This was my first book by Nicola Rendell and what a first impression! It was love at first site with this book. I was pulled in from the first page and totally sucked in. Shimmy Bang Sparkle was one of those books that made me lose track of time. You know the books that when you're done reading them it takes you a minute, or two, to come back to reality? That was this book. I LOVED Nick and Stella! Their connection and chemistry was amazing and off the charts. This is definitely one of my favorite books this year and I will be looking up more of Nicola Rendell's books! If you are even thinking about reading this book, one click it now!

4.5 stars
*****
Big Giant Puffy Heart Eyes for Shimmy Bang Sparkle! Favorite Book of the Year.

Shimmy Bang Sparkle is NIck and Stella’s story. Nick is a reformed thief. His last jewel heist led to jail time. He is a good guy that got caught up in some bad stuff. Now, he is fresh out and determined to stay on the straight and narrow. But then, light shines down from the heavens and he meets Stella. She is standing in a jewelry store and he sees her through the window from the sidewalk outside. She is beautiful and full of life, and he is drawn to her. He sees her drop her cell phone under a shelf, but not notice she dropped it, so he goes into the store to pick it up for her. They have instant chemistry from the moment they meet, but as they are talking and flirting in the jewelry store, Nick is shocked to to spy Stella steal a diamond ring. You see, Stella is the leader of a notorious girl group of jewel thieves, the Shimmy Shimmy Bangs. Stella and her two best friends are robin-hood-like, in that they steal jewels, fence them, and use the money for good. Nick and Stella are match made in Heaven. They are drawn to each other, quickly begin spending time together and falling for each other. Meanwhile, Stella and her friends are planning one final heist-to-end-all-heists to set themselves up for life. But when an accident lands her friends out of commission, Stella asks Nick to help her finish the job. Can they pull it off and walk off into the sunset together?

Excuse me while I gush. I loved this book. I loved Nick. I loved Stella. I loved the way they loved each other. I loved everything they went through together for each others’ happiness.

I loved the swoony and hunky, tattooed Nick. He was so hot, so take control, but also a genuinely nice guy. He was awed by Stella. It was adorable the way he saw her for the gem she was, right away. He was content to let her lead the show. He was dominant, but sweet. The perfect hero. I also loved his POV. I don’t always love male POV in books, but his was one of the best I’ve ever read. I loved Stella too. She was absolutely adorable. She was sassy, smart, funny, strong, independent and a good person and friend.

These two were simply perfect for each other. No one else would have been able to understand each other they way they were. It was fate that brought them together at just the right time. Nick and Stella were sweet, romantic, funny and sexy together. Swoonworthy chemistry and connection. They were a truly epic couple. Both of them knew soon after they met that they were meant to be together. There was no pushing away or unnecessary angst. All of the drama is centered around the heist.. Even though we know that there is a chance they could get caught stealing the big diamond, it is not harped on or dwelled on. We just get to enjoy their journey. A road trip, a cute dog, and falling in love along the way.

Even though the book has some elements that could have made it feel darker, like Nick’s being recent ex-con, it has a happy, hopeful feeling. It made you root for Nick and Stella to pull off their heist and live happily ever after. I loved the overall atmosphere and feelings the book invoked. I loved the idea of the girl group of jewel thieves. The Shimmy Shimmy Bangs were awesome, smart and kickass. The story was fun, original and interesting. I could see it being a movie one day. But it is really the chemistry and love between the characters that creates magic. The tangible, awesome connection is what makes the book so good.

Everytime I review a NIcola Rendell book I say this. I just love the way she writes. Her characters are awesome, with lots of depth and layers to them. Strong, sometimes sassy, often sweet women. Protective, kind men who adore their women. They are people you want to know and be friends with, in fact they feel like your best friend by the end of the book. Also, the chemistry and connection between her heroes and heroines is so great and very rare to read. You can feel their love so strongly. There is always humor, sexiness, and low relationship angst. I always end one of the her books with a big happy sigh and those warm feelings linger on for days afterwards as I think of the characters. I can’t say enough how much I love her books and I wish she’d write faster.

Shimmy Bang Sparkle is just so everything. So fun, so sexy, so sweet. It was so good I read I have read it twice already because I loved it so much. This book is definitely my favorite this year. I can’t wait to see what Ms. Rendell comes up with next!

Shimmy Bang Sparkle is a story that sparkles with fun, bright interesting characters. The story revolves around the heroine Stella and Stella is so quirky and original that she takes us on a quirky and original ride!

I never stopped hoping these two would find their way onto the “straight and narrow” and keep each other on the right side of the law. I really did like Nick’s inner monologue and the way he saw and thought about Stella, was super swoony!

