations.
I received a advanced copy of this book and voluntarily left this review.
November 5, 2024
*ARC Review*
Buckle up because this dark romance is one wild, twisted ride into the depths of obsession and revenge 🔥👀.
Meet our anti-hero, a man who’s been dragged through hell and back 🔪, and now he's ready to unleash pure chaos on everyone who wronged him 😈. But lurking in the shadows of his past is her—the woman who has been waiting, yearning, and ready to worship every broken piece of him, no matter the cost. And trust me, she is as dark and dangerous as he is 💀🖤.
What starts as pure, brutal vengeance soon twists into something far more dangerous—an all-consuming passion that neither of them can escape. He’s cold, ruthless, and driven by rage, but she’s not about to let him walk away without giving her everything he’s got 💥. If that means burning the whole city down in their wake, so be it. Because in this story, love isn’t soft. It’s raw, bloody, and obsessive, and they’re both ready to destroy anyone who stands in their way 🔥🩸.
So, if you're ready for a romance that dances on the edge of madness 😵💫, with two characters who will take you down with them and love every second of it, this is the dark, twisted read for you 😈. Be warned—it's not for the faint of heart 💀, but oh boy, is it a five-star journey into the depths of a love that’s as eternal as it is terrifying ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐.
Sweeney and Nellie? They’re going to make sure you never forget their names. 😏🔥
Buckle up because this dark romance is one wild, twisted ride into the depths of obsession and revenge 🔥👀.
Meet our anti-hero, a man who’s been dragged through hell and back 🔪, and now he's ready to unleash pure chaos on everyone who wronged him 😈. But lurking in the shadows of his past is her—the woman who has been waiting, yearning, and ready to worship every broken piece of him, no matter the cost. And trust me, she is as dark and dangerous as he is 💀🖤.
What starts as pure, brutal vengeance soon twists into something far more dangerous—an all-consuming passion that neither of them can escape. He’s cold, ruthless, and driven by rage, but she’s not about to let him walk away without giving her everything he’s got 💥. If that means burning the whole city down in their wake, so be it. Because in this story, love isn’t soft. It’s raw, bloody, and obsessive, and they’re both ready to destroy anyone who stands in their way 🔥🩸.
So, if you're ready for a romance that dances on the edge of madness 😵💫, with two characters who will take you down with them and love every second of it, this is the dark, twisted read for you 😈. Be warned—it's not for the faint of heart 💀, but oh boy, is it a five-star journey into the depths of a love that’s as eternal as it is terrifying ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐.
Sweeney and Nellie? They’re going to make sure you never forget their names. 😏🔥
November 7, 2024
twisted
I’m leaning more towards 3.5. It wasn’t bad but I honestly didn’t love it as much as I had hoped I would and I don’t know if it was the story or the writing style that made me feel this way.
The story itself was intriguing. I loved the idea of a Sweeney Todd retelling, and the characters were interesting.
The two MCs were both mad as hatters, and a little bit all over the place at times which kept me wondering what was going to happen. I did have a hard time getting into it in the first half of the story, but somewhere around the halfway mark things started to flow differently and I started to enjoy it more. Everything plays out pretty quickly. Right from the beginning you jump into when our main characters met, learn about the dynamic between them and we find out why they get separated for a little while, then there’s a fast forward to when their paths cross again and things just take off from there. It was definitely a spicy read and there’s nothing slowburn about the relationship. It had some pretty gory parts in there as well. There was one bit with brains and spinal fluid that had me pausing for a minute and I don’t have any triggers.
If you have triggers then don’t skip the Content Warning.
I’m leaning more towards 3.5. It wasn’t bad but I honestly didn’t love it as much as I had hoped I would and I don’t know if it was the story or the writing style that made me feel this way.
The story itself was intriguing. I loved the idea of a Sweeney Todd retelling, and the characters were interesting.
