Member Reviews
Shimmy Bang Sparkle was a very quick witted fast paced book that had me hooked from the beginning. Nick Norton is just out of jail for serving time for thief. He wants to keep his nose clean & not get into anymore trouble. Stella Peretti is part of a group of jewel thieves that want to do one last job. When things start to fall apart for the group, Stella needs help. Should she get Nick involved even though they just met? Does Nick want to get involved to pay off a old debt? There is so much chemistry between the two of them. Stella doesn't just steal to steal...she is looking for a sense of justice too. I loved the whole dynamic with this story.
‘I felt like I was dreaming. Never, in my whole life, had I seen anything so goddamned smooth. She seemed sweet, she looked so sexy, and to top it all off, she was utterly badass. I needed to get my hands on her. Now.’
We love Nicola Rendell, her stories always make us swoon, laugh and very hot under the collar. We’re swept up by her words and come over all unnecessary at the passion and pure romance. Well, she did it again and we fell in love. Shimmy Bang Sparkle is an easy to read swoon fest with a bit of ‘robbing’ and ‘throbbing’ action and comedy thrown in. It’s not our favourite by this Author but it sure did make us forget about the world around us for a while.
‘Here were the facts: He was a tatted up biker with a felony record and a swagger. He was hunky. He was manly. He was looking at me like he wanted to rip off all my clothes and get us booked for public indecency.’
Insta love is a bit of a hit or miss for us but this time it sure did work. Nick and Stella have an immediate attraction, after all, they’re kindred spirits. What starts as a physical ‘must have’ soon turns into stolen hearts and dreams of the forever kind. Nicola Rendell writes a good tale with passion and humour and whilst –yes- you have to suspend belief at times, it just works. We fell in love with the characters and believed in them wholeheartedly.
‘Forgetting about me was exactly what I’d asked her to do, because that would be the best thing for her. But the idea of me forgetting about her was brutal, impossible. To lose her was to lose hope. To lose her was the let go of the only life preserver I had. To let her go was to make the whole night sky go dark forever.’
Nick is just divine as is Stella, we loved both characters equally, and how refreshing to have mature characters act – well mature. Nick is a gorgeous sexy biker ex-con in his early forties who’s had a not so stellar life, and who is really just looking to settle down with his own auto shop alongside a dream of love and a peaceful existence. Stella is looking for the same but needs to carry out one last ‘job’ to achieve her ultimate dream.
‘He took my face in his hands and gave me a long and tender kiss. It was a kiss unlike any other we’d had. One moment it was sweet, the next it was desperate. It was urgent, it was sad. It was joyful, and it was terrifying.’
Sweet and spicy with fabulous banter, Shimmy Bang Sparkle is the perfect light easy read that’ll have you romantics laughing and swooning in equal measure as you root for the new age ‘Robin Hood’ girl gang and the man who steals a heart.
‘Find someone who makes you want to saddle up and ride into the sunset. Find someone who makes you so happy you could just about cry.’
**I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion**
Shimmy Bang Sparkle is the first book I've ever read by this author. It was a fun, interesting read that drew me in from the beginning. With a unique storyline and funny banter, this book had me hooked! This book was well written and I loved every minute of it it.
#ShimmyBangSparkle #NetGalley
There's something about Shimmy Bang Sparkle that drew me in from the moment it came on my radar. First of all, can we talk about that cover? Funny story... I just now noticed he's laying on jewels. Okay, I just fell a bit more in love with the cover.
Then we have the synopsis... Two jewel thieves join forces and fall in love? Uh, heck yeah. The shenanigans Nick and Stella get into together were fantastic. I loved that, while they are criminals, both want to be better. Stella and her friends are modern day Robin Hoods. They steal to help those they love. Their last heist was supposed to fund their dreams. When an unfortunate accident derail their plans, Nick finds himself volunteering for the job. It's not so much for him than wanting to help the girls realize their dreams, especially Stella. When the shit hits the fan, both have to decide who is going to risk their future for the other. Never did I ever think I would cry like a baby over two criminals, but that is exactly what the author did. I fell in love with Nick and Stella, so when the plan went to hell, I got emotional. I'm not afraid to admit it. *grins*
Shimmy Bang Sparkle was my first Nichola Rendell book and I have a feeling it won't be my last. Although the title made me cringe a bit, I was immediately drawn to the book and thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I loved Stella and her cohorts. Nick won me over in the first chapter. And the adorable dachshund named Priscilla rounded up this lovable cast of characters. I had a blast following their adventures.
Shimmy Bang Sparkle by Nicola Rendell was an interesting read! A story that will captivate you and was full of chemistry, steaminess, and a bit of suspense. I loved the character and story!