“Instead, she gave me a single g\d wink. Boom. I didn’t just see it; I felt it. The wink was a BB fired from a slingshot that hit me square between my eyes. Hit me harder than the plate glass door, no question.”

From the really fun meet-cute through some twists and turns, I was all in with this story just crossing my fingers for Nick and Stella et al. to find the perfect hea!
-4.5 Stars!-

What a sweet, sexy, and romantic story! Nick and Stella make becoming a jewel thief look oh so appealing- I *almost* want to trade in my life on the right side of the law for one of crime and passion! But until, and unless, a Nick Norton walks himself face-first into a door for me, I’ll stick with my boring old day job.

Shimmy Bang Sparkle is such a witty, fun, and completely delightful caper, with a little suspense thrown in for good measure. I mean, you can’t have a story about a jewelry heist without the suspense! Stella is all kinds of awesome- caring and kind, warm-hearted, but totally kick-ass as well. And Nick, ah Nick. For such a tough guy, he sure does have a soft heart. These 2 are a dream pair! Not only was their chemistry off the charts, but you could feel a real connection between them and tell how much they really liked each other. I enjoyed the time spent as they got to know each other, the teasing and the banter.

This really was such an entertaining read. Stella is someone you'd be lucky to be friends with, maybe she'll let me join the Shimmys! Nick will leave you swooning, and if you're anything like me, rethinking that plan to stay on the straight and narrow!

Shimmy Bang Sparkle by Nicola Rendell was amazing. It’s funny, sexy while it creates a new take on Robin Hood.This is the first book by Nicola I’ve read and it won’t be the last. Stella and Nick are written in a way that you can’t help but falling in love with them. Both are well developed as is the storyline itself. I true,y enjoyed this adventure and highly recommend it. I received Shimmy Bang Sparkle from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Shimmy Bang Sparkle is a gem of a book. Nicola Rendell puts such a fresh spin on romance with her unique blend of humor, passion, and creativity. Her books are unbelievably well written, beautifully detailed, and just plain fun!

With a nod to the tales of Robin Hood, Stella and Nick's story kept me glued to the pages. She's a quirky, feisty jewel thief on a mission, and he's the tatted bad boy who can't stay away, especially when he's drawn into her world...a world where things aren't exactly what they seem. Sure, she's a thief, but there's an altruistic motive behind every heist she pulls.

Be prepared to be swept away by this smart, sexy tale. From the plot to the characters to the emotion, it truly is amazing!

This book was everything! Funny, sexy, and sweet! I loved all the back-n-day references as well. I will definitely be looking forward to reading more from this author.

I am a big fan of this author's writing and this book was no different. I really loved the pace of the story and the jewel thief angle was a new storyline for me. Plenty of action, seriously hot chemistry and the right amount of feels. Nick and Stella were fantastic and I definitely recommend this story if you're looking for a hot, witty and original read.

There hasn’t been a book that Nicola Rendell has written that I haven’t thoroughly enjoyed. Her writing style is quick witted, with an occasional splash of well-timed perfectly rude humor, and coupled with the way she spins a sultry, sexy, steamy romance, the result for me is utter perfection in romcom book form. Her stories completely entertain me, speaking to every single thing I hope for when I crack open contemporary romantic fiction. Her stories are smart, amusing and thoughtful, and I can’t get enough of them.

Shimmy Bang Sparkle is the latest gem from the talented Rendell. These characters stole my heart from the first page with their swagger and their magnetic chemistry. I’d like to say that Nick and Stella are a modern day Bonnie and Clyde, but they were so much more than that. Bonnie and Clyde were straight up thieves. Nick and Stella were the rarer than that – they were thieves with a conscience, a sense of justice. Sitting here, devouring this story, I was all in with them and along for the heist, and it didn’t take long before I was actually thinking it was the right thing to do! That is how wickedly creative Rendell was in her storytelling here.

This book was so much more than I expected it to be, and shame on me for that. I know to expect the unexpected from this author. I know this, she’s given that to me time and time again. Yet still, she managed to surprise me with how hard and fast I fell for this couple, for the fantastic side characters, and their engrossing, interesting and just plain fun story. The plot wasn’t the only thing capturing my attention, though. Falling in love right along with Nick and Stella was as swoony and romantic and delicious as it gets. They were two lost halves of a whole finally coming together after a long separation. They fit, they suited, they meshed, and they had me from the moment they first met. I was just as smitten with them as they were with each other.