The two MCs were both mad as hatters, and a little bit all over the place at times which kept me wondering what was going to happen. I did have a hard time getting into it in the first half of the story, but somewhere around the halfway mark things started to flow differently and I started to enjoy it more. Everything plays out pretty quickly. Right from the beginning you jump into when our main characters met, learn about the dynamic between them and we find out why they get separated for a little while, then there’s a fast forward to when their paths cross again and things just take off from there. It was definitely a spicy read and there’s nothing slowburn about the relationship. It had some pretty gory parts in there as well. There was one bit with brains and spinal fluid that had me pausing for a minute and I don’t have any triggers.
If you have triggers then don’t skip the Content Warning.
November 4, 2024
This is a very spicy dark retelling of Sweeney Todd. Curer Brooks has just been released from prison and in order to hide his identity has changed his name to Sweeney Todd. His first stop after getting out is to get his razors back so he can make money, when he walks into the establishment where he hid them he gets a blast from the past in Nellie the girl who came to see him once when he was in prison years ago. When he realizes that her infatuation for him hasn’t diminished, he decides to use her to further his plans leading him down a road of self reflection and ultimately learning the difference between the love he thought he had in the past and what love really is. I loved the characters Sweeney and Nellie were practically made for each other. She’s a firecracker with a blood thirsty personality hidden under her facade who also recognized a kindred spirt in Sweeney at a young age. Sweeney I liked going on the journey with him while he tried searching for any good left in him and realizing that what he was searching for was right in front of him and accepted him for who he was all along.
October 29, 2024
✨ARC Review✨
Please check your trigger warnings, your mental health matters 🖤
My oh my. First I’d like to thanks Cara for this arc! This was my first time reading a book by her. And oof was she good!!
This book is targeted for dark romance readers, please take the time to read the trigger warnings. This book won’t be for everyone. It’s very unhinged, dark, demonic. But if you’re a menu lover, this books for you!
World building and characters development was amazing! She had me hooked from the very beginning, I couldn’t put this book down and read it in a few hours. It was such an easy read, with amazing spice, unhinged characters, and such an engaging plot😍🤤🤤
Nelly and Sweeneys story was just chefs kisses. Such a twisted messed up relationship. But I loved every single aspect of it. I seriously cannot wait for this book to be released, I NEED a copy for my shelf. This is a HIGHLY recommend book to all my dark twisted book girlies (or gents) I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did!
Trigger warnings ;
-blood and cutting kink: extensive and graphically described in explicit context
—very rough sex. Consent is dubious at times
— violence: extensive, graphic, prolonged — somnophilia: one instance, in which consent is entirely absent
— choking: repeated instances, in sexual and other contexts
— murder, mutilation, maiming, and injury: depicted graphically and often
— handling of dead bodies: graphic and frequent. There is a sexual context to this at certain points but it does NOT involve necrophilia
— child abuse: alluded to frequently but does NOT occur on the page
— degradation/humilation: mostly sexual in context, frequent, graphic
Please check your trigger warnings, your mental health matters 🖤
My oh my. First I’d like to thanks Cara for this arc! This was my first time reading a book by her. And oof was she good!!
This book is targeted for dark romance readers, please take the time to read the trigger warnings. This book won’t be for everyone. It’s very unhinged, dark, demonic. But if you’re a menu lover, this books for you!
World building and characters development was amazing! She had me hooked from the very beginning, I couldn’t put this book down and read it in a few hours. It was such an easy read, with amazing spice, unhinged characters, and such an engaging plot😍🤤🤤
Nelly and Sweeneys story was just chefs kisses. Such a twisted messed up relationship. But I loved every single aspect of it. I seriously cannot wait for this book to be released, I NEED a copy for my shelf. This is a HIGHLY recommend book to all my dark twisted book girlies (or gents) I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did!