Nick Nortan is ready for this fresh start. Just out of prison, he knows he need to make the right kind of choices. Then Stella Peretti enters his life and shakes it all up. Imagine his surprise when he notices Stella lift a diamond and no one notices. Did he just find the perfect woman?
Stella is part of The Shimmy Shimmy Bangs who specialize in stealing jewelry. But they have their reasons. Now they are ready for the final and biggest heist of their life, when her friends are no longer able to participate, can Nick really help? Can she trust him? And is Stella worth risking everything Nick wants?
What is Nick thinking? He is supposed to be turning his life around, but now he is thinking of helping Stella. There is undeniable chemistry between them. This is my second book by this author and I am definitely becoming a huge fan and look forward to reading more of her books!
Read and reviewed for Sultry Sirens Book Blog.
Happy reading!
This was a fun and sexy read, I was intrigued from the beginning and I was wondering where this story goes.It's original and refreshing and you will fall in love with everything about it easily from the start!Nick and Stella, two professional jewelry thieves, were the cutest couple ever. A perfect match from when they first met .The story was unique and extraordinary!I'm looking forward to read more books from this author!
**My thanks to NetGalley and Montlake Romance, for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**
This was a really great read. First of all our characters are on the slightly more mature age as Nick is 40 and Stella is in her thirties, however the chemistry between the two was off the charts andNick was honest with Stella about his past as soon as he can, which for his past cannot have been easy.
Both characters find themselves drawn closer and closer together, however it is only after an accident with Stella's two best friends that things with Nick and Stella take on another role as co-conspiriters for the last heist that they plan for their lives. A job that will set them up for life.
There is angst near the end, sacrifice and best friends who stick together and help out when needed.
Really loved that all the character got what they wanted in the end.
Holy moly! This book!
Shimmy Bang Sparkle is the first book I’ve ever read by Nicola Rendell but if this is anything to go by, she’s about to become one of my to-go authors. This book, you guys! I can’t even, lol. It’s so freaking good and different in so many ways. Who’d have thought a story about criminal activity would be so cute, and adorable. I loved it. I mean, really, loved it. I want to be Stella and have Nick all to myself.
Nick was damned hot and freaking sexy and sooo protective of Stella, even when he didn’t need to be. She was a strong, sassy independent woman and didn’t need a prince charming riding in to save her. Until, one day she did. These two were so right for each other, in every way possible. Proving that two wrongs really can make a right. I never thought a story involving heists would be one I’d want to read, never mind devour in one sitting. This was an all-nighters as it isn’t a short book. Adding in the other characters, including a super, duper cute furbaby in the form of Priscilla the Dachshund and I was hooked. Totally. The line was obliterated and I went down with the sinker.
Then as the book got close to finishing my heart was in my mouth. This was edge of seat territory and knowing, that something was going to happen and when it did. OMG!! I cried. I lost it completely.
What happened? Hah, well that’s a spoiler right there so I’m not gonna tell, just know, it’ll have your heart in your mouth. But, now this. You want to read this book. Not tomorrow, not next week, or next month. NOW. Right the F*&K now.
Don’t think about it, just One-Click this little gem now. You will not be disappointed.
OMG I loved this book! It was such a fun read. They storyline, characters and sexy banter was awesome. I know that summer is almost over but this book would make the best beach read…..as long as you don’t blush very easy ;)
If you are looking for a fun, quick book that is hella entertaining then one click Nicola’s Shimmy Bang Sparkle!
I love every book by this author, so when I saw she was writing about jewel thieves, SIGN ME UP.
Shimmy Bang Sparkle was the break I needed from traditional romance. This book is not quite a rom-com but has tons of funny moments. The plot was more bad boy meets a perceived good girl with tons of fun secrets and super skills- and they are a match made in heist heaven. The story was fun and suspenseful, and I love when an author can make you cheer for the "bad guys." I was on the edge of my seat, couldn't put the book down, enthralled with the big job and how it was going to work.
I've said it before, and I'll say it again, Nicola Rendell can write sex. This book is no different. The chemistry between these two characters is off the charts from the instant they met. There's just something about the rush of a heist with HOT AF scenes sprinkled in that made this book just work for me.
Is this my favorite by this author? Sure, because they are all my favorites. This book is a great read for a variety of trope lovers and is a breath of fresh air.
It was amazing book to read
I loved every second of it
The characters were interesting to read and how they responded to each other
Loved this book! So different and interesting and well written. So the characters were amazing and even though there was a bit of insta, it worked for me here. This was my first read by this author but definitely not my last.
Nick and Stella have this one really important thing in common. Usually, when you meet someone, it's a love of horror (or whatever) movies and the same foods and pizza toppings that draw you together.