Shimmy Bang Sparkle was three-hundred-plus pages of pure pleasure to read. Light-hearted and easy reading, Rendell delivered a fantastic story that was sexy, passionate, sweetly romantic and a whole lot of fun. I devoured this book in a day, and I simply did not want to put it down. I laughed and grinned, and as is always the case with one of Rendell’s stories, I was fanning the blush staining my cheeks. Five smooches from me for Shimmy Bang Sparkle by Nicola Rendell.
~Danielle Palumbo

Shimmy Bang was all full of Sparkle! I could not have asked for a better read to escape from the mundanity of life! A wonderful cast of characters was created to make up this female-lead caper.
Along with her two best friends, Stella has plans, big plans, until that is she meets a man that may just derail her ideas for an early “retirement.” While making her second guess everything she thought she ever wanted in her life, Nick also seems to be the only one to help her out of a precarious situation.
Nick is anything but hero material, with his harsh exterior and a past full of bad decisions, he isn’t looking for anything with anyone, until he meets Stella that is. Nick soon begins to wonder what a future worth having might just look like; a future with Stella and him together.
However, with a dirty, no good scoundrel, known as the “Texan” in the mix, along with the cutest dog that you could imagine; anything is possible in this grand adventure. Full of devious plotting, and hot and heavy passion, it is a book sure to satisfy almost anyone’s appetite.
As a long-time fan of Nicola’s, I find that she never disappoints, in this book, she took it up to another level entirely. If you want to fall in love with a new book boyfriend, as well as a smart as hell heroine, this is the book for you!

As Always, Happy Reading!

“5/5 Beaming Brains!” – Laura, Lit-Up My Mind

Shimmy-shimmy BANG went my reading heart!
I have been a fan of this author since Professed was published in 2016.
Her smexy romances bring IT, and simply make me smile.
The banter between her clever characters keep me engaged.

Nick and Stella stole my heart, those two crazy kids!
He was totally besotted. Yes. Besotted. He'll own it LOL
He'd do anything for her.
She just new he was the one who could be trusted. Finally. Someone for her.

It was just one last simple heist, with simple parts. No biggie, right?
Road tripping and finding love and laughter. What could go wrong?
Well. You'll just have to read it to find out what Nick did to cause my big ugly cries.

Did I already mention that this author writes smexy romances that bring IT, and simply make me smile? Yeah. It's like that *sighes*

*ARC received through NetGalley from the author and publisher for an honest review*

Nick Norton wanted a new fresh start.. freshly out of jail.. driving his motorcycle..He just want a break.. a new quiet life.. Lo and behold.. meeting Stella wasnt in his agenda..

Shimmy Bang Sparkle was a story about Jewel Heist.. all the story behind the big scenario was hillarious.. it was Nicola to the T.. the jokes.. the comedy...It may sound cheesy and silly in a way but the book will keep you going with the curiosity.. There is a story behind it.. the love and connection between Nick and Stella was strong... super sexy OMG im laughing.. giggling like a schoolgirl.. this was a great RomCom to have

I had so much fun reading Shimmy Bang Sparkle. I loved that it was different from my typical read. Who knew that a romance about jewelry thieves was just what I needed? Stella was just a cool, kicka$$ chick. Nick won my heart by being he perfect mixture of bad boy and good guy. I definitely plan on reading more from this author.





I voluntarily read an early copy.

A sexy witty ride from start to finish.

Shimmy Bang Sparkle by Nicola Rendell was a steamy, refreshing, and just downright funny story that I highly recommend! One minute I was giggling and fanning myself, and the next, biting my nails. I didn't care that it was insta-love, Nick and Stella were so fun and witty that it was hard not to get swept away in their relationship with one another. They gave me the best warm fuzzy feelings.

I couldn't keep the smile off my face as I followed in Nick and Stella's journey. Their story never stopped being sexy, exciting, fun and completely irresistible—and don't make me start talking about Priscilla, she stole the show and my heart!

I absolutely fell in love with these two! Here's hoping you love them too. Shimmy Bang Sparkle is a total must read for romance lovers!

When I requested this book, I thought that it would be a typical erotic romance novel, with a bit of thieving thrown in. But, I was surprised to find that each chapter was written from either Nick or Stella’s perspective (in the first person … which I’m not a fan of … especially when it comes to romance novels). They each had complex thoughts about their relationship and their individual situations, which was something that I hadn’t really come across before in a romance novel. Nick and Stella’s chemistry was almost palpable from the very first chapter, and I definitely rooted for things to work out so that the two of them would get (and stay) together! I’m a hopeless romantic.

The plot itself also had a lot more thought but into it than the plots of most of the other romance novels that I’ve read over the years. When I got to the middle of the book, though, I took a bit of a break from reading Shimmy Bang Sparkle because I was ahead of schedule with this book, and I had other ARCs that I wanted to get through. The middle also got a bit slow for me, because I guess the plot just lagged a little bit before things would get all wound up before the book’s climax. Once I picked the book up again, though, and got to the final heist, I found that it was well-planned, and I was on the edge of my seat while reading that portion of the book, excited to see how things would turn out. And I have to say that the ending definitely took me by surprise! Overall, I find that I enjoyed Shimmy Bang Sparkle, and definitely plan on picking up Nicola Rendell’s other books the next time that I’m in the mood for a romance book!