Trigger warnings ;
-blood and cutting kink: extensive and graphically described in explicit context
—very rough sex. Consent is dubious at times
— violence: extensive, graphic, prolonged — somnophilia: one instance, in which consent is entirely absent
— choking: repeated instances, in sexual and other contexts
— murder, mutilation, maiming, and injury: depicted graphically and often
— handling of dead bodies: graphic and frequent. There is a sexual context to this at certain points but it does NOT involve necrophilia
— child abuse: alluded to frequently but does NOT occur on the page
— degradation/humilation: mostly sexual in context, frequent, graphic
October 23, 2024
I was really excited to receive a copy of Razors & Ruin, a retelling of Sweeney Todd.
I became acquainted with Cara Bianchi’s writing through her mafia books, but this new book of hers was promised to be one of her darkest yet.
So, I bypassed the trigger warnings and dove in….
Let me start by saying this is VERY dark romance!
In my opinion this gets 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤 and
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️.
Definitely check the trigger warnings, I had to stop a few times because 🩸 play makes me squeamish.
I am probably one of the few people that has not watched Sweeney Todd, I’m actually glad because I had nothing to compare the plot and characters to.
The story of Nellie and Sweeney was beautiful, in its own twisted way. The idea of Johanna added another layer to Sweeney’s character that I really liked.
Cara’s descriptive writing is amazing, I was completely immersed in the story. Every character introduced had a purpose and you either loved them or loved to hate them.
If you are a fan of Cara’s books you’ll see an entirely different side of her.. I love it, I’m here for it and I can’t wait for more!!!!
I became acquainted with Cara Bianchi’s writing through her mafia books, but this new book of hers was promised to be one of her darkest yet.
So, I bypassed the trigger warnings and dove in….
Let me start by saying this is VERY dark romance!
In my opinion this gets 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤 and
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️.
Definitely check the trigger warnings, I had to stop a few times because 🩸 play makes me squeamish.
I am probably one of the few people that has not watched Sweeney Todd, I’m actually glad because I had nothing to compare the plot and characters to.
The story of Nellie and Sweeney was beautiful, in its own twisted way. The idea of Johanna added another layer to Sweeney’s character that I really liked.
Cara’s descriptive writing is amazing, I was completely immersed in the story. Every character introduced had a purpose and you either loved them or loved to hate them.
If you are a fan of Cara’s books you’ll see an entirely different side of her.. I love it, I’m here for it and I can’t wait for more!!!!
November 4, 2024
"Such a deviant
What a joy she is, beautiful precious horrorshow"
Rating ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️. 5
Spice 🌶 🌶 🌶
Tropes
Dark romance
Sweeney todd retelling
Smut
Please read Trigger warnings before getting into book ✅️
For me trigger warnings and dark Tropes are like menu. I love them. So I love to deep dive into books like that.
And I was not disappointed.. I love the unhingedness and the darkness that the book promised..
Sweeney and Nellie... epitome of Twisted, messy yet an amazing relationship. The world that was curated and the character building was really good.
Nellie... accepted Sweeney for who he was.. there was so many layers to his character but she chose him. There were perfect chemistry and an amazing taste of darkness to it and it was perfectly blended to give a good book.
It was demonic, devilish and yet you'll feel some points where you can see the romance burning out higher.
"It's no use. You are mine, to the marrow of your bones"
What a joy she is, beautiful precious horrorshow"
Rating ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️. 5
Spice 🌶 🌶 🌶
Tropes
Dark romance
Sweeney todd retelling
Smut
Please read Trigger warnings before getting into book ✅️
For me trigger warnings and dark Tropes are like menu. I love them. So I love to deep dive into books like that.
And I was not disappointed.. I love the unhingedness and the darkness that the book promised..
Sweeney and Nellie... epitome of Twisted, messy yet an amazing relationship. The world that was curated and the character building was really good.
Nellie... accepted Sweeney for who he was.. there was so many layers to his character but she chose him. There were perfect chemistry and an amazing taste of darkness to it and it was perfectly blended to give a good book.
It was demonic, devilish and yet you'll feel some points where you can see the romance burning out higher.