It's not, usually, that you are both jewel thieves. Really, honestly, it's pretty much never that. Except in this case.
Generally, I'm all in with a premise like this. Flawed characters, grittier settings, real situations that don't feel as made up as they sometimes do in romance. And, I loved parts of this. I loved Nick, that he wasn't what you usually think of when you see a romantic hero.
Unfortunately, I struggled with Stella. I believed Nick was attracted, and I believed their connection. But I struggled with liking her and I'm not sure why.
Overall, I enjoyed the parts with Nick, and with them together, so I still enjoyed this overall... there was just a connection missing for me to be fully engaged.
I do recommend this title...and it's probably just me who didn't connect with her.
Nice easy flow to the story, witty dialogue and interesting characters made this a great read. The main characters are likable and I loved that I felt connected to them. The way this story started with a bang had me liking both of them immediately. Stella is definitely a smooth operator, a strong, sassy and kickass heroine. She isn’t a common thief, the way she pulls a con is brilliant. She is a modern Robin Hood. Stella is one third of The Shimmy Shimmy Bangs, three girls with a devious side and a good heart. They are notorious for their flawless jobs. But stealing is a means to an end, a way to a better life.
Nick and Stella are in the same “line of business”. They balance each other well with Nick having more of a cool head and Stella being the one that fearlessly goes after her goals. They both want to find their way to freedom. Their story flowed very well and I adored their sexy banter, their cute cat and mouse game. There's a great deal of fun to be had with this entertaining, quick and light story!
3.5 stars
Shimmy Bang Sparkle was a captivating read. It was not what I was expecting. The storyline, the characters were different-but a good one. Nick and Stella had the best chemistry. Great banter, intense attraction, humorous, sweet and sexy. I enjoyed seeing Nick and Stella’s relationship progress with everything that was going on. This story was definitely a thriller. Some jewel thieves, romance, and a heist-what could be more fun?! I couldn’t wait to see how it would all play out. Shimmy Bang Sparkle was a light and entertaining story that will leave readers with a good feeling.
I love everything about Shimmy Bang Sparkle. The story and characters are fresh and original. Rendell’s humor is subtle but infused in every aspect of her writing, and I chucked and smiled the entire time while I reading. I love Nick and Stella so much. I can’t recommend it enough.
I'm so sorry!! I am not able to leave a review for this title. I just couldn't get into the story and therefore was unable to even finish it. Nicola is a favorite author of mine, and person, so I don't want to leave a negative review. Thank you for the chance!
Shimmy Bang Sparkle by Nicola Rendell is a witty and fun read. The standalone, full length rom/com tells Nick and Stella´s story.
Nick Norton is a ex-con. He wants nothing more than be straight and narrow, stay on the right side of the law and never go back to prison.
Stella is a mysterious woman, a master thief so it seems. He sees her and is smitten. But the con artist sees more, much more. He looks behind the curtain and what he finds, he likes.
Shimmy Bang Sparkle is a bit of everything. It´s cute, witty and fun and at the same time darkish with thriller elements.
The writing is great and I liked reading this story. I give 4,5 stars.
Full of tantalizing chemistry, this story is one you’ll pick up for the cover (what!? it's glittery *shrug*) and won’t put down for the first-class writing, humorous and witty banter, and knock out heroine. Shimmy Bang Sparkle was my first Nicola Rendell novel and I’m sure it won’t be my last.
I’m such a sucker for an unconventional romance so this synopsis grabbed my attention straight from the get go. Nicola really outdid herself with it too. The story was so well-balanced with just the right amounts of humor, romance, and suspense which were further complemented by well-defined character arcs. All things I look for and appreciate in my reads.
Nick and Stella were awesome. The chemistry between them just wouldn’t quit! Their meet cute was so adorable and I swooned over the way Nick pursued her, nearly relentlessly. A man who definitely knows what he wants and how to get it. I loved that about Nick. Stella was full of confidence and sass and is one of those heroines that are so easy to love and admire. She’s got a giant heart of gold and buckets of determination; the most dangerous combination, especially when you're a Robin Hood sort of jewel thief.
I’m really looking forward to more from Nicola Rendell. Maybe I’ll pick up one of her earlier releases that is occupying my e-shelf space. Do you have a favorite?
I definitely recommend this, especially if you’re nursing a book hangover from something a bit more emotional. Super fun, super sexy and absolutely refreshing.
Sheesh! What a GREAT book! Nick and Stella have great chemistry from the very beginning of this book. They are hilarious, they are HOT together and they are both jewel thieves. What more could you ask for in a book? Really though, this book kept me entertained from the moment I started reading and kept it up until I was finished. Such a good book.