Nick & Stella
I have fallen so in love with these characters. They will pull you in with their unique, quirky way of life. They will not be taking you on a sweet cookie cutter romance journey. This adventure ...yes adventure with be filled with surprises, twists, turns, and sexy off the charts chemistry.
Nick is an ex-con that is sexy, smart, rides a badass motorcycle totally alpha male and trying to get his life back on the straight and narrow . He was a master safe cracker and that is what led him down the path to prison.
Stella, oh how I loved her. She is sweet, innocent looking, sassy and a complete surprise. She is a professional jewelry thief and extremely good at her job. What are the chances that these two people will meet.....Highly Likely and you will Love it !
An immediate attraction, a whirlwind romance, secrets, adventures and twist and turns that will have your head spinning!
I absolutely loved their story!
~~Michele McMullen ~~

Shimmy Bang Sparkle it's a laughing out loud , feel good story and sexy story!
It is always a pleasure reading romance stories like this one. One that is humorous , entertaining and layered. It's drama free and low in angst. With charismatic and likeable hero and heroine and unforgettable side characters like the dachshund Priscilla, that in my opinion stole every scene she was on . LOL.

Loved loved loved this sexy, steamy, and compelling read!
Can partners in crime be more than just than partners in crime!
Nick Norton has been succeeding in staying out of trouble, and starting a fresh new life. When he spots a very sexy woman in a jewelry store doing what she does best, he was faced with a very tough decision.
Walk away or say hello!
Meeting Stella Peretti was nothing he ever expected, and neither one expected what the other had to offer.
The result is a well paced exciting read, with some funny twists and turns that had me totally captivated by their story. The characters were well developed and likable. Even the secondary characters added another dimension to the story. Nick and Stella, each had a past full of upheaval that led to the life they had, and their ultimate goal. Both sought to protect the other and their honesty, and their selflessness made me love Nick and Stella even more.
Their chemistry was sexy, funny and combustible!! Their passion for what they do best and their love of jewels gave a new meaning to “sex toys”. There’s a certain scene using a string of pearls that was swoonworthy and well worth further exploration.
Even if there were certain scenes that weren’t very believable, the story of Nick and Stella is such heartfelt, poignant and so romantic story, that regardless of their outcome, it’s a must read.
4.5 stars!

Final Score - 5 Sparkly Stars!

Nicola Rendell has solidified herself in my ever growing list of #AuthorMustHaves! Her latest novel, SHIMMY BANG SPARKLE had me engrossed page after page, swooning over the hero's attitude and laughing out loud at the sarcastic banter - in a word, GET THIS BOOK. You won't regret it.

I've never read a heist book interwoven with romance before, and I have to say ... after reading this, I'm a new fan! Stella & Nick's chemistry was electrifying from the start - even though it all started when Nick caught sight of Stella thru a glass window. From their first meeting to the end, they made a believer that sometimes fate takes a hand in things and leads you on path to something you never knew you wanted, but could never live without.

And their chemistry only made the sex scenes that more intense - sprinkled with a little bit of comedic fun. This book has the feeling of a series starter - in that I want to know more about Ruth & Roxie's background and future projects. Let's hope that feeling comes to fruition (*Hint, HINT* Ms. Rendell *wink*).

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can't wait to see what the author cooks up next.

This book, dear readers, is flat out fun. And hot. But it's a whole lot of fun. 

Nick and Stella meet cute, if not quite portentously. She's trying to steal some jewelry, and he sees her. Let's just say that the attraction is immediate. After all, they're two jewel thieves, even if neither wants the other to know that straight away. 

Nicola Rendell mixes interesting details (I feel like I could pick a lock thanks to this book), rising tension and suspense, and plenty of scorching hot sexy times to make this book - I'm going to say it again - SO MUCH FUN. Nick and Stella are two people you will love spending time with, and the supporting cast is equally as entertaining. I love the little details that Nicola Rendell uses as she draws these characters. One of them is perpetually covered in Cheeto dust, something that makes him so easy to picture. 

And let me just tell you that the sexy times are spectacular. Strap on your vibrators, girls, because you will be screaming with need as you read this book. One of the scenes, in fact, inspired me to dig out a piece of jewelry that plays a prominent role in Nick and Stella's shenanigans. 

It is impossible to read this book and not smile. Or squeeze your thighs together. It's just fantastic.