"It's no use. You are mine, to the marrow of your bones"
January 17, 2025
This was an extremely enjoyable Sweeney Todd retelling. Absolutely recommend this read, especially if you’re a fan of the original story. But, as expected, there is quite a bit of triggering content so check your trigger warnings.
𝔊𝔬𝔡 𝔴𝔬𝔫’𝔱 𝔤𝔦𝔳𝔢 𝔶𝔬𝔲 𝔴𝔥𝔞𝔱 𝔶𝔬𝔲 𝔫𝔢𝔢𝔡, 𝔪𝔶 𝔩𝔬𝔳𝔢. 𝔅𝔢𝔤 𝔪𝔢.
Both MCs were EXTREMELY unhinged - which I loved. 😅 The plot is fast paced, spicy af, depraved, and quite mad. I also had the largest crush on Johnny Depp in this movie, so picturing him in all these scenes 🥵
ℌ𝔬𝔴 𝔡𝔬 𝔶𝔬𝔲 𝔩𝔦𝔨𝔢 𝔪𝔢 𝔫𝔬𝔴, 𝔱𝔯𝔢𝔞𝔠𝔩𝔢? ℑ’𝔩𝔩 𝔣𝔲𝔠𝔨 𝔶𝔬𝔲𝔯 𝔠𝔲𝔫𝔱 𝔣𝔬𝔯 𝔢𝔳𝔢𝔯𝔶 𝔰𝔬𝔲𝔩 ℑ 𝔟𝔩𝔢𝔢𝔡.
If you thought movie Mrs. Lovett was off her rocker, hold onto your bonnet because this lady is straight up mad! The love between the two is complex, obsessive, and downright toxic - perfectly reflecting their unapologetic characters. They feed off of each other’s energies and encourage their worst impulses.
ℜ𝔲𝔫, 𝔊𝔬𝔡𝔡𝔞𝔪𝔫𝔦𝔱. 𝔉𝔦𝔤𝔥𝔱 𝔪𝔢 𝔣𝔬𝔯 𝔶𝔬𝔲𝔯 𝔩𝔦𝔣𝔢, 𝔬𝔯 ℑ 𝔰𝔴𝔢𝔞𝔯, ℑ’𝔩𝔩 𝔨𝔦𝔩𝔩 𝔶𝔬𝔲.
𝔊𝔬𝔡 𝔴𝔬𝔫’𝔱 𝔤𝔦𝔳𝔢 𝔶𝔬𝔲 𝔴𝔥𝔞𝔱 𝔶𝔬𝔲 𝔫𝔢𝔢𝔡, 𝔪𝔶 𝔩𝔬𝔳𝔢. 𝔅𝔢𝔤 𝔪𝔢.
Both MCs were EXTREMELY unhinged - which I loved. 😅 The plot is fast paced, spicy af, depraved, and quite mad. I also had the largest crush on Johnny Depp in this movie, so picturing him in all these scenes 🥵
ℌ𝔬𝔴 𝔡𝔬 𝔶𝔬𝔲 𝔩𝔦𝔨𝔢 𝔪𝔢 𝔫𝔬𝔴, 𝔱𝔯𝔢𝔞𝔠𝔩𝔢? ℑ’𝔩𝔩 𝔣𝔲𝔠𝔨 𝔶𝔬𝔲𝔯 𝔠𝔲𝔫𝔱 𝔣𝔬𝔯 𝔢𝔳𝔢𝔯𝔶 𝔰𝔬𝔲𝔩 ℑ 𝔟𝔩𝔢𝔢𝔡.
If you thought movie Mrs. Lovett was off her rocker, hold onto your bonnet because this lady is straight up mad! The love between the two is complex, obsessive, and downright toxic - perfectly reflecting their unapologetic characters. They feed off of each other’s energies and encourage their worst impulses.
ℜ𝔲𝔫, 𝔊𝔬𝔡𝔡𝔞𝔪𝔫𝔦𝔱. 𝔉𝔦𝔤𝔥𝔱 𝔪𝔢 𝔣𝔬𝔯 𝔶𝔬𝔲𝔯 𝔩𝔦𝔣𝔢, 𝔬𝔯 ℑ 𝔰𝔴𝔢𝔞𝔯, ℑ’𝔩𝔩 𝔨𝔦𝔩𝔩 𝔶𝔬𝔲.
October 23, 2024
First let me just say I love Sweeney Todd, so this was right up my alley. This book is very graphic and all the insane acts that go on here are amazeballs. Sweeney and Nelly’s twisted relationship is a long time coming and reading it unfold was fabulous. You get all the tension, pain, longing, thrilling, and unhinged emotional feels, not to mention the smex is smexy as hell. So satisfying to read it all. Check your trigs here because stated before, this is very “graphic”. The story was perfect, the worldbuilding was chef's kiss for anyone, and the characters were yummy. I so want to read more from Cara Bianchi because this gave me a 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ read that should be a 10/10. I will for sure be placing this on my trophy shelf!
November 3, 2024
The idea of a Sweeney Todd retelling sounded amazing, and the first few chapters were great, but unfortunately after that the story went a bit downhill.
I personally didn’t like the FMC. She was manipulative and didn’t, in my opinion, grow as a character. The MMC had potential, but the FMC dragged him and his storyline down.
Also I would have preferred the pacing to be a bit more consistent, instead of some parts jumping from one thing to another while other parts felt really slow.
Not a bad book by any means, and I’m sure a lot of readers will enjoy this one, but it just wasn’t my personal favorite.
Please check the trigger warnings before reading!
I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review. Receiving ARC didn’t affect my opinion of the book.
I personally didn’t like the FMC. She was manipulative and didn’t, in my opinion, grow as a character. The MMC had potential, but the FMC dragged him and his storyline down.
Also I would have preferred the pacing to be a bit more consistent, instead of some parts jumping from one thing to another while other parts felt really slow.
Not a bad book by any means, and I’m sure a lot of readers will enjoy this one, but it just wasn’t my personal favorite.
Please check the trigger warnings before reading!
I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review. Receiving ARC didn’t affect my opinion of the book.
October 24, 2024
I am a fan of the dark story of Sweeney Todd. That is why when I heard about this book, I knew I needed to read it. I am here to tell you that Cara does not disappoint but delivers on this book! Nellie and Sweeney will always have a place in my dark, black heart. Don't walk but run and grabbed a copy of this book. It is bloody AMAZING!
Sweeney and Nellie are made for each other. We all know Sweeney is psycho, but Nellie might be a touch more demented than him. Yet together they make the perfect couple. These two heated up the pages of this book and left their mark as well. I could not get enough of these two.
Sweeney and Nellie are made for each other. We all know Sweeney is psycho, but Nellie might be a touch more demented than him. Yet together they make the perfect couple. These two heated up the pages of this book and left their mark as well. I could not get enough of these two.
October 24, 2024
Please check the trigger warnings as this book won’t be for everyone.
I haven’t watched Sweeney Todd, so I can’t compare it to the book.
The book is very graphic and tells the story about Nellie and Sweeney, they do have a very twisted romance and definitely are made for each other. The spice was just perfect and the world building was good too.
I gave it a 3.5 just because I didn’t feel connected to the characters or made me love them or their story that much, but that’s just my honest opinion.
Overall it was a good read!
I received an ARC copy of the book in exchange for my honest review
I haven’t watched Sweeney Todd, so I can’t compare it to the book.
The book is very graphic and tells the story about Nellie and Sweeney, they do have a very twisted romance and definitely are made for each other. The spice was just perfect and the world building was good too.
I gave it a 3.5 just because I didn’t feel connected to the characters or made me love them or their story that much, but that’s just my honest opinion.
Overall it was a good read!
I received an ARC copy of the book in exchange for my honest review
October 26, 2024
ARC Review
📚 Razors & Ruin
🖊️ Cara Bainchi
4 ⭐️ 4 🌶️
Let me start off by saying 1. I did not read the trigger warnings. I like to go into books blind and be surprised….and I was surprised! This was a great read from start to finish. 2. I have never seen/read any other Sweeney Todd story so I had no idea what to expect. This book is a retelling so I don’t have anything to compare it to.
This book is dark. Nellie is unhinged and I liked her. The way Cara wrote this her, just amazing. Proper amount of sweet and psycho.
If you have certain things that could possibly trigger you, please read the trigger warnings / menu.
📚 Razors & Ruin
🖊️ Cara Bainchi
4 ⭐️ 4 🌶️
Let me start off by saying 1. I did not read the trigger warnings. I like to go into books blind and be surprised….and I was surprised! This was a great read from start to finish. 2. I have never seen/read any other Sweeney Todd story so I had no idea what to expect. This book is a retelling so I don’t have anything to compare it to.
This book is dark. Nellie is unhinged and I liked her. The way Cara wrote this her, just amazing. Proper amount of sweet and psycho.
If you have certain things that could possibly trigger you, please read the trigger warnings / menu.
October 27, 2024
If you’re looking for something to read to wrap up your spooky season. It’s a crazy, gory, quick and dirty read. I’m not familiar with the original Sweeney Todd, so I can’t compare the two but I really liked this retelling.
Nellie was my favorite part of the book. Both characters are very OTT J/P but she was definitely the crazier of the two! She made me cackle with how nuts she was and you gotta admire a woman who goes for what she wants 🤣! Even as a big horror lover, these two definitely had my gag reflex working overtime. This book is definitely not for the faint of heart but it is quite an exciting read!
Nellie was my favorite part of the book. Both characters are very OTT J/P but she was definitely the crazier of the two! She made me cackle with how nuts she was and you gotta admire a woman who goes for what she wants 🤣! Even as a big horror lover, these two definitely had my gag reflex working overtime. This book is definitely not for the faint of heart but it is quite an exciting read!
October 27, 2024
Sweeney and Mrs Lovett have always been two of my favorite psychopaths!!
I love this retelling for 2 reasons:
1. It’s amazingly interesting to see the thoughts that go through the minds of these insane characters! They are both so dark and deranged. And I think it goes perfectly with the setting of the story.
2. This ending is everything I’ve ever wanted to see happen to Sweeney and Mrs Lovett. I always had that “what if?” In my head and this ending was perfect.
I definitely recommend to Sweeney fans as long as you understand that it’s a retelling and not just a carbon copy of an original. It’s amazing!
I love this retelling for 2 reasons:
1. It’s amazingly interesting to see the thoughts that go through the minds of these insane characters! They are both so dark and deranged. And I think it goes perfectly with the setting of the story.
2. This ending is everything I’ve ever wanted to see happen to Sweeney and Mrs Lovett. I always had that “what if?” In my head and this ending was perfect.
I definitely recommend to Sweeney fans as long as you understand that it’s a retelling and not just a carbon copy of an original. It’s amazing!
November 4, 2024
📣READ THE TRIGGER WARNINGS📣
Now, on to the good stuff!
"Such a deviant. What a joy she is. What a beautiful, precious horror show." - I mean really, have more beautiful words ever been spoken? Helllooooo, next book boyfriend...or girlfriend? Why choose?
Oooook, it's not a why choose, but seriously, Sweeney + Nellie = 🩸🔪🖤
Razors & Ruins is definitely a DARK romance! Between the pages you will meet Sweeney and Nellie. These 2 take unhinged toxic lovers to the next level!
Definitely worth reading if you are a lover of ignoring red flags and living on the deviant side of the book world!
Loved having the opportunity to read this!
Now, on to the good stuff!
"Such a deviant. What a joy she is. What a beautiful, precious horror show." - I mean really, have more beautiful words ever been spoken? Helllooooo, next book boyfriend...or girlfriend? Why choose?
Oooook, it's not a why choose, but seriously, Sweeney + Nellie = 🩸🔪🖤
Razors & Ruins is definitely a DARK romance! Between the pages you will meet Sweeney and Nellie. These 2 take unhinged toxic lovers to the next level!
Definitely worth reading if you are a lover of ignoring red flags and living on the deviant side of the book world!
Loved having the opportunity to read this!
October 25, 2024
Heat level: 5/5. It's dark, unhinged, and twisted love with scenes so hot you melt in your seat. This is the first book I've read by this author and I need more. I've seen Sweeney Todd performed live and have also watched the movie so I knew the original story. It's why I signed up for this ARC. I love retellings and this one did it so well. It's old timey, the spice was delicious, and I enjoyed that the FMC was the one who has touch him & ☠️ vibes. Both were unhinged and perfect for each other honestly. Match made in the most depraved hell and it was 🤌🏽
October 26, 2024
If you love Sweeney Todd this is the book for you! This is a Sweeney Todd retelling with a dark romance flair. There are also ALOT of Trigger Warnings for this so check them before diving in!
I loved the story and how it was wrote. The book is pretty short, only 300 pages but they keep you on the Edge of your seats too.
The spice was top notch and its amazingly written. The smut was also smutty. Which is how I like things.
Thank you Cara Bianchi for letting me ARC read your story! I really enjoyed it!!
I loved the story and how it was wrote. The book is pretty short, only 300 pages but they keep you on the Edge of your seats too.
The spice was top notch and its amazingly written. The smut was also smutty. Which is how I like things.
Thank you Cara Bianchi for letting me ARC read your story! I really enjoyed it!!
October 26, 2024
It's not often that I try & hide from spoilers but I really wanted to dive in as blind as possible.
I knew it was a retelling of Sweeney Todd but had no idea where it would end up.
It was utterly depraved, unhinged & all consuming.
It was dark, gritty & raw and I'm beyond obsessed!
Cara Bianchi is an automatic one click for me. Her story telling is next level! The worlds & characters she creates are addictive. The chemistry, banter and everything is just so brilliantly executed. The characters may be flawed but in the best possible way!
Bloomin outstanding!
I knew it was a retelling of Sweeney Todd but had no idea where it would end up.
It was utterly depraved, unhinged & all consuming.
It was dark, gritty & raw and I'm beyond obsessed!
Cara Bianchi is an automatic one click for me. Her story telling is next level! The worlds & characters she creates are addictive. The chemistry, banter and everything is just so brilliantly executed. The characters may be flawed but in the best possible way!
Bloomin outstanding!
November 1, 2024
Razors & Ruin
By: Cara Bianchi
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
Spice Level: 🖤🖤🖤🖤 4/5
A darker and spicier retelling of Sweeney Todd? I jumped on it immediately, and it did not disappoint. Mr. T is absolutely unhinged, and Nellie’s devotion matches his intensity. There is nothing she wouldn’t do for him. It takes some time for him to realize that no one else is meant for him, which was the only reason this wasn’t a five-star read for me. This is a personal preference, not a trigger, but I dislike when main characters are sexually involved with others outside of their relationship. He does make up for it eventually, but it took longer than I liked. These are morally black characters and scenes. Please check your trigger warnings.
By: Cara Bianchi
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
Spice Level: 🖤🖤🖤🖤 4/5
A darker and spicier retelling of Sweeney Todd? I jumped on it immediately, and it did not disappoint. Mr. T is absolutely unhinged, and Nellie’s devotion matches his intensity. There is nothing she wouldn’t do for him. It takes some time for him to realize that no one else is meant for him, which was the only reason this wasn’t a five-star read for me. This is a personal preference, not a trigger, but I dislike when main characters are sexually involved with others outside of their relationship. He does make up for it eventually, but it took longer than I liked. These are morally black characters and scenes. Please check your trigger warnings.
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